Batari walked briskly toward the cathedral, her aide trailing at a respectful distance. Her sari, though made of comfortable, breathable fabric, was nevertheless not the easiest garment to walk in, and it was only through years of practice that she was able to maintain her pace.
The sari was made in the most conservative style, befitting a funeral - with long sleeves and a looser fit, it was appropriately modest without being dowdy. The fabric was gunmetal blue, the color of a stormy sea, traditional in Sillish mourning. It was edged with a delicate embroidery in dusty lilac, the pattern speaking of life and death. On her head was a hijab in the same dusty lilac, loosely wrapped and flowing, plain and undecorated given the occasion.
Her aide wore similar colors: a crisp lilac suit with gunmetal blue shirt and kufi. Although it had been skillfully fitted, it still appeared slightly awkward, unflattering, on his broad frame. He was not her preferred aide for state visits, lacking the almost telepathic quality that so endeared Aouli to her - so well did that one anticipate her needs! But Ikaika was just as high-ranking, thus both skilled and important enough for a journey such as this, and his extensive martial arts training allowed him to double as her bodyguard in a pinch. He didn't need to be her favorite to be invaluable.
She reached the base of the steps up to the cathedral, and paused to draw a smooth, rounded stone out of her pocket. Behind her, she felt Ikaika do the same. The stones represented an old Sillish tradition - they were placed next to the bodies of the departed as part of the funeral ritual. Smoothed from jagged chunks by the lapping waves, they symbolized the smoothing of an individual's own rough edges through age and wisdom. Ground away by the relentless tides, they represented the inevitable death and return to nature of all things. And smooth, soft, and round at the end, they expressed the oft-desired serenity and peace of the afterlife.
Once derived from the islanders' religious beliefs, the tradition held strong while those same beliefs fell by the wayside. These days, rocks gathered from Mauna Point, in the Hau'oli district, were considered to be the most sacred and respectful as the land there was not moved or altered during the national remodeling. Batari's rock came from that spot, and Ikaika's came from the shores of the McMasterdonian embassy.
Ascending the stairs, she waved away the usher who moved to guide them to a seat. Instead, they approached the casket (watched carefully by the royal guards) and placed their stones in little niches on opposite corners - out of the way, but secure enough not to fall off when the casket was moved. Batari whispered in Sillish as she did so, words of blessing and comfort for the surviving family. Then she stood and, beckoning to Ikaika, strode into the cathedral.
Glancing around, she saw the Augustine Imperator unaccompanied, except for the Lictor who followed him everywhere. She enjoyed his company, finding him an intelligent and astute man, and she got the impression that he found her forthrightness in the face of his power refreshing. She nudged her aide and they headed his way, the smile on her face remaining appropriately sad. Arriving, she gestured at the empty seat and spoke warmly.
"Felix, may I join you?"
OOC: Sillish names come in two parts. The given name, which comes first, is picked at birth by a child's parents. It is their first legal name and the one by which they should be called. Some people have a nickname for their given name, which can be used relatively freely but is overly familiar to do so in formal or some professional contexts - think calling someone Billy instead of William.
The second name is the chosen name, picked by the individual when they become an adult at the age of 16. This name may be anything they like, and becomes part of their legal name. However, it is not a "last name" as most countries understand it, and it is shockingly rude to call anyone who is not a close friend or family member by their chosen name. Additionally, it is only acceptable in private or intimate contexts - a couple may use the second name on a date, or parents may use their second names around their children, but in public gatherings only the given name should ever be used. As a comparison, though one that is not 100% accurate, think of it as calling someone whom you do not know "Sugar Bear" or "Schnookums", or calling your partner that at their workplace.
Sillish people also do not use gendered titles (such as Mr. or Ms.), viewing them, at best, as quaint. The head of state should be addressed as Batari, which is completely formal and respectful and correct. If your character(s) cannot bring themselves to do so, Ms. Batari is an acceptable (if non-traditional) alternative. Neither Eka nor Ms. Eka are acceptable, and using either would be a diplomatic offense. Similarly, her aide should be called Ikaika, or Mr. Ikaika.
