Absinthe’s appearance and Art’s interest in learning about slavery coincided in his thoughts, until he couldn’t shake them. The boy had thanked him for revealing that side of life. He was eager to learn and understand everything. He would never truly do so until he saw it all for himself.

As dawn rose, the Warlord made his way down to the beach. A chill breeze drifting in from the ocean, bringing with it the scent of salt and fish. In the distance, he could see a seagull dive to the surface and lift free a morsel. Turning his attention to the barracks, he knocked on the door. “Rise and shine Art! I have a plan laid out for the day” he called in to the blue wolf.


"Sirius Fatalis"

Sleep came easy for the young wolf training under the mentorship of arguably Boreas' most accomplished alpha. Sirius' rigorous training of his body and mind had the boy often exhausted by the end of the day, and Artorias slept like the dead each night. As dawn rose over the eastern sea, Artorias began to stir, his own internal clock keeping him up by dawn from his lifetime of morning trainings and patrols. No sooner had he groaned and stretched, a knocking came at the barracks door. Seer's voice called into him, rousing his attention with the announcement of a special plan for their day.

Artorias rolled to his paws, taking a moment to stretch his body and limber up his sleep-locked muscles with a groan and a yawn, shake out and smooth down his coat, then stepped over to pull the door open and present himself to the Warlord. "Good morning, Sirius!" he said with a smile to his godfather, the cool coastal breeze hitting him in the face to ruffle his fur, the chilly salt-tinged air a refreshing wake up call to prequel the day. "What's on the agenda for today? Will I need my sword or my armor?"

"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.
____________________

It wasn’t long before Art was pulling open the door and greeting him. Looking fresh and prepared for the day. He was certainly a quicker riser then his Wife. He grinned at the younger wolf, and clicked his muzzle thoughtfully. “Hmm… yes, best grab it, there's always the chance of these things going dicey” he said mysteriously, and leaned back on his hunches. Giving the other boy a chance to comply.

Once he was strapped to readiness, Sirius started to lead him up the bank to the Tall Grass Plains. Only then did he break the anticipation. “You're in luck - an opening came in your education” the Warlord informed him. “A trader came to my border and informed me of the chance to purchase slaves in the Caves of the Past” He explained “It’s a decent hike, but you can experience for yourself all sides of this to go towards forming your final opinion”

"Sirius Fatalis"

Sirius seemed to ponder his question for a moment, then told him to gather his equipment, stating that "things could get dicey". That got Art's attention quickly. What on earth were they doing that could get dicey? He supposed he'd find out soon enough, and simply nodded without any further follow-up questions. It only took the young man a couple of minutes to hurry back to his bunk to slip his cuirass on, fasten it, and slide and secure Embershard across his back. Fully equipped and ready for whatever dicey surprise Sirius had in store for them, Artorias returned and followed the Warlord up the embankment toward the rolling sea of grass bound northward. It was then that he revealed what the surprise lesson for the day was.

Artorias fixed Sirius with a wide-eyed surprised stare. They were going to a slaver's market? What coincidental timing. Sirius framed the experience as educational, a chance for Artorias to see the trade in action and how it operated from a client's perspective, and he couldn't agree more. What better way to learn the ins and outs of the whole affair than to witness it firsthand? "I don't mind a walk. Gives me a chance to stretch my legs," he remarked with a touch of his usual dry sarcasm. He smiled, finding himself genuinely interested and curious about the market they were headed for. "Thanks for bringing me along. I'm betting you're right, this will be good to see how everything works. Maybe it will help make things clearer if I can see them in person." While they walked towards the borders of Armada lands, Artorias decided to fill their travel time with some questions for the Warlord. "What sort of slaves are we looking to purchase for the Armada?" He recalled Seer mentioning the Armada being short on capable soldiers, or perhaps they were looking for more servants.

"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.
____________________

They made their way through the long grasses of his main pack territory, and out into rogue lands. Crossing the stream that bordered the Armada at the point where it was the thinnest. Art was as game for a long hike as the Warlord was, and Sirius knew he would enjoy both the company and the hike.

