Thanks to DTF and Suri for this log.
Memorial Plaza (N1 W1)
A grassy knoll stands here, quiet, though the sounds of City traffic
can be heard from not far away. At the top of the gentle swell of the
knoll, a circle of black marble paving stones surrounds a quiet fountain
and a statue. Benches stand at the cardinal points, looking outward.
It's a bright noon. While no clouds obstruct the sky neither is there a sun.
Obvious Exits:
[E]ast, [N]orth, [S]outh, and [W]est
Contents: Than, Austin, Skyler, Wurragurr, B.J., Roofus_roo, Leslie, PatchO'Black, Felix, Nyni, Andros, Wildfirewolf, Scorcher, Aleph, Suri, Ceredwyn, Beltrami, Argon, Ray, Cougar, Ronnie, Chanspot, En Memoriam, White Marble Plinth to Butterfluff, Stone of Tears, Fountain [Fake], and Statue [Fake]
Ray waves to DTF and other recent arrivals.
Ceredwyn waves. "Hello DTF."
Argon waves.
Rhea has arrived.
Skyler says, "I wish it were a happier occasion, but a lot of people sure came."
Leslie pips, "Hi Mrs Rhea too."
Ronnie nods hello to Argon.
DTF comes in, finds a seat among people he knows, and tickles Thanny, fuzzles Ray, Shiro, Andros, snuggles nyni, patpats Argon, and gives a small gift to Austin.
PatchO'Black sits quietly.
Than smiles and snugglies Daddy
Cougar smiles faintly.
Ceredwyn nods.
Ray returns a DTF fuzzle.
DTF fuzzles Cougar too.
Felix's ankles bulge a little bit cause they do when Missus Beltrami squeezes them but he sits down next to Missus Beltrami too.
Andros nuzzles Wildfire gently.
Austin says, "Thank you, all of you, for coming. I'm sorry that it's such a sad occasion ... I think I can safely say that Aushae saw something she loved in each of you, and obviously that we feel that love. Hopefully tonight we can share that feeling to each other."
Ceredwyn nods silently.
Cougar purrs.
Pathfinder has arrived.
Ceredwyn waves hello to Pathfinder
Pathfinder comes in quietly, nods to everybody.
Austin says, "We all saw how much she enjoyed transforming the lives of the people who entered hers, sometimes literally, often just by the nature of her personality brought against ours and making each of us a bit different than we used to be. It's hard to not feel warmly to a person who gave us so much of that, for such a long time."
Beltrami nods a couple times.
Ronnie purr-growls, "aye."
Scorcher also nods.
Room: Memorial Plaza (N1 W1)
-Stat-Name----------------Sex---------Species---------------------------------
18" Pathfinder Male Red Panda (Micro)
bird Rhea female falcon cyborg
DTF male wolf
CutstThan[3m idle] lioness kitten
Ph.D.Austin male Semirabbit semiraccoon Elastic Coati
Skyler[2m idle] -unknown- rubber bunny toy
IC Wurragurr[5m idle] male very large rabbit
-=-=-B.J.[8m idle] male multi-ringtail
? Roofus_roo[6m idle] fluff male Faerie Red Kangaroo
IC Leslie[3m idle] indeterminatli'l faux-bunny fairy
JLCL PatchO'Black[3m idleMale Jellicle Cat
IC Felix[2m idle] boy squirrel
Nyni[3m idle] female fox
FOXY Andros Male Foxtaur
Wildfirewolf[3m idleMale Wolf-Furry
Scorcher Male Dragon
IC Aleph[7m idle] male human
Suri[5m idle] female Lemur
IC Ceredwyn male Wolf
IC Beltrami female Balloon Dragon
EyeofArgon[4m idle] Male Centaur
IC Ray Male ManCheetah
Cougar male cougar
IC Ronnie male Cheetah
OOC Chanspot none coffossa
---[ Found 25 characters. ( 25 Awake ) ]--------------------------------------
Wildfirewolf tears up a bit.
Austin says, "So for tonight I felt the thing to do was simply to let those of us who knew her to share whatever our feelings were and when that's done ... we'll be different again."
Andros hugs Wildfirewolf!
Wolen has arrived.
Cougar nods.
Wildfirewolf hugs Andros!
Nyni wavies to WOlen
Wildfirewolf growls, "I miss her so much. She was a very good person and a good Mom. "
Wolen waves back.
Nyni starts to cry
Wildfirewolf growls, "I will never forget her."
Christie has arrived.
Austin says, "So please, those who'd like to say something, whisper to me -- when I give the word -- and we'll get to each of you in turn."
Roofus_roo hugs Leslie wordlessly, still listening.
Ceredwyn patpats Nyni and hugs her.
DTF patpats Shiro on the shoulder.
Nyni is about two inches tall right now, so be careful
Andros pets Wildfirewolf!
Wildfirewolf crys..
DTF offers to set Nyni on his shoulder.
Nyni sits on Daddy's shoulder
Austin says, "I know it's hard to sum up our feelings for her in a few words -- we do need to be brief or the night may never end -- but please do try so. And those listening I have to ask to show some restraint in responding ... it will be very hard to read the comments otherwise."
Beltrami blinks?
Wildfirewolf nods.
Austin says, "Thank you, all ... now if you'll whisper your request to me?"
Leslie uhhuhs.
Austin says, "You don't have to have been adopted into her family ... if there's anyone who wasn't ... just to have something to share."
Beltrami nodnods.
Chanspot nods.
Monolith has arrived.
Beltrami waves to Monolith.
Skyler says, "Hi there, Monolith."
Monolith waves. "Sorry I'm late.
Ray tailwaves.
Leslie pips, "H'llo Mr Dragon."
Suri waves.
Wildfirewolf growls, "It's okay. We just started."
Lou has arrived.
Cougar waves to Monolith.
Scorcher growls, "Hi."
Beltrami hugs Christie...and Lou.
Suri waves to Lou!
Lou quietly walks in and leaps into Beltrami's arms.
Austin nods ... "Those who want to be on the speaker's list please whisper to me.
Lou vracks at Suri.
Wildfirewolf waves to Lou
Beltrami hugs Lou and rubs her nose into it.
Lou licks Beltrami very gently.
Nyni curls up on Daddy D's shoulder
Felix pats Mister Lou too.
Monolith finds a place to sit, unsure of what to do.
Wildfirewolf has to go for a second. Sorry... :(
Suri climbs onto Argon's head to sit.
Ceredwyn pads up to Monolith and gives him a gentle pat.
Argon patpats Suri!
Skyler says, "Oh, yes...just sit tight, Monolith. We're seeing if there are a few people who want to say something."
Monolith gives Ceredwyn a pat too.
Austin says, "All right, then ... to start with we have Aleph; following him will be Cougar and Ceredwyn."
Ceredwyn smiles and nods, sitting down next to Monolith.
Austin says, "Please take the floor, Aleph."
Aleph nods, standing up and going over to stand in front of everyone. "Thank you, Austin." He clears his throat and looks out into the gathered attendees.
Nyni looks up at Aleph
Ronnie listens quietly.
Aleph says, "I probably didn't get to know Aushae for as long as most of you, or as well as a lot of you. This is what saddened me the greatest when I learned of her passing."
DTF snuggles Than and Christie to his sides as he listens quietly.
Aleph says, "It wasn't the first time I'd lost someone only a short time after meeting them, and before I had a chance to get to know them very well."
Aleph says, "But once you meet someone, once you get to know them and become used to having them around, seeing their face, it leaves an empty spot inside of you, no matter how well you got to know them."
Nyni nods
Aleph says, "And while I may not have been her closest friend, and the time we knew together was fleeting at best, I knew well the happiness she brought many of you, and that was something I took a great deal of joy in."
Aleph says, "I know that right now, a lot of you feel like you have holes in your heart that you think will never heal. And while it is my deepest wish that I could in some way help mend those holes, I know that is not something I can do. Aushae's time here was too short, but in that time, I know we all made her very happy."
Beltrami nodnods.
Wurragurr has to go, but offers his condolences to everyone.
Ray tailwaves to Wurragurr.
DTF nods farewell to Wurragurr
Austin nods to Wurragurr ... thank you.
Ceredwyn nods and waves at Wurragurr.
Skyler nods..."Goodbye now, Wurragurr."
Suri says, "Bye!"
Monolith waves. "Take care, Wurragurr."
Roofus_roo waves. .
Wurragurr has left.
Suri zoofles...
Aleph says, "We will have many more happy times here. We will have many more friendships, more kindness, more learning, more growing. The sun and moon will rise as they always have over this land Ausahe loved, over the trees, the sea, the buildings, the plains. We will feel the wind, the rain, the warmth of day, and the cool, still air of night. Life will go on. And I know deep down, that this is exactly what Aushae would want."
