Chapter 34: 35-Burial

It had taken Rowan some time to dig a hole deep enough for Almar. He had dug the hole with his hands in a motion that was similar to how a dog would dig a hole. With one hand at a time, scooping up the dirt and throwing it backwards.

The good thing about wooden hands was that he was unable to feel much through them. There was no pain as Rowan dug deeper in the ground. It helped that the soil became softer as he dug deeper. It was the only top layer that had been the hardest to dig out. He made sure that the hole did not affect the Mother Tree Seed in any way. Thanks to carrying out the exchange, he knew the exact position of the seed and how much distance that needed to be kept away so that he wouldn’t disturb the seed. 

It was difficult to tell how long he took as there was no way for the boy to tell time. He could only rely on the sun to give him an estimate. When Almar had passed, the sun was still high in the sky. By the time he finished with the hole, the sun had sunk quite a bit. Soon it would be evening and Rowan wanted to finish this task as quickly as possible.

However that didn’t mean he would skimp any details while digging. Rowan made sure to give it his all like he always did. Out of respect for Almar and also just like how a knight should perform every task with hundred percent of their ability.

When Rowan had finished the hole, he stood up and observed his handiwork. The hole was about five feet deep and four feet wide. There was a small hill on the side from all the dirt Rowan had dug up as he made the burrow. The bottom was flat, good enough for the elf to lay down on. If Almar still had a soul in the body, then he hoped it would be comfortable before leaving the body. 

At least as comfortable as a dead person could be. 

For something that was dug with hands instead of proper tools, Rowan thought he had done a pretty good job. He went over to Almar’s body who remained in a meditative pose. After putting his hands together and offering a silent prayer, he scooped the elf up and carried him to the newly dug out pit. The boy slowly lowered his arms before finally gently dropping the body on the ground.

Rowan climbed out and stared at the elf for one last time. It looked as if the elf was sleeping comfortably instead of actually being dead.

 He felt like he should say something. Rowan had never attended a funeral before, but he had heard that there was usually a priest who said some final words for the deceased. Friends and family would also get a say before finally seeing them off.

Rowan was no priest, but as the final person who witnessed Almar’s death, he felt like he was qualified to speak a few words. When he opened his mouth, it felt like there was a lump in his throat. No sound came out as his mouth gaped open like a fish. His vision suddenly became blurry. Rowan lifts his hand used a finger to gently rub his eyes. When he looked down, the bark on his finger darkened from becoming wet.

Why now? Rowan hadn’t cried when Almar had passed earlier. The boy had thought he was done with tears after crying for days for the members at the farm.

Oh, it must be because I’m officially parting with Almar.

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Rowan let out a breath to calm himself and opened his mouth once more. This time, he was able to find the words as they tumbled out. “ Almar Facon. I didn’t know you for long, but thank you for everything you did for me. I…know it was just to repay the favor to my grandpa, but still. I promised you that I will take care of the Mother Tree seed and I meant it. Even after it bears fruit, I'll still keep taking care of it. I don’t know if elves believe in the afterlife or something else. I don’t know if elves believe in souls. Whatever you believe in, I hope it comes true.”

Rowan stopped and looked at the elf for one final time. He blinked and felt something wet slide down his cheeks. He did not know what else to say, so he decided to say end in the simplest terms possible.

After all, Almar Facon was an elf of few words. Rowan thought the elf would appreciate the briefness of his words.

“Thank you Almar Facon of the Dark Forest Tribe. Goodbye.” With the final words said, Rowan turned to the mound of dirt he had dug out and began to push it into the burrow. This time the process was much quicker as Rowan soon completely covered the pit. He patted the dirt a few times to even out the ground.

Rowan looked up at the sky and said. “Gods. I don’t know if guiding elves are part of your job since they believe in the Mother Tree, but I hope you can help Almar find peace. I don't ask for much. I haven’t asked for anything since my blessing day. Maybe let him meet grandpa if he’s up there? Or at least meet his tribe. If not, then let his soul pass peacefully.  Please.”

The sun had begun to set and the sky was dyed orange. Silence ensued after Rowan prayer and with no indication from the gods, he let out a long sigh of mixed emotions.

One of disappointment for the gods for allowing tragedies to happen. One of fear and anxiety for an uncertain and lonely future. One of released tension from a final parting.  One of sadness for a passing friend and teacher.

Rowan walked towards his tent. The campgrounds had begun to already darken and there was nothing else to be done. Now that he was finished with the funeral, it was time for sleep. The boy felt exhausted, both mentally and physically. He would worry about his future tomorrow. 

For now, sleep was the most important.

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