The Funeral of Eldras VI

[Shadow]

8th January 2021
Urgia-Nova, Alksearia
The Royal Palace

Dorothea woke up to the familiar sounds of her alarm clock. To most people, this would be the start of a normal morning, and for Dorothea, this would normally start her day. However, today was different. Instead of having a schedule full of meetings with government officials and foreign diplomats and seeing her family, today was left completely blank except for one event. She didn’t have to be there till 10am, and it’s only 6am, but she wanted to be prepared for it. Today was the day she dreaded. She wished she didn’t have to do this until she was older, but here it was.

Her father’s funeral

The thought stung her as she laid in her bed. For the first time in her life, she fully noticed how quiet her room was. The silence stung her. As she sat up in bed, it felt like the world weighed down on her. Dorothea did not want to move nor did she want to get out of bed, but she had to. She had to be there. She had to do this.

It took nearly 30 minutes for her feet to finally touch the ground and shuffle to her bathroom. Her routine remained the same: shower, brush hair, braid, brush teeth, contemplate mortality.  Wait no, that last point was not normal for her. She couldn’t help it though. She stood in the bathroom with the steam from her shower. The fogged up mirror blocked her from seeing her full face, but she could still see herself in the mirror. Was this what it meant to leave a mark on history? Would people forget how her father looked? Would people even care 10 years from now? Will she do her people right? What if she faulers?

She left the bathroom and went to her wardrobe where she found a lone dress hanging in there. She did this on purpose yesterday. She had a couple servants help her move all her clothes out of the wardrobe for the day so that she wouldn’t “””forget””” to go. She finished getting ready, and she left her bedroom. She walked down the hallway to the dining room to greet her siblings and her mother. The breakfast was quiet but nice. Words are too difficult when you see the traditional mourning colors. Dorothea stood up from the table

“Excuse me, I need to make sure a couple of things are…”

“Honey, you already did that yesterday.” her mom responded

“I know I did, but I just…”

“Dorothea Rhea Rose Tuvania, you cannot run away from this. You can’t.”

Hearing her full name stung. The servants in the room were also stunned at the usage of her full name.

“Mom. I have a country to run.” Dorothea remarks as she walks to the exit, “I’ll be there by 9:30.”

She walked out of the hallway and down a couple flights of stairs. I’m not running. I’m not. I am a busy woman. I have work to get done. I need to get… Her thoughts are suddenly stopped as she walks into someone infront of her.

“I knew you were going to be here.” the familiar voice said. It was her assistant. She was the one who helped schedule all her meetings and all her events and answered the phone when she was busy.

“Ah, Kat, I uh…I didn’t see you there.”

“I noticed.” Kat responded very pointedly.

“I needed to go into the office…” Dorothea started.

“And we both know that you put me under strict orders to prevent you from doing any work today. All your file cabinets are locked and the key is hidden away. The only thing on your desk right now is your eulogy that you are going to give today and a list of all the people who will be there. Or at least who responded to my inquiry. You, ma’am, need to take the day. It’s hard to lose one’s parent.” Kat responded

“I wasn’t trying to do work…I was trying to hide.” Dorothea remarked.

“I know. You also ordered to tell you that you have exactly 15 minutes to hide in your office. I have a timer. You walk in there and it starts. I will drag you out if I have to.”

Dorothea opens her mouth to say something, but Kat interrupts her, “No, I cannot go on your behalf, but I will be joining you. You’re a friend to me. We’ve been working together for a few years now. If the roles were reversed, you would have the Royal guards drag me out of here and forbid me from being here.”

Dorothea sighs, “15 minutes. And then we leave to be there before everyone else.”

Kat nods and they both enter Dorothea’s office. Kat sits in one of the chairs in front of the desk while Dorothea sits behind the desk where she normally would conduct business. Just as Kat said, there are only two things on her desk: a eulogy and a list of people to expect. Dorothea leaned back in her chair and read the names of everyone who was going to be there.

[spoiler]Greetings,

Linked below is a google doc where you can sign up for the funeral. I will be keeping the sheet open for about a week, and then  I’ll start doing the full roleplay. ONLY THE PEOPLE WHO SIGNED UP ON THE SHEET WILL BE PERMITTED TO RP IN THIS THREAD. this is going to be a more serious toned RP, so I hope that we can all respect that.

Merci.

