While she found herself in Auster there was one place that she would in full conscious find herself seeking out. Ulric and Artorias had visited her some time ago, though she had seen the Aegis recently she had to stop now. Venom wasn’t sure she was in the best mental state to negotiate anything between the two packs, but she would be as honest with the young alpha as she could. She saw the small ways he admired her, and Venom didn’t want to disappoint him when he was her in a lesser state to her once regal presence.

The self deprecating attitude was not becoming of the Ashen Empress and she made herself lift her head as white gloved paws brought her to the Hallows border. Venom was alone out here, no one but her companions accompanied her and that was part of her cathartic experience. She had to learn to be alone again, that much was obvious after her visit with Chimera.

For now, she couldn’t pass the Austern pack without stopping by. There was no schedule to meet or hurry to be had, despite it being a half political visit she would be taking time for herself. Slowly Venom was finding her own again, but she still had a long way to go. Hopefully she’d manage to keep most of it to herself to keep up appearances, or maybe not. Time would tell along with Artorias personal interest.

Venom did eventually tilt her head back to call for the blue pelted alpha to greet her at the border. There was no urgency in her voice, and she left him all the room in the world to ignore her call, not that she really expected of the younger gentleman. Venom would lower herself to her haunches to wait, her mind still reeling. She didn’t know how this particular meeting would go with everything weighing on her shoulders.


"Venom"

The days that followed the bonfire celebration had been slow and mundane. Life had found its leisurely rhythm once more, and it felt all the world was just moving along. As it stood, he had no deadlines to meet, no immediate projects demanding his attention, and Artorias was able to dedicate his time and energy back to the wolves he loved most. It seemed the Hallows would be welcoming a new generation of puppies soon, so there were preparations to be made there, but otherwise life proceeded as normal. The young alpha heard the unexpected yet highly familiar voice call to him from the border and raised his head with keen interest. What was Venom doing all the way down in Auster? Had she learned of her former mate's decision to take up residence in the southern continent and come to investigate herself? The Hallows was certainly out of Ashen's way for a simple stop by, so whatever the occasion, it was a special one.

Ah, but before he could greet her, there was something he needed to do first. Artorias headed down to the wine cellar and selected one of the rarer, finest vintages he kept locked up for only the most fitting of circumstances, then carried the bottle of vintage moscato with him out of the castle and towards the border to greet their guest. A light drizzle had begun, still showing Auster's damp winter season, though the worst of the storms seemed to have passed early on. Now, as Auster's spring drew closer, the days had begun to get drier, with only a few scattered showers or drizzles to speak of. Walking through the misting rain, Artorias spotted the distinct monochrome form of the empress awaiting him at the border. He approached and set the bottle down to bow his head and greet her with a warm smile and gentle eyes.

"Now this is a surprise, but a treat all the same!" he said with a low chuckle. "Empress Venom, welcome to Auster and the Hallows. It's good to see you again." Raising a blue paw, he rested it atop the neck of the wine bottle to call attention to it. "My mother began our pack's tradition of greeting guests with food. These days, I prefer to give my friends something more special. I thought perhaps we could share a drink of it together." The Aegis gave the Empress another tender, empathetic smile. He didn't immediately show or say that he knew what had happened between her and Hattori. Really, he only knew by happenstance anyway. He didn't know how hurt Venom would be, but whatever his friend needed, however she wanted to handle or ignore the matter, he would support her. "Though maybe you'd like to see the castle and get out of the rain?" he suggested, glancing up at the misting cloudy sky. It didn't seem the best manners to host the Empress and have her sit out in the rain.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "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.
____________________

Of course, it was just her luck that as soon as she lowered her dark hips to the grass it would begin to lightly rain. It was more of a mist than anything, but she could feel it gathering on her fur, quills, and her whiskers. It was the worst kind of rain that only dampened the fur and created tickling rivulets of water under her fur and over her skin. She took in a deep breath and sighed heavily, she could feel her travels coming to a close. She missed her home, Venom missed her life before the cursed illness more than anything.

The weather made Artorias' presence all the more warm and welcome when he made his way out to find her. He didn’t leave her for very long, but Venom was already uncomfortably damp. After seeing Chimera and his massive family Venom felt her loneliness even harder. Having such a welcoming face further chipped away at the walls she maintained so well around anyone beyond her inner circle. Almost like he was prepared for this exact moment the alpha also carried a bottle of wine along with him.

