Mikhail got up as the last vestige of the pyre went up in a dazzling display of sparkles.
The only thing left of the Purification Pyre was the black mark on the ground. A giant rounded off square. Not that anyone could see that from the ground. The pyre had been quite big, after all.
"Now then, in honor of those who have fallen… Let us feast!"
Grand Elder Maya's voice echoed throughout the silence of the clearing, and immediately, the typical bonfire, the typical placement of vendors, and the typical assortments of meat appeared in the center of the clearing.
Mikhail wasn't phased by the sudden change, and neither was anyone else.
The clearing stirred to life as the various chefs of the tribe made their way to the center, and soon, the favorite melodies of those who had perished began ringing out throughout the clearing.
All the while, Mikhail did not move.
