A Toast at Airgead's
Once the recitation of names comes to a complete halt, Naoilann again takes his place on the table and raises his glass.
“Absent Friends! Let’s sing them home.”
He begins to sing in a smooth baritone, and is joined in short order by the rest of the crowd. Dílis’ voice stands out, a very sweet tenor, as does the Queens – just as sweet but somewhat deeper in pitch. The song is an old one and is recognized by all, though this arrangement is somewhat different. The acapella performance is haunting.
”This for the friends we had of old
Friends for a lifetime’s love and cheer.
This for the friends who come no more
Who cannot be among us here.
We’ll not forget, while we’re alive,
These hallowed dead, these deeds of fame.
Where they have gone, we will follow soon
Into the Darkness and the Flame.
Then we shall rise, our duty done,
Freed from all pain and sorrow here,
We’ll leave behind ambition’s sting
And keep alive our honor dear.
And they will stand beside us then
All whom we loved and hoped to see
And they shall sing a glad AMEN
To cheer that final victory.
We shall not cease our faithful watch
Nor shall the sword sleep in our hand
Till we have gone beyond the stars
To join that fair immortal band.”
OOC: Please let me know if your character sang along.
[sblock=OOC]The above poem, along with the toast and the 'Singing Home' of absent friends is not mine (much as I'd like to claim it). This is a ceremony from an Elizabeth Moon novel, and is copyrighted by her - all credit to the original author. It was moving to me in the novel, hopefully will be to you as well as part of this game![/sblock]
