The Summer Bonfire Festival was the annual tradition most looked forward to in the Hallows. It was a celebration of life, both for the living and the departed, and a revelry of the height of summer in the southern continent. It was a time for friends, family, and loved ones to gather and share stories, play games, eat and drink their fill, and just enjoy life. As with all the festivals and years past, the Hallows wolves had gathered up a massive pile of deadwood and kindling from the nearby forests and driftwood from the beaches. The weather had been much nicer this summer with no fear of rain, so the wood was nice and dry, perfect for the bonfire. Briar had begun preparing fresh batches of their most popular wines, and the hunters had been working overtime to overfill their larders with game, fowl, and fish of all kinds.

On the day of the summer solstice, Artorias had gone out to cover the pile of wood in the flammable oil that allowed them to control the burn out on the plains, ensuring everything was set for tonight. Invitations had been sent out by raven to all packs on friendly terms with the Hallows, opening their borders for them to attend and celebrate with them. Games had been spread out and a small race course had even been set up around the plains for entertainment. By the time everything had been prepared and was ready to go, the day had crept on towards the early evening, the afternoon sun sinking towards the western sea, casting the sky in a brilliant canvas of fiery oranges and twilight purples and blues. Hallowed wolves and guests would be arriving soon.

As he did every year, Artorias placed a branch from the birch tree his mother was buried beneath onto the fire in her honor. Hopefully she wouldn't be disappointed with the direction he was taking the Hallows in now... "Dormi ușor, mamă," the Lord of Cinder whispered beneath his breath. Artorias then placed two wisteria sprigs among the kindling—symbols for Laeta and Audra respectively. His heart ached for the loss of their loved ones, and though the memories brought back the pain of grief, they also brought back the happiness and love too. "Fii în pace, Laeta and Audra." With his offerings placed, Artorias breathed a soft sigh and began to busy himself helping to set out the last of the food and drinks while he waited for the rest of the pack and their guests to arrive so he could light the fire.

ooc: Going to be moving things a little quicker for this one, friends! Second round and bonfire lighting will be on June 12th!

"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.
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Basilisk entered the grounds, and set up a little camp for the Armada, storing their things and leaving his Reindeer there to help organise anything the pack might need organised throughout the night. That done, he made his way to the bonfire festival, letting the rest of his pack trickle in at their own pace.

He nodded his head to Artorias in respect, and did a double take when he saw Sirius stepped up behind him. It felt like it had been a lifetime since he had seen his grandfather! He hugged the old man with a little trepidation. Looking for signs of judgement in his ageing face. He let the wolf clap him on the shoulder, and then turned his attention to Artorias. Knowing catch up would come after. He dreaded all the things he would have to say to Sirius.


"Basilisk Fatalis"

Sirius was slowly settling into the Armada. Enjoying the lower responsibility now that he had finally stepped out of the rank of Warlord. He was more than happy to advise and help Artorias however his young son in law needed him to. He, too, was concerned about the threat the Syndicate posed and planned to speak to his Grandson when he got the chance. Speaking of the wolf… as he approached the bonfire and Artorias, he saw that the familiar behemoth had beaten him to it. He stepped forward and clapped the young Warlord on the shoulder. “It’s good to see you” he said, before he turned his attention towards Artorias, who had stepped up to the kindling to respect his dead. Sirius came, following suit to show his respect. Looking into the kindling and imaging the dancing flames that would suit flare and let his heart feel the mourning of Zee that never truly went away. I hope you found the peace you always deserved.” he whispered quietly, placing a small branch among the kindling "Speech"

Kea walked up to the kindling and joined his father beside it. Ignoring the mostly-strangers that had already appeared. He nudged his fathers shoulder in silent greeting and then walked around the firepit. Until the kindling was between him and the others. Where no one could see him. He glanced about anyway, feeling a little silly. “this is for you, fireworm.” he said, tossing the dead little worm in his paw into the kindling where the heat would catch it once lit.. That done - hopefully undetected - he stepped back, giving others space to find their places around it if they wished to. He didn’t want to have to answer any questions about his strange offering. About the dead that had been his first real challenge as Knight of the Hallows

"Ciaran Carpathius"

Every wolf that Mercury had ever known in his childhood had become lost to him. So many names and faces that they were often a blur in his memories. But there were some that he held onto tighter, through as the years past he found himself doubting if he truly remembered their faces. Their voices. The way they had moved through the world, and lived their lives. He scattered black sand through the kindling and bowed his head, whispering quietly. ‘Mother, Father, I will see you again one day.”

