Ouroboros Spine ★☆ uvlugiam anana ★☆

funeral & death songs for shikoba! this thread can be used ongoingly; single replies also welcome, no posting order! @Ajei @Vairë @Valiant @Galana @Ciri @Ariadne @Stratos @Faele @Kyrell @Kigipigak - for visibility, @Aiolos @Peregrine Nantahala @Lariat @Lightfoot @Sisamat @Malguk @Atausiq @Callyope @Andr @Fleurette @Iaghe <3 set for may 7, late afternoon

they gathered for shikoba.

here in the grove, life born from the body of her sister had not drawn breath. buried here by their loved lótë, now the young spirits watched as the loose soil beneath the variegated pinewood was moved by many paws, creating a deep place for shikoba to lay.

curled upon the pelts from her den, half covered with others, her arms had been filled with the bounty of early spring. the things from her life in the ulaq she had shared with inutsuk had been placed around her, as requested.

it was hard to see the sleeping-place of the star hunter empty.

but there was some balm to witness now how easily shikoba slept beneath the soft rustling of breeze-song leaves.

"we will not forget you," kukutux murmured, and hugged ajei tightly, close, her tears falling.

soon thereafter, the evening came to moonglow, and as ajei made her first running, the duck began the death songs.

blood take from a cut bitten into her flesh, the crimson stain smeared upon her forehead and then that of others if they wished to come forward, or wished to carry out this personal rite for themselves.

but before she began, kukutux stood and after a breath, after she had caught herself, tasting salt, she spoke. "the moon does not forget the star. we say her name. we say their names. shikoba," and her heart tensed with the taboo. "shikoba," and the pain swirled within, easing the fear. "shikoba. we will sing for you now."

and lynx nodded in approval.

moonmother lifted her voice;

it is time to leave.

it is time to leave this place of sorrow.

it is time to lift from flesh and walk to home.

do not be afraid. do not be afraid. our voices walk with you, beloved spirit.