“In terms of the Armada - today will be about seeing what they have, and if anything is of interest to us. As well as gouging supply costs. My bear will be along shortly with a few things in case we decide to trade today” He explained. His companion always seemed to enjoy the exercise of a decent day’s work. Before she had come along, the Warlord himself had always pulled anything that was needed. His strength was built better than most of his pack for it.

“I also think it would be good for you to haggle and go through a purchase. What you do with the slave after that is up to you - but” and here he gave the wolf a sidelong glance “As I’ve mentioned in the past, woman seem to enjoy some pampering and companionship, if you know anyone who might appreciate a gift” that was said in wry humor, because Sirius himself only knew of one such young woman in Art’s heart.


"Sirius Fatalis"

Wandering into wildlands always felt like a breath of fresh air to the young wolf so often struck by wanderlust. Artorias loved the thrill of adventure and discovery, and every trip he got to take—from his diplomacy tour with Ulric to this new excursion with Sirius—felt like it fed his addiction to explore. They pressed northward, wandering out of the high grasses of Armada lands and into more wooded areas. He remembered some of this terrain from when he'd navigated it with Ulric. Their final destination, the Caves of the Past, were not a place he was familiar with, and as eager as he was to learn more of the slave trade, he was equally as excited to see the caves themselves.

Sirius detailed their objectives for the day. They would scope out what the market had to offer, both wolves and supplies, and seek to do some trading and purchasing if the prices were good. That all seemed pretty simple and straightforward. What took Artorias off guard however was when his mentor said he wanted the young wolf to make a purchase of a slave while they were there to learn how to haggle and how to do business in this theater. Artorias didn't know what to say; the boy just blinked in shock, slack-jawed while he tried to process what Seer had said. He was going to buy a slave today?! Well, that was one way to get firsthand experience!

Just as Art was racking his brain trying to think of what he'd even do with a slave, Sirius seemed to read his mind and reiterated that women enjoyed being pampered and having other girl friends for companionship, shooting a not-so-subtle smirk his way. Artorias' ears flicked back bashfully as a grin crept across his face. He thought of how Briar might react to suddenly being given a servant—but then he also thought how she had confided to him how she'd been lonely at home without him. Sure, she was trying to get closer to her siblings now, but maybe having a handmaiden to cater to her, pamper and indulge her, and give her someone to talk to and be with so she wouldn't be alone would be a boon.

"I can think of someone who might enjoy that," he said with a nod assent, casting a knowing glance sideways to his godfather. "What sort of things do you haggle with for a slave? Currency, treasures, supplies...?" Artorias had never actually done any real trading before. Being as out of the way as it was, the Hallows didn't exactly attract a lot of attention from merchants and caravans.

"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.
____________________

His shadow seemed rather surprised by everything Sirius was dropping on him. At no point however did he object. He was keen to learn, no matter how strange the lesson might seem to be. This was a side of life that Art might never encounter again. Or, it might be something he would decide to hate. If his apprentice decided to liberate the slaves before them, Sirius would aid him. If he decided to go on with a purchase, Sirius would supply the goods. This experience was for Art, and the Warlord was content to let him form his own opinions.

“Indeed. Iris currently serves as Zee’s handmaiden. The woman who had that job previously, Odette, was around about the time Briar was born. She might remember the woman, or she might have been too young” Sirius couldn’t quite recall exactly when that woman had gone missing. Only that his wife had been devastated by her loss. But the idea of a handmaiden shouldn’t be entirely foreign to Briar, even if his children had never gotten to have the experience for themselves - yet.

“I find its best when trading to bring a mixture of tools i’ve crafted myself, strange odds and ends i’ve picked up from Daager Isle, and precious gems from a source near the Armada” He explained as the two walked through the familiar territories of Boreas. His bear could be heard behind him, Bast was hidden somewhere to his right, and Marshal scouted the air above them.

