A festival. The Bonfire festival. Vendrick has listened to the stories, he's heard what they've been told, and taken in what he can. All of the stories of those lost. Maybe it's the sense of loss, of inherent grief, that shines through in the tenderhearted creature even more. Though he doesn't know how exactly he understands it, Vendrick simply does. Melancholy as he is. Melancholy as he perhaps always will be. It's the melancholy of a poet, as he approaches the Plains, something strange tugging at his heartstrings. It's beautiful, even if he doesn't know how to put all of the things he's feeling into words. Beautiful, brilliant. He makes his way to settle beside the unlit fire, his chin tipping into the light summer breeze. How lovely it was! Vendrick finds himself a seat near Dusk, settling down with a little glimmer in his eyes. A quick survey of the group gathered at the firepit, and it's immediately clear that there are new faces among them. "Dusk, who're all the strangers?" His voice is hushed, but curious. So many new faces, Vendrick didn't realize that the Hallows had all these friends!

It was hard to grasp just how much time she had passed here, a year ago Gloom had been here for her first bonfire. And this year Gloom was here for her first as a Hallows wolf. She remembered the words she'd said last year, that the pack, the event had felt like a family somehow. Gloom hoped this year she might feel at least a little bit a part of that. To that end Gloom had gathered up a few of the extra blankets she could find from Audra's room, their room, and carefully brought them over to the plains, she selected a spot not too close to any of the other wolves so they could have privacy if they wished but not as far as they had been last year. Gloom set about laying out and arranging the blankets into a nice soft nest for the two small woman. Gloom was still working through the exact feeling she had for Audra but she knew she liked being around her, liked being close to her, and she was hoping maybe some amount of cuddling might be in order... Whatever that meant for her feelings!

"Speech"

Nelu carefully scooped the raccoon bones onto a square piece of deer hide. He'd been wandering along the border to the north of the castle when he'd found the old remains and it was simply to good a find to leave it behind. Nelu already had a few ideas of items he could make from the bones. Carefully folding the four corners inward he picked the bundle up with his teeth and started heading back to the castle. His little tail waved like a banner as his companions trailed along behind. He'd just gotten to his room and put the bones away when he heard his father calling.

Aster cocked his head to the side, wings fluttering for a moment. "Your father said something about a summer bonfire, didn't he?" Nelu nodded.

"We'd better hurry!" Samiri leapt onto his back and Nelu slipped out into the stone hallway. Once out of the castle he made his way to the plains and by the time he showed up at the gathering there were numerous wolves. Nelu glanced about, trying to figure out where he should place himself. Spying Vendrick sitting next to a dark-pelted woman he meandered over to them and plopped down on the other side of Vendrick. Samiri, the little spider monkey, continued to cling to his shoulders while aster landed at his feet and began to preen his feathers.

"Hey Ven, did I miss anything?"

Having to step away from a project before it was complete was proving to be a difficult task for her. And in finally doing so, Talyssa had waited until the last minute to leave her room in Hearthstone to head down to the bonfire- she had nothing but time. The girl could plainly see her previously ivory paws were stained grey and black from her work with the charcoal- she would make a stop in the fountain along the way to rinse them off. However, it wasn’t until she reached the fountain and saw the reflection of her face did she realize she had the same smears on her muzzle and cheeks. With a grumble of frustration, she set to work- scrubbing at the grey and off-black discoloration in various spots of her fur in hopes that water alone would be enough to lessen the stains. And while it did help- she could see the water clouding a bit before her eyes- it wasn’t completely cleansing the darkened pigment. But if she devoted any more time to it … she really would be late. Having done the best she felt like she could in the time she had allotted herself, she gave up with an annoyed huff. Pulling away from the fountain’s edge and dashing off toward the site of the festival.

Several of her pack mates had already gathered- including some of her siblings, cousins, and other relatives. Of course, her father was waiting, As the Aegis it was his event to host. But there were plenty of other faces present who she wasn’t entirely familiar with. Guests, they were likely friends in some way or another. Offering a gentle grin to anyone who might cast a glance in her direction, she found a spot on her own to sit without having to insert herself into a conversation that had already taken off. It was the atmosphere that she loved most, and she was certainly going to take the opportunity to bask in it.