Shadow

LINK: Eldras State Funeral Sign Up - Google Docs
[/spoiler]

[The_Oan_Isles]

OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION OF THE KINGDOM OF DRAKKENGARD
luKhaman luMalayka aluMamlukumiyat aDrakhengard

To Her Majesty, Queen Dorothea of the Kingdom of Alksearia

On behalf of His Majesty, the King of Drakkengard, I would like to express our sincere condolences for the passing of His Majesty, King Eldras. We share in your grief and wish you and your family peace and comfort in this difficult time. His Majesty, the King of Drakkengard, and the Royal Family of Drakkengard, shall be represented by myself, Prince Ajhir at the funereal proceedings for His late Majesty.

Yours sincerely,
His Imperial and Royal Highness,
Prince Ajhir of Drakkengard and Packilvania

OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION OF THE SERENE REALM OF THE OAN ISLES
Whakawhitiwhiti Whaimana mo te Rohe Rangamarie o Nga Moutere o Oa

Dearest Dorothea, Queen of Alksearia

I am deeply sorry for the loss you have experienced in of your beloved father, King Eldras. He was a towering figure in international politics and his absence will be felt by all, most of all you and your family. On behalf of the people of the Oan Isles, I express my humblest condolences and will represent my family and country.

Peace to you,
His Serene Majesty,
Rangitanga-a-te-Moana Oahoanu

[Tretrid]

Office of the Prime Minister
Cynebury, Tretrid

Eoforwine Æthelstanson did not want to make this call.

A voice practically screamed in his head to stop typing a certain number into his office phone. The many papers strewn about his desk were loudly begging to be paid attention to. The matters of state seldom handled themselves.

And yet the Prime Minister pushed forward. He forced himself to remember the aerial photos he’d seen of the devastation Tretrid’s own strategic bombers had brought upon Balistria. The considerable amount of collateral damage that had resulted from the targeting of industrial centers. The distinct fluffy white clouds emitted by white phosphorus rising over the jungles of Arcturia.

At the same time, he forced himself to remember the pictures he’d seen of the destruction of Roshall. The well-documented Balistrian-perpetrated genocide during the course of the war. Of the death of Eldras VI himself, on live television.

Was what he did the right thing? Or was he trying desperately to rationalize his actions?

He finished dialing the number. This was something he had to face. If anything, so he could see what his actions had brought upon Arcturia.

“Hello, you’ve reached the Royal Palace,” came a voice on the other end.

“Good afternoon. This is the Prime Minister. Bring me through to His Royal Majesty.”

Eoforwine forced himself to steady his breathing. He couldn’t run away from this. It was him who had made the choice for Tretrid to start involving itself with Alksearia. The opportunity to ally with the country that controlled one of Arcturia’s main shipping routes had been too good to pass up.

“Good afternoon, Prime Minister. This is the King.”

Eoforwine instinctively tightened up at the sound of the voice of the King of Tretrid.

“Your Royal Majesty. Are you planning to go to the state funeral of Eldras VI? I wish to also attend.”
[hr]

Dear Her Majesty, Queen Dorothea of Alksearia,

We would once again wish to express our deepest condolences for the loss of your father, King Eldras VI. He was a great man and will be sorely missed by all.

I will be attending the funeral proceedings on behalf of the Kingdom of Tretrid and the Crown Domain of Transnalpia. Prime Minster Eoforwine Æthelstanson will also be representing Tretrid.

With sincerest regards,
ᚫᛚᚠᚱᛁᚳ ᛒᚪᛞᚪᛋᚩᚾ, ᚻᛁᛋ ᚾᚪᛗᚪᚾ ᚦᚱᛁᛞᛞᚪ, ᚦᚱᛖᚾᛁᚪᚾ ᚪᚾᛞ ᚷᛖᚩᚾᛞᚪᚾᛒᛖᚩᚱᚻᛚᚪᚾᛞᛖᛋ ᚳᚣᚾᛁᚾᚷ, ᚳᚣᚾᛒᚣᚱᚷ, ᛋᛁᚷᛖᛋᛏᛖᛞᛖᛋ, ᛁᛖᚷᛒᚣᚱᚷ, ᛋᚢᚦᚱᛁᛗᚪᛒᚣᚱᚷ, ᚪᚾᛞ ᚦᚱᛖᚾᛁᚪᚾ ᛚᚪᚾᛞᚪ ᚻᛚᚪᚠᚩᚱᛞ, ᛗᚫᛏᚱᚩᛋᛁᛋᚳᚪᛋ ᚻᛚᚪᚠᚩᚱᛞ ᛋᚳᛖᚱᛗᚻᚪᚱ, ᚷᛖᛚᛖᚪᚠᚪᚾ ᚹᛖᚪᚱᛞ
His Royal Majesty Ælfric Badason, the third of his name, King of Tretrid and Transnalpia, Lord of the Tretridian Lands, Cynebury, Sigested, Iegburh, and Suþrimaburg, Lord Patron of Mætrosisc, Guardian of the Faith

