Flag with Royal Insignia at half mast

Matapule sit cross-legged, bordering the house that holds the late King.  White lions guard its gate.  The flag flies at half-mast; bearing the Tongan Royal insignia.  Men stand solemn and still, bearing the full heat of the day. 

There is silence in the gardens except for birdsong, and the trees are thick with chattering birds.  One can only hear the rustling of ta’ovala and the swish of pandanus ribbons as women walk with lilies in their hands. 

King Te Arikinui Tuheiti Paki arrives 

King Te Arikinui Tuheitia Paki arrives with a delegation of Tainui elders.  The party has donned black and the women wear wreathes of green leaves in their hair.  A karanga is called as they make they way to the house where the late King of Tonga lies.  Lord Chamberlain Honourable Fielakepa greets the group in fluent Maori. 

And so the day continues as visitors arrive and pay their respects.