Abbot Lorimis Funeral
RW Abbey: Graveyard
This is a small natural clearing in the forest growth. Ancient trees tower over the area, arching over to make an interlaced roof on the clearing, keeping the area dark and shaded through the day and night. The floor is bare except for some small plants and forest mulch. As an entrance to this place, there are two large oaks that have branches that grew together to form a natural arch. At the foot of the largest one, between the roots, a fresh mound has been dug. In the clearing there are small patches of freshly turned earth, and rocks lining a few of them. A burial ground. In the shadows of this place, there is silence for the dead.
Exits: [O]pen [G]round
It is not raining, at least not yet, the sky however is over-cast and growing darker as the twin bells of the abbey begin to ring. As per the long standing traditions of Redwall Abbey the old Abbot is to be put to rest. The Elders of the Abbey have gathered on the front steps of the Abbey, the doors to the Great Hall are closed and every beast has been informed well in advance that the funeral procession will start at the entrance to Great Hall and abbey beasts are already gathered on the lawns waiting quietly.
Zee is not an abbey beast, nor did he know the abbot but he came anyways to show support and he was asked to come.
Zork is with the elders as that’s where he was asked to be, staying beside them.
Caleb waits on the grass as it gets ready to start
Lacota is waiting with the Elders, dressed in a dark habit.
Scioto stays where he is in the entry and is dressed in one of his better uniforms as he stands quietly and calmly.
Rayen sits in a chair, she wasn’t feeling to well but she still came out of respect for the abbot and waits quietly
Flicktail enters wearing his best tunic, looking somber and standing where he is told is his spot.
Oz is keeping some dibbuns seated and quiet with the help of a Sister June, the dibbuns are very well behaved today and that’s a good thing.
Lee is waiting as well, dressed in a freshly pressed tunic and cape.
Zinnia is standing where she had been asked to stand, she had asked first of course where she needed to be and that is where she is. She frowns and wipes her eye with her paw.
Leon is where he needs to be of course, he is trying not to frown or be sad but that’s rather hard today.
DoraRose is standing slightly apart from everyone else, dressed in black dress, apron and cloak. Angela is sitting on the steps, the weather playing havoc on her arthritis. She is dressed like her granddaughter, with the addition of a black shawl and black ribbons tied around the top of her staff. LilyMoore is nowhere to be seen. Blisa is standing beside the warrior mouse, dressed in a black dress with rich blue, purple and black embroidery around the cuffs, neckline and halfway up the skirt, which is very full from her 3 petticoats, and a deep blue cloak. Her silver locket on its chain shines against her bodice like a star. Ferdinand and the other 5 bodyguards are standing near her, dressed in their dress uniforms with the addition of black armbands. The all have on cloaks, with the ferret dressed in his fancy purple one. They left their weapons in the training yard out of respect and obedience to the Abbey's rules.
Once most of the Abbey Beasts have gathered the council murmur to one another and then Sister Lauren steps forward and raises her hands for quiet. "My friends, thank you all for joining us today on this saddest of days our Abbey has experienced in many seasons. As is tradition we who were Lorimis' friends and family shall escort him to his final resting place. You should all have a lantern," She picks up one of the lanterns from by her feet, it dangles on a pole that reaches up above her head, "Please light, when the bells fall silent the doors will open and the procession shall begin... as is our tradition the Old Abbot is led to their final resting place by the new and we shall all follow behind the bearers of the coffin." She then lights her lantern and holds it up above her head. Others follow, lanterns being raised, each one shining softly in the gathering gloom as the abbey beasts form an avenue of light to either side of the doors to Great Hall.
Lacota crosses his arms, hmming thoughtfully. He notices the absence of LilyMoore.
Lee takes up his lantern, and lights it, taking his position near the front of the procession.
Zee gets a lantern and lights it before stepping back.
Zork slowly gets his as well and lights it going back to where he was before.
Leon nods as he listens, gets his and lights it, he helps Caleb with one and then gets ready for the walk to start.
Lacota lights a lantern as well.
A novice helps Rayen get her lantern and she stays beside Flicktail now to help him feel better if need be and she is his mate after all.
Flicktail slips an arm around Rayen, his cheek ruffs wet as he stands quietly near Benar
Zarok joins the procession, waiting for a lantern to hold in his tail. He's wearing a dark cloak over his habit, held with the brooch Benar gave him. Somebody found a habit small enough for Terfil as well; the newt stands solemnly by his larger friend's side.
