Outlaw wasn’t officially a member of the Hallows but he had watched the little Carpthius pups grow up and so in a way they still felt like family so how could he miss this?  Of course, the Carpathius pups he watched grow up weren’t the tykes running about now but instead the parents of the current children.  He grinned looking at Art, the well-respected alpha of the entire pack now. His gaze swept about the gathering, looking for the others he still remembered as little fluff-balls full of innocence. Those who really caught his eye now though were those who were still kids.  Artorias and Rudy’s children were running about the festivities and brought a smile of delight to the dog.  Hat on his head, with a seagull perched on the hat he milled about for a time.  Then he spotted someone he’d meant to have a talk with.   Fern was no longer about to give birth or one under the stress of having freshly born children.  He’d said a pleasant hello to her at points and certainly checked in on her pups but now seemed a good time to have another chat with her.  Depending on how she was doing perhaps it would even develop into a talk about Outlaw’s time with Meadow. "Hello Fern, how's are you and the rest of the family doing this evening?"  The dog's tail was never one to be still, and had a rhymic sweeping motion going on slowly in the air. Speech:"Life is but a game " Think

Io had convinced Deathbelle to return to The Hallows with her. The pair of women were being social, or at least they were in an area where others were being social. A pile of thick furs lay beneath them in a place that the smaller woman had chosen. They were off to the side, out of the way, nestled in a little patch of shadows that would eventually be illuminated by the golden light of the bonfire.

Leaning against the underfed fae, Iolaire took on the role of protector. She would be the pillar that kept Deathbelle upright until the woman could stand on her own paws again. As they lay there, Io watched various wolves arrive. She nodded to some, but ignored most, her attention on the woman beside her just in case it was too overwhelming.

"Iolaire"

Ash had done everything she was asked and what came to mind behind the scenes before the festival day would come. She was a diligent worker at least, not that she felt like this was work at all. Doing this things for her pack, and more importantly as a part of their family, it meant a lot to her. Maybe at least her siblings knew that.

As wolves gathered she made her way out to the plains. Better for her to wait until a few others were there before she found a place among them. Along the outskirts, but she would smile as her eyes laid on her sisters, her brother and his new family, and soon Artorias. This would be the first she had ever attended which was painful in a way. But she wouldn't let that linger and give her a bitter taste. She'd enjoy the time they had together now, and hope for many more in years to come.

"Asheila Carpathius"

Dusk was late to the party, but the girl had been rather busy. She'd come across an injured rabbit that looked as though it had escaped death. Being the opportunist that she was, the dark child dispatched the injured rabbit and brought it to the bonfire with her, holding the lapine happily between her jaws. Dusk was proud to be providing fresh meat to the gathering that her father was putting on.

With a happy little bounce in her step, the obsidian child sidled up to her father, waiting for a moment when he wasn't greeting guests. Dusk dropped the dead rabbit at the feet of Artorias and beamed up at him, long tail lashing back and forth happily. "I brought a rabbit for the feast!" It was obvious that she was terribly proud of herself. The best of his children for sure. Who else had provided? None of them.

The girl sat tall beside her father, intent on greeting the wolves that joined the gathering just as he did. Mom had made sure that she was washed and the girl gleamed like some precious stone. She smelled nice too and that part was rather pleasing. Though silent, when Artorias greeted guests, Dusk nodded to them as well, taking the social cues from her father and learning in the process.

"Carpathius Kids"

Though she was no longer the anxiety ridden, depressed wraith that she had once been, Bowen still preferred to stick to herself during such large gatherings. The copper marked fae preferred to watch, a silent observer from the sidelines. She did stop to give Artorias a kiss on the cheek and to hug and kiss each of her nieces and nephews like the doting aunt that she was. With a smile to Briar, and her siblings, Bo set off to find an out of the way place to settle.