Nyni has to go now, sorries
Ray waves atta Nyni!
Nyni huggles around
Nyni has left.
Ceredwyn waves to Nyni and nods to Aleph.
Rhea has to slip out. Be well, all.
Rhea has left.
Ray waves.
Argon says, "May I suggest to everyone that wants to speak that they write what they want to say and save it so it's ready when your turn comes up so we can absorb your thoughts without the delay of having to wait as they're typed in."
Cougar nods.
Ray has already done so.
Ceredwyn nods and has done so as well.
Aleph says, "Well, I believe that's about all I have to say. Thank you for taking the time to listen."
Aleph goes to sit back down next to Beltrami.
Austin says, "Thank you, Aleph. May I also suggest that people state when they're done, so that we can be sure."
Austin says, "All right ... next on my list is Cougar, then Ceredwyn and Pathfinder. And if you do want to be on the list please whisper to me."
Cougar nods. "Thanks..."
Beltrami nodnods to him?
Cougar says, "I knew Aushae as Thermoriax on another MUCK, and for a time I got to know her. I think she considered me to be part of her family, as she seemed to do for a great many of us..."
Cougar says, "Sadly though, I ended up losing touch with her, and never really got to talk with her much after that. When I heard the news of her passing, I felt a little lonelier in the world..."
Cougar says, "I remember her fondly, and now that she's elsewhere, I will keep on remembering her the same way. That's the piece of her I get to keep, so I'm not so lonely."
Cougar looks at Austin. "That's all I'm able to say."
Austin nods. "Thank you. Ceredwyn, and then Pathfinder; Argon is in the queue after that."
Ceredwyn nods and steps up a little so everyone will be able to hear him. Then he clears his throat and softly murrs: "Good evening everyone. I do not have much to say I'm afraid, and that is because I have not been around here long enough to really have gotten to know Aushae. But she was inspiring to me nonetheless, and I would like to think her enigmatic and friendly presence here helped me with my decision to stay in Spindizzy. Her presence really made this world all the more interesting, and it saddens me deeply to know that she has left us in her physical form."
Felix has disconnected.
Leslie has disconnected.
Beltrami has disconnected.
Austin has disconnected.
Skyler has disconnected.
Cougar o.O
DTF thinks some of the muck must have gone down.
Wildfirewolf =?.?=
Argon says, "Hmm."
Roofus_roo eeps.
Monolith chirps, "Hmm.. wonderful timing these problems have."
Roofus_roo says, "Probably, yeah."
Wildfirewolf growls, "Yep."
DTF chuckles softly. "There's ever a good time to have problems?"
Ray purrs, "Well, not this time, for sure!"
Wildfirewolf growls, "This is true."
Suri grimbles.
Ceredwyn hmms and will keep the rest of his speech until they get back?
Ray purrs, "II'd wait."
Ronnie purr-growls, "aye."
Cougar wishes Austin could've stayed connected. He's MCing after all.
Skyler has connected.
Argon says, "Well, there's Skyler back."
Wildfirewolf :( This sucks.
DTF turns off the vacuum pump.
Austin has connected.
Skyler frowns. "I'm not sure what just happened there. Net something?"
Suri says, "I'd say give 'em some time, and see if at least Austin can make it back."
PatchO'Black nods as Austin returns.
DTF nods "Net burp likely. Five of you got hit.
Austin says, "It wasn't just me, then?"
Austin urgs.
Suri says, "Nope."
Ray [OOC] Ceredwyn might want to repose.
Ray [OOC] Once all are accounted for.
Monolith chirps, "The net doesn't want aushae gone either, it seems."
Ceredwyn nods.
Argon says, "Feli Leslie Beltrami Austin and Skyler."
Skyler says, "Ceredwyn?"
Ceredwyn murrs, "Yes?"
Ceredwyn murrs, "Should I wait for the others?"
Ceredwyn murrs, "Perhaps it would be a good idea if someone recorded all of this so people will be able to read it later if they missed something?"
Austin nods ... "I'd meant to record this all, but obviously, a secondary source is good."
Ray issa logging.
Cougar is too.
Monolith chirps, "I as well."
DTF is logging, as usual, as well.
Skyler says, "No shortage, then."
Argon is saving the major portions for the paper.
Ceredwyn nods.
Ceredwyn [OOC] I'll repose and continue then?
Austin nods, please.
Ceredwyn nods and steps up a little so everyone will be able to hear him. Then he clears his throat and softly murrs: "Good evening everyone. I do not have much to say I'm afraid, and that is because I have not been around here long enough to really have gotten to know Aushae. But she was inspiring to me nonetheless, and I would like to think her enigmatic and friendly presence here helped me with my decision to stay in Spindizzy. Her presence really made this world all the more interesting, and it saddens me deeply to know that she has left us in her physical form."
Ceredwyn continues after a short moment of silence. "I only had a real conversation with her once. It was when she kindly demonstrated the effects of having a balloonized Nyni being rubbed over my fur to my curious self. Needless to say that day I had a lot of fun."
Aleu has arrived.
Ceredwyn smiles a little. "This is a memory I will always cherish, and if people were to ask me what makes Spindizzy so special to me that memory will come to mind again."
Austin nods to Aleu, too.
DTF offers Aleu a seat with him.
Aleu waves. "Hey everyone."
Ceredwyn murrs, "I will cherish her memory in my heart, knowing she is still up there watching over this world. She has helped to make this world what it is now, and as such I still feel her presence and can still see her inspiring people to make it their home, just like she did with me. Even though she is no longer here physically."
Ceredwyn murrs, "That's it... thank you."
Ceredwyn steps down, blinking a few tears away.
DTF offers Ceredwyn a tissue.
Monolith offers a seat nearby for Ceredwyn.
Ceredwyn nods to DTF, accepting the tissue, and takes a seat next to Monolith.
Austin nods ... "Thank you. Pathfinder's next, and then Argon and then Wildfirewolf.
Aleu mrrs, "I've got a message for Monolith and the rest of you afterwards. Something I saw in an antique shop today."
Beltrami has connected.
Beltrami frowns...she waves?
Suri regreets.
Beltrami hugs Suri!
Suri whirrs.
DTF helps Beltrami back into her seat after having passed out.
Roofus_roo pats Beltrami!
Martin has arrived.
Ray tailwaves.
Aleu hugs Beltrami!
Austin says, "Hi, Martin, Beltrami."
Martin noses Austin gently.
Suri waves. "Hi Martin!"
Than snugglies Martin an' Beltrami
Argon says, "Uhm, looks like Pathfinder is a bit idle. Shall I go ahead?"
Pathfinder climbs up where everybody can see him, waves "Hello everybody. Am new here and I was just getting to know Aushae. I know she love Final Fantasy, like mecha and anime. She had a love of many things and sadly I didn't get to learn of all of them but she was love by many here and love people back as well. Just remember her, remember your times with her and all this done and she be with us until we meet her again. At lease that what I belive in. Thanks for listening to me. Am done.
Argon says, "Works every time."
Austin says, "Thank you, Pathfinder."
Argon smiles.
Pathfinder waves to everybody and fade back into the crowd.
DTF chuckles softly and pokes Argon in the hindflank. "You're a goof."
Austin says, "To Argon, then, then Wildfirewolf and then B.J. If you want to be added to the list please whisper to me, and quite a few people have asked to be the last or next-to-last speaker, incidentally."
Argon says, "Ahem.. well..."
Beltrami squeezes Cougar and rests her head on Aleph's shoulder.
Argon says, "I wasn't part of Aushae and Austin's 'close' family, but that didn't seem to matter. She gave of herself to us all, family or not. She was a special person, as is Austin, and it was obvious how they found love for one another. She will obviously be missed. She was a special part of SpinDizzy and all our lives, whether you knew her or not. She will be missed."
Cougar mrrfs and hugs Beltrami.
Argon says, "Thanks."
Wildfirewolf growls, "My turn?"
Argon backs up to make room for WildFire.
Andros stands with Wildfire.
Austin nods. "Wildfirewolf, then B.J., then ... Than's gone in, so Ronnie, then.
Felix has connected.
Beltrami squeezes Felix.
Skyler nods.
Roofus_roo pets Felix!
Lou gently leaps to Felix Beltrami and Suri and finally back to Beltrami.
Felix nods too "Hullo."
Martin noses Felix.
Cougar listens to Wildfirewolf.
Felix chitters, "Oh hullo Mister Martin too."
Ronnie shhsss...
