Xian's Funeral

Setting: the temple at the Golden Mountain Buddhist Monastery on Verbena

Date: 30 April 2526

Participants: Alaren, Angela, Anise, Artesia, Carmichael, Danee, Deverion, Donna, Jade, Lee, Leutrim, Mariette, McGuire, Pali (as Da Shin), Quintus (as Dr. Philip Cho Kim), Sink, Zachary

Descriptions are listed below

Scene

The temple itself is situated near the lake, overlooking its tranquil waters. The normally silent zen buddhist temple held the sound of soft chanting in unison from a mixture of both men and women, the words

//Gate, Gate, Paragate, Para Sam gate Bodhi svaha

Gate, Gate, Paragate, Para Sam gate Bodhi svaha

Gate, Gate, Paragate, Para Sam gate Bodhisvaha

Bodhi svaha//

Are repeated softly, a mixture of grief as well as compassion held within the tone that moved through the hallowed halls. Within the temple main room a small dias exists, the dias holding around it vases of flowers and burning incense as well as a picture in the center of Xian. Several other objects of a more personal nature to the woman are present, things of sentimental value and from her past left beside where her body would finally be placed upon entrance. At the doorway to the temple a few monks stand as well as the hunched over form of Da Shin, the priest presiding over the cerimony. A sad smile formed along the man's lips as he looks out towards the procession carrying the casket with Xian inside towards the temple, the forward portion of the casket removed for the moment revealing the white cloth wrapped form of the woman so many knew and loved in one fashion or another. To the front of the group of monks carrying their departed sister a lone figure can be seen, the woman carrying a white banner hanging from a pole, several kaji written down across the banner forming a prayer. <Chinese>

McGuire silently enters, showing reverance to the prociedings and his lost friend. This well dressed man hangs his head low as he walks in following the casket. He steps to the side near the back to allow room for others who enter. He remains silent and keeps his hands before him folded in silent prayer. <English>

Danee follows along behind her Captain. When he moves to stand near the back wall and near the door so does she. Her fingers moving over her rosary the soft click of beads probly would go unnoticed. Her eyes are red from crying and so she does not look up from the floor. <English>

Sink enters the monastery, walking slowly, head bowed. He bows to the monks as he passes, pausing just inside the doors, lifting his head to take in the entire sight. Bowing again, he steps to the side, and stands close to McGuire and Danee, respectfully silent. <English>

Donna walks near Zachary and Alaren in the funeral procession, stepping into the temple with the others. She looks around a bit, and heads forward in the room some to choose a place to stand and wait for things to get started. She nods to people that she knows in silent greeting as she spots them. <English>

Jade steps in quietly behind Sink and moves over to Stand next to Danee. Her gloved right hand rests silently and still on the hilt of her Katana, not aggressively but as if it were and arm rest. She stares after the casket, violet blue eyes and face passive, void of emotion for the time being. If she's feelin anything, she's hiding it well for the time being. <English>

Having come down from one of the many plantations, a covered MULE parks. One man stays with the vehicle while the other, dressed in a suit and otherwise alone, leaves to make the long walk up through the monestary's grounds.
Eventually, Leutrim makes it up to the temple. The rifleman sans his riflecase waits his turn to file in quietly and step aside of the inflow to remove his Gargoyle brand sun glasses. As pale grey eyes adjust to the inside dimness, Leu slips his dress shoes off to leave them setting against the wall. It's the sort of thing his wife is always doing when she goes into temples and she's Budhist herself, so... alas, she has not come with him today.
Shades tucked into his suit jacket, Leu draws a slow, deep breath and looks to see if anyone is here he knows. He licks his lips but says nothing. <English>

Artesia follows Jade into the temple, slowly and silently, her head bowed. Her eyes are reddened, but dry for the moment, and her face is composed as she moves to join Jade and Danee. Her eyes briefly catch Leutrim's gaze as he looks around, and she gives him a tiny nod, but says nothing. <English>

Trailing along the rear of the funerary line, Lee is back from The Black to observe Xian's ceremony, eyes rarely straying from the raised casket except when he can't help noticing a dearly familiar face amongst the respectful multitudes. But he keeps to himself, hands sunk into his hip pockets, and lurks at the back like a sullen delinquent who is loathe to be seen attending temple lest his cool rep be blown. <English>

Zachary steps into the temple and stops near the entrance. Both he and Alaren bow courteously to the monks who stand as a kind of honor guard at the entrance. Then he leads the way along the aisle behind the monks who are bearing the body of their friend and co-worker, until he comes to a bench with two empty seats. Shifting to take Alaren by the hand, he leads her down the row until they come to the spots. There, they settle together, sitting closely side by side. He occasionally leans his head against her shoulder while he answers some question that she has about the ceremony, the temple, or Buddhism in general. <English>

Mariette is in the entering crowd as well, filing in quietly to find a place first to stand then to sit near her crewmates. Her expression is that of curious intrest as she looks around at other attendees and watches the proceedings begin. <English>

Da Shin finally turned and moved up the centeral isle of the temple's main room, Following behind him by just a few moments the pall bearers move to lay down the casket atop the dias. Da Shin's form moving to stand just to the left of it before looking out over the room, His eyes looking to each person in turn before he finally spoke. The older gentleman's words holding a certain warmth and understanding with the tone, "Greetings to you all, And welcome to Golden Mountain Monestary even if the reason for our gathering today is to say goodbye to a sister." His eyes glancing to the wrapped form of Xian within the coffin before he looked out once more over the room, "We are here today to say goodbye to a dear friend, A woman of the cloth, A sister, a mother, a wife, as well as a soldier and doctor, Xian Nu. She touched many lives, And showed great compassion to all she crossed. Giving peace to those who knew nothing of it more then any single person I have ever known. Always seeing what people could not find within themselves. Finding the good even in the darkest of times." The man's head bowing for a moment as his right hand moved to slide his fingers across his prayer beads once more, "After a brief prayer for our transitioning sister there will be time for offerings to be made." With that he began to look from person to person again as the chanting continued in the background,

"In the space before me is the living Buddha Shakyamuni surrounded by all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, like the full moon surrounded by stars.

I and all sentient beings, until we achieve enlightenment,

Go for refuge to Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

Through the virtues I collect by giving and other perfections,

May I become a Buddha for the benefit of all.

