Midsummer had reached Auster, and with it came long hot days and warm, pleasant evenings. That meant it was once again time for the Hallows' annual bonfire festival. Every year as this time drew near, Artorias would begin to gather up deadwood and driftwood from the nearby beach and pile it out on the plains, set over a patch of sand and dirt to prevent over-burning into the plains. The rest of the Hallows would contribute to the pile of kindling as they could over time, and once the middle of summer had come, the pile was quite sizable and ready to go. Artorias worked on soaking some of the lower parts of the pile in flammable oil as the late afternoon drifted into early evening, the day still light but quickly turning into sunset. It was almost time to begin.

As he set to preparing the bonfire, Artorias reflected on the past year and the changes that they had all been through. His newest litter, the growth of the Hallows, their friends and family who had come and gone, including his eldest son. Artorias' heart ached when he thought of Zephyrus and silently prayed that wherever his adopted child was, he was safe and healthy and would one day find his way back home. Tossing the last of the oil onto the dry wood, the Aegis stepped back and admired the unlit bonfire. This year's would be a good one. With a small smile, he then looked down at the birch branch he had at his paws—a switch pulled from the tree his adoptive mother rested beneath. He had placed a branch upon the bonfire every year since her passing as a token of remembrance. The bonfire was as much a time to celebrate another year passed with loved ones as it was a chance to pay homage to those that had been lost along the way.

Picking up the birch branch in his teeth, Artorias carefully laid the offering to his mother's memory atop the pile of kindling, swallowing hard to keep the emotion welling up in his heart from spilling forth. No matter how many years passed, the memories never stopped feeling so bittersweet. Taking his place before the bonfire while Argent brought up a piece of flint and steel, Art lifted his head and called for the rest of the Hallows to gather for their yearly celebration. Food and drink had been laid out in a massive open picnic for everyone to enjoy, ranging from cooked and raw meats to honeyed berries and fresh wines, as well as some rock sugar candies from nearby Ethne for the pups to savor. Then he waited, waited for the rest of his family—blood and bond—to arrive, to offer their own mementos as they chose, and to celebrate together as a pack and a family.

"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.
____________________

Mother and Father had told Clove and her siblings of the bonfire festival that was held every summer. And since then, Clove had been waiting for the day of the festival, riddled with anticipation and excitement. It was a chance to see all the wolves in the pack, get to know her family better, and moreover, explore another land that belonged to their kingdom. That was almost the most exciting part for her. As each hot, long summer day crawled by, Clove wondered more often when her parents would announce the day of the festival. And finally, towards the middle of the summer season, the day was confirmed.

The morning of the event, Clove made sure to sleep in as long as she could. She wanted to be able to stay awake in the evening, to enjoy the party for as long as she could. After a late breakfast, Clove went to work on perfecting her appearance. She took a long sudsy bath and had someone help her comb out her pelt to perfection. Once it was pristine, soft, and smelt like rose petals and peonies, she crept into her parent’s chambers where Briar had some beautiful jewelry stashed. She had already gotten permission to pick something out to wear for the special event. And so, the young Carpathius took her time inspecting each piece of jewelry, until she finally settled on a gold chain necklace embellished with a fiery stone that resembled her father’s eye color. Pulling it over her head, she took a moment to admire herself in the mirror. It was so nice getting dressed up.

Waiting for sunset was almost unbearable for her, given how excited she was. And the moment the sun started to fall behind the neighboring mountain range and her father gave the signal, Clove couldn’t wait any longer. Traveling alone to the starlit plains was liberating, and made her feel like a real explorer! Even if it was her parent’s territory. She didn’t exactly know where she was going, but her father’s scent led the way. After some time, she finally saw him in the clearing, standing in front of a massive pile of dry wood. Around him were miscellaneous setups of food, drink, and treats! As she walked past it all, she was tempted to grab a quick bite… but she wanted to say hello to Daddy first.

Picking up a nearby stick, Clove walked before her father and added it to the pile as her contribution. She turned to him then, wanting to rub against his leg affectionally. “Hi, Daddy! I’m so excited!” She exclaimed with a giggle. “I’m gonna eat SO much candy!” She toddled off then, knowing a lot more wolves would be showing up to say hello… and that candy was calling her name.  

