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Post by Butch O'Neal on Oct 4, 2012 20:50:23 GMT -5
Dressed in the white designated for Fade ceremonies, he walked hand in hand with Marissa from the Pit to the main house. All the preparations had been made. So why did he feel like he wasn't ready for this? Like the last week had sped by and he was scrambling to catch up?
Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the door and smiled a little sadly at the beautiful set up for the ceremony in the huge foyer. A table draped in white stood over the mural of the apple tree, holding two silver boxes, a dagger, bowl of salt, and the photos of Neal and his mother set up in collages. A larger photo, the last ever taken of the two together had been blown up and stood next to the table. It was a mix if the traditional Fade ceremony and his own religions funerals.
Squeezing Marissa's hand, he moved forward, nodding to those already present. God, he was grateful for her right now. Without her, he didn't know where he would find the strength to do this.
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Post by Marissa O'Neal on Oct 4, 2012 21:06:39 GMT -5
*She held tight to Butch's hand, and prepared herself for the emotions that poured from him. They needed to do this for Neal and his mother. It was crucial, and she truly believed, it would help settle Butch's heart.
She had honestly wanted to be a mother to this young male and it just wasn't possible. Destiny had other plans. However he will always hold a special place with her. She leaned into him and whispered low* I love you.
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Post by Tohrment, Son of Hharm on Oct 4, 2012 21:12:56 GMT -5
Came down the stairs, dressed in his white ceremonial silk, Autumn's hand in his arm. Gave her a soft kiss before he went over to stand behind Butch, placing a supportive hand on the cop's shoulder, before clasping his hands in front of him.
Before lowing his eyes in respect, he met Autumn's as she found her place across the foyer; sure that the thoughts of the last fade ceremony they went to was playing in her mind as it was his.
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Post by Autumn Hharm on Oct 4, 2012 21:18:27 GMT -5
She took her place, the white silk settling around her as she stopped and turned, and watched as Tohrment turned and met her eyes again. She took a deep breath, and dropped her eyes when he dropped his, but wishing deep down that she could hold his hand, knowing well where his mind was. But she also felt for Butch, knowing this must be paining him so.
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Post by Selena Chosen on Oct 4, 2012 21:21:52 GMT -5
Following Tohrment and Autumn down the Grand Staircase dressed in my white Chosen robes and barefoot, I went to stand next to Autumn and Marissa. I nodded to Butch and smiled softly to let him know I was there with him for this honor to be placed upon his back. I then folded my hands in front of me and lowered my eyes as the others had done.
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Post by Xhex Tehrror on Oct 4, 2012 21:31:26 GMT -5
She and John Matthew joined the others, taking their places in the quiet space. This reminded her too much of the last Fade ceremony, where she'd thought she'd lost her mahmen forever. Standing next to Autumn now, she took her hand, as she had during her mating to Tohr. She felt sorrow for Butch and Marissa, for their loss. It didn't matter how short a time they had known Neal, this was important for them.
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Post by John Matthew Tehrror on Oct 4, 2012 21:37:37 GMT -5
Walked up behind Butch and clapped a hand on his back and gave a small nod of the head, then moved to stand next to Tohrment.
He looked toward his father, and remembered him taking him in off the streets. He felt for the young male and for Butch that they didn't get a chance to have the relationship he and Tohrment had.
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Post by Bella Aghony on Oct 4, 2012 21:53:39 GMT -5
Walked down the stairs with Zsadist and Nalla and quietly joined the others. Sadness filled the foyer. Loss was never easy.
She gave Butch a sympathetic smile and lowered her eyes as Zsadist went over to stand with Brothers.
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Post by Butch O'Neal on Oct 4, 2012 21:55:41 GMT -5
When all were present, Phury stepped forward and picked up a scroll on the table, beginning to read.
“On this night, we come herein to mark the passing of Neal, adopted son of Butch descended of Wrath; On this night, we come herein to mark the passing of Charlotte, mahmen of Neal. According to tradition, and in hopes it will be both pleasing to the Mother of the race’s ears, and of solace to the bereaved family, I call upon all who tarry herein to pray with me for the safe carriage of those who have passed unto the Fade.…”
He listened to Phury’s words, taking comfort from the traditional Fade prayer. Head bowed, he looked again at the pictures displayed in front of him. The silver boxes, one containing Neal’s ashes, the other a symbol for his mother, made a new wave of grief wash over him for the loss of this boy’s future.
When Phury was done, he rolled up the sleeve covering his right arm. Since Neal and his mother weren’t blood to him, he was honoring them in a different way than the traditional Fade ceremony dictated. When his forearm was exposed, he turned his arm so the underside was facing up. Tohr stepped forward and took the dagger from the table. Bracing, he nodded to Tohr. He was ready.
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Post by Marissa O'Neal on Oct 4, 2012 22:03:29 GMT -5
*She listened to the words and sadness overcame her, tears began to pool and she stepped back a bit to allow Tohrment to do this gesture for him.