[Cryria]

January 9, 2021
Cryrian Embassy - Urgia-Nova

“… Needless to say this remains a deeply sensitive situation from a public perception standpoint, but at present it is the Government’s opinion that Her Majesty will not be attending the event in person.”

Sandström grunted in response. Even as a diplomat, he remained a man of stunningly few words, and the balmy Alkari climate had done little to improve a perpetually morose appearance. For all that though, he couldn’t say he disliked the place in the slightest. Heavens knew he’d had to fight hard to remain at his post and keep the embassy open when the war had broken out. In retrospect, Sone had to admit it had been a reckless decision in more ways than one - A symbolic gesture of support made for a good cause, but one that would not have been worth the lives of his staff if the worst had somehow come to pass.

From the other end of the line, Maravel was still talking.

“The obvious counterpoint, of course, is that very few care to see any kind of restoration of Balistrian sovereignty regardless of what international customs might demand. Certainly, it would be a uniquely stupid thing to argue for. I’d call the Alkari clever for using this funeral to create support for themselves, were it not the obvious thing to do… Regardless, I concur with the suggestions outlined in your report. It would reflect poorly on us to not attend at all, and a low-profile presence should avoid raising any questions without giving the appearance of support. You are free to proceed as you see fit.”

“Thank you, Minister,” Sandström replied. A moment later he ended the call and rang for an aide.

—-

To Her Majesty, Queen Dorothea of the Kingdom of Alksearia

On behalf of Her Majesty’s Government and the Cryrian people, I extend to you and your family our heartfelt sympathies and deepest  condolences on the passing of His Majesty, King Eldras VI. His majesty steered Alksearia through a time of turbulence and change, and his legacy stands not only in the constitutional and democratic transition he oversaw but also in the international partnerships and philanthropic organizations he forged for the betterment of Urth as a whole. His loss has been felt by all, and as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Alksearia I affirm my attendance for the proceedings.

Sincerely,
Sone Sandström
Ambassador for the Kingdom of Cryria

[Cowlass]

Federation of the Southern Coast

Orléans C.R.
People’s Parliament Complex
Prime Minister’s chamber

“Madam Prime Minister, the Committee of Arcturia Affairs and has been reaffirmed by the Committee of Affairs has reached a decision on the matter of the issue of funeral for the Alksearia monarch.” The tall tielfing spoke in a flat tone, placing the report on Pierre’s desk. “We believe it is in the best interest of promoting diplomatic ties with Alksearia, the Federation should send either a ambassador from the Miqo’te republic preferably one that is part of the Xaethos faith.” They continued to speak, as Pierre raised her eyebrow. “The second option, as a show of solidarity, from one leader to another. We would like to send you with the delegation from Miqo’te. Our reports of the Alksearia suggest sending you would be more effective to the Alkari public opinion.”

“In the case, let’s go with option two. Have a statement prepared and the necessary preparations underway.” Pierre turns to her Orc assistant, who was already drafting several emails on his phone.

To Her Royal Highest, Queen Dorothea of the Kingdom of Alksearia

On behalf of the Federation of the Southern Coast and her eleven republics, two autonomous territories and a city-state wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the passing of his Majesty, King Eldras Iv. His legacy in the promotion democratic and constitutional reform in Alksearia has bettered the safety and stability of the world as a whole. He’s assistance in the promotion of international partnerships and philanthropic as led to the direct betterment of the Urth. His death as touched us deeply as it has rest of the Urth. In the name of the Federation, we are sending our Prime Minster Pierre and delegation from our Miqo’te republic.

Best Wishes
Jeanne Pierre
Federal Prime Minister of the Federation of the Southern Coast.

