The warming weather brought a gradual shift from the cold icy winter to the sunny days of early spring, snow melting away to return Auster to its usual climate. But despite the growing warmth of the world, there was a cold aching loss that dwelled within the Lord of Cinder's heart as he stared down at the peaceful face of Sota resting on the beautifully embroidered cloth atop the funeral pyre. His dear friend looked so calm, so placid in eternal rest, that lingering semblance of a smile forever on his lips. Death was a particularly hard thing for Artorias to handle, but Sota's had struck his heart and soul deeper than most—almost as deep as the loss of his own mother. Sota had been a keystone to the Hallows, a founding member, a loyal and loving friend and brother. His presence around the Hallows would be deeply felt and sorely missed.

Choking back a sob rising in his throat, the dire brute lifted a giant paw to brush across the tiny wolf's forehead, soothing down some ruffled black and white fur. The cloth Sota rested on was knitted from white and black yarn similar to their departed friend's coat, with vibrant orange interwoven to symbolize how much he had been part of the Hallows. Around him Artorias had arranged sprigs of pale blue wisteria from the Hearthstone gardens, the symbol for lost love and remembrance, as well as new adventures to be had. That was the thought that brought Artorias some comfort in this moment—knowing that Sota was running free on a new adventure in whatever world came next, happy and unburdened by the cares of this life.

With glowing teal tears pooling in the corners of his eyes, Artorias leaned his head down to place a gentle kiss atop his pack brother's crown. "You were the best of us, Sota. I hope wherever you are, you're climbing all the trees you can find. I'll see you again in the next life, brother," he whispered in a voice hoarse with grief, his breath barely disturbing the fur around Sota's brow. He then placed a sprig of blue wisteria within Sota's still paws before stepping back from the pyre. He howled a mournful summons across the Hallows, calling all those who wished to pay their final respects to Sota, to leave him gifts and offerings and see him off on his final grand adventure one last time.

ooc: Next round of the funeral with be posted November 17th

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian"

Death was never an easy thing to process. Grieving still felt foreign to the young Carpathian girl as she crossed the plains toward the funeral pyre set up amongst the soft spring grasses. Winter had faded back into the warmth Auster was used to, but with it went one of the Hallows' most beloved members. Ember hadn't gotten to spend as much one on one time with Sota as she would have wished to, but she had seen him around the castle, listened to his stories at their bonfires, found his warm and loving presence to be like he was her uncle. And now he was just... gone. Just like that. Mortality had a grim way of sobering one to the harshness of reality. Any one of them could die at any time. They were all just living with what they were given.

The sun was heading for the horizon, sinking gradually behind the western sea as twilight began to claim the land. Funerals were always held at twilight, and while she hadn't fully understood the significance behind the timing of the ceremony as a pup, Ember now realized it was the perfect time to say goodbye to their departed loved ones. There was a somber mood that came with twilight; one of reverence and remembrance, where light slipped into darkness and day transitioned into night. It was when the glow of the pyre's flames would be seen the brightest as they bid farewell to Sota. Ember had never put much thought into the importance of the time. Now she knew just how much it deeply meant.

Approaching her sire, Ember met Artorias' subdued gaze with a look of empathy and caring. Sota had meant so much to everyone, but her father took every loss like a personal blow to his heart. He felt deeply for all the wolves of the Hallows. Maybe that was what made him such an inspiring leader to everyone else; that stalwart and unwavering love and compassion he held for his family, both blood and bond. Em paused just long enough to nuzzle her massive sire's shoulder before she stepped over to the pyre, trying not to tear up as she looked down at Sota's peaceful form with a tender smile.

"I wish I'd had more time to go on adventures with you, Sota. I hope I'll see you again one day and you can show me how to climb trees too," Em spoke through watery eyes. Ember then lifted a simple charm necklace from around her neck and laid it across Sota's chest—a tree made from rippling Carpathian steel for their little tree-climbing brother. Leaning down, Ember gave Sota's shoulder a gentle nuzzle and spoke reverently to him alone, "Never stop chasing the horizon." With her offering made, Ember stepped away so others could see Sota and she could mourn quietly off to the side. Gods, she hated funerals...

"Ember Carpathius" | "Carpathian"

Bowen was a mess, to put it lightly. After Haiku's death, Sota had been the one to make her feel better. He'd been the one to pull her out of the downward spiral of depression and regret. The small man had been the first to convince her that everything was going to be okay. And gods, had she believed him. Uncle Sota, she had named him to her children. The pups were too young to be here, but Sota would understand, wherever he was.

Bowen had brought no gifts simply because she didn't think Sota would want such things. The caramel fae did help to tuck the flowers more tightly around the little brute's body, however. Sleeping. He was just sleeping. Just as Artorias had, Bowen raised one paw to stroke the little man's cheek. "Thank you, Sota..." she whispered softly, "For being such a good friend. Such a sweet, sweet man. You will be sorely missed, but I promise you that, so long as I live, you will never be forgotten."