"Clove Carpathius"

Code by Shelby

Mercury arrived shortly after the call of his Aegis, he smiled at Artorias, and nodded his head in greeting. Making his way to the bonfire, he grabbed his own branch and thought of the people he had lost. Of the family and friends that had been swallowed by the Volcano. But he thought of new beginnings, as well. Art had given him that, had believed in him and sparked to life the desire to carry on. He touched his kindling to the fire and released it, amidst a few sparks as it caught alight.

After that, he took a few steps back to clear the room, and took a seat. Wondering what faces he would see - old and new - at this festival.

"Speech"

The call for the festival distracted Kea from his sword exercises. It was often that he could be food in the training room, Windrunner in his grasp. He knew he had a long, long way to go before he would be anywhere near his fathers level of experience. He carefully sheathed his sword, and brushed hay off his paws, before turning and trotting out to the beautiful pack plains, where the bonfire was being held.

Already there was a blossoming growth of orange that marked his way, and it wasn’t long before he was there. He nodded his head to his Father, the Commander, and grinned at Clove. “I’ll sneak you some candy” He promised her.

"Speech"

Bowen had been missing from action lately. A nasty sickness had consumed her, leaving the fae full of snot and gunk. It wasn't anything serious, but it was enough to keep her holed up in her room, away from everyone else, lest she infect them too. The bonfire though... she wouldn't miss it for the world.

As the bonfire was always held in the same place, Bowen took up her normal post atop a small rise at the edge of the circle of firelight. It would keep her away from the rest of the pack, but she'd also still get to participate a bit. Bishop bounced around next to her, a little rag in his beak in case she needed to wipe her nose or sneeze. Rather than let him continue to fuss over her, Bowen scooped the raven in against her chest and gave his ebony head a little lick. He settled into the warmth of his lady's chest and together they watched the flickering light of the fire. As they did so... she remembered those that were gone, but not forgotten. Even the bad ones.

"Bowen"

This was a time for remembering those that were lost, but Dusk could only remember one whose presence she wanted to be in once more. Sitri had been handsome, funny, interesting, a perfect gentleman. She couldn't wait to see him again. Ah, but it couldn't be today. Now that darkness had fallen, the walking shadow melded with that darkness, making her way towards the blazing fire. Whisper was in her tail as always, just in case. The blades glinted like stars in the firelight and Dusk admired them for a moment before moving to her father's side.

The young woman gave Artorias a nuzzle, sliding her muzzle under his chin before sitting beside him just as she had done last year. There were vast differences though. Last year she'd been a roly poly thing that tripped over her own paws. This year, she was almost a woman grown. Dusk had grown into her legs and her puppy fat had melted away. She had the beautiful bone structure of her mother's face as well as the antlers atop her head. Her tail was long and luxurious and the black had given way to smoke grey in certain places. Though her coloring was simple, Dusk had grown to be quite breathtaking.

Fire opal eyes narrowed behind heavy lids as she looked towards the fire. She thought of a grandmother that she'd never met but knew anyway. They'd been told stories of Resin from the time they were born. She'd even met the grey and black woman in her dreams more than once. Her grandmother Zee was gone as well, though Dusk didn't have as much of a connection with her. A paw rose and pressed against her chest as she offered silent words to two grandmother's that were gone.

"Dusk Carpathius"

SO... Siduri had no idea where she was. Trouble was her middle name and it sure as hell had a way of finding her. She'd been following a badger, practicing her stalking and tracking, but when the badger went underground and the girl was alone, she uttered a very unladylike exclamation. It was getting dark and she could turn around or find some place to hunker down for the night, but a howl drifted to her on the wind and the girl could see light up ahead. Oooh.

In time, Sid was close. Very close. She hopped over the border. Didn't touch it, didn't cross it, right? No one wants to step in pee anyway. Little by little, the pale girl crept closer, peeking her head up from the long grass of the plains. Quiet, quiet, quiet, the girl was. Her multicolored eyes came upon a big bonfire and a bunch of wolves sitting around it. They were mostly quiet and she had no idea what was going on, so she decided to ask.

