In recent weeks, Artorias had not dared to leave Hallowed lands, hanging around the castle like a phantom haunting the halls. He had been so afraid that if he left, something terrible would happen with Resin and he wouldn't be around to help. So much of his life was falling apart at the seams, changing and evolving like a phoenix burning to death and rising anew from its own ashes. The world was burning currently; soon it would be nothing but ashes, and what phoenix would rise from that, only time would tell. He had stayed the course, kept strong in body, mind, and spirit for his family's sake. He had to be that pillar of strength they could collapse on when they stumbled. If he crumbled under the weight of life, his family would go down with him. That could not happen.

Rudyard's disappearance for a month had been hard to cope with, especially when it fell to him alone to nurture Tamsyn's failing spirit and keep the pack running with Ulric. The last time Artorias had seen his brother, the two had exchanged heated words, and he had lost control of his temper. It was the same loss of control that had almost pushed him to kill Sirius, the loss of control he was most afraid of and working to learn how to manage. Now with his family reuniting towards what would undoubtedly be the closing of this chapter, he had to make sure the bridge between him and Rudy that he'd set on fire didn't burn down completely.

For the first time in a while, Artorias had stepped beyond the pack borders, heading towards the western sea he loved so much. Summer was fast coming across Auster, the warm and humid days helping to melt the snow away into slush and mud, and green grass was starting to be seen again. Flowers and other plants would soon join, and the world would come back to life. He was sure Gwynevere would be happy about that. Artorias walked towards the shore, heading for a rocky cliff that stood just outside the castle and overlooked the golden beach and the clear blue waters. Tipping his head to the sky, Artorias gave a call for his brother, hoping that he would heed it so they could reconcile. Then he sat down on the cliffside and waited, watching Corbin sway gracefully in the coastal breeze just above his head.

"Artorias" | "Corbin"

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.
____________________

Rudy had been out hunting but so far had come up empty.  His intent had been medium-sized prey but so far all he’d found was a rabbit he had chased with only partial focus and thus it had easily alluded him.  Sitting down he stared up at the sky and searched for an answer he knew wouldn’t come.  Running off for help from other wolves who could speak had been pointless so it wasn’t very likely the silent sky was about to drop any answers on him.  
Artorias howl rang out through the sky.

Rudy’s lip twisted up in bitter amusement.  Ask the sky for an answer and get a result huh?  After their last conversation, Rudy wasn’t sure how this one would go nor did he really want to have it.  Maybe he shouldn’t have gotten so upset at Art chewing him out but there it was.  They had always been on the same side, always.  It was one of those constants in life that you just come to accept without realizing just how important it becomes. Art had always been there for him, always.  Rudy ran to Art’s howl before he even decided to respond.  Rudy couldn’t say he was looking forward to the encounter but he could hardly deny Art’s call, not his brother.  Whatever the disagreement they were brothers and Rudy wouldn’t let that go.  Even before he arrived Rudy felt ready to defend himself against any fault tossed at him.  Last time Rudy had been engrossed with pain and guilt at his own belief and actions but now there was frustration and hidden anger deep down that was hard to keep under control.  

The boy was surprised that Art hadn’t chosen for them to meet up away from the pack land.  Lately, he kept within and never quit working.  Noble and dedicated to be sure so, what now?  When he spotted Art Rudy moved forward at a walk.  Art appeared fine so most of the concern slipped aside back to wary curiosity.  A breeze sent Rudy’s fur to dancing momentarily, the beach and water was admittedly a nice sight but not his focus of the moment.  

“What’s up?” Rudy’s question sounded casual but there was still a defensive wariness to his posture.  This seemed all too familiar to when he had called Art away from the castle to talk about things presenting a bitter taste in his mouth to go with the bitter memory.  Rudy was going to lose his mom at some point and there was a hidden fear that he might lose his brother in another way.  How much of what Art had said was really meant?  Anger could make you say things you don’t mean, it could also have you speak truths you just normally kept hidden.  

