The Summer Bonfire Festival (Year 20)

Erik didn't feel excellent about leaving the mountain right now, but maybe a break from the relentless cold (and doom and gloom) would be nice. The kids needed it, if nothing else. Getting them out and away from things, hoping that this will settle them somewhat. That, and traveling with this many kids (and their authority issues) was... a lot. They'd be yearlings soon, and at least one was looking big for his britches already. Erik would try not to use the long walk south to dwell, but he'd never been much good at that. Especially as they crossed into the more humid environment, his breath remained... normal. Frankly, he's shocked.

Arriving at the festival in step with Ember, gifts from the north packed carefully in a roll on his side. Viking mead, a small bundle of raw walrus ivory, and two amber carvings-- Huginn and Muninn. He wouldn't be visiting empty handed, the boy had been taught better than that. Casting one last look to his siblings, Erik's warning is simple. "Behave." Right, they can't get into too much bullshit out here... hopefully. A grateful glance to Henbane as well, having somewhat bribed her to keep an eye on them.

"Better than usual," the words to Ember are gentle, a twitch at the corner of his lips. Really, pretty much anything was better than it had been, but this was surprising. Though it still felt sandpaper, he'd been able to speak more freely since the treatment. Less coughing, it didn't feel like he was drowning in his own blood all the time. With a last look to Delphi over his shoulder, making sure she's alright, he refocuses entirely on Ember. "O'course," not nervous given Art's station, but perhaps about the implications. He'd met the man before, but the circumstances had... changed, since then.

Moving to Artorias, Erik stands a little straighter. "Thank you for having us, sir." The words come a bit more clearly, a bit more easily than he's used to. He's still not much of a talker, but he's got manners. Offering a smile and a dip of his muzzle. "And for letting us borrow Ember, she's been an asset." Right, yes, that's uhhh... the reason he's been glad that she's visiting. Totally the only reason. As she rushes to Clove's side, he's quick to follow. Offering his brother a nod and a grin in turn, it looked like he wasn't the only one who'd pulled a princess.

"Erik"