She hated this part, because she never wanted to see Butch in pain...now, he was facing emotional and physical pain. Wishing she could make it better, she locked eyes with him as he braced himself for the first cut.*
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Post by Tohrment, Son of Hharm on Oct 4, 2012 22:19:00 GMT -5
Wrapping a hand around Butch's wrist, spun the blade in his other hand. Butch had let him know what he wished to do, and he was touched to be included.Glancing at Butch's shellan Marissa, gave her a slight nod of encouragement and snapped his attention back to Butch. Looked up at Butch and said low, and somber.
"What is the name of your loved one past?"
Butch said strong "Neal Donahue." He gave the brother a firm nod of respect and then spun the blade tip to Butch's forearm and carved swiftly, N for Neal.
Took the cloth, and wiped the blade and returned it to the table. Did a slight bow to the remains and returned to his place, glancing at John Matthew as he returned.
Butch was such a male of worth. To do this ritual of honor for a son of the heart. But sometimes, when he thought of the lack space he had given his own father in his heart, and how much space he had given John Matthew, blood was not what mattered. The love was.
He hoped to never have his son's name carved on him. Never to have a fade ceremony again. He had lost too many in a fairly short time. He wanted no more carvings, until the birth of his young. But even that sent fear flaring at the thought of the risk Autumn would be put in, if the Scribe Virgin blessed them with such a blessing. He kept his head down, but caught her eye, swallowing down the fear in that grey gaze he knew he would find to calm his emotions.
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Post by Autumn Hharm on Oct 4, 2012 22:29:11 GMT -5
Her heart ached for Butch and Marissa, and yet swelled at his gesture for the young male and his mother, and Marissa's quiet strength for her hellren.
She met the eyes of her own hellren again, after watching him carve his brother's arm, saw the pain there, too, as well as a fear she had a feeling she could decipher all too well. She'd seen the glance to John Matthew, watched an old and yet new shadow cross his face, and nodded now, her gaze steady on his.
The blessed Virgin willing, none of them would be made to suffer such a pain as her hellren, and now Marissa's, did. At least not for a very long time, if it must. But she prayed silently that they would all be spared.
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Post by Selena Chosen on Oct 4, 2012 22:35:16 GMT -5
Watching as Tohrment carved the first initial in Butch's arm, and since the females weren't allowed to do this part, I bowed my head and prayed to the Scribe Virgin that they may enter into the Fade as they should.
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Post by Xhex Tehrror on Oct 4, 2012 22:50:06 GMT -5
She watched solemnly as Tohr carved the N into Butch's skin. This was a nice twist to the tradition and it suited Butch, his short relationship with Neal. Including the boy's mother in some parts of the ceremony was also very thoughtful. She tensed in sympathy for JM when he stepped forward to take the dagger.
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Post by John Matthew Tehrror on Oct 4, 2012 22:52:51 GMT -5
Nodding to Tohrment he walked forward and picked up the dagger, turned it around and palmed the handle. He looked in Butch’s eyes as he gave him the go ahead. Tohrment stepped forward and spoke for him.
“What is the name of your loved one past?”
Butch spoke loud, but with a tearful pang in his voice. “Neal Donahue.”
With that, he carved quick and sure the letter ‘D’ for Donahue. He also wiped the blade and placed it on the table, paying respects to the remains he bowed and returned to his place next to Tohrment.
He could feel his eyes stinging with tears, not wanting to think about being separated from his father again. Clenched his jaw and looked to Xhex and calmed a degree as he saw her face.
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Post by Bella Aghony on Oct 4, 2012 22:59:39 GMT -5
As John Matthew stepped back after carving the letter "D" in Butch's arm, she lowered her eyes once again to say a silent prayer to the Scribe Virgin, that the male and his mahmen find peace in the fade.
Looking down to Nalla, she wrapped an arm around her and held her a little closer.
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Post by Butch O'Neal on Oct 4, 2012 23:03:44 GMT -5
The worst was over, though the next part would be uncomfortable as well. He'd had to talk Marissa into it, but he didn't want anyone but her to do it. Besides, none of this physical pain came close to the emotional pain he felt at losing this opportunity to become a father. Glancing over at Marissa, he gave her a small smile and a nod of encouragement.
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Post by Marissa O'Neal on Oct 4, 2012 23:11:03 GMT -5
*She smiled a teary-eyed smile. Turning toward the polished silver bowl she sunk her hand deep into the salt and pulled it out letting the excess fall back into the bowl. Holding her hand over the blooded letters she let the salt fall into the wounds.
As he clenched his teeth and let out a hiss, she held her hand over the wounds to let the salt settle, forming the scarred letters. Her eyes never leaving his, tears streamed down her cheeks...as she blinked them away she pulled her hand up and let the leftover granules fall to the floor at her feet. She took his other hand and kissed his knuckles. Tears dripping onto his hand.*
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Post by Tohrment, Son of Hharm on Oct 4, 2012 23:18:03 GMT -5
Reaching forward, took the white cloth and draped it over Butch's arm, and gave him an smile of pride in the Brother. Removing the cloth, the area now drying and healing with the salt, folded the cloth and handed it to Butch, saying low, "Well done Brother. And shellan of Butch."