Rudyard Carpathius

In the time it took for Rudy to come find him, Artorias had already run through twenty different ways to try and say what he wanted to say. He and Rudy had always been the closest of friends, thick as thieves brothers that couldn't be separated. When his brother had run off from them in their time of need, Art had felt nothing but anger for Rudy. But as the days dragged into weeks, Artorias' anger had changed into worry. He hadn't seen hide nor hair of his little brother, and the longer he went without seeing him, the more he began to fear the worst. What if something had happened to Rudyard? What if he had been hurt and unable to get help? What if he was dead somewhere in the world, never to be found? He'd never know what befell his brother, never get to see him or speak to him again, and that worry terrified him. He couldn't let the last things he'd said to Rudy be from a place of anger, sorrow, and spite.

Artorias' ear flicked back when he heard the crunching of grass coming up behind him. He glanced over his shoulder to his mottled gray brother, noting the guarded look in his eyes and the way he seemed on edge just being near him. That crushed Art's spirit inside. He never thought he would ever see the day when his brother looked at him like that. "Sit with me?" he asked, motioning with a flick of his head to the space beside him. He looked back towards the ocean, the cool breeze ruffling his fur, still thick from the extended winter that he would now begin to shed as warmer days were upon them. He would wait to see if Rudy came to join him or not, then regardless he said, "I wanted to apologize for what I said the last time we talked. I was angry, and frustrated, and I lashed out at you."

It wasn't easy for Artorias to admit that he had hurt Rudy. That would mean he had failed him as a brother. But the truth of the matter was that he had. Both boys had been angry, and each took it out in a different way. He still didn't think Rudy was right for the way he gave in so quickly, but after having exhausted himself to the bone, Art wasn't too proud or stubborn to say he was wrong. "I'm sorry, Rudy. I shouldn't have spoken to you that way," he spoke after a moment's pause, still looking with sullen, tired eyes out over the sea.

"Artorias" | "Corbin"

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 was a lot calmer than the last time they spoke and certainly a good bit of time had passed since their last conversation.  Maybe had Rudy stayed in the pack and not run off to look for help he wouldn’t still be so upset but he’d had a lot of time alone to get lost in thoughts and memories, plenty of time to let Art’s angry words be repeated. Rudy nodded to the question, though if Art had looked at the sea it probably didn’t do much good.

Rudy moved over to sit next to his brother.  It felt so natural except, of course, for the friction that hung in the air.  The grey wolf imagined how this would normally play out, talk of training, or the future, or what happened during the day, and potentially ending in a fun spar.  

Rudy’s gaze was also on the sight before them, but all his focus was on the awareness of his brother, and indeed when he spoke Rudy was hanging onto every word. Rudy didn’t react to the apology at first.  His eyes looked out at the view before them, His mind seemed empty and while no words came at first tension was easing out of his muscles.  Art hadn’t called him out to put more faults on him.  He wasn’t trying to push him away.  

“It’s ok.” The acceptance of apology hadn’t come fast but when spoken it was sincere and humble,  “We were both upset but, did you mean it? Do you think I really aim just to be a ‘pretty face with a shallow smile and a fake crown?  Do you think I just want it to be about me?” The words were softly spoken as if to whisper in a crowded area instead of alone with Art here in a peaceful setting. Rudy wanted to just say no problem makeup and be done with it.  Art had just apologized and Rudy was letting the sense of distrust settle but was there any truth to Art’s past words?  If he didn’t ask and just had to wonder within then it would be a question to haunt his mind.  Art had called him out here for this so best to be open on it all now.

Best to know his brother's thoughts now.  Just get this all out.  If his brother saw him in such a fashion then how about everyone else?  

Rudyard Carpathius

Artorias appreciated how Rudy didn't immediately forgive him. His brother took his time, considered his words, and when the acceptance came he knew it was heartfelt and sincere. He appreciated how Rudy gave him his forgiveness readily, but Artorias just shook his head as soon as the words "It's okay" came out of his brother's mouth. It was decidedly not okay for him to talk to his own sibling that way, but he wasn't going to rebuke his brother's forgiveness. If he thought he was feeling crummy about how he had treated his brother before, Rudy really drove the stake through his heart when he asked if Art really believed he was just a pretty face with a shallow smile and a fake crown. The dark-furred boy cringed inwardly, flinching like he'd just been punched in the gut. He had regretted those words the moment he'd said them, but he hadn't had enough control to keep them from spilling out of his mouth at the time.

