The first time she'd seen the castle, she'd been in awe. And every day since, she still woke up to be amazed at the beauty of the place. Towering walls and old stone surrounded the grounds. Telling tales of what once was and what will be. There wasn't any other place Audra wanted to be, but she wanted it to be permanent. Her feelings for Avantika had grown and now it was time for herself to get a place within the pack. After attending the grand feast with the rest of the pack, she was sure she belonged here. Belonging to a pack was new to her and she still felt nervous greeting others, no matter how kind everyone was. Bringing herself down the hallways and stairs, she headed for the main hallway that led outside. Having not spent a terrible amount of time exploring the inner rooms and where everyone resided, Audra thought it fair to call for Artorias in a common meeting area. Her small paws clicked on the cool stone as she paused by the entrance. Turning her chin so that she could view the rest of the large room, she let out a meek call to get Artorias' attention. It was only right she asked for a proper rank within the pack now that she wished to stay with Avantika until well, their last days. SPEECH

With the advent of the sun back across the lands, Artorias was taking every opportunity he could to savor some fresh air and warm sunlight whenever he could manage. Today he was stretching his muscles with running laps around the castle walls, leaping from parapet to parapet like he'd always been born to do so. It was a dangerous feat, yet one he'd done since he was very young and getting familiar with his then new home. Feeling the cool coastal breeze rippling through his fur as he ran felt wonderful, and every day he was recuperating more and more of his strength in the wake of his illness. He was healing, the Hallows was healing, the world was healing, and it was amazing to see.

The timid call for him in a voice unfamiliar yet recognizable broke his attention from his workout. The dire brute slowed his gait, going from a run to a lope, then a slow walk as he made his way down the stairs from the high walls to the gardens down below. Crossing through the gardens on old cobblestone paths, he traipsed up to the terrace and saw Avantika's girlfriend waiting for him at the castle entrance, half-in and half-out. "Hello, Audra," he called to her from behind, offering her a friendly smile. "You called for me?" With a motion of his head, Artorias invited Audra out onto the terrace with him. It would be much nicer to talk out amongst the gardens and sunlight anyway.

"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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It would not take long for her ears to tune into the drumming beat of Artorias' large paws upon cobblestone and lush grass. Turning to watch the large Alpha of the Hallows approach her with a kind smile, she couldn't help but offer one in return. "Artorias," she spoke while nodding her head respectfully toward him in greeting. As he questioned her call for him, she noticed him motion to venture outside onto the terrace. Picking up her paws in a quick step, she followed him into the bright sun. Feeling the warmth upon her russeted fur was a feeling she'd never forget. Having spent what felt like an eternity in darkness, she couldn't be happier that the sun finally decided to show itself. "Yes, thank you for coming," she speaks softly as her eyes move around to gaze at the beautiful gardens. "Now that I have spent some time here, I figured it was time I ask," it was then that she turned her chin toward the Alpha with a slightly nervous smile. "I would like to stay within the Hallows permanently with Avantika and well, everyone else," her heart beats quickly as she moves her paws in a timid manner. "But I cannot laze around and freeload. I would like to join officially and request a rank where I could potentially be of help to you and the pack. I have skills in healing and navigation and I am also a quick learner," Audras looks at him with a glint of eagerness in her one honey-gold eye.

The two wolves made their way onto the terrace to enjoy the beautiful Austerian autumn day, warm sun and cool breeze reminding them that they were alive—they had all survived the Long Night by the grace of the gods or some turn of fortune. Artorias waited patiently for Audra to speak her intentions to him, though he already knew where this conversation would lead, and a knowing smile touched his lips when his suspicions were confirmed. Audra wanted to join the Hallows permanently. Given the relationship that had blossomed between her and his sister, it didn't come as a surprise to the young alpha. If anything, he was surprised it took them this long to ask!

