Crossing back over the Bifröst into Auster felt a little bit like falling into old familiar routines. Ember loved the freedom she had on her own to go wherever she wished, but Auster would always be her home. As soon as she led the group of Hemlock wolves with her into the warmth of the southern summer, Em was all smiles, lifting her head into the familiar coastal breeze as it tousled her midnight fur. The moment her paws crossed the northern shore, there lay the Hallows, the lush Wildberry Grove in full bloom. She led the group confidently across the border, knowing they were expected by her family. It would be good to see everyone again after being gone for a couple of weeks. Walking with Erik prominently at her side, Ember lifted her gaze to smile sweetly up at her crystal-encrusted not-boyfriend. They might not have an official title on what they shared, but she didn't need titles to feel the way she did about him.

"How's your throat feeling?" she asked him with a gentle nudge of her side against Erik's. Though the crystals on the outside of his skin hadn't been affected by the medicine, he had seemed to recover leaps and bounds from the ones that had been tearing up his throat and vocal cords. She didn’t mind, of course; those fiery crystals had always been synonymous with Erik to her. Every day his voice seemed a little stronger, able to speak without hurting himself and unaffected by the weather. It made Em's heart sing to see him healing for the first time in his life, cured of an incurable disease. She must remember to thank Syanna for all her expertise and work, and maybe even let the healer see her work firsthand.

As they exited the grove, the massive unlit pile of wood could be seen across the vast plains, with wolves already surrounding it, ready for the festival. Em flashed Erik a grin and swatted her tail, currently braided up in a traditional viking style shown to her by the Trygg wolves and showing off a little of the culture imparted on her in Hemlock, against the back of his thigh. "You ready to meet my parents, viking prince?" she teased him, knowing he wouldn't actually be daunted by the idea of meeting her sire and mother in a more formal capacity. Sure, they'd all been introduced when Artorias had brought them up to Heiðinn for their first meeting, but only in as much as both their parents had given their names, and they had both been too eager to see each other at the Yearling Ball to think about a proper introduction to her mother and father. There'd be no escaping meeting the parents this time.

Ember led the way down the sloping hills of verdant grass until they had joined the congregating groups around the bonfire. Oceanic eyes spotted her family scattered about, her heart full to see them again. Even her father, whom she'd been tense with the past season. The Carpathian princess approached Artorias, smiling up at her sire as she leaned in to nuzzle his shoulder. "Bună tati. Ma bucur sa te vad," she greeted her father, her braided tail wagging behind her as she directed his attention to Erik. "Dad, you remember Erik, right? He's Delphi's second in command of Hemlock now." While she let Erik introduce himself to Artorias, Em peeked around and her expression lit up when she spotted Clove, looking gorgeous as she always did, close at their father's side. "Clovie!" Em called out, rushing over to greet her littler sister with nuzzles and hugs. She missed her sister the most being away from home.

"Ember Carpathius" | "Carpathian"

Akito was not known for butting in where he didn't belong, but just as he had for the Yearling Ball, he would attend the Summer Bonfire Festival as well. Tagging along behind any of the yearlings that would like to go, Akito had kept it a secret that he too had been wanting to go. Though his fur was typically well kept and clean, he had spent some extra time looking rather nice for the evening. His nails cleaned up, horns waxed, and tail brushed until he couldn't stand it anymore. There was even a hint of cherry blossom lingering around his chest that he brushed off as a side effect of cleaning up the falling branches.

Feeling the pitter patter of his heart on the journey up was something he wished would go away. After his last encounter with Clove, he wasn't even sure she'd be there. Was she doing any better after the dingo disaster? Staying stoic as usual, he doesn't hesitate as they cross the southern border along the plains. Stars twinkle overhead, guiding their way to the massive pile of wood that stood shadowed against the fading pink horizon. His eyes scan the gathering wolves, slightly on guard at the scent of packs he didn't know. Making sure to keep an eye on the younger Tojo members, Akito doesn't stop looking until he sees her.

