With winter having a strong hold on the land, everyone seemed a little despondent and listless. Iolaire, a generally good natured and positively charged lady, didn't like it. She felt that everyone needed a pick me up and that was exactly what she was going to provide. Iolaire had sent word to Ashen the previous week and had notified the members of the Armada of the date that her little festival would take place. She'd set the time for their arrival in the evening so they could enjoy the bonfire longer. She had asked those that came to bring something to share with the rest of the pack, whether it be food, skins, stories. Anything that would bring them together. Anything that they could share with one another. She hoped that there was a good turnout. In preparation for the festival. Io had constructed long tables out of split logs. Food and things were placed upon it so that they wouldn't eat off of the ground like dogs. It would make the festival more dignified, she felt. Upon the long tables she had placed various types of meat, all cleaned and ready to eat. There was fresh meat, dried meat, seasoned meat. She planned on roasting some of her marinated meat as well. Aside from that, Io had laid out dishes of dried fruits. There was also a jar of honeyed pears and apples. Iolaire had built the bonfire up so that it would blaze into the heavens when lit. Around it, a safe distance away, she had placed furs upon which the revelers could rest. If Io had her way, this would be an overnight festival. They could ship the children off to bed and the adults could drink well into the night. She had some of her mead sitting by just in case. Part of the festival was derived from ancient beliefs. At the crest of the night when the moon sat highest in the sky, she would collect Roan and take him off to have her way with him. She would prompt others to do the same, but it was all voluntarily, of course. The act of making life and taking life (She had sacrificed a few pheasants that morning) would draw spring to them. Or so that was the belief, anyway. Nurture the body. Nurture the land. Pull the attention of spring from her slumber. Perhaps it was all superstition, but it was all good fun, wasn't it? "Speech"

OOC: This is a basic, end of winter (Hurry up Spring) festival. No posting order. Just have fun!

The Samurai was up to do her duties in Ashen's lands, patrolling here and there and checking in anything in case there was things out of place. More than half a day has been wasted in such tings but well,it was better than lying down the whole time and getting bored.Oh no,Hela hated to be bored and in those times she used to be grumpy and a grumpy Hela wasnt fun to have around.But well as the day started to meet its end she remembered today was the festival.The flower festival to be more specific. Part of her didn't want to assist as she didnt saw any muse with such events but well she needed to give a good example.She now held an important spot and it would be shameful to ignore an event meant for both packs to attend. Before anything, she went up to a quick hunt as she remembered they were suggested to bring up something to share.And the best thing she could think about was a meal. And like that she headed to The Armadas' land, up to the same place a previous raid took place. With her a dead deer rested in her back,fresh and ready to be used. With head held high and a quite seductive smile adorned her dark face with eyes of pink dressed in a prideful light.It didn't take too long before she found Io there and the place was a dream. Tables filled up with food,and a firepit adorned the center with pelts accommodated around it. Calmly she placed her gift looking at the Armada wolf. "I brought this,and stories to tell." What kind of stories? Who knows? Who knows what kind of sins haunts the female's mind.But well she hoped today would be a good time. And in silence she took a seat before a table but not eating right away she preferred to wait. "Speak"

Dunkan Sarcova "SATISFACTION IS RESERVED FOR THE NONCONFORMIST." Dunkan wasnt too convinced about attending the festival,did he really had the time for that? He had many responsibilities and an incoming fight that would decide his fate.He had a lot to do and the pressure upon his shoulder made him think he shouldn't waste his time.But maybe it was mandatory or that was what he thought. And if it was he guessed there wouldn't be a chance to fail to attend. He also needed to bring something but what? Stories? He had none at all,pelts could be a good option.And in that way he pulled a coyote pelt from his den,a pelt he didnt really used and maybe someone else could use it better, With that in his head, he approached the place with ice-cold expression and with no intention of interacting that much. He took note of what there laid.Food and a firepit. And an Ashen wolf was already there.He just stared for then sitting down in the outskirts of the event place. "Hello" | 'Thoughts' | 'Your speech'

Mal wasn't sure what she pictured when Iolaire had announced a winter festival, but, well... it certainly wasn't this. Split logs with heaps of flesh, both raw and cooked; an assortment of fruit, too; and probably the biggest fire the girl had ever seen in her entire life. The flames danced in her eyes as she moved closer to the meeting area, casting her eyes about in wonder. In her natal pack, the most bit of celebration they ever had was food-drunken singing around whatever unlucky ungulate they had downed that week, and... that was it.

