The Summer Bonfire Festival

Artorias had waited until Auster had a few consecutive dry days—a rare occurrence in the southern continent's winter season—before holding their summer bonfire celebration. This would be the first time the Hallows held the event, and he wanted it to go off perfectly. Not only would it mark the coming of age for himself and his siblings, but it was also the first time all the Carpathian children had been back in Hallowed lands since their mother fell ill. This felt like a long time in the making, and while Artorias gazed at the large pile of dry lumber, deadwood, driftwood, and kindling that had been gathered from the Shimmering Shore and nearby forests, he couldn't help but reflect on how far they had all come. Every wolf in the Hallows had faced their own trials and tribulations, and by the grace of the gods, had somehow overcome them all. They were all still here, all reunited, all still one family. He hoped that his mother would be proud of them and their achievements.

As the sun slowly fell into sunset and early evening and stars began to appear in the twilight sky, the Aegis felt as if she was there with them. This was the time of day when the worlds of the living and dead seemed to blend, just like they had half a year ago. Artorias wished Resin could still have been the culmination of their efforts to bring her dream to life. "I miss you, Mom," whispered Artorias into the gentle breeze that rippled over the plains from the coast, golden-orange eyes drifting closed for a moment as if doing so would reanimate her before him again.

When his eyes reopened and he was still alone, Artorias breathed a sigh and grabbed one of the jars of flammable oil, pouring it over the bonfire until it was doused, then repeating the process with a second jar. The oil would help keep the fire contained. Once prepared, Artorias lifted his head and called for his family and for all of the Hallows wolves who wished to attend to celebrate their birthdays with them, and also those who wished to use the bonfire to pay their respects to lost loves, friends, and family. Then he sat and waited, gazing over at the large spread of food and drink set up buffet style on several blankets of furs like a picnic. Tonight would be a chance to celebrate and be merry, but also a time for catharsis. Once everyone who showed up had gathered, he would ignite the fire and the festivities could begin.

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