Stopping in his tracks, he watches as Clove interacts with her family. He's not one to make a scene so he wonders if he should wait until she's done. Would that just make him a scaredy cat? His brother, Erik, was already standing over there with one of the other girls he faintly remembered. Akito is actually surprised that Erik had made it this far south from Boreas during this time of year.

After a few moments of hesitating, Akito takes a deep breath, gathers his courage and walks over to where Erik, Ember, and Clove stand near Artorias. Before he acknowledges the group, he nods respectfully to Artorias. They haven't met officially yet, but he wasn't sure what terms he and Clove were even on yet to be worrying about that. Next he nods to Ember and Erik, a brief hello that is standard for him and his brother. Then, finally, he looks to Clove, a brief hint of a smile on his features as he shifts closer to the smaller girl. "Clove," Akito breathes, feeling more nervous as he notices how beautiful she looks. "That pendant is nice," he comments because why would he be anything but awkward?

"speech"

Gilgamesh had not expected his first outing after the incident to be a Festival. Though, last he remembered, he and Artorias were on good terms - nearly friendly if he recalled correctly - Gilgamesh had been eager to do more. His anger quaked inside of him for repentance toward his family, his pack, but was neatly quelled by the brain injury and the arrival of his newest brood. Altogether, there were 19 (20 if we were counting Jett, the one they'd lost back from the first litter) and he wasn't sure he could keep up anymore.

Silently stressed about bringing the newest brood to the bonfire, Gilgamesh followed Modesty, Sakana, and Jael. Though the walk is short, he helps Jael by letting her rest between his shoulder blades as they cross the Bifrost. Once they're through the grove and into the plains, he sets the small woman down and watches as Sakana expertly unlatches the saddle bags from Modesty's back. As the pups tumble out from their confines, eager to disperse some energy, Gilgamesh is still stoic, allowing the women to give their motherly stares before they go rushing off.

Once they're gone, Gilgamesh moves to take a seat beside the laying Modesty. His eyes scan the surroundings, lingering on Artorias, Sirius, and Basilisk for a moment. From what Modesty had briefed him on, Sirius no longer led the Armada, but it did nothing to rid his tongue of the distaste he held for the pack. Instead, Gilgamesh continues to look around the area, content to keep a watchful eye in case anyone decided to cause trouble. If Artorias had a moment alone later in the evening, he figured he would go say hello, but for now, he stayed back.

The Raid King, Gilgamesh

table coding by bunni ♥

Eltrys arrives at the bonfire, a young girl with purple and white in tow. As long as she stayed close he promised her father to keep an eye on her. And since her travels with him to find herbs had gone well, she had started to trust him more. This was a busy festival, he hoped he could keep tabs on her.

Eltrys wordlessly nodded his head respectfully to Artorias if the Lord of Cinder acknowledged him. He noted all the strange smells and the large fire in the center of it all. He noted the familiar scent of the Raiders and made a note to keep his distance. No one wanted an incident, especially on Hallows land. What was this festival all about then? He was eager to find out.

"Speech!"

Code © Skelle/Witchdogtor DO NOT USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

Alexandrite clung to Eltrys as they approached the crowd. She had been so eager to go but suddenly she was filled with alarm and anxiety. There were so many people, there were so SO many. Oh but maybe her friend Umeshu could be here? Perhaps not.

The fire was huge! She wanted to know what this whole festival was about! Why did they have a giant big fire going? And why were so many invited? And why were some people putting stuff in the fire but not others? Oh! There were other kids here! Maybe she could play with them! They seemed a lot younger than her though... She was already six months old, these kids looked much younger.

Speech/Thoughts

The journey to the Hallows had been long but uneventful. Mariah had left with a group of Elysium wolves that had through one means or another found themselves on the distant trip to Auster. But even still, she couldn’t deny that the sight of the Hallows pack's territory was a welcomed one; her heart lifting as her silver eyes took in the preparation for the festivities. The Hallows knew how to throw a festival, that much she knew- even if she had never seen one for herself.

