Passing of the Virtuous

[curaga]

"Raffiel, come here a moment, I have a question."

"What is it Ciel?"
"How do you look so cool? Show me!"
"Here, check this out."

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"Raffiel, can you believe it! Ciel won the tournament."
I always knew he was destined for greatness.

"Raffiel.. Ciel was reinstated his nobility, and he's even been promoted to Radiant!"
The sentiments brought a smile to my face.

You never needed me to help you look cool after all, huh?

...
...
...

"I can't believe it."
"Ciel is dead.."

---

There are days which test a man's faith. Days a man must be alone to comtemplate, to grieve, to question purpose.
The Priest would spend some time in solitude in the weeks to come following the death of his dear friend Ciel vey Pelleaux, a man who was only just beginning to unfold his story and make a name for himself. Like many, he'd experience an influx of emotion. Despite their battle being a victory, it felt like a defeat to everyone present. 

Though after time taken to reflect, Raffiel realized that all he could do was honor his friend's memory. His smile, long gone, was forever etched within the mind of the Priest. Finally, he'd step out to make an annoucement.

❂

"People of Osrona. I know we all suffer the loss of our dear friend and leader, Ciel vey Pelleaux, some more than others. Regardless, he was a man loved, a man who would've done anything for any of us. I would like to host a final farewell for my dear friend, may we all say our goodbyes in a way that may leave us with some morsel of closure. Rest well, for I've no doubts that Avolon has accepted our friend whole-heartedly, and should we live lives half as valiant as his we will someday see him again."

A tribute and ceremony will be held for the passage of Ciel vey Pelleaux into the Vault of Heroes.

3/18 @ 6:30 PM EST.

[curaga]

This has been postponed to Monday 3/21 @ 6:30 PM EST to allow for several relevant characters to be present.

[curaga]

The Church bells ring, one one fateful day.
Those who admired the Pelleaux would gather at the alter, to hear the words of the High Priest, and the otherse who held Ciel close to their hearts.

"For gathering here today, I must thank you all. Ciel was close not only to myself, but to many others as well, 

clearly. A kind, fun-loving man, one who was best at protecting those whom he loved. We gather here not to

further morne the loss of our friend, but to celebrate his life, and his accolades, the little moments. That is

what is important now."

- High Priest Raffiel Gardios

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Several others would also step forth, to speak their hearts.

"Ciel was a kindhearted boy. He always sought to do the right thing and brightened the day of all he came across. 

I recall when he tried to help me find a peaceful resolution to a violent conflict regarding my mentor's missing weapon. Though it never came to fruition, I shall never forget his efforts."

- Octavia ras Pelleaux

"I miss you, Ciel. You are my family, and we only had each other for such a short time. Realizing that you were my brother was one of the best days of my life... I had been so lost in my studies, so focused on everything to make life better for Dad, you and I, that I lost focus on what was most important. Life will never be the same without you. Perhaps one day, I will be able to see you again, be able to fish with you and Dad. I can't believe I lost you both at the same time. But one day, we shall be reunited within the stars. Rest well, little brother. I love you very much. Please say hello to dad for me."

- Elex Young

"I'd come up here and say, 'Oh hey, that Ciel guy? I taught him everything he knows' and well I did, but then you schooled me. I've never seen growth like this before, we met and you were a little goofy kid doing your best to fit in while the world was against you. Never did you resent anyone. You slayed everyone with your kindness, people ignored your presence so you shined so bright that they had to see you. It was beautiful to witness, and it was an honor to be along side you, it's an honor that I can call you my bestfriend. It's been awhile man, I still sit up late at night, walk into the living room and talk to you. I imagine that you're there and I tell you about all of my victories and you speak back. You're too good of a soul, gone way too soon, I question why you even acknowledge me when I did nothing to save you. I'm still very sorry, and even if I kill him a thousand times over it doesn't make up for my mistake. It didn't show with my actions, but I love you man. I won't be seeing you soon if you don't mind. I've got your will to carry on. Hang in there, Ciel."

- Mani lux Pelleaux

"Ciel was the embodiment of Osrona. He represented the Shimmering City better than anyone I've ever met. He was a star, much like his patron Celestial, Rhyt. Everywhere he walked was illuminated by his aura. His smile was brighter than the sun, and his energy was one of the few things that kept me going in my darkest hours. I've met few people who disliked Ciel vey Pelleaux, and each and every one of them deserve meet the same fate he did. His enemies respected him, and his allies held him in high regard. He was a shining emblem of hope for me and many of my peers. 

We all know he was a force to be reckoned with. For a mere child to capture and execute the Champion of Nyx.. Well let's just say not many could do such a thing at that age. But he was far more than just powerful. Power is nothing without drive, and Ciel was more determined than anyone I've ever met. There was no goal that I didn't trust the man in accomplishing. I'd put my entire faith within him at the drop of a hat. That's just how much of an influence he made on the world around him. He was my pillar, the one person who never left my side through it all. I could always rely on him, and he was always there when I needed it. I cry far more than most of you may expect, but day after day he was always the shoulder I leaned on. Ciel dealt with so much in his short life, and despite that he was always ready to carry far more if it meant helping one of his loved ones. I've been blind for much of my life, and he was the lone light I felt like I could truly see. It was always in my darkest moments that I could focus and see his light. He was bright enough to overcome any shadow or shade that afflicted him. He was a Symbol for Osrona. He was hope personified. The title of Radiant meant so much more when regarding him. 

