It was Yerbol's turn to listen and he was happy to do so. One of the reasons why he felt like their relationship and subsequent marriage worked so well was that they were willing to not only share their innermost thoughts, but also hear what the other had to say. Even when they were tenuous allies on their first mission to Quensu, it just felt very...natural to have dialoge like this. Regarding their current dialogue, Aria brought him back to their most current situation. On any other day, Yerbol might have balked at Aria's suggestion about Voldon's death, but after all that had happened...
"I think you might be right about that." He laid back onto their bed, eyes cast up at the luminscient ceiling caused by the now half-full moon.
"Voldon had a powerful voice, one that was needed to help pull us together in times of massive crisis, but maybe it was time for him to depart." He turned his head to meet his wife's gaze as he continued:
"It seemed like he knew that, too, didn't he? Didn't seem like the other Elders shared the feeling except for Cheriss. Maybe after doing what he needed to do, the Force gave him a premonition that his sacrifice would be necessary in order to thwart Manus' attempts to undermine all the work that Qyaari have done in restoring a shred of balance to the Force." He placed a hand on Aria's arm with a half-smile.
"I think I need to follow your advice at this particular juncture, however, and stop talking. Tomorrow is going to be taxing on almost every level imaginable." Yerbol drew a bit closer, planting a gentle kiss Aria's lips before telling her quietly:
"I'm glad that we're not trying to go through this on our own. Because I'd be a mess without you."
_____
It was surreal to see the meditation garden illuminated by the early morning sun. Orange and crimson hued flowers were gently bobbing in the breeze almost in full bloom, vines were wrapped lazily around the terraced walls and on the northern most part of the meditation garden stood the remaining Elders and Kira, their normal attire exchanged for robes of midnight black. They were in a loose circular formation around a steely grey rectangular coffin with the lid half open. If one drew closer, they would find that instead of a body, there were personal effects of the deceased Elder, one of which was an ornately carved lightsaber hilt being placed by Kira, her eyes shimmering as she whispered something so gently that no one else except she would ever hear. Aliel's arm traced across Kira's shoulders, which the Knight allowed for a moment, but then shrugged off, kneeling beside the coffin as she traced her hand over the inner lining, across the mementos of a life that she thought would never end in a stroke of romantic naivety. Her hand rested once more on the hilt, shoulders slumping, tears sullying the silk interior. Aliel's comfort wasn't rebuffed this time as she helped Kira to her feet and embraced the Knight tightly as the other Elders turned to face the entrance of the garden to greet the Champions who they had summoned rather early (5 in the morning) via holocom. Thankfully Aria had suggested they get dressed and not listened to her groggy husband who claimed they were just fine in what they were wearing, which featured Yerbol in a black suit, white shirt and black tie that attempted to reflect the solemnity of the occasion.
"Forgive the early summons, but this felt more appropriate." Matt's face flickered briefly with a smile before he motioned to the other Elders.
"The larger memorial service is, unfortunately, going to be an affair that involves too many than we'd like, but given our political ties to the Alliance, we had to allow it."
"I know that this was going to be a large event, but how man-"
"Chancellor Saresh and the entire Alliance cabinet will be in attendance along with other key diplomats across the Core worlds and even some from the Outer Rim."
"Oh."
"Not to mention increased security from potential jaded Sith or Jedi who would want to disrupt the service, Holonet reporters who do have a right to record an event like this for the rest of the galaxy to see and the entire populace of Zinuthra along with guests we did not foresee coming."
"Wow."
"Indeed." Malu spoke in affirmation, then added:
"Which is why we're here now. To pay our respects to Voldon in our own way. We thought you both would appreciate the opportunity to do so."
"Thank you...thank you so much."
"You two fought alongside him the most out of all of us except for Kira. It was the least we could do." Kira, who was now free from the embrace, attempted a smirk as she looked to the recent additions to the mourning party.
"He liked you two, you know. Thought you had valor, heart and all that noble stuff. Probably why he kept insisting that he go with you out in the field."
"That's...wow, that's probably the most praise I'll ever hear from him." Kira chuckled at the truism.
"Big guy wasn't too big on doling out the praise...or speaking about emotions, but when he did, he was thoughtful, articulate, sensitive, even." She cleared her throat, eyes misting over as she looked at the coffin once more. Silence descended upon the party for a few moments before Matt broke it:
"The event crew will be arriving soon, so we'll have to disperse. The service won't start until ten. I recommend we do what we can to help the students and faculty arrange the Academy's dining area and main hall for our influx of visitors." He glanced to the Champions and told them:
"Feel free to say your peace now. You won't have the time later."
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El Taco Taco
The Elvenqueen