The warming weather brought a gradual shift from the cold icy winter to the sunny days of early spring, snow melting away to return Auster to its usual climate. But despite the growing warmth of the world, there was a cold aching loss that dwelled within the Lord of Cinder's heart as he stared down at the peaceful face of Sota resting on the beautifully embroidered cloth atop the funeral pyre. His dear friend looked so calm, so placid in eternal rest, that lingering semblance of a smile forever on his lips. Death was a particularly hard thing for Artorias to handle, but Sota's had struck his heart and soul deeper than most—almost as deep as the loss of his own mother. Sota had been a keystone to the Hallows, a founding member, a loyal and loving friend and brother. His presence around the Hallows would be deeply felt and sorely missed.

Choking back a sob rising in his throat, the dire brute lifted a giant paw to brush across the tiny wolf's forehead, soothing down some ruffled black and white fur. The cloth Sota rested on was knitted from white and black yarn similar to their departed friend's coat, with vibrant orange interwoven to symbolize how much he had been part of the Hallows. Around him Artorias had arranged sprigs of pale blue wisteria from the Hearthstone gardens, the symbol for lost love and remembrance, as well as new adventures to be had. That was the thought that brought Artorias some comfort in this moment—knowing that Sota was running free on a new adventure in whatever world came next, happy and unburdened by the cares of this life.

With glowing teal tears pooling in the corners of his eyes, Artorias leaned his head down to place a gentle kiss atop his pack brother's crown. "You were the best of us, Sota. I hope wherever you are, you're climbing all the trees you can find. I'll see you again in the next life, brother," he whispered in a voice hoarse with grief, his breath barely disturbing the fur around Sota's brow. He then placed a sprig of blue wisteria within Sota's still paws before stepping back from the pyre. He howled a mournful summons across the Hallows, calling all those who wished to pay their final respects to Sota, to leave him gifts and offerings and see him off on his final grand adventure one last time.

ooc: Next round of the funeral with be posted November 17th

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian"

Death was never an easy thing to process. Grieving still felt foreign to the young Carpathian girl as she crossed the plains toward the funeral pyre set up amongst the soft spring grasses. Winter had faded back into the warmth Auster was used to, but with it went one of the Hallows' most beloved members. Ember hadn't gotten to spend as much one on one time with Sota as she would have wished to, but she had seen him around the castle, listened to his stories at their bonfires, found his warm and loving presence to be like he was her uncle. And now he was just... gone. Just like that. Mortality had a grim way of sobering one to the harshness of reality. Any one of them could die at any time. They were all just living with what they were given.

The sun was heading for the horizon, sinking gradually behind the western sea as twilight began to claim the land. Funerals were always held at twilight, and while she hadn't fully understood the significance behind the timing of the ceremony as a pup, Ember now realized it was the perfect time to say goodbye to their departed loved ones. There was a somber mood that came with twilight; one of reverence and remembrance, where light slipped into darkness and day transitioned into night. It was when the glow of the pyre's flames would be seen the brightest as they bid farewell to Sota. Ember had never put much thought into the importance of the time. Now she knew just how much it deeply meant.

Approaching her sire, Ember met Artorias' subdued gaze with a look of empathy and caring. Sota had meant so much to everyone, but her father took every loss like a personal blow to his heart. He felt deeply for all the wolves of the Hallows. Maybe that was what made him such an inspiring leader to everyone else; that stalwart and unwavering love and compassion he held for his family, both blood and bond. Em paused just long enough to nuzzle her massive sire's shoulder before she stepped over to the pyre, trying not to tear up as she looked down at Sota's peaceful form with a tender smile.

"I wish I'd had more time to go on adventures with you, Sota. I hope I'll see you again one day and you can show me how to climb trees too," Em spoke through watery eyes. Ember then lifted a simple charm necklace from around her neck and laid it across Sota's chest—a tree made from rippling Carpathian steel for their little tree-climbing brother. Leaning down, Ember gave Sota's shoulder a gentle nuzzle and spoke reverently to him alone, "Never stop chasing the horizon." With her offering made, Ember stepped away so others could see Sota and she could mourn quietly off to the side. Gods, she hated funerals...

"Ember Carpathius" | "Carpathian"