Forlove and Katrin walk up to the Giant Redwood that houses the Ranger's Guild silently. Katrin takes out a parchment and Forlove attaches it to the tree where everyone can see it. Hugging one another in silence, they turn with tears flowing down their cheeks and walk away.

"Noble Rangers,

Balder was known and loved by many in the realm. He was always someone that you could talk to, and never met a stranger. We both knew him well, both IC and OOC, and he was the same person OOC as he was in the realm. He spent his last moments in this realm that he loved so much. Treasure the moments that you had with him, and don't ever forget him. We certainly will not."

Reaching a quiet spot in the forest, they stop. Forlove opens her pack and removes a few items, handing them to Katrin in silence. Katrin takes each item and places it on the ground reverently. When they are set in place, both raise their faces to the sky and call on Balder's ancestral spirits to carry him home. When you look at the items, you wonder what they mean. The knowledge fills you as you look upon them.

A Lion Claw to the south, symbolizing his courage

A Raven Feather to the west, symbolizing his spirit's communication

An Owl Feather to the north, symbolizing his wisdom

An Ash Bough to the east, symbolizing his sensitivity

A Bow and Arrow in the center, symbolizing his Warrior Spirit.

Carefully laid around the circle are branches of Redwood, Oak, and Apple which symbolize Truth and Strength and Honor.

"Peace has found ye, beloved brother.  Watch over us all from where the Ancient's take ye.  Always will ye live in our hearts and memories."

Feelings of loss are one of the hardest things to express, both IC and OOC. I knew Balder for almost a year, maybe longer...time seems to fly so quickly. He was one of the most supportive, loving, compassionate people I ever met in this land. He felt things so deeply, I often wished to have such a passion, such a zeal for life. You knew how he felt on every subject because he spoke from his heart, openly, honestly...a trait so few acquire. I can't believe I will never hear him shout again, never hear a Hail Snazzle again...The one person who was allowed to be so formal...No more snuggles or chats or listening to the new change in his life. He left such a vivid mark on all of us, touching us and making everyone feel special, feel real. We have all lost something special with his passing, something we will never regain...I am just grateful to have the memories of such a wonderful, dear person...grateful to have known him.

Sighs...

Balder was a simple elf Ranger with an honorable, loving heart.  All those he called friend and family, he loved completely and without reservation.  

Twas he who saved the life of our sister Jasmina when she nearly died birthing the twins, but there are many in the lands whose lives he touched in this time there.

As loving as he could be, he never had much luck with relationships.  Shortly before he died, he married a wizardess named Beast_slayer.  She bore his only children after his death."

Careth's spirit sighs gently. She watches the sunset and says a silent prayer. Due to the fact her life force isn't real strong she quickly says a few words.

"Balder, I didn't know him well as most of you have. But I did meet him once, he was one of the kindest people I have met. Be thee well Balder, your spirit is forever with us..."

Her spirit disappears before she can say more.

I was Balder's wife for a day, he made me the happiest girl this realm has seen. I do not have words to express what he gave me, how i feel or anything at the moment. I am merely posting to convey a message of thanks, thanks to everyone who has shown support and care to his ooc wife, Tammy and to myself.

To all of you i ask to hold Balder's memory dear in your hearts, always be true to him and yourself.

There will be a glade in memory of him, and i ask ye all tae consider the poem beneath as food for thought, it reminds me a lot of this most honourable and gentle man I knew as my husband.

Beast_Slayer

Lakota Instructions For Living

Friend do it this way - that is, whatever you do in life,
do the very best you can with both your heart and mind.
And if you do it that way, the Power Of The Universe
will come to your assistance,
if your heart and mind are in Unity.
When one sits in the Hoop Of The People,
one must be responsible because All Of Creation is related.
And the hurt of one is the hurt of all.
And the honor of one is the honor of all.
And whatever we do effects everything in the universe.
If you do it that way - that is,
if you truly join your heart and mind
as One - whatever you ask for,
that's the Way It's Going To Be.
Passed down from White Buffalo Calf Woman

Endran makes his way to the highest mountain of the lands, screaming and crying at the loss of his brother. He cries out to you and only hopes you hear his calls and feel the same love he feels at this moment.

"In my many years in this realm I was alone a lot of the time....I had little family. Here and there came a good friend....as they were soon to pass, though the whole time I had one<tear> one true friend and brother.... someone who knew my feelings and my pain..... someone I could call my brother and my best friend. This death takes a toll on me one could never know."