He lifted his head, and stepped back, so he could help Artorias finish any preparations that needed tending to.


"Speech"

The little golden girl with goggles resting over her brow helped set up the camp for the Armada. Her first festival! She was mostly excited to see how things differed here than it did back where she was born. Already the smells where very different. When all was said and done she trailed behind Basilisk by a few steps and watched as he greeted a sabertoothed dark wolf that could only be Sirius Fatalis. She bowed her head in respectful deference to both him and Artorias as she approached the bonfire.

She sat at Basilisks hip, ever ready to fetch what he bid her to, learn what she could and to feel his warmth next to the fire.

"Speech"

It had taken them a little while to load the squirming bundles into the saddlebags Modesty and Sakana wore to save them all travelling across the Bifrost at a snail's pace. Some of the Raider's party had broken off to greet others or start drinking, while Modesty, and a small gathering of wolves approached the bonfire. Pups squirmed and jostled and tried to break free of the bags and she offered them a small chuckle, "I'll unleash you on these poor unsuspecting souls in a minute," she promised, offering their host a wry grin before she placed her small offering for Jet on the pyre.

Trusting the rules of the Hallows would be respected by all in attendance, she didn't worry too much about the strong showing from the Armada. She recognised the big guy and his little white and gold shadow from the meeting but moved back to linger on the edges of the gathering, calling Jael and Gil over with a tip of her head to help her get these kids unloaded. She settled on her stomach, sphynx like, so if the pups insisted on wriggling, they wouldn't fall too far. Sakana did the same beside her.

"speech"

Jael was fairly nervous, attending such a big gathering. So much activity, so much going on, so many things she should be watching and on top of. Still, it would be good for the pups. Damned if she went, damned if she didn't. She had Modesty and Gilgamesh both to cling to, both to rely on, despite the wildly uncomfortable atmosphere.

Carefully unloading the pups from Sakana and Modesty's bags, grateful for the both of them. Most of the pups were already growing to be pretty heavy, and she isn't strong enough to lug them around en-masse anymore. Watching them toddle off to find trouble, she returns to Modesty's side, settling against her once more. On edge, alert, licking her lips nervously. In this environment, Jael can't help it.

J A E L

table coding created by bunni ♥

It had been a long walk. Perhaps the longest, the longest ever-- well, the longest ever so far. How could it be worth a long walk like this, all for some... festival. Maybe getting to meet other wolves could be fun. Davey was caught between the spirit of adventure, enjoying the long walk, chewing on Sakana's ears, and being so incredibly goddamn bored with the walking thing. Sakana and Jael did a decent job dealing with incessant are we there yets, at least.

He's among the first to push his way out of the saddlebags, tumbling in an unceremonious heap on the ground as he flings himself from Jael's grip. None the wiser to his mom's eye roll, Davey is quick to make his arrival known, dashing off with little more than a shrug of his shoulders amid a reminder to not go too far. Yeah right!

"speech"

The words were whispered and talked about by passer byes, allowing the ones who heard of a bonfire. So many new faces and scents traveled to the womans nostrils. A loner, although within she known she was not alone. Fic known that, a smile peering across her onyx lips. She gave a gentle greeting, her tail dancing around behind her. She had never honestly been to a festival, but now seemed the time. Thoughts of her friends and lover clouded her mind. Wondering if she would see them all here. Which caused her tail to dance behind her. The warm summer winds dancing threw her coat, she was however in no pain from the dance she shared with the lion months earlier. She watched others make their entrance. And then a woman with pups, as they would come out from the bags she had carried and settled down. Giving her and the youngsters a greeting nod. She couldn't help but enjoy the warmth of the event. Wondering if possible she would see Erebos and Eltrys. Maybe she would see Corbie and Iris as well. The female took notice to the brute who sat there proudly, she did hear others calling him Artorias. Her voice rang out to him. "Greetings Artorias. I am Identification. Lovely festival you are throwing. Thank you for the invite." Her tones were calm, collected and gentle.

