The time had come once again. All summer long, the Hallows had been diligently preparing for this great festival of theirs. Wood had been gathered en masse and doused in flammable oil to control the burn, food and drink prepared and spread out across a table buffet style, and around the massive pile of tinder lay pelts the hunters had collected for blankets for everyone to relax on. The evening was dry and warm, a perfect mild summer night for a bonfire. Giving one last look over everything to make sure the celebration was set to commence, Artorias nodded his head, a proud smile adorning his features. Everything was in place and looked perfect. The Bonfire Festival was an important event in Hallows culture and he was always so impressed and proud of his wolves' efforts towards the celebration year after year. But more importantly, this would be the first time the newest generation of Carpathians would get to take part in the event.

With everything in place and ready to receive their family and their guests, Artorias tipped his head back and let forth a call for all to come join. The sun was still sinking below the western horizon, leaving them with about a half hour of daylight left before twilight and night took over. Everyone would have time to collect before he lit the fire. To his side, Argent approached carrying a flint and steel, handing the tools off to his master. With that, Artorias waited for the Hallows to arrive, excited to get to share this special occasion with his children for the first time.

ooc: Next round will begin February 8th. This is not a hard cutoff, as anyone can arrive at any time, but this is when the bonfire will be lit IC and any posts after that will arrive after the lighting

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"

One big happy family

Artorias has two ravens named Corbin and Eira and a fox named Argent. Assume they are within calling distance at all times.
As his mate, Briar may enter Artorias' threads unless marked Private.
____________________

The day of bonfire has arrived and Fern is excited to share the experience with her children. As Artorias finishes setting up the area, the gray couple make sure that their children are all full and ready to go. Doing one last head count, she nods to herself before looking to Rudyard and offering a warm smile. Artorias’s call rings through the air and she turns her attention back the children, saying, “Okay little ones, remember to stay in sight. Everyone ready?”

Once everyone, including their father, signals they are indeed ready to go, the gray couple lovingly shoo their children out into the darkening night toward the area where the festival will take place. They are among the first to arrive and Fern offers Artorias a warm smile and soft greeting as they find a place for their family settle in. The couple relax as they await the lighting of the bonfire and emotions swirl in the gray woman’s chest as she looks over their pups, thinking about how proud her mother be to see them all happy and safe.


"Fern Carpathius"

The young Caladia has no idea why the adults seem so interested in this bonfire thing. Sure, she and Thorn had gathered branches for it but the reasoning behind it all still seems so strange to her. Mom and dad make sure that she and her siblings are ready to go and the hodgepodge coated girl wiggles in excitement and boredom. Luckily, her uncle’s howl signals that they can all gather and Callie has to stop herself from rushing out of the castle right then. At her mother’s words, the pup nods and eagerly says, “I’m ready!”

Once everyone gives some indication that they ready too, the pups are allowed to race from the castle toward the plains. She leads the way, small body moving through the tall grass until she finds her uncle and the area to gather. Tail wags happily as she prances up to Artorias and happily chirps, “Hi uncle Art! Is Dusk going to be here soon?” Her mother arrives and pulls her over to they are sitting and Callie huffs indigently, saying in a rather loud whisper, “I was just saying hello.” Flopping onto the grass, she waits to for the fire to be lit.


"Caladia Carpathius"

Emile was early, he was never early. But maybe he'd try it more often, because it meant less eyes turning to look when he arrived, and gave him much more freedom to find a place to tuck himself away, especially before the pups started climbing over everything. The sandy man approached as he did everything, head tucked and angled so his scars were pointed towards the ground, trying to hide them from view. He scanned the festival area quickly, doing his best to slink his way towards an area he expected would be less occupied, though there were very few "corners" to shove himself into here, the open plains was a place he liked to go at night to be alone... But it offered very little in the way of cover or shadows to blend into. He simply hoped the others would have no reason to pay him any attention, which by his reckoning they shouldn't.

So Emile slunk as far away from the area where the bonfire would be as he felt he could get away with, past even some of the further pelts, settling on his haunches and tucking in on himself, not even looking up from his paws and doing his very best to keep his breathing from hitching into panic.

"Emile"

Ha! Kea was the first of his siblings to arrive at the bonfire festival. He tried not to look too pleased with himself as he trotted across the Plains to the spot his father had called from. It was easy to see the Aegis from among the other wolves that arrived. His father was the brightest coloured, and the tallest.