May everyone be happy,

May everyone be free from misery,

May no one ever be separated from their happiness,

May everyone have equanimity, free from hatred and attachment." <Chinese>

McGuire bows his head for the prayer, then looks up to see who will start the giving part of this. He stays in back and quiet for the moment. <English>

Anise arrives at the temple a little after the ceremony has started. Acknowledging she's a bit on the late side of things and not wanting to interrupt anything too much, she just stands near the door and observes what's going on. <English>

Danee continues with her rosary quietly during the prayer. She does not move to go forward to to leave presents or anything she remains in the back between SInk and Faoite and remains quiet. <English>

Donna turns to one side, giving Mariette a soft smile as she sits down among the Guan-Yin crew. And then turns her attention to the front as the ceremony gets under way, taking things in. After the prayer ends, she hesitates for a moment, then gets up to bring over an offering. She takes out a bundle warpped in pink cloth. No... make that a pink set of scrubs, with maybe a small packet of something else folded among them, and all deposited into the casket. Donna brushes a hand against the container, pausing there a moment, before looking up and making her way back to ehr seat. <English>

Sink raises his head as Da Shin speaks, and nods several times through out the welcome, and the description of Xian. When the prayer is started, Sink bows his head for a moment, then raises it to look into Da Shin's eyes, and repeats at a whisper certain phrases, "...free from misery... free from hatred and attachment.". He then bows his head again. He does not move forward to the casket, but quietly observes those who do. <English>

Jade continues to watch the proceedings, still and silent, except for the nod to Leutrim and Donna upon their arrival. Her eyes move to Danee and moment, and she takes the time to wrap and arm around her shoulders and pull her close. <English>

Zachary stands after whispering a few words to Alaren and advances slowly, with a stiff gait, to the casket. He is holding two small polished wooden boxes. One looks like a classic kit for burning incense while traveling. The other has delicate Chinese lettering to indicate that it is a rare blend of tea. "You shared these with me during many graveyard shifts at the clinic. Now they are yours to keep. Be well, my friend." He chokes back a sob and wipes his eyes. "You live in our hearts." He turns, and with the same stiff shuffle, returns to his seat. <English>

Mariette remains quiet, hands folded in her lap as she simply watches, respectfully attentive to the service as each person speaks. She looks from one to the other, her face bearing a sad smile for the purpose of the event, the loss of a life, and celebration of it at the same time. <English>

A bit of a faint nod back to Artesia from Leutrim. He stands apart, by himself though others are around. He doesn't take a seat. Instead he keeps his back facing the wall and allows his gaze to wander, relaxedand with his hands clasped lightly behind himself. He can't help but notice Lee lurking. Surprised to see the younger man, Leu watches him curiously. Until the monk who seems to be leading the ceremony speaks.
The barest frown. A slight tightening of his jaw muscles and Leutrim ever so faintly squints as he tries to figure out what is being said. Something is going on. A few begin to go forward to take things up to place them into the casket. Familiar pink scrubs make Leu smile just a little. He hangs back, watching the others, then somewhat uncertain, he walks forward in his sock feet.
As though he were a little nervous and wary, he waits until Donna and Zachary move on. Leutrim removes a plain brown braided and knotted Buddhist mala bracelet from his own left wrist. It has a jade green stone for its only adornment. A cautious glance to Da Shin before he places lightly over where Xian's hands are, or would be beneath her white wrapping if they were clasped. "Gene's real sorry she's not here to see you. This used to be hers before she gave it to me." Leutrim's baritone may well be too low for anyone to hear who's not already up by the casket. He moves on back towards the back wall, after. <English>

Alaren follows her husband and waits with some reverence as the former preacher now physician, offers his own kind of blessing to his friend. She blinks back a few tears knowing how much he will miss Xian, and swallows hard. She takes a deep breath and then approaches the casket. She speaks quietly to Xian as if she were standing before her and offers her sentiment. "You tied us together within the cradle of marriage. You have encouraged me with gentle words. One ddreadful dark night when I thought all was lost forever, you gave me a glimpse of true compassion. We will miss you Xian." she says and then offers a beautiful seashell and one perfect yellow rose. <English>

Danee leans against Jade. Her own feeling of loss to deep to share. She does not cry and yet her eyes wish she'd allow them to. She continues her movement of the rosary beads, She stands straight and looks over to Sia with a smile. Then she again bows her head to say the rosary prayers. <English>

Deverion sneaks in from the back and find an open spot. He is dressed for the ocasion though - even though he is late. He is wearing a black suit with white shirt and black tie - and it looks like it might have been worn reciently before this (there are some small wrinkles but its wasy to see it has been worn perhaps pryor to this). He bows his head and says a simple prayer in latin. It may be simple but it is totally heartfelt. <English>

Da Shin watched as some moved to place something of meaning with the casket of Xian, His head lowered though his eyes remaining watchful. His form finally moves towards the casket himself, His left hand moving from the small cane that assists in keeping him upright to remove the prayer beads wrapped about his right wrist and hand placing them inside of the casket with the woman before he moved with the assistance of his cane back to stand in his previous place, words finally leaving him again as another prayer was spoken aloud into the room.

"The path begins with strong reliance. On my kind Teacher, source of all good, O Bless me with this understanding.

To follow him with great devotion. This human life with all its freedoms, Extremely rare, with so much meaning, O Bless me with this understanding

All day and night to seize its essence.

My body, like a water bubble, Decays and dies so very quickly. After death come results of karma,Just like the shadow of a body.

With this firm knowledge and remembrance,Bless me to be extremely cautious,Always avoiding harmful actions and gathering abundant virtue.

Samsaras pleasures are deceptive,Give no contentment, only torment. So please bless me to strive sincerely,To gain the bliss of perfect freedom.

O Bless me so that from this pure thought. Come mindfulness and greatest caution, To keep as my essential practice. The doctrines root, the Pratimoksha.

Just like myself all my kind mothers are drowning in samsaras ocean. O So that I may soon release them, Bless me to train in bodhichitta.

But I cannot become a Buddha, By this alone without three ethics.So bless me with the strength to practise the Bodhisattvas ordination.

By pacifying my distractions and analyzing perfect meanings, Bless me to quickly gain the union of special insight and quiescence.

When I become a pure container, Through common paths, bless me to enter the essence practice of good fortune. The supreme vehicle, Vajrayana.

The two attainments both depend on my sacred vows and my commitments. Bless me to understand this clearly and keep them at the cost of my life.

By constant practice in four sessions, The way explained by holy Teachers. O Bless me to gain both the stages, Which are the essence of the Tantras.

May those who guide me on the good path,And my companions all have long lives. Bless me to pacify completely all obstacles, outer and inner.