"Sirius Fatalis"

It didn't exactly come as a surprise to Artorias to know that Seer had kept Zee tended to by handmaidens since before either Briar or himself had been born. This was the way of the Armada, he realized, and as Sirius had said, slaves have a function and a purpose. He had never heard from Briar nor seen her tended to by a handmaiden before, so he rationalized that the woman must have either been turned free or set to another job before he'd met Briar and before she could really meet her. It was a little relieving to know that the idea of giving a handmaiden to Briar wouldn't be such an outlandish concept, so perhaps the gift would go over smoother than he was anticipating.

Artorias listened to the materials and methods Sirius used when bartering with traders. Tools, raw materials, gems and currencies, supplies, anything with intrinsic value could be used. The young wolf nodded; that made sense. It would all come down to how expensive a slave was, he supposed, and what quality of wolf the slave was. He imagined they would cost a pretty penny, especially since he didn't intend to consider buying one that wasn't worthy of being someone Briar kept in her company at all times. No, as a Fatalis princess, she deserved only the best. "Hopefully they have some things worth our time."

Lumbering footfalls behind them made Artorias glance back, spotting the bear carrying their trading goods. He turned fiery eyes upwards, spotting the large form of Marshal just slightly above where Corbin glided smoothly in the air above their heads. Although he couldn't see him right now, Artorias knew Argent was somewhere in the woods near them; the little guy never got too far from him. Noticing their companions with them reminded Artorias of the lesson Seer had given him on knowing all of the resources available to him at all times. A little smirk pulled at his lips when he realized he was starting to notice things the way Seer pointed them out to him—the way an alpha would.

"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.
____________________

“Indeed” the Warlord agreed, before falling into silence. The path the boys took followed the stream that met the Armada. It took them to approximately the center of Boreas, before they departed it for the colder Northern territories.

Here, the Warlord looked to Marshal to guide them. He had not been to this side of the North territories before. The bird tilted his wings and took the path between two mountains, and showed them the way to the caves.

Here, the Warlord raised his head and howled out. Knowing they would not easily find the nock the traders were camping in without a guide. There were too many caves dotted along the mountainside.

"Sirius Fatalis"