"Talyssa Carpathius"

Every time the bonfire came around again, it amazed her just how fast time was passing. To think that they would be celebrating yet another year of their family, of the Hallows, of this home they had built... She never really seemed to realized how much time was passing until they reached a milestone or a marker like this. She knew that it was a custom that Artorias had kept to bring a token of remembrance for anyone that had been lost and that thought had weighed on her mind as well. The loss of her mother had been an impactful moment for her and regardless of the ebb and flow of her relationship with her late mother she still felt like she ought to do something for her. The only question left was what? It took her a while to think of something that felt fitting, but in the end she felt like simplicity was best and landed on a branch that had clusters of sage green moss across its bark-reminiscent of the subtle teal green coloring that she and her mother had shared-and had spent some time carving in a subtle design wherever the moss wasn't.

She was putting the finishing touches on her little offering when she heard her husband's howl and she quickly picked it up and began to make her way toward the area that they had been prepping for the event. She had left the building of the fire itself to him, but she of course had contributed to the food and wine as usual. As she approached she spotted several of their children and various family and pack members already gathered around and she smiled around the branch she was carrying. They hardly ever had the chance with the business of their lives for everyone to be in the same place and it always warmed her heart to have some time like this. Before she came to join Artorias, she first went to the unlit bonfire and found a place to nestle in her reminder of her mother, looking at it with a sad smile, before she turned and went to find her place beside Artorias, leaning into his side while they waited for the others to arrive.

"Carpathius Family"

As the day of the Bonfire Festival got closer, Fern found herself drifting into a sort of melancholy. This will be the first year since she had become a Hallows wolf that she will be facing the memories of her past without her mate by her side. Rudyard had taken their adventurous son Kipling on a tour of Boreas and Auster and the gray woman finds herself missing them horribly. Still, the woman has tried her best to keep herself busy by running patrols and helping her daughters whenever they needed her and, sometimes, even when they didn’t need her. Finally, the day arrived of the Festival and she carefully prepares a small bundle in honor of her mother. In a small square of cloth, she places a few sprigs of lavender, a small chunk of her own fur, and a dried sunflower. For a moment, she just stands there, in the couple’s room, looking at the dried flower in the center of it all and remembers the nights that her sweet mother had sang her to sleep. Tears build in her eyes as the memories play out and she misses the soft approach of Puff’s tiny paws. The small stoat approaches the woman and softly says, “It’s time, Fern.” Blinking away her past, a few tears slip free to trail down her cheeks as she looks down at her companion. A gentle smile pulls at her lips and she silently nods her agreement, pulling the corners of her cloth pouch together before lowering it so Puff can help her to tie it closed. Once it is ready, she hands it off to the stoat for a moment so that can she bustle around the room to gather a couple of the larger pelts. With the items draped over her form, she takes the bundle back and nods to Puff who leads the way out. It doesn’t take the pair long to arrive at the meeting area and she spies her daughter Meadow sitting beside Mercury. With a smile, she picks a space a little further away from the large gathering and lays out the pelts, a signal for her children that it is a safe place to retreat to if they feel overwhelmed. Once they are smoothed out and ready to be sat on, Fern moves to the unlit bonfire and gently lowers her bundle onto the pyre. Lingering for a moment, she softly whispers to the wind, “I miss you mom.” Gentle blue eyes move over to where Artorias sits with an unknown pup and a soft chuckle bubbles out as she drifts away from them. Fern then retreats to the safe space she had created to sit and watch the lighting of the fire. "Fern Carpathius" | "Puff"