Wildfirewolf stand up and growls, "Aushae was a good mother to me and was a friend to all of us here on Spindizzy. I pray for her every night, hoping she's in a better place now. I know many of us will miss her and there will be an empty spot somewhere in our hearts for a long time here. The scars of this event will heal with time, but we will never forget her. I really miss her and wish I could see her just one last time." Begins to cry again. "I really hope she's okay and that she is looking down upon all of us, giving us that boost of cofidence to move forward." He sighs heavily. "That's all I need to say."
Wildfirewolf sits down again and continues to cry.
B.J. is still writing his; Ronnie can go ahead.
Andros hugs Wildfirewolf!
Than snugglies Unka Wildfire tight...
Ronnie walks up in front of everyone...
Ceredwyn reaches out to give Wildfirewolf's shoulder a squeeze and a pat.
Scorcher has disconnected.
Martin puts his flipper around Wildfirewolf.
Andros licks Wildfirewolf's face and comforts him.
Cougar's ears splay.
Wildfirewolf whimpers, "Thank you. I really need some time alone now. I'll see you all tomorrow...
Argon waves.
Aleu mrrs, "Be safe, Wildfire."
Ray tailwaves.
Suri says, "Bye!"
Wildfirewolf growls, "Come follow love."
Cougar waves.
Than says, "Bye Unka Wildfire... Take care"
Ceredwyn murrs, "Take care."
Wildfirewolf has left.
Ronnie purr-growls, "I pay my respects to the lost of a great friend, this isn't easy for me seeing that being a military fur hits a person hard. Aushae was an inspiration to all of us here, her spirit will live on through all her friends, she is up there smiling down on all of us here who are present, I will never forget her, she was a great friend and I will miss her dearly. thank you."
Andros has left.
Leslie has connected.
B.J. follows Ronnie up to the front of the crowd, card in hand.
Leslie hugs Roofus_roo!
Roofus_roo nuzzles Leslie!
B.J. ahems.
B.J. says, "I only met Aushae once or twice, but I noticed something about her - something I know I'll miss. It was the way she changed people. Not physically, I mean, but - I'll never forget seeing her and Austin together and realizing I'd never seen him so happy and carefree, and it seems like she wasn't the only one she touched that way. I really do regret not having been around often enough to get to know her better - she was the sort of person I could've been quite fond of. We're all going to feel her absence, though - so, wherever you are, Aushae, just know that we'll never forget you."
B.J. steps back down and takes a seat on the grass.
Austin nods. "Thank you. Ah, Than, it's your turn ... Leslie after that and then Patchy."
B.J. (seems like he, rather, not seems like she).
Skyler nods.
Argon says, "I'm sorry, but it's late for me. I'm glad to see so many members of Austin and Aushae's family here, and so many of their friends."
Argon says, "Austin, please accept my most sincere condolances. I can only imagine how you feel. But please accept the love we all have for both you and Aushae, and allow it to comfort you."
Chanspot nods.
Argon snugs Austin! It's unusual for one agency to have all three accounts!
Ray tailwaves.
Argon says, "Good night."
Austin says, "Thank you ... oh, goodnight, Argon."
Ceredwyn murrs, "Take care Argon."
Argon waves.
DTF smiles "Be well big guy.
Argon has left.
Aleu mrrs, "Good night Argon."
Martin nuzzles Argon. "Goodnight."
DTF smiles kindly and patpats the batgirl.
Aleu chirrs softly.
Than slowly pads up to the front, and looks out, giving a soft smile "Auntie Aushae was a great auntie, an' I was always so happy to see her in the garden... An' I hope that I always made her as happy as she made me... She was really special.
Beltrami nodnods.
Than wipes her eyes... "I pray for her family, that they have an easier time through this, an' I hope that while she watchin' over us all, she havin' as much fun up in Heaven as she had down here." she slowly steps down from the podium
Martin rubs his cheek against Than.
Ray gently tailsnugs Than.
Pathfinder goes over and give Than a hug.
Monolith hugs the wolf nearby, and nods at Than.
Austin says, "Thank you, Than. Next on my list are Leslie, Patchy, and then Aleu. Those who want to be added please whisper to me."
Lou hands Eulogy and thoughts on Aushae to Beltrami.
Ceredwyn mrrfs and hugs Monolith back.
Leslie stands up and hugs Roofus and steps up.
Chanspot snugs, and needs t'head out. Take care, all. :3
Chanspot has left.
Ray purrs, "Seeya, Channy *snugs*."
Lou vitvits quietly to Beltrami.
Leslie pips, "Mrs Aushae was a very nice dragon, and I liked it when we could play together. She liked me and would talk about all the kinds of things dragons can do or tha she'd like doing and she made it always sound really exciting."
Ray smiles.
Leslie pips, "And on top of that she liked playing, like with hiding me under her wing and showing me again, or especially doing that with Mr Roofus and...wull, I kinda felt like she wanted everybody to be her favorite toy that she could play with forever and not get tired of."
Roofus_roo smiles to that.
Leslie pips, "When Mrs Mr Butterfluff died Mrs Aushae looked so sad, but she came back to being happy and spilling happy feelings all over and I'm thankful for her for that."
Leslie pips, "Thank you Mrs Aushae and I'm sorry that you're gone, but I'm going to always remember you."
Leslie pips, "Thank you."
Martin smiles at Leslie.
Leslie holds Roofus's hand and steps back away.
Cougar grins.
Ray tailtippatpats Leslie gently.
Leslie goshes and feelerglows.
Roofus_roo holds Leslie's paws, lifts her up, and re-pouches her.
Leslie climbs in Roofus's pouch and curls up with just the head poking out.
Austin says, "All right ... Patchy is next, then Aleu ... I had a spot for NeverNever, but don't know if she'll be awake by then."
PatchO'Black stands up and goes over to the podium.
Cougar says, "I think this is where I must go. I hope to meet you all again soon."
Ray tailwaves.
Beltrami nodnods to Cougar.
Aleu mrrs, "later Cougar."
Suri says, "Bye!"
Leslie pips, "G'night Mr Cat."
Austin says, "Thank you, Cougar ... I hope so."
DTF nods "Be well mister cougar.
Cougar waves.
Skyler says, "Goodbye now..."
Cougar has left.
PatchO'Black mews, "Aushae was a very special person. She treated each person as if they were family, and that sort of caring feeling is rare. The best tribute I can think to give her would be if we each remember to treat each other as family."
Ray tailwaves.
PatchO'Black mews, "Good-bye, Aushae."
PatchO'Black makes his way back to his seat.
Ceredwyn nods in agreement.
Monolith nods as well.
NeverNever has arrived.
Ray tailwaves.
Wolen waves.
Beltrami waves to NeverNever!
Monolith waves hello
Austin says, "All right ... next on my list are Aleu, NeverNever, and Monolith. Again, anyone wishing to join the list please whisper me."
NeverNever waves, loping in and sighs softly. "Hello." she's quiet, and just takes a place ear the back of the pack of people for the moment.
Aleu walks up to the podium, keeping her wings wreathed around herself. "I can't shed any more tears for Aushae. But please, don't think me callous. I've done enough crying over the past week. Instead of her death, I think about all the times I laughed and enjoyed time with her. The light and happiness she spread across the garden and places beyond.
Aleu mrrs, "That light of joy is still here, however, in all our hearts. I found something interesting while I was shopping earlier today... it was a small stone to add next to one's tombstone. It read 'If tears were a bridge, and memories a lane, I would go to Heaven, to bring you back again.' But honestly, she belongs to up there. Nothing to worry about anymore. Anyway, remember to not dwell on her passing. Remember all the laughter and smiles you shared with her." She steps back down."
Pathfinder says, "amen"
Monolith nods to Aleu. "Beautiful, dear."
Aleu mrrs, "I could've gone on for hours, actually, but I didn't wanna sound like some sort of politician or something."
NeverNever nods and folds back her wings, pressing her hands together, giving a soft smile to Aley and resting a handtalon on her shoulder in passing, "Perfect."
Austin says, "Thank you, Aleu."
Than smiles softly to Aleu and nods quietly...
DTF chuckles softly. "Yeah, that's my job." he winks to the batbat.
Ceredwyn smiles.
Aleu smiles. "You're welcome Austin. One must prepare the right words for the memory of someone who was like a mother to them."
Austin says, "Next up are NeverNever, then Monolith, and then Ray."
Austin says, "And please do whisper if you want to be on the list."
PatchO'Black has left.
NeverNever gives Aleu a hug in passing as she comes up to the front, seeming a bit uncomfortbale at such a large crowd, but still. She hops up to the podium, "I never knew Aushe well. We met several ties in the park and around, even spent some time together, but not like many of you. Still, she was a very special person, one whom richly returned all the love given her." she pauses, taking a ragged breath.
Jaxen has arrived.
Ray tailwaves.
Ceredwyn waves.
Jaxen waves hello.