Sliding up beside one big black and blue wolf, Sid sat tall, staring straight ahead. She waited for a moment to see if he would acknowledge her, but perhaps she was too quiet. Eventually, the girl whispered, "Oi, oi. What're we doin'?" Small enough that she shouldn't have been away from her family, Siduri looked up to the man with bright, tri-ringed eyes, waiting for him to answer.

Piratess

The bonfire festival was finally here! From the moment she had heard about the Hallows' special summer event, Ember was practically bursting at the seams with excitement! Any time anything special happened around the pack, she was all for it, wanting to witness and be a part of al the major events. Plus it was something new and fun to break up the constant day-in and day-out of her usual routine. Ember was a bit of a restless child, already eyeing the borders of the pack and wondering what more could be out there after her field trip with Ciaran. Ember had spent some time crafting a little wolf figurine out of sticks and twine with her mother's guidance as an offering to the gods and was just putting the finishing touches of a little strip of orange ribbon around the figurine when her father's call boomed out around the lands. Ember sprang to her paws in an excited flurry and snatched up her totem before rushing out of Hearthstone to go join the party.

The fire had not beet lit yet when she arrived, taking note of the rest of her family that had already gathered. Clove and Dusk sidling up alongside their father with Ciaran close by, Commander Mercury also nearby as well, keeping an eye on everyone, and aunt Bowen sitting atop a hill a little bit off. Ember lifted her tiny paw and gave a wave to Bowen, wondering why she was keeping to herself, but then the ADHD attentiveness of being a child kicked in and she once more went toward her gathering family. "Hi Clo! Wow, you look so pretty!" she greeted her smaller sister, noticing the jewelry she'd worn specially for this occasion. Ember rested the figurine on the pile of wood, then bounced back to go greet her elder siblings. She bumped her forehead gently against Dusk's ankle, then against Kea's before ultimately going to take her place by their father as well. She understood the importance of this festival, but it still surprised her how solemn everyone was in the preamble of the fire lighting. Wasn't this still supposed to be a fun festival?

As Ember maneuvered her way around her giant sire, she went to go seat herself on his opposite side—only to find another pup already there! The girl was snow white with rainbow streaks across her fur, and she was definitely not someone Ember recognized around the pack. With her head cocked in bewildered confusion and brows furrowed, she studied the strange girl who nearly matched her in size like she was some foreign creature. "Who the heck are you?" she voiced her thoughts aloud, looking up to her dad for an answer as well.

"Ember"

Dusk had said that this event was a special one, a night to remember those lost. Gavroche didn’t know what losing someone close to you was like, but his grandma had said she had been sad because she missed someone special when he visited her. Gavroche felt badly for her. She’d come too, right? He couldn’t place it, but he felt a little sad too as he trailed after Dusk as they made their way to the plains. Gavroche had spent time preening his wings and trying to look presentable. His green gaze lifted to the sky, a frown on his face. What was this feeling from? He didn’t bring it up to his friend. He didn’t want to worry her. She’d already done so much for him, and they had taken on some baddies together! Dusk felt like family, just as much as his grandma did. Seeing her go sit beside an important looking man Gavroche faltered. But not because of those strange sad feelings. They were forgotten as his gaze fell on Ember and another puppy he didn’t recognize. His green eyes lit up seeing the colors in her fur, and eagerly the winged boy bounced towards her and Ember. “You’ve got rainbow fur like my family!” But he didn’t recognize her. Was she family? His tail wagged back and forth excitedly as he looked from the new girl to Ember. “Is she from a place with loud falling water too?” He asked the Hallows girl. As if she would know he was referring to a waterfall. "Speech"

Ysmir would admit he had been quiet recently, of course the mute man was always quiet but his presence had not been very obvious as of late. He had no real excuse, but he had been dealing with a long sickness. Mostly he didn’t want it to spread to the rest of the pack so he had reclused himself. Of course, Gwyn had been taking care of him but even her skilled touch hadn’t been able to speed the affliction along. He made himself get up for this event though, he was having a good day and felt relatively well despite how slow he was moving. His form was obviously affected by the long illness, his fur lacked the luster it once had and he was not near as fit and trim as he had once been. More on the side of skinny because of fighting the virus within him.