He trotted straight up to Art and gave his dad’s side a friendly nuzzle. “Hey dad!” He said, before looking towards the unlit bonfire and tilting his head to the side. Trying to see if he could pick out the sticks he and Tally had collected to act as kindling. There was certainly a lot more there than just what he and his sister had gathered!


"Ciaran Carpathius"

Mercury wasn’t a stranger to festivals, but he was a stranger to this one. Curious and nostalgic, he heeded his Aeges’ call. Heading from the Castle with Solor riding along by his shoulders, he made his way to the Plains. He could see the small group that had gathered so far, long before he reached them. Crossing the starry field and joining the start of the pack gathering. Everything had come together beautifully, and as he appraised it with wonder. “Hello, Artorias” He said, his voice a glancing greeting. knowing the leader would be surrounded by voices.

It had been some time since he had been at a festival. It would be in some ways vastly different to the wind chime festivals his family had hosted. But also very similar. The sounds of laughter and bonding. That part would be the same.
As he thought it, he found his eyes drifting back towards the direction of the castle. Looking across the field in the hopes of seeing a familiar figure.


"Mercury"

Sierra knew she was welcome at the festival, and she was excited to spend some time with her large family. Shemade her way to the Plains, and - just to be polite - let out a little howl to let her big brother know she was crossing his borders. That done, she trotted along. Following the sound of voices, and very quickly sighting the large setting rolled out for the occasion.

Food! Comfy beds, and soon a roaring fire. Sierra pranced towards the people, and found her brother. Already wolves were approaching him. But the tiny wolf ducked and weaved and was quickly within striking distance. She landed on a vulnerable Aegis’ paw, and glanced up at her brother with a grin. Her tail sweeping grass behind her. “Hey Big Blue”

"Sierra of the Sea"

All day long, Talyssa was left jittery with excitement. Today was the bonfire festival! And she had been looking forward to it since the first time she had heard about it. For most of the morning, she had paced around the castle- hardly able to contain her excitement as she circuited from one room to the next. However, this was the instance she learned that the more you wait and anticipate something, the slower time seemed to pass. So, with that in mind, she made the decision to take off to play in God's Garden- her absolute favorite of the neighboring territories.

In her boredom throughout the day, she found herself weaving together wreaths from the natural bouquets of flowers and vines that grew in abundance. They were far larger than the one that she had made with Mercury for the Samhain  It was an easy and fun way to pass the time! And around the time the sun had begun its descent into dusk, she finally heard the echo of her father's call. With her rampant enthusiasm in full force, she collected what she had made to add to the fire.

Once she arrived to the plains, and saw that there were already several that had made it, and several more on their way in. She quickly approached the bonfire to place the wreaths she had made around the base for decoration until the fire was ablaze. Once positioned, she skipped her way back to the sidelines to await for her father to ignite the fire and begin the festivities.

Avantika had been patrolling. She knew that the festival would be that night, but that didn't mean that she could slack off on her duties. Everything was set up, ready for the celebration, as far as she knew, and her presence hanging around the castle's corridors would only stress her out; she disliked stillness, and hated inaction. The dim light was like a warm blanket around her as she made the rounds, shifting and brushing against her pelt in a not-unpleasant way as she moved quickly.

She turned on a dime when Art's call met her pointed ears, heading away from the border and nearer to the center of the plains. When she arrived, she would nod first to him and then scan for somewhere to sit. Mercury was here. She would smile at him and cock her head slightly, silently asking permission to sit beside him.

"Speech"

During the day, if she wasn't busy bothering a sibling, Bramble found herself tucked away in the library. Teaching herself to read was a monumental task and felt as if it were taking her forever. Words were hard, but with it being quiet and cool as a breeze wafted in from the balcony, she found herself able to focus. Deep in a book she could really hardly read, the growing girl lifted her head quickly at the booming call of her father. Both ears turned to the outside before she lifted herself from the pile of cushions and raced outside. Sliding around corners on awkwardly large paws, Bramble made her way out of the large doors, through the gardens, and toward the plains.