"Identification"

Tonight was one of her favorite yearly events- the summer bonfire festival. She’d made sure to sleep in extra late this morning, so she could stay up later in the evening. And she’d taken her time rising from her plush, luxurious bed, taking a lengthy bubble bath and brushing her pelt to perfection. The air in her room was a sweet mixture of perfumes and lotions for her paws, her vanity a distaster as she sifted through all of her items. A tiny bit of shadow on her lids to make her eyes stand out, a soft, rosy tint for her lips to make them shimmer. The final touch was the gold Damascus pendant her parents gave her for her birthday, which she slipped carefully over her head and positioned perfectly on her chest. One last look in the mirror, and she was ready to go, leaving her messy room behind and soaring down the stairs.

A beautiful, celestial canvas was spread out in the sky, guiding her way to the starlit plains. She’d arrive just as several strangers entered the territory, and out of curiosity, she was analyzing them as she passed by, offering smiles and courteous dips of her head. She’d go straight up to her father, noticing Ember wasn’t there yet. He was busy setting out the last of the food and drinks, and Clove moved in to help him. “Hi Tati.” She said softly, nuzzling his shoulder and falling in stride beside him.

"Speech"

Chaos unleashed, chaos unbound. Tide is more than ready to be let loose on the Hallows, especially after being cooped up with his siblings for the walk. They'd been squooshed together, and he'd spent the majority of the ride complaining and insisting that he should be allowed to walk along on his own. Not like he'd mostly drowned only a few days ago, not like his legs weren't even the stubbiest of his siblings. No, he could walk, Tide swore it! Still, mum was resolute, he was being carried. That makes him even more eager, as they arrive in the Hallows. The boy tumbles from Modesty's saddlebags with a thump and a grumble before eagerly taking off into the crowd.

Having spent most of the trip precariously perched on Corsair's mane, head poking out the side of Sakana's saddlebag, it was any wonder the girl hadn't gotten nauseous and thrown up all down the side of her transportation. She was the first to try and lunge for her father when he came to give her an out and only spared a moment to glance at the gathered adults. They all seemed to be doing boring things like talking. Well, this just wouldn't do for someone with as lofty ambitions as Gilda had. She did a lap of the adults, marking the direction in which her siblings fled before she set out to try and find someone to wheedle into having some fun.

"speech"

Gilda's fat ass had been on his head for most of the ride over. He didn't mind laying at the bottom of the bag because at least it gave him some room to spread out but the lancing pain in his skull had other things to say. Eventually, he managed to scramble out without assistance, probably giving some of his smaller siblings a boost along the way. While the prospect of fire (and grabbing a lit branch and running around with it) sounded like a bang-up time to him, he was sure his mother's wouldn't approve, so he took the opportunity to look around, gradually drifting further and further from the main gathering.

"speech"

the ride had been...informative - just kidding it sucked. he'd had at least two tails in his ear, a paw on his back and somehow an antler up his nose?? gross. Cutlass all but spills from his saddlebag, smoothing down his ruffled coat with a little hum of displeasure. hmm, not an ideal form of travel. note to self: acquire wheels? amber eyes skim the gathering crowds with interest, Las' little face shifting through a barrage of curiosityuncertaintyexcitement(?)curiosity before settling on his usual placid expression. Modesty said not to go too far, but it's veeeeery unlikely his siblings will listen. yep, sure enough, there goes Davey. with a final glance over his shoulder, the boy trots off into the crowd.

Tarius hated the ride in the bag, making her feel like she couldn't do nothing to get away from all of the flipping chaos, oh no mama didn't want her hellions to burst out and wander around or travel there. It was too dangerous. She nipped when Cutlass's paw dug into her, giving a yip. As soon as she was able too she broke free and ran off, her small ears against her skull.