Scioto waits till others have gotten their lights and quietly gets his light as well. Sister June gets one for herself and hands Oz his as he nods and Sister June helps the dibbuns, a couple are unsure of the lights, one is worried about them but all the dibbuns stay close to gather.
Zinnia sighs sadly, she has been quiet this whole time, quietly getting her lantern and it lit and walks back to her place.
DoraRose picks up her lantern and lights it, then helps Blisa and her guards light theirs. The lights glint off of the young cat's tears. Angela lights her lantern, then is helped up by a Novice, who volunteered to assist the old mouse. LilyMoore is still nowhere in sight.
Benar pats Flicktail on the arm comfortingly then sighs sadly as the bells stop ringing, Matthias falls silent then Methuselah, the grey squirrel turns to look at the doors. A light drizzle begins to fall, almost fitting really as the lanterns illuminate the field of spring grass and the waiting beast. Then with a heavy creak and a rumbling the great doors to the Abbey swing open, inside four figures are walking, carrying Lorimis coffin between them, one of them is Nightbreath, Elder Martin Lorimis' oldest mouse friend, Sister Clementine who cared for him so throughout his last illness and Amarro, the elderly red squirrel warrior. They walk out slowly and stop on the top step of the abbey and wait until with a heavy sigh Benar steps forwards and lifts the lantern pole he is carrying, his however has a large, iron bell attached and as he takes the lead it rings with each step, a deep, solemn tone that carries across the air. Leading the way the Abbot of Redwall marches at a steady pace between the gathered ranks of Abbey Beasts and friends from Mossflower, the pall-bearers walking behind him. As they pass many bow, others cry whilst most raise their lanterns high and slowly fall in behind the coffin to follow that single, tolling bell.
Zee waits a little while to follow as he believes the abbey beasts should be first.
Zork follows close behind the coffin as he stays with the abbey elders; he follows slowly in his wheelchair.
Zarok tiptoes into the line, following as close behind as he deems respectful. He holds his lantern low so that Terfil can have a paw on it too; the lantern is much too heavy for the little orange newt to have his own to carry.
Lee raises his lantern, then falls in behind the others, still near the head of the procession.
Leon starts to follow when Caleb stops and starts to cry, he stays by his son talking with him a little while and then following a little further behind than where he was earlier as he walks beside Caleb and looks to see where the others are quietly.
Lacota raises his lantern as well, and follows the procession, along with the other elders.
Oz walks near the coffin as well as Benar leads the abbey beasts out.
Rayen walks beside Flicktail.
Flicktail has let Benar up front as he is supposed to be.
Scioto walks close to his family, a tear even goes down his face but he tries not to show it.
Zinnia frowns and follows a short distance, she stops to step out of line to sob a couple moments, calming herself she walks slowly back in line but towards the back of the others as she frowns.
DoraRose falls in behind the procession, unashamed tears coursing down her cheeks. Blisa starts to sob quietly, and Ferdinand wipes a tear from his own cheek as he and the cat and the other bodyguards follow the warrior mouse. The Novice is helping Angela hold her lantern as they slowly walk along. LilyMoore darts behind some trees, her black dress, apron and cloak, and lack of a lantern, hiding her quite well. She watches the procession as she struggles to hold back tears.
Lee does not outwardly shed a tear, but his face reveals his sadness.
Benar leads the way through the rain, the bell's toll leading them on one stately step at a time until they enter the graveyard. Row upon Row of departed abbey beasts march on either side as Benar walks between them until he reaches an open spot. Foremole is there with two of his crew and they bow as the procession arrives. Benar plants the bell staff in the ground and the coffin is lowered to the ground and he turns to face the crowd. His hood is back and his ears are low but he stands tall and looks over everyone. "My friends, we are here today to say goodbye to Abbot Lorimis, our leader, our Father for seasons uncounted. He has led us through troubled-days and seasons of peace and plenty. He saw our glorious Abbey revitalized after the earthquake. The Belltower rebuilt, the abbey's stained glass windows restored, the library restocked and catalogued. He was my friend, He taught me so very much from the day I returned to Mossflower until the day he left us, now however I must say farewell and invite all who wish to say farewell before he goes to sleep."
Lee steps forward with his lantern. "I'd like ta say a few words, if I may..."