Austin nods to Jaxen.
Wolen waves.
NeverNever continues, "I can't seem to let myself feel truly saddened over her passing, more to the like of being numb, as though a part of the collective body of this place were amputated. There will never be another person quite like Aushe, and the fact that you are all here proves that beyond doubt. She touched so many lives, so many souls. And while life will go on as it always has, we will always feel her absence. She is gona, now, but will live on in those of us who can remember her fondly." she lowers her head.
NeverNever takes another bracing breath and steps down, curling wing about herself as she lops back into the crowd towards the back, eyes looking down.
Ceredwyn nods to NeverNever.
Monolith nods as well, gives the wuff one more hug.
Aleu wingwraps Nev close, holding it for a while. "Remember hon, smile. She wouldn't want us crying rivers down here, don't forget."
Monolith chirps, "Almost assuredly."
B.J. nods...
NeverNever hugs back at both and nods, "No tears, as I said. Just an emptiness." she nods as she spies the new arivals, giving a small wave to them.
Ceredwyn mrrfs softly, then nods to Monolith as it is his turn now?
Aleu nods. She rewingwraps, rubbing at her pin softly.
Beltrami taps Austin?
DTF patpats Ceredwyn.
Monolith checks to see if Austin is plugged in?
Austin says, "Thank you, NeverNever."
Austin's here.
Ceredwyn rrfs and gives DTF a nuzzle.
Beltrami hands Eulogy and thoughts on Aushae to Austin.
Monolith stands, an looks to Austin. "I suppose it's time for me to do this, isn't it?"
Austin says, "Thank you, Beltrami."
Beltrami points to Lou and then to the eulogy.
Lou wraps around Beltrami protectively.
Austin says, "Ah ... yes, Monolith ... I guess then Ray and then read Lou's eulogy?"
Monolith wanders up to the podium, noting he thinks Beltrami means Lou should read it?
Skyler says, "Well...you go ahead and go first, Monolith."
Monolith steps up before the crowd, and bows polietly. "First, apologies if this is long,
Monolith chirps, "I've shed all the tears I'm going to.. but I haven't. I haven't even shed "
Monolith chirps, "Er.. one moment."
Monolith chirps, "My apologies.. technical difficulties travel everywhere I do something publicly."
Aleu patpats Monolith. "Take your time hon."
Ceredwyn nods in agreement.
Monolith steps up before the crowd, and bows polietly. "First, apologies if this is long, or repeats itself. I am tired, an figured I would have a lot to say here, so please try to bare with me. My name is Monolith. I know many of you have heard of me, but few here likely know me. I have lived with Aushae for more than 11 years. She was closer to me than more would ever know. I honestly wish I couldsay I've shed all the tears I'm going to.. but I haven't. I haven't even shed them yet. I do not know why.. Aushae was one of the most close to me. The lack of feeling alone shocks me to the core. But I still go on."
Monolith waits for a moment, to catch his breath, then continues. "There are so many things I could say. Aushae was inspiration, kindness, acceptance. You can't really put the dragon into words, even though we all try."
Monolith chirps, "I have spent many years doing things together with Aushae. I've lost count of the number of movies, new games, and new places I've experienced around her. My culinary skill, and thus taste, has expanded because of her, as well as the list of talents or hobbies I have. Everything just opened to whole new levels, just by being in her presence. None can ever really fill her space, nor do I wish that anyone try."
Monolith sniffs and looks on, still managing a smile. "I can remember many daring things Aushae has done, as well. The bike ride we both shared from my home town, all the way to Terre Huate, almost 25 miles, and back, was a rather clear and distinct memory. She just wanted to go shopping, and the lack of local stores got her to ride a bike that far."
Monolith chirps, "Aushae has helped many people in need, as well. Always tried to stop where she could on a trip outside, and offer assistance when others needed. I've done everything I can to continue that legacy.. always helping others, regardless of who, or how, or why."
Monolith settles for a moment, closing his eyes before he opens them slowly, to go on. "I am sure everyone here came to know her, some very well. I shall always miss that I was unable to join in the family here, until she was no longer here. But at the same time, I see all the people who's lives she's tied together.. all the threads she has woven. I cannot ever let that pass, indeed none of us should. She's always wanted others to learn to do better, and then do so for as long as they could. So I see no reason why we should not all do the same."
Monolith grins at the crowd gathered. "Aushae has been, and always will be mother to me, and many here. She has been a close friend to those who needed, an ear that listens to anyone. She was a nurturer and muse, a source of joy. We must remember those things.. what Aushae was to each of us."
Monolith chirps, "Yes, there is pain. Trust me, for some much more than for others. It should go away, we can only hope so an try to make it so. I can say, I was there with her when she was gone. She did not look strained, or otherwise terribly off. She simply could not hold on. I only wish I could have given her more comfort at her most dire moment of need. Before this event, she had an injury on her leg that bled.. strongly. At one point, the tip of my finger was all that kept her from bleeding to death. And when I saw that, I put that finger there, an held tight. Over an hour went by.. my knees and arm were giving out, but I dared not move. I looked up.. she looked back at me with a weak smile, and petted my hair. It's one of the moments that'll stay with me the rest of my days.. seeing that my effort had such an effect on her."
Monolith sighs and sniffles harder now, finally drawing his head up. "As a last, I know that her father went before she did. I know they were close, and it enlightens my heart to know they are together again, and that Aushae is no longer in such immense pain, as she was on a daily basis. Clearly I cannot do anywhere near the job that she did. I can only offer my deepest sympathies for those most affected by this.. even myself, and act as a connection of knowledge, as I am sure there are things about her life some of you never learned. Never fear asking me.. that is why I am here. With that, I thank you all for being such a loving, helpful family to Aushae, and hope that it will rub off, letting you turn the favor and help others that feel a need for such a connection. Thank you all, that is all I have to say."
Aleu mrrs, "Now -that- was perfect."
Roofus_roo claps politely.
Leslie goshes.
Monolith bows before everyone, an slowly takes a seat, sniffing quietly.
Leslie pips, "Thank you Mr Dragon."
Skyler nods..."Thank you, Monolith."
Lou tear drops upon Beltrami.
Aleu wingwraps Monolith as best she can.
Ceredwyn looks rather speechless and blinks more tears away..
Felix uh huhs.
Beltrami cups her hand under Lou's tear. She lifts it up and carries it to her left eye, so it may run down too.
NeverNever flares her wings and nods, "That was profound, Monolith." she comes up and wing-hugs the dragon softly, squeezing snugly. If she had any tears in her, she'd probably shed a few.
Pathfinder sighs
Monolith sighs and accepts all the hugs, nodding.
DTF gives Monolith a shoulder-squeeze.
Lou vurrits and rubs warmly to Beltrami trickling some more and taking a deep breath.
Monolith chirps, "I suppose it's fitting that shrek is on the front room tv, and had just finished playing 'Hallelujah'.. the one point in the movie that always made me cry the hardest."
Ceredwyn nods.
Lou leaps to Monolith and goes to lick some of Monolith's tears.
Aleu chuckles. "Leave it to Hollywood to pull out the tears.
Austin says, "She loved those movies ... would ask how I felt about playing a donkey."
Ray chucklepurrts.
Roofus_roo hugs Leslie gently.
Ray purrs, "You'd've made a fine donkey, Austin."
Monolith nods. "She always loved the dragon in that movie, she wanted a good figure of her to this day."
Than moves over to Monolith, and hugs tight...
Austin never found a good one for her.
Skyler says, "I remember her saying that."
NeverNever nods, smirking softly. She just stays quiet and fades toward the back again. She has nothing she could possibly add.
Lou licklicks at Monolith some more before returning to Beltrami.
Beltrami strokes Lou's fur and wraps it around her and Dolly.
Austin says, "All right ... I think the next was the eulogy Beltrami and Lou wrote."
Skyler says, "Is it from both of them?"
Aleu mrrs, "I must be heading out, I'm afraid... I'll see you all tomorrow."
Ray tailwaves!
Beltrami shakes no and points to Lou.
NeverNever leans over to give Aleu a peck on the cheek, "It was good seeing you again, Aleu." she hugs, "Be well."
Beltrami nodnods to Aleu.
Ceredwyn waves.
Aleu smiles. "You too, Nev. I'll be around more often, so don't be afraid to look me up." She takes off towards her home.
Aleu has left.
Lou just rests there with Beltrami.
Austin says, "All right ... any other comments please say so to me."
Austin says, "Quoting from our speechless ones ... "
Austin says, " From the begin to end. We start and finish."
Tanuki has arrived.
Austin says, " Along the way we meet many folks and friends."
Austin says, " Memories emerge from the things we seem to do. "
Austin says, " We than have family, raising them up as they mean something to us."