Instead of responding right away, Artorias instead turned and moved to wrap a foreleg around Rudy's shoulders, wanting to pull his brother closer for a hug. He had spent days worrying over his safety, praying he would return home all right, and now that he was back home all Art wanted to do was hold his brother and know he was okay. "No, I didn't mean it," he whispered back, but whereas Rudy's voice had been soft, Artorias' was hardened with love and resolution. There were no shades of gray in his regret and his apology. "I was so angry at the situation we were put in, so at a loss and desperate for an answer, and I just... boiled over when I didn't think you were trying. It wasn't fair to you. I know you were just handling things your way, the same way I was doing them mine. Just because our approaches were different doesn't mean one was right and the other wrong."

Artorias closed his eyes, taking a long, drawn out breath to steady himself and keep himself stable. He didn't need to be falling apart in front of Rudy—or any of his family for that matter. "I'm so glad you're all right. I missed you," he said, though the words were much less hard and softened by love now. He clung tighter to Rudy, afraid that if he let go his brother might run off again. "Where did you even go to, you dumb rebel?" His words were obviously in jest, said as one brother teasing the other and without any malice behind them, a weak chuckle under his breath to diffuse any perceived bad intentions.

"Artorias" | "Corbin"

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.
____________________

It was the best response Art could have given, not the words but the hug.  There could be no distance between them at the touch.  He let Art bring him in for a huge and even lifted his head up so that it rested against his brother’s jaw.  Rudy wasn’t getting his mom back but at least he had his brother back.  This was his brother and the bond it was supposed to be.  The bond so necessary at this moment for both of them.  Relief actually made things feel good for a moment.  There was still a horrible horrible reality to face but at least for a moment, he could acknowledge relief that at least something was right.  It’s a lot easier for a rope to be strong when it was two braided strands instead of one.

“You always were the more hotheaded one of us,” the words offered in mild jest.  Maybe not as chipper as always, but it was still said with a bit of mirth not used in a good while and also doing his part to toss away any tension.  

“C’mon, of course, I’m alright.  I’m a Carpathius, we’re too tough to let a little time roaming alone be any problem.  Though, maybe I missed you a little.”  Time to wear the name as a badge of honor, right?  Mom's name would at least live on and they'd make themselves worthy of it.  Rudy soaked in the contact another moment but then pulled back but now it was actually looking at his brother instead of the scenery and instead of guarded face there was that old amused expression offered to Art.  Things between Art and Rudy at least were right.

“Oh, several places.” Rudy hesitated as he hadn’t planned on going into tales of exploits with so much wrong at home but with the opening surely at least a little could be offered up, “I started off close enough, just over at the dam.  When that didn’t work out I went north back to Boreas, skirted around the pack out past the fjord and made my way north.  My last stop before turning around was a prairie.  Things look different there than before ya know?  Not just the snow but nothing looks as big as it did when we first moved here.”  When they had traveled to their new home they had been smaller and the world a big place they weren’t able to go exploring on their own.  

Fur Rudy it was still a short enough answer.  After all if he went into who he met then it would bring into the conversation that none of them had the answer he sought which meant back to the horrible fact that neither of them could save mom so for now, no need to chat about the meetings he had. “Next time I go traveling I’ll be sure to drag you along.  It’d be a lot more fun that way.”  That wouldn't be any time soon.  It wasn't time to play and it could be a good while with how things were shaping up.  There was work to be done but, they would do it together.