The nord man made his way down to the bonfire area, being careful to keep his distance from the crowd just in case he could spread the affliction that had him. He nodded to Artorias from across the clearing and made himself comfortable, knowing he wouldn’t be moving too much while he was here lest he risk a relapse.

"Gwynevere & Ysmir"

Bramble had been in the grove while her father set up the bonfire. Since summer had come into full swing, she had been spending more and more time outside. To some, her excuse had been how stuffy the castle was inside. Not that it was, but being up in her room, looking out at the scenery made her heart ache. Rather, and the truth really only known to her parents, was that she was spending her time outside with a certain boy. A boy that she was beginning to enjoy more than walking along the cobbled hallways of the castle. But since she was still young and she didn't want to pressure him, she wouldn't ask him to stay. Instead, she got him to agree to meet at the grove at least every few days so they could wander and spend the afternoons together. "Come with me to the bonfire," her voice is sweet and there is a smile on her face as she reaches over to tug at his cheek. Turning without another look back, Bramble started through the grove toward the plains. Whether he did follow was up to him. Instead, she would be brave and independent and let him chase her. It was more fun that way. Continuing along the path, Bramble continued to chatter whether it was to Tate or her companions about the bonfire. "Last year, I was too small to fully understand the bonfire. I spent most of my time with Sota listening to his cool stories. This year, I think I understand it better. Dad explained that it's a time to remember loved ones lost and to also celebrate the past year with those you still have," Bramble's expression is pleasant and her smile is gentle as she spies the growing crowd of wolves mingling around the massive pile of wood. "I can't wait to enjoy it!" Her tone amps up in excitement as her pace picks up into a slow lope to where her father stood. Her tail wags happily as she slows and rushes up to meet him. "Seara, tată. Sper ca inima ta sa fie plina si seara sa mearga bine." She presses her nose to his cheek as they are nearly the same height now! Stepping back, she glances to the side to see if her companion has come with her before looking back at her father. She had been practicing her Carpathian lately and hoped Artorias was proud. "Have fun papa, love you!" Bramble smiles wide and then turns to make her way toward an open spot by the bonfire. Once settled in a comfy spot, she plops herself on the ground and stretches out her long legs. "Now we wait for the bonfire to be lit," her voice is hushed as her gaze trails around to see who all was here. Bramble Carpathius

Artorias had told her of the bonfire, and the significance behind it. Bellamy had been uncertain about attending at first, but the more time she spent with her grandson, and the time she had spent with Acere, she found her courage. Gavroche had peeked in long enough to call to her as he left with his friend, and Bellamy would rise from the bed she had spent most of time on during her stay at the Hallows. It felt strange to be up and about, but… not bad. Bellamy stepped into the open air and drew in a breath. Living… something Acere had encouraged her to do with the time she had left. Her gaze shifted towards the heavens. She was sure that, as she attended the bonfire and the stars came out, he would be watching her. That was what really gave her the final push she needed.

Bellamy had taken a leisurely pace to the plains. She let herself consciously acknowledge the shift in terrain, the feel of grass under her paws, the feel of the wind moving over her fur. It was strange, but it was almost like she was experiencing these things for the first time again… like a young pup leaving the den. Her ears perked as she drew closer to those gathered, and it was Gavroche’s excited voice that caught her attention. The woman would circle around to find him, one of Artorias’ daughters, and a small rainbow marked pup there. But while the girl did look as if she could have been a sibling, she was not one Bellamy recognized. The woman reclined to her rump and flicked her gaze to Artorias, giving a small nod of greeting.

She needed this more than she realized.

"Speech," 'Thought.'

The Summer Bonfire. Elowen knew of its importance, as it neared the time to go she would call off her exercises with Ginger. The retriever would fall into place at the girl’s heels as she made her way in the direction of the plains. Family would be there, and possibly some of the guests that the Hallows was currently caring for. Elowen liked that about her pack. They helped others, rather than merely survived. She had been talking with an older woman who had been brought to the pack; Bellamy. She hadn’t seen her leave her room since arriving, but to her surprise the femme was sitting among those already gathered. El beamed at this. She had to be feeling a bit better, if only a little.

