Golden Glade Amaaaaaaaaaaaazing Grace, How Sweeeeeeeeet The Sound

As a funeral, Alder expects everyone to be here, so this is Mandatory! (The pups are not expected to come, but they can if they want to follow their parents. Sorrel and Kieran can be left behind for a short time (Since overall this might last like half an hour their time)or brought with and kept carefully warmed.) Dated to December 2nd. @Shalon and @Freya I think they're back by now and would be updated, @Aspen @Eden @Heartha @Bramble @Tulip @Hawthorn @Rose @Sylvas Streiter

It was with a heavy heart did Alder dig that Winter morning -- he scraped at the stiff earth with worn nails for hours until there was a good sized grace -- with a feeling of hatred for that pale bitch Aeronwyn at the unhealed wounds littering Estelle's body. It wasn't the cause of her death, and Alder knew it -- upon telling Eden, the new mother had explained what had brought the suicide upon the blind woman -- but that didn't make things any better in his mind. Aero was the only he could blame, not being a believer of deities or gods as he was, but that didn't bring Estelle back. 

He had failed her. 

Gulping down the bile that rose in his throat, Alder leapt from the grave and shook the loose dirt from his pelt. Though it was the family members who were supposed to dig and the leaders who brought the body, Alder had chosen to do it in lieu of Eden. It wasn't wise to leave the newborns unattended for very long, but worse for them to be out here in the bitter cold of an early Winter morning. The tunnels could at least provide warmth for the pups long enough for everyone to show up, Alder was sure.

Tipping back his head, the King of Royal fire Court howled for the rest of his wolves. It was not a question or request, but a call to everyone that demanded their presence. This was one of the most important times to be united and respectful, after all. Beside him lay the corpse of Estelle, yet to be cleaned of dirt, blood, or grime. Much as it made his heart twinge to see who he'd started to think of as his apprentice and good friend in such a state, he didn't move to clean her -- that was the duty of the pack, together. They would share stories of her, say good things, lower her into the earth afterwards, and then the leaders would cover her.

For now, he waited somberly for someone to show up and share the burden on his shoulders.

Alder's call rang out through the tunnels and through the forest. It was a sad day and Aspen was not really looking forward to the events that were to come but they were inevitable. She rose from the far side of the den where she had been watching the pups playing amongst themselves. She padded over to them. "Listen up for a minute," she spoke to her children. "I have an errand to run, I won't be gone long. You can follow me if you want, I won't be mad, but you won't like what you'll see. Don't say I didn't warn you," she stated calmly before turning tail and trailing down the tunnels and out into the world. She turned her head back towards the entrance to see Tiger had in fact followed her.

The silver queen let out a disappointed sigh before flicking her tail indicating for the child to follow. "You've got to be quiet though okay," she muttered softly to Tiger. The two walked on her head held high but her tail hung low in sadness. She couldn't help the tear that rolled down her cheek. She had not know Estelle well, but it still hurt to loose a member of their pack. Especially one so close to Eden.

Aspen padded to where Alder was standing and nuzzled into her remaining evver quiet and hoping Tiger would do the same. She wasn't pleased that the pup was there but she supposed hse may have to deal with it someday, why not start young.

Aspen gave a sad glance to the body of Estelle littered in wounds that hadn't been given the chance to heal. She shook her head slightly before taking a seat beside her mate and looking down at the princess to make sure she did the same.

PP myself because I'm okay with it. Posting with Tiger anyways :D

Already knowing the cause for Alder's chilling call, Eden took up the scruff of both Sorrel and Kieran and began to make her way to the grave. Though the air was dangerously low temperatures for such young bodies to endure, to Eden, nothing showed more disrespect than neglecting to bring the pups to the woman who saved their lives.
Fatigued and sore, she lay down and adjusted the pups to her teats, curling around them for extra protection. She made sure that they did not lie on the ground, but rather on her paws which managed a full circle in front of her abdomen. Eden was distorted and uncomfortable, but her experience was weak in the light of Estelle's. Alder, Aspen, she greeted, temporarily neglecting the child's presence. There were no tears, nor was there pain, for all that the new mother could fathom was gratitude. Of course she hated that this was the price that needed to be paid, but Estelle had done so without practice, and the family's pride was what she deserved.

Tiger had Rowan pinned down for a brief moment but her mother spoiled the moment by coming over and speaking to them. She climbed off her brother frowning but listening intently as her mother spoke. Her mother stated that she had an errand to run but that she wouldn't mind if a pup were to follow. Aspen did however warn the children that they might not like what they saw. 

