Veilson Cemetery

[Chameleon]

Pastor Johnson watched everyone settle. He noticed again how influential Mr. Rosebane was, between his guests. He used Sonorus again.

"My dear friends. We're arrived to Brayden Rosebane's last resting place. Brayden was a wonderful and energetic boy, who wanted to fight to keep this world safe. It's always grievous and unfair when a such a young and talented boy is stolen from this world, but we must remember that he's in peace now, and is happy. And we will always remember Brayden's effort to make the world safe. Remember Brayden Rosebane," pastor Johnson finished solemnly.

"Now, I must ask, if anyone has any word to say about Brayden Rosebane?" he asked, and looked around.

[kumainpink]

"I do." Maxwell said grimly, standing up. He walked up to the podium, aware that the eyes of many were upon him. Most hauntingly, Olivia's cold, steely gaze was fixated on him. "Thank you, Pastor."

He looked out into the crowd, aware that he wasn't looking nearly as promising or grand as he usually did - a shadow of his usual self. The Pure-blood families were all judging him now, and he doubted that any of them would view him positively. "I speak to each of you today, not as a pure-blood or a man of politics, but a father. This is the hardest thing I've ever had to do - burying my own child. He only just became a man, and now he's gone." A single tear cascaded down his cheek, as the well of despair in him became far more pronounced. "I've seen my own parents die right before me, I've seen countless innocents slaughtered, but this...this is hell." He looked to Veronica.

"I can't imagine how anyone else in my position has fared, or how they dealt with this sort of thing. All I can say to anyone out there is that I pray it doesn't happen to you. Treasure your children, love them, let them know how much they mean to you. Because you might not have the chance one day." He stepped away from the podium and headed back to his seat, feeling shaky and sick at the same time.

It was then that he started to cry silently, gripping Cassalina's hand for support.

[Nahara46]

Jace and Alexis stood near the back, both quiet. Neither were very close to the deceased, but they felt that they should come anyway, to show support and honor the poor boy. The elder, Jace Ollivander had dark green robes to which was a pin of Unicorn head, surrounded by Dragon and Phoenix feathers. The crest of the Ollivanders was also on Alexis, though in a different fashion. Instead, it was a large curly O with a L inside that crested on Alexis' bracelet.

As Maxwell spoke, Jace sighed unhappily. He knew, vaguely, of the lose of a child. Both his second daughter and third son had left him, taken away by the curse. Alexis was all he had left, and he intended to keep her safe.

[kumainpink]

Cassalina gripped his hand, wishing that she could say something to him. Tears welled up in her eyes as well. She rested her head upon Veronica's shoulder and let them fall.

---

Octavius wanted nothing more than to go over to them, but decided against it. He didn't know how to comfort Maxwell at the moment. He'd leave that to Cassalina and Veronica - they understood these things better than he did.

[G. Novella]

Alice felt her own eyes water at his speech. She pulled out a handkerchief and dabber her eyes. It wasn't fair that he had to lose his only son here, and now. She wanted so desperately to go to him, but with every fiber of her being, she remained put. Mr. Rosebane deserved better than her. He was such a good maan, a hero, a father, he didn't deserve this. She didn't deserve his care.

Chris sighed and swigged back his scotch. Having no one in life was tough. As much as he didn't care for Maxwell, he shouldn't have to deal with loneliness. It was a killer in life, he wondered briefly about his sweet Ellen, and where she was now. If she was happy.

Veronica had started to cry at Maxwell's speech. It was true. Children disappeared so quickly. Dimitry hadn't stood a chance when he was little. He'd just been such a sweet boy. His casket the size of his body haunted her until today. She had hoped so dearly that the man who offered her freedom didn't have to deal with this as well. She cried now for Brayden, and Dimitry. Two boys gone too soon.

Henry kept a solemn face. He had been Brayden's teacher just last year. To see a boy die right after graduating... Life wasn't fair. He allowed himself to grieve for the lost child. Children were so breakable. They died so young. And Selwyn kept thinking they could survive this war. Pathetic.

[kumainpink]

Marigold cried as well. Brayden had been such a good person. A bit on the annoying side, but always fun to be around. And poor, poor Maxwell! She had never seen her brave and powerful leader so broken.

[Chameleon]

Jamie felt teary. She fought the tears behind to be cool. It wouldn't do anything to break down in tears. The pastor and Maxwell's speech had been so inspiring, especially Maxwell's. She knew the pain he was in.. Poor Maxwell.