Elowen could see some of her cousins, other pups, Mercury, and even one of her aunts. Since her parents and siblings weren’t here yet Elowen moved to sit beside her aunt Bowen with a smile. “Hey Aunt Bowen! I haven’t seen you around recently. Are you okay?” Concern for the family member lingered in her eyes as her smile faltered. Had she been unaware of someone in her family not feeling well?

"Speech," 'Thought.'

The woman had given her word to Artorias that she would be there for this, and so, knowing the Bonfire Festival was close, Meme had encouraged Skorgek to come with her and go to the Hallows. She prayed that Skorgek wouldn’t get nervous and leave the lands as they got there, but her desire to see everyone again encouraged her onward. On her back Memento carried something for the bonfire, a memento to be offered to those lost. Once at the plains, Memento continued to lead the way there, walking comfortably within the lands of the Hallows. These wolves were friends. Her family not by blood, but by bond. She would cross to the bonfire first, moving the memento made of wood, vine, and decorated with as many different colored flowers as she could find onto the bonfire’s set up.

She stared at it for a long moment, her ears falling back against her skull. Her mother… Cel… her sister… her uncle… her grandmother… She felt tears threaten to come and closed her eyes. No. No tears. That part of her life, a beautiful time in her life, had been in the care of the rainbow marked male and her mother. But how quickly it had all fallen apart. Regaining her composure Meme would turn from the bonfire to sit among the crowd, gaze searching for Skorgek as she hoped the smaller femme would have just been distracted by the food rather than having turned back.

"Speech"

This was not her first Bonfire festival, but what had changed over the last year? Not much at all. For her at least. Though maybe it was that way from some of her other siblings. Artorias was a lot to live up to though that was her brother and not her father. Maybe she had to remember that from time to time. She had lost so much time with them and she kept trying to move on. It wasn't easy. It was easy to keep to herself but hard to let go of this life that was stolen from her. She tried to be strong.

She was able to leave the pack lands on her own now. It was still a big leap but she had to remind herself of the time that had passed since her return. Hopefully no one was looking for her outside anymore. She had been gently been watching Artorias as he prepared the fire and when he called she would be nearby. Being around the whole pack wasn't easy for her but she got more used to it every time they had a big gathering. Still not a boisterous butterfly but not so much hidden in the shadows anymore. She knew her sisters would be somewhere nearby as well, but she would lock herself into the glow of the fire. The best thing for her.

"Asheila Carpathius"