It took her a bit of time to get untangled from her work in the infirmary, having been busy with keeping them stocked on medicines given Ysmir's and Bowen's recent ailments along with preparing a few extra things she could take up to the Armada to help restock their destroyed stores. It did mean that she unfortunately wasn't able to help as much with the bonfire this year, but it certainly wasn't because she wasn't working. Still, she quickly found a stopping point and washed off her paws when she heard her brother's howl so she could go join in on the festivities. As she trotted out of the castle and down to the plains where the event usually took place, it hit her that it had been a whole year since Ysmir's proposal at the last bonfire. A smile crossed her lips at the memory of dancing with her love and his wonderful surprise. She hadn't felt any rush or pressure to actually plan a wedding, but the reminder did make her wonder if that was something they should be considering. She was slightly surprised to see her fiancé sitting a short distance away from the rest of the crowd considering how sick he had been lately, but a glance across the way showed her that Bowen had also come out for the bonfire so she supposed everyone wanted to be here regardless. Taking her place next to Ysmir, she leaned her shoulder gently into his and kissed his cheek before looking out toward her brother to wait for him to light the bonfire and get the event started in earnest.

"Gwynevere & Ysmir"

Tamsyn was throughly enjoying being back in the pack on a more permanent basis for many reasons, but being able to be here more readily for events like the bonfire was definitely something she was appreciative of. She, of course, always made the time and made sure she was here for these things and to support Artorias in all his endeavors for the pack, but it was nice to be able to just step out of their den and be there rather than having to make the trip. She had been meandering around the area and lending a paw for her son whenever there was something that she was suited for. She was actually on her way back with another bundle of kindling when she heard his summoning howl for the rest of the pack to gather for the bonfire. By the time she made it back across the plains from the near by grove quite a few wolves had clustered together in the open stretch of land around the large pile of wood–some more familiar to her than others. She had of course gotten very familiar with her various grandchildren, but some of the other faces were less familiar. Regardless, all of the wolves of The Hallows were family to her as far as she was concerned.

After she had dropped off the bundle of kindling she had gathered, she began to look around to see who she might sit by for the lighting, and her gaze landed on Bowen that had separated herself from the others. She knew her daughter had been under the weather, but she wasn't about to let her girl spend the bonfire alone just because of some sniffles. She went right over to join her, but by the time she made it there she saw that Elowen had also come over to join her. She gave her granddaughter a playful nuzzle on the top of her head before giving Bowen a loving smile and nosing her cheek gently as she laid down beside her. "Hope this seat isn't taken," she joked before looking out toward where Artorias and Briar were sitting near the soon to be lit fire.

Tamsyn Carpathius of the Valley

Tarnish had found the coolest piece of treasure ever! He scrambled back toward the Bifrost eager to hop back on the raft and get back to his parents and his siblings so he could show them what he'd found. Worc flew above, helping to guide him back. The crow was super smart and Tar was happy to have the bird as a friend. It made it much easier to wander farther away.

Tar slowed to a stop as he caught a familiar scent. Wait, wait, wait…. what was that. Was that Siduri? Oh, oh, oh! He had to show her. She'd be so jealous. Tarnish set the little hide bundle down and requested Worc carry it so he could focus on tracking. He was going to be a great hunter and tracker some day. His nostrils flared as he started sniffing, nose practically right in the dirt as he started to follow the scent of his sister. Soon that scent combined with a bunch of other scents. Worc made some kind of muffled squawk but Tar ignored it.

The sound of voices caught his attention and he looked up to see a huge crowd of wolves. His head cocked to the side and he sat down trying to figure out what this was about. Maybe it was a challenge. Maybe Siduri knew he was following and she was testing him. It was like hide and seek! Tar moved like a little shadow, weaving through the crowd til he spied his sister. He bounded forward his right paw striking out to try and bop her shoulder. Hit or miss he shrieked at the top of his lungs. "I found you! I found you! Guess what? I found a really cool treasure, want to see some monster teeth? Wait… where's Worc?" He failed to notice the poor crow trying to signal him from a nearby tree, the bird's wings forming an x then gesturing back toward the Bifrost in a clear signal of we-need-to-fucking-leave.