She was quick to spot Artorias, as he laid tributes on what would soon become a roaring bonfire. There were countless other strangers gathered as well. It seemed to be a blending of packs, one that made her a little disappointed that Caedes couldn’t attend. But of course, it wouldn’t have gone over well. Her gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before turning her attention back to her own group. And in turn, Cerberus. She offered him a friendly grin as she casually steered them a little aways from the other Elysium wolves. “Thanks for coming along.” She said lightly, genuinely pleased to have his company.

"Mariah Mendacium"

Tate felt guilty, leaving her without a word. He'd gone after his mother, worried about her taking on a trip like this at her age. She'd gone off after his grandmother. He'd tailed her for some time, only relenting after finding Fuji. She's fine. She'd been quick to dismiss his fears, and seen the desire in him to return... at least that guilt assuaged.

So here he was. The bonfire festival was quite the event, and he had some apologies to make. Arriving at the festival, he finds the fanfare largely the same as it had been last year, though there seemed to be some tension in the air. Maybe that's just Tate, his worries. Would Bramble even want to see him, after he'd been gone for so long. Casting a quick gaze to Artorias, a gentle dip of his nose and a sheepish smile, before cutting into the crowd to find her.

A little parcel for Bramble, an apology of sorts, tucked close to his chest. Two pearls, turned into beads, and a jade cabochon wrapped up in a little packet made of butter soft deerskin. Now he just has to find her.

"Potato"

Delphi would follow Ember, Erik, and the rest of Hemlock toward the south from Hemlock. Not that she wanted to be away from their territory currently, but she knew it would do her some good. After the beating they took from the Raiders in their recent raid, she was feeling more than dismayed at her pack's strength lately. What was she to do? Currently, not much. Without a fire to light under their paws, she was stuck pulling at nothing for ideas.

So instead, she tries to keep up, chin held high and a facade of courage and excitement drawn over her smirking lips. It seems the Hallows territory would become more familiar than she anticipated. Curious to see who all would show up, she stays to the edges of the gathering. Seeing Artorias busy before the growing bundle of wood and offerings, Delphi doesn't want to interrupt whatever ritual he was going through. Having been practically raised halfway by Vidarr, she knew a thing or two about rituals and meanings of important things.

Finding a seat not necessarily near anyone except for Strai, Delphi takes a seat. Just close enough that the fire won't be too warm once it's lit, Delphi turns to look up at Strai with a tentative smile. "I hope tonight is fun," she says quietly, leaning her shoulder over to rest against him for more than physical support, but emotional as well.

As the sun began to sink, marking the onset of the evening, Talyssa couldn't contain her excitement. She had been looking forward to this event for weeks, not just for the joy it brought but also because she was eager to introduce Quill to her family. The bonfire festival was symbolic of their unity and warmth—qualities that she wanted Quill to see and appreciate in them as well. They arrived just in time to watch her father carefully place the springs on the fire, his lips moving in a near-silent prayer for their departed loved ones.

For now, she would hang back at the edge with the brute at her side. Casually picking out her family members among those who had already gathered. She saw Dusk and Kea, her younger sisters Ember and Clove who had already gathered. Even her grandfather, Sirius, was there. All individuals who were very important in her life.

But after several quiet moments, she’d cast a sidelong glance at Quill, his towering form enough to rival any one of the males in her family. “Have you met my father before?” She asked, gesturing toward where he stood at the base of the bonfire, surrounded by relatives and guests. She had never seen Quill around the Hallows, but didn’t know if her father had ever been around Fenmyre before Chimera had gotten sick the first time.

"Talyssa Carpathius"

Strai walked beside his smaller alpha as they entered the Hallows territory. He knew she had been down here not long ago for a summit, but overall he wasn't sure where the pack lay with theirs. It fact, he didn't know much about the other packs in the world and they would suddenly be surrounding him. It set him on high alert. He didn't know what threats he needed to protect Delphi from.


He also needed to ensure she didn't realise he was trying to protect her. She was a fierce, and proud wolf.it was an awkward balancing act to keep. 

