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Frostlake City, Royal District

The funeral procession for the King began at the Royal Castle. The great bells that rang on the night of his death rang again in a slow cadence to match the pace of the procession and the somber mood of the thousands of citizens lining the streets. Overcast skies and a cold breeze reminded all that today was not one for merriment in the sun but rather to huddle for warmth and comfort amongst each other while grieving. A light flurry of snow began to powder the streets like a carpet for the procession.

Four grand horses pulled the ornate carriage that displayed the King lying peacefully on an open platform, dressed in his finest royal attire, and surrounded by flowers. Citizens tossed more flowers on the ground as the carriage passed. Ceremonial soldiers both led and followed the carriage, marching to protect the integrity of the deceased king. Nobles and other important officials trailed behind as the procession made its way through the main thoroughfare to the Royal Mausoleum.

Gerion Burdock was among those in the procession, making sure to be near the front. Though this was indeed a very gloomy occasion, he had other things on his mind. He had already mourned the loss of the King during the days prior, and now he had to look towards the future. With a solemn face, he alternated between looking ahead at the King's carriage and over at the citizens on either side of the road, nodding to those who met his eyes. These common people needed to see him in the same context as the King if they were to make the connection between the two.

And with all the work I've put into this kingdom, it shouldn't be too hard of a connection for anyone to make, he thought to himself.

At one point as he looked over, Gerion made eye contact with Marinia Valeria. If ever there were a person he simultaneously knew exactly what they were thinking and nothing at all what they were thinking, it was Marinia. He quickly shifted his gaze back to the mourning citizens then ahead as they reached the doors of the Royal Mausoleum.

The soldiers lifted the platform on which the King's body lay then carried it inside, and then Gerion and the other nobles followed. The platform was sat down towards the end of the main hall for viewing, guarded from afar by a handful of soldiers who stood at the very end of the hall. As the last of the nobles and officials entered, the doors of the mausoleum thudded shut, guarded by the rest of the soldiers.

Many of the nobles began to gather in small clusters and murmur to each other. Gerion, however, briskly walked to the King at the end of the hall. He gently pulled out a flower from inside his coat, held it up to his nose for a second, then softly placed it along with the other flowers. The embalmers had done a good job preserving the King's body, though he somehow looked different than he remembered seeing him just weeks before. After one last look, he gathered himself then turned around.

"Everyone!" his voice echoed in the hall. "Please take your time and say your goodbyes to our King." He paused. "But then gather round. We have work to do."

Saerien Burdock
Perched high in the mausoleum, hidden by the shadows, Saerien watched the entire service, listening closely to the nobles to see if he could learn anything interesting.

Piety Malediction Valeria
Frostlake City
Royal Funeral Procession

Mal had been lucky to get an invitation. Being relatively rich and being connected to a powerful family, even tangentially, was enough to get him in the procession. But only at the back, with other....less important guests. A trader from the Far North, another no name noble from Davhis. Unless Malediction was mistaken, there might also be that deposed royal family around here. Not that he would know what they looked like. He looked at his clothing one more time, all black tunic and pants with a black tabard. Rather understated but not unsuitable for mourning clothes. Not that Malediction really gave a damn about the King but it was important to give the appearance of sorrow.

When the procession reached the mausoleum, Mal stood towards the back. He had the strange feeling of being watched and when he looked up could have sworn he saw a shadowy figure. If there was someone up there, it hardly surprised him but at the same time, he could care less. Mal watched as Gerion Burdock stood before everyone and asked everyone to gather around him. A very bold move, Mal thought. Gerion caught Mal's eyes and Mal nodded in his direction. They had limited business dealings, enough to recognize each other but not enough to really be anything other than acquaintances.

As Mal watched the crowd, he caught a glimpse of his uncle, Marinia. A man with an unfortunate name. He quietly made his way behind his uncle. If Marinia noticed him, he showed no sign. He leaned close and whispered in his ear.

"Perceptio Est Veritas."

Dimitri Valeria
Frostlake City
Royal Funeral Procession

Dima knew he was gonna get an invitation. In all truth he was going to show up regardless, he had his title. Whether or not he deserved it was another story. By choice he chose to stay amongst the more common folk. Those that could had the family guard, he had his mercenaries. A band of merry men armed to the teeth and wearing put-together armor. Of all the nobles, Dima certainly stood out. They reached the mausoleum, then came forth to the body. He took a flask, dipped his fingers in it, and spritzed some clear liquor on the body. He said with almost genuine intent.
"May your spirit never be thirsty my liege." He then walked back to his band. He watched all his brothers, cousins, and other nobles deemed worthy to be here. He knew many of them might ignore him, lil old Dima, but he watched them carefully. He had his insights. There was gonna be a mad tussle for power now. All he had to do was be on the right side so he could remain undisturbed. Marinia and Gerion, the two biggest players in this high stakes game of politics. This would be interesting, interesting indeed.