Delindra (prime)/In Memory

You quietly say, "If... it would be appropriate, for one more... my sister and I also have a musical offering we would share in honor of Lady Kasendra."

Jisandra nods slowly.

Athalia says, "We would be deeply touched."

You deftly remove an ebon-ringed mulberry biwa washed in florid coppery tones from your golden suede harness.

You glance at Jisandra.

Jisandra nods once.

(Delindra steps forward, cradling her biwa close. Jisandra moves to stand next to her sister, giving her hand a comforting squeeze before Delindra speaks.)

You softly say, "This song is dedicated to the Lady Kasendra and the Lady Sayilla. The Hope they have inspired shines through, even though they are parted from us."

(Delindra bows her head over her biwa, fingers poised above the strings. She takes a slow breath, then begins a quiet tune, the music wending its way through air as soft as silk.)

(Jisandra stands utterly still as the music begins, her gaze downcast. The notes build slow and steady, until she lifts her eyes, her voice rising to join in perfect counterpoint.)

Jisandra sings softly:
    "When the work is past, my love,
     And the toil is all done,
     Our hearts will hold you fast, my love,
     Though your story, just begun."

(Delindra keeps her eyes fixed on the strings of her instrument, the falls of her hair shielding her expression from view. Her hands move gently, coaxing forth a tune laced with strains of sorrow and hope intermingled.)

Jisandra sings:
    "Worry not about your tasks, my love
     Know that we will see them through.
     The only thing we'd ask, my love,
     That our hearts you would renew."

(Delindra finally lifts her gaze from her instrument, unshed tears gleaming in her lashes. She raises her voice to sing with her sister, their voices blending in poignant harmony.)

Jisandra sings:
    "And we dwell here in our memories,
     Every kind and cherished smile
     And we'll honor all your legacies.
     You'll be with us all the while."

Jisandra sings:
    "And though it isn't fair, my love,
     That you were taken far too soon.
     So much more that we would share, my love,
     And now your dreams may seem all strewn."

Jisandra sings:
    "Now your work is past, my love,
     You lay down your heavy load.
     May your soul find peace at the last, my love,
     And know our hearts, you hold."

(Delindra drops her gaze again, eyes closing, though her fingers continue to play, gliding effortlessly and tenderly across the biwa. Jisandra steps next to her, placing a comforting hand on her sister's shoulder as her voice lifts once more.)

Jisandra sings:
    "And we dwell here in our memories,
     Every kind and cherished smile
     And we'll honor all your legacies.
     You'll be with us all the while."

(Jisandra tapers off until the final words are almost a whisper. Delindra's hands slow on the biwa, then finally still, the final notes fading into profound silence.)

(Jisandra lets her gaze linger on Salnim for a long moment, expression full of compassion, before she drops her gaze in a slow nod.)