He brought a grin from her, after everything she had been through, after this dreary day and the thoughts that plagued her, he was the most welcome sight. "Thank you, Artorias. You don’t know how much your welcome means.” She probably revealed much more than she should have with such a simple statement. But she was already vulnerable and he didn’t even realize he was exploiting her cracks.

"Nothing would please me more,” She accepted his offer of a drink along with his understanding smile. There was too much knowing in his expression, no doubt he was well aware of Hattori’s presence here in Auster instead of Ashen. He brought a small chuckle from her, "I would appreciate a shack right now if it meant getting dry.” She agreed as she got to her paws, eager to follow her host.

"Venom"

Venom's expression visibly brightened when he approached, lightening Artorias' heart. He didn't think he'd kept the Empress waiting very long, but her majestic charcoal and ashen coat was already notably damp. Definitely no condition for the monarch to be in. Despite the gloomy weather and having every reason to be dour, the grin that spread across Venom's face felt like a ray of sunshine on the otherwise cloudy day. It was easy to see why she was the one reigning over the Ashen Empire. She thanked him, and despite his youthfulness, Artorias saw the deeper meaning behind her words. He didn't address it further though; neither of them needed to dwell on the matter unless she wished to discuss it further. Then he'd be all too happy to commiserate with the Abraxas lady over her ex-mate. It did make him wonder how everything had unfolded though, and how her family was doing. That was an innocuous enough question, so he decided to lead with that.

"Come, we keep a fire burning in the great hall for just such days," said Artorias with a welcoming smile. He picked up the bottle of wine and carried it as he led the way back across the damp plains and through the gates of the castle, through the rain-soaked gardens, and up into the castle proper. He paused long enough to shake his coat dry before leading Venom through the warm corridors into the even warmer great hall, the large room practically glowing with orange firelight from the hearth and the many candles on the walls and long tables. While Artorias let Venom go off to dry herself by the fire, he gathered up two goblets from a table and brought them over to join her on the furs.

Deft paws uncorked the bottle of wine, taking an exploratory sniff of the sweet aroma that spilled forth before carefully pouring a generous amount into their goblets. He didn't intend to get the Empress drunk, but he also had no way of gauging her experience with alcohol. Oh well, if they became a bit too inebriated, they had plenty of rooms she was welcome to sleep it off in before she went about her way. They could just call it a mini vacation of sorts. "I didn't know what sort of wine you might like, but I know you like sweet berries, so you struck me as a sweet wine drinker," he said, offering her one of the goblets filled with the sweet white wine. He then raised his own goblet in a toast to her and asked, "What would you like to drink to? Family? Friends?" Freedom? There were a number of things worth celebrating. Venom could start with whatever mattered most to her right now.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "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.
____________________

Perhaps with a bit of wine in her belly she would be more apt to reveal her inner workings and experiences to the young alpha who welcomed her into the Hallows. Artorias didn’t press her, for how youthful he was he had a good head on his shoulders. His instincts were correct, and he provided a welcome invitation that Venom desperately needed. An evening where she was the guest, where she didn’t have to worry about appearances. Or at least not as much, she was meeting with her peer and there was always a bit of professionalism that refused to leave her no matter how relaxed their meeting was.

Artorias encouraged her to follow as she agreed to be invited inside, and her white gloved paws carried her after him, she loped along near his shoulder. Allowing the alpha to lead her was an unfamiliar position for the Empress, but as much as she needed to improve her leadership there was something to be said about knowing how to follow. Letting herself relax as Artorias assumed his role as host.

After a quick trot through the drizzling raid he led her through the gardens and into the main entrance. Venom mimicked his actions as he shook his coat of the wet that gathered there. The Empress did the same and already began to feel immediate relief. From the wet and her own overactive mind. She felt the warmth of the hall as Artorias led her to the great fireplace. A small smile played on her lips as she reveled in the simple pleasures instead of dwelling on her massive troubles.

He gestured for her to make herself comfortable by the flames as he brought up a few more supplies so they might share that drink he had offered to her. As the heat of the fire began to really whisk away the dampness of her coat Artorias returned to her side and offered her a goblet of sweet smelling wine. He remembered her enjoyment of the sweet berries back when they had accidentally met in the brambles and the memory earned him a flash of pearly teeth. "You figure correct.” She told him as she swirled the liquid and breathed in the sweet alcohol scent of it.