Endran gathers himself up in a robe, shivering he tries to carry on.

"Balder was truly a decent human being, it seems there are so few left in Terris. It has lost soul and love and maybe it has even lost it's point. The pain lingers within me and with every moment passed I hurt more and tears stream down my face. I can honestly say I love the man.and I can never forget him. To you Balder....... my heart and mind will always be with you...... may you walk with Deori or god or whatever..... and I hope someday soon..... you and I will walk into the treetops together again. My loss is eternal and the loss for everyone in the realm is great....... you were what Terris is about. Be well friends and next time you see a friend...... realize just how much they mean to you and tell them."

Endran rolls up into a ball and cries himself to sleep.

On behalf of myself, Nyissa, Poetic and his family, Obelisa, and my friends our hearts go out to Serene.... he was a good man.... he was loved and cherished by us...... and his presence will never be forgotten in the realm. He was the shoulder I had to cry on....... and now he is gone.... the tears flow more than before.. I just hope he is hunting well in the forest up in the sky.

Eternally loving

Endran

Jana wanders around the guild and then hurries to Devardec...but finds him gone..Tears pours from her eyes as she finally excepts the fact that Balder, her brother is no longer there... She enters the church and kneels to pray...... she prays that his soul wings its way to a better place and time... and time heals his ooc family's sorrow and heartbreak.. sobbing quietly to herself, she gets up and leaves quietly.............

The news today is that our temple brother Balder died <OOC> today. A great loss to his family and he will be missed greatly amongst us here. He served Elantara faithfully and with great zeal. In the lands he and I 'adopted' one another as brothers. he was married in the lands only yesterday to Beast_slayer and his RL wife is Serene. Our hearts go out to all who will know the pain and sorrow of his passing from us.

Grieving 4B

Kells wipes a tear from her eye as she tries to comfort 4B2, the news of Balder's passing driving her into an even deeper grief-stricken state.

"Aye, 4B2, it will be as ye said....Balder was ever faithful to this Temple and Lady Elantara. His presence here will be greatly missed. I know that his soul now reposes in a beautiful place. My heartfelt sympathies are with his family and friends both IC and OOC."

Balder was a loyal, faithful and well beloved member of my following,. He will be deeply missed, and my sympathies go out to his family, as well as my thanks for letting us spend time with this wonderful man.

He was a dedicated player, devoted to roleplay, and served the Temple of Opportunity well. We were all blessed to know him.

Elantara

My heart goes out to Balder's family and friends. He was a fine friend and a supportive Brother in Honour. May his spirit find peace and joy.

Fnora

I am so broken hearted . Balder was so kind to me and i will always carry his memory safe in my heart. My heart goes out to his wife here and in rl. I cant express truly how i feel <sob> I love you Balder.

Even though Balder was very ill for a long time, never once did i hear him complain or feel sorry for himself. I read a poem awhile ago and it reminds me of his sweet spirit.

I never saw a wild thing
Sorry for itself.
A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough
Without ever having felt sorry for itself.

Balder had the spirit not of a small bird but of an Eagle. It comforts me to know now that he soars about freely.

Angelicus<Sister of Balder>

I dont really know what to say. I remember when Balder first came into the lands....We hit it off almost immediately. He lovingly called me his sister and his passing deeply saddens me- words cannot even begin to say how much.

We laughed and talked often- we both followed Sharqua and when the Lady of Honour left the realm, Balder sought the same path as I and followed Lady Elantara. He was a most noble and courageous person both IC and OOC.

Serene- please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and yer family...

Balder will be truly missed....but will live on forever in our hearts.

Thes' Ooc Debbie

((taken from the Message Boards of the Temple of Opportunity))

Excuse my intrusion on your boards but I have just found out about Balder as I have been away and I would like to extend my condolences to his OOC family. Balder spent some time with me sitting in my temple talking. I saw him once take in someone who was hurting. He made them his sister and shielded them from harm. He shall always have his honourary position within my temple.

As you all know he was a wonderful man and my heart is saddened by his loss....but I have to tell my self he is in a better place now.

Shilana aka Caryn

I shall never forget Balder. He was a kind man and a good brother. My life is a bit richer for having known him. My heart goes out to all those that loved him.

Shanni

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