May I always find perfect Teachers, And take delight in holy Dharma. Accomplish all grounds and paths swiftly, and gain the state of Vajradhara.

From the hearts of all the holy beings, streams of light and nectar flow down, blessing and purifying mind."

With that his head lowered a few moments giving a few moments of silence before raising once more, "Now is a time for those who wish to share a memory of Xian, I believe that there was a member from the Godess that wished to share first?" His eyes moving over the area before looking to Alaren motioning with his right hand for her to come up and speak. <Chinese>

Artesia steps away from the wall, a cloth bag in her hands, and approaches the casket, her eyes too bright with unshed tears. Opening the bag, she takes a deep breath, before first laying a tiny stuffed doll of a little girl with red yarn for hair next to where Xian's left hand should be, followed by another doll, this time of a little boy, also with red yard for hair and a white sailor hat, next to where Xian's right hand would be, as though they would be holding her hands for eternity. "For the young lives we saved together..." she says, softly. Then she withdraws a small bouquet of white lilies from the bag, not quite pristine from the walk. "Walk in beauty, Doctor. We shall not forget you." She blinks hard, then hurries back to her seat. <English>

Anise stands near the door, looking at the people gathered for the ceremony. She recognizes many faces, even knows a name here and there. Where she's able to catch a familiar face she gives a solemn but acknowledging nod of the head. Apart from that, she remains motionless, watching everyone's goings with her hands clasped behind her back. <English>

The sound of muted hoofbeats presage the arrival of Carmichael to the secluded monastary and the ceremony itself, arriving a little late, but mercifully not too late. The horse he rides is black and exquisite to look at, well trained enough that when he dismounts to approach the rest of the distance on foot, he only requires to hang the reins over a branch; the animal's soulful eye seems to look at the gathering with sadness, though his ears prick forward, nostrils flaring softly. There's even a whinnie as the duke moves away from him after a touch to the neck and cheek. Carmichael's hands settle one in the small of his back, the other holding a bouquet of origami roses and daisies in bright colours, decorated with thousands of tiny cranes. He's trying very hard not to make too much noise though, head bowed solemnly and quiet. <English>

McGuire stiffens, hands go to his side. He steps forward and walks from the back of the area to the casket. He puts his hand into his pocket and pulls out a fist. Raising the fist over the casket, he begins to sprinkle tiny black specs over it. He says in a clear tone full of respect and very slight sorrow, "These are the grounds that we shared in the commons of my ship. Your husband Grey brought you aboard and you practicly lived there with us for quite a while. This is all a have to offer you, my dear Xian, except my life. If not for you, I would still have my armor inbedded deep into my back from that explosion. You saved my life then. Your kind words gave a hope in the fight for life. Your skills provided healing when wounds ran deep. We shared many times sitting in the commons enjoying a cup of coffee. I sprinkle these grounds in memory and thank you for saving my life. God's spead, until we meet again." He lowers his now open hand, empty of the coffee grounds he had in it, and turns to walk back to his crew near the back. <English>

Jade leaves Danee's side for a moment, fishing through the inside of Shihakusho for something. Once she reaches the casket she pulls out a triangular patch with the Independent flag on it. She places it down on an appropriate spot and chuckle, "We'll rise again." She nods simply, as if content now before turning back to rejoin Danee. <English>

Arriving fashionably late as well is Mrs. Angela Jones and son. The infant carried in a rather colourful baby sling though she is wearing a tasteful dark green suit for the occasion with a knee length skirt. As she notes the arrival of her boss she inclines her head to him before making her way into the temple to join in the Ceremony. <English>

Lee remains out of the way and at the back of the temple gathering, watching the ripples throughout those others in attendance while individuals or couples make their way casket-wards to offer their sentiments. His head is tilted forward as though trying to catch the private murmurs carried on reverberation, but after the second prayer of Da Shin presently fades away, the young man's lips begin to move, his own personal message to the MWC's own Zen Mother a line from an old song, coming out as low as a sigh: "In every love, there is a promise. There's no difference between the earth and the sky. There's no reason we have to die." And it is a promise - she'll be alive to him forever. A few minutes later, he's made his way back along the wall to the temple entrance and slips out into the reedy sunlight. <English>

Zachary looks across the temple to Da Shin for a long, searching moment. Then he nods and returns to his feet. He comes to stand near the monk on the left side of the casket and bows deeply to the congregation. When he returns to standing upright, he begins to speak in a shaky but projective voice. "It is clear that many of us knew and loved Xian. She touched our hearts and our lives. While I have grieved for her during the past days since her physical death, I have returned again and again to three memories from which I have drawn comfort. One is of an afternoon on the great river of Greenleaf. I was there to gather herbs - some for cooking, and some to restock the supply of medicinal herbs aboard the Guan-Yin II. Xian came to the place, and we began to talk. I had not spoken with her much before then, but she shared many things about her life. Others from the crew came to the place, and someone decided to go swimming. Before long, all of us were enjoying the cool water. I'll never forget how Xian somehow would drop to the bottom of the river like a stone, and then rise slowly, as if she could control her ascent, until she reached the surface." He smiles weakly. "The second of these memories was on a Christmas eve. She and I worked the graveyard shift so that others could spend the evening with their families. She wore a red elf's cap, and we went throughout the clinic, giving cookies and hot chocolate or hot apple cider to each patient who wanted it. Then we led the children in singing Christmas carols. There was not a frowning face in the clinic." He looks across the crowd while he speaks. "Finally, I remember the day when my wife and I married. She performed the ceremony. We had not discussed this with Xian. It was very impromptu, yet she conducted the service as if she had known for weeks what we needed. I will not forget her for these things. Please remember her always." When he has finished, he returns again to his seat, wiping his eyes but smiling while he walks. <English>

Danee moves to lean against her Captain. She slips her beads into his hand an dthen closes her eyes as she stands straight again. <English>

Alaren stands before the group of gathered people and swallows a bit nervously. "I um... was asked to share a fond memory of Xian. Unfortunately, I didn't know her as well as most of you, but I can say that she always made me feel like she knew me very well. There are those kind of people out there, you know? They simply know how to put you at ease in the most difficult situations." She pauses for a moment and then continues, "Xian married Zachary and I. The thing was it was such short notice, but she wasn't ruffled at all. What started out as a fishing trip ended up with Zach telling me we were getting married. It turned out to be very beautiful." she takes another quick breath and then finishes. "We all have our various special memories and the way I have heard it told, if you always remember, you are never truly seperated from the one's you love." Alaren nods to the gathering and then takes Zachary's hand when she sits beside him. <English>