He lifted his glass to ask her what they should be toasting or celebrating. Venom’s sunset gaze fell from Artorias’ features as her thoughts were flooded with the tragedies she was obsessing over. She hardened her heart to it all and grasped for her strength as her gaze returned to the alpha’s orange eyes. "To our friendship,” she decided on. The relationship between Hallows Aegis and Ashen Empress was slowly budding, and she would be glad to see it grow fruitful. "May it continue to grow, and bring us both prosperity.” There was more to it than just a friendship between two leaders of two packs. Venom found herself caring about Artorias as the wolf he was, and not just the leader he had become.

"Venom"

When he passed the moscato over to Venom, the smile that graced her features was a welcome sight indeed. He remembered all too well the months that preluded his mother's passing, how joy had been a thing seemingly banished from the Hallows. He couldn't recall how long it had taken him to smile again after that tragedy, but it had been the inspiration on why he cared for others so much. It took falling to the deepest recesses of heartbreak and depression to appreciate how much he didn't want anyone else to ever fall there too. Seeing Venom smile, even if only temporary, meant he was doing well. Then he asked what they were drinking to and Venom seemed to hesitate. His own fiery sunset eyes watched as her twilit gaze drifted down, contemplating his question. When she looked back and asserted they would drink to their friendship, Artorias' smile widened and his eyes lit up.

"To our friendship!" he repeated. "May it only grow stronger." With their toast made, Artorias took a long sip of the white wine. It was indeed sweet, sweeter than the usual vintages he drank, but no doubt Venom would appreciate the delicate fruity notes amidst the mild sugary flavor of the wine. While good, it wasn't his usual cup of tea—er, wine—and he would be sure to send the rest of the bottle home to Ashen with her. He sat the goblet down again and turned his head to consider his peer seated beside him. It still felt strange to consider someone as regal and accomplished as Venom as his peer, but that was the circumstance of their stations. Both wolves were alphas, leaders of their packs, role models to their wolves. While not quite full on imposter syndrome, Artorias did occasionally find himself floored by the notion that he was on the same level as some of the most prolific wolves in the world, like Venom, Sirius, and Theory. Perhaps time, age, and experience would gradually take some of that away.

"So what brings Ashen's esteemed empress down to Auster?" asked Artorias, tilting his head in quizzical fashion to the white-gloved woman seated beside him. "Somehow, I don't think it's our lovely sunny winter weather." He chuckled while the rain pattered against the windowpanes, as if emphasizing his point. Not that he'd ever mind a visit from any of his friends! Warlord Sirius was often prone to just finding his way down here from time to time, so it wasn't unexpected. However, he did acknowledge that the Hallows was not a simple walk down the road from Ashen, making Venom's appearance even more surprising and delightful.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "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.
____________________

Venom had seen a lot in the years she had life, but she had to tell herself that every challenge only made her stronger on the other side. Change was inevitable, and sometimes it was incredibly painful. She had learned on this trip that no matter her hardship there would be a dawn. Despite what she lost she could be whole again. At least for now she could just enjoy her wine and her company while Ashen remained miles away. Her purple pink gaze lifted back to Artorias’ features and as she spoke she watched his smile overtake his features. Venom didn’t really have friends as a kid, she had Sirius to train her and she had her siblings. That was different from what she was sharing with Artorias now.

He agreed to her toast with gusto, and Venom managed to mirror his grin. The expression felt good on her face, it was easy and it was real and that was really exactly what she needed at that moment. She sipped the fruity beverage and found herself so thankful for the difference in this sweet drink to the rice wine she shared with Hattori. It was a new drink and a new start. She did enjoy the taste of it and not just how well it washed away the taste of her ex-husband.

Despite their relaxed state there was still business to be attended to. Artorias went on to ask just what she found herself doing here in Auster. As the crow flies they weren’t incredibly far removed, she would be home soon. Still, it wasn’t like Venom to travel. He joked about the weather they had found themselves in and she managed a soft chuckle. ”I.. Wish that was the reason.” Venom admitted to him without the humor he held. "I’ve little doubt you’ve noticed the new pack.” She continued darkly as her gaze shifted to the fire. It was still hard to talk about and she was reminded how far she had to go after seeing the progress she made.

