A Second Chance (Blake/Squad Assignment)

[Bailey Oleander]

"You sounds doubtful."

[Blake Oleander]

"Yuuuup."

[Bailey Oleander]

"Why?"

[Blake Oleander]

He shook his head.

"Later."

[Bailey Oleander]

"Alright. Later, then." She nodded, letting it go for now.

[Blake Oleander]

That evening the bodies had been prepared for the funeral, with everyone gathered before the unlit pyres. Blake stood in front of them his eyes sweeping over the crowd trying to steel himself for this. His heart tight in his chest as he felt the weight of the bloodsoaked Earth beneath his feet. With a deep breath, he lifted his chin to look at his people with purpose and resolve.

"Tonight we are here to honor the sacrifice of countless brave warriors who gave their lives to protect not only our home. But the soul of our people. Strangers to our land, strangers that even a year ago would have been mortal enemies because of who they are and where they are from. Our differences were stark, and they continue to be many. But those differences did not stop them from defending our home, and our people.

These people, each and every one of them I consider a brother and a sister. Every life that was given so that we may see another dawn weighs upon my soul, and I ask that we share this burden. That we remember the sacrifice and honor them for their bravery. My heart feels heavy that we are unable to give them each the funeral that they deserve, and I can only hope that the purifying warmth of fire can give their souls peace.

I hope that they see fit to continue to bless our land and it's people with their protection. That like our ancestors before us they see fit to watch over our children and our children's children. For every soul that has been given to protecting this land deserves to have it as a home."

He'd turn his gaze to the heavens as he lifted his arms to signal the lighting of the pyres. All of them igniting with his motion.

"I welcome you to share our land with honor. Though you are far from your place of birth, I welcome you to consider yourselves home. I welcome you Brothers and Sisters to your final resting place. May you find the peace in the afterlife that eluded you in life."

He'd lower his hands and his head, casting his gaze downward as his heart continued to flutter as he'd make his way toward the crowd, and more importantly to the village. His steps as heavy as his heart.

[Bailey Oleander]

Burning the bodies was a relief in more ways than one. It eased the tightness in Bailey's chest as well as removing gthe danger of plague and giving the living some peace. Perhaps even the dead, as well. She stood with her hands clasped behind her back, listening to the speech Blake gave with a hint of pride. Itw as more than he normally said - ever - and he did well.

Her gaze remained on the flames, remembering the fight and bloodshed. People who had interest had come to fight for a people they didn't know. People Blake and his village and been sworn enemies again less than three months ago. And now, something new was coming from the ashes.

It also reminded her of things left undone. Things she needed to do, and soon. She was starting to get nervous about even going home now.

She turned, stepping along the edge of the crowd to follow Blake, catching up with his figure in teh distance.

[Blake Oleander]

She'd catch up to Blake alone talking to Virgil.

[Bailey Oleander]

Her pace slowed as she caught sight of Blake and Virgil talking, steps nearly coming a stop as she waited for some indication it was okay to keep going. She had no idea what Virgil did to know if it was something she was interrupting, or supposed to hear.

[Blake Oleander]

"Will the leaders of 249 be receptive to merging their people with mine?"  He'd ask Virgil. 

[David B.]

"No."

[Bailey Oleander]

She would have turned back to let Blake speak with Virgil, but the question had her attention as much the answer took her by surprise. She frowned, genuinely confused and worried now. Her people were already dying and looking for a new place to make their home. What would be so adverse to this arrangement?

"Why wouldn't they?" she asked without hesitation.

[Blake Oleander]

He assumed Virgil only answered his questions without being prompted otherwise. His gaze flickered to Bailey and then back to Virgil.

"Why would the leaders of 249 not be open to merging with my people?"

[David B.]

"They are afraid."

[Bailey Oleander]

Bailey frowned, but gave Blake a single nod to let him continue. She'd chime in if she had anything she felt needed to be asked.