He was truly celestial, a star. That was who Ciel vey Pelleaux was. A friend. A son. An inspiration. A hero. And a champion."

- Armani Dayndros

"You were an awkward kid Ciel... You liked sand and bugs, and you wore a bag over your head, you wouldn't kill anyone, you didn't like death. Even when you had every right to scream bloody murder you... simply didn't." "

We took an oath together, we fought for your noble status to come back.... I was even prepared to give up my life in the sake of clearing yor name."

"And when my world turned dark, you were one of the first ones to help me to adapt to not being able to see, my biggest regret is not being able to see you as an adult..... and that is something I could never forgive myself for..."

"Ciel.. you lived with me since we were toddlers... and though I may have lost you my cousin, I have lost a brother...because make no mistake... you are my brother."

- Sariel vey Pelleaux

"There is so much surrounding Ciel vey Pelleaux. A Pelleaux of questionable company and even more questionable parentage, that ascended to honored, vaunted status before he was even a man. So I'm sure some of you wondering, who have never met him, who knew him only in passing - was he truly as great as they say he was? I've always been an honest man, so as much as it hurts, I have to answer in truth...no. 

He was far greater. 

When Ciel was told what it'd take to earn back title and fortune, not a question left his lips. I searched him for a trace of doubt, and there was none. "Ciel," I asked. "Can you do this?" Silence was my answer as he set off, and I wasn't sure I'd ever see him again. Then, within the span of not years, not months, but mere days, he returned, Sir Crimson at his boot, howling his praises, yelling, "Ciel, you are a champion," in front of all of us, his voice shaking the castle to its foundation. 

When everyone surrounded him, as he was heaped with praise, had nobility restored, he never said anything to me, regarding my earlier question, but at one point, we made eye contact. And it was then he smiled, and Ciel's eyes told me without words, Did you question my ability? 

I could tell you war stories, lavish you with tales of valor in combat, show you his accomplishments, merits that raise brows in the most conservative social circles among the nobility, but you would still not know what you missed. I pity you, he who never got to know him. Ciel brought smiles everywhere he went. Ciel was an advocate for the voiceless, of noble lineage disgraced, he was the model Radiant, warrior, brother, son, and rarely did he wax and wane poetic, as fools like me often do, as his presence spoke for him. So you may ask - how did he die? I will tell you one thing. I have ran the calculations. I have analyzed the events. I was witness to them. 

They did not defeat Ciel vey Pelleaux, because you cannot defeat Ciel vey Pelleaux. He was unbeatable. 

Throwing my own all at him to see his true strength, he annihilated me time and time again. His youth betrays the experience he had in the fields of war. The raw efficiency of his movements, the strength behind his blows, the speed at which he approaches - it cannot be matched. Cannot be countered. To see him on a battlefield was to witness greatness in the making. And then? He'd come home and give the last coin in his pocket to a stranger, he'd make you laugh at your lowest point, and anything you asked, he poured his all into making it so. Ciel was the work of no miracle, but rather, he, himself, was the miracle. We join in mourning not a hero, but the hero. It is no exaggeration to say, among us, Ciel's closest, it felt, after a point, like we were in his story, and we were prepared to have been chronicled as mere companions to a legend. But now I see, old friend, only after you were taken from me, this world did not deserve a hero like you. To those who cower in the wood, know this: He promised, he promised to never die, and for all his might, he could not strike down his own father, who he loved, as he loved this world, and its every inhabitant. You did not defeat Ciel vey Pelleaux. Ciel rests in Avalon, undefeated, not a scar on his back, for he never ran, from any of you, nor any of your champions. Your Nanzo, who has lived many of Ciel's lifetimes, could not have beaten him. And he knows it. Knows it how he trembles in your forests at the mere shade of Ciel, the threat of retaliation. Take Ciel's sword. Strip his belongings. Spread them to your soldiers. Spit on his name. Laugh at his title. Shame his father. Mock his demise. Ruin all that you can, all that remains of him that you see. 

But Ciel vey Pelleaux will never die, and among the greatest, he will stand, forevermore."

- Faustus

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His loved ones said it best, Ciel was a hero in life and in death, a beautiful and kind soul. He was remembered fondly, a man who touched many.

And with goodbyes long since stolen, now spoken, Raffiel's final words in conclusion would be those honoring their friend into the next life.

"Though it pains me so, to say goodbye, these are the wounds of our mortal coils. I know well you have moved 
forth in an honorable way, in a way that your soul will certainly be accepted among the stars. The plan of the
divine is far beyond our comprehension, but what we can all fathom is the life he lived, the smile he presented,
and the unwavering Heroism displayed by this young man. For these accolades, he has been welcomed among
the members of the Vault of Heroes, where he shall rest, and guide from the beyond. Bless you Ciel vey Pelleaux,
and you will always be missed, and remembered."

---

It was here that the High Priest would feel the guidance and comfort of his fallen friend's presence, for the first time since his passing.
A light smile touched the countenance of the devout, acknowledging Ciel as his Guardian in the Light.