There was a lot going on at this bonfire festival and Sota was more than a little overwhelmed. Not that he'd let it show, though. In his early life he'd been a rather reclusive sort of fellow and only after spending years in The Hallows had he grown used to socializing amongst so many others... but not nearly so many. Was this their largest turnout yet? Once he arrived he was happy to settle in on his own, letting his watchful gaze drift over the crowd and keep an eye on the visitors. One wolf in particular though seemed like she needed some company. He'd caught sight of Bowen when he first arrived, placing an offering on the pyre before slinking away from the festivities and into the shadows. Something about her demeanor suggested she'd been crying even if he wasn't able to really see tell. Giving her time to decompress, he waited a short while before approaching. Moving beside the younger female, he pressed his head lightly to her shoulder. Whether she wanted to talk or not he wasn't sure, but he wouldn't press the subject. "How does some company sound?" If she wasn't receptive to it he would leave her alone, but he had a sneaking suspicion she'd appreciate it.

Bowen lay in the longer grass, peering through to watch the fire as it ate the branch that she'd offered up. The tears had dried on her cheeks, but an aura of melancholy still clung to her. She hadn't been expecting anyone to notice her with the level of excitement buzzing through the air, but she was very much mistaken.

A gentle voice reached her ears and soon a soft, friendly headbutt was delivered to her shoulder. Bowen's emerald eyes lifted to meet those of Sota and the caramel woman smiled before giving him an accepting nod. As Sota settled beside her, Bowen scooted closer placing her hip against his. They were old friends, after all. He had helped her look for Boogie when she was younger and she'd never forget the small man's assistance.

"How are you, Sota?" She genuinely wanted to know about his well being. It was well known in The Hallows that the little brute was treasured and well liked. No one had better dare be giving him a hard time.

"Speech"|| "Romanian"

A faint sigh fell from his lips as he settled down, feeling a dull ache pulling at his joints. These days especially be was beginning to feel his age, though he wouldn't let thoughts of his mortality hold him back completely. By this time of day he was usually long curled up in his room, not far off from sleep, so he was presently fighting off a yawn as he began to settle in.

Present company seemed far more important than feeling a little sleepy, though.

Scooting close to her revealed the tears that stained her cheeks. Where had Bowen been these days, anyway? Sota rarely pried into the affairs of others and generally kept to himself, though he regretted then not keeping a closer eye on her.

Their eyes met and he offered a gentle smile, in spite of the somber air that hung heavy around them.

"I'm well enough" "I'm just happy to see everyone so happy, he thought to himself, which was mostly true. Imagining what might be ailing Bowen, though, tugged at his heartstrings. Everyone here deserved the same happiness, and she was no exception. "What about you? Bonfires not your thing?" Not prying, but giving an out if she didn't feel like talking about whatever she was feeling - opening the door for her to share if she wished to.

A soft chuckle escaped the caramel fae as Sota asked about bonfires not being her thing. One paw raised to wipe the tears from her cheeks and she spared him a smile. "Normally I'd be happy about being here for the bonfire, but..." the Carpathian fae gave her head a light shake, leaning a little more heavily on Sota. "I just returned from burying the father of my future children." Her voice was soft and filled with emotion, but she didn't cry. It was as though being there and sharing her sorrow with Sota made her feel stronger somewhat.

"Haiku, he was here in The Hallows for some time. An illness struck him and we crossed paths as I was returning from my mission with Valta." A pang struck Bowen in the heart, but still she didn't cry. "I stayed with him until the end." A soft sigh pulled from Bowen and she raised her emerald gaze to the night sky, watching sparks from the fire drift up into the air. "Thank you, Sota, for being here with me. I appreciate you."

"Speech"|| "Romanian"

Sota would gladly follow Bowen's lead. If she wanted to talk about whatever was ailing her, he'd be happy to; likewise if she wanted to pretend nothing was wrong at all he was just as happy to do that. She was quick to share though, and he was glad when she leaned into him, hoping if nothing else his presence would be a comfort to her during whatever she was going through. The father of her unborn children - her mate, maybe? - had died. Oh, how terrible. He felt his chest clench painfully, though he knew it didn't begin to compare to how Bowen felt. "Oh, Bowen," he breathed softly, tilting his head slightly to press his nose against her shoulder, hoping it'd be some small comfort. "I'm so sorry." Nothing he said would help, not really, but hopefully knowing she was surrounded by loved ones was at least a little help to her. "You know I'll help you with whatever you need when they're born, right? Even if you just need a little time to yourself, I'd be happy to help watch them," Sota offered, hoping she knew how sincere he was. Talking about what had happened wouldn't help her, he was certain of that, but maybe thinking of her future - and the futures of her and Haiku's children - would give her some relief. He hoped so badly it wasn't all dark ahead for her.

Sota leaned into her, his nose gently touching her shoulder as he apologized for her hardships. He was the first one to know, and so he was the first to acknowledge her sorrow. Tears filled Bowen's eyes on a wave of emotion once more and she nodded, blinking them back and rolling her emerald eyes to the sky. The wound was so fresh still. It felt like a dagger to her heart every time she remembered Haiku's final smile, his handsome face, the way that his eyes... after all this time... still only burned for her.

Sota offered to help with the pups after they were born and a soft laugh pulled from the caramel fae. She leaned further into the man beside her, her nose finding the thicker fur at the edge of his neck. Bowen inhaled his scent and rested her forehead against him for a moment to show her trust and her thanks. "Thank you, Sota. I hope you won't mind my children calling you Uncle." Imagining Uncle Sota... it brought a smile to Bowen's face, albeit a small one.

Drawing back, Bowen's verdant gaze fixed upon the small man. One brow lifted and she questioned him. "Of all the wolves in The Hallows, how did you never find a woman to settle down with, Sota?" One sable gloved paw rose and settled upon his own. "You're such a catch. I just don't understand it."

"Speech"|| "Romanian"

He too had lost wolves that he loved - all of The Hallows had - but those losses seemed like nothing in comparison to losing a romantic partner like Bowen had. The father of her children, yet to be born. His heart ached for her, so strongly. Though he knew he couldn't really help ease the pain, maybe his company would provide a smell sense of relief, at least for the moment. She indeed leaned into him, and he welcomed her touch, leaning back against her. Her words unintentionally brought tears to his eyes. Her children calling him Uncle? "I'd be honored," he admitted, letting a small smile touch his features as well. Truly there was no greater honor than getting to know the future children of The Hallows, maybe even helping raise them a little, in his own small ways. He looked forward to it, despite all the tragedy that had come before them. The conversation shifted then, maybe Bowen didn't want to just wallow in sadness the whole festival. The little man didn't blame her for wanting to talk about other things. The question caught him slightly off guard, admittedly, though he didn't find it too forward. "Honestly? I'm not sure. I suppose I've felt romantically toward a few wolves, but I never really pushed it, I guess." The thought of making anyone uncomfortable, or expressing feelings that weren't returned feelings didn't settle well with him - and he was satisfied just the same. The comment about him being a catch though made heat rise to his face, even if she was just saying that to be kind. "I suppose it's not off the table, but I don't spend a lot of time thinking about those things these days." Not that he ever really had in the first place, but those thoughts happened even less now.