The Summer Bonfire

Art & Code © Skelle 2023

"Speech!"
Perhaps Laeta was late. Perhaps she would not be there for the initial events, but the fact that she arroved, she hoped, would make it up for everyone present.

She would not miss the bonfire, after all. She refused to listen to Mel’s pleas to stay in bed for the night, for her trembling limbs barely able to sustain her frame for long distances. For the pain that leeched into every step and every turn each wolf took for granted. She would not miss the bonfire for the world.

The charcoal-pelted woman padded at a snail’s pace from the castle, shuffling and pausing in endless cycles. Her breaths hitched from the exertion as she and her badger companion began to cross into the dark silouhette of the Plains, soon lit up by the splendor of a large, roaring flame. Laeta paused to watch the embers rise, as if it was a beacon. It was not chastising her lateness. It was a welcoming symbol, as if guiding her to her home, her family. It motivated her to stride her steps more, to hasten her journey, even if her bones protested and her wasting muscles burned fiercly from the movement.

And finally, as she drew closer, her ruby gaze was about as bright as the flames that rose from the earth. Because everyone was here. All her friends, all her family. She smiled, hoping her shuffling towards the gathering eould not interrupt anything. She casted her eyes upon the Aegis, dipping her head in greeting as she approached the crowd.

"Apologies for arriving late, Artorias. I do hope my arrival makes up for it, regardless." She smiled, because despite the decline of her physical body, her soul was as aglow as the fire they so cherished in front of them. "The Bonfire is as magnificent as ever. I would not miss it for the world."