Rudyard Carpathius

Artorias couldn't help but laugh when Rudy stated that he was the more hot-tempered of the two. Boy, if that wasn't the understatement of the year... He thought briefly to how his anger had caused him to stab Sirius more times that he could count. He knew the extent of what his anger could do, and he was working so hard on keeping it curbed, not just for himself, but for the protection of everyone else too. Hearing Rudyard proudly declare himself as a Carpathius, and as such was above the dangers of the world, brought a smile to Art's lips. He had wanted their family name not just as a unifying quality between all of them—blood-born and adopted—but also as their legacy. They would become a family as noble and renowned as the Fatalises, Kleins, and Abraxases of Boreas. Carpathius would become synonymous with strength, honor, protection, loyalty. He would see to it in his every action.

Art only withdrew from their embrace once Rudy started to shift back again, meeting his brother's golden gaze while he began to recount all of the places he had been to in search of a cure for their mother. He had to hand it to the yearling, he had certainly done his fair share of traveling, going as far north as the western territories of Boreas it seemed! Even though he hadn't said it explicitly, Artorias knew that Rudy's journey had been fruitless. When the boy returned to the Hallows and didn't immediately gush about how he'd found some miracle cure for Resin, he knew. But Rudy had taken the initiative and put in the effort to try—and gods be damned, did he try! He wouldn't disparage his brother for making the attempt when it had all the best intentions. For now, he just smiled and listened while Rudy regaled him with his adventures.

"It sounds like you've had quite the trip," he remarked with a low chuckle, then tapped Rudy's chest with a paw when he promised to take Art along next time. "I'm gonna hold you to that. You know how much I wanna see the rest of the world." There was a moment of sobering silence after that, allowing Artorias to just look at his brother and reflect on the past season. Winter had been hard on them all, but there was still work that needed to be done, tasks to be taken care of around the pack. "Have you seen Mom since you've been back?" he asked with trepidation, knowing the last time he had seen Resin, she couldn't even remember who he was. Had Rudy had a similar experience, or had he avoided the dungeons altogether? He wouldn't have blamed his brother if he had. Watching Resin waste away into a snarling feral monster had been the most difficult thing he'd had to do. He wouldn't wish it on his worst enemy.

Lastly, there was one last conversation the two needed to have before everything could return to the way it was before the shitstorm. "What do you think of Ulric taking over as Aegis?" he asked, then slowly led into, "Congratulations on earning Knight, by the way. Knight Rudyard makes you sound far more regal and mature than that puppy I almost accidentally drowned." He grinned and chuckled, that memory of play-fighting on the beach seeming like a lifetime ago already. He very carefully danced around his own rank within the pack now, not wanting to bring it up in case it was still a sore spot for his little brother.

"Artorias" | "Corbin"

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.
____________________

“Yah, would have been more fun under other circumstances but it was still good.” Almost more the memory of the travel was better than it.  “Think I learned a few things too, so that’s good.”  Rudy could learn things, he just always seemed to have to experience challenges to learn from them.  “It’ll be great when we can do it together.  Though, with everything going on and your new rank, you might be needed around here a lot for us to go far ya know.” It was both said in jest but some truth to it.  That was one of those things about leadership, some things had to be given up to gain it.  It was totally worth it though and it didn’t mean they couldn’t travel, just not as much.

The more serious topic had to come, “Not yet, I was going to later today though.  How is she?” Rudy didn’t know if he really wanted the answer but how could he not ask?  It was like not wanting Gwynn poking at home when injured; unwanted but necessary.  “Well, I guess I’ll learn soon enough anyway.” He wanted mom to be mom, just one more time.

“I kind of thought mom would take over but, Ulric isn’t a bad choice.  He’s a pretty level-headed guy and he’s got a good personality that a wolf can trust.  If he says a thing I trust him to keep to it.  Past that I guess we’ll have to see.” Rudy wasn’t ready for leadership yet nor was Art so this was for the best.  Rudy smirked at the mention of knight, “yup, I got the title you wanted and you got the title I wanted,” there was a soft laugh when he said it.  “Though I guess baron is kind of like a senior knight or such really.”  