As aspen turned to leave Tiger stood bravely and began to follow her. Not a care to what her siblings thought of her. She would prove to them she was not scared of anything. Tiger trailed behind her mother and watched as her mother noticed she was there. The silver queen stated that Tiger would have to remain quiet which was not something she was good at but she still nodded.

It wasn't long before they reached a somewhat open area with a rather unusual hole in the ground. Also her father and eden were there with another wolf. But..something didn't seem right about this other wolf. It was not moving. Without thinking Tiger went over to the unmoving wolf and looked up at her dad and then her mum and over to Eden who was nursing two potatoes. "What's up with her?" she stated rather obnoxsciously but it could not be helped. How was a 2 month old supposed to know this wolf was no longer with them. 

Tiger moved to sit somewhere between her father and mother but still with in eyesight of the other wolf in case it decided to move. Tiger was determined to get an introduction to this wolf she had yet to meet.

Rowan and Tiger had been tusseling on the cool tunnel floor when Aspen approached -- the twin clambered off of him, and though Rowan grumbled, he too turned to Mother with a faint smile. Her words wiped it away, however, and he listened with a frown -- he would not like what he saw, but that would not keep him from his mother. Even at this point in his life, she was the dearest thing to his heart and he strove to protect and please her but he didn't always want to listen, per say. 

Behind the ginger Princess he strode, choosing only to let the women lead because his mother was one of them. He kept only feet back, taking his time in following and taking in all the sights his sensitive eyes finally picked up in the hazy morning light. 

When they came upon his father in the forest, Rowan's brow furrowed -- what was going on? Why wouldn't he have liked thi- oh. 

Beside Father, there was the body of a wolf. His snowy, silver tinged pelt rose, and it was at that moment he rushed to the side of Aspen. The eldest Brood boy danced around her paws, keeping under her belly but staying out of her way until they settled at the head of what would soon be the pack. This, he was already familar with, and he loved the attention -- but why was the body here?

Tigerlily's question rang out in his perked ears, and he snorted at once. 

                       "S'not nice, Tiger." 

His words, for once, did not hold the malice it usually did in his scolding, were softer than they'd ever been in his life. He was too curious to really be mean right now.

Rose watched on as her older siblings collided with each other as usual and while she felt bad for her smaller brother, the russet girl never made any move against her sister. From what the young girl could tell, Rowan seemed to enjoy the fights with Tiger to a certain extent and Rose had always wondered why? What good did it do to beat up on others? Even if one of her siblings would make an attack on her the girl would never return the pain, she loved them far too much. But pain was something that Rose could not fully comprehend, at least not yet. 

Her mother's words caused the girl's head to turn and she watched as her two older siblings bounded after their silver queen. Rose remained behind for a minute and threw Hawthorn a curious glance. She wished for her younger brother to come along, but she wouldn't push him to do so. And with that the young princess stood and began after her family, anxious to see what lie ahead. 

She eventually caught up to the rest of the group and upon seeing her dad, the russet girl rushed forward to greet him with a head bump to the leg if he allowed her to do so. Her blue eyes caught sight of the unmoving wolf and Rose, unaware of what had happened, innocently asked "She s-sweeping?" The stranger's eyes were closed and she looked liked she was sleeping, so that had to be the answer...right?

Heartha moved from her den in the winter morning to Alder's call. Her feet were cold as she treaded lightly across the ground. Once she arrived, what she saw shocked her. They had lost a member. If her pups had followed, she would not have wanted them to see this. Alder had done the burying, a hard job considering that the member, despite Heartha not having met her personally, but Alder might have.

She stood there with a mourning expression. "I am sorry, Alder...Who is she? I don't think I ever met her."

Shalon slowly made her way toward the call. She too was not looking forward to the procession, but knew it had to be done. With a somber expression on her face, Shalon joined the few that were already around, surprised to see pups, but supposed it would be a good learning experience. Shalon dipped her head to the King and Queen. Before her silver gaze fell on the grave of her fallen pack-mate. They weren't particularily close, but it still hurt to know that she had been alone. She tried to catch Eden's eye, to convey her sympathy. Slowly Shalon came to sit on beside Aspen, awaiting the remainder of their pack-mates to join them.

Freya had been away from the pack since she returned with Shalon on their somewhat failure of a mission. Maybe longer then she should have but she felt that she was in a calm place with herself. Her time alone allowed her time to greave for her pup and now it seemed other would be greaving for another. 

She heard the call and was unaware of why. Jogging to where everyone way she soon peiced together the peices of this sad puzzle. The king and queen and their heirs stood together beside the body of what she assumed was a fallen pack member. Hearing the pups speak about the situation she had a sad smile upon her face as she heard their innocent question about the serious matter. 