Her features contorted and her mask slipped, even before the alcohol really began to affect her. She was quiet for a long few moments as she composed herself and stared into the fire. The flames reflected onto the tears hinted in her eyes. After a few slow breaths she finally spoke again, "I’ve been telling myself I’ve been on diplomatic meetings.” That was only a half truth at best. "But I’ve needed a little time on my own.” She didn’t know what Artorias would think, as she toasted to their friendship and immediately revealed her weakness.

"Venom"

Artorias saw the considering expression on Venom's face while she sampled the wine, and when she didn't grimace in repulsion and instead took another sip with a small grin he knew he'd made the right call. Art was becoming something of a sommelier with all his experience with the Hallows' wine production. She would definitely be leaving with the rest of this bottle when they were done to enjoy—gods knew she needed it more than he did. They began to get down to brass tacks, and the mirth on Venom's face slowly melted away like ice in the sun. Artorias' smile slowly fell from his lips when she mentioned their newest neighbor in southern Auster, his eyes darkening a touch while he averted his gaze to take another sip of wine. "Well, I haven't gone over with a gift basket welcoming them to the neighborhood yet, but yes, I'm aware of a group of koi that found a home in the bamboo," he replied. He quietly followed Venom's gaze to the fire as well, watching the flames lick at the inside of the flue while she spoke.

There was a long beat of silence, and when Artorias glanced back over to his friend, he saw the pain contorting her expression as she dropped the facade of the stoic leader for a moment and let herself simply be. Warm firelight reflected the tears in the corners of those sunset eyes and Artorias felt his heart break for the empress. "Sometimes our own company is the best there is," the young Aegis said, pensiveness in his husky voice while he swirled his wine. "We're the only ones who can't hurt us." It was the one harsh lesson he'd learned from the loss of his mother, and the breakup with Briar. Despite what Venom thought, Artorias didn't see her revelation of pain and emotion as weakness. When it was what he'd grown up knowing, he associated it with strength. It took great will and fortitude to endure pain and continue on when it burdened your soul. Artorias shifted closer to nudge Venom's shoulder gently with his snout in an empathetic nuzzle, letting her know wordlessly that he was there for her.

"I can't possibly know how you feel, Venom. But I'm not unfamiliar with pain. And I know it takes a great deal of strength to endure some of the worst kinds." Fire-blazoned eyes moved back to regard Venom with a deep reverence and empathy. "Whatever you need from me, I will support you. A shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen, or even just a place to escape to for a while, it'll all be here for you. You could even get drunk and cry all night, and it'll just be our secret." Perhaps it might have been a bit close in proximity to her ex-husband, but Artorias would always have the gates of the Hallows open to her and her children. A roguish smirk touched his lips. "Y'know, if we wait until the dry season in the summer, we could go and torch his precious bamboo. That'd send a message." What greater "fuck you" to the former Shogun than setting fire to the very grasses he abandoned his wife and family for? On that thought, Artorias asked, "How is your family doing? Your children must be getting big by now." When he'd last seen the Abraxas princes and princesses, they had all been very little, at the summer tournament a year ago. No doubt they'd all be coming of age soon; Venom must have been so proud.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "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.
____________________

Artorias was much better informed than he was letting on, and he mentioned in affirmation his knowledge of Hattori’s new pack. It hurt so bad knowing this vision of his was so much more important than the family he built. He hadn’t even given her a chase to support his own vision and legacy like he had done for her. He just.. Left. Like she never belonged in his life to begin with. His words tried to convince her of the meaning behind their time together, but how could she feel like it was anything but wasted time when he’d left her.

As well as informed the young Aegis was he was understanding as well. He let her process her thoughts, he showed his patience as well as his wisdom. Sometimes ones own company was best. She didn’t know if she agreed about harming oneself, she had her fair share of depreciative thoughts. But he was right, those that were closest would hurt you the worst. He grabbed her attention when he shifted closer and nudged her shoulder supportively. Teary purple pink eyes shifted back to his form before he spoke again and offered her any kind of support she needed.