[kumainpink]

Olivia had to admit, this wasn't quite what she had expected. She had been expecting to see a callous, uncaring man. One who did not care that Brayden was gone. Instead, he was a wreck. A weak, miserable man who created his own suffering. Instead of screaming at him, she chose to stand up. It wasn't as if Maxwell was the only parent here.

She walked up to the podium, cleared her throat and held her head high. She wouldn't let them judge her. "My name is Olivia Barlow, and as some of you know, I am Brayden's mother. In truth, I've always regretted never getting to know him personally. But there were extenuating circumstances revolving around that." She cast her gaze to Maxwell, who held on to Cassalina's hand, tears running down his face. Her eyes narrowed hatefully. If only you had been a better man, then none of this would have happened! She returned her gaze to the crowd.

"Personally, I find this whole war to be meaningless and pointless! My son died for a war that is, in the end, doing no good! Magical creatures are a part of our world, and we need to accept them, not fight them. Brayden's involvement was what brought about his own death, and will bring all of ours about! Hatred will only breed more hatred! Please, use your common sense and end this needless bloodshed!" She bowed her head to everyone. "Thank you."

And with that, she sat back down, next to Daniel.

"You were brilliant, my dear." he spoke, bringing her into his arms. "I'm so proud."

[Chameleon]

Jamie eyes widened when Olivia had the speech. She wanted to slap her. This was Brayden's funeral, not a chance to fight Maxwell. Would Olivia really use her deceased son, who she had abandoned, to do this to Maxwell. Fury came in Jamie's eyes. She might not know Maxwell at all, but to attack another parent during the child's funeral... Jamie had no word how much she wanted to hurt her.

[G. Novella]

Alice was horrified as she watched the woman reseat herself beside her. What was the woman saying? This wasn't a moment to come off so callous and uncaring! How could she say those things about Brayden! Was she really trying to blame Brayden and Maxwell for Brayden's death?! How could she? Maxwell was a hero! He deserved to be treated and respected as such. Just who was this awful woman? Alice felt anger bubbling in her stomach and a sudden pang of grief. It wasn't fair. Why did Maxwell have to put up with this?

Henry sighed inwardly. Olivia really didn't do much to endear herself. He could see Jamie's discomfort, and placed a hand on her shoulder as he kept his face low. It wouldn't do any good to anger Olivia today after all. Besides, judging from Veronica's rage filled expression, Olivia had better watch herself.

[kumainpink]

If Maxwell had not been gripping her hand, Cassalina would have gone up there and smacked the vile woman. How dare she? This was her son's funeral, and she had the nerve to try and use it for a political speech? And, of course, a chance to lash out at Maxwell, while belittling Brayden's death. No, this couldn't be allowed to pass unpunished. Pure, unadulterated anger coursed through her veins.

I'll make a special potion, just for her.

---

Maxwell didn't know how to respond. At first, he had been stricken by how beautiful she still looked. It had been seventeen years since their last time together, and the years had been more than kind. She had a soft, gentle look to her for the most part - but with a bit more fire and brimstone. She wasn't the exact same woman he had known back then.

Seeing her again had been both blessing and curse. All he wanted to do was talk with her again, and find out why she abandoned him and Brayden. But when Olivia spoke, there was no sincerity in her tone, only contempt and loathing. He managed to stop himself from wincing at her verbal attack, but it was a near thing. He wasn't sure how to feel at the moment, and chose to try and Occlude as much as possible, if not to make sense of everything.

---

"I'm going to rip her a fucking new one." Octavius spoke coldly. "That bitch is going to wish she had never been born, by the time I'm through with her." Indeed, he wanted nothing more than to curse Olivia into oblivion, for daring to utter such complete horse shite.

[G. Novella]

Veronica was literally shaking in her seat. If it hadn't been for Cassie's hand laced through hers, she might have stood up and challenged Olivia to a duel right then and there. At least her ex-boyfriend had been respectful enough to stay out of her and Dimitry's life after abandoning them! Here this she-bitch kept showing up! She wanted to scream! Nobody needed confrontation at their child's funeral. Thata-that she-bitch had no right to call herself a mother! Veronica occupied her thoughts with meetings between her and Olivia in dark alleyways.