Artorias gave a soft chortle of laughter when Audra emphatically began to explain what skills she had and how she intended to keep learning and improving. He was going to accept her into the pack regardless, but it did make him feel more confident in the smaller wolf to see such dedication and drive in her. It reminded him a lot of Avantika, and suddenly he realized why they were good for one another. "That's very good to hear, Audra. Ambition will get you far in life, and providing for the pack is an expectation of all Hallowed wolves," he replied, casting warm, fiery eyes toward her. "Right now, the Hallows has an abundance of warriors and scouts, but what we sorely need is more healers and hunters. Your healing skills will be your greatest asset, but don't neglect your love for exploration." Artorias did have priorities for his pack's needs, but he expected all of his wolves to pursue their passions and dreams and not let any part of themselves fall to the wayside.

Turning to face Audra fully, Artorias went to wrap a single foreleg around the smaller fae and embrace her as one of his wolves. "Welcome to the Hallows, Audra. From this moment on, you shall always have a home, a bed, meals, and family. You will have my protection and all the benefits that come with carrying our pack's name. You'll begin as one of the Hallowed, and as you demonstrate your skills, you may join the ranks of our Physicians. Do you have any questions for me about the pack or our laws?" He would give Audra the chance to ask whatever her heart desired before giving her a knowing look and asking another question. "So, will we be needing to find you a room of your own, or will you be... ah, sharing with Tika?"

"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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His soft chortle settled her nerves in a way that she wasn't used to. Usually, being in one's company that she was not used to, she was more than a messy ball of nerves. Somehow, when his fiery red gaze turned to her, it all washed away. It was as if he had been expecting this already. Her one eye widened slightly as his smooth tones began to speak. She had wanted nothing more in her life than to belong somewhere. Having spent so much time alone and outcasted away from her own family, this was all so new to her. How could the wolves of this land be so kind and generous? Audra could feel her eye begin to well with water as she smiled broadly at him. Being offered a chance to enhance her healing skills was her dream. To heal and to help was her motive. The one thing keeping her from becoming the villain in her life story. "All I want to do is help others survive in ways I can," her voice is a tremor as he reaches a long and sturdy foreleg around her shoulders. Enveloped in his midnight fur, she leaned her head against his shoulder so that he could not see the single tear roll down her cheek. Sniffling quietly as they pull apart in their familial embrace, her chin turns up to listen to his words. "I have no questions at this time. I just ask that if you ever need help, please consider me," Audra's voice is quiet as her smile wavers. When he last asks about where she would like to room, her heart instantly leaps up into her chest. If there had not been fur upon her cheeks, he would have seen the bright red flush across them. A girlish giggle leaves her lips as she remembers that Art is also Tika's brother. "I am sure that Tika would prefer if I share a room with her," she replies with another quick giggle and a turn of her chin.

Audra's unabashed happiness brought joy to Artorias' heart. More than anything, he loved to make wolves happy and to offer protection against a cruel and unforgiving world. The Hallows' newest member asserted that she had no questions at the moment and reaffirmed her desire to do good and help others survive. "Good. I think you're going to do very well here then," he remarked with a confident smile. Ambition and a drive to leave the world a little brighter than it was... Those were the traits that made successful wolves in the Hallows. The embarrassment that flashes over Audra's countenance when he asked about her rooming situation almost made him burst into laughter, but for both of their sakes, he held it in. Gods, her and Tika were too adorable! Was this how others saw him and Briar?

"Yeeeeah, I have a feeling you're probably right about that," he agreed, leaving all the finer details of such an arrangement to obscurity. They were young, they were in love. The Aegis was just happy that his wolves were happy. "Well, I'd best let you go tell her the good news and get settled in then. If you ever need any of us, Audra, you call day or night. No matter where you are, we'll come." Rising to his paws, Artorias excused himself with a dip of his head and made for the castle gates. "Oh, and Audra..." He glanced back at the smaller woman with a bright smile. "Welcome home." With that, Artorias returned to his duties, letting Audra go share the news and celebrate with her girlfriend.

- exit Artorias -

"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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