It had been a long time since she'd last encountered Emile. In fact, she'd accidentally locked herself in his room and had promptly had a severe anxiety attack. It had been embarrassing, that feeling just adding fuel to the anxiety fire. Bowen had blacked out after that, not remembering how she even got out of the room or when. Well, Bo was no longer a slave to her emotions, but it seemed as though Emile might still be. It was obvious that he was hiding himself away, trying not to be seen. Too bad.

The copper and cream fae padded up to her old friend, though they probably weren't friends anymore. She wanted to fix that though. She'd said some nasty things to him at one point and still hadn't properly apologized. Without asking, the tiny woman lay down beside Emile, curling her tail up around herself. She didn't say anything, she was simply quiet as she placed her chin down upon one sable colored foreleg. Viridian eyes scanned the crowd, watching wolves come and go. She was content to sit here silently, hopefully providing some sort of comfort to Emile in the process.

"Bowen"

Bowen Arrow Carpathius

Uncle Kotori had invited Aia along to attend a bonfire in The Hallows; the home of her aunt and uncle. The amaranthine child was eager to see the sights and meet her extended family, but she was also incredibly shy. Aia stuck close to Kotori, peering around his larger frame at the various wolves that they passed by. She was silent, but she flashed her genuine, sweet smile to any that looked her way. Aia was a very kind child, she was just a little out of her element, never having been in such a large group at once.

As Kotori continued to be social, Aia quite lost track of her uncle. A little bit of panic struck her, blue eyes scanning the crowd for some sort of rescue. She was easily one of the smallest wolves here. Smaller even than some of the pups. Off to the side she spied a quiet looking pair, their calm energy pulling the girl towards them. Dark ears tucked against her skull as the small wolf asked in soft, shy tones, "I lost my uncle Kotori. Can I... sit with you until I see him?" When permission was given, the sweet little plum rested beside the dark woman, curling into a little ball that made her look even smaller, if possible.

"Aia Indarra"

Even though he hadn't frequented the Hallows as much as he had some other lands in Auster, as they neared the borders of his half-brother's pack there was a nice familiarity he felt about the plains and the castle that stood on the opposite side of them. He remembered coming here several times as a pup to visit with his older siblings and since then he had visited here and there whenever his mother would return to The Hallows. Even though he didn't consider anywhere "home" in the traditional sense, he supposed this was about as close as he got. He followed behind his parents with Juniper up to where everyone was already gathering for the fire to be lit. There were the familiar faces of his half-siblings in the crowd as well as Sierra. He settled in beside his father and sisters while their mother immediately went off to begin saying hello to everyone. He hadn't visited since the pups had gotten big enough to be more than small loves with eyes that weren't open so it was funny to see them running around and getting into mischief now. One little gray and white three legged boy in particular immediately rushed up to his mom, calling her Grammy, and making him chuckle and grin as he watched their various distant relatives around them.

"Malik of the Sea"

Zephyrus flew his fastest to arrive on time, and with the special metals he had scavenged from a mine in Boreas just for the occasion. He'd been told that adding them to the fire would produce color within the flames, and had wanted to surprise his parents (and maybe the puppies, too) with his own contribution. He lighted down at the edge of the crowd and squeezed his way to his father, holding his wings tight against himself so he would not jostle any of the attendants. "I brought these!" The raptor exclaimed as he laid the metals before his dad. "We can use them later instead if you want too, but they're supposed to make the fire pretty colors. I thought my siblings would like it."

His contribution given (and more adults arriving to greet Artorias and Briar) Zeph moved off to find a place to sit to watch the fire be lit - giving each sibling puppy a loving surprise boop with his beak from behind as he passed them.

"Zephyr"

Though most of Juniper's life had been spend out wandering the wild lands of Auster with her family, leading and learning from her father's native nomadic lifestyle, the Hallows always held a certain air of home to her. She had never officially been a member of her extended family's pack like her mother had been, but that didn't mean she didn't feel like family when she was around her half-siblings. They had all been born out on the beach just beyond the high castle walls, after all. They shared blood and bonds. So when the time came for the family to gather to celebrate the annual Bonfire Festival, the young adolescent girl wasn't going to miss out! Juniper had regrouped with her parents and siblings once they arrived at the Hallows, greeting Tamsyn and Kane with affectionate nuzzles before taking her place with her sire while Tam greeted the rest of her children and grandchildren.