Chris stiffened. He was amazed how much Olivia sounded like his ex-wife. She'd abandoned them him and had the gall to blame him on that abandonment. It hadn't been his fault when the vampire coven attacked. He'd done his damn best by Ellen, and she'd acted like it was all some sick farce. He could picture his wife standing in Olivia's spot, and as he took a sip of his scotch, he made a careful note to kick her out just for breathing when he had a chance.

[Miss Wings]

Maxy looked around at all the furuis faces before turning back to his Aunty, "Aunty I'd be veryy careful if I was you".

[kumainpink]

Aug 1, 2012 10:38:58 GMT -5 Miss Wings said:

Maxy looked around at all the furuis faces before turning back to his Aunty, "Aunty I'd be veryy careful if I was you".

Olivia nodded. "I knew what I had to say would bring problems, but I'm ready. This was a hard truth that needed to be heard. If they can't accept it, that's their problem. But you're right, I'll try to be more careful."

[G. Novella]

Alice could hear the conversation taking place beside her. Unable to say anything, she smoothed out her skirt, and kept herself calm. Whoever this Olivia person was, she wasn't worth being Maxwell's ex-lover. As she smoothed her bracelet out, she noticed Olivia's ring with the Rosebane crest. It matched the rose on Alice's hand. She felt only disgust. How could a woman as vile as her keep Maxwell's family name whilst simultaneously destroying it?

[Chameleon]

Jamie felt Henry's hand on her shoulder and was quite happy for it, because without it, she would perhaps having blown her cover and launched at Olivia's face. She glanced around and was pleased to see that the most people looked just as furious as she was. Especially the group Maxwell seemed to be with.

[kumainpink]

"It's a pity it had to be Brayden's funeral, and not Maxwell's." she murmured to Daniel. "I was hoping I could make him see sense one day, once his father was out of the way."

"It really wasn't fair." Daniel agreed solemnly. "But at least he's in a better place now."

"Yeah."

[Miss Wings]

Maxy got to his feet and walked to the podium, well aware that every eye was on his every move. "I feel that it's time for me to say something. Sure were involved in a war right now but we haven't always been which is why I'm saying this. I was 2 years old when Brayden was born, my own birthday to be exact. It was a month later that I was cornered by a Werewolf and it was Maxwell who saved me, he was to late to stop the bite though, but if it wasn't for him I wouldn't be alive. My parents wouldn't have a Son, my Godmother wouldn't have me, neither would my siblings or neices and it's all down to Maxwell Rose bane that I'm still here.

Brayden was one of those kids that could be highly annoying, following behind me and asking me every question that he could think of, most of them about Werewolves and the rest? About love. He couldn't understand why his Mummy and Daddy weren't living together, why he barely saw his Mummy and that's why I'm here now. Do we want another generation of children that go through the same thing because their parents died in the War? Parents that have lost their children?"

[kumainpink]

Maxwell felt a flare of anger at the sight of the filthy half-breed. How dare this creature come here and speak of a connection between them? He scowled at the ugly thing that was once his godchild, before the beast had tainted him. Ewan had no right being here, when both himself and Brayden viewed him to be a complete abomination!

---

Cassalina frowned. She didn't like that Olivia was here, nor did she like Ewan. The boy was nice, but his werewolf status was something that not even she could tolerate. Brayden wouldn't have liked to know that one was at his funeral, which was more than enough reason to be distasteful.

[Chameleon]

Pastor Johnson glanced around, and sighed. He walked toward the group, and glanced toward them. This was a young man's funeral, not a political debate. Any second now people would start to retaliate, so he opened his mouth quickly.

"Is there anyone here who want have the word about Brayden Rosebane?"

[Chameleon]

Jamie became stiff. Werewolf. She wanted to claw that boy's eyes out of his face, for the mere reason of being werewolf. He looked nice, but he was a beast. Who knew what damages he had done? If Jamie could decide they would throw him in the ocean.

[G. Novella]

Henry squeezed Jamie's shoulder when he thought she was getting tense. He himself had no issue with Ewan, but the boy was a fool. He couldn't really think a speech on creatures was serving anyone, could he? Idiot boy.

Veronica was frothing at the mouth. How could these despicables show up and try and ruin Brayden's funeral? The boy deserved more than this! She squeezed Cassie's hand for support, her eyes glowering at the group. All she needed was one minute, just one, and they'd never see the curse coming, those filthy monsters.