TW: mentions of child loss & depression

Time felt like it had been passing painfully slowly. It had only been a couple of seasons since they had lost the first litter that they had wanted for so long. Two, beautiful pups...gone, before they even had a chance to live. Claire had taken it pretty hard, but he didn't blame her. He hadn't taken it very well, either, and in the typhoon of emotions revolving around their loss, Greed had taken it upon himself to be strong for both of them. To keep them moving forward. He swore the loss had nearly destroyed Claire. She hadn't wanted to let them go, but if he hadn't taken them away to bury them, he was sure she would've lost herself even more. Neither of them had seen it coming. Her pregnancy had been relatively easy, but the birth? He had been around quite a few births...but this one had gone wrong. He didn't know why. Though he couldn't help but feel like maybe it was his fault. Perhaps he wasn't meant to be a father. Maybe it was fate telling him it was not meant to be. Still, he ignored those thoughts and focused on trying to get Claire better. They spent a bit of time with their newborns before he took them away to be buried outside of pack lands. The memory of having to do that tore at his heart every day, but there was nothing else he could've done. He promised Claire he'd always be there for her. And for the first time, prayed, that the pups would be taken care of. He hoped they'd end up wherever Avalon was...and if they did, he knew she'd take good care of them. Lifting himself away from Claire, he stepped outside the den to sit and think. Hunger gnawed at his belly, but his appetite hadn't been the same for a while now. The old man wasn't sure what to do. They hadn't told Artorias or anyone else what had happened...had secluded themselves for the most part since then. But he doubted that either of them and their lack of activity had gone unnoticed. And while Claire had rarely left the den since that day, it was probably no secret that she had been pregnant at one point, and then she wasn't. That no pups were bouncing around their den or playing with the other Hallows kids. Some part of him felt jealous that Artorias and Briar and, as far as he knew, another pair or two had managed to have pups of their own. But he couldn't be mad or blame them for his own misfortune. It wasn't their fault. He just...so desperately had wanted to share that same happiness with his mate. But perhaps it wasn't meant to be. Hearing the call then, Greed contemplated whether they should go or not. He hadn't been doing much save for making sure Claire was fed and taken care of, and his duties to the pack had fallen far to the wayside. Maybe...maybe this would be a decent opportunity to distract from it all. And show Artorias that they were still here...sort of. Or at least, that they hadn't abandoned the Hallows. He was trying. He really was. But how did one overcome such a loss? Losing his own family, and then losing Avalon all those years ago had been hard enough. But this hit different. Sighing, he went back inside the den and gently nosed Claire. "We should go. At least for a little bit...might be good for us instead of hiding away in here." He frowned as she curled into herself. "Claire...please? For me? I understand you're still grieving...I am, too. But...things happen sometimes...for reasons that we don't understand..." He sat down and gently nuzzled her. "Take some comfort at least...in knowing that they're with your mother." He took in a deep breath as he quieted. Then slowly, she began to stir until she sat up. He couldn't help the small smile. Some progress, at least. "Come on. You don't have to talk to anyone if you don't want to. Let's just...at least show we're still around. Sort of." He shrugged. He wasn't sure how it was going to go or if anyone would care, but some part of him did. Together, they made their way to the the bonfire and made it as others arrived too, before it had been lit. Quietly, they both went to seat themselves closer to the outskirts, though Greed had gotten a bit of food for them as they passed. Sitting down, he offered some to Claire, and the pair waited for the ceremony to start. "Talk"

TW: mentions of child loss & depression

Things had...not gone particularly well for her the last couple of seasons. They had lost their first litter. Two pups that she had barely gotten a chance with before fate took them away from her. It had felt like her heart had been torn out then and there. They said time healed all wounds...so why did hers feel so fresh? She had gotten a few hours before Greed took them away for burial. She wanted to believe the loss had been a nightmare, but each day that she woke up, she was reminded that it wasn't. It had been real, and she had fallen into a deep depression that she felt she'd never get out of. No matter what Greed did, every day felt the same for her. Numb. Hollow. She only left for the bare necessities before returning to her bed day in and day out. Greed stayed with her most of the time, and a big part of her was grateful for him...but she also felt bad that she felt she kept him from his duties to the pack and everything else. She felt him shift and leave her side for a few minutes, and then Artorias' call sounded. The sounds of the world were nothing more than a dull echo for her. Far off. Not in her world. But when Greed came back and nudged her, suggested that they should go, she curled in tighter. She didn't feel like she could show her face. She had had what she wanted, had been happy and elated, and like everything was right in the world. And it had all been torn away in the blink of an eye. She had no idea why. She had been careful. Hadn't done anything to jeopardize the lives she had been caring for. But it seemed fate wouldn't allow her that happiness she so desperately wanted. Greed gently nuzzled her. Spoke to her gently, as he always did. Tried to comfort her yet again. Only this time...his words stirred a part of her heart. A part of her soul. They were with her mother...she knew that if that were true, they were in good hands. She sighed as she slowly sat up, sadness and hope in her gaze. She nodded quietly before getting up and shaking herself off. Smoothing down her coat so that she looked somewhat presentable, at least. Thankfully, Greed and her companion had been helping groom her fur during the long periods she couldn't manage to. She wasn't perfectly groomed, but she would get there. "Let's go." She whispered before he led the way out. She walked by his side as they made their way to the annual ceremony. A number of wolves were already gathered, though the pair stuck to the outskirts of them. Her gaze remained on the ground as Greed led the way to a spot for them. She felt ashamed. Unsure. Afraid. She didn't want to really be here, but she was making an effort for him... "Speak

While others had been preparing for the bonfire and getting various things ready, Grim was in his room pacing. He'd sent the invitation rather last minute, but his flying fox had assured him that Sorcerer had received it and that he would come. What if he'd forgotten, or what if he'd gotten lost? He supposed that it would be rather difficult to miss the large castle but he was still worried. What if he'd changed his mind? Worry was written all over his face, even as he moved from the castle to the narrow land bridge that joined Auster and Boreas. He crossed said bridge and waited for Sorcerer for what felt like forever, though in reality it probably hadn't been more than an hour. His impatience had dragged him out here earlier than he expected, but everything started to fall into place when he saw the two-toned man break from the trees. Well, everything but his heart that had started hammering the moment he saw the handsome man.