[Norgsveldet]

Royal Palace, Osfjord,
Norgsveldet

Olav yawned as he entered his office, and quickly placed his attention to the coffee machine at the end of the room. Quickly getting over there to pour himself a cup of coffee. Though before he could even take a sip from his cup and enjoy the warm coffee in silence he was interrupted by a door being swung open. With a sigh he looked up to see his private secretary. An objectively attractive dark haired elven woman dressed in noble clothing.

“Lady Aila! How can I help you?” Olav said, giving a welcoming smile.

“I was simply going to ask if your Majesty has finished writing the letter of accepting the invitation to the late king Eldras VI?” The private secretary said in a flat cold tone as she bowed her head.

“Ah.” He replied with a solemn sigh. “It’s at the desk, the one on top of the Constitution.”

Aila was quick in getting the letter not wanting to bother the king much further. “Anything you want from me before I go, your majesty?”

“Just call me Olav please? You have worked for my family since I was a teenager.” The king gave the elf a pleading look.

“No can’t do. It would be breaking centuries of protocol.” She simply said in a flat tone.

“You and your protocols.” Olav said, shaking his head, earning a slight smirk from the elf.

“Have a good night, your majesty.”

He gave Aila a simple nod as thanks. “You too.” He then let out a sigh, taking a sip from his coffee as his secretary left the room. His eyes however glanced towards a small picture placed on the book shelf, one of him and Eldras at college drinking from plastic cups that were filled with beer in them. He held his cup up towards the picture with a warm but solemn smile. “I miss you buddy…”

==

To Her Royal Majesty, Queen Dorothea of the Kingdom of Alksearia

Once more I can only bring my deepest condolences to you and your family, for the loss of your father and the sorrow your whole nation had to experience. King Eldras VI was a great monarch whose reign brought reforms and renewed freedom to your nation. He was a great man that was strong, humble and kind beyond expectations. He was a great father that all other men should look to if they themselves want to be one.

But for me personally, he was a close friend that I could always rely on for advice and for a drinking partner. One who helped me, even in small ways to be the kind of man I am today. It is with that with the loss of such a great friend, that in the name of my nation and its crown realms that I will be attending the funeral with my family. Your father will be deeply missed.

With deep respect and sincerity, 
His Majesty, 
King Olav I of the Imperial Realm of Norgsveldet, and its Crown Realms.

[Sammy23]

Missive corresponding to the attention of Her Royal Majesty Queen Dorothea of Alksearia

Dear Dorothea,

The first I must ask is: how are you? That’s everything that matters upon this funeral. Secondly, you are receiving this official communication from the House of Conoso, which I lead, to confirm you that I will be attending your father’s funeral in representation of Peragen. Usually my daughter, Jariana, would remain in Peragen to take my place during these days, but she has expressed her will to attend the funeral if possible. You will receive news about it.

There hasn’t been a day I haven’t thought about your father in this time. Efficient at his duties and equally efficient at having fun. You know about my dislike of alcohol: the last night I spent with Eldras, he and Arngrímur got me so drank that I ended shouting “long live the Republic!” And that was right after the Rodenian invasion. He had that sort of persuasion upon his fellows, even in the worst moments. It certainly was a jolly night, and as jolly are my memories from him.

I have witnessed myself how your father has worked to make a good ruler out of you. Stand always in his name, Dorothea, and make his legacy be worth the greatness of your country. A new star is guiding you in the sky.

Sincerely and wishing the best upon you and your reign,

Jariano II of Arsal and Peragen
Sovereign of the Outer Lands
Guardian of Her Legacy.

[S_Astro]

Office of the Prime Minister
Uravin, Auravas

Aneya pored over the latest news from Alksearia and rubbed her eyes tiredly. The war was over, and King Eldras VI, the former Monarch of Alksearia, was having a funeral. She couldn’t even begin to imagine how Queen Dorothea must be feeling, having lost her father and now taking up the mantle of a nation hurt by war. She opened her eyes and looked at the nekomimi standing at the front of the room, who had began talking. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would highly suggest attending the funeral, as a way to show unity and solidarity among democratic nations.”

“Thank you.” Aneya quietly said. “You are dismissed.” As the nekomimi left the room, Aneya retrieved a paper and pen and began writing a letter.

