In my heart's a memory, and there you'll always be

The end had come like a swift thrust of a blade into the heart, no matter how inevitable it had been. Dear, sweet Laeta had been ill for so long, and in her passing Artorias took solace knowing she was free of her pain. No more suffering, no more weakness, no more wondering if tomorrow would be a good or bad day. She was free; free to run the sunny fields of Somnium for all eternity. And Mel had gone with her too so she wouldn't be alone while she waited for the rest of them, a perfect bittersweet ending to the heartbreaking story. In some ways, Laeta's death had come easier than Audra's had. Maybe it was because it had been a long time coming, maybe it was because of that grim relief that came at the end of a sick loved one's departure. Or maybe there was just too many fucking funerals happening now...

Artorias had set up Laeta and Mel's pyre with care and devotion, constructing the funeral site on the cliffs of the Starlit Plains that overlooked the western sea. Laeta had always loved her ocean view from her room, and Art would make sure they saw her off in the place that brought her the most peace. She may not have been his blood, but Laeta had been his family as much as any of his siblings were. She deserved all the same reverence and love for her selfless loyalty to the Hallows and to the betterment of others. The day was overcast, but thankfully the rain had held off, even letting a few errant rays of golden sunlight peak through from time to time as the sun set. After the pyre had been build and soaked with oil, Artorias had brought Lae and Mel's bodies out to rest them atop a fine cloth that covered the logs, dyed the deep orange of the Hallows' colors. The bodies had been cleaned and prepared dutifully by Gwynevere, Laeta's coat brushed and sleek over her frail body with wisteria flowers placed atop her crown and Mel's fur smoothed with his monocle placed gently over one closed eye. Gazing down at their forms, forever in an eternal sleep, Artorias leaned down to plant a farewell kiss atop Laeta's brow and a gentle pet to Mel. The Hallows would never be the same again...

With the final preparations made, Artorias lifted his muzzle and released the call for all who wished to bid farewell to Laeta and Mel to assemble. It was a solemn call, one he was getting far too familiar with. Three deaths in one season... He prayed the gods would take mercy on them and spare them any further heartbreak and loss.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"