McGuire says an audible, "Amen." to that. <English>

Donna takes in Zachary's stories, and then Alaren's, fishing tissues from her purse to dab at her eyes. She gives each of them a quiet, teary nod as they return to their seats, and glances around to see how the rest of her crew is doing. <English>

After checking around on her crew, Donna gets up and makes her way up to the front. She turns to look over the crowd for a moment, a soft, sad smile passing from her crewmates to other friends and even strangers. A brief nod is given to Carmichael when she spots him in the crowd.
"Xian... was a dear friend indeed," she begins. "To many of us... to me... and to th'Goddess. I don' have one specific memory really, to share, but many little ones all strung together. Good times we shared over a meal or exploring a new place. Th'jungles an' river out on Greenleaf do indeed stand out," she looks to Zachary again. "Conversations by her desk in th'medical bay. She was always ready to talk, or to listen. It was th'little moments really, that added up to mean a lot. Xian cared about everyone around 'er, an' she brought so much warmth an' goodness into the Verse," she starts to choke up a little, but steels herself, swallowing and pushing forward.
"I never told her, at least directly, 'ow much I looked up to her. Maybe she knew. We certanily got along well. She was strong, and caring, and had such spirit," she smile lightly, thinking of Xian's mischevious side. "She helped me a great deal when I first came to the Guan-Yin, simply by being there, and offering friendship. I hope... I hope I can live by her example," she says, tearing up some. "And I will certainly always remember her. Part of her will always be part of the Guan-Yin." She takes a long moment, giving Xian's body a loving look before finally starting back for her seat, dabbing at her eyes with that tissue clutched in her hand. <English>

Sink listens to the other stories, nodding in agreement, and understanding. He watches Donna's tears, and sniffs once himself. Sink looks at those gathered, trying to gauge the right time, then nods once in determination and moves forward. He straightens his tie before speaking, "I did not know Xian as well as many of you did. We crossed paths only when there was need for her skills, either directly for my crew, or in other emergencies. I never did thank properly Xian for all she did to help Kathryn, and I hope that while she was alive she understood what that meant to me. My best memory of Xian though, was one of her dedication, and level headedness in the middle of bizarre circumstances." A small smile appears as he remembers, "Even when cows fell from the skies, she was able to attend to what needed to be done without faltering." Sink's smile fades, as he takes a look at the casket, and says quietly, "One in all, all in one." Looking at the gathering, he says, "As we are one in sorrow, may we all be one in learning from her actions, and how well she treated others, and how well she helped healing the Verse. Rest now, and let others carry on your work." With that he moves slowly back to his spot in the back and lowers his head. <English>

Carmichael approaches the coffin as Donna returns to her seat and Sink returns to his spot at the back. His cadence is reverent, clipped heels on the floor and all he does is lay the bouquet of paper flowers and origami cranes at the foot of her coffin, atop her legs. "Each crane a wish - a thousand cranes a wish granted. You were a paper crane, Xian-Nu; I've been busy. Each one was made by a child you helped save the life of. Don't smack me too hard karmically, for poking my nose into records... they were happy to fold the paper. Your work will continue in the Paper crane foundation. Buddha smiles on you," he kisses his other hand, stretches the fingers out and with a little smile at the woman in state, turns and removes himself once more to the back of the gathering. He looks at Angela once, smiles awkwardly and takes to watching his toes. <English>

Not one to want to get up infront of folk, and especially those few here he doesn't really know, Leutrim hangs back, still standing by himself. His pale eyes followed Lee's departure, and noted Carmichael's entrance with a nod if the other man happened to glance his way. He keeps his place as others go forward to speak of their friend, for a bit longer.
Goodness, lots of folk he knows speaking. Leu shifts, uncomfortable without his riflecase in this strange place. Yet it is Verbena, and home. He finally pushes off from the wall and walks up. A glance to the coffin, to Da Shin, then at the others. "Eh... my wife really wished to come but she got so choked up, she stayed up at the plantation. She and Xian had gone or wanted to go to temple together. We ... Gene and I are going to have a baby soon and we had hoped Xian would give us lots of helpful pointers."
Leutrim smiles thinly, sticks his hands into his suit pants pockets, "Anyway, some of you gathered here today went with me, and others to bust Xian, her husband, Dr. Jones, and countless others out of those God-damned internment camps. Bastards were abducting ex-Browncoats... Xian was among those. Folk we got out of those places were starved, tortured, half alive. I worried Xian wasn't going to recover from that. Some of us haven't, really." A look over the room, to Jade, Angela, Carm, Sink, and back to Xian in her casket.
Leu clears his throat, "Anyway, even if it was borrowed, haunted time, I'm glad she was with us a bit longer. She'll be missed. Hope she can't take any memories of those awful places with her - only the children and folk she's been generous and loving to." OK, he's talked way too much. Leu frowns, turns and eases back for anyone else who wants to say something today. <English>

At the mention of the interment camps and her husband Angela drops her gaze from the platform to look to the baby cradled across her chest. Though she tries not to betray her emotions on the subject but it is clear her own memories of the time were not pleasent. <English>

(Quintus as yet another NPC) "Excuse me. Thank you. My condolences." the quiet voice could be heard as the asian gentleman shuffled through the assembly that had come to pay their respects to the doctor-cum-monk-ess-slash-bene-gesserit-look-alike known affectionately to all as Xian. Dr. Philip Cho Kim was still wearing his security badge, tucked away in the breast pocket of his professional looking blazer. It was not an easy job, protecting the consumer population from dangerous genetically engineered germs that would turn a human being into a postulous puddle of porridge in no time flat. Nevertheless, the good doctor managed to squeeze a few ounces of time from his schedule to pay respects to a respected colleague, albeit a tad late.
(Q) "Excuse me. Thank you. My condolences." A courteous bow here and there to known faces, a solemn expression of sorrow, concern, and sympathy those that weren't. Nevertheless, Kim managed to make his way through the peripheral gaggle of mourners to where he was within earshot of those who had chosen to share their stories and memories of a beloved friend. He didn't say anything just yet but kept his hands clasped respectfully before him and listened. That was what being a good doctor was all about, listening, and he practiced this virtue now, as -he- knew- Xian would have done were their situations reversed. There was others who knew the woman better, who had faced dangers on the scale of milimetres, whereas the field of battle he had scaled with Xian was microbiotic. No less dangerous in its way, more vital even, but certainly less interesting and not as apt for romantic elaboration. <Chinese>