While they waited for the bonfire to begin in earnest, June's mint green eyes scanned over the surprising amount of wolves gathered. Many were members of the Hallows, and it was evident the pack had grown much in the year they had been gone from it. Watching Tamsyn interacting with her half-siblings while they sat off to the side, the yearling turned curious eyes up to her dire wolf father with a tilt to her head. "How come you don't go and interact with any of them like Mom does? Do they not like you or something?" she asked her father.

"Juniper of the Sea"

The Summer Bonfire Festival was happening once more, and as the annual event drew closer, Tamsyn had expressed her deep desire to hold a family reunion of sorts so she could see her children and grandchildren again. Kane acceded to the simple request—he would never deny his mate anything that made her happy—and as the day drew closer, the nomadic family began to wander their way across Auster to the castle-dwelling pack. It would be nice to see everyone again, especially for Tamsyn, who hadn't seen her family in a few months' time. The wolves arrived at the Hallows the day of the celebration, Sierra and Juniper having already arrived earlier and Malik in tow next to him. At a year old, his son was already showing that he had inherited his father's height, and had swiftly grown to be the largest of his three children. Kane smiled at his little doppelgänger when they crossed the border and got settled in around the unlit bonfire, giving Artorias a respectful nod while Tamsyn made her rounds greeting everybody.

While they relaxed and waited for the celebration to begin, Kane noticed a very familiar little dark-furred girl coming to join them. He smiled at Juniper and pulled his daughter into a happy nuzzle. Just like her mother, she preferred to venture on her own, so when the girl had headed out for a few days, he knew she'd find her way back to them. During the interlude of waiting, Juniper asked him a surprising question, catching Kane momentarily off guard while the two wolves watched Tamsyn surrounded by her other family. "No, it's nothing like that," he reassured Juniper with a shake of his head that jostled the hawk feathers tied up in his scruff. "Your half-siblings were already adults when your mother and I began courting one another. It was strange for them, a difficult change to get used to. I do not fault them for the way they felt. But I would also never try to force myself into their lives or make myself a parent to them unless they wished it."

When Tamsyn finally returned to their little staked out spot around the fire, the dire wolf greeted his mate with a loving smile and a wag of his bushy tail. The happiness he saw on Tam's face lit her up like a star in the night and it made his heart swell for her. Once she had settled in beside him, he curled his tail over her hip and leaned in to kiss her cheek back in return. Then all eyes were on the Aegis to commence the festivities.

"Kaneonuskatew"

As his mate, Tamsyn may enter his threads not marked as Private.
____________________

It was finally time! The day of the bonfire! Elowen was eager, though she’d done her best to reign in her excitement as she waited for the time to gather. It had been hard to focus on eating, and even harder to wait for the call of the Aegis, but at last his call finally sounded and her mother turned to them, asking if they were ready. “I am! Ginger too!” The retriever had kept close to the child to assist the family in keeping the pups entertained before the bonfire lighting and, at the mention of her name, the canine lifted her head and offered Fern a small smile. She hoped that her presence with the little ones wasn’t a bother. Once they had all confirmed that they were ready they moved out into the darkening night. Ginger walked beside Elowen as the girl eagerly looked around with her bi-colored eyes. Once they arrived where the gathering was to take place it did not take long for El to try wandering off. The moment she stands up though Ginger gently eases the child back down with a smile. “You don’t want to get distracted, El! This will be quite the sight. I’d stay close to your family and keep an eye on your uncle.” Ginger told her, offering the kid a grin. Elowen huffed a little but she sat back down after that, grinning as she looked over at Caladia. “How big do you think the fire is going to get? Uncle Art has a bunch of wood!” Not to mention it looked like he’d have his paws full greeting all the guests that came. "Talk," 'Think.'

