The Summer Bonfire Festival (Year 20)

To say Crux expected this to be awkward would have been an understatement. This would be the first time he'd likely be seeing a few faces he could anticipate since the fateful day he'd seen his father off. He didn't really have any anger anymore, just a sadness that a line had been crossed, one he couldn't ever forgive. And to an extent he had to be grateful, if it hadn't been for the broken leg it was less likely he'd have finally just gotten his shit together and decide to be with Triss. Or at least it would have likely taken longer to get there. Crux had let Triss know where he was going, though he hadn't outright asked her to accompany, for a few reasons. The simplest one was that he wasn't even sure if he'd be welcome. He was Armada no longer, but he hoped at least being family would count for something. The second was harder to explain. He was starting to realize he needed to face this, had to finally let himself process and grieve over his mother's death. He needed to do that to become a better man, one closer to what Triss deserved. He wasn't sure he wanted to face this by himself but he also didn't think it right to ask Triss to join him, it was his burden to carry until help was offered and not a moment before.

Crux swallowed down the lump that had formed in his throat and he made his way into lands that brought back too many memories. He searched for a moment, scanning for something he hoped would be familiar. But he was left at a loss. All Crux could do was hope he'd found the right thing to offer to the pyre, his memory still so hazy. Crux kept his gaze on his brother-in-law as he approached, familiar scents telling him which of his family had made the trek and he wasn't sure if he made eye contact right now that he wouldn't chicken out, assume he wasn't welcome and beat it back home. So he focused. When he made it up to his brother-in-law and older sister he gave a small smile and nod. "It is good to see you both." He began, unable to hide his nerves. He was almost certain it would be obvious up this close, he no longer smelled of Armada, but carried a scent that was not likely to be too familiar to many, so new was the pack. Crux awkwardly shuffled himself out of the way, carefully looking for any sign he might be chased out before he finally turned his attention towards the growing pile of offerings. Crux fished out his own offering. Small white flowers with curled petals. The ones his mother had told him she liked all those years ago, at least he hoped they were the same ones. He gently placed them and ducked his head for a moment. "I miss you every day mom." He whispered to himself before finally turning.

His gaze landed first on his brother, who was busy whispering into the ear of his raider girlfriend and despite himself he smirked, not unkindly. He was moving again, making his way through the crowd to find his own place to sit and take it all in. He found his nephew next and after a falter in his step he gave the new warlord a respectful nod. Finally it was his father whom he gave a soft smile as he passed. He knew there was likely much they'd need to discuss. But after. For now he found himself a space where he could sit comfortably and wait, letting his mind turn to memories.

"Speech"