What did he think of Art as a knight? Rudy grinned, the largest grin since this horrible mess had started and there was even that trouble-maker sparkle in his eye. “Proves I was right all the time.  You didn’t question me being alpha nearly as much as yourself.” Rudy shrugged, “I’ll catch up, you need to get use to the idea and gain confidence in it before me right?  So, what I think? I think this proves I was right and you shouldn’t doubt me when I talk about our futures.”  No sore point there apparently at all.  “Congrats on the baron title Art, you’ve more than earned it.  I’ll be up there with you later I’m sure.  I know my future.” Art was on his side again and there was nothing he couldn’t manage so long as they were together.  Well, except saving mom.  Ouch.  He felt better for a few moments.  “Have you told mom about your promotion yet?  She’d be really proud.”

That topic was too painful to end it on and Rudy quickly followed it up. “Yup, came a long way and it’d be harder to drown me now.” The grin was weaker this time but Rudy managed it, “I’m taller.”  Rudy nodded to the water, “We need another beach spar at some point to prove it, don’t you think?”

Rudyard Carpathius

Again, Artorias scoffed and rolled his eyes. He didn't care what rank he held in the pack, he would never be too busy for his family, and he let Rudy know that right away. "I'm always going to have time to go adventuring with you, Rudy. No rank is gonna stop be from doing things with you." The smile on his face started to falter a little when Rudy asked how Resin was doing. He didn't answer right away, not sure how to break that news to his brother, but fortunately Rudy dismissed it by saying he'd find out soon enough anyway. That was the truth... Anyone who had been near the dungeons recently had heard the tortured wails and howls of what had once been their mother down in the prison. Even now, the sound still haunted his thoughts. Gods, how could she have gotten so bad so fast...?

He gave a slow nod of his head as Rudy summed up his thoughts on Ulric taking over the pack. True, he had also sort of expected Tamsyn to take over after Resin was no longer fit, but their younger mother had also never shown a desire for leadership the way Resin and Ulric had. That, coupled with the trauma she had recently endured, made it understandable why she had stepped aside. But Ulric had proven himself to be a good wolf and a good leader thus far. All they could do was put their faith in him to lead the way Resin had intended the Hallows to be. When Rudy pointed out how they had ended up with the titles the other had gunned for, he couldn't help but smirk and snicker. It was ironic when you looked at it that way. "Oh no, am I going to have to listen to you lord that over me for the rest of my life? You were right, so now I'm never gonna hear the end of it?" he joked, nudging his brother's shoulder with a paw. "Good! You better catch up to me, because your fighting training is now my responsibility. If you don't, you'll make me look bad!"

Rudy congratulated him on his rank, and Art smiled bashfully. "Thanks, Rudy. I really didn't expect it, but that means a lot coming from you," he said, ears folded to his head sheepishly. Rudy asked if he'd told Resin about his promotion, and Artorias' mood deflated again, his eyes dimming and the smile freezing on his face. "And who might you be?" Resin's words echoed in his brain and cut through his heart. "...I tried..." he said after a moment, his voice low and hurt. Artorias chewed on his lip for a moment, trying to decide whether to tell Rudy about what had happened or not. He didn't want to scare his brother away from seeing their mother before she passed. "She... didn't recognize me at all. Didn't know who I was, didn't know my name, didn't even remember the Hallows or Mama. It was like... she's alive, but her memories have all been erased." He looked back to Rudy with a serious expression on his face. "I'm not telling you to not go see her. You should. Just... be prepared for the worst if you do—and try to not let it get to you. I wasn't prepared for what I got..." And now he couldn't stop thinking about it.

Artorias couldn't hold back the laughter when Rudy stated he couldn't be drowned this time because he was taller. Rudy's logic was always so simple and straightforward it was impossible to keep a straight face around him sometimes. "Oh, definitely!" he agreed to the mention of a beach spar. "I've been meaning to work on my footing in unstable terrain and that would be the perfect test! Plus we can get your skills up so you can earn a Templar spot. If I'm really going to be made the next alpha, you know damn well that I'm going to need my brother up at the top with me." He gave Rudy an easier smile since it was the truth. Resin had her council that she kept with Tamsyn and the most skilled members of the pack. If he became Aegis, he would want Rudy leading his council in some form. He loved and trusted his brother and needed him with him to lead their pack in their mother's vision.