Stepped back and gave John Matthew a hug, patting his back, knowing his son felt the same as he. Too much loss, and never wanting to add to it.
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Post by Autumn Hharm on Oct 4, 2012 23:24:50 GMT -5
She felt herself tearing up as she watched them, and at first wondered why. But she knew. This was family, and though she had once been a most prized daughter, she had never truly had a family. Not one such as this. Blood relatives, yes. And perhaps to an extent, ones who had cared about her. But, until she met Tohrment and Darius, and birthed Xhex, not ones who valued her as family was valued among those around her now. For one of such wealth, she had been sadly lacking, and hadn't even realized it yet.
But she had also been fortunate enough to gain another chance at it. One she would not take for granted, this time.
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Post by Selena Chosen on Oct 4, 2012 23:28:33 GMT -5
Seeing the tears in Autumn's eyes made me tear up too but for different reasons. All I knew of my life was from the Other Side. But being here now I also felt the love of family.
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Post by Xhex Tehrror on Oct 4, 2012 23:33:45 GMT -5
She smiled at John Matthew as he stepped away from Butch. She knew he was honored to be involved in this, to help Butch say goodbye to Neal. Giving Autumn's hand a little squeeze, she waited as Butch stepped up to the table and knelt in front of it.
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Post by John Matthew Tehrror on Oct 4, 2012 23:38:34 GMT -5
Returning Tohrment's hug he pulled back and smiled then stood straight and tall as to be a front of support for Butch. They were all family through and through...it didn't matter the blood line or how pure it was, they were there for each other.
He stood and watched him kneel in front of the table. Said a silent prayer for both Neal and his mother.
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Post by Butch O'Neal on Oct 4, 2012 23:56:14 GMT -5
Kneeling in front of the table, he made the sign of the cross in the air in front of him. Bending his head, he started to pray aloud, talking more to Neal than to God. "I know this isn't the traditional funeral that you might have preferred. But I think it fit us and our relationship. Unique. I hope you find the peace you were searching for in the Fade or Heaven or wherever you are. I wish so many things could have been different, but this is the hand we were dealt. You gave Marissa and I something we would cherish forever. A child. You will forever belong to us, you will forever be part of this family." He paused, swallowing the knot in his throat and blinking back his tears. The bright red initials on his forearm made him smile. "Forever you will be a part of me."
He said a short, silent prayer to God to watch over Neal and his mother and thanking him for bringing the boy into his life, if even for just a short time. Standing he turned and a little smile curved his lips. "Thank you all for being a part of this, for coming to show support for Marissa and I. Tohr and John Matthew, thank you for permanently making Neal part of me. You understand the relationship, the love, from first hand experience. It seemed right that you would be the ones to give me the reminder."
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Post by Marissa O'Neal on Oct 5, 2012 0:01:43 GMT -5
*She took the backs of her fingers and swiped at her eyes, his words her heartfelt and true. Neal was a part of them and there was no changing that. She had no doubt that Butch would be a wonderful father to any young that had the privilege to have. She crossed her chest as Butch did and stood.
Holding his hand as he spoke with Tohrment she tried to keep the tears from rolling again. She looked at her hellren and smiled. He was such a male of worth.*
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Post by Tohrment, Son of Hharm on Oct 5, 2012 0:09:54 GMT -5
Nodding in approval, gave Butch a hug, "Well done Brother. Neal was male of worth, you were worthy of each other." Giving John a brief pat on the shoulder, walked towards Autumn, eyes locked on as he crossed the mosaic.
Reaching her, pulled her close and buried his face in her neck, "I need to get out of here. Go with me leelan?"
Pulled back to look into her eyes, "I guess some ghosts never are too far away."
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Post by Autumn Hharm on Oct 5, 2012 0:17:56 GMT -5
She squeezed Xhex's hand and then wrapped her arms around Tohrment, then cupped his face in one hand, bringing it down to kiss his forehead. "I know, nallum."
Turning, she smiled softly at Xhex, and pulled her into a hug, whispering, "I love you, daughter mine." Kissing her cheek, she then pulled away, and paused with a smile to John Matthew, inclining her head before taking Tohr's hand. "Let us go, now."
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Post by Selena Chosen on Oct 5, 2012 0:21:34 GMT -5
Walking over to Butch and Marissa, I bowed to Butch and hugged Marissa.
"Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this with you both. I am deeply honored."
Turning I smiled at everyone that was left and then padded up the Grand Staircase back to my room.
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Post by Xhex Tehrror on Oct 5, 2012 0:36:27 GMT -5
She hugged her mahmen back and then watched them leave. Smiling at Selena as she went back upstairs, she and John went to Butch and Marissa. "It was perfect for Neal. I think he would have appreciated it." She hugged Marissa and then Butch.
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Post by John Matthew Tehrror on Oct 5, 2012 0:39:32 GMT -5
He gave Butch a hug and nodded toward Marissa. It was beautiful. Very Nice, I am honored you allowed me such an important part.
He looked pointedly at the white cloth around Butch's forearm. Wrapping his arm around Xhex she laid her head on his shoulder as they made their way up the stairs.*
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