In Remembrance

[Hocho Militus (Tom)]

To the great and unknowable Gods, we commit these, our true friends, to the afterlife. We know as the Fathers instruct us that this is the fate of all mortal flesh. To meet one’s doom heroically, in the act of selflessness and brotherhood that is defending the lives of others, is the most glorious possible death. But these men are not paragons or ideals to we, their brothers. They were our friends, fast and true, through our shared suffering and blood. We have embraced them and commiserated with them, not in sympathy, but in the sorrow and joy of a family. Like us, they are mortal, but through us, they will live on. There will be no holy day or feast that we fail to remember them and their sacrifice.

To Ionia, we commit Oswald to the grave where his bones may rest as his soul soars to his final destination.

To Mauradin, we commit Gorock to the tomb, where generations of his clansman may make pilgrimage to honor their ancestor.

To both, we erect these standing stones that others may look upon them and be amazed by their feats of courage for a hundred hundred years.

Oh Ionia and Mauradin, our great benefactors, accept this our offering to you and do unto them the honor they are due. We leave them in your wise and generous hands. Amen and Amen.

[Tippy Smallfoot (Greg)]

A tragic and sad day for us all. I enjoyed training with Oswald as we honed our skills in combat. I hate Ogres. Stupid, evil creatures killing just for killing’s sake. I imagine our journeys through the wilderness will be that much more dangerous without him. We are more likely than not to get lost as well. He was a good man.

Gorock had the patience of a…err well, a rock. Other than Malius I don’t think anyone else was more willing to listen to my endless banter. I’m still not sure what happened.

I remember quite clearly yelling for retreat and I swore Gorock nodded in agreement and took a step away from the giant. Then he had a strange look on his face as if some distant voice was encouraging him, challenging him to fight to the death. I suppose we all have that fool in our minds and its up to us whether we listen or not.

Though I didn’t hear the same voice, I was inspired by Gorock’s battle cry and rededication to the fight at hand. At that moment, I felt a courage I have never felt before. My instincts have always been to run to fight another day but so great was Gorock’s passion I became suddenly blind to my fear and was willing to perish at my friend’s side.

I will miss them both greatly.

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