skidmo_fic (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
skidmo_fic) wrote2007-07-03 07:32 pm
skidmo_fic) wrote2007-07-03 07:32 pm
Entry tags:
- beckett,
- beckett/dex,
- dex,
- fics,
- slash
Stages of Grief (G)
Title: Stages of Grief
Rating: G
Pairing: Beckett/Dex
Word Count: 550
Warning: Spoilers for Sunday.
Disclaimer: None of these characters belong to me...sadly
Feedback: yes, please.
Summary: “On Sateda, when your lover died, there was a strict code of mourning that was to be adhered to.”
A/N: Prize fic for catherfina who asked for Beckett/Dex with the prompt “what Ronon feels after another of his loves, Carson, has been killed.”
On Sateda, when your lover died, there was a strict code of mourning that was to be adhered to.
First, you washed your lover’s body. Only the finest linen cloths and the most delicately scented soaps are used. There was an entire industry built around providing the proper implements for this rite. The linens were soaked in a plain pottery basin to signify that even the most heightened of joys and decadent of treasures are common in the light of what is to come in the world beyond. Each swipe of cloth on skin is a chance to say goodbye. When done properly, the ritual takes all night and all day.
When Carson died, there was no skin to bathe, and Ronon is not sure they would have allowed it anyway. His remains were gathered into a cold, metal box and draped with the flag of his country.
Second, you dressed your lover in their finest clothes. Everything pressed and clean and brightly colored. Some of the wealthier families would have garments specially made for the deceased and hire a professional to dress them, but the true lovers would pull out their most precious clothes and lovingly dress their fallen loved one by hand. It is the first step to letting go, the first time you give up something that reminds you of them.
When Carson died, Ronon went to his quarters and found his kilt and sporran and all the other pieces whose names he could not remember. He brought them out to the balcony off his quarters and burned them, scattering the ashes to the sea.
Third, you carry their body in your arms to the resting place. Your family gathers with you and follows you, but it is your right to bear that burden alone. The resting place is as far as you can carry them. Some only make it a few feet from their homes, but some walk for miles and miles before they are too weak or too tired or too overcome with grief to go any further. It is your final chance to show your devotion to them and their memory.
When Carson died, his body was carried by five others in addition to Ronon. At first he was upset by this, but when they carried him through the ring of the Ancestors, Ronon realized that he would carry his lover’s body further than anyone in Sateda would ever have dreamed of doing. This would be the greatest display of devotion anyone could hope for.
Finally, when you have carried them as far as you can, you lay their body on the ground and build a pyre around it. You drench the wood in scented oils so that their journey to the world beyond will be soothing and restful. And then you light the fire and sit until the flames die down and the last ember is extinguished. You do not eat or drink until there is nothing left but ash.
When Carson died, they buried the cold, metal box in the ground, and feasted in his memory. Ronon did not have the words to explain himself when he refused their offerings of food. It was not until Carson’s mother came to him and said, “I understand, love. You take all the time you need. Carson would’ve wanted it that way,” that he finally let himself begin his true mourning.
fin
Rating: G
Pairing: Beckett/Dex
Word Count: 550
Warning: Spoilers for Sunday.
Disclaimer: None of these characters belong to me...sadly
Feedback: yes, please.
Summary: “On Sateda, when your lover died, there was a strict code of mourning that was to be adhered to.”
A/N: Prize fic for catherfina who asked for Beckett/Dex with the prompt “what Ronon feels after another of his loves, Carson, has been killed.”
On Sateda, when your lover died, there was a strict code of mourning that was to be adhered to.
First, you washed your lover’s body. Only the finest linen cloths and the most delicately scented soaps are used. There was an entire industry built around providing the proper implements for this rite. The linens were soaked in a plain pottery basin to signify that even the most heightened of joys and decadent of treasures are common in the light of what is to come in the world beyond. Each swipe of cloth on skin is a chance to say goodbye. When done properly, the ritual takes all night and all day.
When Carson died, there was no skin to bathe, and Ronon is not sure they would have allowed it anyway. His remains were gathered into a cold, metal box and draped with the flag of his country.
Second, you dressed your lover in their finest clothes. Everything pressed and clean and brightly colored. Some of the wealthier families would have garments specially made for the deceased and hire a professional to dress them, but the true lovers would pull out their most precious clothes and lovingly dress their fallen loved one by hand. It is the first step to letting go, the first time you give up something that reminds you of them.
When Carson died, Ronon went to his quarters and found his kilt and sporran and all the other pieces whose names he could not remember. He brought them out to the balcony off his quarters and burned them, scattering the ashes to the sea.
Third, you carry their body in your arms to the resting place. Your family gathers with you and follows you, but it is your right to bear that burden alone. The resting place is as far as you can carry them. Some only make it a few feet from their homes, but some walk for miles and miles before they are too weak or too tired or too overcome with grief to go any further. It is your final chance to show your devotion to them and their memory.
When Carson died, his body was carried by five others in addition to Ronon. At first he was upset by this, but when they carried him through the ring of the Ancestors, Ronon realized that he would carry his lover’s body further than anyone in Sateda would ever have dreamed of doing. This would be the greatest display of devotion anyone could hope for.
Finally, when you have carried them as far as you can, you lay their body on the ground and build a pyre around it. You drench the wood in scented oils so that their journey to the world beyond will be soothing and restful. And then you light the fire and sit until the flames die down and the last ember is extinguished. You do not eat or drink until there is nothing left but ash.
When Carson died, they buried the cold, metal box in the ground, and feasted in his memory. Ronon did not have the words to explain himself when he refused their offerings of food. It was not until Carson’s mother came to him and said, “I understand, love. You take all the time you need. Carson would’ve wanted it that way,” that he finally let himself begin his true mourning.
fin