She looked around at the others there and saw Heartha walk up to Alder and Freya listened in with the same question, but also not wanting to burden anyone further by asking the same question over.

Sylvas had already been wandering outside in the cold air, the brute having kept to his routine of marking the borders, regardless of the situation that had befallen the pack. Even though they had lost a member, it didn't mean that Sylvas could stray from his duties. Deep down, the male silently mourned the sudden loss of Estelle, though the sadness that filled him was more for his mate, Eden. As much as Sylvas wanted to protect her, he knew he couldn't protect her from the pain of losing yet another family member.

As Alder's howl echoed across the terrain, Sylvas' paws instantly guided him toward the location of his sorrowful song. The brown colored male hurried, soon finding himself to be the last to arrive at the ceremony, his stare looking to each wolf  and pup slowly as they gathered around the freshly clawed body of Estelle. An anxious sigh escaped him as he lowered his head in a bow to the others around, though the mercenary was in truth more focused on reaching Eden's side. Soon his amber eyes locked onto her form, a small smile appearing as he noticed their pups were also present; warmly and carefully nestled within her embrace.

As he came closer, Sylvas offered a bow to the King and Queen, eyes peering to the ground as he remained silent, slowly and quietly taking a place beside Eden. In truth he didn't know what to say as he lowered himself to sit beside his mate, though still, respectfully allowing her some room as she nursed their pups at such a difficult time.

For the sake of keeping it going from here on, there is no posting order, but please just post once a round! Nadia, I just assumed she'd explained why Estelle did what she did -- let me know if thats not okay and you'd rather Eden give the news.

The Royal Fire Court surrounded him in this time of strife, and he welcomed each with a somber nod and a weak smile. He was silent to most, offering Eden a gentle nuzzle but two little voices called attention -- surprisingly, one was not Rowan -- and his blue eye fell sharply first on Tigerlily. 

                            "Tigerlily. Hold your tongue, or go back. This is a time to be respectful and thankful for what Estelle has done for the Court."

His words were commanding of his eldest living daughter, and the harsh glare he gave her made it clear that a punishment would come should she rebel. 
Next, his blue eye turned to Rose, softening and shaking his head to the younger twin. He dipped his head to their level, motioning the three of his present children closer to listen and learn. 

                                                                "No, Rose. The life has left her body, but she no longer hurts and will know no hardship. Do you understand, little ones?"

As the last wolves filed in, Alder sat up straighter -- he had a job to do, any other questions could be answered by their mother --  to address Heartha's question and start the funeral.

                                                                                                          "Estelle. She came into the Court and helped Eden in her pregnancy and while she was sick. Aeronwyn had attacked her days earlier, but she gave her life as a sacrifice to her gods to help Eden's litter. She's earned an everlasting place in the Royal Fire Court family, despite her short time here."

At this, he turned to Eden -- she could say the first words about her cousin, share a story perhaps: whatever she felt she needed to say, but he also swept his half-gaze over the rest of his family in the same invitation.

Aspen frowned as the pups appeared to have followed her though Hawthorn had not. She couldn't help but wonder if he would be alright all by himself in there but it would not be a smart idea for her to leave this ceremony now. 

The queen's eyes narrowed and she let out a low growl at Tiger's comments. She couldn't blame the wolf for not knowing better but her comment was not appreciated either. The fae picked her up by the scruff and placed the russet girl between her paws. 

Aspen glanced to rose who innocently questioned if the fae was sleeping and the queen listened as Alder rather bluntly explained she was not sleeping but in fact dead. Aspen cringed internally as that was not how she would have explained it to a almost 2 month old, but at the same time. They had to learn some day.  Aspen nudged Rose and her brother closer to her making sure Tiger and Rowan didn't start beating eachother up or something.  

Aspen then let her mind return to the task at hand. The burial of Estelle. Alder spoke explaining the gist of what had happened to Estelle and as he finished the queen began to speak. "Estelle was a key member of the court as are the rest of you unfortunately her journey here with us came to an end and she will begin a new life with various other wolves in the afterlife. May she forever rest in peace," Aspen stated dipping her head in sorrow and letting her eyes fall closed. Though Aspen had not known the female well, any loss to the pack was significant.

feel free to skip thorn :)

Hawthorn was sleeping - or at least, he was pretending to do so when his mother spoke. He listened, but did not move, deciding that that he didn't want to gather with his family and the pack simply because he wasn't in the mood to interact with them. But as he opened a blue eye and caught sight of the glance that Rose threw him, he debated whether or not to leave the den. Hawthorn was nothing if he was not stubborn, and so he watched with narrowed eyes and a fierce expression as they all departed form the den.