Night was beginning to settle across Auster when Artorias called for his guests. It was time and the preparations for the Bonfire Festival had led up to this. Memento Mori wasn’t sure who outside of the pack's own members would come to participate in the festivities with them but that was all the more reason to go herself, right? And of course, Meme couldn’t go alone. Rising from where she’d been resting in preparation for the night, she motioned for Jacques and Rein to follow her. She hoped that her cousins would join them at the festival as well. It was going to be nice seeing everyone socializing and having a good time! She hoped that Rein and Jacques would be able to find someone to chat with as well, though more likely than not her scarred friend would be spending most of his time by the fire once it was lit. As she arrived, Memento Mori found faces she recognized in passing and those who were strangers. After flashing a smile and nod in Artorias’ direction Meme scanned the crowd for someone to interact with. While she loved the members of her pack, and would happily spend time with them on any other day, she was curious about some of those with loner scents that had come to join them. Spotting a chestnut stranger with turquoise markings and saber fangs seemingly not interacting with anyone at the moment Meme approached him. A quick glance behind her revealed that her jackals had already taken off and she was flying solo, but that was fine. “Welcome,” Memento greeted him with a small smile. “My name is Memento Mori. Would you mind if I sat and talked with you?” She asked, keeping her attention on the wolf in front of her: Malik. "Talk, 'Think.'

There is too much activity here. If she'd had it her way, the pup wouldn't have come at all. Still, she's expected to attend... but that doesn't mean she's comfortable. Meadow clings to her mother's side, hovering around her paws. Even after she sends the others out with a soft ready, go, Meadow clings to her side. She does not wish to join the fray. Too much noise. Too many smells. Too many strangers, and even too many not-strangers. Though many of them are her family, and known to her, she does not want to approach. It's an overwhelming experience, with too many stimuli all at once. Meadow will cling here, to her mother's side and to her paws, for as long as she's allowed. Wide eyed, trying to process it all, and doing her best... something like that. Still, her heart beats a bit too fast in her chest. She's uncomfortable but doing her best.

Kotori made his way to the bonfire with little Aia near him.  She had needed to get out, go to other packs, meet more wolves and this had been a perfect opportunity.  Kotori wanted to make sure Hallows and Valta's bonds stayed strong and get to know his brother-in-law better.  This was an excellent chance to cover all of these options.  The horned wolf really wasn’t much for small talk but the random person in his way would get a few polite words here and there.  

Kotori’s primary interest when it came to socializing would be members of his family which really, should surprise no one.  His gaze flicked about to where the pups ran all about, some exploring and some keeping closer to their parents.  There were more kids than just his sisters running about but those were certainly the ones that had most of his attention.  At some point, Aia had disappeared on him and Kotori imagined it a good thing.  Hopefully, she had met someone or seen something to garner her interest.

He neared Artorias to give a nod, “Thought I’d stop by for a visit. I brought a niece along with me, Aia.” Kotori’s attention then turned to Briar and formality was off the table, stepping up to give his sister a hug, “Hope you don’t mind me hanging around for a few days.”

"Kotori Fatalis"

ooc: This post has a lot of return interacting happening, so if you don't care to read through all of it, feel free to skip down to the line break for the important bits!

Whether one by one or in clusters, wolves of all sorts began to arrive at his call. Fern and her brood were the first to show up, prompt as usual for his sister-in-law. Artorias greeted her with a smile and a laugh when he saw her energetic pups go scampering about the place. "Hello, Callie! Dusk will definitely be here," he greeted his small niece, chuckling again as Fern quickly ushered her back to the rest of the family. Artorias saw Emile out of the corner of his eye and gave the man a quick glance to show he saw and acknowledged him, but did not call to him specifically, knowing of Emile's preference to remain in the background. He was just happy the Adravendi had come. The first of his children to show up was Ciaran, and the boy received a giant beaming grin from his proud father. His son, who was growing in leaps and bounds by the week, nuzzled his side, and was swiftly scooped up in one of Art's giant paws and pulled into a hug. "Buna ziua, Kea," Artorias greeted his son in their tongue, planting an affectionate nuzzle to the pup's crown before releasing him to continue greeting their friends and family.