He was sitting before Augustus, head bowed as he listened attentively to his instructions for the day. "... ensure the shift changes move smoothly today, I don't want to see any of yesterday's fuck-up repeated. If you need to, post one of the bigger slaves at the front doors with one of the men, they know better than to try and run." The direction was taken in with great regard, though he made a point of making his own list of chores as his master spoke. The market had been winding up to full capacity slowly over the past few days, and he'd been tending to a few higher status clientele recently. His sunrise hued master reclined at the back of the cave, where he'd found a hollow within the back wall that gave him an excellent vantage over the rest of the antechamber while remaining mostly cloaked in shadow. If one knew where to look, he wasn't hard to pick out, but most of the attendees never bothered to raise their gaze that high along the back wall. The crimson paint that marked his forehead itched when he thought too much about it, but it was critical to Augustus that he was marked out as a servant not intended for purchase. He wouldn't dream of arguing. Paw steps creeping closer, lacking in the resonating of a heavyset warrior. One of the slaves, perhaps? He hoped there hadn't been an issue already. He dared not take his attention away directly, but he did tip one ear back to track the progress of the wolf approaching from behind. "Sir, there's a pair of very large wolves headed this way, coming from the south, they've called out for escort." a reedy voice called to the attention of his master, and the ebon male flicked his ears in an attempt to curb the curious perk that claimed them immediately. Augustus was frowning when Absinthe lifted his gaze to him, and immediately the smaller man dropped his gaze again. "So why have you returned empty-handed?" the gilded behemoth rumbled dangerously. The scout hesitated audibly, and spoke up carefully. "Well, sir. They're both heavily armed, and one of them has the biggest teeth I've ever seen on a wolf. I wasn't certain it was wise to invite them without your approval." A soft hum of consideration was bit back, the half-blind male stifling any noise that might interrupt Augustus. "Do you know anything about this, Absinthe? I sent you to make friends out there, after all." the low voice of his master spoke up, and only then did he lift his gaze again. He tilted his head to better meet the gaze of the scout, who instantly narrowed his eyes in response. "The one with the fangs, was he all black, with a few white markings on his face and hips?" he enquired demurely, and was met with a curt nod. He tipped his muzzle down in thanks, before turning back to gaze up at his master. "I believe this would be Sirius, Warlord of the Armada- a pack to the southeast. He was quite interested in visiting, and acquiring some slaves for use by his pack. I would readily grant them their escort, so you don't have to send out your warriors." he offered coolly, and fell silent again in submission to Augustus' will. After a beat, the large man grunted dismissively. "Go on then, I'll be watching. You will handle the transactions, see to it that they leave with a good impression and a few of our captives." he said simply. Needing no more direction, the once-prince rose smoothly to his paws and trotted towards the mouth of the cave. Once out in the sunlight, he took a moment to blink against the bright light. It always took him a moment to get his bearings after spending so long in the dimmer light of the caverns, where his bad eye was mostly blind, to the bright light of day where it could pick up more of the shapes around him and thus grant him a better field of view. He loped down the trail that led south, searching for the dark shape of the massive Warlord on the horizon. Thankfully, it didn't take too long before he could see a pair of lupine figures in the distance, circled by a pair of large birds and accompanied by a shape he couldn't quite discern. It wasn't a wolf, at least not one in the best conditions. He slowed his pace once he was within earshot, gearing down from a lope to an easy trot, and then down to a walk as he closed the distance. He brought himself to a stop a few feet from the pair, the equally large male at the Warlord's side was unfamiliar, but there was a familiarity in their body language that left him more at ease. "Good morning, Warlord. Good morning to you as well, sir." he dipped his head politely to both, offering a light smile with his greetings. "Have you come by to browse the market today?" he questioned with a slight tilt of his crown, tail half tucked between his thighs in submission to their status above his own. "speech" STEP IN LINE, EVERYTHING WILL BE JUST FINE

Traveling the provinces between the Armada and their destination in the north was a mostly uneventful. The two wolves arrived to an unfamiliar part of the north that Artorias had never been to before, not even during his travels with Ulric. They entered a mountainous pass with numerous caves lining the cliff walls, the smell of salt from the nearby western sea stinging his nose in a pleasant manner. It was noticeably cooler here and very quiet, an off the beaten path location for a black market. Sirius howled for someone, and then they waited. Artorias scanned the environment with keen amber eyes, at one point thinking he noticed movement along one of the ridges, but when he looked there was nothing there.

After a short wait, a wolf began to approach them, dark as night and a few inches and pounds shorter and lighter than either himself or the Warlord. Artorias regarded the newcomer with civility, yet apprehension; he did not know this wolf. The wolf, however, seemed to know Sirius. He greeted the Warlord directly, then bid him good morning as well, asking if they were here for the market. Ah, so this was the wolf that had come to invite Sirius to the black market. Artorias expected Sirius to lead the dialogue, but instead the giant wolf gave him a nudge from behind, urging him forward a step. Art glanced back at Seer with a quizzical look, but his mentor just gave him an encouraging nod toward the other wolf. He wanted Artorias to take the lead on this one.

Turning back to face the other wolf, Artorias took a single step forward and greeted the wolf with a diplomatic smile and a tip of his head, noting how the other wolf held a submissive posture to them. Was he a slave as well, or simply being a demure host? "Good morning to you too. We are here for the market," he said, gesturing back toward Sirius' bear that was carrying their load of tradables and currency. "We're looking to make a purchase too, if we find something we like. We're-" Artorias cut off when Seer gave him another nudge, the boy's eyes rolling with an exasperated sigh. "I'm in the market for someone who would be appropriate as a handmaiden to a princess." Artorias gave the wolf a half smile, trying to not look completely out of his element here.

