Exton

Everyone heads downstairs slowly when they get word that Rowan has arrived with Keon. Keon stands to one side of the room holding a small bundle, his grief palpable, his stance and expression giving no doubt as to how much he has lost.

Guunnar was on one side of him and seemed to be holding the grieving man up. All the tavern folk joined in the circle.The mood was somber, the women crying, heartbroken for Keon and his little one. Inari hurries from the back, strapping on her leather armor, her swords on the bar, her intention obviously to follow Ky as soon as the prayer was over. The demifae are gathered above and Mya flits down landing on Stars shoulder. Her small head is bowed, her wings curled inward and tears slip silently down her face.

Rowan starts the prayer, "Time has passed, the Wheel of Life has turned. Cassie walks hand in hand with the Goddess and with her ancestors who came before.”

Rowan asks Traeger to hand each person in the circle a candle.

“Great Mother, welcome Cassie back into your womb. Let her come to you and know that she has been blessed by your gracious gift of Life. Let her come into your Divine Love, and let her know that she has left behind a life of legacy... that she shall be remembered and loved. As she enters your world, wrap her in your loving arms, and welcome her back home. Let her speak to the Ancient Ones and to learn the greater mysteries that lie beyond the veil. Give her the strength to take these final steps, and allow her to do so with peace and dignity. Those of us left behind shall indeed mourn her death, but we shall also know that her Soul and Spirit is coming back to the Goddess, and that she shall be made whole again. We shall cry, but we shall also laugh, for we shall celebrate the Life that had been given to Cassie. And let her also know that as we now merry part, that we shall also merry meet again. And we now, with these candles...”

Rowan lights her candle and in turn lights Traegers, this continues around the circle until all are lit. “We respect the flame of Cassie's life, and though these candle flames shall die out, we know that Cassie shall live on, and her flame shall never cease to burn, and we also know that she shall be reborn anew. Take her by the hand and guide her back into your heart, for this is what is right and just. Let her walk unerringly down the path that leads to your Love. This is our will. Blessed be...”

As Rowan blows out her candle she glances around the room. Many tears... no one had a chance to get to know Cassie well, but she was well liked and respected as Keons chosen. No one could have anticipated this day; Cassie gone, her child motherless, and Keon grief stricken.

Star approaches Keon and the little one hesitantly. No one seemed to know what to say, and Star didnt either, but the little one should be made welcome regardless of all the sadness.

Star reaches out and slowly runs a hand over the babys soft hair. “She is beautiful, Keon. Her name?”

A ghost of a smile touches Keons lips, 'Mera, her mother wanted to call her Mera...”

“Welcome little Mera”, Star whispers, her hand slips over the babie's head and down a rosy cheek.

Mya flits from Stars shoulder and lands on the baby's tummy. “Pretty baby....”

“Pandora went to get some clothes for her and Alise has some extra blankets... unless you have some things for her...?”

Wordlessly Keon shakes his head and looks at Star, his eyes swimming with tears.

Softly Star tells him, “Its all right. We will all help, however we can...”