Raider Brats

Solaire didn't really know what to expect when his parents started talking about the bonfire that was going to happen, but he was very excited for it! He kept trying to picture what it might be like and trying to imagine the fireplaces they had in the castle but much bigger wasn't quite getting the picture for him. That just meant he was that much more excited to see the bonfire all lit up! He had been too excited to sleep which meant he was up way, way too early the day of the bonfire. He had come and gone from the plains a few times, checking with his dad to see if it was time yet and kind of helping occasionally, but eventually because he had been up so early he ended up getting reeeeeally sleepy while he was waiting around in the castle gardens and eventually he dozed off under one of the trees there. He didn't know how long he had been asleep, but he was jolted awake when he heard his dad howling for everyone to come join in for the bonfire. He gasped and scrambled to his paws, having to shake his head and rub his eyes to get the sleep out of them. Solaire ran as fast as his legs could carry him down to the plains where everyone had begun to gather, but luckily the pile of wood that his dad had been putting together for the bonfire was still intact and the fire hadn't started yet. He didn't want to miss a thing! Trotting over to where Vendrick, Nelu, and Dusk were, he flopped down beside them, out of breath from his sprint to get here in time. He gave them a grin with his tail wagging while he looked expectantly toward his dad to light this giant fire that had been promised to them.

"Solaire Carpathius"

The Bonfire Festival is no secret to the members of the Hallows and Caladia has been looking forward to the day. The girl with the hodgepodge coat is playing with her sibling, gently wrestling in the berry grove as the pair pass time until the start of the festival. A growl rolls out followed by a series of loud, squealed giggles as Elowen manages to sweep Callie’s legs out from underneath her. With a loud “Oof!” she hits the ground, immediately swinging her legs up at push at her sister’s face. Laughter fills the air as they tussle, the joy of the moment clearly expressed by the girls sounds.

Artorias’s call reaches them and Caladia’s head immediately shoots up. Eyes sparkle with excitement as she gives Elowen one more playful shove before rolling over and getting to her paws. Shaking out the dirt and leaves from her coat, the girl happily shouts, “It’s time! Let’s go El!” With that, she takes off through the trees of the Grove, looping through the land happily. The significance of the festival is not lost on Callie and, while it carries a somber tone, she also knows that it is also a chance to share stories and get to know the loved ones that are not with them anymore.

That is why she is so excited.

She arrives to find her sister, Meadow, sitting with Mercury and a huge, proud smile fills her face. Mismatched eyes scan the crowd and she finds her mother sitting a little ways off from the gathering on some plush furs. The wistful appearance of the woman is what pulls her over to her mother and the girl is quick to join Fern. With a gentle smile, she leans into her mother’s frame and awaits the lighting of the fire; together.


"Caladia Carpathius"

The invitation from Shaw had been a surprise to Sorcerer but one that the man had been more than eager to accept. Wishing to be presentable for this festival, the monochrome man had taken time to bathe and carefully care for his coat. It almost shines as he moves through the trees, chiding himself for taking so long to get ready but hoping that Shaw will understand why. True to his word, the oil-slick colored male is waiting for him near the land-bridge and a huge, heartfelt smile fills his face as he saunters up to Grimshaw while the other male is already moving to close the distance between them.

Shaw’s fluffy tail wags and a bright chuckle falls from Sorcerer’s lips as the man greets him. His own tail wags in return and as Shaw lens in, Sore returns the man’s affectionate nuzzle with his own but purposefully places it on the man’s scarred cheek. It seems that the oil-slick has been self- conscious of that imprecation since he met him but Rory has always loved it and only wishes for Shaw to feel comfortable with himself. Softly, he purrs, “I am happy to be here. It is always a treat to see you Shaw. How have you been?”

His words are heartfelt and the monochrome man feels his heart flutter nervously in his chest as he hopes that this meeting with his family’s pack will not be a disappoint to Shaw. Once again hoping that he is presentable, Sore follows Grimshaw back across the land bridge and into the lands of the Hallows. As they enter the festival area, he sticks to Shaw’s side, murmuring questions into his ear as family is pointed. They find a space to sit and, as he comes to rest beside the man who he finds irresistible, Sorcerer quietly murmurs, “You have a lovely family, Shaw. I… I hope they like me.”

