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Post by Storyteller on Mar 31, 2021 14:09:22 GMT
The guard is just relieved not to have to deal with something so tedious and glad you have it under control.
As he leaves, Maximus, the other Flying Carpet member, gasps. "Forget about the gambling owner! Who will play the Thief of Hearts if we cannot find Anak-Sa'ir?"
There is another round of weeping.
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Mar 31, 2021 14:14:28 GMT
As I continue to bundle up his body I shake my head at their priorities. "Jax, is the litter here yet?"
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Post by Storyteller on Mar 31, 2021 14:15:46 GMT
"Yes, Dominus."
Jax, ever faithful and helpful, gets Petronius' bits loaded into the litter.
"We are devastated," cries out Belu as you are leaving. "Desolated!"
"We will be sure to attend the funeral!" adds Maximus.
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Mar 31, 2021 14:19:47 GMT
I smile vaguely at them. "I will send word. Come Jax, to the temple."
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Post by Storyteller on Mar 31, 2021 22:55:26 GMT
You reach the temple without further incident than Jax having to pay an extra fee because of the bloodstains on the inner blankets caused by the corpse.
"Haruspex?" You are met by an acolyte. "What ... is this? Why is he in bits? And where is his family? Why are you bringing in the corpse?"
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Apr 1, 2021 13:11:50 GMT
"His family, such as it is, is a troupe of entertainers. They will be here once preparations are made. Can you help me get things ready?"
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Post by Storyteller on Apr 1, 2021 13:14:32 GMT
"Yes, Haruspex."
At least your fellow Haruspices and the acolytes are not sent into swoons by the sight of a dead body, or its bits.
It does not take you long to have him laid out, and the preparations made, or at least no longer than you had calculated, two hours.
The acolyte asks, "Should I send for them now?"
(You are just putting the finishing touches on the body and preparing to strip naked yourself, so probably yes, unless you just want to skip bringing them here...)
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Apr 1, 2021 13:18:25 GMT
"I'll make sure they're summoned." I walk out to find Jax as they'll likely respond better to him. "Jax, can you please summon the Cygnets and Caoimhghin and let them know we will be saying farewell to Petronius?"
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Post by Storyteller on Apr 1, 2021 13:20:44 GMT
"Yes, Dominus," says Jax.
He departs, and when he returns, the Cygnets are with him, dressed in astonishing black clothes, that are probably costumes.
Caoimhghin is nowhere to be seen.
"Caoimhghin said that he did not attend funerals, Dominus," says Jax.
The others go to sit where directed.
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Apr 1, 2021 13:22:56 GMT
"Thank you all for coming. I know that Petronius would be happy that you are here to wish him farewell." I remove my clothes and perform the ceremony.
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Post by Diocles on Apr 1, 2021 13:24:23 GMT
I show up a little late and out of breath. I didn't want to come, what with dead bodies around and all, but I remembered that Kestal does his priestly stuff naked, and I just have to see him.
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Post by Storyteller on Apr 1, 2021 13:30:18 GMT
Caoimhghin is directed to a seat next to Jayadeva, who puts an arm around you, Caoimhghin, for support.
Kestal, the rites, the chants, and the dancing are second nature to you, so the ceremony goes smoothly, but it takes the full hour.
When it ends, all the Cygnets gather around you, while you are still naked with your cypress leaves.
"That was lovely, Haruspex!" exclaims Belu.
"It really moved me," adds Maximus. "Poor Petronius."
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Post by Diocles on Apr 1, 2021 13:31:28 GMT
"Your dance was lovely, Kestal. So ceremonious and appropriate, full of real feeling!"
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Apr 1, 2021 13:33:25 GMT
"He is in the care of Alaxton now. It is proper to grieve your loss of him but he is not suffering. Thank you for coming. If I talk to him I will tell him of his friends' loyalty."
"Caoimhghin, I'm glad you came. I wasn't sure you'd make it."
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Post by Diocles on Apr 1, 2021 13:34:19 GMT
"Well, I mean, Patronius... you know... he was a loyal servant. Observing the decencies and whatnot." I glance down at Kestal's cock.
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