New Eldoria

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟑: 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥

The date was Tempestas 16, 1939, and the nation was shrouded in a somber mood as President Nathaniel Brooks's body began its final journey from Valens to Remdant City. The skies were overcast, reflecting the heavy hearts of a nation in mourning. The State Funeral procession was set to honor the late President's contributions and bid him a dignified farewell.

The carriage bearing President Brooks's casket, draped in the national flag of Eldoria, was meticulously prepared. It was adorned with flowers and flanked by honor guards. The streets of Valens were lined with mourners, their faces etched with grief as they stood in silence.

Inside the procession vehicle, the air was heavy with the weight of loss. First Lady Giovanni Brooks, her eyes red from tears, sat beside her eldest son, Denver Brooks. She clutched a handkerchief tightly, struggling to compose herself. The carriage moved slowly through the city, the rhythmic clip-clop of the horses' hooves echoing in the quiet.

On the road leading out of Valens, Acting President James Ford and key government officials awaited the arrival of the procession. The General Assembly had come to a standstill as representatives gathered to pay their respects. Ford, in his temporary role, had taken the mantle of leading the nation through this period of mourning.

As the procession neared, Acting President Ford approached the First Lady's carriage. He was accompanied by Vice President Rico Gourd's temporary proxy, who stood in for the incapacitated Vice President. Ford offered his condolences with a somber expression.

"Giovanni," Ford said, his voice thick with emotion, "I can only imagine the pain you and your family are going through. President Brooks was a remarkable leader, and his loss is deeply felt by all of us."

Giovanni looked up, her face streaked with tears. "Thank you, Mr. Ford. Nathaniel loved Eldoria with all his heart. He worked tirelessly for this country, and it's hard to believe he's gone. I hope he is remembered as the man he was—a true patriot."

Ford nodded solemnly. "He will be remembered, Giovanni. We'll ensure that his legacy endures through our actions and our commitment to the ideals he held dear."

As the procession continued its journey, the vehicle carrying President Brooks's body passed through the streets of Remdant City. The city had prepared for the arrival, with flags at half-mast and thousands of residents gathering to pay their respects. The mood was heavy with collective grief, and many carried flowers or small Eldorian flags as symbols of their mourning.

At the central square in Remdant City, where a grand viewing area had been set up, preparations were underway for the State Viewing. A large stage was being assembled, adorned with wreaths and symbolic emblems of the nation. The area was cordoned off to ensure that the public could mourn respectfully and without disruption.

The official vehicles, including the carriage carrying the casket, slowly approached the designated area. The solemn procession was met with a respectful silence from the gathered crowd. Many people placed their hands over their hearts, their eyes following the carriage as it came to a halt.

In the midst of the crowd, a representative of the Ministry of Communications and Media, Sophie Martin, stood ready to deliver a brief statement to the media. She approached the podium with a composed yet respectful demeanor.

"Ladies and gentlemen," she began, her voice resonating through the public address system, "we gather here today to honor the memory of President Nathaniel Brooks, a leader who dedicated his life to the service of our nation. As we lay him to rest, let us remember his legacy with the respect and gratitude he so richly deserves. The State Funeral will commence in the coming days, and we invite all Eldorians to join us in paying their final respects."