[kumainpink]

Cassalina stood up. "I do." she said, politely removing her hand from Veronica's. She walked up to the podium and spoke. "It seems our last two speakers have forgotten themselves. As honorable as they would like to believe their intentions are, this is a funeral. Not a public debate." She glared at Olivia and her posse for a moment, before returning her gaze back to the crowd.

"Brayden was many things. A valued Ministry worker, a loyal friend, a beloved son, and one of the best chess players I've ever seen." She smiled a bit. "Because I have no children of my own, I always thought of him as my nephew. He even called me 'Aunt Cass'." she made a face at the nickname, earning a few amused chuckles. "He liked to party, loved to flirt with girls and older women, and worked diligently toward a cause he believed in. He never wavered from his moral code - as complex and unusual as it was - and showed us all what it means to be a person of strong will, no matter our age."

Tears came to her eyes, as she continued to speak. "Though we were not proper family, I always viewed him as such. It's going to be so lonely without him now." she looked up into the cloudlessly blue sky. "I know that he's in a better place now, looking down and smiling down at us. I don't know about the rest of you, but I will never forget Brayden Rosebane." And with that, she headed back to Maxwell and Veronica, and grasped their hands firmly.

[G. Novella]

Veronica squeezed her girlfriend's hand. Cassie always knew just the right thing to say. She leaned over, uncaring of the situation, and kissed her on the cheek. Brayden deserved to be remembered today, not desecrated upon by the she-bitch mother of his.

Alice found herself smiling finally at Cassie's speech. It was quaint and eloquent, and just the right thing to say. She rubbed the piece of wood on her bracelet. Yes, Cassie had said the right thing. She felt herself forget of Olivia.

Henry smiled slightly, but kept his face stoic. The boy had finally recieved the speech he deserved. Finally someone wasn't perverting his death into a farce of debate. He let go of Jamie's shoulder. This was a funeral.

Chris sighed. He'd been itching for a chance to kick out Veronica too. Now for Cassie's sake he'd have to keep her. Well damn. Now if Veronica tried anything, he'd have to play nice. The things he did. Maxwell was going to pay him a nice bribe for this.

[Chameleon]

Jamie smirked slightly over that Olivia and that bastard had been put upon place.

[kumainpink]

Marigold bawled as Cassalina spoke. She hadn't gotten to speak with him a lot, but she missed his fun ways and special nicknames for everyone. He was such a great kid, and it hurt like hell that he was gone.

Octavius wiped away a few tears, as he listened to Cassalina speak. His sister had spoken nothing but the truth, and put the focus back where it should be. Poor Brayden. The kid deserved so much better than what he got.


Maxwell smiled gratefully at his sister in all but blood. "Thank you." he whispered, squeezing her hand again. Her words had been beautiful, moving and perfect. He felt shaky and weak and weary already, and they still had so much to go through. He prayed that everything else would go smoothly. He wasn't in the mood to dishonor his son with fighting.

[kumainpink]

(( General Perspective ))

There were a few other speakers, who retained a modicum of respect, even though they didn't all know Brayden well. A few of his friends came up to talk about the good times they had, distant family spoke of what a proud, fine young man Brayden had been, and a few girls even mentioned how much they loved him. The service ended with burying his body right beside Maxwell's mother, so that they could be together in body.

At some point, Maxwell broke and grabbed on to Cassalina, sobbing without abandon. It was a terrible thing to watch, and rather startling for those who knew Maxwell. Cassalina cried as well, while trying her best to comfort him.

The whole thing was horribly depressing. Only Olivia remained completely unsympathetic, feeling as if Maxwell was responsible for this whole thing.

At last, it ended, and everyone was ushered to the park for drinks, food and a chance to mingle away from the graves.

[G. Novella]

Henry nodded to Jamie as they stood by the buffet.

"Time to earn your dues. Keep an eye on Olivia while we mingle. I'll introduce you to the important ones. First off let's talk to Octavius Yaxley. He's head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Be polite, he hates werewolves, and is somewhat self-obsessed, he's close to Maxwell," instructed Henry.

[G. Novella]

Alice sighed as she stood towards the edge of the party. She was directly avoiding contact. She had nothing to say, but knew she couldn't leave. Her heart still hurt from seeing Maxwell's tears. She had ended up sobbing seeing him cry. It wasn't fair. He'd even saved that Ewan kid, only to be hurt in return by him. Maxwell didn't deserve this.

[kumainpink]

Maxwell refused to eat. He sat on one of the far-off park benches, watching everyone else. What he wouldn't give for a shot of something good and strong right now.