"Artorias" | "Corbin"

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.
____________________

So the Baron planned to find time to go off on wild adventures with him, did he?   “Well then, we’ve got work ahead of us don’t we?” Rudy let out a potentially overly dramatic sigh.  “Lots of work to do.  Gotta train up some of the other wolves to be just as solid at defending.  We’ll need more that can hunt.  You know, not really a lot of trained hunters here?” Rudy had never put much thought into it until mom was gone.  Rudy imagined it was a good thing he’d focused on hunting before fighting. “I’m gonna start taking out whoever else wants to hunt, including those who don’t have any practice yet.”  Rudy looked from his brother’s smug face to the beach and offered the beach a small smile, “It’s up to us to make sure everyone can handle themselves when we do step away.  They have Ulric right now but, this is our pack.  Always has been and its our job to keep things running right regardless of how fancy our titles are.” Rudy could be serious, at least when speaking of the future he saw set before him.

Rudy’s grin came back more full at Art’s concern for Rudy holding over the fact he’d been right.  Damn straight he’d never hear the end of it.  “Let’s face it Art, between us you’re the brawn and I’m the brains, of course, I’m going to hold that over you,“ said with an amused smirk. Rudy rolled his eyes at having to catch up to his brother.  “Yah, yah.  I need better fighting skills I know, I know.  Look, mom said its harder to master everything at once and I should focus on one thing.” A moment's pause, not to think on the mom he just mentioned but to take in Art’s attention, still smiling “Do you think that would stop me from trying? I had to learn everything at the same time so, I get slowed down a little.  You’ll need my wide repertoire of skills at somepoint.”  That could also be labeled as Rudy not being good at just focusing on one task at a time.  However, the way he said it sounded better.  It was a relief Rudy could find the words again, find words to anything he needed to say and to find his smile back.

The hard part arrived.  Art talking about mom and how she was.  Rudy wanted to look back to the beach as Art spoke but instead kept his eyes locked onto Art.  Coming back meant picking up the attempt to take on trying to ease others' hurts.  Rudy had to take the emotional pains and try to lighten other wolves loads, that was his job.  Everyone in the pack was their family in a sense and no family member should have to suffer.  Maybe he wasn’t a noble knight to protect the pack from attacks against them physically but he’d do his best to protect them emotionally, somehow he’d learn to do that.  His fears of facing the new version of his mom was set aside into some small hurt part of his mind to handle the current situation. “Well, when I visit I’ll remind her also.  Even if she doesn’t remember, she’ll hear it and maybe between us if she doesn’t remember when we aren’t around it might make her smile later.  It's supposed to be on and off after all.  Nothing could put a smile on her like knowing that we can make her proud and she can trust us to carry on her name.”  

“Honestly Art, whatever title I took I’d always be there for you.  If I got tossed down to the lowest rank I wouldn’t care.” A moments pause, “Well, I would care and I’d be lecturing whatever wolf put me in that rank but, I’d still be there for you, even if you were the one needing the lecture.” Rudy didn’t expect it from Art, they were a team again and perhaps Rudy could even give Art more trust now after they had to test their friendship’s depth like this.  “I’m sorry when I make you look bad and win despite your training.  You’re better, but I have luck on my shoulder, riding me wherever I go.”  It sure felt that way at times.

“Anyway,” back to a more serious note.  “I decided something.  What do you think happens after someone dies anyway?  Where do they go?  Maybe Art, just maybe, they can still watch over us and see what we become.  I made a vow to mom, and I’m sure you made vow’s with you being you and so we have to live our life making those come true.  When she’s passed she’ll remember us.  When she’s passed we can make her smile again.”  Was it true?  Maybe and maybe not but it gave them something they could both use, something to strive for, and maybe a bit of hope.

Rudy had a mile-wide stubborn streak but now things were normal between them and so he could relent also.  “I’m sorry to Art.  I knew you were upset also and should have known you didn’t mean it.  Guess we were both too upset to think about things clearly."  Rudy looked at his brother a moment longer before smirking and leaping up to try and shove his brother over backward.  It was harder to surprise Art these days and get the jump on him, certainly if Art was braced there was no way to knock him over.  Right now his brother could use a good surprise.  Either way, with Art down or not, “You’re my brother, more than that, the one I trust most above all others to be there with me.  I won’t be stupid again.” If he got the tackle in he’d add on, “but, gotcha.”