Several minutes later, he rose onto his paws and padded out, albeit almost reluctantly. He caught up with the rest of the group soon enough and silently crept behind the larger wolves, slithering through the narrow gaps until he made his way to the front where he could see everything clearly, but was also sort of hidden from everyone else. Hawthorn remained silent as he observed what was going on, eyes roaming over the various wolves before landing on the one that was still as stone. Something was wrong he could tell.

He disobeyed his own rule on remaining quiet and spoke up, his voice low but surprisingly clear. "If she not alive," he began, blue orbs wide, "what is she?" He wanted to know what the official word for 'not alive' was, because surely it couldn't be 'nolive'. "What happened?" he continued to question, the words pouring from his maw relentlessly. "Why she like that? What did this?"

Eden listened, expressionless, as the words were shared among her peers. Estelle had done something so brave, so courageous, and she would be respected as nothing less than a martyr, fighting for her family name. A small smile fell across her face as Hawthorn asked his questions, and she didn't hesitate to answer them. She left her bosy, is all. She's still here, with all of us. It was her own decision to join the Others. Unsure of whether or not the child would understand a topic as complex as death, she continued in her explanation. She wanted to leave so that Sorrel and Kieran could come into the world. With that, Eden moved her hindleg slightly to the side, revealing the suckling babes.

Estelle was a leader of the faith. She was the woman I consulted whenever my heart fell low or my mind raced to places where I couldn't reign it back in. We were seperated as young wolves, both training for our spots at leadership; I was to rule as a dominant leader and she would be my right hand to be sure that I ruled according to ancient scripts. Then, we met again, after each of us survived our own sets of tribulations. I am grateful for the time I had with my cousin, and for the sacrifices she made for my family. I won't forget her, nor will my children. They will be raised to know the faith and to understand why Estelle was such a gift to our name. Her soul is with the Beings now, so she will never truly die. I hope that her body finds its way into La Terre's hands where she will lie for ages to come.

Once her speech was over, she sniffled a bit and looked at each attentive pair of eyes, having satisfied herself and the Beings surrounding her.

Tigerlily was scolded by everyone who was present after she spoke which caused her tail to tuck and her ears to flatten as she scuffled her way to hide by her mothers leg. Apparently she had done something wrong. She was just asking a question...what was so wrong about that.

Everyone here seemed so sad and that made Tigerlily realize as they spoke that maybe this wolf was no longer with them. Which disappointed the girl but selfishly Tiger couldn't help but continue to think about how or what she had said/done that had been so bad.  Perhaps it had been the way she worded it, but those were the only words she could think of.

She listened as the white wolf teacher she had come to know as Eden spoke more of Estelle explaining she had left this land so that Eden's children could be born. As Eden shifted to show that she had two youngsters with her Tigerlily peered trying to get a good look at them. Well at least these ones weren't related to her. Everyone else her age was. Even Bramble and Tulip.

That was a whole different story. Right now Tiger just sat staring quietly at each wolf as they spoke or moved and refusing to say anything else.

ROUND 2, cleaning of the fur and burial. Feel free to add any stories about Estelle, or well wishes for her soul.

Shalon didn't know the girl very well, but that didn't matter. She was a member of the Court, and that meant she was important to every person here. Slowly she stepped forward, the grave was already dug, now they just needed to clean her body. Coming alongside the body of the fallen packmember, Shalon began to groom the girl. A tear silently fell from her eye as she continued to wash the woman. It was a sad day for all within the Court. She silently prayed to the stars that Estelle would find peace as she found her place among the twinkles in the sky.

Heartha remained silent, as she had not known Estelle. At Alder's words, Heartha felt honored to be near her. Her heart softened at Eden's speech. Obviously, they had a strong connection. That was what she guessed. Heartha moved next to the body and began grooming where she could, without getting in the way of others. She would do her part, even if she didn't know her. Because she had still been part of the pack.

Sylvas remained silent as he listened to each wolves sentimental speech about their fallen comrade, Estelle. The mercenary peered to the ground as he let out a small sigh, tail curling about his paws as he then slowly glanced over to his mate. Amber eyes watched her as she continued bravely through this difficult time. Sylvas had no words of his own to share, for the male; along with a few other members of the pack, hadn't known the woman very well, so he sat and merely listened.

As the time came to clean the body, Sylvas gradually lifted himself from the floor and approached the scarred corpse. Golden eyes observed as the others began to clean Estelle's form. The brute's pink tongue flicked out from his mouth to lick at his muzzle for a moment and as his paws brought him closer, Sylvas allowed his tongue to escape once more to clean the blood and dirt that clung to her pelt.