When she crossed the border into the tall grass plains, she could see a number of wolves have already gathered. Her brother and sister having beat her to the punch, Bramble made a beeline toward their father first. "Father! Do you need any help?" She calls out as she reaches up to bump his cheek with her chocolate nose. With her tail wagging furiously and a big smile spreading around her face, Bramble can't help but look around again. So many wolves that she had met and hadn't yet! "Uh, actually, I want to go hang out with the others," she sounds sheepish for a moment as her ears tilt back lightly.

Before Art could detain her, Bramble turned and bounded over to her brother, Ciaran. "Kea!" She greets him, body wiggling with excitement as she reaches out to bump his shoulder with hers. "You excited about the bonfire?" Bramble asks as she takes a sprawled-out laying position beside him.

Bramble Carpathius

Audra had been spending her days tending to the care of Gloom. The Ashen girl had fallen, breaking her ankle and receiving a nasty snake bite. Thankfully the castle hadn't been far from their location and Audra had been able to get her care just in time. She also was more than thankful that Artorias was happy to allow her to stay until her injuries had healed. During the time that Gloom had been rooming with her, Audra had been happy to get to know the girl behind the nervous exterior. While timid like herself, there was a soft, sweet side to Gloom that Audra enjoyed.

Though Gloom was still nursing her injuries, Art had announced it was time again for the Summer Bonfire Festival. This year, Audra was determined to have a good time. Convincing the girl to join her in the fun festivities, Audra led her from the rooms out into the plains. Making sure to keep the small talk going in hopes to distract Gloom from the large group of wolves, Audra found it hard to hide her excitement. Upon their arrival, she smiles toward Art with a nod of her head before guiding Gloom away from the bigger masses of wolves but still close enough to the bonfire to keep them warm once night had fallen.

"W-wait till you s-see it l-lit up," she murmurs to Gloom as her golden glittering eye turns to her.

A U D R A

Ysmir felt like he was settled into the Hallows now, his rank and his life filtered easily into that of Gwynevere’s. The longer he spent at her side the more urgent the thought of never leaving her became. With Artorias and Rudy both having their first litter he knew at the very least, he owed his love a vow. They could, and would, take their time, at whatever speed Gwyn needed, he was ready to start the rest of their lives. The true difficulty lies in the proposition. He wished so badly for that moment that he could verbally ask the woman he loved to marry him, but that was a reality neither of them would ever see.

He knew that Gwyn wouldn’t hold his disability against him, and that their forms of communication didn’t leave much left unsaid. Still, there was something about being able to whisper his love to her that he deeply desired, and would never get. However, in perspective his desires paled in comparison to what he had instead. His family was scattered to the winds, but here in the Hallows with Gwyn he had the opportunity to start again.

That was to come though, for now it was time for the bonfire festival. He looked to the beautiful woman that he loved, happy to have her at his side as he wanted to escort her to the party himself. Her pack and family were important to her, and Ysmir wanted to make sure that the same was true for himself. He wanted to see the Hallows prosper. The man offered her a sweet kiss before leading them to the event. The light was already dimming, which would make the bonfire all that much more impressive. A grin, that was all for Gwyn, played on his features as they chose a place to sit and settled in for the festival.

"Gwynevere & Ysmir"

Gloom was starting to get better, she could walk now at least, even if it was a halting, limping walk. Her ankle ached if she put too much pressure on it, and would build in pain the longer she ignored it so she largely tried to not move around too much. Well, that and the fact she was in a strange pack surrounded by strangers. The woman had really only met Audra and the blue man, Artorias, a few of the other healers had come in and out while she was in the infirmary but she had mostly done her best to shrink into the bed when that happened. But Audra had invited Gloom to the festival and Gloom could both see no reason to turn her down and was at least a little interested. The woman stayed practically glued to Audra as they walked, her head down and ears pulled back as she tried to ignore the feeling that every eye in the pack was turned on her. She tried to keep her focus on Audra's voice, though sometimes it had to switch to how she was walking and the awkward hops she would do when her gait got a little too out of rhythm, making sure to keep her injured paw off the ground when she did. With so much effort put on paying attention to Audra it was easy enough to tell how excited she got when the got close and despite herself Gloom couldn't help but smile. She offered Artorias a quick nod of her own and then hurried off with the earthen woman. The pair of women moved away from where the majority of wolves currently were and Gloom was more than happy to get off her paws, out of habit she flattened herself into the ground though she made an effort to make sure her injured ankle wasn't laid on. Audra spoke and this time Gloom's smile was a little more open, she probably should have turned her gaze towards the large pile of logs that no doubt would soon be a pyre, but she kept her eyes on Audra, finding the excitement in her expression more fascinating. "I can't wait." She said softly, much too nervous to be loud enough for anyone else to hear, in fact there was every chance even Audra couldn't hear her. Action | "Speech." |

