Run free, forevermore

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"