McGuire reaches up and wipes the tear streaking across his cheek. He leans into his crew and says in a soft quiet tone, "We done here?" He looks at each one, Jade, Danee, then to Sink. And Sia. <English>

Jade nods simply and turns, first walking over to Leutrim to give him a pat on the shoulder, "Good job buddy... See ya around at the guild. And congratulations on the kid, maybe me you and the wives could get together sometime... do somethin' fun." She smiles before heading to the exit, nodding respectfully to Quintus on her way out, having spoken to him once or twice. Once she's safely out, a hand reaches into her Shuhakusho and pulls out a brown cigarillo. She of course lights it and sighs as the smoke slowly escapes her mouth, eyes closed as she lets the nicotine rush through her veins. <English>

Da Shin remains silent watching as some come up and give a story and memory or to give something over to Xian's form within the casket, the white cloth concealing her features and her entire form. After a few moments when it seemed the last person had spoken their peace he finally once more spoke to those gathered. "Buddha taught that all life is impermanent and that all those who are born must eventually pass from this life. However, everyone has within them the seeds of their past virtues, which have the power to bring a fortunate rebirth in the future. We pray that through the power of this virtue, through the blessings of the holy beings, and through the force of our heartfelt prayers, our dear friend, . . . , will experience great good fortune and everlasting peace and happiness.We also pray for the bereaved relatives and friends, that they may be comforted in their loss and find peace of mind and strength of heart. May all beings without exception be released from suffering, and find true happiness and everlasting peace." The man's eyes searching the room slowly as he repeated not once, not twice but 21 times the mantra of the Buddha of Compassion, //Om Mani Pame Hum//.
With that the venerable and older then dirt looking Buddhist priest stepped closer to the casket turning partially towards it. "We now dedicate all the virtues we have collected to the future happiness of our dear friend Xian.." A faint pause given, "Through the virtues we have collected By practising the stages of the path, May Xian find the opportunity To practise in the same way. May Xian experience the happiness of humans and gods, And quickly attain enlightenment, So that her samsara is finally extinguished. May there arise in Xians mind great faith in Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, And thus may he/she always receive the blessings of the Three Precious Jewels. May Xian meet precious Teachers who reveal the stages of the path to enlightenment, And through engaging in this path. May she quickly attain the ultimate peace of full enlightenment. The Buddhadharma is the supreme medicine. That relieves all mental pain,So may this precious Dharma Jewel pervade all worlds throughout space. However many living beings there are experiencing mental and physical suffering, May their suffering cease through the power of our merit, And may they find everlasting happiness and joy. May there never arise in this world the miseries of incurable disease, famine, or war, Or the dangers of earthquakes, fires, Floods, storms, and so forth. Through the blessings of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, The truth of actions and their effects, And the power of our pure superior intention. May all our prayers be fulfilled." The man's eyes from behind the old wireframe glasses showing sadness as a single tear fell along the wrinkled flesh of his cheek. <Chinese>

A nod to Jade from Leutrim, "Yeah, thanks. Get you two over for dinner." A thin smile, his voice pitched quite low so not to interrupt the others, hands still shoved into his pockets. <English>

McGuire takes Danee by putting an arm around her shoulder, and begins to lead her out. "We're heading home." Short and sweet, as it should be. <English>

Danee turns and quietly follows Jade form the room. She glances back over her shoulder at the casket and the flowers and sighs. "People wonder why cut flowers are not a great gift." the words spoken quietly without her knowledge. She straightens and with McGuire's arm about her she lets him lead her away. <English>

Lingering a few more minutes as others pass out, Leutrim looks to the casket, then around at the temple. A few minutes later he walks on out as well, recovering his shoes. It's only a few hours drive up a winding dirt road to get home. <English>

Donna takes in the other tales of commemoration that follow her own, occasionally managing a light smile, or tearing up again to dab at her eyes... now that the leak started it's a slow drip that isn't stopping again. She listens as Da Shin speaks, and chants, and speaks again, seeming to take some comfort from his words indeed. On her part, she waits a bit longer before standing, and offers the priest a nod in thanks before turning to check on her crew once again. <English>

Carmichael blinks at Danee's parting words, glancing to follow the woman with his eyes as she departs. He looks thereafter to Angela, frowns his customary frown and murmurs softly. "Didn't she notice that those flowers are made of paper? I know the origami was good, but still, I thought the paisley print was a dead give-away..." murmur-murmur, aaaaaaaaand we're back to staring at our feet. <English>

Artesia, who had lingered a bit longer after her crew had departed, glances at Carmichael, shakes her head slowly, and withdraws in the wake of Danee and McGuire. <English>

Deverion looks back up after hearing all the talks and the memories spread out. Funerals have always been hard for him. It is the Doctor knowledge about death vs. his knowledge and belief on religion. It also isn't fun when this is the second one he is been too in less than a week. He cites another prayer - a catholic one under his breath and then pulls out a a pin of Saint Rafael - the Patrin Saint of Medicine. He looks at it for a moment and then looks at the casket. When the time is right and people are leaving is when he will place it on the casket. <English>

Sink when Leu mentions the rescue, Sink bows his head, and closes his eyes for a long time. When he opens them he looks over at Angela and her baby, and for the second time in the ceremony he smiles, but says nothing. He listens to Da Shin's words and the chants, then repeats quietly, "May all our prayers be fulfilled". When Fao and the Jai crew leave, Sink blinks and nods, standing to follow, giving the Duke a small bow as he passes. <English>

Angela manages a smile for Carmichael and gives him a light nudge with her elbow before the shift causes the infant in the sling to start squirming and whimpering. She gently draws the baby out and holds him in her arms. "She died the day before DJ was born, that was why Doc was late..." She says softly to her boss, glancing up to the casket for a moment before looking back to her boss, "He feels horrid for having to miss this.." <English>

(Q as Kim) Dr. Kim listened solemnly as the service proceeded and wound to its conclusion. He paid his respects along with the others, listening as the buddhist spoke. He personally didn't have anything to add, could only follow a bit of the philosophy, neither subscribing to any dogma nor having been raised in an environment espousing this particular creed. But there was still a matter of respect, and though the fragile flesh in the casket would soon nod to its married namesake, the memory of the spirit that once embodied it would linger yet as electrical impulses in the matter between his ears, as that of those around him. Funerals were more for the living than the dead, and on that point Kim felt satisfied that he and the officiator of this ceremony would be in agreement.
(Q) Letting out a soft sigh, Kim took the opportunity to look around at the others as the group disassembled to start in their separate ways. A few faces he recognised from the clinic on Persephone though many were alien to him. And then there was Carmichael. When they made eye contact, Kim cast the other man a polite nod of greeting, one professional to another. More than once he'd had to find a way to trounce Red Lion intellectual property, and that sort of thing did lend one a degree of respect. <Chinese>

