While some of them look a bit offended by his attempting to bring humor into the situation, most are pleased to see him, and eventually, begin to smile and laugh along with him. Which it's not exactly an entirely joyous event, it's soon far less somber, and far more enjoyable. The Emperor doesn't reply directly to Draiss' comment, but his smile and the twinkle in his eye show his appreciation, as well.<br/><br/>The family gathering continues for another four hours, before finally sobering, as the final moments draw near, and the last goodbyes are said, and the Emperor imparts his final words. "It has been a good journey, my children, and as much as it pains me that I won't be able to see it all the way to your ends, I know in my heart that you've all grown into people I know will do the right thing, and that your lives will be filled with joy and family, until your last moments, just as mine has been. I love you, all of you... and I hope to see you all again, some day, though, hopefully, no time soon. Don't be in a rush to join me." His final words, a breathy whisper, as he lies back against his pillow, too soft for any but Draiss to hear, are a soft prayer from his childhood, in an old tongue, what a child might say before bed.<br/><br/>Silence fills the room, for several minutes, following his departure, before, finally, his eldest son, and the soon-to-be new Emperor breaks the somber moment. "I will go make the announcement," he says, silently excusing himself from the room, his wife and children following shortly after, and extended family following, leaving only his closest family, after a few minutes more, Tysinni moving to sit with and hug Draiss, crying, lightly, into his shoulder.