#debukefarmhold

"She didn't even get to put herself in the fire...." A debuke says "Just.. died in her sleep?'

"She passed" Clem repeats, and is glad that even Gwydion boons might allow that to slide

Zara blinks owlishly. After the Dreaming, even a strong Freehold is a bit... brisk.

Sylvi catches Clem's eye and gives a quick nod.

Indeed. And Clem nods "the pyre we're putting together will be of an old type, not on ship, though she'd be worthy of the honor, but of land she called home. Please, if you would gather the wood, each of you take a piece and place it just so" she directs

Sylvi follows the instructions along with the rest of the DeBukes, hoping her expression is suitably subdued for having just heard of Agnes's "Passing."

Earl hears a bird no one else hears, and turns to see Zara near the rear and joins her after putting his own wood for the fire

Zara half-runs to the artist, hands reaching out for him.

He takes her into his hands and hugs her gently. Some might think Zarra is comforting him, or grieving herself.

And sylvi finds Gerd saying "You came in kind of late, Sylvi"

"Yeah, I had to do a thing." She sets her wood for the fire.

"Is Clem okay? This sure isn't the way things were supposed to go."

"She's getting kind of slammed, like it's her fault Agnes didn't stay alive long enough to make it to the ceremony."

Zara hides her face against his shirt. "It is well. It is well."

She frowns. "That's not right. But...well, I mean, that's grief, right? They have to blame somebody. But...it'll pass."

Earl strokes her hair

And Earl says softly "Are you well?"

Gerd frowns "I suppose. I think the DeBukes, the older ones, don't much like all the traditions changing even a little. At least she's getting a proper pyre or they might demand a recount for Chief"

Zara silently nods.

A deeper frown. "They'd better not. Yes, the pyre is important."

She takes a look around the group, trying to see who the grousers are among the older DeBukes...and just how resentful they are.

Soon, the pyre is set, and the body upon it. Emmit lays the torch to it "You were a light to this world , a hearth in the winter, and to the fire and light we send you. Your mortal form will no longer cage you, may your fae spirit lift to a happier life and may you return when the wheel deems it so"

Zara smiles a little. He's not wrong...

Sylvi nods solemnly at the words, overlaying them mentally with her own well-wishes for Agnes's life in the Dreaming.

no boggan, Syvi and Zara both can't be sure who is grousing as easily as they could, but they find some of the 'usual suspects'

the faux corpse burns like the real thing. A credit to Clem's knowlege of anatomy and mastery of elderform...

but is Emmit fooled? Hard to believe he is, but maybe grief blinds a man

That's unnervingly real, Sylvi thinks.

She watches Emmit. Hopefully he's convinced, and hopefully he's not one of Clem's detractors.

Zara twines her fingers with Earl's. She seems much less upset than earlier.

And the DeBukes begin to Chant in Unison as the fire takes the body away. It is practiced, they have spoken the words before, and will again. Young childlings say it for the first time, older member say it but have lost count

Sylvi joins in, quietly.

A tiny grey smile.

"Kourtney , come forth" Clem says ... and Gerd pushes her friend forward "You come before us young, but tested. You come before us in a time of grief for ourselves, and a joy for our departed to have a happier life. To you, falls the deep burden and quiet glory, the role of provider, of sustainer, of Hearth. Know you are worthy, and that if you feel too soon in your spring that you are not alone in that season, you are never alone. "

Kourtney responds 'i am young, but tested. Humbled, but take up the task proudly. The Burden is deep, but my shoulders are strong, the glory is quiet, but I revel in the glow of it. My selfish heart misses the departed. My love of her bids her well. I shall provide. I shall sustain. I shall be Hearth. And I stand with the fire. I stand with the hold."

Kerri, further back in the friends-of-DeBuke section, watches Kourtney with clear approval.

Brekke and Frank stand at the periphery, solemn witnesses.

"No DeBukes Bows, but to welcome our new Hearth, I ask all who are here who believe in her, to say to the New Hearth 'So Witnessed so mote'"

That from Clem

"So Witnessed, so mote!" Sylvi says it with some fervor.

Kerri's voice echoes with firm conviction.

"So Witnessed, so mote," Brekke's voice rumbles.

Gerd and Vali join in, and of course, all the DeBukes

Neighbors of the DeBukes

And Emerson is almost SURE Frank is on the other side, that was his voice

CC takes Emerson's hand gently and ready to restrain

Zara whispers it too!

Agnes considered her a DeBuke.

And so it winds down, Kourntey will have a private ceremony for the other half, but otherwise this is a night to remember Agnes.