[Center][h3][color=1E90FF]Sjan-dehk[/color] & [color=8D3B72]Kalliope[/color][/h3][/center]
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[H2][center][b]Part Two[/b][/center][/H2]
The beach, as Kalliope had described it, was perfect for the ritual. What few people that were present had better things to do than to gawk at the Sudah’s crew that were disembarking their boats. Those that were already ashore had already been put to work; some were assembling a stone square with loose rocks and mud whilst others unloaded stacked wooden beams and planks within its boundaries. [color=1E90FF]“It’s a beautiful night indeed,”[/color] Sjan-dehk remarked and drew in a deep breath of the crisp, night air. 

“Captain Wasun,” a voice called out to him. It didn’t sound too happy. “I didn’t think you would join us.”

Sjan-dehk sighed and turned. [color=1E90FF]“Well, I changed my mind, Captain Kaisahn.”[/color] 

The man who commanded the Sudah was a mirror of his vessel. Large, bulky, and with all of the airs of someone important. His beady eyes looked down over his prominent nose as Sjan-dehk, who looked back with arms folded and brow arched. “Well, it’s good that you’re here. Had you done your duty-”

[color=1E90FF]“Are you implying I didn’t?”[/color] Sjan-dehk interrupted and unfolded his arms. One of his hands dropped to the grip of his sword. There was barely-hidden anger in his voice when he spoke once more. [color=1E90FF]“Had you done yours, Captain, none of us would need to be here. My duty was to protect your ship, and that’s what we did. Yours was to keep Sudah out of danger in the first place, which you didn’t.”[/color]

Captain Kaisahn’s eyes narrowed. “You overstep your boundaries, Captain. You may be a Lesser Marquis, but remember which ship takes precedence.”

[color=1E90FF]“This is merely talk between Captains,”[/color] Sjan-dehk replied. [color=1E90FF]“I warned you that our ships were too far apart and you didn’t listen. Now I’m telling you that I did what I could based on what you ordered. I’m surprised, Captain Kaisahn. Officer such as yourself, you should know how this works. It’s how we’ve always done things throughout the war.”[/color] Kaisahn bristled, and Sjan-dehk knew that he’d hit a sore point. [color=1E90FF]“Oh, I meant no offence. Sometimes it slips my mind that some of us never actually fought.”[/color]

The Sudah’s Captain didn’t reply immediately. He pressed his lips into a thin line, then turned his attention towards Kalliope. “And who is this? You’re inviting strangers to our rituals now, Captain Wasun?” Kalliope smirked up at the man, wiggling her fingers as a greeting to him. She'd been silent so far through the whole exchange.

[color=1E90FF]“She has her reasons to be here,”[/color] Sjan-dehk replied and placed himself between her and the mountain of a man. [color=1E90FF]“Nothing that I'm in any position to say, and nothing that you need to know. She’s my guest.”[/color]

Kaishan’s eyes narrowed. “It’s my crew that we’re sending off, Captain Wasun. I have the final say.”

[color=1E90FF]“And she has her reasons to be here.”[/color] Sjan-dehk knew that it would make things all the simpler if he just told Kaisahn everything that Kalliope had told him, but it didn’t feel right to do so. Something that personal, something with so much meaning to her, that wasn’t anything he had any right to decide to share on his own. All the same, he could see where Kaisahn was coming from. If Sjan-dehk was here to send off any of his Sada Kurau’s crew, he’d likely be just as prickly. [color=1E90FF]“We won’t disturb anything. I’ll take responsibility for her if it makes you feel any better.”[/color]

Kaisahn grunted and waved his hand dismissively. “Do what you want,” he growled. “But if she makes a fool or a mess of anything, you will have to answer for it, Captain.” 

With that, he stalked off.

Sjan-dehk turned to Kalliope and sighed. [color=1E90FF]“Sorry. You’re really seeing the worst of us today,”[/color] he said with a sheepish smile on his face. [color=1E90FF]“Kaisahn’s a cunt on good days, and it bloody hurts me to speak in defense of him, but he’s got good reason to be one today, at least.”[/color] He jerked his head towards the bonfire that was steadily being built. [color=1E90FF]“It’s never a good feeling to lose any of your crew. It doesn’t excuse him being rude to you, but…”[/color] He trailed off and sighed. [color=1E90FF]“I can understand where he’s coming from.”[/color]

[color=8D3B72]"He certainly seems like quite the ass, but I understand all too well how the loss of people you care about can affect you."[/color] She said as she gave him a soft smile.

