An Elven Last Homecoming

Of all the Folk of Cartyrion, the Elves are the longest lived in any sense of the term. Awakened before any of the other Folk, their People have roamed Cartyrion longer than any other. And an individual elf's time upon the world is - barring accident, violence, or illness - far longer than that of any other people. But they are not immortal, so the time inevitably comes when an elf's family, companions, and friends must say their final farewells to someone they have shared life with - possibly for hundreds of years. The Last Homecoming - the first portion of the Elven funerary rites - provides a way to offer some comfort and reassurance to those close to an Elf whose spirit has gone be closer to their gods.

A Bit of Background

Homecomings are an important part of every Elf's life. When the first Elves were Awakened, they were instilled with a deep reverence and wonder for the natural surroundings around them. The natural world around the Elvenhome - the place of that first Awakening - inspired a sense of peace, joy, and inner calm. Even the most adventurous Elves with the strongest urges of wanderlust experienced joy at returning to their family and friends - and so did the family and friends. "Homecomings", therefore, were occasions to be celebrated, and every journey would be expected to end with such a celebration.

The Last Homecoming

According to the Elven histories, the funerary rite the Elves call the Last Homecoming grew out of this tradition. Since the first death of an Elf, it had been tradition to bury the body somewhere near to where they had lived, and to plant a tree over the interred corpse. The Elves believe that, in this way, some of what was their cherished friend or family member would become part of the living tree - a tree that would be a long-lasting reminder of their relationship.

Because of this tradition, it became practice that whenever an elf met death while away from home, every effort would be made to bring the body home. Elven lore has many examples of expeditions to seek out a lost Elf, even if only to bring their remains back home.
When a deceased Elf was brought back from an adventure, or trading mission, or whatever, it became practice to "welcome the traveler home", though the gatherings tended to be more somber than a typical homecoming. Nevertheless, the survivors of the deceased realized that it was somehow easier to accept their loss and feel closure if given the chance to celebrate this "Last Homecoming". As a result, it became practice to have a Last Homecoming for any Elf that died - even those who died in their own homes.

The Last Homecoming Rite

To conduct a Last Homecoming, a gathering place of suitable size to accomodate all of the deceased's family and friends is needed. Usually this is outdoors unless weather prohibits it. If the body of the deceased is "presentable", it is dressed in its finest formal clothing and laid upon a reclining couch, placed in a position of prominence, and arranged to look as comfortable as possible. Should the condition of the body preclude this, the remains will be enclosed in an appropriate container of some type - a casket, or possibly even an urn depending on the quantity and nature of the remains. This container will be placed in a prominent location.

Homecomings are feasts, and the Last Homecoming is no exception. Foods of all sorts are provided - set upon long tables at the sides of the gathering place so that guests can help themselves. A variety of wines, meads, and ales are also provided. A plate containing morsels of the deceased's favorite foods and drink are on a table near the remains. Musicians are often present, providing quiet background music - favorites of the deceased to the greatest extent possible. Guests mill about, gathering in ever-changing groups to recount joyous times, outlandish deeds, noble qualities, and memorable mishaps involving the deceased. Some of these groups will form near the remains, and the deceased will be "included" in the conversation.

There is no set time limit for the duration of the feast. Some have been known to last for days, ending only when the deceased's condition began to visibly deteriorate.

Who's Paying For This?!

A Last Homecoming can be an expensive event, especially if the deceased has a large number of family, friends, and acquaintances that would be in attendance. And an Elf that has lived hundreds of years has plenty of time to amass a large number of such folk.

Wealthy Elves often set aside a portion of their wealth to ensure that guests of their Last Homecoming are well treated. Wealthy families will ensure their loved ones are welcomed home in proper fashion. But In the event the "guest of honor" or their family cannot make appropriate provision for the feasting, the guests themselves take up the slack. They will arrive with baskets and trays of food for the buffet tables. Some may provide casks of wines or meads. Those attending the feast consider it their duty to ensure the "guest of honor" is properly welcomed, so it is a rare Last Homecoming that does not include a rich assortment of food and drink with which to celebrate.

Closing Thoughts

The overall mood of the attendees is generally upbeat throughout - something that other races of the Folk find confusing. This confusion stems from not realizing the fundamental difference between an Elven Last Homecoming and the wake/funeral customs of most other Folk. For while most of the Folk gather to say "goodbye" to the deceased for the last time, the Elves are doing the very opposite. They are saying, "Welcome home", content in the knowledge that they'll never have to say goodbye to their friend or family member again.
The wealthiest Elves often have made provisions for the costs associated witht his These items are all prepared and provided by the guests themselves.

Credits

Character images by RPGDinosaurBob using HeeroForge