There was little luxury, there, little fanfare, but this? This was simply wonderful.

At her side was a satchel that was filled to the brim with rabbit furs, nearly pristine in their white winter coats, and meticulously tanned. The Reaper had taken time to hunt as many hares as she could, in the week before the festival. She might have sown them all together for a bigger piece, but lacking the knowledge and dexterity, it was what it was, and they'd simply have to arrive individually. Hopefully the downy furs would make for a nice addition to someone's den.

As she approached the flames, she noted Iolaire, of course; Dunkan lingering on the outskirts; and an Ashen female she did not know. She flashed the woman a friendly smile -- she wouldn't say no to stories. As for the other matter -- she set down her own contribution and shot a warm grin at Iolaire. "I've brought some rabbit furs, and maybe a song or two, if people are up for a bit of singing." A plains song with a melody that was easy to recall.


"Speech"

After a bit of work Roan made his way to the festival his wife prepared for the Empire. The silver marked warrior had a skip to his step and he held his head high. A complete opposite demeanor to when he’d first made his way into Sirius’s lands. He felt like a completely different wolf, but it wasn’t a bad thing. He missed his sister and the life he had before, but more than anything he counted himself blessed and beyond by being able to call Iolaire his wife.

The monster of a man made his way to her side, a mischievous grin playing on his features as he stole a kiss from her cheek. She’d mentioned the intent for the night’s festivities and he couldn’t have been more eager. Where Io had taken the lives of her birds that morning Roan and Guff managed to bring with them a massive turkey. It was still very much alive, and Roan wanted to wait until the best possible moment to spill its blood. The young wolverine herded it, its beak and wings both tied as he led it behind him.

Maggot was beside herself at the sight of the festival, her tail tucked timidly between her legs. However, her tail would wag sporadically whenever something caught her eye. The girl was astonished that Iolaire has managed to create these tables, and was even more astonished at all the meat. It would surely feed everyone.

Maggot was unfamiliar with bringing gifts, and so hers was quite meager. She held a mouthful of sweet flowers she had found growing in a thin sheet of the melting snow. She figured they could be a decoration or something along those lines.

The girl trotted quickly towards one of the tables, gently placing her small gift on the table and scurrying away before anyone spotted her. She wasn’t embarrassed at the fact her offering was small compared to the others, she was too enraptured by all that was happening around her.

The girl decided to head towards the fire, as she had never seen something so magnificent. Her maw opened in visible awe as she peered up at the flames. She never knew it was possible to tame such a thing.

They came, and for that she was glad. Hela, Dunkan, Malalia, Mags and Roan. Each brought something with them as asked. "Thank you all so much for joining me. Winter gets a little dull at times, so I thought this might raise some spirits." The gifts were laid out. If no one else was to come, the gifts could be distributed between the number of them.

"Please, eat your fill. The fire is warm." The small woman grinned, bumping shoulders with the shy form of Mags to reassure the girl. She bumped shoulders with Malalia as well before casting her gaze between Mal and Hela. "Who could care to share a story first?"

As the decision was made as to who would start the story telling, Iolaire took the turkey that Guff was leading and, with one quick slice of her knife, removed its head. The bird kicked and its blood sprayed upon the ground, which was exactly what the healer wanted. The blood would enrich the earth, giving much needed sustenance to the plants that would soon sprout through the hard, cold ground. Io tossed the head into the fire and the flames ate it up greedily. The bird was laid with the rest of the offerings. The meat would be good and the feathers were great for crafting.

As the group settled down for a feast and stories, Io began filling dishes with her homemade strawberry mead. A special occasion deserved a special drink. There would be enough for all to partake, but not enough to get drunk off of unless they asked for seconds.