"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.
____________________

Shortly after his howl a familiar wolf came into view, and he knew Marshal had not led them astray. The polite and submissive form of the wolf who had told him about the market place slowed a walk before them. As Absinthe spoke, he gave the boy beside him a subtle nudge. They were here for his learning, and he could lead the charge. He trusted Art not to make a fool of himself. “Hello again Absinthe, this is my godson, Artorias” he said in way of introduction. He was rather fond of that word godson.

He leaned back on his hunches, putting Art subtly before him. Here in support of the boy, but letting it be his show. He furthered the gesture with a nod when Art looked his way. The gesture seemed to say ‘you’ve got this’ and it was all the encouragement Art needed.

His Godson began to speak. Sirius was standing close enough to him that it was easy to give him another nudge. Hiding a grin, he did exactly that, and Art got the message.

"Sirius Fatalis"

Up close and within conversation distance, it was only the slightest bit alarming to realize he was certainly outmatched. Both wolves easily outweighed him, and were a few inches taller at eh bare minimum. His skills were rusty at best, years of indentured servitude forbidding him from raising a paw in his own defense. The Warlord seemed a kind enough man, but he didn't want to find himself on the wrong end of his temper. The blue marked male at his side, armed with a wicked looking blade and thick leather armour, he could only get a quick read on from first glance. Proud, proper, and quite possibly nervous? Regardless, he opted to make it his mission to avoid encouraging any ire from both. There was a decidedly calm expression on the Warlord's face, features absent of any creases and marks from stress or anxiety. This bode well for the rest of their interaction, indeed. “Hello again Absinthe, this is my godson, Artorias” he said simply, and sat back on his haunches. Evidently he was letting the younger male take the reigns, which bred a strange form of delight in Absinthe, who had spent the last few days dealing with haughty old wolves whose tongues were as sharp as their fangs. The unfamiliar boy- Artorias- took a few steps forward, and the prodding from the Warlord did not go unnoticed by the sharp-eyed servant. "Good morning to you too. We are here for the market," he said in a gentle, polite voice. A quick gesture with a broad forepaw towards the figure that he now recognized as a small bear, which carted a load of valuables. Perfect, Augustus would be pleased with this development. "We're looking to make a purchase too, if we find something we like. We're-" another soft jab from the titanic Warlord, correcting the boy. Brimstone gaze flicked between them to follow the motion, and he schooled his features to keep the warm smile from sight, stifle the low chuckle. Best not to make potential clients feel insulted. However, when the boy sighed loudly and rolled his eyes skyward, the dark servant let the corner of his lips curve for the barest moment in a lopsided smile. It disappeared when a pang of sudden, sharp desolation struck- he missed his father. "I'm in the market for someone who would be appropriate as a handmaiden to a princess." the statement was followed up by a tiny smile, which the smaller male met with a flicker of his ears and a crinkling in the corners of his eyes. "Allow me to escort you to the site, and you're more than welcome to peruse the wares while I assemble a few of our most even-tempered females." he offered coolly, dipping his head to both males and following the motion with a sweeping gesture of his paw towards the northern end of the valley. He waited for the signs that they were moving, and only then did he set off at an ambling pace. Charcoal toes pulled him smoothly over the frostbitten terra, and he kept both men on his left side, his good side. He certainly wasn't trying to draw out the time spent out of that cave, where he was half blind in the dark and under constant scrutiny. No, he was trying to gather more information so that he could better cater to the new clientele. "Would you prefer for this handmaiden to be smaller in stature, or will she be needing to handle intense workloads as part of her chores?" the servant questioned gently, canting delicate cranium towards Artorias while he awaited an answer. It would only take them fifteen or so minutes to return to the caverns where they had set up, but he would savour every moment of the relative freedom from his master's constant vigilance. "speech" STEP IN LINE, EVERYTHING WILL BE JUST FINE