A small, nervous chuckle fills the air as he glances up at the man, wishing that, more than anything, the man’s family are accepting of him. Shaw makes his heart race and stomach flipflop like he is some little love-struck pup and Sore suddenly realizes that he wants Shaw’s family to like him because he wants to be around Grimshaw more… if he wants to see him that is. Gently leaning into the Shaw’s side, Sorcerer gives a soft, content sigh and weaves one of his slender forelegs around Shaw’s own as he waits to see what will happen.


"Sorcerer Vyle-Klein"

code & art © skelle

Thorn had put in a typical solid day’s work.  After wrapping up training and patrols he made his way back to his room and took time to polish the leather of his sheath, turning any dullness to a richer deep navy.  After his sheath was looking good Thorn made his way to the baths.  He took time to remove any grass, dirt, or other pieces of earth that had found their way into his coat or between the toes.  

He had just finished drying off as the boy went to the bonfire gathering.  So many wolves were here, more than just the numbers of their own pack.  It had been this way to last year hadn’t it?  It felt so different now that he was no longer a young pup.

Thorn made his way to move through the cluster of wolves, Stormsong slung over his back, a pleasant weight that rarely left him. Family members got friendly grins, tail swishing but eventually, he paused, attention turning to his dad and the bonfire.  It had been a year of learning and adventures, what would happen between now and the next bonfire festival?

"Carpathius Family"

Skorgek stared around her ears still lowered seeing the small number of wolves gathered together. She couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. However the sight of the flame had caused her eyes to sparkle gently as she admired the way the flame licked at the sky dancing and spreading as it moved over the wood. Her ears flicked as she looked back curiously. Holding a rabbit in her muzzle as she looked up to the large wolf. Skorgek had no real family ties and truthfully didn't fully understand the point of a family unit. So she couldn't fully grasp what was so important as she had very little memory of her own. Her parents had left her to die when she fell in the cave. Skorgek never held anything against them, however to her they were just two wolves and nothing different. However, being around Meme she did start to feel more like she wanted to be around her. Her ears flicking a bit as she noticed the wolf's somber expression, "Meme?, Good?" her eyes looked up with brief concern.

The young boy had been hearing about the bonfire for a few weeks now, and with it increased his excitement and trepidation. Still nervous about leaving the castle it wasn’t too difficult to follow the rest of the pack out towards the place where his father would eventually light the fire. He’d found his mother’s trail the most easily and waddled along behind her as she left the castle and unwittingly led the boy where he belonged. Silas didn’t have anything to offer in remembrance, he didn’t know the wolves his parents mourned. Though he knew who they were, and did his best to feel for his parent’s loss. The boy just didn’t fully understand.

He tilted his head curiously as he watched his mom return to Artorias and the boy made his way to sit with the two of them. His bright eyes taking in the new sights, he still hadn’t done much exploring of the Hallowed land, but he had plans to. So being brave now would help him in the future.

"Speech"

One by one the wolves of the Hallows began to congregate around the unlit bonfire, showing just how great the pack had grown in terms of numbers and culture! Wolves of all shapes, sizes, and creeds had come together to make the Hallows what it was today—a veritable melting pot of all walks of life. It brought a swell of pride to Artorias' chest. He hoped his mother would be proud of what they had become. As they all arrived, one by one Artorias would greet each wolf as they arrived.

To Clove, he gave his smallest girl a loving smile as she added her own stick to the pile, admiring the jewelry from her mother's collection she'd chosen to wear to the event. The importance of this festival would be lost on her at such a young age, but seeing her joy at getting to participate made him one happy father. Her declaration that she was going to eat so much candy brought a raucous laugh from her sire, who replied with a playful grin, "Just make sure you save some for your siblings, little love!"

To Mercury, he nodded his head in greeting back to his new Commander, then watched as the brute set his own offering onto the kindling pile. He knew what Mercury had lost; this offering and the reverence it held with it was not lost upon the Aegis.

To Ciaran he offered the same acknowledging nod, and then a glance to Bowen as well as she settled herself a short distance away. He knew his sister wasn't feeling well, so just seeing her here to support was more than he could have asked for. He smiled to her and left her be.