Art by Frida-Corvus

All of the pack's collective preparation had finally led to this and as she was beginning to usher their kids out toward the plains, she heard their father's howl for the rest of the pack and their friends to gather around for the lighting of the fire. She smiled as she heard Artorias' voice and gave one more "come on, kids!" before she began to head out herself. She saw several of them run up ahead of her along with several other pack members, family and friends alike, begin to gather. This was one of her favorite events that The Hallows had on their calendar and she was happy to be here along side Artorias to host it once again. So much had changed in their lives since the last bonfire festival. There was so much to celebrate and as she walked over to stand beside Artorias, leaning into his side with a warm smile, she couldn't help but think about how much more their lives would change and family would grow between now and the next time they stood here together. She waited beside him for him to begin the bonfire in earnest–keeping a close eye on their rambunctious pups in the meantime.

"Briar Carpathius"

Gwynevere smoothed her fur a bit and checked the silver circlet on her head to make sure it was positioned just right on her brow in an old, foggy mirror that was leaned against the wall on one side of their bedroom, readying herself as she waited for Artorias to call everyone to the bonfire. Large crowds had never been her favorite thing or the easiest thing to sit through, but she still wouldn't dream of missing this important part of her family's year. The only difference this year was the man that was at her side as an escort to the bonfire, drawing her attention and keeping a smile on her lips as they found their way out of the castle and down to the clearing of the plains. As they found a place to sit on one of the furs that she and some of the other Carpathius women had cleaned in preparation for this event, she turned her lavender and sage gaze up to his with a smile, leaning into his side in the quiet and comfortable way they led their lives together. Being here with the wolf she loved made this all the more sweet as she eagerly awaited Artorias beginning the bonfire.

"Gwynevere & Ysmir"

Though she was still familiarizing herself with the customs and traditions of this pack she had found herself in, word of the upcoming bonfire and the preparations for it had very quickly gotten around. She was a bit late to the game as far as finding a way to contribute, but she did manage to pull out a bit of her skills as a former hunter to help out with the vast array of food that was spread out on a long table the day before. Now though, it seemed like preparations were finally over and as Artorias called them all together she made her way to join the rest of her new pack–even though she was really only looking for one face in the crowd. As she wandered in behind a group of wolves that were all moving out of the castle about the same time, she spotted Mercury's slate form through the crowd and she grinned, weaving her way through the other wolves to come join him. "I don't think I've ever been around this many wolves at one time," she told him with a chuckle as she came to sit beside him, her blue and green gaze scanning the crowd as the day light continued to dim. She couldn't think of a time when she had experienced something like this before so she was excited to see how this was going to go and kept her attention up toward Artorias as he prepared to start the bonfire with her shoulder lightly leaning into Mercery's.

"Anthea Dásos"

Tamsyn had begun to make her way toward Hallows land with Kane in tow early that morning for the pack's bonfire festival, gathering Malik and Juniper along the way. Though she and her offshoot of their larger collective family did not live in the castle all of the time, she still wouldn't miss this special tradition or miss a chance to support her son as he continued to lead The Hallows onward. Events like these were always at least a touch bitter sweet, but she was excited to bring Kane and her children this year. As they neared the borders she hadn't yet found Sierra, but if she knew her daughter she had a hunch that her scrappy girl wouldn't miss a party. Sure enough, just ahead of them she heard Sierra's howl announcing herself at the border and Tam smiled, glad to know that they had all made it.

Soon enough they had all made it to the clearing surrounding what was sure to be a massive bonfire once it was lit and she led them over to join the others that had already gathered. She went to Sierra first, letting her children reunite before leaving them with Kane to go say her hellos to her older children and her many grandchildren, smiling all the while as she moved about the crowd absolutely surrounded by her family and their loved ones. By the time she made it back to Kane and their children her cheeks hurt from smiling and she could look nearly anywhere and fine some piece of her family. It was astounding to think that all of this had started with just her and Resin and a spark of inspiration. Settling in beside her mate and slipping a foreleg around the shoulders of her daughters, she pulled her family in close, nuzzling the heads of her youngest children and pressing a kiss to Kane's cheek.