Mercury arrived in stoic reverence, as his Vanguard usually conducted himself, and the Aegis greeted him with a fraternal nod. "Hello, Mercury. I hope you enjoy our festival." A sudden weight down on his paws surprised the Aegis, and a quick glance down found the culprit grinning up at him with a wagging tail. He grinned back down at his half-sister, blown away by how tiny she had turned out to be! "Hey Little Shadow! It's great to see you again! Is Mom here too?" he replied with a laugh, helping her back up to her paws. No sooner had he asked, Art saw Tamsyn, Kane, and his other half-siblings arriving. His smile widened and he returned Kane's nod, letting them get settled in while he continued to greet their guests. No doubt Tamsyn would make her way over to him soon. Scampering around past him, Artorias saw one of his daughters arrive, watching Talyssa while she set her offering of handcrafted wreaths to the base of the bonfire. Art's lips turned up into a smile, so proud of his crafty daughter. His sister arrived in her usual fashion of subtlety, but Artorias smiled and nodded back to Avantika all the same.

A sweet familiar voice calling to him caught Artorias' attention, and his beaming smile turned to Bramble. The mountainous father leaned down to receive his daughter's nose boop with a playful laugh, his tail wagging in time with hers. "Buna ziua, Bramble! Hmm, let's see..." But before he could think of anything to task her with, Bramble was already rescinding her offer and running off to join her siblings, leaving a surprised but highly amused Artorias chuckling in her wake. "Go have fun, little love!" he called after her. Artorias greeted Audra and Gloom with smiles and nods when they arrived, watching them for a moment and the way they interacted. It made his heart glad to see Audra having someone to connect to again. Gwynevere and Ysmir came next, setting in to snuggle together and exchange some sweet kisses. Where Art had once felt intensely protective over Gwyn—and in some ways still did—he had come to appreciate the way the Finnvi man made his sister happy.

Amber eyes lifting to spot a familiar tawny beauty moving towards him, Artorias regarded his wife with a loving smile and shimmering gaze as she came with the rest of their brood to sit at his side, gently leaning his side back into hers while his bushy tail swished to curl around hers. Last year's bonfire had seen him propose to Briar, and this year's saw them as mates and surrounded by the family they had built together. Nothing could have made the Carpathian happier than this. Leaning his neck in until his muzzle gently brushed hers in an affectionate nuzzle, Art then placed a quick peck on her cheek before looking to his most recently arriving child. "Buna ziua, Thorn," he greeted his azure son, noting with a smirk that the boy was carrying his training sword with him. A boy after his own heart... Now where was little Dusk?

By now, Tamsyn had made her way around to him and Briar, and Artorias greeted his mother with a strong embrace. He did miss her constant presence around the Hallows, but seeing her happy and taken care of reassured him that she had finally found the happiness she had long deserved. Rudy arrived shortly after Fern had with Kipling in tow, the three-legged pup looking like he was giving his parents hell. Artorias couldn't help the humored grin of schadenfreude on his lips. How ironic, the wily Rudy got the most wild child out of the nine born to the Hallows.  "Thank you, Rudy. It couldn't have been done without everyone's efforts," he replied to his brother. What Rudy said next though struck a nerve deep in Artorias' heart. Mom would have loved this. A flash of emotion crossed the Aegis' eyes, and his smile softened with a sentimental pull. It was no secret that Art always considered Resin's creeds in all that he did with the Hallows. Hearing those words was one of the greatest compliments he could have received. "Thank you, Rudy," he repeated, his voice lower and much more emotional now.