To Dusk, he returned her affectionate nuzzle, love and pride in Artorias' matching fiery eyes. His daughter had grown so much in just a year. She was now a doppelgänger of her mother—lithe and sleek, even sporting the same set of antlers, but in her striking jet black color. Looking at her, now almost a woman grown, Artorias was in awe of how much his children were growing. No parent had ever been prouder of their kids than he was now as she sat beside him.

Ember arrived next, as energetic as ever. He regarded his daughter with an affectionate smirk while she went about saying hi to all her siblings. She then went around to his opposite side—only to exclaim as someone else was already there. Artorias looked down with a start as a voice he did not recognize piped up asking what they were doing. A pup no older than his youngest was at his side, a pallid thing with striking rainbow markings on her fur. At first, all the Aegis could do was stare as her. Where the hell had she come from?! Taking an exploratory sniff of her coat, Artorias recognized the scent immediately. She carried the same scent Gilgamesh had when he'd seen the brute at the Valhalla challenge. She was a Raider.

The little winged Gavroche approached the stranger with Ember and immediately Artorias went on high alert, looking up and scanning their surroundings for any signs of other Raiders trespassing in their lands. If this was a surprise attack on the Hallows, he needed to be prepared. But when no one else could be seen, then even more questions arouse in his mind. Was she a lost pup? How the hell had she gotten down here? Where were her parents? Artorias didn't have time to question it right now, not with the bonfire about to start. "Uhh, hang on a moment, little one. Let me get things started." He nodded to Ysmir and Bellamy as they arrived, his attention half split between the arriving guests and the strange pup at his side.

To Bramble, Artorias greeted his daughter with a wide smile and loving eyes, nuzzling his snout against her cheek as she greeted him with their native tongue. He was quite impressed with how well her Carpathian had gotten! "Bună seara, fiica meu. Cu toată familia noastră aici, sunt cel mai fericit pe care aș putea fi vreodată. Bucură-te de seara ta cu... prietenul tău." He turned a glance over to Tate with a hint of a knowing smirk on the corner of his lips. He was glad to see the boy again under better circumstances. Tate thanked him and Artorias dipped his head back to the lad. "Our Bonfire Festival is a time for family and friends, my boy. You are certainly that to Bramble. Enjoy yourselves tonight." He spoke with a smile, but there was a glint in his eyes as he looked at Tate; a silent warning only a father could issue. Mind yourself around my little girl.

More wolves arrive one by one. Elowen, Ash, Greed and Claire. Artorias was surprised but delighted to see the couple make an appearance. He knew of their struggle and pain. Their presence was greatly appreciated. Even friends from beyond the pack began to arrive as Meme and Skorgek showed up, receiving a smile from Artorias in turn. Grimshaw and a brute he didn't recognize, but who appeared quite close to his brother. A new boyfriend, perhaps? Meadow and Vendrick, each taking a seat beside Mercury and Dusk respectively. Gloom who set up a nest of blankets for her and Audra, then Nelu who joined his brother by Dusk. Talyssa approached with her usual poise and grace, and Artorias regarded his daughter with an affectionate smile. It looked like she had been deep in her work prior to arriving. Again, Artorias looked between Dusk, Talyssa, and Bramble, marveling at how much his daughters had grown, and when Thorn appeared as well, his marveling continued to his strapping adolescent sons. Gods, he was such a proud dad!

His beautiful Queen arrived with Silas in tow, carrying with her the offering she was undoubtedly making to her mother's memory. Artorias watched Briar with nothing short of pure love in his gaze, following her every move like a lovestruck yearling and a dreamy smile on his face. All of this—their family, the bonfire's feast, the maintaining of the Hallows—all of it had been thanks to her. Artorias would never have been able to accomplish half as much without Briar in his life. As she joined him, he leaned gently back against her as she pressed her side into his, his bushy tail moving to drape across her own flowing tail behind them. A simple show of affection, but Artorias would never short her any signs of his love and devotion. As Silas settled in between them, the dire wolf leaned down to plant an affectionate lick across his son's crown, silently praising him for coming so far outside of the castle.