---

To Her Royal Majesty, Queen Dorothea of the Kingdom of Alksearia

On behalf of the people of Auravas, I extend to you and your family our deepest sympathies on the passing of His Majesty, King Eldras VI. His noble efforts to spread democracy, equality, and stability on Urth, as well as his legacy in international relations and philanthropy shall serve to better the lives of generations to come. He will be remembered fondly by those he helped, as well as many members of the international community, including myself and the people of Auravas. Through this letter, I affirm my attendance to the funeral of Eldras VI.

With deep respect,

Jakia Aneya
Prime Minister of the Republic of Auravas

[Dylan]

HOUSE LOUZAR

3rd January 2021

Her Majesty Queen Dorothea
Royal Palace of Alksearia

Queen Rosetta and I send you our deepest condolences on the death of your late father, Eldras, who was an astonishing man, parent, and king to your country. His death has resonated hugely across the world. His devotion to service in his twenty seven year reign gave the Alkari people the spirit needed going into the war, and coming out of the other end. Though his reign was cut short, his legacy will be harkened for generations to come.

I admired many things about your late father on his state visits to Great Morstaybishlia, and I look forward to sharing these good memories with you at the wake. Following from your personal invitation, Rosetta and I will gladly accept our invitations, and with us, Rosamund and her husband Edwin.

I have been in correspondence with the prime ministers of Great Morstaybishlia and Lokania. Arngrímur Sigurdarson has accepted the invitation, though Franklin Barvata has had to respectfully decline due to the complexity of his schedule. In his stead he has opted to send Secretary of State for Foreign and Oversea Affairs Ron Wehrasbi, to represent the government of my residing nation.

With respect,

Lambertus R

[Gonggong]

https://imgur.com/EKB303D.png

Mokwo Village, Chariak tribe, 
Kuduk
 
Dear Queen Dorothea,
 
The Kuduk peoples and I send our sincerest condolences on the death of your father, King Eldras. His dedication to his people all throughout his life was extremely admirable. His genuine character was exemplary, and his accomplishments *were ones that many had only ever dreamed to achieve. *I have no doubts that you will make an amazing Queen that your father would have been very proud of. I hope that you and your family are alright. 
* *
Through this I confirm my attendance to his funeral.
 
Sincerest Wishes,
Shaman Iriko

[Phoenixia]

Primavera Palace, Bluckingham
Phoenixia

On behalf of the Federal Republic of Phoenixia and its people, I wish to offer our deep condolences to Her Majesty Queen Dorothea and the Royal family on the loss of Eldras VI, King of Alksearia. Although he might not have expected to devote his life to being a statesman, he not only took on the role, he made it his own. His intelligence and awareness embellished by kindness, charm and humor made him a wonderful partner for her Majesty. We are all richer for his life and contributions.

We strongly condemn the horrible deeds of the Balistrians, I confirm my presence and that of the chancellor to honor a great king one last time.

Best Wishes
Clarenzio Metrofane 
Federal President

[Shadow]

–
9:20am

Arriving at the Cathedral early was….not exactly Dorothea’s plan. Though, nothing really was her plan anymore. She wanted to only be here for her father and to mourn as a family, but she had to be here as both a child mourning the loss of her parent and as a Monarch mourning the loss of her predecessor. There’s a whole nation looking to her in their mourning, and a whole international community eagerly waiting to see what she will do.

To her, that doesn’t…no, shouldn’t matter. But it does. It’s the nagging constant feeling of everyone watching her that starts to dig deeper and deeper into her mind. Standing in the sanctuary looking towards the alter, all she can feel is anger and disgust. Disgust at the people around her. Disgust at how she can’t just make this go away and have it all be private. And the anger. Oh, the anger. Inside all she wants to do is scream at the altar and curse out Xathos for letting her father die. Double checking that she was alone in the sanctuary, she makes her way up to the altar. The altar is adorned with pictures of her father. Flowers and woody vines adorn the altar and the platform. The space in front of the altar is left largely empty, except for where Eldras’s casket will go.

Dorothea, double checking that no one is around and can hear her, speaks, “I do not know where the hell you thought it was a good idea to kill my father, but I hope you are happy. This…this whole ordeal has been torture. Do you understand how….FUCKING awful this is?”

An older woman’s voice responds, “I would consider cursing at Xathos sacrilege and would put you on trial for blasphemy, but anger at the Divine is sometimes needed.” Her footsteps approach Dorothea carefully. Her heels click with every step, “However, I do think that doing at your father’s funeral is quite disrespectful. Think of your ancestors…”

Dorothea turned on her heels and looked at the Archbishop in her face, “Respectfully but also disrespectfully, you do not tell me what is or is not appropriate at my father’s funeral. Last I recall, you called upon the faithful to oppose a war that we did not start. Your presence here is only allowed because of his status.”