Austin says, " We just know that spending time is important to each one of us and"
Austin says, " gives our life meaning."
Austin pauses.
Austin says, " When we lose that special someone our heart hurts."
Austin says, " Sorrow and grief fill us with sadness."
Austin says, " We see a shadow where once there was a body."
Austin says, " From day to day we think about the shadow and what it all meant."
Austin says, " Eventually the shadow becomes less distinct but we still look upon it."
Austin says, " We see all the light in the shadow in time as the darkness fades."
Austin pauses again.
Austin says, " We heal in time and our memories remain their with us for a lifetime."
Austin says, " They keep us remembering what we had for a seemingly insignificant"
Austin says, " moment in the universe."
Austin says, " For us though every moment we spend is precious and a single life will"
Austin says, " always have meaning."
Austin pauses.
Austin says, " << About Aushae >> "
Austin says, "Aushae loved family by the members in attendance and the many not here."
Austin says, " Even though her physical limitations prevented her from having them RL"
Austin says, " she prospered well here. All members from her husband to her children"
Austin says, " knew that love. When she was around she would happily share it with"
Austin says, " anyone that might ask for it in return. She openly cared for whoever"
Austin says, " she could, and that is one of the most important values we can all"
Austin says, " learn from her. May your journey take you as far as you want to go"
Austin says, " Aushae, while let your love stay here and prosper everyhere."
Austin bows to Lou. "Thank you."
Ray applauds quietly, nodnodding.
Roofus_roo claps again, softly.
Beltrami hugs Lou.
Suri prunkles cretumbrously.
Felix looks down "That was really good Mister Lou."
Monolith nods to Lou and Beltrami, clapping loud.
Ceredwyn sniffles.
Leslie goshes.
NeverNever droops and closes her eyes, wrinnign her hands together. She nods and looks to Lou and Bel, just... gives a soft sigh.
Skyler says, "Yes, it was. Thoughtful, if I do say so."
PatchO'Black has arrived.
Leslie pips, "Hi Uncle O'Black."
Austin says, "Thank you yes ... next on my list are Ray, Felix, and DTF. If there's anyone else who wishes to say something let me know, as we are coming towards the end of the roster."
PatchO'Black mews, "Hello, Leslie."
Ronnie must depart for now, player needs to get some sleep.
Suri waves.
Ray tailwaves.
Ronnie hugs Austin "my condolences to you my friend"
Austin says, "Thank you, Ronnie."
Ceredwyn murrs, "It's almost six am.. I'd better get some sleep too."
Ronnie nods.
Ronnie has left.
Ceredwyn hugs Monolith firmly.
Ray waves s'more.
Austin says, "Thank yo, Ceredwyn. I'm sorry the time is this bad for the European groups."
PatchO'Black hugs Austin.
Ceredwyn murrs, "It's no trouble at all Austin. I'm used to getting up early at convenient times to American players. Again, my sincere condolences to all of you. And take care. "
Monolith hugs Ceredwyn as well. "Thanks for being here."
NeverNever waves... "take care..."
DTF nods "Be well Ceredwyn."
Skyler says, "Goodnight, now..."
Suri says, "'night!"
Ceredwyn hugs and then pads off. "Take care."
Ceredwyn has left.
"Take care," barks Tanuki.
Tanuki barks, "I didn't think there'd still be something going on this late... but I've never been around when something like this has happened... I'm not really sure what to say."
Skyler says, "I think you were next, Ray."
Ray noddles, and will be brief.
Ray steps forward and turns to address the gathering, a gentle smile on his muzzle...
Ray purrs, "I came to SpinDizzy three years ago, at about this same time of year, when I learned of a memorial, here, for Butterfluff (whom I had known elseMU), who had moved on to join the stars. It is always sad to lose someone who was so giving and kind as both Butterfluff and Aushae were. I didn't know Aushae as well as I did the 'Fluff, as I was usually around in the evenings, and missed seeing her, much..."
Ray purrs, "My strongest personal memory of Aushae was from one of the rare mornings, early in my sojourn, here, that found me up and around. Aushae and Austin and I had a nice, long talk in the Rose Garden about, among other things, different kinds of people, and, the things people call themselves and one another, based on their physical traits. It was a revealing lesson, for me, about the general innocence of how 'furs' of all types view one another's diversity, here, while, in some other worlds, prejudice can be more common..."
Ray purrs, "At the end of our visit, Aushae hinted that she didn't (at that time, anyway) have a cheetah for a son. While it wasn't in my loner's nature to join a family so suddenly, I felt honored that Aushae would extend that kind of invitation to me, knowing how precious her family had always been to her. My greatest regret in all this is that I hadn't taken more of an opportunity to get to know her, so, I'll have to settle for just being part of Aushae's extended SpinDizzy family, as we all are, here in our collective home."
B.J. has disconnected.
Tzolkin has arrived.
Ray pawses to hug Austin warmly, then returns to his place among Aushae's friends and family.
Tzolkin late. X.x
Austin says, "Thank you, Ray."
Austin says, "And hello, Tzolkin ... did you want to speak?"
Monolith chirps, "Do not worry, we are all keeping track of this, if you have need, Tzolkin."
NeverNever waves to Tzol as he enters, then nods to Ray.
Pathfinder says, "Better late then never Tzolkin. Your here and that what matters"
Ray nods. "You're welcome."
B.J. has connected.
B.J. mrfs. Connection trouble.
Suri greets.
Tzolkin nods a bit. n.n;;;
DTF passes BJ the connection duct tape.
Tzolkin mews, "Hi Austin.. c.c"
Austin says, "All right ... I think Felix was next, then, and Tzolkin can go after that, then DTF."
Tzolkin noddle.
Felix uh huhs "Okay Mister Austin."
Felix stands up but he's still sitting next to where Missus Beltrami an Mister Lou are.
Niran has arrived.
Felix chitters, "Wull I just thought it was neat how when I first saw Missus Aushae she scared me cause she was big an I didn't know who she was an it was like that for a long time too. Only later Mister Austin said I could be Missus Aushae's friend and then it was more fun too, so I guess what I mean is that I think Missus Aushae was really neat after all an I wish I got to play more when she was around too."
Felix chitters, "An I hope Missus Beltrami isn't sad cause I think Missus Aushae really loved her a lot. An Mister Austin too. An really it's a lot of people an I'm sorry she is gone now."
Lou vurrits softly and looks to Felix and Beltrami.
Roofus_roo nod nods.. :/
Felix chitters, "But that's all I was gonna say I'm sorry Mister Austin."
Beltrami wing-hugs Felix, and squeezes him by the belly, then the ankles.
Austin says, "Thank you, Felix."
Austin says, "Then ... next, I suppose, are Tzolkin and DTF, and then to Beltrami."
Felix hugs Missus Beltrami too and then he pets Mister Lou after that.
Lou viits.
Monolith gives Felix a quick hug.
Felix chitters, "Thank you mister Monolith."
Aleph hugs Suri!
Suri whirrs.
Ray tailtippatpats Felix gently.
Felix hugs then too and he sits in Beltrami's lap then.
Beltrami rubs her nose into Felix's cheek.
Leslie sits up a little bit so to poke out more from Roofus's pouch.
Roofus_roo pats Leslie's ears.
Ray tailtippatpats Leslie, then, too! =^[.]^=
Leslie giggles a moment--and stops, embarrased--but hugs Ray by the tail too.
Ray purrs, "No reason to be embarassed about a little joy, even now."
Niran slowly tailflags
Monolith nods quickly at Ray's comment. Joy is one thing in very short supply these days.
Tanuki barks, "Don't mean to sound cheesy by it, but I think that's something she'd want."
Pathfinder says, "it still out there, just have to work a bit harder to find it."
Leslie uhs...& uhhuhs.
Beltrami smiles modestly and squeezes Lou's ankles.
Ray wonders if Tzolkin heard Austin?
Tzolkin earperks.. "When I was just a guestie, Aushae was the one who made me feel welcome and at home here. And looking back, she was also the one who kept that little spark of magic within me from fading away. Just meeting and getting to know her via this muck was a blessing in itself. I will remember her, and treasure that memory, always.."
Lou vurrrirs and noses Beltrami.
Felix settles down too where he was sitting on Missus Beltrami.
Tzolkin finds a seat somewhere..
Martin hugs Tzlokin.
Tzolkin hugs Martin back.
Beltrami rubs Lou with her nose, and she rests her chin on Felix's head. She spreads out her wings.
Lou licks Beltrami's nose.
Austin says, "Thank you, Tzolkin. If there aren't any other volunteers to address us, then ... "
DTF looks around.
Austin says, "All right, then, would DTF please take the stage."
DTF looks slightly embarrassed but steps up.