Fern, Gwynevere, and Tamsyn all arrived and were greeted. Artorias was glad that his mother had returned to the Hallows to live with them again. The pups loved having their grandmother around, and it also meant he didn't have to worry about her being away for so long. As the last few members began to join in, Artorias prepared to begin the festival when another strange voice chimed in at his side. Another look down and wouldn't you know it, there was another random pup he didn't recognize! This one knew the pale Raider kid though, and a quick sniff confirmed he was also a Raider. Siblings, maybe? If so, what on earth were they both doing down here?! He would deal with them both in a moment.

"Thank you all for coming. Our annual Bonfire Festival is an event I look forward to all summer long, and one near and dear to my heart. As we light this fire, the flame in the dark a symbol of our pack, we celebrate the lives of our loved ones no longer at our sides. We remember them, we mourn them, and we carry on in their name. Mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters, children, friends..." Artorias took a moment of silence in reverence for everyone to say any prayers they wished before he continued. Rising to his paws, Artorias took the flint and steel and struck it against a torch Argent held for him. He took the flaming torch and turned to the bonfire, pressing the burning end to the pile of kindling in a few places until the oil-soaked wood began to catch fire. As the fire began to blaze, Artorias tossed the torch into the pile, watching as the flames engulfed the mound of wood into a massive inferno that lit up the plains for hundreds of yards in all directions. A true beacon in the night—just like the Hallows. Once the fire had reached its apex, Artorias turned back to the crowd. "Be welcome and enjoy yourselves tonight, friends! Eat, drink, celebrate with friends and family, enjoy the lives we've been so blessed to have."

Glancing down at the two Raider pups, Artorias gave them a stern "Wait here," and then he grabbed a couple of wisteria branches he had been keeping separate. He made his way over to Bellamy, offering her one of the two branches. "I'm glad you joined us tonight, Bellamy," he said, his voice soft and empathetic to the former alpha. "I hope it's no imposition, but I wanted to give you this. The wisteria that grows in our gardens is a symbol of undying devotion and love. I don't know what your beliefs of the afterlife are, but if you would like, you can place it in the fire for Gavroche. Otherwise... well, sometimes it's just nice to know you're not alone." Artorias gave Bellamy a gentle smile, then made his way over to Claire and Greed. He presented the pair with the other wisteria branch, this one's petals a bluer shade of purple. "I can't imagine what you both have gone through... are still going through. I just hope you know that you aren't alone in your grief. The blue wisterias symbolize lost love, or love that never was. You're both welcome to leave it in the fire for them if you wish, or keep it with you as a reminder that your family is here for you."

With his tasks complete, the Aegis set his sights on the two wayward Raider children under the watchful gaze of his ravens. The dire wolf approached them both, studying the pups carefully. They looked to be about two seasons old; still small, but not wee little round things just out of the den. Old enough to get into trouble, but not old enough to know better. "And who might you two be then?" he asked the kids, cocking he head curiously as he slid down into a relaxed posture on his belly, bringing the tall brute down to their level. "How did you get all the way down here to our bonfire party?"

"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.
____________________

Art & Code © Skelle 2023

"Speech!"
Perhaps Laeta was late. Perhaps she would not be there for the initial events, but the fact that she arroved, she hoped, would make it up for everyone present.

She would not miss the bonfire, after all. She refused to listen to Mel’s pleas to stay in bed for the night, for her trembling limbs barely able to sustain her frame for long distances. For the pain that leeched into every step and every turn each wolf took for granted. She would not miss the bonfire for the world.

The charcoal-pelted woman padded at a snail’s pace from the castle, shuffling and pausing in endless cycles. Her breaths hitched from the exertion as she and her badger companion began to cross into the dark silouhette of the Plains, soon lit up by the splendor of a large, roaring flame. Laeta paused to watch the embers rise, as if it was a beacon. It was not chastising her lateness. It was a welcoming symbol, as if guiding her to her home, her family. It motivated her to stride her steps more, to hasten her journey, even if her bones protested and her wasting muscles burned fiercly from the movement.