Benar says, "Of course Lee, speak,"
Zee is unsure what to say, he simply listens to the others as he leans a little on his staff and holds his lander and carefully with his other paw.
Nightbreath waits his turn, while Zarok maneuvers forward with Terfil to get ready to speak.
Zork looks at Lee as the otter gets ready to speak.
Leon will say something in a little while, he will let others speak first
Zinnia frowns as she listens to what will be said quietly
DoraRose , Blisa and her bodyguards and Angela and her assistant just stand and listen to what has to be said. LilyMoore is hiding behind a tree nearby, feeling too ashamed and guilty to join the procession, even though she really should.
Lee nods his head, and turns towards every beast. "I've only known Lorimis a few seasons, not nearly as long as some of ye 'ave... 'E were a great an' wise beast, an' always fair. It is because of 'im, I got this job, an' I be forever grateful for that trust." He looks at the coffin. "Abbot Lorimis, it were an honor ta serve ye an' this Abbey, as a protector, leader o' the guards. I always shall 'old ye in the highest respect, an' shall miss ye always." He bows slowly. "I also thank ye for allowin' me ta make Redwall me 'ome. Thank ye." With that, he falls silent.
Benar smiles at Lee and places a hand on his shoulder, "Thank you Lee... would anyone else care to say something?"
Lee smiles softly and nods to Benar.
Nightbreath steps forward. "I would like to speak." After receiving approval, he takes a deep breath. "I've known Lorimis as long as I've been in this region. He was the first beast I met here. We were in the tavern at Ferravale and he made me feel welcome, a stranger in a strange land. We kept up this friendship through fire and fear, through storm and shadow. He was the first beast here I trusted, when I was reeling from the loss of my mentor Arounuur at the paws of Stormfeather in the east. He was, as Lee said, a great and wise beast. He lives on so long as we remember him." He turns to the coffin, and bows his head. "It was a great honor to know you and to be your friend, Father Abbot. May Gild'ernur gather you unto him, and may he light your path home."
Benar says, "Thank you Nightbreath."
Zork wheels over and speaks “I will also miss Lorimis, he were a dear friend and I was glad ta know him.” He then wheels back to where he was.
Zinnia frowns, she never was good at things like this, or goodbyes but she comes forwards to speak, waits for the ok first and nods. She lets tears fall and then finally speaks" Lorimis...helped me a lot when I first came to the abbey, I ..Didn’t really get along with many here at first, but he helped me make friends and I soon became a novice and then a Sister in the order. I...I recently finished the library and even have some other books to add soon. Lorimis got to ...to see the day before he died, he was so happy to see it finished up finally and I believe I cheered him up a good deal...least I hope I did." She bows to Lorimis and then steps back, tears go down her face fully now.
Rayen has not been here long at the abbey really, she lets other beasts speak as she sits down.
DoraRose sniffs and steps forward all by herself. "I would like to say something." She states quietly. Looking at the coffin, she says in a quiet voice that echoes around the graveyard, "When I met Lorimis, he was in Ferravale, taking a vacation of sorts from being Abbot. It was quite a while before I learned that he was the Abbot of Redwall. He helped me see how revenge is a horrible path. He united me in marriage with the love of my life, Leon. And he has helped my with my daughter. I will never forget you, Lorimis. May you rest in peace." She steps back, wiping tears from her eyes, and Blisa hugs her tightly as the cat sobs. Angela murmurs something to the Novice, who helps her sit down on the grass nearby. LilyMoore wants to say something so badly, but she stays silent behind her tree, afraid and ashamed.
Benar walks over and hugs DoraRose briefly then he looks up and around, "Anyone else? Lilymore, Scioto? Anyone?" He wipes at his eyes, trying not to break down and cry..
Leon nods as he says a few words, “I am..glad to of got to know Lorimis, I was sad when I first heard of his death. Then a healer wants to save a life of course not lose one. But it was his time and he died in his sleep. I am glad to of served him as Master Healer and will be glad to serve the new abbot as Master Healer as well.” He steps back.
Lacota stands forward slowly, and speaks, nodding to Benar first. "Abbot Lorimis. Alas, I did not get to know you for very long... Only a couple seasons, regretfully, but you were one of the finest beasts I ever knew. You have my eternal gratitude for allowing me to take on the role of Friar, and I won't forget you for that." He bows slowly. "I only wish I could have known you longer..." He sighs softly, and steps back.