Her sentiments delivered to her departed family member, Bowen paid it forward. Just as Sota had comforted her after Haiku's death, Bo went to comfort her niece, sitting beside Ember and pulling the girl into her embrace so that they could mourn their departed packmate together. In The Hallows, you were never alone, and Sota let them all know that time and again.

"Bowen Carpathius"

Unfortunately, Dusk had not been terribly close with Sota. It was something that she had come to regret. In the back of ones mind, there's a belief that you'll talk to them tomorrow. There's always tomorrow to catch up. There's always tomorrow... until there's not.

The death of Sota had come as a surprise to the darkened fae. The little wolf had always seemed so hale and healthy. At least it seemed that he'd gone out in his sleep and thus, there should have been no pain. His expression, as fiery eyes looked down upon his small, frail form, was one of serenity. He deserved that. A quick, painless death.

Dusk would not cry. It was difficult for her to cry about anything. The Hallows Gargoyle always kept herself together and today would be no different. She offered a few words in Romanian to her departed packmate, then stepped away to allow others their time to pay respects. The obsidian fae then moved to sit beside her father, back straight and head held high. She would be strong for both of them while he mourned. She would be strong for all of them.

"Dusk Carpathius"

As Clove headed out of her room and down the corridors of the castle, she felt the heavy weight of grief sitting on her chest. Tears welled up in her eyes, streaming down her face in steady tendrils of sorrow. She still couldn’t believe Sota was gone. The morning of his passing, she’d woken up to a spectacular gift- a small section of parchment that Sota drew a personalized map on, just for her. She’d placed her paw on it that morning, whispering her goodbyes to the universe, bidding her sweet friend farewell before she left to attend his funeral. As she crossed into the plains, she didn’t look up at first- but the sky above her was shifting colors, the last remnants of daylight clinging to the edges of the Western sea. They always held funerals at twilight, and tonight would be no different. A group was congregating around the funeral pyre, each wolf stopping to say their goodbyes. She approached her Father first, nudging his shoulder somberly, to share their grief as one. She shared a glance with her sister as well- an expression laden with sorrow. Clove’s lip started to tremble, and she fought back a sob. She had to be strong. Sota wouldn’t have wanted her to cry. She waited until it was her turn to approach the pyre, and did so with shaky, trembling paw steps. The air around her thickened as she looked at Sota, making it harder to breathe. Memories of their time together flooded her mind- their map-making, his lessons, their short but meaningful adventures. “I’m so sorry Sota.” She whispered, her voice barely audible. But he could hear her, she was sure of it. “Thank you for everything you’ve given us. We are going to miss you so much.” She was choking back her tears, trying to be strong. “I hope you have lots of adventures in the stars.” Amid her words, she raised one of her paws and brushed it against his cheek. “Send me one every now and then, okay?” Her tears finally broke and streamed down her face, a small sob pushing through her pursed lips. She would make it a point to look up into the nighttime sky more often, to search for falling stars she knew Sota would send her from the heavens. With a final brush of her delicate paw against his cheek, Clove leaned in to press a kiss where her paw had been. Then, she pulled herself away from the pyre, wiping her tears from her face and gravitating toward her sister, needing her support and embrace. "Speech"

Whenever the pack experienced a loss it was a ripple effect through everyone. They were a family and loosing any part of their family hit them all deeply. Still, her sweet husband felt that loss the most deeply of them all. She wanted to say her own goodbyes to their dear friend, of course, but she always made sure she was there to support Artorias through his grief as well. As she approached the pyre, she passed by Clove as her daughter was walking away from it and she paused long enough to give Clove a sympathetic smile and a quick kiss to her cheek before she stepped up to where Sota was laying, still and peaceful.

"The shell you left is beautiful," she said softly with a sweet smile after she placed a bundle of wildflowers tied with a green ribbon among the other small gifts that had been left for him. "Thank you for all of the joy you've given us over the years. Rest easy, friend. It was lovely knowing you." Stepping down from the pyre, she came to join Artorias and Dusk, leaning into Art's side and placing her paw over his with a reassuring squeeze.

"Briar Carpathius"

The day that she had found the delicate, blue flowers before her door, she had wept. Openly and for a long time. There was no shame in her red-rimmed eyes as she carefully placed those flowers upon her wall to dry and be preserved as a permanent reminder. Not a day would go by that Sota would be forgotten. She remembered all of them. Audra and Laeta would always be in her memories and now Sota along with them. Precious souls who had done nothing but light the stone hallways of their hearts.

When it came time for the funeral, she stalled just like she had at the others. Her chest vibrated, holding back the emotion that threatened to surge. How was she to face this again? Why did the good ones always have to go?

Bramble would be one of the last to appear and it was clear that she had cried the whole way down. Within her lips, she held a single blue flower freshly plucked from the gardens. Approaching once everyone else had said their goodbyes, she looks with a tender smile. He appeared so peaceful and at rest, just how she remembered him. "I will miss your stories. I hope you get to go home one last time before moving on," her voice is hoarse, scratchy in her throat. Laying the baby blue flower upon the rest of the offerings, she lifts a paw to touch him gently before backing away to give anyone else space.

"Bramble"