And finally, as she drew closer, her ruby gaze was about as bright as the flames that rose from the earth. Because everyone was here. All her friends, all her family. She smiled, hoping her shuffling towards the gathering eould not interrupt anything. She casted her eyes upon the Aegis, dipping her head in greeting as she approached the crowd.

"Apologies for arriving late, Artorias. I do hope my arrival makes up for it, regardless." She smiled, because despite the decline of her physical body, her soul was as aglow as the fire they so cherished in front of them. "The Bonfire is as magnificent as ever. I would not miss it for the world."

Sota wouldn't miss the bonfire for the world! Even if he was a little late, he still had every intention of showing up, and as promptly as his small paws and short little limbs would allow. Not only was he one of the smallest members of The Hallows, but he certainly wasn't getting any younger, and he could only go so fast. He'd been preparing for the bonfire, but his collection efforts were a little late, and he hurried to gather up what he'd collected so far and made his way to the plains, where the pack was beginning to gather. Though he usually wasn't one to participate in performative acts, not for lack of wanting or even appreciation of them, he simply wasn't really the type to put meaning into things - he'd brought his own memento to add to the fire. Not one to normally dwell on the past, sometimes it was hard to not dwell on wolves that had been part of his. Lately he'd been thinking of Balsam more and more often, his oldest friend, though he hadn't seen him in many years. Sota had no idea where he was, or how he was… or even if he was alive, though something made him feel like he probably wasn't. Not that he'd linger too long on those dark thoughts, but maybe paying homage to the best friend he'd grown up alongside wasn't such a bad thing. He'd collected a stick from a high treetop - a bit of an effort to gather, given his aging bones and the lack of truly tall trees around the castle - but he'd been successful, and he thought Balsam would be proud of his work. Once he wrangled it free from the tree's grasp he carefully carried it to the ground, not wanting to risk dropping it and snapping it. He didn't do much else to it besides finding a bit of dried vine and wrapping it around it, letting Kaito help him entangle some flowers he'd found into it. A simple offering, really, but one that was suitable for the occasion. Finishing it up and letting Kaito hop onto his back and clutch onto the fur of his neck, he slowed when the gathering came into view. He caught the tail end of what Artorias was saying, quietly moving toward the bonfire to toss his own offering to the fire that had been set ablaze. He only reflected on it for a moment, realizing he felt a surprising sense of closure as he watched it go up in flames, before turning to look over the wolves here. Most were familiar, some were not, strangers to him though he was no less pleased to see them. His attention was drawn to no one in particular, though he settled back on his haunches and hoped to give off an inviting aura to anyone who needed or wanted company.

Audra would let Gloom lead. She believed it would help Gloom's confidence if they went at Gloom's pace. There was nothing wrong with that either. To Audra, it was actually pleasant going slower. Every day was a new adventure with Gloom at her side. While she carried out her own duties when needed in the infirmary (the Carpathian offspring seemed to always be injured, weird) Audra made sure to spend the rest of her time with Gloom. Whether they were in their room or out adventuring, one would most likely not find Audra without Gloom these days.

As they entered the plains where the pack and guests mingled, she couldn't hide the smile. Last year was so much different compared to this one. Last year, she had been the one to lead Gloom to the group and set them off to the side where they wouldn't be bothered. Now, while still off to the side, their spot wasn't as far away and that sparked an even happier feeling within Audra. They were making progress! And while her own feelings were slowly mending and blossoming, she was happy to sit with Gloom. Actually, she was comfortable enough to even cuddle a bit! But only if Gloom wished!

Once she was settled and comfortable, Audra would listen to Art's words and glance around at who had gathered.

"Speech"

Rinoa had joined the gathering just as Artorias had spoke his opening and lit the fire, she was on the outskirts but just close enough to see the start of the Hallowed night. She stood still respectfully until everyone started to loosen up and find their places among the others. She didn't come empty handed of course. She had a satchel full of light wines she had made herself curiosity of learning from the wolves here who knew the trade. She taught herself some on her journey seasons ago. She placed her wines out sure she would try some of the others later and then looked around to see where she could make a friend or too. She was sure her siblings were around here somewhere.

"Speech"