Zarok steps up, lowering his head. "I ussssed to think...when I wazzz a hatchling, that you could only lead through terror. That a Golem mussst be a blood-fanged killer and sssssslaughterer. Lorimissss..." He coughs, as if he wants to cry but can't. "You taught me that wassss wrong, that a leader mussst love in order to truly lead. I'll never forget you, even after you finissssssh your journey to the Moon-Cave."
The monitor steps back.
Oz says something quietly to Sister June and she nods to help him up front, yes he knows his way around but doesn’t mean he knows for sure where to stand out here, he nods his thanks “I will speak. I meet the abbot shortly after I came, he was abbot then too, I remember also when he took a couple seasons off and then once more was abbot again." He pauses and goes on "I..Was, well a hermit, I didn’t like being around others and Lorimis helped me with that and he gave me the job of helping and caring for the young ones of the abbey and I am glad of that job and was back then as it was the dibbuns that also helped me a lot then" He smiles" Probably why Lorimis had me become dibbun caretaker or to the dibbuns and even still to some of you Papa Oz.." He finishes "Abbot Lorimis will be greatly missed by all who loved him and was a friend" He then steps back and Sister June helps him back to where he was again.
Scioto looks unsure whether to say anything or not, for now he stays where he is.
Leon wipes away a few tears as he stands quietly.
Lee keeps his head bowed in thoughtful contemplation... He wipes his eyes with a paw, still listening to the others speak.
DoraRose hugs Benar back, and Blisa reaches forward and hugs the squirrel, trying to not sob so hard, but still crying. LilyMoore cringes, then comes forward as a few tears trickle down her cheeks. She doesn't say anything right now, just stands by the open grave, hanging her head. She holds her paws behind her back, and when a Novice offers her a lantern, she shakes her head and backs a little bit away.
Lacota spots LilyMoore, and silently makes his way closer.
Terfil spots someone who needs him. The newt leaps forward to LilyMoore and gives her a hug, around her waist because he's so short. The little reptile whispers, "Be ssssstrong." This is one of the rare occasions on which he speaks.
Benar squeezes Dora one last time and walks over to LilyMoore, he kneels down for a moment and places a paw on her arm, "Say goodbye LilyMoore, one of his last instructions to me... was to teach you to ring our bells. He left a note about it... so say goodbye...."
Scioto has been quiet but then steps forwards and takes a deep breath, "I also was a friend to Lorimis...and I will miss him. I want to put some minds at ease as I know some been worried about the peace treaty. It’s still in place." He pulls out a rolled up scroll “In fact I even updated it and am renewing it..the peace treaty as well as trade is still between the abbey and Ferravale and will never stop being."
Leon smiles at this as he listens to the cat speak.
Benar says, "I can confirm this, Scioto spoke to me yesterday and again this morning after the Council elected me as Abbot... the peace treaty stands and Lorimis legacy of peace between our two communities will continue onward for many seasons to come."
Scioto smiles and nods, he then adds after a thought, "Lorimis..touched many lives, some one wouldn’t think he would.." He bows to Lorimis coffin and to Benar before walking back where he was, he doesn’t go into detail whose live or lives he may of touched.
LilyMoore holds back a sob. "But...I can't....it's...he...I disappointed him so! It's....I can't!" She looks like she has something very important on her mind and her heart, but she either can't or won't say what it is. She goes to hug the newt back, since she made a promise to the Abbot to be good, which includes hugging people in return. Blisa nods, then adds to her father speech, smiling though her tears, "And as long as I live, when I become leader of Ferravale, I, too, shall continue trade and peace between us. If only Lorimis could've seen it..." She adds in a whisper.
Benar smiles at Lily and places a paw on her shoulder and looks at Terfil, "He was not disappointed in you Lily, you made his last days a pleasure. Because you promised to learn... he left me very clear instructions about you and a message. I will give it to you in private later however."
Terfil buzzes soothingly, much as Zarok used to do for Lily's mother when she was upset. "Jussst sssspeak. Let it free."
Lee remains quiet.
Lacota frowns, and speaks, "Lass, he would be proud of you."
DoraRose stands watching her daughter as LilyMoore just nods, a sob escaping from her as she manages to whisper, "How can you be sure?" Leaning against the new Abbot of Redwall, she starts to weep, hugging the newt close like a security blanket toy person thing. Blisa, filled with compassion, slips through the crowd, making her way over to the mouse, whom she hugs when she comes up beside her.