Artorias noted Outlaw arriving and greeted the dog with a wide smile and wave, then Iolaire and another older woman he didn't recognize. He would be sure to have introductions made once the party had officially started. Movement on the perimeter of the growing group caught Art's eye, and he spotted Ash slinking her way stealthily around the crowd. Like Emile, he gave his sister her privacy and acknowledged her with a smile and a nod, happy she was here with them. The sound of something flopping to the ground at his paws snapped Artorias' attention down, where the giant wolf spotted his black-coated daughter beaming up at him with wagging tail and a dead rabbit at his feet. Artorias laughed and gave his little soot sprite of a daughter a proud nuzzle of his black nose against her crown. "Indeed you did! Bine făcut, my little darling!" Artorias passed the rabbit off to be placed amongst the feast while Dusk settled in at his side, the Aegis noting how she watched him and imitated his behaviors as they greeted their guests. It brought an amused and loving smile to the sire's face to see how much his daughter looked up to him.

Bowen arrived and approached, making her way up to give him a kiss on the cheek. A happy murr rumbled in the Aegis' chest as he replied with an affectionate smile and nuzzled her cheek before she pulled away, watching her make her way around to the rest of the family. He was so glad she was home, but he was even more grateful that she seemed whole again. A shadow drifting over the crowd in the fading light made Artorias look up to the sky, and even though he knew what he would find, it still brought a huge, proud smile to his face to see Zephyrus coming to land and join the party. Watching his giant avian son squeeze and maneuver his way through the crowd brought a titter of laughter from the Aegis, who rose so he could properly embrace his eldest son when he made his way up to him. Zeph's offering of rare metals to burn in the fire were a fascinating and exciting notion. "Well, why don't we kick things off with a little razzle dazzle?" he said with a playful grin to Zeph and began to toss them up into the pile of wood so they'd land at random intervals around the fire. Zeph had made a lovely gesture to entertain his siblings and liven up the festival. Naturally Artorias was going to give his son his moment of glory. Memento was greeted with a return nod and smile, and Kotori as well. "We're happy to have you both here, Ko. You're family, and you are always welcome here."

---

With the sun now barely skimming the horizon and twilight fading into night, Artorias deemed the time right to begin. Anyone who hadn't shown up yet wouldn't miss much besides the lighting of the fire and his speech. "Welcome, everyone! It is my pleasure and honor to welcome you all to the Hallows' annual Bonfire Festival! This festival is one of the most important events in our culture, as it symbolizes not only the light and warmth we seek to bring to our world, but also gives us a chance to celebrate the friendships we've kindled, the families we've made, and the love we've found. It also is our time to remember those dear to us that have gone on and left us with their love and memories. This fire, which will burn from dusk until tomorrow's dawn, is our time to pay respects to our pasts, honor our presents, and look toward the future together."

Turning to Argent, Artorias took up the flint and steel while his companion selected a thick stick from the base of the pile and held it in his teeth. Artorias struck the steel to flint a couple of times, the sparks catching the end of the oil-soaked stick and beginning to burn. The Aegis took the burning stick from the fox, held it aloft, and then tossed it up into the center of the pile of wood. The darkness surrounding the wolves began to ebb away as fire spread throughout the pile of tinder, growing from a single burning stick into a conflagration of flames that soon engulfed the entire bonfire. Heat and light radiated off the fire, chasing away the coming night as it illuminated the plains. After a few minutes, sizzles and sparks could be heard within the fire as the metals Zephyrus had brought began to melt, the chemical reaction causing random bursts of vibrant colors to emerge in the flames. The driftwood Syanna and Ezra had gathered also affected the fire where it burned, bright blue flames erupting in amongst orange ones where the sea salted wood burned.

Once the fire had grown to its full potential, Artorias turned back to address his wolves and his guests. "Before I officially begin our festival, I have one more important announcement to make. Since its inception, the Hallows has been a place for all of us to call home, and we have all made this place our home. A place of safety and warmth and love. A place we can be proud of. And what more personal point of pride could exist than a name? I have decided it is time we give our beloved castle a true name worthy of our home. A name we can share with the world, one that is synonymous with the ideals the Hallows stands for." Artorias glanced through the dark to the lights of the castle in the distance, where a fire always burned in the grand hearth, standing as a beacon in a dark world ready to receive any who needed it. "From this day forth, our castle shall be known as Hearthstone. Whenever someone asks you where you live, or where to find the Hallows, tell them with pride to look for the castle Hearthstone in Auster." Hearthstone—a name that inspired warmth and protection. With the news of the naming of their castle home given, it was time to let everyone mingle and enjoy themselves. "I welcome everyone to celebrate as they please! There is plenty of food and drink for all, so please enjoy yourselves!"

