Jeff, Rono, Sairona, Axia, Dazhiki—even Gelu had changed into black formal wear. Together, they stood in silent mourning before the cemetery.
Joshua spoke from a temporarily erected platform. This had been the bloodiest conflict between the two families in eight hundred years. Over a thousand clansmen had died or been injured. As Joshua mourned the fallen, tears streamed down his face. Who knew how many of them had been his brothers?
Rono was unusually focused. Holding a bouquet of white flowers, he stood among the Gongdongtalio Family members. As Joshua spoke, he recalled the few interactions he had had with Uncle Mo over the past few years.
Sairona was usually expressionless, yet tears kept spilling from his eyes. Dazhiki held him in her arms; at a time like this, it was the best comfort she could offer. Axia had already cried herself unconscious again.
Though Gelu did not understand much, he stood obediently beside Rono. Still, he shifted around from time to time, unaccustomed to the formal wear.
After Joshua finished his speech, everyone lined up to offer flowers. Joshua led the way, placing flowers before his father's grave, then before the memorial monument inscribed with the names of the clansmen. There were too many people, and by the time it was Rono's turn, it was already getting late. He placed two bouquets before the monument and murmured, "Uncle Mo, don't worry. I'll take good care of Axia. Axia cried herself unconscious, so I'm sorry, but I had to bring the flowers myself. I'll come see you again next time. Uncle Jeff said you liked drinking, so I'll find you the finest liquor from all over the world, and the two of us can drink our fill. I'm leaving now, Uncle Mo. Take care of yourself over there..."
Rono gave