Judging by the humored and even tempered reactions of their host, Artorias garnered that he wasn't doing terribly for a first timer, nor was he making too much of a fool of himself. Good, things were going smoothly then. Artorias noted the wolf's name—Absinthe—spoken by his godfather. At least now he had a means of addressing their host without simply defaulting to "sir". Absinthe offered to escort them into the secret market, which Artorias happily accepted with a nod of his head. "Lead the way, Absinthe." Artorias nodded to Sirius and took the lead, following just behind Absinthe and to the wolf's left while Seer and his companions followed close behind him. Rough paw pads crunched over the icy rocks and hard earth of the northern terrains. A chilly gust of wind rippled his fur, but thankfully wasn't too bitter to be unbearable.

Absinthe began to ask him some more probing questions about the slave he wished to purchase. To be honest, despite knowing why they were coming up here in the first place, Artorias hadn't put a lot of thought into what exactly he was looking to buy today. He thought over Absinthe's question for a moment, considering Briar's daily lifestyle and what tasks she might put a handmaiden to use for. "The lady she will be serving is the same size as me, so I think anything smaller is a good starting point. She would need to look like she belongs serving a princess, in body and in coat, feminine and lithe and appealing to look at," he theorized out loud to the steward of slaves. "I don't think she would have much intensity or strain in her work. Mostly pampering, caring for, grooming. She would need to be able to hold conversation and not shy from being used for companionship. Her tasks might require fetching specific things or performing specific tasks, so one with decent intelligence." He glanced to the smaller wolf leading them, waiting to see if he had any more questions to answer to help narrow down the market for them.

"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.
____________________

The Warlord rolled his weight back to his forepaws, and started moving with the rest of the group. It was almost a novel experience to let someone else be in the foreground. Absinthe’s attention sticking to Art once it was made clear that he was the ‘buyer’ today. Instead, he let his gaze glance about them, marking the path they made. Likely the Warlord would be back here another day, searching for more dangerous wares.

He noted any watch points, so he would not stumble upon them and startle them next time. His ears were tilted in the direction of the two men, listening as he walked. He did stifle a chuckle when Art described his potential slave as ‘appealing to look at’

All up, Art’s answers were well done for a wolf who had been thrown into this without much preparation. If the idea of purchasing flesh was bothering him, he hid it well.

"Sirius Fatalis"

The silence that followed didn't really phase the kohl servant, who simply kept his pace and waited for a response, or their arrival at the cavern's mouth. If Artorias didn't want to offer up any insight, that wasn't going to hinder the results too much- it would only increase the time the pair spent holed up in the caves. "The lady she will be serving is the same size as me, so I think anything smaller is a good starting point. She would need to look like she belongs serving a princess, in body and in coat, feminine and lithe and appealing to look at," the young man rattled the requirements off with only the slightest hesitation, allowing time for him to file the words away in the back of his mind to turn over until he found the right fit. "I don't think she would have much intensity or strain in her work. Mostly pampering, caring for, grooming. She would need to be able to hold conversation and not shy from being used for companionship. Her tasks might require fetching specific things or performing specific tasks, so one with decent intelligence." the sapphire marked male finished his list there, and while it did open up a few new questions in Absinthe's head, it did start to narrow down his list. If size wasn't a real factor, since both of these men were titans in comparison to almost every captive in his care, then he wouldn't concern himself with it. What would follow was something that required tact, and while the Warlord's godson seemed to be still comfortably within the bounds of yearling status, he knew from experience that age was not always a factor in these matters. He paused for a moment, surveying the landscape for a moment to ensure they were still on course. He noted one of the scouts at their post, staring him down. He ignored the other wolf. "In regards to the companionship you mentioned, should this handmaiden expect to be servicing your lordship as well? I have a few young women who have come directly from the brothels overseas, and were held in high regard, should that be the primary focus of her duties." he said gently, casting his gaze over to the young man briefly to gauge his reaction. This was a dangerous question, as either man might take it as an offence and opt to disembowel him here on the tundra for the slight against their honour. "speech" STEP IN LINE, EVERYTHING WILL BE JUST FINE

Artorias cocked his head to Absinthe's next question, partially because he hadn't considered it, and partially because he had no idea what the dark-furred wolf was talking about. Would the handmaiden be servicing him as well? What did he mean by that? Did that mean would the slave be doing his bidding as well as Briar's? Doing as he asked of her as well as fulfilling Briar's commands? If that was the case, he supposed that inevitably the answer would be "yes". But then what on earth was a brothel and what did that have to do with the women he was shown? Were brothels where they trained slaves? He did like the idea of these wolves being held in high regard though, even if he was feeling more and more bewildered by the moment.