"Artorias,” she spoke softly as he went on. Venom felt incredibly touched, there weren’t many wolves, especially a wolf who was not family, showed her to much empathy and support. She really did have a special relationship with the Aegis. She chuckled slightly as he mentioned getting drunk and crying to him all night. It was a pitiful sound but the words did help make her feel a little better. She regained a little more control over her emotions.

Artorias wasn’t done yet either, he went on with a smirk about the dry season and lighting some bamboo on fire. However much amusement she found, and showed in her giggling, Venom would never actually commit arson. Finally he followed up with a question about her family. She assumed he meant her children, the bright light in her doomed relationship with her husband. "They’re closer to full adults than my once tiny sweet puppies.” She offered with melancholy. They were a year and a half now, on the cusp of full adulthood and it didn’t seem real. "They’ve been taking all of this harder than I have. Imagine your father just deciding you aren’t worth staying around for.” She sighed heavily, that was the most tragic part. Not only did Hattori leave but he had destroyed his relationship with all of his children.

"Venom"

Hearing Venom's giggle in spite of the tears in her twilight eyes brought a small smile of empathy to Artorias' lips. It let him know he was doing a good job comforting her. This wasn't something the young wolf had ever had to do before; he'd been the only one in his family to experience the heartbreak of losing a wolf you loved that way. Perhaps that was what helped him relate to the wounded Empress so much. He'd lost his mother, and for a brief period he'd lost Briar as well. He knew the sting, the hurt it brought, as well as the feeling of hopelessness to overcome the pain. You could easily lose yourself in it and drown if you weren't careful. That was not a road he would see Venom go down, not if he could do anything to help it.

Venom seemed to calm down some when he brought up mention of her children, and her expression lit up even if only a touch as she told him of her offspring, now adolescents approaching maturity just as he had been. That brought a more genuine smile to Artorias' face. He hadn't seen any of them since the Ashen tournament a year ago, when they had all been small pups. Now, they would be almost full adults. "How the time flies..." he remarked with another slow sip of wine, the fire reflecting and dancing off of his flaming irises. "I think they'll always be your sweet puppies though. At least, my mom would tell you that. She still sees us all as her little pups, even though I'm a good foot taller than her!" He laughed, remembering how Tamsyn would still affectionately refer to him as her "Little Blueberry" even when he towered over her and was fully grown. Secretly, he hoped that would never change.

Then Venom began to talk about how her children were taking the departure of their father, and once more Artorias' smile began to falter. When the Empress made a passing comment of imagining his father just deciding he wasn't worth staying around for, the young brute's smile disappeared entirely. His head dipped, ember-like eyes darkening a touch while he gazed into space, swirling his goblet absentmindedly. "I don't have to imagine... I never met my father." Artorias had never known his father—he never would. He and his siblings had been the product of a night of blackout drunken revelry by his mother. While he would never fault her, think less of her, or deride her for her actions that had given him life, it did leave him with a huge unanswerable question about himself. Parts of himself he'd never discover or explore. It would be a mystery to haunt him like a specter forever. "I am sorry most of all for them. They probably don't understand what's happening." He shifted his eyes with guarded caution back to Venom, a grim expression on his face. "You don't think that Hattori... He'd never try to take them from you, would he?"

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "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.
____________________

Artorias was indeed helping, he was so far removed from the situation that his insight was crisp and refreshing. He was able to bring in advice from his own lived experience, which was similar to her own in the same way it was different. There was enough similarity his empathy was genuine and touched her heart. He guided the conversation well, steering her away from her personal feelings and problems and towards a topic of her children. How they were faring, how they were growing. How they were taking their father’s absence. It helped her center herself and tamp down the heavy emotions that overwhelmed her there in front of Artorias.

He hadn’t seen them since the tournament so long ago, time did indeed move far too swiftly. She was working on her second year as Empress already ruling for longer than her mother had. Venom chuckled softly, "I would agree with your mother.” Both sons and one daughter had inherited their father’s height over her own. They would always be her babies, and even if she wished to protect them like they still were she had to let them go out into the world. Their father leaving was one pain she would have spared them from. If she had ever thought this was how her relationship with Hattori would end… Venom tried not to let herself down that dark hallway.