DTF looks around, slightly sullen. "Many of you got to know Aushae far better than I did. We seemed to have a few mutual interests, but tended to run in different circles, both with our hobbies and with our respective schedules, which is part of why I didn't know if it would be right for me to speak tonight."
NeverNever folds her wings tight around herself. She's just off by the back of the group, just kind of... watching.
Pathfinder goes over to NeverNever and looks up at her.
Niran is also at the back of the group, his wingclaws clamped around the front of his neck, looking like a furry cape around him
DTF ponders "To paraphrase Charles Dickens.... Life is full of meetings and partings, that is the way of it. We will never forget Aushae, nor this parting among us. Though I didn't know her well, many things were abundantly clear. She loved people. You all. To her, a new person was just a friend she hadn't made yet, and that's how we should look upon things. Not knowing her well, I can't say how she'd feel about us and our sadness at her passing, but I have the feeling she'd take the perspective that we should be glad that we're all here. With the ones we do care about. All of us...."
Ray noddles.
B.J. nods...
NeverNever reaches down lightly to scritch the tiny red panda as she sighs, "Very true, DTF. so very true."
Pathfinder give NeverNever fingers a nuzzle,waves his tail at her in a friendly manner.
DTF stops for a moment. "There are a few of us that know me individually, RL, and as such know I've seen a lot in my time out and about... Death is indeed a part of life just like birth is. It's what we all do in between that counts. Death is merely the end to our story, but our story affects many others. The great writers, Dickens, Mark Twain, even back to the time of Homer, have inspired the future writers of the tomorrows of their day. We, ourselves, in this moment inspire others of how to be, what to be, and as such it is up to us to give freely of ourselves to create a better tomorrow for what's to come. Aushae did that through her compassion and kindness to others.
Beltrami nodnods.
DTF smiles for a moment. "Look around. To each of you who are here. If there is someone you've not yet met, this is the time to do so. Tomorrow may not come to greet us with the rising sun, so we must grab hold of today. New people are just friends you've not yet met. Even enemies... " he stops for a moment. "Ray mentioned being of the military. Being a wolf, I'm naturally military-minded and rather regimented myself. Change does not come easy for my species as a whole. Enemies are to be respected as much as friends are, even though they oppose your viewpoint or preferences on an issue. Enemies can become friends with something as simple as a kind gesture. Never hesitate to make that gesture, for regardless of whether you win or lose... you made the attempt to reconcile differences.
DTF looks down a bit. "I have known loss, and I have known joy. I have known battle and I have..." he chuckles "Well, I've yet to see a lasting peace, but I've heard tell." he winks and smiles "I've known hard times and I've known comfort. All these things are natural to the way a life goes. Let's enjoy our lives, together, with each other. Satisfied in the knowledge that we care for others and are ourselves cared for. I say, in honor to the kindness of others, that a day be set aside each year as Aushae Kindness Day, to both remember her kindness to others, and to remind ourselves to take at least one day to just enjoy each other's company."
DTF nods politely and returns to his seat.
Niran wuffles quietly as he nods, a bit of a smile as the memories are being shared
Ray purrs, "It was, ummm, Ronnie, the other cheetah-fellow, who mentioned being military."
Ray purrs, "But, nicely stated, DTF."
NeverNever smiles softly, just silently agreeing with DTF. She continues petting the little one curls her tail, "Beautiful, that."
DTF chuckles "Oops, my bad. Cheetahs do look alike." He blushes a bit.
Ray fangrins. "Yeah, we do tend to that." =^[.]~=
Leslie goshes.
NeverNever smirks a bit, "Its easy to tell the difference. Just count the spots :P"
Monolith hmms. "Actually, I think I second DTF in the Aushae kindness day idea."
Austin says, "Thank you, DTF. I think an 'Aushae Kindness Day' would be one fine way to remember her spirit."
Roofus_roo agrees.
Tzolkin is all for that idea, as well.
Pathfinder nuzzles NeverNever's fingers "Sound good to me.
B.J. grins. "Yeah."
NeverNever nods, "That's certainly a worthwhile holiday." she cups Path in her talon and lifts him up, giving a light hug.
Pathfinder murrs at being pick up, give NeverNever a hug around a arm with his tail.
Darius has arrived.
Ray tailwaves atta Darius.
Austin says, "Hello, Darius."
Darius says, "Hello."
Suri says, "Hi Darius!"
Tzolkin mews, "Heya Darius."
Pathfinder waves to Darius
Skyler says, "Hiya, Darius."
NeverNever waves to Darious and smiles, "Hello" she scritches along Path's back lazily. Sigh... looks at the time. Just a little longer, perhaps
Niran nods to Darius, keeping his wingclaws locked in front of his neck, keeping his wings close
Darius sits down.
Pathfinder playfully headbuts NeverNever's chin, chuckles a bit.
Austin says, "We are then coming to the end, with ... some of the people here I know Aushae held closest. Beltrami, then, and after her Skyler, and I insist on taking the closing moments to myself."
Beltrami blinks and nods and she squeezes Felix's wrists.
B.J. nods.
Felix ohs uh huh an he stands up so Missus Beltrami can get up if she wants to.
Beltrami touches her chin and hugs Felix.
Lou looks to Beltrami and moves to leap down.
Beltrami stands and walks out. She picks up the three-dimensional blackboard and opens it up. A subdued Chalky, the chalk dragon, sitting up with its paws neatly in front of it, has its head dipped down.
NeverNever lets out a small, involuntary yawn and gives Pathfiber a nuzzle and hug, then sets him back down, patting him on the head. She turns and gives Austin a hug tightly, "I'm afraid I must go. I'm simply exhuasted, can barely even think straight." she sighs again, "This was... a wonderful memorial. I can only hope that Aushe knew exactly how much she was loved." she closes her eyes.
Lou leaps to the edge of the board.
Austin nods ... "Take care, please, NeverNever."
Ray tailwaves.
DTF nods "Later, Nevvy.
Pathfinder waves to NeverNever
Leslie pips, "Oh g'night Mrs NeverNever."
Suri says, "'night!"
Beltrami nods to NeverNever and pets Lou.
PatchO'Black waves to NeverNever.
Aleph hugs Beltrami!
NeverNever nods "I do my best. You all be well. It was good seeing you all again." she goes around and hugs each of you in turn.
Beltrami holds up her index card, 'I'M BELTRAMI', and turns to writing.
Beltrami writes, 'WAS WARY WHEN AUSHAE ASKED TO BECOME MOTHER- '
NeverNever has left.
Lou puts its paw to the board to look down upon Chalky and nods to draw Chalky's attention to Beltrami.
Beltrami writes, 'SEEMED STRANGE, UNSURE WHAT IT MEANT'
Ba'ar pads in
Beltrami writes out, 'AM SO HAPPY ACCEPTED- WAS LOVING EXPERIENCE'
Beltrami smiles and bows to Ba'ar.
Suri greets.
Niran nods a bit to Ba'ar, keeping his wings close
Beltrami waits for Chalky to clear some of the letters away and open fresh 3D-BB space.
Ba'ar takes a seat
Beltrami writes down, 'WE SHARED WONDER- LIVED A HAPPY TIME WITH HER'
Beltrami adds, 'SHE TAUGHT MUCH - HOPE I GAVE IN RETURN ENOUGH'
Beltrami's ears flicker...she writes down 'SHE BREATHED LOVE'
Pathfinder smiles at that one.
Wolen has left.
Beltrami smiles modestly again and pets Lou while Chalky clears its space.
Niran lowers his head, closing his eyes as he hears the words
Niran errs, reads the words
Beltrami writes down, 'GAVE LIFE TO CHALKY, CHANGED MY LIFE, TOOK ME INTO HERS AND HER INTO MINE'
Ba'ar growls, "You know, I didn't know Aushae all that well, but I must say something. Her death provided a reminder that behind each of our characters is a real live human being. Sort of *sighs* brings you face to face with your own mortality. "
Tanuki waves quietly... "I can't stay, I feel exhausted right now... I'll be around some other time... everybody hang in there..."
Pathfinder says, "Take care Tanuki"
Suri says, "'night!"
Tanuki barks, "See you..."
Tanuki has left.
Lou patpats at Chalky in encouragement.
Beltrami writes down, 'AM CHANGED FOREVER BY HER AND WILL TRY TO CHANGE ALL FOR HER'
Beltrami writes 'AM GLAD WE SHARED SO MUCH- AND OFTEN- AND WILL CHERISH ALWAYS'
Beltrami hugs Word Balloon!
Leslie giggles.
Beltrami writes out, 'THANK YOU MOTHER/AUSHAE'
Skyler frowns a little. "Oh, the word balloon, yes..."