Doing his best to not look overtly confused and not give the wrong answer, Artorias decided to take a middle of the road approach. "I hadn't considered it, since she'll mainly be with the lady. I could have use for her at some points, in which case a wolf of high regard would be desirable, though I wouldn't say it's her primary focus. Her main role will be with the lady." Of course, Artorias still had no idea what Absinthe was hinting at, and as such could show no signs of offense or insult, not that he would have been anyway. Artorias was far too even-keeled for that. But he was also naive to the ways of this world, and had no idea the sexual nature of Absinthe's suggestions, playing along with them regardless while he followed the wolf, locking eyes with the scout eyeing the group. Security was shockingly tight around here.

"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.
____________________

The Warlord was essentially just an observer at this point. Walking on the other side of Art, and simply being there to catch the boy if he did happen to stumble. When Absinthe spoke of ‘servicing’ Art, a sharper breath entered his lungs. He fought very hard, and won, the battle to contain laughter. However, distracted as he was, it made him ill prepared for Art’s response. His slightly confused agreement brought a more startled breath into the Warlord. It caught in his throat the wrong way and he coughed once, twice, and cleared his throat. “The, er, the boy is a bit young for that right now Absinthe” he scolded their guide.

“Have you come up with a selection to match his expectations?” he prompted, wishing to move the conversation along. This was not the time or place to teach Artorias the meaning of the word ‘brothel’

"Sirius Fatalis"

It was slowly becoming obvious that the sapphire and charcoal male was not simply pensive, but instead inexperienced in this realm. He noticed it in the furrowed brow and tilted head that followed the last question, and it was almost endearing. It was beginning to make sense why the Warlord had elected to have him lead this interaction. A critical learning experience for the young godson of a Warlord, who would potentially have to make use of similar markets in his lifetime. When Artorias spoke up again, he had done an excellent job of answering his question without giving an in-depth or concrete response. Those skills would be well served in this corner of the world, and for a moment Absinthe envied him. "I hadn't considered it, since she'll mainly be with the lady. I could have use for her at some points, in which case a wolf of high regard would be desirable, though I wouldn't say it's her primary focus. Her main role will be with the lady." Artorias explained, to which he nodded his head softly in assent. He was about to take the statement at face value, and further narrow his options, when he heard the Warlord's breath catch, and then rattle into a hacking cough. Stopping short, the smaller male whipped his head around to check on the man. By the time he'd done this, the Warlord was clearing his throat with glassy eyes. “The, er, the boy is a bit young for that right now Absinthe” he chided, to which the servant dipped his head low in a respectful bow. "My apologies, Warlord." he said softly before resuming his previous pace, auds tipped back towards his skull submissively. He had overstepped, but he supposed it was better than the alternative. The notion of having the Warlord and his godson on their doorstep, irate with the offered servant that had been ill equipped to meet the desires of the young man and his princess, was not something he was eager to entertain for long. It would certainly involve the end of that sword, and probably the business end of those fangs. “Have you come up with a selection to match his expectations?” the onyx Warlord questioned swiftly, drawing the conversation away from his misstep, for which Absinthe was grateful. "I believe I have the ideal candidate in mind, and I don't believe any other role would suit her quite so well as this one. She's a stunning young lady, well suited to mingling with the likes of royalty, without a doubt. Her skills and beauty would be wasted with a lesser role." he purred, allowing his auds to stand loosely atop his crown as he returned to a more comfortable expression, smoothing over the awkwardness of his previous misstep. Was this... pride? He wasn't certain he was allowed to feel any pride in the emberling that he had taken to caring for when no one was looking. As they approached the base of the mountainside, a well worn path down the side of the cliffs led them through a crevasse in the side of the mountains, which would curve around to the main entrance of their site. The short trail had a few switchbacks as it climbed the sheer cliff, but it didn't take long to summit. From there, he led the pair between the towering walls of rock that opened up onto the stunning view of the Obsidian Beach where their vessel was moored for the time being. He skirted along the grassy hilltop that led up to the edge of the cliif face on the beachfront side of the mountain. Accompanied by his two guests, he felt more at ease to be able to slide past the two posted guards at the entrance, slipping into the familiar dimness of the main antechamber. There was a brief moment where he paused, and pretended he was waiting for the pair of wolves he'd been escorting. In reality, he was adjusting to the sudden loss of most of his sight on the right side, and collecting his bearings. Once he adjusted to the dim lighting again, he scanned the immense cavern. He thought he caught a glimpse of fire marked fur near the back, and would need to investigate. "I hope my lords wouldn't mind taking a moment to browse while I go and collect Miss Idalia for you, and see if she is up to the standard you require." he murmured, turning to face the two wolves nearly blocking out the sun in the entryway. He lifted one paw to gesture broadly to the various "stalls" consisting of spaces on the stone floor where a few wolves might be posted to haggle the prices of a variety of closely related wares. Should the pair find this acceptable, he would take off at a trot towards the back of the cavern. "speech" STEP IN LINE, EVERYTHING WILL BE JUST FINE