Then it was the Carpathian’s turn to open up and reveal a deeper truth about himself to her. He didn’t know his father, and he never would. Artorias offered his condolences again, and Venom agreed. She would recover eventually, she could steel herself and find new. Her children would only ever have one father. Venom’s gaze lifted slightly to Artorias’ fiery gaze as he went on. Concerned for her and her offspring. "I would not keep them from whatever future they wished.” Any of them were welcome to follow their sire. "But he barely took any time to tell them goodbye. I don’t see him changing his mind.” They did not fit into his vision so as much as she had been left, they were abandoned.

"Venom"

Venom's words brought a solemn hum of pensive thought from Artorias. He did not suspect she would ever keep her children from whatever their hearts desired, and if it was their wish to follow their wayward father she would not prevent it, but he had been more concerned about Hattori trying to come back and take the children by force. His mothers had told him the stories of the Abraxas family doing just that for children they claimed as their own, and though Hattori was no Abraxas, he was arrogant and self-righteous enough to do something like that. The Aegis could see the koi wolf going to war to seize his children back believing they belonged to him. "Well, just know that if he ever tried to force a claim on your children, I would be the first to cut his legs out from beneath him." The threat was specific and was designed that way on purpose. It would have been easy to vow to drive his sword through Hattori's chest if he threatened Venom or Ashen—but that justice was not his to serve. It was Venom's, and he would not deprive the Empress of that pleasure. He'd make it easier, sure, but never steal it away from her.

Artorias finished the wine in his goblet with a swift and long swallow, setting the cup down with a clink of metal on stone. "So what are your plans after your trip?" he asked, tipping his head in a curious tilt. "Back to business as usual? Rebranding Ashen in your vision? Maybe a family vacation somewhere nice to relax and unwind?" He didn't suspect Venom would try to immediately jump back into the dating game, especially not with as much on her plate as she had. Though if she ever needed to escape the pressures of everyday life, the Hallows would always be open to the Empress and all her wolves.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "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.
____________________

She really didn’t believe that Hattori would turn around and fight her for the children that he gave her. Part of her had wondered if that had also been a mistake but she couldn’t bring herself to admit that. Venom’s pride and love for her offspring couldn’t be quantified, and now she would look back on them as the best part of what Hattori did. Artorias wasn’t letting up, if he had half a mind to do just that the Aegis would be there to sever his feet. She knew his words were carefully picked, and she appreciated them even if she prayed that would never be the case.

"Thank you, I won’t forget your offer.” She just hoped to never have to use it. Considering the implications it was a very generous promise. By now the wine was coursing through her veins and the prospect sounded better than ever. She smirked slightly at the thought of it, having not entertained any thoughts of harming Hattori before now.

She sipped her wine as Artorias did during the natural break in conversation before he went on. Asking about what her next plans were, what came next after she returned to her home. Artorias listed out three very good options but Venom really didn’t know. She had been given many different perspectives as she wandered through the lands alone. "I don’t know.” She answered him softly and honestly. Venom was still lost out here, she was still trying to figure out life without her husband beside her. She didn’t have sight of what was next.

"Any of that would be a better answer than what I have.” The Empress continued softly, revealing further how far she had to go. She tried not to feel ashamed, because that was why she was out here. Venom wanted to find those answers and return with them.

"Venom"

Artorias had not expected Venom to have a fully fleshed out or concrete plan for what she wanted for this next and unexpected stage of her life. Hell, he hadn't been prepared for all the changes and forced transitions he'd had to endure when his mother passed, so losing a loved one so close to you that had become a staple of your foundation really turned your whole world upside down. Of course, from what he knew of the intelligent and wise Empress, he wouldn't have been surprised if she did have a backup plan on hand for just such an occasion. She answered him honestly; she wasn't sure what she was going to do next. She had been thrust into this tumultuous upheaval of her entire life and now she was left to pick up the pieces off the floor. It would not be easy—but she wouldn't have to do it alone either.

With a pensive hum, Artorias poured himself another shallow pool of wine into his glass before taking a slow sip. He wished he had some sort of cure-all for her, an answer that would solve all her problems right here and now. Were his mothers here, they would know just what to say. Resin had always been so prudent and able to see clearly even through the murkiest of uncertainties, and Tamsyn was so empathetic and loving she could make anyone feel better and safe. Art didn't know if he possessed either of those qualities from his parents—but he could try. "Well, maybe you're just asking yourself the wrong questions. Maybe you're thinking about everything as a whole, and maybe that's too much to handle right now," he suggested, softened gaze landing on the white-gloved woman at his side. "What do you want, Venom? If you could have anything in the world right now, what would you ask for?"