The Archbishop laughed, “Just as feisty as you were when you were younger. Your father and I were well acquainted. He would seek me out for spiritual advice, and for general advice…”

Dorothea held her hand up to signal for the Archbishop to stop, “Rhea, you and I both know you are spewing some real bullshit. Last I recall, my father, Eldras, told you to get your nose out of his charity foundation. I also specifically remember him having many conversations with us about how you have been pulling the Church backwards since your rise to the Archbishopric.”

Rhea scoffed, “That is now how you speak to your elders, child. I hope the Spirits look down on you and take that tongue of yours away.”

“I am your senior in regards to Titles. I have a funeral to be ready for. Maybe the Spirits can teach you to stop lying and gaslighting folks.” Dorothea responded very sharply. Her anger with the Divine has now turned to anger at the Archbishop. She’s never been a fan of hers, especially after some of her sermons against inter-species relationships and especially her views on Lajolie and Hercoux’s relationship.

Dorothea walked up the center aisle when she heard the Archbishop respond to her, “Your title means nothing if I do not crown you.”

Dorothea turned her head slightly, “Try me.”

[Shadow]

9:50am

Dorothea could feel her nerves. Rhea wouldn’t actually crown her, right? That would be ridiculous. It is a tradition of honor and a symbolic passing of the torch from one generation of rulers to the next. After everything that has happened to the Kingdom, this is the one thing that could give the Kingdom some hope. Hope that seems to be in short supply.

But now was not the time to ponder on the what ifs. There were foreign dignitaries that are arriving soon for her father’s funeral. This thought snapped Dorothea back to reality, and realized that her mother was trying to talk to her.

“Thea, are you okay? You’ve been zoned out for a bit there.” her mother asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I…I just was…” Dorothea stuttered.

Her mother approached her. The black dress her mother wore was simple, but to Dorothea, showed a level of authority that she would always retain. Something comforting and familiar in a sea of uncomfortable and unfamiliarity. Her mother looked her in the eyes, “It is okay to not be okay. Especially today. You have a burden to hold. Don’t let anyone make you forget that.”

Dorothea held her mother’s hand. It was hard. This is all unchartered water for both her and her mother, but she does have her mother. Her mother is still there. Dorothea took a deep breath and embraced her mother. She pulled back after a couple of moments and saw her siblings. A small smile formed. She still had her family to help her into the next steps of life. In the moment she felt peace.

Though her peace would be broken by the familiar sound of a voice clearing, “I hope I am not breaking anything up here, but the guests are to be arriving shortly. You don’t want to look improper now do you Princess?”

Rhea stood at the doors to the sanctuary, dressed in a black cossack with a red fascia and pellegrina. Impatience was written all over Rhea’s face, “I understand this is your father’s funeral, but the time for the family bonding is after the service. Which I am sure you are aware of if you read the itiner…”

Dorothea’s mother interrupted, “Archbishop, today is not your day. It is a day of mourning, especially for my family. Talk to my daughter like that again, and I will personally see you removed through the nearest window. As we are instructed in Service, respect the recently departed.”

Rhea snorted.

One of the royal guards walked up to the five of them, “Your Highnesses and Holiness, the guests are arriving.”

Dorothea took her mother’s hand again, and walked towards the front doors to greet each dignitary before service.

[Shadow]

–

10:00am

The slow procession of mourners filled the Cathedral. Every pew was packed with citizens from the city, foreign dignitaries and their entourages, and various nobles from across Alksearia. Even the press was present, but thankfully they were mostly contained to the loft behind her. She didn’t recognize all the different media organizations there, but she could Dorothea stood behind her father’s casket as it processed down the aisle. She could hear the organ playing somber music as the casket was wheeled in. For as many funerals she has attended, the song being played eludes her. Even the faces of everyone in the Cathedral eluded her. This doesn’t feel real. I need to wake up. Please, just wake up! Dorothea thought to herself. But as much as she tried to will herself to wake up, the more that reality finally came flooding in. He was dead. He wasn’t coming back, she was the new Queen, and she had to listen to the Archbishop give the Final Rites. She could feel her temper building when she thought about the Archbishop talking about her father, but she couldn’t do anything. This was the proper procedure. Even if Dorothea did not personally like Archbishop Rhea, she had to put aside most of her anger towards her for the funeral. As the casket neared the front of the Cathedral, Dorothea, her mother, and her siblings were directed to sit in the first pew. A front row seat for the events about to unfold.