He remained silent for a moment, but then quickly recovered. [color=1E90FF]“We should get ready,”[/color] he said and tilted his head towards the bonfire. To give credit where it was due, the crew of the Sudah had built it in good time, even after accounting for the number of hands they had working on it. Now, they stood in orderly rows and columns in front and on the left of the bonfire. Sjan-dehk led Kalliope to the right, where the two of them stood alone. [color=1E90FF]“We arrange ourselves by ship,”[/color] he explained in a quiet whisper. [color=1E90FF]“For now, just stand still.”[/color]

A robed figure stepped out of the middle block of men. Their hands were pressed to their chest, one over the other, but they slowly raised them to the sky as they approached the stone square. “To these foreign lands, so far from home, we sailed,” she intoned. Hoarse and creaky as her voice was, it still rang in the silence of the night. “For those whom we left behind, we accepted risk. For the betterment of all, we turned our prows to the unknown.”

The words were different from what Sjan-dehk remembered, but he supposed that a change to suit their current circumstances was warranted. Proper, even. [color=1E90FF]“When it’s time to say anything, just repeat after me or keep quiet,”[/color] he muttered to Kalliope from the corner of his mouth.

“We, fated to live, have lived. For that, we give thanks to Sea and Sky.”

[color=1E90FF]“Wind and Waves carry us,”[/color] Sjan-dehk recited in unison with everyone else.

Kalliope glanced briefly at Sjan-dehk as he began speaking, doing her best to repeat the words just as he instructed her to. Her voice was a lot more quiet, however, as she didn't wish to disturb anyone in case she messed up.

“And may they guide us home.” The robed woman turned around, her arms and eyes still directed towards the starry sky overhead. She closed her eyes, and breathed in deep. “And may we bring those no longer with us to their Gods, their Ancestors, and their Homes.”

[color=1E90FF]“Their names be whispered on the wind forevermore.”[/color]

The robed woman nodded to someone else in the congregation, and a man stepped out carrying a blazing torch. He approached the bonfire reverently and stood unmoving before it. “Now may the dead gaze upon our light. May they know that their sacrifice was not in vain. May their souls rest easy.”

[color=1E90FF]“And may a kinder world greet them.”[/color]

With a nod, the robed woman gave the torchbearer the signal to light the bonfire. Though weak at first, the flames and sparks quickly spread and soon the beach was illuminated by the roaring fire. Waves of heat washed over Sjan-dehk, but he stood still like a statue. “All must end someday.” The robed woman was now shouting to make herself heard over the fire. “But all will start in time. Grieve not their passing, and shed no tears, but celebrate their life, and hope to find them upon verdant shores, within hallowed halls, and upon gentle waves!”

[color=1E90FF]“May we all be as fortunate!”[/color] Sjan-dehk caught his breath before turning to Kalliope. [color=1E90FF]“Follow me. I’ll do this part with you,”[/color] he said as he marched himself towards the fire. Several others were doing the same, some with items in their hands which they tossed into the flame, others with nothing but words. [color=1E90FF]“We burn gifts for the dead,”[/color] Sjan-dehk explained. As they approached the bonfire, the heat became more and more intense and oppressive. [color=1E90FF]“Give them something to do wherever they go, you know? But words can be enough.”[/color]

He stopped a short distance away from the fire. [color=1E90FF]“You should go first,”[/color] he said to Kalliope with a gentle smile. [color=1E90FF]“I think you’ve got more right than I do.”[/color]

A flush came to Kalliope's cheeks as she realized she didn't have any sort of gift on her other than the necklace, but she figured Izahn would be offended if she burnt that. So words would have to do, but as she approached the fire she realized she wasn't sure what to say. What would be the most meaningful words? She stood there awkwardly for a long moment, but then she realized what she could say. Or more so, sing. She would gift him a song, something from her heart and that she'd once sung to him before.

The notes drifted from her, a siren's song full of heartache and feeling. While the song was one of something happier, the tears now falling down her cheeks spoke of her grief. The last notes left her and she stood there silent for a moment longer before turning and moving back next to Sjan-dehk. [color=8D3B72]"Apologies if that wasn't appropriate, it just felt right."[/color]

[color=1E90FF]“No, you did nothing wrong,”[/color] Sjan-dehk replied softly, his voice barely heard over the roaring flames. A song was the last thing he’d expected from her, and he’d be lying if he said that he didn’t feel the emotions lacing her words in his soul. He cleared his throat. [color=1E90FF]“It was beautiful. You sing very well. I’m sure Izahn heard and felt it as much as I did.”[/color]

Now it was his turn, and truth be told, he didn’t know what to do. He didn’t have anything to burn for Izahn, nor did he know enough about the man to offer anything beyond bland platitudes, and those were surely not at all appropriate for the occasion. He drew in a deep breath. The scent of burning wood and thick, soupy air charred their way into his lungs. [color=1E90FF]“I don’t know you, Izahn,”[/color] he began. The truth was always a good place to start. [color=1E90FF]“But I know what you did. I don’t know how you lived, but I know you died well. My name is Wasun Sjan-dehk. You likely knew my father as your lord. That we could not save your life is our failure. That I will tell your people of you is my promise as Fourth Lesser Marquis. Rest easy, and may you find a kinder world.”[/color]

Kalliope listened intently as Sjan-dehk spoke, his words carrying a mix of sincerity and respect. The flickering flames danced in her eyes as she absorbed his eulogy for Izahn, feeling the weight of his promise to honor the fallen man. 