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"

One big happy family

Artorias has two ravens named Corbin and Eira and a fox named Argent. Assume they are within calling distance at all times.
As his mate, Briar may enter Artorias' threads unless marked Private.
____________________

Fern wrangles her children to the best of her abilities and, when Rudyard appears with the wayward Kipling, a sly grin crosses her lips. Already, their son is running off and when Rudy returns to her side, the gray woman teasing says, “Well, looks like Kipling is having fun. You know, he reminds me of a wolf I once knew.” She teases him as Outlaw approaches and she shifts her focus to him, offering a bright smile as he speaks. While she has not officially met Outlaw, her mother had spoken with love of the dog with his hat. Brightly, she says, “Outlaw! We are all doing well! Why don’t you sit with us for the lighting? I am sure the children would love to hear your stories.”

Elowen begins to wander off but her retriever companion thankfully urges her back to the group. With a small chuckle, the woman turns her gaze to her sweet little El as she says, “Just sit with us until the lighting is done. Then I will allow you to go talk to everyone you want.” A bright, loving smile is on her lips but Fern mentally kicks herself as she looks to the overwhelmed Meadow. Leaning down toward her daughter, she softly, she says, “Little one. I am going to put these in your ears. They will make the noise not so loud. You can sit with me the whole time and do not have to go anywhere.” At the word these, the gray woman produces the set of beeswax earplugs that Gwyn had helped her make for Meadow.

She hopes they will help the pup feel more comfortable and she deftly inserts them into her daughter’s ear canals. Carefully, Fern maneuvers her daughter around until she is front of her and slowly lowers herself to the ground. By doing so, she is offering Meadow a place to tuck herself away from sight while still being able to enjoy the lighting. Soon after she settles Meadow, Artorias begins to speak and she softly shushes the children who are talking and directs them to listen. Like the last bonfire she attended, the gray woman feels her heart swell with love and gratitude. When the fire is lit, she points to the various colors that burst into life in the waving flames.

Artorias continues to speak and names the castle Hearthstone to which Fern claps her paws in appreciation. Once it said to enjoy themselves, Fern looks to the pups who wish to play and says, “Alright, go on. Just stay where one of us can see you!” A laugh bubbles out while she pulls Meadow a closer to her chest, snuggling her easily overwhelmed daughter while watching the celebration really begin.


"Fern Carpathius"

Sota was running a bit late to the lighting of the bonfire, though not for lack of caring. He knew the amount of preparation that had gone into this event was tremendous, and he wouldn't miss the festivities for the world - even if he was running a little behind. He wasn't at all surprised by the number of wolves that had already gathered, and though a little regretful he hadn't gotten to settle in before the festivities really began, at least he was here now and he wouldn't dwell on it for long. By the time he arrived, Artorias was already speaking and the fire had begun to burn. What started as a small flame seemed to be growing rapidly by the second, even larger now as he drew closer to the group and found somewhere comfortable to settle down. He caught the tail end of what Artorias was saying - that their castle would be called Hearthstone - and he found himself grinning with delight at the decision. Deep in his heart he was proud to be a member of The Hallows and that feeling had only grown with each passing year, and he knew that sense of belonging here would not change. This was his home, and he was proud of all they had built here.

Shortly after he arrived, Avantika appeared. He returned her smile and nodded his head, patting the ground beside her. Answering his commanding officer's unspoken question. Once she had seated herself beside him, he turned and spoke quietly to her. “This will be the first time I’ll see the whole pack together” He admitted. He’d really get a full grasp for the size of the pack now.

