Somber tones overtook the large gathering at the Loftus estate. Though the warm May breezes rustled the dark draperies of the open windows, the rooms were polished, regal, and cold. Prisca sat idly in an uncomfortable, stiff-backed chair of a parlor room as she bit her nails into the antique wood of the arms and reigned her nerves. The funeral had been a great test to her ability to remain emotionless and refined. After clasping several hands and trading superfluous cheek kisses with their distinguished guests and families, she'd stood at Christopher's side as the eulogy was given. She'd even held her nose high as a lament was sang in her daughter's memory. Now, though, in this room where she was alone and no one could see, Prisca felt a prickle in her eyes and a twinge of defeat in her spine as it all came rushing back.
Prisca relived the tragedy of Ariel's death in that moment of freedom from prior obligation. She heard the screams of her children, the shouting of her husband, and the dying scream of her step mother. The sense of loss and utter confusion was still there. She recalled clutching her wailing son to her chest and her fingers curling tightly around her wand as Christopher attempted to revive their blue-faced daughter. It had all happened in seconds, but somehow, reliving the memory took several minutes and she lost track of time. It was not until her brother Brutus was standing in the doorway, eying her in dark concern, that she realized there were still people to attend to.
Ducking her eyes, Prisca breathed deeply before smoothing her appearance. Her hair was held tightly in a reserved up-do beneath her black hat and veil while the rest of her was clad in an appropriate black dress and shawl. She pursed her red lips as she stood. Knowing that her mother-in-law was overseeing Micah and would not be willing to relent her care so soon, Prisca approached her brother with other thoughts.
"I have yet to thank you for fetching Gaius and Silvia from Hogwarts," Prisca began calmly. "I trust you will see them back as well?" When Brutus nodded once, she tilted her head and took his arm. "Please, escort me to the garden. I would like to assist in choosing the flowers for my daughter's grave."
