Qv'arratz had placed fewer l'auraly in the past several decades which meant a decline in the planet's coffers. Yecho and Rislla had noted that at current rates of expenditures, they'd be bankrupt in another decade. Not that they could order in Union building materials anyway, not when they were likely under attack by Union raiders. As the sun set and the first of the three moons rose, she and the other l'auraly wrapped themselves in veils of palest moth green and stood on the hill beyond the villagers' burial grounds to sing the dead to sleep. From darkness, to darkness, The day between is done, We close our eyes To step into the still water, And we are home. As the last notes of the chorus faded away, she focused on the low rumbling voice behind her: Corso, giving his orders. "Keep your comm links open," he was telling the black-clad crew gathered around him. "The Asphodel will make a quick orbital survey then be back overhead for the night." Leaving the l'auraly behind her, Benedetta hastened to join him.