Had anyone ever asked the Abraxas matriarch what she wanted? She was always thinking selflessly, of providing to others, as he did as well when it came to his wolves. But at the end of the day, the true question was what would make the fae happy? If she didn't know the answer to that, then they at least knew where they could start searching.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "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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Hattori had hit her completely out of the blue with his desire to take a different direction with his life. He gave her no choice, no alternative, it was just suddenly over. When she had trusted him to stand beside her until they grew old and… She should have had a plan for such an eventuality but it had seemed like such a foreign concept before that day. While Venom made many mistakes she wouldn’t claim the one where she thought her husband would be at her side forever.

Venom took another sip of wine as Artorias poured himself another small serving while he contemplated his next words. Really he had already provided enough for her, but his attempts at life advice and conversation were appreciated and he spoke with wisdom beyond his years. Not that she could say much, she wasn’t incredibly older than him but a lot could happen in two years time.

Her sunset hued gaze lifted slightly to catch his as he went on, prompting her again. What was it that she most desired? Everything she could think of would never come true. She wanted her family to be whole but it was fractured into so many pieces. Her father had been dead for a very long time, her mother for a bit less, her husband just left her and she only had one sibling at her side. Those that remained were all the more precious. So what did that leave her? What did she want, were there any selfish desires?

"To strengthen the ties that have not been cut loose.” She needed to spend time with Plague, with Chimera, and Recluse. There was no better time than now to reaffirm her relations with the packs that were close to Ashen. "I need to rid myself of the creeping thoughts,” She whispered to him feeling the pull of inebriation. "The ones that saw everyone I love and trust will do the same thing.” She admitted to him. Obviously not where he was going but Venom’s inhibitions were waning. She did feel trust in Artorias, and its presence was obvious in how she so easily let her guard down for him now.

"Venom"

Artorias saw the gamut of emotions passing through Venom's face from the simple yet profound question he had posed her. It was not easy for someone to consider what they truly wanted on a good day; to try and consider such things in the midst of a maelstrom of upheaval seemed even more impossible. But the Aegis was patient. He waited, giving Venom all the time she needed to think and consider, until she finally gave him her answer. She wanted tor reaffirm the ties she had with her family and friends, and between her pack and others. It was a good answer, but it also revealed much about Venom's mindset to the young Carpathius man. Despite the raw emotional pain she was feeling, Venom was still living, thinking, and functioning as the Empress of Ashen, and not as Venom Abraxas. She was still very much focused on everyone else and the grand scheme. She was letting her guard down for him, but Artorias began to wonder if she could ever let her guard down for herself too and take stock of what she wanted and needed as a living, breathing wolf and woman—not just as her station.

The dark-furred brute hummed and nodded, taking another long sip of wine that drained nearly half his glass. The buzz of the alcohol was beginning to become more prevalent, though with his experience with their wine, it would take more than a glass and a half to put him on his ass. "So do it then," Artorias said in suggestion, rolling his shoulders in a shrug. "Nothing is holding you back now. You can spend as much time as you want with your friends and family. You can make decisions all your own without needing to consider approval from anyone else." Artorias placed a gentle azure paw atop one of Venom's white-gloved paws in solidarity. "You will always have us on your side, Venom. So long as I hold the title of Aegis, the Hallows will be friends of Ashen." He hoped perhaps the Empress would find comfort and consolation in that vow. The Hallows would never be subject to Ashen like the Armada was, as had been Resin's wish, but they would be aligned with them, provided nothing took an unsavory shift.

"You know, it's kind of funny. Chimera and I have been working on brokering an alliance between Fenmyre and the Hallows for a couple seasons now. I think your ex-husband's flight of fancy might be just the push needed to make it happen, for solidarity in Auster!" The Aegis chuckled and finished his second serving of wine with a smile. "I'll admit, it's much easier for me to consider allying the Hallows with Ashen now that my one and only concern has been so kind as to remove himself from consideration too." Hattori had always been the one asterisk to Artorias' opinions of Ashen. With the wildcard koi no longer in the picture, the notion of brokering an alliance between the longstanding empire and the sanctuary in the south seemed much more attainable now.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "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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