Rudyard Carpathius

Artorias simply nodded when Rudy commented on how much work the Hallows had ahead of them. Between making sure their warriors were trained up in the case of another attack or raid, making sure they had enough skilled hunters, and replenishing the healers' supplies, it would be a long road to recovery for the pack—but they would make it. The Hallowed wolves were a strong, tight-knit family, and they had weathered the worst of the storm. But they would all need to be prepared to step up at a moment's notice. Resin had established the pack to continue running long after she was gone. They would have to follow in her footsteps and make sure the pack would continue to run once their time was done as well. He was happy to hear Rudy's determination for improving himself along with the rest of the pack as well. Learning and honing skills was something that never stopped, no matter how old or talented they got; there was always more to learn.

As was his personality, Rudy seemed to be a never-ending fountain of chatter, rolling right from one thought into another. Once upon a time, that might have been annoying, but now Artorias just found his chatterbox brother endearing. After having nearly lost him and worrying over him, he had come to appreciate his little brother's presence all the more. After all, without Rudy, he'd just be surrounded by his sisters, and that seemed like a fate too torturous to imagine! He smirked and chuckled when Rudy mentioned how he'd better not put him at the lowest rank in the pack or he'd get a scolding. "I'd never do that to you, Rud," he reassured the mottled gray boy, then shot him a sideways grin, "...unless you did something to really deserve it." He teased, of course. He couldn't imagine Rudyard ever doing something so terrible he would need to strip him of all the work he'd done and the achievements he'd made.

Artorias listened while Rudy described how he imagined the afterlife, how their mother would be watching them through their journeys in life. To be honest, he hadn't ever stopped to consider what came after the end of a life. It wasn't a conversation his parents had ever had with him before, and that was a hell of a heavy topic to think about. If he had to pick something though, he would like to imagine a perfect place with no pain, no suffering, where the souls of loved ones could watch over and guide their living survivors. He swallowed hard, trying to keep his emotions in line. It was like Sirius had said to him: Resin knew who they were. Resin knew what they were capable and the types of wolves they would become. If there was even a possibility that their mother could watch them from whatever other side there was, he would do everything in his actions and choices to make her proud.

"It's all right, Rudy. Water under the bridge." He gave his brother a soft smile and nudged his shoulder with a paw. He didn't hold anything against Rudy. He was just content to have his family back together at the end of all things. Artorias looked back out over the water, reflecting on their conversation—so he hadn't been paying attention when Rudyard leaped at him and took him to the ground. Art yelped in surprise, his back making contact with the muddy ground while staring up at his crafty little brother with fire in his eyes. But it wasn't an angry fire, it was playful and energetic, like the smile that came over his face. "Yes you will," he remarked when Rudy said he wouldn't be stupid again. "But y'know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. Oh, and by the way..." Artorias was quick to roll to his paws, eyeing Rudy with a roguish grin, and then lunged for his brother, aiming to take him down to the mud with him. He wasn't about to let Rudy have all the fun, regardless of how old they got. They were still rowdy brothers.

"Artorias" | "Corbin"

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.
____________________

Unless he really deserved it huh? He would be stupid again!  Hey, he was trying to be sincere!  Rudy wasn’t gonna let Art get away with that.  Rudy’s eyes sparkled brightly as his brother splashed into the mud.  That was as good as it got!  He had a watchful eye on his brother, a smug grin on his face.  It had been a while since he’d gotten Art down and since he’d felt like this.

Art got up and Rudy felt his muscles tense as soon as the ‘by the way’ started but Art wasn’t foolish enough to talk a second longer and Rudy didn’t get to finish preparing for his brother’s attack.  Down the two of them went.  Rudy attempted to bite for the fur around one side of Art’s neck, not to try and fight so much as just trying to make sure his brother ended up on the ground also versus standing over him.  Well, it could be a fight but he just wanted the close contact at the moment, even if it was a muddy one.  “Aww Art,” Rudy threw in a bit of pained-sounding drama, “My coat!  Your mangy ol’ coat’s always dark but my coat looks way too nice to get all muddy like this.”  

