The Rite of Farewell
The Rite of Farewell is a deeply moving and solemn tradition held by the Skysworn to honor the passing of a beloved dragon. The ceremony takes place in Dragon Valley, a hallowed ground where the presence of dragons is palpable. The entire Skysworn community gathers to offer their condolences and support to the grieving rider who has lost their loyal companion.
The ceremony commences with the gentle placement of the fallen dragon's lifeless body upon a grand pyre, meticulously prepared by the guild members as a symbol of respect and reverence. The mourners stand in a circle around the pyre; their heads bowed in solemn reflection. The rider of the departed dragon stands at the forefront, their grief palpable but their resolve unwavering.
A hauntingly beautiful and melancholic song, known as the Dragon's Lament, fills the air. Sung by skilled bards and Dragon Riders and joined by the somber hum of the Dragons, the song weaves a poignant melody that carries the weight of loss and the depth of the unbreakable bond between dragon and rider. The heartfelt music gives voice to the emotions of love, loss, and remembrance shared by all present, allowing them to mourn collectively and find solace in their shared grief.
As the song reaches its heartfelt conclusion, a ceremonial flame is lit, and the pyre is set ablaze. The roaring flames gently consume the body of the departed dragon, signifying the spirit's journey to the realm beyond. The sacred fire serves as a symbol of transformation and passage, guiding the soul of the dragon on its next adventure.
The Rite of Farewell is a profound expression of the Skysworn's reverence for the dragons and their unwavering dedication to their riders. It serves as a poignant reminder that the bond forged between dragons and their riders transcends time and extends into eternity. The ceremony aims to provide the grieving rider with closure and peace as they bid farewell to their cherished companion, knowing that the memory of their dragon will forever live on in the hearts of all who attended the sacred rite. Through this tradition, the Skysworn community honors the legacy of the departed dragon and cherishes the enduring bond between rider and mount in their noble quest to protect the realms they hold dear.
In the embrace of wings, we soared up high
Through clouds and stars, you were my sky
Your fiery gaze, a beacon of light
Together we danced in the pale moon's sight
(Chorus)
Now you've flown away, beyond the realms of day
In the Dragon's Lament, I'll forever pray
Oh, my companion, my heart's delight
I'll hold you close through the darkest night
(Verse 2)
In the heat of battles, we stood side by side
Your strength and courage, my eternal guide
With every beat of your mighty heart
A bond unbroken, we'll never part
(Chorus)
Now you've flown away, beyond the realms of day
In the Dragon's Lament, I'll forever pray
Oh, my companion, my heart's delight
I'll hold you close through the darkest night
(Bridge)
Wings of sorrow, they carry me
To the memories we shared so free
In the dragon's song, I'll find you there
In the whispers of the wind, your love we'll share
(Verse 3)
Though you're gone, I'll carry on
With the strength you gave, I'll be strong
In dragon's dreams, you'll come alive
Our souls entwined as long as stars survive
(Chorus)
Now you've flown away, beyond the realms of day
In the Dragon's Lament, I'll forever pray
Oh, my companion, my heart's delight
I'll hold you close through the darkest night
(Outro)
So spread your wings, my dearest friend
With every breath, your spirit won't end
In the Dragon's Lament, our love will remain
Forever entwined, in eternal flame.
The Dragon's Lament
(Verse 1)In the embrace of wings, we soared up high
Through clouds and stars, you were my sky
Your fiery gaze, a beacon of light
Together we danced in the pale moon's sight
(Chorus)
Now you've flown away, beyond the realms of day
In the Dragon's Lament, I'll forever pray
Oh, my companion, my heart's delight
I'll hold you close through the darkest night
(Verse 2)
In the heat of battles, we stood side by side
Your strength and courage, my eternal guide
With every beat of your mighty heart
A bond unbroken, we'll never part
(Chorus)
Now you've flown away, beyond the realms of day
In the Dragon's Lament, I'll forever pray
Oh, my companion, my heart's delight
I'll hold you close through the darkest night
(Bridge)
Wings of sorrow, they carry me
To the memories we shared so free
In the dragon's song, I'll find you there
In the whispers of the wind, your love we'll share
(Verse 3)
Though you're gone, I'll carry on
With the strength you gave, I'll be strong
In dragon's dreams, you'll come alive
Our souls entwined as long as stars survive
(Chorus)
Now you've flown away, beyond the realms of day
In the Dragon's Lament, I'll forever pray
Oh, my companion, my heart's delight
I'll hold you close through the darkest night
(Outro)
So spread your wings, my dearest friend
With every breath, your spirit won't end
In the Dragon's Lament, our love will remain
Forever entwined, in eternal flame.
Execution
The ceremony takes place in Dragon Valley, a sacred and serene location where the essence of dragons is most palpable. The timing and preparation of the ritual are significant, ensuring that the Skysworn community can come together to honor their departed companion.
Before the ceremony commences, the guild members meticulously prepare a grand pyre, symbolizing reverence and respect for the fallen dragon. The rider of the departed dragon stands at the forefront, flanked by their fellow Skysworn members, all dressed in solemn attire as a mark of respect for the occasion.
The ceremony is initiated with a moment of silence, allowing all present to gather their emotions and pay their respects. Then, the mournful and haunting melody of the Dragon's Lament begins, performed by a skilled bard, Dragon Rider, and joined by the Dragons themselves, adding their low melodic hum. The song's poignant and evocative lyrics convey the depth of the bond between dragon and rider and the emotions of love, loss, and remembrance that permeate the gathering.
As the song concludes, the guild members light the pyre with ceremonial flames, symbolizing the transformation and passage of the departed dragon's spirit to the realm beyond. The flickering fire gently consumes the lifeless body, offering a powerful visual representation of the dragon's transition to another realm.
Components and tools
The primary item is a grand pyre, a carefully constructed funeral pyre where the lifeless body of the deceased dragon is laid to rest. The pyre is adorned with flowers, candles, and sacred symbols representing the bond between dragons and their riders.
Additionally, momentos of the dragon are placed around the pyre, such as the dragon's favorite belongings, pieces of their scales, or items that hold sentimental value to the rider. These momentos serve as a tribute to the dragon's life and a way for the rider to cherish their memories together.
Participants
The Rite of Farewell is attended by the entire Skysworn community, as well as those close to the fallen dragon and its rider. This includes all the dragon riders, scaled masters, groundlain, tranquil scales, and other guild members. The presence of the Grandmaster and Elders is also expected. The ceremony is a solemn and sacred event, and every member of the guild gathers to pay their respects and provide support to the grieving rider who has lost their beloved dragon.
Additionally, family members and close friends of the rider and the fallen dragon may attend the ceremony, offering their condolences and sharing in the mourning process. The Skysworn community comes together as a united family during these somber moments, offering comfort and solace to one another as they say their final goodbyes to a dear companion.
Observance
The Rite of Farewell is observed whenever a dragon rider loses their beloved dragon companion. The ceremony takes place shortly after the dragon's passing, allowing the rider and the Skysworn community to come together in a timely manner to pay their respects and bid farewell to the fallen dragon. The ritual serves as an important way for the rider to find closure and receive support from their fellow guild members during their time of grief.
In addition to honoring the departed dragon, the Rite of Farewell also marks the transition of the rider to the rank of the Groundlain. The Groundlain are riders who have lost their dragons and are cared for by the guild for the rest of their lives.
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