After speaking with Venom, Ulric and Artorias started making their way up along the Rio Grande to reach the Redbud Nook where Habari resided. They were one of the packs in their trip that he really had no prior knowledge of, though he was aware of their ties to Ashen. He had considered going to the Armada first, but he had seen and spoke to Sirius so frequently lately and he and the Warlord had already discussed how the friendship between The Hallows and Armada would continue so it didn't feel particularly pressing. He did promise Artorias that he would give him a chance to at least go say hello to Briar since they were in the area, but that could come later in the day after they spoke with Habari and Abaven.

He approached the edge of the forest of young trees, as always keeping a respectful distance from their border. He lifted his head to call for their alpha, curious to see who would come to greet them. It had been a surprise to realize that the young wolf he had met all that time ago had turned out to be the Empress of Ashen, reminding him of how much time had really passed around him. He settled back onto his haunches to wait, glancing toward Artorias. "I'm thinking we'll go up to Abaven next and then we'll set up for the night in some of our old dens around the falls if that's alright with you. You can dip down to the Armada if you'd like," he mentioned with a slight smirk. He knew how inseparable he was with that Fatalis girl and he certainly wasn't going to be the one to discourage young love.

Ulric Adravendi

Following their meeting with Empress Venom, Artorias followed Ulric across the Rio Grande until they reached a copse of young trees, significantly more recent than some of the ancient ones nearby. Artorias cocked his head while they passed by a couple, studying them with curious eyes. Why was this section of the forest so new? Had something happened here? Despite how close it was to his prior home, the young lad had never been here before. As they had done with Ashen, the two brutes approached the border and stopped a good distance away from the hard line where the scents of other wolves were the strongest. Habari's borders contained significantly fewer scents than Ashen's had, leading him to assume they must be a fairly newer pack. That, or they were significantly more exclusive.

Ulric howled, and then they waited. He pawed at the soft soil beneath his feet, inspecting the nutrient rich topsoil that was still littered with a few errant dried pink petals with curiosity. Ulric's voice drew him out of his own head, and Artorias nodded in understanding as the Aegis explained his plans to him—at least until he gave him permission to head down to the Armada with a knowing smirk. Artorias shot Ulric a sideways glance, then rolled his eyes, even though secretly he was jumping with glee. He'd be able to see Briar again, if only for a little bit! Plus the idea of getting to see his former home again was appealing.  "Careful how much freedom you give me, she might not give me back," he retorted with a crooked grin, knowing full well what Ulric was hinting at and playing right back with him.

"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.
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Ulric chuckled and grinned at Artorias' warning that he might not get him back. "Well, at least I'll know where to find you," he replied, giving the boy's shoulder a nudge. He genuinely hoped that he and the Fatalis girl were a good match for each other. It had taken him far too long to find someone he felt really fit him and he was slightly jealous that Artorias had found someone he seemed so over heels for so young. They sat there at the border for a while, fighting after a while and he eyed the sun as it began to shift in the sky. He didn't want to wait too long or they'd be very late getting to Abaven. "Well... Their alpha must be out of the pack right now," he commented, rising to his paws. "Come on, lets get going. Maybe we'll swing back by later." He walked away and started to head for the next pack. After having such a successful meeting with Ashen he was a bit disappointed by their second stop, but he didn't think too much about it.

Ulric Adravendi

The two wolves waited, and waited, and waited. No response came, no reply nor the approach of anyone. Were it not for the scent markers around the territory, Artorias would almost have assumed these lands were empty—a dead pack leaving behind only traces of their history to fade into oblivion. He frowned while he surveyed the land until the sun began to set. When Ulric made the call to keep moving on, Artorias gave a curt nod of his head and turned a disappointed look into the Habari territories before he headed off on the heels of his alpha. He would remember how the pack had ignored their attempts at communication. But at least now he'd be able to go and surprise Briar with his presence. That thought left a little smile playing on his lips.

- exit Artorias -

"Artorias Carpathius"

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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