He stepped back and looked at Kalliope. Her tears glistened in the firelight, as did the trails they left on her cheeks. [color=1E90FF]“We can go back,”[/color] he said quietly. At the same time, he undid his sash and pulled it free before handing it to her. [color=1E90FF]“For your ah…”[/color] He trailed off and gestured to his own face and eyes. [color=1E90FF]“Someone somewhere probably disagrees with how I’m using this thing, but it’s really just a symbol. End of the day, it’s a piece of cloth, and it’ll do what cloth does just as well.”[/color]

She glanced at his sash and briefly hesitated before gently taking it and holding it close to her chest, grateful for the small yet meaningful offering. She softly dabbed her eyes, surprisingly not all that embarrassed for showing her emotions in front of him.

Her voice was soft, carrying a touch of melancholy as she responded to him, her gaze fixed on the burning pyre. [color=8D3B72]"Thank you, Sjan-dehk,"[/color] she said, her voice tinged with a mixture of sadness and gratitude. [color=8D3B72]"Your words for Izahn were truly heartfelt. I'm certain his spirit felt the warmth and sincerity in your tribute."[/color]

The ceremony didn’t last too long after that. It never did, in Sjan-dehk’s experience; after saying their goodbyes and giving their offerings, nobody wanted to linger around. There was work to be done. Memories of the dead should never stagnate the living, as it’d been written, after all. After a few final words by the robed woman, the crowd started to dissipate. Men returned to the boats whilst others stayed by the water’s edge for a moment longer. Kalliope remained by Sjan-dehk's side, the faint scent of smoke lingering in the air. Her gaze followed the departing mourners, silently paying her respects to their shared loss.

[color=1E90FF]“I’ve to thank you,”[/color] Sjan-dehk said to Kalliope as he watched the rest go about their business. [color=1E90FF]“If you weren’t here, Izahn would’ve had to be sent-off by a stranger.”[/color] He looked back at the city for a moment. [color=1E90FF]“I’ll be going back to Sada Kurau. We have an early day tomorrow and I told the men to sleep early. Have to lead by example, you know?”[/color]

She turned her attention back to Sjan-dehk then as he expressed his gratitude for her presence during the somber occasion. A gentle smile curved her lips, though sadness still lingered in her eyes. [color=8D3B72]"I'm glad I could be here with you, Sjan-dehk,"[/color] she replied softly. [color=8D3B72]"Your kindness and generosity in including me in this is something that means more to me than I can even express."[/color]

Her gaze shifted toward the distant lights of the city, a touch of longing in her voice. [color=8D3B72]"Returning to [I]Sada Kurau[/I] sounds like the responsible choice and it honestly sounds nicer than what I have to do,"[/color] she acknowledged. [color=8D3B72]"Your crew are fortunate to have a captain who leads by example and cares."[/color]

A brief pause followed, the crackling of the fire filling the silence between them. Kalliope took a step closer, a gentle breeze rustling her hair as she held his sash out for him. [color=8D3B72]"I suppose I should also make my way into town as I have a few things I need to do before the night ends,"[/color] she said, a small smile gracing her lips. She paused for a second, considering a way to repay him for his kindness. [color=8D3B72]"If you aren't too busy over the next few days, perhaps you'd allow me to show you around Sorian? I promise to make it far more enjoyable than some of the other stuffy nobles who might take up the task."[/color]

Sjan-dehk could feel his cheeks heat at the rapid succession of compliments. He left out a quiet, nervous chuckle and pulled the brim of his hat a little lower over his eyes. [color=1E90FF]“You flatter me. I don’t think I did that much,”[/color] he said. He honestly didn’t; bringing Kalliope here had nothing to do with him as a person. It was simply the right thing to do – Izahn deserved to be sent off properly, and Sjan-dehk could hardly do that himself. 

He looked out at the sea. [color=1E90FF]“It’ll take a while before I can do anything about that promise. Still not sure how long we’re planning on staying here.”[/color] He chewed on his lip for a moment. Being stuck in harbour – as that was essentially his situation – sat poorly with him, even if it was due to no one’s fault in particular. He looked back at Kalliope. [color=1E90FF]“But it has to be done. That’s the Way as all of us are taught.”[/color]

When Kalliope reached out with his sash, Sjan-dehk gently placed his hand on hers and pushed it back. [color=1E90FF]“It’s alright. You can keep it for now. No one’s going to miss the bloody thing, least of all me. You can give it back some other day.”[/color] He took a step towards the city and glanced over his shoulder at her with a grin. [color=1E90FF]“Or tomorrow, if you don’t mind showing me around then. I’d be more than happy to have you give me the tour than some noble who likely doesn’t want to be there and doesn’t know their way around beyond the castle walls.”[/color]

He beckoned for her to follow. [color=1E90FF]“If you don’t mind, I can walk with you until we need to go our separate ways.”[/color]