Da Shin slowly turned to fully face the coffin and Xian's form within, "Buddha is known to have said..two things that I believe fit Doctor Xian Nu rather well. The first is something of compassion, He is known to have said //Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering.// This is something that Xian did countless times, She was a woman of great compassion..And may that compassion live on into her next life..The next transition. He also said better then a thousand words is a single one that brings peace, Something she brought to many who could not find peace on their own. We shall all miss you Xian, But we shall cherish the memories. And part of the good you did will live on with each person you touched." With that he lowered his head whispering a soft prayer meant only for her before looking back to the others, "Entrusting in the Primal Vow of Buddha, Calling out the Buddha-name, I shall pass through the journey of life with strength and joy. Revering the Light of Buddha,Reflecting upon my imperfect self,I shall proceed to live a life of gratitude. Following the Teachings of Buddha, Listening to the Right Path, I shall share the True Dharma with all. Rejoicing in the compassion of Buddha, Respecting and aiding all sentient beings, I shall work towards the welfare of society and the world." The man's right hand rising up to wipe away the remenants of the tear, his hand motioning to the Casket as several monks moved in reciting soft whispered prayers. <Chinese>

Donna watches Deverion as he gets up to leave his gift in the coffin. And glances back across the room to the group of Red Lion folks now gathering - particularly the Duke. She might even be thinking about heading back there, when the priest speaks up again, and she turns to take in these new comments, a pensive look coming to her. She smiles softly again, over all of the other thoughts and emotions, and whispers those two quotations back to herself, as if to try and remember them. And she watches as the monks return. <English>

Deverion catches Donna in the corner of his eye and simply nods at her. He keeps his composure - something totally out of charcter for him. But this isn't the time to be that way. His nods to her is hearfelt - like he understands her pain but doesnt know what to say. He heads back to his seat and closes his eyes again. <English>

Carmichael simply nods to Angela, no comments made as he listens to the final prayers and what is essentially the closing of the casket, in any other religion. He looks up at the roof of the temple a moment, then with a smile to Angela, turns to walk back out to his waiting horse. <English>

The monks gather up the casket, taking great care with it before moving off to head down a hall of the temple. Da Shin's eyes following their movements as they spoke soft prayers to their sister as they carried her, the previous chanting once more sounding out softly from other parts of the temple as if to send their sister off to the next transition with calm words and a good farewell. Da Shin's form then turning as the group moved out of view to face the others, "Please take what time you need to meditate on all that you have heard here and to allow time for grieving, Tomorrow we shall take the ashes to spread and any who wish some small part to spread in a spot they remember Sister Xian fondly may do so. May we all take Xian's example and live by it." With that the older man moved slowly off after where the casket had been moved to. <Chinese>

Zachary watches each person who comes forward to share some story or fond words about Xian and what she meant. While he remains in his seat, others begin to leave. He takes a slow, ragged breath and releases it. When things have settled and the droning chants of Xian's fellow monks is the sound that binds one moment to the next, he looks across the hall and gives Donna a slow, knowing nod. <English>

Donna takes in Deverion's look, offering a slight nod back. It might seem that she understands, but it's heard to tell, since her own emotions are so wrapped up in the ceremony. Watching Xian's body being taken off, she starts crying again softly, dabbing at her eyes. She gives the old priest another grateful nod as he passes by. And then she turns to Zachary, smiling softly through her tears and returning that nod, slipping around to sit at his other side - the one opposite Alaren, reaching to hold them both for a moment. <English>

Zachary slips one arm around Donna and one around Alaren so that the three can comfort one another. "Someone once said that a person never really dies until the last person to remember him dies. So it will be with Xian. She will continue to live in our hearts, and the good that we do for others on the Guan." <English>

Donna holds onto Zachary and Alaren for several long moments, now that she's finally made contact with other people here. She nods at his words. "Aye, we'll always remember her," she says in a whisper. Finally starting to pull herself back together again, she straightens, and looks around to Deverion and any other of the crew that are stil nearby. She clears her throat and checks, "shall we get back to th'ship?" <English>

Deverion nods and stands. He does the motion for cross on himself and then looks over at Donna "After you." He falls into line after she walks out first <English>

Zachary lowers his head in a deep bow to the dais where Xian's body lay for so long. "Goodbye, dear friend, he whispers, so quietly that Alaren and Donna are probably the only ones who can hear his words. Then he begins to stand slowly. He looks to his right to Donna and invites, "You can walk with us if you like. We're planning to go to the ship. When everything is ready, I'll return later for the cremation and ensure that we have some of her ashes to take with us." <English>

Donna swallows and follows Zachary's gaze to the dais one last time before getting up with him, and nodding. "I'll try t'be there fer that too. But if I'm not, I trust ye to take care of things," she tells him, and with another glance and soft smile in Deverion's direction the group starts making their way back to the Guan-Yin. <English>

Descriptions

Alaren

Alaren is a slim small boned female-her height around 5 foot and 3 inches. Her physique is shapely, but fit. Her feminine features are classically formed and are misleading of her actual age. Her complexion is slightly tanned. Her unusual pale gray eyes are ringed in violet around the iris and all the more striking framed by thick dark lashes and arched eyebrows a touch darker than her auburn hair. Her face is slightly narrow with an aquiline nose and a full shapely mouth. She bears small white scar on her chin and deep dimples when she deems to smile.

She is attired in a modest black dress with matching black heels. The dress is accentuated with the gold and diamond earrings and a matching necklace Zachary gave to her for Christmas. Her long auburn hair is arranged in a simple french braid whose length almost reaches her waist.

On her left hand, her ring finger is adorned by a wedding band and matching engagement ring.

Angela

Missing.

Anise

Missing.

Artesia

This young woman stands just a little above average height, with a slender, graceful build reminiscent of a dancer. Long legs further enhance her graceful image. Her heart-shaped face is further defined by large, frosty blue eyes with slightly upturned corners that hint at possible Asian ancestry, a small, aristocratic nose, and full lips that are set in a slight, but perpetual thoughtful frown over a slightly pointed chin. A mane of straight ash-blonde hair falls to the small of her back, when it is not tied or otherwise restrained.