Niran smiles,"Those words were wonderful, Beltrami"
Beltrami holds up a finger...she points to herself and then opens her wings wide, and her mouth wide.
Ray headtilts?
Beltrami makes fists in her hands and swings her arms far out...
B.J. watches curiously.
Lou pauses.
Beltrami swings her fists in, hitting her chest, and spraying out billows of ice-cold air that spreads all over- cold enough to make frost quickly form, even if it's so little it will soon evapourate.
Ray shivers!
Roofus_roo ohhs.
B.J. blinks at the sudden frost.
Monolith nods.. Aushae always had an affinity for frost.
Suri snoofs?
Beltrami folds her arms and legs brattishly and looks up to the sky.
Lou vuhhrs.
B.J. smiles. "What a pretty effect."
Beltrami bows down, and stands up again...she picks back up the 3D-BB and writes 'WAS ANOTHER GIFT OF HERS'
Niran scowls a bit as he sees the frost, taking in a deep breath and tries nto to let out the opposite equivalent
Martin shuffles over and gives Beltrami's tail a really tight hug. :X(
Beltrami writes down 'THANK YOU AUSHAE- I LOVE YOU'
Tzolkin meeps.
Beltrami touches her chin, and bows, and kneels to hug Martin.
Martin moves his flippers and puts them up and over Beltrami's sides to hug her back.
Austin says, "Thank you."
Felix hugs Missus Beltrami too then. "I feel sad."
Lou vurrits and licks Beltrami and patpats Chalky.
Beltrami hugs Martin and bows. Chalky bows its head and pulls Lou in to hug it with arms and wings!
Lou snugs around Chalky, vittervitvits.
Roofus_roo hugs Beltrami!
Beltrami looks to Austin and touches her chin. She picks up the 3D-BB and sits back with her menagerie by Felix.
Ba'ar has left.
Austin says, "Thank you, Beltrami ... I believe then Skyler is next."
Lou looks to Chalky vitvit?
Skyler gets to its feet. "I had something sort of prepared, but...it's really hard to follow Monolith, Lou, Beltrami...so, I hope you'll permit a little storytelling typed as I go."
Beltrami pats the board. Chalky licks Lou vigorously, until the civet's own lines get smeared. Chalky dips its head and tries patting it back down, spreading some original new colors into the civet.
Suri says, "Civet lines..."
Skyler says, "I met Aushae a few years back when she was first here. The first couple times we talked wasn't anything too out of the ordinary...getting to know someone, talking about various and sundry things."
Lou vurrows at Chalky, not minding and looks toward Skyler.
Skyler says, "I think perhaps the third time I spoke with Aushae, she laid out in a lot of detail the various medical challenges she had going for her. In part, I think she'd done that to prepare me for the fact that she wouldn't be around forever. I confess to asking myself at one point "How are you alive?""
Skyler says, "As time went on, I came to believe that the answer to that question was 'sheer force of will'. While Aushae wasn't afraid to talk about something in her own condition that was causing a problem, it was always apologetic - as to why she wasn't as responsive as she wanted to be on that particular day. She was also quick to want to hear about what was going on with those around her and those she cared about. There is no doubt in my mind, from what I know and what Monolith said earlier, that part of what kept Aushae going as long as she did was the people she knew here, and her determination to be there for people on Spindizzy and people in her life in Indiana."
Skyler says, "About a year and a half ago - some of you may remember this - Aushae had a sudden extended absence here. This was when, because of various issues, she had to go to a nursing home for a period of time. For the weeks she was away, I had occasionally talked to her by phone. She wanted two things while she was there - to be able to go home to her family there, and to be able to get back online to her family here. Eventually, after some weeks of hard work and physical therapy on her part, she was able to do both. Her day homecoming was a joyous one for her, and one I won't forget. It's where she spent the rest of her life, and where she wanted to spend it."
Skyler says, "This is where the things I'd had to say break down a little, and looking at them, it probably isn't easy to say briefly, but..."
Skyler says, "I think Aushae knew her time wouldn't last, and it was in a way a little unreal to me when I first heard that news...because perhaps on one level I'd expected it to happen. But...I still hadn't expected it so soon. I hope that I was able to do enough for her to make her feel a little happier than she would have been for not knowing me. I may never know that, but I cling to the hope that it's true. I _know_ that for all of us who did know her, even casually, that she valued that, and valued knowing that people cared about her."
B.J. nods.
Monolith can comment there, but waits for Skyler to finish.
Skyler says, "Aushae wanted those around her to be happy, and for her it was more than a matter of good intentions, but good acts, and making sure that those who knew her knew that. I think she would have liked one of her legacies to be that those she considered friends and family do to each other, and not just wish they'd done. Care for each other, and not wish later that they'd said they did. Aushae knew the value of life - hers and those around her."
Sunni has arrived.
Sunni wonders in quietly and sits
Suri greets.
Niran waves
Sunni waves
Niran keeps his wingclaws close together, keeping is wings looking like a furry cape
Sunni looks at Austin
Skyler says, "So, to Aushae...I will always remember how much you did care about me in a way that felt personal and real. Find peace, Aushae. You have earned it, and you have my love."
Sunni watches
Skyler looks about, and sits down after a pause.
Sunni looks
Austin steps up. "Thank you, all of you, for the things you've said. I just want to finish the night talking about my relationship with her some."
Monolith chirps, "I suppose I should have told you all this a long while ago. As I lived with Aushae, I could see things when she was not here with the family. Let yourselves know.. this was her life. To her, you, her family, was everything. She would plan her life around what times she could be here. Her thoughts were always what else she could do for Spindizzy and it's residents. Your love and friendship was as deep to her as any could be."
Austin ohs, and nods, and pauses for Monolith.
Monolith chirps, "So if you wonder if you had an effect on Aushae, there is no doubt. You, all of you, did, and always will. Thanks Austin, now let's hear from your unique perspective."
Sunni did met Aushae a few times on Spin Dizzy, and was sadden hearing of her passing
Austin nods, "Thank you, Monolith, and Sunni."
Nyni has arrived.
Suri waves.
Beltrami waves to Nyni.
Roofus_roo waves.
Austin says, "Thank you, all."
Sunni says, "I only wish I Could have said good by one last time, but we know Aushae in that big muck in the sky, and looking down at us hoping we are well"
Nyni awwwws as she listens
Martin barks, "Thank you, Austin."
Leslie uhhuhs.
Martin nods to Sunni.
Austin says, "I met Aushae for the first time, as Thermoriax, over a dozen years ago on Furry. I don't remember the first time we met; it was just one of those chance encounters with people in some public area, maybe the park, maybe HoneyBadger's Burrow, and I knew that she was pleasant and likeable, but many people are ... "
Sunni notes to Austin to bring nyni up to date
Austin says, "One night, though, I remember clearly. She was ... in pain, anguished and crying out for help against suicidal thoughts. I didn't yet love her; I didn't know her that well ... but she was a person, in pain, and I was there and could help, and so I sat up with her ... it was something like eight hours spent in the computer lab, until finally I was almost starving and exhausted and I had to apologize and ask if she felt she could hold on, could wait, just for about an hour so I could walk home and get online from there."
Austin says, "And she thought she might, and I went and hurried, and was back in maybe forty minutes, and was there to talk to her again, lasting another six hours until the sun was almost coming up, and we were both so exhausted we might not be able to make it to bed."
Austin says, "She needed help ... and I could give it ... and if it left us both exhausted ... I suppose we've all sometimes felt that exhaustion."
Austin says, "We were friends thereafter, of course ... I was oblivious enough to not realize she loved me, and maybe I was oblivious enough to not realize I loved her too. I'm very lucky that years later I was put to work in Singapore, at hours where I was able to see her in more useful times and we could realize what we did feel."
Austin says, "I can be amazingly oblivious ... it was over a year after we married on Furry that I thought to tell her of Spindizzy clearly enough that she wanted to come here and be with me."
Austin says, "I can't forget the day she was created here, though ... it was Valentine's Day, 2004."
Ray =^[.]^=
Pathfinder give a thumbs up
Than smiles...
Monolith hmms..
Austin says, "I'm very glad that I clung to her that hard, that night ... you probably know she was always deeply afraid of being abandoned, or being set aside ... which could make it awkward when I had to leave early or unexpectedly for something, and we spent a fair number of nights until we were both exhausted and the sun was almost coming up again."
Monolith remembers many of those himself..
Niran tailsways as he listens
Austin says, "You know how she loved to transform things ... herself sometimes, but so often those around us, making us ... into her family, into new forms ... into dragons if she could. It was often very much like she was perambulating through our lives, changing what it was into what might be."
Martin smiles.