When they arrived at the fire, he say down beside her, keeping an eye on what was going on around them. He looked to her when she spoke, and offered a toothy grin. “I'm sure I can arrange something.”

If Talyssa wished to return home for a time, then that's where they would go. The hulking brute accompanied his lady onto the lands of her family, sticking close to her side. She'd filled him in about the reason for this bonfire festival and Quill considered his own beliefs on the matter. Did he believe in an afterlife? No... he didn't think he did. There'd never been any proof of it other than word of mouth and that wasn't enough for him. If Talyssa believed in the bonfire and honoring the dead however, then he would do his best to understand.

They'd worked to rebraid the thick mane around his neck with a little difficulty, but they'd managed. He needed to look nice to meet what could potentially be his future in-laws. Talyssa always looked nice and so it was little effort for her to prepare herself for their arrival. It wouldn't have been acceptable for Quill to show up looking like some tangled, dirty madman. What a first impression that would have been.

The marbled behemoth sat near his little golden woman, stoic, silent. At least until she questioned him. Pink and blue eyes shifted downwards to meet pale ice and one shoulder lifted in a shrug. "Perhaps when I was younger, but I don't remember. We haven't officially met, at least." Quill lowered his head, righting a rogue fur on Tal's forehead with a kiss. "Are you nervous to have your father meet me?" He wouldn't blame her if she was. He was Chimera Kleins son, after all.

"Quill Klein"

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"

Björn⁢ had spent much of the walk taking in his surroundings. Exploring where he could sneak it in, maybe hoping to see more of that pretty girl he'd met the last time they traveled south. You know, the one who'd tried to drown him... she was cool, okay? That, and he was having a good time getting the lay of the land. Getting away from the cold and the things happening at home? All added bonuses.

Determined to have a good time, to keep his mind off things, and to be as far away from his older brother as possible, Björn⁢ joins the party. Pointedly rolling his eyes at Erik as he gives them a singular warning, he takes off. There were other kids here, but a lot of them younger. Maybe... was that one his age? Ugh, he needed a snack first. Björn⁢ made his way to the tables of elaborate food, taking in the spread. Goddamn, they ate like this down south? So many things he'd never seen, and he eagerly takes a pile of fresh berries with him. Gotta find somewhere to sit.

"Björn"

Steig thought he better make a show of actually going somewhere in an official capacity if he wanted to be taken seriously in his new role. His siblings might have still been making up their minds, but he knew what job he wanted, and he wasn't afraid to ask for it.

Erik's warning was met with a charming (if not slightly sarcastic) grin from the boy, when did they ever not? but as soon as the older boy's back was turned he was latching onto his brother's antler, tugging with a taunting growl. There were too many eyes here, if they wanted to have real fun, they'd need to escape the crowd a bit.

“Speech”

It wasn't a long walk from the Ravine, but they were carting nine puppies. He gave Modesty a questioning look as she began to unleash the needle toothed hellions upon the other guests, but he did take the time to help her unload and then unload his own. Already caught up in the company of Jael and Gil, Sakana sauntered after Pythia, scooping a paw under her belly and adjusting her course ever so slightly, “Get too close and you'll wilt, snowdrop. They're going to start the fire soon, it would sure make your mothers sad if you went up in flames.” He lingered close enough to keep half an eye on her, the other roving over the gathered wolves, keeping half an eye on the other kids too. A grin pulled at the edge of his mouth as he spotted Erik, tipping his chin in greeting, before diving rather gracelessly to divert Pythia away from the pyre once more.

“Speech”

Ken was getting pretty good at this, even if he did say so himself. He rolled towards the gathering balanced on the top of a barrel, his cattle dogs keeping the keg on course for the gathering. If the Raider's were coming to a party, they'd at least contribute to the open bar. It was only right.

Nimbly leaping down and righting busying himself with righting the barrel, he kept himself looking busy while he checked out who else was here. An easy smile crossed his face when he spotted his opponent from the raid on Hemlock, and a few wolves he'd spotted on a trip to trade at the Armada with Jael. That guy though, wasn't he from Ethne? What on earth were they doing here? Did they have a death wish?

