A girl clad in blue, gold, silver, and copper had carried with her a flute at the time. This girl, the same rumored to have sang the melody, and continuing with her music during the day, answered in this way:[As she passes the Merchant Camp, Meri listens to the talk about the camp with a frown.]
'I do hope that you are not speaking of Galen's death so... I was there. His death was swift. Please do not defile the memory of a friend with mistruths. He had accepted his fate, and his fault in his wrong doing. He made a mistake, and suffered for it. His honor bound him to his own punishment without trial. He chose such, and while I wish it had ended differently... It was not anyone's choice to make but his own.
I spoke to him before his death, stood with him during. He had the forgiveness of his god, and forgiveness of those he wished it from. He was at peace with his fate and passed as gracefully as any could hope for. If his spirit had been willing, I would have seen him returned that he could seek to make amends for his misgiving, but, again it was his choice to make. I offered him the second chance, but no one can force one to take such.
I do not think he would not enjoy petty hatred at the Fist over this. He did not fault them for the task of carrying out his sentence. He would not want the land he loved so defiled by blood and hatred I think... Fight your enemies yes, but do not litter what was held precious with the corpses of those with ill intent.
Shadows wrought this chaos, took advantage of a good soul in a moment of weakness, and many suffered for it. I urge you not to let anger and grief cloud good judgment. If a battle must be waged let it be waged against the guilty... honorably. Do not let those that dwell in darkness have the victory of your anger, and disregard for proper conduct. Do not allow them to sow seeds of disharmony.'
[Small wreaths of white daisies and red poppies, symbolic of Mercy, healing and the continuing cycle of things, are left with those who grieve his loss. Words of comfort are offered to those who will hear them. In places of the woods Galen was known to frequent, sprigs of daisies and poppies are left.
Later that day, as she has been known to do in the past for fallen friends, a giant wreath of wild flowers and ivy, bound with red cord is released into the river at the Wyrm's Crossing Bridge. The Saint watches silently as the sun set's and the wreath floats from view. Finally as the sun sinks, she offers her prayers for his sake. Grieving in her own way, she turns from the bridge, and makes her way back into the city.]
'May Mercy keep you well, old friend.'
Were it so easy to discard the event as an honorable one that should be left to rest. It is certainly sad to see him go. A fine man by what I hear. It is a shame it was his chosen path though. No matter what way it is said, the Gate has lost a valuable ally to an issue of pride, and worse I fear, most hope of peace for awhile.
There will be bloodshed over this, unfortunately. There already has been. There will be much more to come. I hope that it may at least be directed toward the sources that are responsible, certainly.
She started down to the river, finishing her thoughts as she did:
The the seeds of hate are sown already. They have already blossomed and are growing. This plant has already grown into a small tree, well rooted into the ground. The real problem will be how to remove this tree without destroying the area around it.
The girl was seen for an hour more after that, simply playing her flute to the winds until she simply disappeared.