A close-fitting black mandarin dress trimmed in gold skims over her lithe figure and falls to an inch or two above her mid-calves, its modest high collar keeping a little more up to the viewer's imagination while still leaving her arms bare. Long slits in the sides of the skirt that terminate an inch or so below her mid-thighs allow her more freedom of movement. Black thigh-high stockings sheath her legs in shadow. A pair of black slippers trimmed in gold encases her feet. A long dark grey trench coat of an elegant cut and style flows over the dress, hiding a little more until she moves. Her hair is braided into a single thick plait that falls nearly to the middle of her back, its end tied with a brilliant crimson ribbon printed in gold with Chinese characters.

Carmichael

He's tall and well put together, that's for sure. It begins in top-heavy, military-styled tawny blond hair that hangs at the bangs, to high cheekbones and continues from there. This young man his face is astonishingly symmetrical, with wide, oval eyes of a striking shade of pale hazel, with serious, straight brows, a proud nose, nice-shaped lips and a strong jaw; leonine and aristocratic. Although athletic, his frame has the lithe grace of a fencer and his proportions suggest the same; broader of shoulder and slimmer of hip. Besides a rampant lion signet ring, half a dozen gold studs in his ears and a couple of chains at his neck, there's a wedding ring of white gold, decorated with thistles visible on the correct finger. Beside it a plain platinum ring sits snug with the knuckle, three diamonds set in the metal toward the inside of the band. The ring and pinky finger of his right hand are a matte silver -- clearly cybernetic.

His attire is quite the dapper affair, pleasing to the eye and tailored to his trim person. Black dominates, from an exquisite, double-breasted dresscoat of rich moleskin, lined with a deep burgandy silk, down to form-fitting suede pants, ending in his laquered and side-buckled riding boots. The former fans elegantly around his hips, often left open with bronze buttons that march smartly down from the lapells, the latter are both highlighted with red and gold thread down each seam, in a fine vine embroidery. The boots are tipped in steel, elegantly pointed and heeled, offering him a couple of extra inches of height and a crisp tread, worn over the pants and coming to his knees. For a little colour, his shirt is a rich shade of deep burgandy, given of a low collar and smokey grey lace trim that just peeks from out of his sleeves and skirts the cut of fine black gloves. Over this and completing the look, is a waistcoat of a lighter shade of red, partway between burgandy and crimson, hand embroidered with lotus blossoms and filligree in gold and silver.

Da Shin

The Asian man infront of you could be described in several ways. Frail, Old, wise, venerable. The man standing at just over 5'7" by the looks of it though from the bend in his back he appears to only come to stand at 5'5" at best. His head is clean shaven, and would be smooth if it weren't from the ravages of age causing his flesh to become wrinkled. The man's facial features showing a compassion and certain warmth, while a pair of wireframe glasses looking to be as old if not older then the man himself are perched upon the bridge of his nose. The man's thin lips formed up into a caring smile of warmth.

The man's current apparel is what can be considered very traditional, Robes of off black worn to conceal his torso dissapearing beneath the orange zentra, His lower form concealed beneath a burgundy meditation/prayer skirt. His wrinkled feet wearing a pair of old sandles made from hemp.

Danee

She stands about 5 feet tall and is athletically built. Weighing only about 125 she is curved in all the right places. She is cute in a dark sensous sort of way. Dark hair and eyes. Skin reminiscent of sun baked clay. Dark eyebrows and lashes frame slightly tilted eyes. A strong nose and stubborn chin frame moist, soft, full lips. Black hair hangs to her shoulders and is fully of body and blue tints.

She wears a dark blue Navajo skirt. With this is a blue and white Peasant Blouse, long sleeved and high necked. About her neck falling to mid chest level is a gold cross. She wears high topped squaw boots.

Deverion

You see a man before you who is 6'1 and is about 195-200lbs and is still in good shape and very cute for being in his late 30's - but through his looks - there an air of 'geek nesses,' perhaps even some shyness. He has blue eyes that are behind a pair of glasses and dirty brown hair. He is currently wearing what some might consider 'casucal' clothes. It is a simple pair of boots, jeans and a T-shirt. Even though he look like this - you can see he is pretty cute. He is also carrying a backpack that has patches from around the verse and in the center of it is a Red Cross.

(actually wearing a suit)

Donna

This young woman stands barely over one and a half meters (five feet), slender and waif-like. She has wavy, chestnut brown hair that falls loose to her lower back. Her features are understated, a small nose and lips set on an oval face, with steel blue eyes looking out through black, square-framed glasses. Her voice is rather coarse, and she speaks with an Irish accent.

She wears a sleeveless, black sheath dress, a simple silver necklace hanging above the square neckline. Most of her tattoo is visible over her right shoulder (+tattoo/look donna). The dress falls to just past her knees, and she wears a pair of flat black dress shoes. She also carries a black clutch, and wears a large pair of dark sunglasses.

Jade

A small creature, only about 5' 4". Skinny and curved in all the right places indicating a female. This being is covered by a sealed, pressured body suite made of strong material and fitted to shape to the form of the wearer curving over each muscle and limb as if it were some kind of exoskeleton yet obviously bulkier. This armor is obviously custom made, expensive looking, and complicated with it's joins allowing for mobility. Painted in a matte black to look intimidating, this armor comes with gloves and booties, sealing the wearer within a pressurized environment. An equally black helmet accompanies this model, modest yet shaped to the wearers head and face perfectly, sealing it's self to the rest of the suit. It's seems to be made out of the same material as the rest of the suit, indicating it's just as durable. There are two wide slits where eyes should be and speakers where ears and a mouth should have formed. The 'eyes' sometimes glow a dim red in the absence of light.

Her Face shows however, lacking the aforementioned helmet. One would say she might look like an elf with her long shoulder length strait black hair and cute face, her skin rather pale and smooth. Her eyes are wide and a blue mixed with violet out lined with a bit of black eyeliner, only making her more like an elf. Pretty pink lips occupy the area under a cute little nose and however short she might be the rest of her more than makes up for it.

Over the armor rests a white shitagi, a black kosode, a black hakama, a white hakama-himo, white tabi, and waraji. These are traditional Japanese garments, like what a Samurai would wear. Through the white sash around the waist, with it's edge up, rests a white Katana. Her hands are covered by the armor's gloves and on top of that, fingerless fighting gloves with brass knuckles. A diamond engagement ring rests on the appropriate hand and finger as well as a wedding band, only coming off to prevent damage.