Austin says, "The most important things she changed weren't bodies or descriptions or helping people delight in becoming a pair of slippers again ... the things she really changed were how we thought of ourselves, how we interacted with her, and how we interactd with each other."
Austin says, "Many of you I knew long before Aushae came here, but there's none of you with whom I have the same relationship I would have had lacking her."
Austin says, "I think that's essential to who she was, and who is the part of her that's within us still and forever. She was an opening up of possibility, of love, of lives fuller than she was able to have in her real life."
Austin says, "I know that we'll never lose that, because she's bred it so securely in us that it's not in danger of ever going away."
Austin says, "I mentioned earlier how deeply she feared being abandoned, being tossed off by former friends who were now so wrapped up in exciting lives they didn't have time for a dragonness who dearly hoped to be their mother, wife, or shared self."
Austin says, "Even knowing how exhausted she always was, and how hard she had to strain to appear, and how difficult her life was ... I had never figured on her leaving us first."
Austin says, "I wasn't *done* with her. It's likely I never would be, but I certainly wasn't done with her yet."
Austin says, "It's so very hard to believe that she's gone and that it's not simply that she can't happen to log in for an extended time ... I can't count how many times the past week and a half I've thought of how much Aushae will appreciate something and been crushed to think that I can't show it to her now."
Austin says, "That's me being selfish, I suppose. What truly matters is that she was a person in need, and when she did need I was able to help her."
Lou nodnods quietly.
Borris has arrived.
Borris Gruffs, "Hello every one, all is well?"
Austin says, "I don't doubt that she was happier, more fulfilled, more *herself* because I was fortunate enough to know her."
Suri greets Borris.
DTF directs Borris to an empty seat.
Borris sits on two empty chairs
Austin says, "And as much as this hurts I hope that the next time I hear a person crying of loneliness that I'll be able to hear it, and exhaust myself anew."
Austin says, "Thank you, Aushae ... and please remember that we are part of each other, and so will never be really separated."
Austin bows to you all.
Nyni curls up on Daddy D's shoulder
Monolith stands an begins to appluad.
Pathfinder nods to Austin
Suri prunkles.
Ray purrs, "Thank you, Austin, for sharing Aushae with us."
Martin barks, "Austin, you're the most unselfish person I know."
Martin hugs the coati very tightly.
Leslie cries.
Skyler gets to its feet to hug Austin..."Thank you."
Ray purrs, "That makes you quite unselfish."
Beltrami hugs Austin.
Niran smiles gently as he closes his eyes a bit tighter, lowering his head to hide it in his wings to hide a tear, feeling the emotion and pain
Roofus_roo hugs Leslie and sheads tears as well.
Sunni says, "Austin, there been nites in the early days of SD and before TFF, that I wasn't sure i make it, and you were there to lend an ear."
B.J. nods slowly, eyes shut.
Austin says, "Thank you."
Sunni uses her neckerchief to wipe tears with her eyes closed
Lou vuhhhurhhhhruhhhrhs.
Austin says, "We did have a memorial to set, as well."
Skyler says, "I think Ray has something, Austin...had Aushae not been introduced here, by you...we wouldn't be here now."
Skyler says, "..and that's hardly selfish."
Than smiles and hugs Austin tight "Thankie lots Unka Austin"
Beltrami nods to her father.
Aleph picks up Austin.
Borris Hms
Skyler says, "Right..."
Monolith chirps, "Austin has never been selfish.. he has frequently given of himself, and his time, for others, especially Aushae. I personally know of many of those times. I also remember the package Austin sent Aushae when she was in the nursing home. Signs of a wonderful person, there."
DTF smiles and stands, giving Austin a hug, and then Monolith too. "And now, in the wonderful German tradition of eating and drinking in excess at even the slighest excuse, I think there's a large dinner for any who want in the Garden."
Monolith chirps, "Or as Aushae's offline mother always calls him, 'That guy from Singapore'"
Austin says, "Thank you ... but ... we have got a memorial to set."
Ray purrlaughs!
Austin nods ... "I wanted to show her Singapore."
Skyler says, "Well, Austin and I both tried to put something together here, and I hope for both of us that it captures something I think Aushae would want to leave with all of us."
Tzolkin hugs folks at random.
Monolith chirps, "Yes everyone, we have a very important memorial to do just yet, so please sit tight."
Sunni hugs also at random, tears falling
Ray isna going anywhere.
DTF looks sheepish and sits back down.
Skyler sets the marker down...it's a few feet tall.
Skyler drops Marker for Aushae.
Pathfinder is trying to stay to the end of this. Wants to show his respect
Skyler says, "It has a quote on it that I think many of you have probably heard before from her, but, seems to carry something even after she's gone."
Beltrami squeezes Felix and Lou.
Lou vuhhuhhrs,
Than looks
Ray purrs, "Lovely..."
Martin barks, "It's beautiful."
This marker stands three feet tall and is an elaborate cylinder of dark red granite which tapers some toward the top. On the front is a gold plaque with inlaid black letters:
In memory of Aushae
May 30, 2007.
Go you safe,
and be you safe,
and come home safe to us...
Perched on the top, cast in silver, is a figure of Aushae. The dragonness is settled back on her haunches, clawfeet planted on the rounded top, as though ready to LEAP up from it.
Aushae's muzzle slopes gently outwards from her forehead, ending in a graceful sweep of her nostrils. Draconic earfins fan back from Aushae's head. Her muzzle slopes gently outwards from her forehead, ending in a graceful sweep of her nostrils. A long, serpentine neck flows into her chest, and shoulders.
From there, two large dragonwings are folded against her back, with the wingtips extending past her haunches. Her thick forelimbs end in prehensile, three fingered clawhands. The whole of this silvery figure is detailed down to ribbons tied around her tail, giving an illusion of being covered in silvery, saucer-sized scales that break up the light into irridescent rainbows.
From below, bright blue light is cast to shine on the silvery figure in an erratic pattern, causing the figure's scales to shine and twinkle in what you might imagine to be bluefire magic, and what might be that.
Felix hugs Missus Beltrami tight and he looks at the memorial too.
Borris waves out to a quiet place to read the newspaper
Sunni looks
Beltrami looks.
Roofus_roo says, "It's beautiful."
Leslie goshes.
Borris has left.
Suri says, "That's very nice, yes."
Nyni nods "Pretty...."
B.J. nods. "Yeah..."
Than smiles softly as she looks at the marker, loving it...
DTF nods "That does look good you guys.
Sunni says, "its beautiful"
Austin says, "She was beautiful."
Monolith chirps, "Wow. That is quite beautiful, and fitting, guys. Thank you Skyler, Austin.. she deserves it, and so much more."
PatchO'Black mews, "Perfect."
Sunni says, "Austin, she not gone as long as we remember her.., and well all see her again, when were called home.."
Lou vuhhhrs.
Tzolkin wows..
Austin says, "DTF ... you'd said there was a banquet ready, for when we've said our peace here."
DTF nods "Yepperz... (nothing desced, RP at will) It's in the Rose Garden. I had a few tables set up of sandwiches, desserts.... liquid refreshments of all types. Nothing formal, though..."
Skyler nods..."With this placed here for everyone, the memorial is concluded. Thank you, everyone, for coming to share."
Pathfinder looks over at the marker. "Have no worry Aushae, your wish been granted. Your never be left behind or put to the side, to many miss you to forget you and will want to keep you in there heart forever. Rest in pease
Ray remember to come visit, from time to time.
Austin says, "Aushae would have been very happy to do the catering."
Nyni cutely says, "Daddy? Carry me?"
Monolith chirps, "That she would."
Beltrami offers to take Lou by the hand with her.
Darius doesn't know what to say, so stays silent. He is, however, deeply moved.
Lou takes Beltrami by the hand.
Ray purrs, "If you really need catering..."
Roofus_roo hugs Leslie!
Aleph hugs Beltrami!
Austin says, "Thank you all for being part of our lives."
Ray will leave some things out in the Rose Garden before heading home.
Ray passes out hugs to such as have need of one!
Austin says, "I feel the memorial is concluded. Please go out in peace and love."
Ray purrs, "G'night, Austin, all..."
PatchO'Black has left.
Suri wanders around hugging everyone, and will have to go. "G'night, all!"
Ray has left.
Nyni has left.
Leslie pips, "Amen."
Beltrami nodnods.
Roofus_roo nod nods..
Than has left.
Suri kerschlundles away///
Aleph hugs Suri!
Darius has left.
Suri has left.
Niran nods gently n heads out.
Niran has left.
Beltrami offers to take Felix by the hand with her.
Felix takes Beltrami by the hand.
Christie has left.
Felix chitters, "Thank you Mister Austin."
Tzolkin hugs Austin and Jaxen, and whoever else.
[author left for Rose Garden luncheon - end of memorial log]