Lacota shakes his head. "Because I know what he was like, Lass."
Zinnia stands quietly now, she will write down about the funeral in the abbey recorders later tonight.
Terfil is almost squished but hangs in there valiantly, wrapping his thin, wet arms around Lily comfortingly.
Benar smiles and hugs Lilymoore, "Because we were his friends Lily and he told us," He lets Blisa take the crying mouse and sadly moves to take up the staff and bell. He rings it once and as silence falls beasts begin to raise their lanterns. The rain falls and the four pall-bearers lift the coffin and gently lower it into the ground. Benar moves to stand at the end of the grave and ringing the belly slowly begins to chant the ancient, never-changing funeral prayer of Redwall Abbey and before it Loamhedge and as he speaks Matthias and Methuselah begin to ring once again, adding their farewell to the Abbot who gave them voice once more. "Requiem Aeternam dona ei, Domine et lux perpetua luceat ei, Requiescat in pace. Requiem Amen."
Lee raises his lantern in silence.
Lacota does as well, bowing his head.
Scioto stands quietly and raises his lantern as well, so does Rayen and Oz. Flicktail bows in respect holing his lantern as well.
Zee does as the others do as he goes to stand by Zinnia. Zork stays quiet and has his lantern like the others do.
Zinnia smiles a faint smile to Zee and leans against him, she lets tears go down her face silently.
Nightbreath, Zarok, and Terfil bow their heads in respect, raising their respective lanterns.
Blisa sticks the end of her lantern staff into the ground and hugs the weeping LilyMoore close, making sure that this time the newt doesn't get squished. DoraRose goes over to her daughter and hugs the 3 young ones as the pall-bearers lower the coffin. She slips a note into her daughter's apron pocket, then goes to gently comfort them. Angela begins to sob as Benar says the prayer, unable to hold it in any longer. Ferdinand cries silently, and the other 5 bodyguards bow their heads in respect. The 6 guards raise their lanterns high.
As the coffin settles Benar picks up a hand full of dirt and holds it over the hole, "From Dust we came, to dust we return the shell of our Father, Lorimis. But he has not left us, through the darkest night, past the pine and oak stand the gates of the NightForest, there he dwells in eternal peace until we journey to join him when our time comes." he lets the earth fall down into the hole, "Sleep well Lorimis...."
Zinnia watches quietly
Lacota takes a pawful of dirt, and follows Benar's lead.
Zinnia gets a paw full of dirt and lets it fall into the grave and frowns. She walks a short distance to sit down and cry a bit in private.
Zee watches Zinnia and sighs as he goes to follow her, he says something to Zork and walks towards Zinnia.
Zork nods and sighs as he leans back in his chair quietly.
Lee drops a pawful of dirt in as well.
Oz gets a paw full of dirt to drop as well, he frowns as he will miss Lorimis.
Rayen does as well .
Flicktail gets his dirt pawful and drops in in and bows to Lorimis before following the others.
Scioto after a little while gets some dirt and drops in onto the coffin after he lets the abbey beasts do so first.
Ferdinand and the bodyguards murmur, "Sleep well, Lorimis." Angela has pulled out a black handkerchief and is wiping her nose. Blisa and DoraRose go to move LilyMoore away from the side of the grave, but the young mouse breaks away from them and runs off into the gloom. The warrior mouse calls her name, then takes off after her, vanishing from sight. Blisa watches them go, her shoulders slumping. Sighing, she turns and joins the line of Abbey dwellers who are going to put soil into the grave. Her bodyguards join the line, also.
Benar sighs and steps back to let the moles fill in the grave, remaining by the side of it for a long time before turning and heading back to the abbey.
Lee slowly turns to return to the abbey.
Angela wipes away her tears and mutters something to the Novice, who helps her up and guides her to her room where she sleeps. Blisa says something to Ferdinand, who nods and gestures to the rest of the guards, and they all go back to the main Abbey building. The young cat walks over to the old Abbot's grave and watches the moles fill it in. Her face is filled with sorrow, and she pulls her cloak closer around herself against the rain. When the grave is all filled, she, too, heads to the Abbey building, looking strong in her sorrow. She goes to help some of the Dibbuns as the toddle away from the grown-ups in charge of them.
Scioto stays close to Blisa and afterwards hugs Blisa close to him. ”Ok..we need to head home, but in the morning we can stay the rest of today..”