Tamsyn Carpathius of the Valley

Rudy had been ready to leave with Fern and all the kids in plenty of time and he’d plan to arrive at the same time as Fern. Unfortunately, he’d had to tell Fern he’d catch up when Kipling had seemed to disappear to who knew where.  Rudy smirked with dry amusement imagining he could hardly be surprised.  The kid had a hint of mischief in his blood and a desire to go off on his own at times.  At some point, Rudyard feared these ideas would get the boy into trouble and so far labeled it as luck that nothing had happened.

Kipling hadn’t gone far in this instance.  The child had found a rabbit den in the grass and in almost no time had gotten the front half of his boy into it.  Dirt flew out as he tried to dig deeper, Rudy raised his head up to avoid getting dirt in his eyes.

After a moment to pull the boy out and a warning glare, he held off the lecture.  Not tonight.  “Come on,” he encouraged Kipling, “Once you’ll see the big fire and all the wolves you’ll be glad I didn’t let you sneak off.”

The two made it to the gathering only a few minutes behind Fern.  He made his way to Fern, whispering that he’d found their son.  Looking up the boy was already running amongst the strangers.  A shake of his head with bemusement.  “Stay in sight,” he hollered up to the boy before glancing at Fern, “I think it's about time he gets stuck doing some work.  Let’s get him under control.” A lick to her cheek, “I’ll be right back.”

Making his way to Art, “It looks great Art. Should be a great party.  You know, mom would have loved this.  The pack’s grown bigger, and yet the sense of family is as strong as ever.” His mind would soon go back to the here and now, focus on the party, on Fern and their children, and all the fun bound to be had but Rudy couldn’t help thinking back to their mom here at the beginning.  Her spirit still lived with them and always would.

"Rudyard & Fern"

Kipling had planned to behave and go to the bonfire festival with the family but when he found the rabbit warren he just felt a need to go try and dig his way into it.  It wasn’t very easy, with his front end down and stretched out to dig, his balance on his one back leg took more work.  That made him want to dig his way straight to the rabbits or at least further in all the more necessary.  All it took was a few scrapes to make him forget about what he’d been doing just a minute ago.

Then dad had shown up, made him stop, and given him ‘the eye’ that suggested he was in trouble.  Kipling had pinned his ears back sullenly but followed along with dad’s assurance he was going to have fun.  Would it be as fun as getting a rabbit from its warren though?

It was an impressive sight!  So many wolves gathered amongst the plains.  He didn’t even recognize a few of the wolves.  There were his siblings and mom and beyond them the sound of various voices and steps of many feet.  Kipling charged ahead, head swinging about with wide-eyed curiosity about what to do first.  

There!  Grammy Tammy had shown up!  With a small yip of excitement, the three-legged pup was remarkably fast, especially if he was running in a straight line.  “Grammmmmmyyyyyy!”  She was fun!  She had taken them to the beach and was so nice!  He charged straight to her, hopping up on his back leg, front paws stretching up to her chest, “you came!  Are you staying long?  Want to go hunting rabbits with me later?”  

"Kipling"

Thorn had thought of running off and away from mom early as several of his siblings had already done but he decided to go to the festival right at his mom’s side.  The boy proudly carried his wooden sword.  There was hardly a moment in the day that he roamed where that sword wasn’t found with him.  He’d become a great swordswolf and he refused to let anything stand in his way.  If that meant the wooden sword stay glued to him at all times then so be it!

While he did stay with mom his eyes were bright with excitement looking at all the wolves that milled about in the area.  Mom made her way to where dad sat, along with a couple of other wolves and Thorn looked curiously towards Sierra who appeared older than him by confirmation and sent but she sure was small.

After a moment Thorn put his sword down, a protective paw on top of it. “Hi dad!” he greeted his father then looked to Sierra, “Hi, I’m Thorn.”  He didn’t say ‘who are you’ just in case he was supposed to know her and had forgotten but, it wasn’t coming to him right now.  She sure knew dad though.

"Thorn Carpathius"