Being taken somewhere new so soon was jarring for the blind girl. Nestled securely in the bag slung over her mother's hips, she lets the rhythmic steps from Raider's Hollow to The Starlit Plains keep her half asleep for most of the journey. Unafraid to jab an elbow toward any sibling that dared try to bother her.

It wasn't until the low murmur of unfamiliar voices and scents unknown to her brought her to being fully awake. Plus the sudden stopping of Modesty who quickly unslung the bags from her back was a sure fire way to make sure she was ready to go. Rolling herself from the leather bag, Pythia gave her coat a shake and scented her surroundings first before taking any scents. Wood that was dried and aged was abundant here, much different than the fresh, wet wood that made up most of the ravine. The grass and flowers smelled similar, but she wondered why there were more. It was warmer here, stickier and different. Just breathing in the air was a change from their home.

Intent to explore instead of just causing trouble like her siblings, Pythia begins to wander. Nose drawn upward, ears pressed forward, all the signs of a canine who was getting to know their surroundings while also trying not to run into anyone. The giant pile of kindling and wood made her the most curious. Why would someone gather so much into one place? Drawn to the new phenomena, Pythia moved slowly and deliberately, her paws taking calculated steps. Testing the ground beneath her before firmly taking a step, she makes her way closer to where the bonfire would soon be.

"speech"

Majima was not the social type. In fact this was a little outside of his wheelhouse. If he hadn't succumbed to his curiosity Majima would be back in the bamboo maze where he belonged, instead of here hoving at the edges of an ever growing gathering. His father had not forbid them from attending and though he'd had preferred the man be there Majima had simply found himself too interested in observing whatever this custom was. He had failed to consider how the language barrier might hinder his scientific curiosity. The overlapping voices made it much harder for him to focus on words he was growing more familiar with but still weren't so easily understood. He was even less comfortable speaking them aloud. So Majima stuck to the shadows, hoping the red on his coat would not stick out too brightly and he could be left to observe, gaze focused. "Speech"

Art by Dezigre

Though he had not been entirely upset about the shift in leadership change between Kotori and Scylla, Bancha had been upset about one thing. Bowen had left. The woman had chosen not to stay with the pack and having spent some time with her, he wanted to know why. Why was she leaving? Was the new pack and leader not good enough? Was he not good enough? It wasn't like there was anything except friendship between them, but outside of his family, she was the only real friend he had.

Using what little navigation skills he had, Bancha followed her scent. Lagging a few days behind her, he often got lost and turned around. Unsure that she was even this far south, he continued to press on. This was the farthest he'd ever gone from home and without even notifying his fathers of his departure, Bancha attempted to ignore the wiggling jab of worry and doubt at the back of his head. What if he was doing the wrong thing?

It's not until he reaches Hallows territory does he pick her scent back up. Not exactly recent, but it smelled like... she belonged here? Was this where her family lived? Quickly crossing the border and making his way through the grove toward the castle that he could see flashes of between the trees, Bancha grew excited to see Bowen. He would get to see her one more time! Both happy and sad, he stops quickly at the sight of a massive pile of kindling and wood. What was going on here?

Looking around, he sees the gathering of wolves and notices the multiple scents clearly from other packs. A party!? Continuing to look around, he can't really tell who is in charge here. A frown crosses his lips as he tries to figure it out. Standing off to the side of the congregation of wolves, Bancha waits patiently until someone notices him. Surely Bowen would show up... Or someone would notice him... He had trespassed after all.

BANCHA

It was that time of year again. The time when they remembered those lost. Dusk understood why her father clung to this tradition, but Dusk wasn't as emotional. Not in that sense, anyway. Still, she would be there for her father's sake. That, and to make sure that none of the guests caused too much trouble. They were invited here under strict rules of peace and those rules were not to be broken.

With Sitri by her side and Whisper in her tail, the Carpathian princess approached the unlit fire, pressing her forehead into the side of her father's neck and then her grandfather's. The obsidian woman took a seat off to the side, sitting ramrod straight like the gargoyle that she was. Her posture only softened when Sitri came to sit beside her. If he had offerings to make to the bonfire in reverence of those lost, she would watch him make them. Dusk, however, had nothing to give. Everyone that she loved was here.

"Dusk Carpathius"