Calling up his bitches, he sauntered towards his parents, reclining sphynx like alongside his mother, making it look like he was leaning in to kiss her cheek while he barely canted his head for his dad to check it out. It could have been mistaken for a deep ear itch, only further sold by the tightening of his lips and a rear paw lifted to scratch behind his ear. Playing the part of young and dumb he even made a show of quickly licking his balls before righting himself. Let them write him off.

Kenway rose to his paws and stretched, a flick of his tail sending his girls after his younger siblings. He'd be on babysitting duty tonight, no doubt about it.

"speech"

Today was finally the day. The bonfire festival, sure, but that was every year. There would never be another today. Today was the day that Sorcerer would be coming to visit and maybe even stay. Probably, he imagined, as he couldn't fathom a reason Artorias wouldn't allow Sorcerer to join. He wasn't associated with this Syndicate group he mentioned at the meeting and he had been nothing but good to him over the last year.

He was anxious and paced in his room as he waited for the time to come. As soon as Artorias called, his breathing and heart stopped. It was time to go meet Sorcerer. After giving him directions from the Bifrost to the festival, he took one last look in a broken mirror and finally breathed. What was he so anxious for? Well, it was probably because he had additional plans for tonight. He couldn't think about them though, or he'd get too nervous. He just needed to wait for the right time, and that would only come after he got Artorias final word on Sorcerer joining him here permanently.

Finally Grim worked up the courage to leave his room and made his way down to where many others had gathered in the plains. The bonfire was ready to be lit and so many had already gathered, making it a bit harder to see if Sorcerer had arrived yet or not.

"Speech!"

Art & Code © Skelle/Witchdogtor DO NOT USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

Styrmir frowns at the retreating backs of his siblings, tension radiating from his body, but his newfound purpose stays his hand. i’ll keep them safe, the voice had promised, and he had to trust her to hold up her end. he’d done as she asked, after all - the skin of this morning’s kill had been offered according to her specifications. swallowing around the lump in his throat, he picks his way through the crowd and tries to project some semblance of having a good time. it probably just makes him look queasy.

Code © Skelle/Witchdogtor DO NOT USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

the sounds of others speaking of a festival caught the woman's attention. it wasn't too far of a travel, and didn't know if she even belonged, but she however was curious as to what was to come of the night. it was later when mae arrived, wondering if reaper would join her. bound to have fun and enjoy some time which would allow her to meet others and see others that called auster home as she has. watching others arrive before her, following suit. the scent of a pack strong, a strong family bond anyone could see. she gave a respectful dip of her skull to the host and those next to him. she wanted to know of everything, curiousity bubbled almost over. her ears flicked upon her cranium as she wondered were to go next. a fire blazed bright and hot, her pink pools transfixed. but knowing it was contained and she had no worries to worry about. a soft smile placed upon her maw as she wandered further into the starlit plains. Artorias sat there proud with his family surrounding him. "My family back home use to have festivals such as this. Thank you Artorias. From the bottom of my heart. My mother and father calls me Mae." She was thankful to see such a sight, making her heart sing out in joy. "Thank you once again." Her ears perked, thankful others stated the brutes name.

"Speech!"

Silas was quite comfortable now that he was home once more, he couldn't have been more grateful for the gift his father and mother presented him at his birthday. The compass was always on his wrtist, no matter where he was the way home was obvious. Now that he felt more comfortable with his ability the more likely he was to be out exploring. There was a whole world to be seen and the young Carpathius had shed his child like timidity.

He made his way to the bonfire now, eyes flitring to all of the guests and wolves he was not acquainted with. For so long now he was much more possesed to explore the lands around them than his own kind. Unlike his father Silas did not have the charisma of a leader. He could barely find the gumption to speak to a stranger. He had always looked up to his sire but had far from made it to the same level. He was comforted that he wasn't expected to follow so closely in his father's paw steps, but that didn't mean he didn't consistently feel a failure.

He gave a nod and smile to his mother and father before taking his place, shyly awaiting the event to begin.