Just slightly forward-dated

[gatheringstorm]

[Early in the morning, or as early as Korrin can think straight, her drained voice can be heard over the sending crystal. It’s more than a little hoarse, but she wouldn’t leave this up to anyone else but her and Mal. They’ve known Asher for a long time, and this is the least they can do for him. ]

...Asher’s gone. There wasn’t any pain, not in the end. He just...slipped away. To anyone who helped make his last days easier, thank you.

We’ll be heading to Honey Badger Hold to give him a proper Avvar send-off. Anyone who he counted as friend, you’re welcome to join us. Mal says to dress warm and bring some kind of gift to show respect to the Hold. First person to be a jackass gets to take a long walk off a short cliff. Don’t test us on that. Asher deserves better, and he’ll get it.

[Her throat closing in on her again, she passes it on to Mal without further comment should he have anything further to add, and leans on him. His shoulder was damp before, thanks to her, and likely will be again before long.]

Comments

[elegiaque]

When will we leave?

( under the circumstances, korrin will probably understand if that's all she has to say. )

[gatheringstorm]

[She does, and it takes her a moment before that lump in her throat subsides a bit.]

Melisende said tomorrow. It won't be a long trip, so you won't need to pack much.

[elegiaque]

I'll be ready in the morning. Is there anything -

( she has to stop for a moment. )

Is there anything particular you think I ought to bring.

[gatheringstorm]

From what I was told, Avvar prefer sturdy items that endure the cold of the Frostbacks. They'd appreciate furs or smoked meats, something to contribute to the hold. It doesn't have to be a lot; the gesture alone is enough to show that you respect their ways.

[elegiaque]

Aura's going to be there as well, isn't she? I have something for her.

[aceso]

It's news she's been dreading, but she knew it was coming all the same. That knowledge doesn't make the reality any easier to bear, however, and she finds herself sitting down as her legs start to feel weak.

Christine recalls some of the things Asher said to her after he knew it was the end. Make Sam laugh, dance in her bear blanket, rely on the Boneflayers to protect her from those who might try to put her back in the Circle. These are all things she'll do, but right now it feels as though she'll never laugh again. Funny how he's had such an effect on her.

Once she's absorbed this news, she returns Korrin's message.

"Thank you. Is there anything I might do to help with the journey? Packing supplies, perhaps?" Anything to keep her hands busy and her mind from wandering.

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin knows well the need to keep busy and she'll get to that point, once she can pry herself away from Mal and Bronson. That's the harder part, and she can't bring herself to do it just yet. But soon.

"Yeah, we could use an extra pair of hands. Or someone to distract Bronson while we pack, but he's...not a handful right now. It shouldn't be a long trip, but we'll give him the sky burial he would've wanted."

[aceso]

"I am hardly the right person to watch a dog." Not after all the trouble she had with the Commander's dog.

"A sky burial has to do with sending his soul to his gods, does it not?"

[gatheringstorm]

"It's alright, just hang with us and together we'll get this going." Besides, Bronson is such a good boy right now. He doesn't need much watching so much as tender attention, and he ought to have plenty of that.

"Right. The Lady of the Skies is also the goddess of the dead. Instead of cremation, the body is laid out and prayers given. Then, when her messengers -birds- come, they carry the soul to the her. I've never seen it before, but Asher described it to me."

[aceso]

"It will be difficult to see. I hope I can honor him properly." She doesn't want to turn away from the sight, but birds on his body gives her an uncomfortable feeling.

"What gifts could I bring? Would they care for healing herbs?"

[marilaine]

I am sorry he has passed. At least now your long watch is now over and he has gone to a better place free from suffering.

[gatheringstorm]

Thank you. Seeing him suffer for so long...I'm glad it's over, at least.

[marilaine]

I am not familiar with the Avvar customs, but if there is anything I can do to help you, please let me know.

[gatheringstorm]

You've been so kind. I won't forget it.

We'll be gathering supplies for the road, but it won't be that long of a journey so we won't need much.

[marilaine]

Please, I have done little more than offer you a simple repast. I have hardly done anything. But perhaps there is something... [Marilaine trails off a moment because there is no delicate way to say it beyond vague words.] I do not know how far you must travel but I can suggest some flowers or oils to take for the trip.

[chainlightning]

Are there any gifts that would- that would be offensive? Or gifts that would be better?

[ She takes a breath. ]

I built an aravel. My horse can pull it. If... that would be easier. [ For the whole. Transport. Thing. ]

[gatheringstorm]

...that's not a bad idea. Ask Melisende? I'm not sure what they're doing, but it's worth consideration.

Avvar prefer sturdy items that endure the cold of the Frostbacks. They'd appreciate furs or smoked meats, or something else to contribute to the hold. I doubt you'll pull off anything offensive, but if it helps just double-check before we get there.

[chainlightning]

I will. Thank you.

Furs or smoked meats. [ She will... have to find some. ] I might need to go on a hunting trip, then.

[gatheringstorm]

If you want, I can come with but I also understand if it's something you want to do yourself. Or we could see what the merchants have available here, too.

[She understands the sentiment behind getting it personally, though, which she might do. It's hard to take action yet, though, with her mind in a fog.]

[chainlightning]

I thought I might ask Mal? I think he might appreciate getting away for a little bit, and I want to see how he's doing.

[ Beat. ]

Not that I don't want to spend time with you or see how you're doing, Korrin, I just- it can be easy to feel lonely, and you have Araceli, and...

I'm going to stop talking now.

[youwonscience]

I'm so sorry to hear that.

[Cosima didn't know Asher, only barely knows Korrin, but still.]

I know we've just met, but if there's anything practical you need like... running errands or anything. Let me know.

[She neither needs nor expects a response, really, but she has to offer.]

[gatheringstorm]

[Korrin response, once she can regain control over herself.]

Thanks, I really do appreciate it. I should get around to doing some things for myself, but if you could check in on Bronson, I'm sure he could use some attention even from unfamiliar faces.

[youwonscience]

I'd be happy to. If he needs anything other than attention, just let me know or point me to someone who can.

[gatheringstorm]

Just see if he'll eat? I'm going to leave him some mabari crunch treats nearby, but he hasn't touched them yet. There's enough of him that he won't wither away before we get there, but still.....

[youwonscience]

Of course. I'll do what I can.