Lee

Here we have a young specimen of Caucasian stock, tall, trim, and oh so pretty. A long tapered face sets the stage for starry blue eyes and smudgy lashes under winging brows, a finely sculpted nose and firm chin, and between these a full, soft-lipped line of mouth. Good genes. Framing this picture of adulthood in bloom is shining toffee brown hair in a side-parted sweep across his forehead, the thick lengths flicking over his ears and licking outwards in soft, frosty ornamentation. Damn good genes. A notable flaw though, if you will: A mild case of Strabismus in the left eye contributes to a somewhat spacey expression when Lee is not focusing. And underneath the otherwise healthy glow of youth, the skin around the eyes has a shadowy cast, a probable sign of stress or sleeplessness.

A long black fitted vest over charcoal chambray shirt, and low-waisted straight black slacks is the current ensemble, the fashion a mite too flashy for everyday wear. The vest is a combination of soft leather and sateen lining, fitted right to his slim proportions with a buckled strap across the back. The shirt is a long-sleeved blouse with a low priest collar and studded black buttons running a rectangular pattern down his front. The trousers are a smooth black sateen blend, tidy and sleek over the hips and thighs, throwing burnished highlights before dropping with straight economy to rest neatly over black leather shoes, low heels putting his height an inch or so shy of six feet.

There is a touch of the aloof or vanity obvious in the boy's bearing, something in the way his chin lifts, and the expressive line of his shoulders. It's pretty obvious that aside from what might be inside the tan leather messenger bag he typically has slung across his back when out of doors, he isn't carrying weaponry. But he's got a killer white gold stud through his right earlobe so YA KNOW he's daaaangerous. He also appears to be wearing a digital wristwatch.

Leutrim

This man is slightly above average in height at about 6'3" and in perhaps his mid twenties. Lean and fit from an active outdoor lifestyle, Leu weighs in at around 200 lbs. His fair skin is currently well sun tanned and he is clean shaven. Hair is brown-black but buzzed super short. Pale grey eyes watch his world warily or with humor, depending on his mood.

Currently Leu is dressed up, though in a casual no-tie kind of way. A white dress shirt open around his throat, long sleeves with handsome, gold celtic knotwork cufflinks. Dark grey, front creased dress slacks with a simple black leather belt with a minimal gold buckle. This secures his icomm controller as well as maybe an item or two around the back that isn't so easily seen. Black dress shoes with a light weight grey suit jacket. Something is worn around his neck but tucked discreetly beneath his shirt. A white gold Celtic knotwork wedding band is worn on his left ring finger.

Mariette

Wavy strands of dark brown hair hang past her shoulders, sometimes streaked with ribbons of light color depending on sun exposure. Her skin is olive in tone and coupled with dark lashes and brows her pale amber-gold eyes stand out. Dimples are revealed with the slightest grin and her nose is straight, set atop full lips. Standing at 5'5 she isn't tall or short, her frame slender and toned, arms sleek with lean muscle. There is a certain exotic quality to her, the way her eyes uptilt a little at the outer corners, the way her musculature defines her feminine form with subtle strength, earthy.

McGuire

He stands five feet and eleven inches of solid mass and frame. Shoulder length black hair with streaks of gray and white in thick curls and waves cover his scalp. Bushy salt and pepper black eyebrows help define his sharp deep blue eyes, with long dark lashes that soften his rough expression. Leather tanned skin holds deep age lines across his forehead, and etch deep crows feet off his eyes and down his cheeks. He has a sent about him that is calming and makes him very appealing.

He wears an exquisitely-tailored navy blue double-breasted suit. The cut of the garment is form-fitted to his muscular frame. Beneath the dark navy jacket is a soft shirt, with a flared collar and of a very fine fabric. The chest of the suit is left open, the outer layer lying over his left side. Flared cuffs can be seen protruding out from the sleeves of the jacket. A braided, crimson belt holds his trousers in place, the material of which are of a coarse, formal fabric. The creases in the trousers are razor-sharp, and a pair of dark grey socks segway into a pair of black calfskin loafers. In all, his appearance is one of money and comfort. Several gold-and-platinum rings encircle his fingers, two of which are set with red and blue precious stones.

Sink

A tanned crown, surrounded by half grey half brown hair, cut short.
Long brow wrinkles meet with crow's feet, that surround small brown eyes.
A broken nose that has never been set right. 1.77m tall.
A very strange sight, for those who know Sink. He's wearing a elegant black suit features subtle grey and wine pinstripes. This discreet, stylish suit lacks the usual bullet holes that Sink usually wears, and there's no sign of a stain, or wrinkle, heck, it might as well have never been worn before. The jacket is single breasted, 3 button, with a white handkerchief in the breast pocket. A flat dark front pant, white shirt, and woven red and black tie. Exquisite moc toe oxford with hand stitching detail covers his feet.

Zachary

Zachary MacAbrams is a lean figure of a man, broad of shoulder and sturdy of build (Height of 5 feet and 8 inches, and weight of 160 pounds) His thick chocolate brown hair barely touches the collar of his shirt and is prematurely gray at the temples with threads of silver mingled throughout. No stranger to the outdoors or hard work, his complexion is lightly bronzed. His face is somewhat ovoid in shape and tapers to a strong jaw line. His nose is not hawkish, but has a slight sharpness in its angle. Set above, his intense hazel eyes seem to change their color depending on the light and colors that he wears. framed with full dark lashes, they reflect intelligence and kindness, creasing at the corners when he laughs and above them, thick eyebrows the color of his hair. Below his nose, his upper lip is slightly thinner than the lower and his chin has a shallow cleft. His hands are long and slim but muscular, also suggesting that he has seen some times that required rough work. On his right ring finger is a ring of solid gold with a black onyx stone. Inset in the deep blackness of the onyx is a small diamond that sparkles brilliantly in the light. On his left ring finger, is an elegant wedding band with four bands of intertwined yellow gold, platinum, and antique gold. Two small diamonds nestle in a spot where the strands separate. The sparkling gems stand like bodyguards on each side of a larger one that outshines them in its own dazzling radiance.

Zachary is wearing a white silk long-sleeved shirt with a light gray necktie. Over the shirt he wears a dark gray vest with silver threads inlaid within the material. A silver pocket watch chain gleams in the light. His trousers and jacket are in the same dark gray color that almost appears black at a distance. The trousers are pleated in the front, and the coat is cut in the fine style of one of the tailors of Londinium. He wears a pair of black boots shined to a high gloss.

He speaks with the distinctive accent of upper-middle class Londinium.