As she took her place among the pews, Dorothea could see the Archbishop wearing the black funeral vestments as was tradition, but the trim and lettering on the vestments were a crimson red, almost similar to that of blood. There are many reasons why the Archbishop could have chosen that color, but that was the last thing Dorothea wanted to think about. What she wanted to think about was getting the funeral over with. She could feel herself being uncomfortable sitting in the Cathedral. And with the casket of her dead father serving as a reminder of her loss, a reminder of the pain her nation had felt, and even a reminder of the smoking city that they took him out of. The burning incense was reminiscent of the smells of the burnt city. A nation devastated by war, and a nation trying to heal from the loss of their King. And she was supposed to lead all of this? Dorothea could feel her mind splitting trying to think of everything. The room started to spin. The anxiety and stress was starting to get to her. She reached for her mother’s hand to help bring her back to reality. Not that reality was going to help, but as her father always said, keep your head level or you’ll lose yourself.

Though, she could immediately feel the regret of tuning back to reality as she could hear the Archbishop at the lectern giving the Last Rites. She had to listen to the Archbishop give her eulogy and her remarks on the life of her father. But something wasn’t right. She could feel the eyes of the Archbishop piercing her. Almost as if she was trying to pin Dorothea down. She started to listen more closely to the Archbishop’s words, “As we are gathered here to remember the life and reign of our now deceased King, we pray to Xathos and their Spirits to welcome Eldras back to the forces of whom he was birthed from. From the early days of his reign, he learned what it meant to be a follower of Xathos and to keep loyal to the Word. He led this great Kingdom with a grace and holiness only rivaled by the Archbishops of old. One can only pray that his daughter continues his legacy, but it remains to be seen how faithful she will remain to the legacy of her father. Before we continue on with the blessing of the departed and we begin the procession to the burial grounds, I ask for his wife to come and speak a few words before we continue on.”

Dorothea shifted in her seat. Did Rhea…Did she really just take a dig? at a funeral?? on several different broadcasts??? No, there’s no way. She must have imagined it. It would be wrong to do that at a funeral. After all, this was supposed to be a time to honor the dead and to help lead them to be reunited with Xathos and their Spirits. Something started to nag at her. Something didn’t feel right, but then again, what does feel right at a funeral?

Dorothea watched her mother walk up to the lectern. She could feel the world spinning around her. The nausea started to hit her. Not yet. Not here. She needed to get through the funeral first. Her mother stood firm, but she could see the tears flowing down her face. She spoke about how they met - A university trip to Norgsveldet where he met the now-King Olav but also ended up meeting each other. The promises he made to her at both their wedding and after each child was born. The joy it was to raise Dorothea and her siblings. She even talked about how proud Eldras would be to see how Dorothea has grown and started to come into her new role. But something…something felt wrong. Was it her mother’s words? No, it’s not possible. She’s heard these stories a million times. She couldn’t put her finger on it. She’s felt this way before. She knows it’s her anxiety spiking, but why now? Why here?

She couldn’t look at her mother.

She couldn’t look anywhere.

Dorothea could feel the tears welling. She needed to get out of there, but she knew she couldn’t. She had to give her own remarks as well, after all she is the Heir and the new Queen. It is customary. She took a couple deep breaths. She will be okay. She saw her mother walking down from the lectern, motioning for Dorothea to come up next. She went to stand up, shaking a little bit trying to stand when the Archbishop swiftly walked up to the lectern.
“Those words were very profound, Madam Annia. We pray for you and your family during these hard times. I know you invited your daughter to speak as well, however, we are going to cut her eulogy from our program today and move onto the Final Blessing. I am sure no one wants to hear the same stories again. The Church extends its thanks that she prepared a eulogy, but now is not the time. Before I give the Final Blessing, I ask that the Press and Foreign Dignitaries who are here with us come back to the Cathedral after the burial as we have a couple of announcements. I’m sure Eldras’s daughter will have more substantial words to say then. There will be light drinks provided after the announcements in the Meeting Hall. I sincerely thank everyone for attending today.

Now, please bow for the blessing.”