Moments later, Anthea appeared and joined them. He grinned at her, and patted the spot on the other side of him. “If you feel overwhelmed, just let me know” He told her gently. She leaned against him, and he pressed his head lightly against the top of hers once. “Anthea, this is Avantika, the packs Commander.” He said, doing some introductions. He wasn’t sure if the two had met.

He felt everyone begin to hush as Artorias spoke. Capturing the attention of all. He spoke of memories and honour, and named the castle the pack resided in. He was surprised to be a part of such a momentous occasion.


"Mercury Ermís"

Avantika sat beside Mercury. It was nice, she thought, to have a friend. She liked to have at least one person she could sit beside at these festivals: Rudy usually when she was young, then Audra, and now Mercury. She nodded as he said that he'd never seen the whole pack together before, a wave of reminiscence washing over her. "We've changed much since I was a kid," she added. Some wolves had left, and others had joined to replace their spot in the ranks. It made sense in a way; the Hallows was a place of recovery and healing for many wolves, and some would not stay after they were back on their feet. It annoyed Avantika, but she also knew that she couldn't fully blame them. It was a main purpose of the Hallows.

She noticed Audra arriving. She would not think about her.

A woman Avantika didn't know arrived a few moments later, sitting on the other side of Mercury. Anthea, her name was. Avantika tried her best to commit that to memory. "Nice to meet you, Anthea."

She didn't have time to say much more though, since Art began speaking and the whole gathering fell into respectful silence. The Aegis was remarkably good at commanding the rapt attention of anyone listening to him talk. Still, she had a favorite part of the festival, and was glad when he finally lit the fire, which burst to engulf all of the tinder. It sparked with sudden flashes of different, vibrant colors. What had those come from? Avantika had not seen Zephyrus bring up his special metals and so had no idea why the fire was different colors, but she thought it was thrilling all the same. He began speaking again, the blaze forming a contrasting backdrop against his dark form, and began to speak of the castle. A name? It had always just been "the castle" for as long as Avantika could know. But she didn't mind a breach of tradition if it was better that way, and so she could love Hearthstone just as she always had.

A few moments after Art released them to mingle and talk freely, Avantika would look to Anthea again. Social stuff, wasn't that what she was working on? She should try to make a good first impression. "So, how long have you been here?"

"Speech"

Art & Code © Skelle 2023

"Speech!"
So many wolves..but she had arrived in the nick of time.

Laeta had had a rather bad pain day. The lack of flare-ups she’d had with early onset arthritis had, of this morning, returned with a vengeance. She blamed it primarily on the shifting weather, the highs and lows from the heat to the cold. Perhaps she’d pushed herself a bit too hard these few seasons, trying to do anything and everything. Trying to teach the pups her knowledge and equip her fellow pack members with knowledge of themselves and their emotions. For the first time in a while, she had woken up that morning in a great deal of pain. She could barely rise out of bed. Mel tried to convince her to stay behind, just watch the bonfire from the castle, but the older woman refused. Bad pain day or not, she wanted to be amongst her pack. She loved her newfound family, her community too much to let a bout of flaring joint aches bring her down.

So, while a tad late, she’d witnessed the ceremonious blaze of the bonfire from afar, Mel nervously huffing next to her, trying to keep up with her lithe trotting frame. Her gait was stilted, half-limping as each fresh crack of pain wracked her bones. But there was no frown on ner face, not a scowl, but wide ruby eyes and a smile so wide she could barely contain her joy. Artorias, Fern, Rudy, Avantika, little Bramble, Thorn, all the pups..a joyous reuinion, indeed. Mostly familiar faces but some new - no matter, she hoped she’d be able to interact with some she was here.

She approached Sota, who’d arrived around the same time she had. They were good friends, through and through.

"Oh wow..it’s beautiful, isn’t it?" She said to the smaller male, glancing back up at the glorious rise of the orange flames with a sparkle in her eyes, so bright it masked the pain she was experiencing even standing in place.