Artorias looked back to Sirius along with Absinthe when he heard the short cough the older wolf made, giving him a confused and questioning look. Sirius mentioned that Artorias was a little young for that sort of thing, which just raised more questions in Artorias' mind. Too young? What was he too young for? Was he missing something here? He looked between Absinthe and Sirius when the former apologized for... actually, he didn't know what the apology was for. What had Absinthe done? Artorias was very lost to the true meaning of the two wolves' words. "You have nothing to be sorry for, Absinthe. You're doing your job," he said in hopes of reassuring the submissive male for whatever offense he felt he'd committed. He was still curious about what intentions the two wolves referred to that seemed to startle Seer so much.

He followed Absinthe to the base of the mountain and up a path worn in the cliffside, gazing out over the western ocean and the black sands along its shore. Again, Artorias glanced over the two guards at the mouth of a cave, noting the seriousness on each wolf's expression. They eyed him cautiously, no doubt due to the sword slung across his back, and he tipped his head in greeting to them. Security was not lacking here, and Art silently wondered just how big of an operation this was if it required this many guards. Their host led them into the cave, Artorias pausing for a beat to allow his eyes to adjust to the dim light, then waited for Absinthe to begin leading them into the market proper. Here, Artorias took a moment to absorb the scene. A large cavern, makeshift stalls set up around its space with goods strewn about their surfaces, wolves loitering beside them poised to sell their wares. It was a curious sight, one Artorias had not expected, but it showed him just how well run and organized this business was. It was impressive.

At Absinthe's urging, Artorias nodded to dismiss the smaller wolf. Idalia. That was the name of the wolf he had in mind to sell to the young Carpathius lad. Artorias tossed the name about in his head a couple of times, wondering just what the wolf who possessed the name would look and be like. What would she sound like? What would she smell like? Where had her life gone to lead her to this moment? Artorias was the curious sort of boy, the one who sought answers to everything. Idalia felt like a key component to a world he was just beginning to understand. "Thank you, Absinthe." Artorias waited until their host had begun to walk away before turning towards the stalls, mostly eyeing the wares to kill time. He subtly leaned back towards Sirius, still trying to maintain his stolid expression despite his anxiousness. "How am I doing?" he whispered to his godfather, the first drop of his measured composure since they'd arrived.

"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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