Rudy sat up and dug a paw deeper in the mud before aiming a swat towards Art’s muzzle just in an attempt to smear the mud over it, “might as well make your face look better.”  There had been enough serious talk, and there would be more of it but, right now it was remind his brother as well as himself what it felt like to smile and laugh.  “Mmm, sorry Art.  Guess it would take a lot to make you look all that good.”

Rudyard Carpathius

Artorias gave a triumphant laugh when he managed to take Rudyard down to the muddy ground in his pounce, but the laugh was quickly changed into a shout of surprise when his brother caught him by his scruff and dragged him back to the mud as well. Both wolves were now significantly dirtier, their fur mucked up and clumped with brown gooey earth. "Aww, what's wrong, Rudy? I think your coat could use a bit of color!" he teased back, grabbing a pawful of mud and grass and went to smear it along Rudy's chest to further mar the white and gray fur with brown and green. Oh boy, would the two of them get a verbal lashing from their mother if she saw them in this state, but it was so worth it! "Hey, who're you calling mangy? I'll have you know this is the finest Carpathius fur you can find!"

No sooner had he finished mock boasting, he felt more of the thick mud smack him across his muzzle, getting a good brown paw print across his muzzle and cheek. He cried out in disgust, but laughed all the same and gave Rudy a look that just screamed "Oh, it's on!". And just like that, the two bothers were mud wrestling like they were little puppies again, carefree and loving life. There was laughter, there were smiles, there was joy. They both needed this, and they needed each other. Artorias went to climb on top of Rudy, both to pin him to the mud and also to roll his mud-covered chest across his brother's exposed belly to further paint him with mud.

Once the two had exhausted themselves with their play, Artorias would move to wrap Rudyard up in another hug and nuzzle his brother's cheek. Their family was whole again and it felt right. "I missed you, Rudy. I'm glad you're home." He paused long enough to glance back up at the castle, a sigh slipping past his lips while he dwelled on the troubles that lay within its stone walls, waiting for them. "I guess we'd better get cleaned up and make ourselves presentable. Never know when we're gonna be needed." Sitting upright, he smiled at Rudy, and asked, "Are we good?"

"Artorias" | "Corbin"

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.
____________________

“You just have no sense in good looks or you’d realize light coats are far more,” and about then the grass and mud were smeared on his chest and stopped the comment. “Mangy.” Stated with the mud slap to the muzzle.  After that came the mud wrestling.  The mud was soft and moist which was really great for rolling about wrestling in.  For a period of time he wasn’t thinking about his month away, or mom, or any bad things at all.  He was just playing with his brother in a nice summer day.  It felt so good.  

When it was all over there was Art pulling him in for another hug which Rudy leaned in to with a deep sigh.  He was losing mom but, he did have his brother.  Rudy had always known as long as Art and he were together nothing could stop them.  Things weren’t perfect but now he had Art to help strengthen his resolve in every other area.  “Yeah, missed you also Art, all the time.” Rudy wasn’t stupid to go on his journey but just for doing it without telling anyone until he had already left.  “

“Yah, I don’t want all this mud drying on me or it’ll take forever to get off and a lot less picking it out.” Rudy stood up, shaking the wetter mud off his coat, flinging it haphazardly.  At Art’s question he cocked a brow and gave that amused smug smile of his, “Are we good? Of course! Silly me Art, all the plans and fates I thought up have one important detail needed.  There are no plans in my future that don’t include you.  I don’t tend to do the same dumb thing twice in a row,” true enough, he just found a new dumb thing to do. “I won’t be so dumb as to doubt our bond ever again.”

That said he ran to the water and once at the edge he leapt as high and far as possible before splashing in.  Water, a thing they hadn’t been allowed to play in as pups, maybe that made it all the better now.

Rudyard Carpathius