Memorial services were always somber events for Omari. The usually colorful teen was dressed in more neutral colors, a gray shawl with dark feathers around his shoulders, and he had even left behind his jewelry today. The old mentor who had taught most of his siblings reading and writing had passed away and he had volunteered to go and honor the old Matori’s memory while the rest of the family was caught up and spread out across the main continent. Kyril was near Tale while Koril was somewhere in Zena with Cahira somewhere bouncing about Oba while Pynar and Olokun were also busy with things. Omari let out a sigh as he watched the family move about, the body already gone to sea while the rest gathered in her memory. While other cultures buried their own the villages in Matori normally wanted to send out the departed to the ocean goddess so that she could take them into their next life. Omari could only pray that Nynae would find happiness in the next world as she had brought so many others so much happiness during her life in this one.

“Thank you for coming.” Nynae’s daughter whispered with a small smile towards Omari as he approached. “Mother always enjoyed helping you since you were such a polite student.” She commented as she watched Omari lighting incense and leaving it in the stone dish. The smoky wisps swirled up towards the sky, a scent of sandalwood lingering behind as they dispersed into the air.

“Polite but definitely one to struggle with the basics.” Replied Omari with a smile in return. He had some rather nice memories of walking to the nearby village as a youngling, most of his mornings spent playing along the beach before finally getting dragged to his studies with Nynae. He could easily remember the older Matori’s warm smile and how she had always greeted them with something warm to eat and drink while going over the lessons. It had been nice to have someone near while his parents were busy, especially during the weeks that his mother was away in Oba at the school. Now it was strange to see just a scroll with a sketch of her instead of the real person. Omari’s heart twisted at the thought before he handed Nynae’s daughter a small bag. “My family wanted to thank her for everything and we thought it best to leave you with something since we want to help out those she loved.” Just as she poured her heart into teaching others they would pour back their love and appreciation into giving her family help if they needed. That much Omari wanted to make certain of since he truly wanted to honor his mentor’s memory.

Nynae’s daughter hugged Omari. “Thank you.” She whispered before letting the teen go again, his steps somewhat lighter despite his sorrow at Nynae’s passing. At least he had been able to leave her family with a gift, something that would surely ease her spirit. Omari took comfort in that before leaving the ceremony, his appetite not quite there for those who were gathering at a meal with the family. The villagers always gathered for a meal after the ceremony to allow everyone time to relax and share stories while bonding over the warm food brought from all the different visitors. It would also give the family a chance to relax since they normally were not expected to bring any food and could just be supported by the community. Seeing such a sight always warmed Omari’s heart but today he just wanted to walk along the beach so that he could reflect on everything. The teen walked along the shore, the path towards home as familiar as the back of his hand. Maybe he could do something else in Nynae’s memory? “A dance?” Omari pursed his lips thoughtfully before taking a moment to stop along a cove that was near his family’s manor. It was here that he could practice dancing without worrying over wandering eyes and it was in this moment that Omari just let his body move to a silent beat, his memories of Nynae guiding his steps. He would dance before the ocean goddess to hopefully remind Nynae of her life and of the memories that she should always cherish even when leaving this world. There were so many that she had touched, so many who would mourn her and Omari would make certain her spirit saw their emotions in his movements as he danced along the shore. Goodbye Nynae, may you find eternal happiness.

[766]