Unable to stop his tail from wagging atop his back, the fluff swaying from side to side, he did his best to stay still yet found himself eagerly moving to close the distance between them with a wide, natural smile. "I'm so happy you came," he said as he nuzzled his cheek briefly , not only grateful that he would have the man he'd been crushing on lately with him, but also so he wouldn't feel so alone. Sure, the Hallows had every Carpathian that was worth calling family within the castle walls, but he still felt like a stranger... even to himself; especially to himself. Yet for some reason, none of it mattered when he was with Sorcerer.

Their journey back to the starlit plains wasn't a very long one, but it was clear that the event would be starting soon as everyone had started to gather and the massive stack of oiled wood appeared to be ready to light. He'd never been to one of these annual bonfires before, so he hardly knew what to expect, but he was sure Artorias or someone would seek him out if they needed something from him. He focused on showing Sorcerer around a bit, pointing out and half introducing his immediate family to him as they sat on the outskirts of the gathering and waited for it to fully begin.

"Grimshaw" & "Sorcerer"

code © rex 2023

Tate walks easily in time with Bramble. Their friendship had only become stronger lately, and he wasn't afraid to admit that he liked spending time with her. He'd make a point to stop by when he was passing through, but more than that... he'd even sought her out on occasion. Unusual for the boy, especially as his work kept him on the road much of the time. Not things he would be shy to admit, of course, as Tate was never shy. Still. Bramble's invitation was one he wouldn't turn down, attending the festival with her family would be an honor.

As she speaks about loved ones lost, Tate can feel a tug in his chest. It's a twinge, a little pull. Nothing too tense, but... well, it's there. It's always there. His father had a foot in each world. One here, one back in Nihon. A diplomat, but his work came at a cost. Hell, maybe Tate was more like him than he'd care to admit. Way more like him... he barely remembered to conceal the deep sigh that spread through his chest. There's the thought of Beru, too. Missing. Though his bonds to his siblings weren't particularly close, that's more on Tate than anyone else. He still... worried. Yeah. Even if it was just a little.

She takes off to greet her father, and Tate jogs behind her. Though he tries not to be self conscious about his larger stature, sometimes he can't help it. Better to not be winded to meet Artorias, this time under better circumstances. A few paces behind Bramble, Tate catches her speaking what he could only guess was their mother tongue. "Thank you for having me." He speaks to Artorias with a respectful dip of his muzzle. Hattori had been on top of teaching them manners, and Tate would be damned if he reflected poorly on the kaicho for that.

Tate is quick to follow Bramble, settling in place beside her. He stretches comfortably, relaxing on the soft grass, relaxed. Perhaps casually, the boy offers his side and shoulder. Yes, as casually as he could, that is. Gaze flickering about the other attendees of the festival, it doesn't escape Tate's notice that so many of them look like Bramble. The familial resemblance was strong. "'s nice here." He looks softly to his companion, gaze gentle on her face. Appreciative.

"Potato"

It was already time for the Bonfire Festival again, and this year Meadow was determined to enjoy it. No like, for real, she was going to have a good time this time. Putting on what could best be described as a brave face, the girl was better prepared. Carefully tucking the bee's wax ear plugs into place, taking a couple deep breaths, and making her way out to the Plains... yeah. This wouldn't be so bad. And even if it was, she could always just go back to the castle. What Meadow hadn't expected, though, was the presence of so many strangers. Faces she didn't know, and couldn't have anticipated. Well... she could probably just... avoid them, right? Quickly surveying the group around the bonfire and picking out the safest target, it would only take Meadow a moment to find Mercury. Quickly, quietly, the girl comes to take a seat beside him. Offering little more than a weak smile, she sits back and waits for uncle Art to come light the fire. "Speech"