She and Greed had been traveling together since her mother passed when she was young. He had taken care of her, and she had taken care of him. He was getting on in years, and she didn't know how much longer he had left in this world, but...she didn't want him to die in the wilderness whenever it was that fate decided to finally take him away. Greed had told her about a pack in Auster that had taken up the lands that her late eldest brother had once claimed when he reigned as an alpha. And now that she stood on the borders, she could see why he had chosen to take up residence here instead of staying in the North like the few generations of Ancora before him. She glanced at Greed, unsure if they were doing the right thing or not. They had plenty of time to learn of the different packs over the last few months, and this one seemed like the best fit. She didn't know what she would do when Greed finally did pass...whether she would stay here or move on. But she supposed she'd find out one way or another. She at least wanted to speak to the alpha(s) here to find out from their own mouths what the pack was like, and maybe...just maybe, if it was what the pair were looking for, they'd consider joining if they would accept them. Taking a deep breath, she leaned into her greatest friend and mentor, and sounded a gentle call for whoever led the pack. "Speak

He followed Claire as she led the way to the pack that had claimed the lands that Talis once held. It was so long ago now, but every memory he had with Avalon and her kin would never be forgotten. He was devoted to the family. They were his kin, too. They had taken him in and accepted him as one of their own when his own blood had abandoned him. He owed everything to Avalon, and so he repaid her in the form of looking after Claire...but he couldn't deny the affection that had been brewing for the younger girl. She was his greatest friend. Though he was getting on in years, he would remain by her side until his last breath. He remained quiet as she leaned into him, though he offered her his comfort by gently nuzzling his nose into the thick fur of her neck before she sounded a gentle call for the alphas of the pack. He knew about the packs that lived in the lands...being around as long as he had, he'd done his fair share of scouting and information gathering. This one seemed to be the best fit for a spry young lady and a retiring old man. Though he didn't quite feel like retiring just yet, anyway. He still had some fight in him, and he'd continue to do so until he died. "Talk"

Life in the Hallows had returned once more to its calm and harmonious normalcy following the rousing wedding festivities. The ceremony was done, the party had, and the honeymoon enjoyed. Now it was time for the Aegis and his Queen to settle back into their everyday routines and keep their sanctuary in this little slice of paradise running at its peak. Now with his attention focused fully back into the pack, Artorias had begun to build a laundry list of things he wanted to complete to help improve the quality of life for his wolves. Expanding their produce gardens seemed like a good place to start, as well as finally finishing repairs on the outer stone walls that kept them all safe. Resin had begun the work patching holes satisfactorily, but time and other matters had kept it from being completed. But for now, everyone had earned a well deserved rest after all their hard work to make the wedding such a tremendous success!

Lying out in the castle gardens beside his new wife, stealing little affections in the forms of kisses and nuzzles, Artorias discussed the ideas he had for improving the pack with her. The gentle call from their northern borders caught his attention, obsidian ears pricked atop his head. He didn't recognize the voice; perhaps it was someone seeking asylum with them? Casting a curious gaze to Briar, Art motioned to her with a nod of his head and rose to his paws, a quick shake jostling any loose grass from his fur. "Let's go see who's at the door, dear," he teased her with a playful smirk. He led the way out past the castle gates and across the vast plains, their lush grasses swaying in the cool coastal breeze from the nearby sea. The two strangers at the border were easy enough to spot amongst all the greenery—one a pallid monochrome of whites and grays, and the other in a coat of stark dark slate and snowy white. As he suspected, he knew neither of them, but that was about to change.

Approaching their guests, Artorias regarded the man and woman with a warm smile and a tip of his head. "Good afternoon to you both. You've arrived at the borders of the Hallows." The young man raised an azure paw to his chest, then gestured to his mate as he introduced them. "I'm Artorias Carpathius, Aegis of the Hallows. My wife and Queen, Briar." There was a pause left for the two to make their own introductions and explain their intentions, with Artorias keeping keen and inquisitive amber eyes on both while he worked to determine if this was a friendly meeting or otherwise. The last stranger he'd had at his borders had subsequently raided his lands, after all.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"

Briar settled easily back into the daily routine of the pack following all of their wonderful wedding festivities, but she would be lying if she said she didn't have her mind still lost in wistful daydreams about how perfect it had all gone. She had enjoyed every moment and if she could live it all over again she would do without hesitation. But, now that the wedding was over, it left her plenty of time to think about the future. Of course the easy things to consider were the improvements and repairs that had been paused around the castle in favor of preparing for their large wedding celebration and she was more than pleased to discuss and work on those things with Artorias, but the next steps of their relationship and their family were also creeping up in the back of her mind. It was just a passing thought right now since the summer was still a ways away, but it was something that she had started to think of none of the less.

A howl from the border pulled their attention away from their discussions in the castle gardens and her ears perked at the unexpected sound, turning her gaze toward the call before looking back to Artorias with a smile. She chuckled as he mentioned going to see who was at the "door" and she nodded, getting up and giving her coat a quick shake before following him out to meet their guests on the plains. When they approached she gave a curious glance over the pair—a younger woman painted in light shades of gray and an older man that had a stark pelt of white and slate. They didn't seem familiar to her and they didn't have any noticeable pack scents on their coats for her to pick up on so it seemed like they were simply loaners. She gave them both pleasant, friendly smiles as Artorias introduced them both, giving a dip of her head to them as Art said her name. "A pleasure to meet you," she said politely before leaving the floor open for them to introduce themselves and explain why they had come.

"Briar Carpathius"

She waited nervously for someone to answer. She had been born into a pack, but when theirs had disbanded, she and Greed had lived as loners ever since. She didn't know what to expect, nor did she know much about the individuals who lived here, but she had learned about the pack through the grapevine and was hopeful that it would match up with what they were looking for. She took comfort in Greed's touch, closing her eyes for a moment to calm her nerves before she caught the sound of someone approaching. She took a deep breath as she watched a pair of wolves approach them. One of them was a large male bathed in the colors of blue and black, while the other was a slightly smaller female with a pair of small antlers adorning her crown. They introduced themselves as Artorias and Briar. King and Queen of the pack they called The Hallows. Claire dipped her head to the pair in greeting, "Good afternoon, Sir Artorias and Lady Briar, it is a pleasure to meet you as well. My name is Claire Ancora, and this is my friend and mentor, Greed Armada. I hope we're not disturbing you, but we've come to...erm..." How did one go about asking about information about a pack? Especially one you were hoping to join? Her words faltered, and she could feel the heat of embarrassment rise up in her cheeks as she looked to Greed for help. "Speak

He waited with her for someone to arrive. Though he didn't say much of anything just yet. It didn't take long for a pair of wolves to approach, and from the looks of them, he guessed that these two were the alphas of the pack they were looking to join. The larger male introduced himself and his wife as Artorias and Briar, which admittedly, Greed didn't know anything about either of them. He heard names floating around in the world, so he knew the names of most of the alphas that ran the packs, but didn't know a whole lot to put a name to a face. At least with these two, he could scratch them off the list now that he knew what they looked like. He remained quiet as Claire spoke, letting her take the reigns until...well...he glanced at her to find her looking helplessly at him. She seemed to be at a loss for words, unsure on how to proceed. Sweet Claire...too polite to get straight to the point, He thought. He supposed her sweetness was one of the things he secretly adored about her. Turning his gaze to the King & Queen of the pack, he finished what she couldn't find the words to say. "We've come to learn more about your pack. Moreso with the intention to join should your pack be a good fit for us." Straight to the point. He didn't see the need to explain their past, let alone his concerning packs. He had only ever followed wherever Avalon and her kin went, and after they passed or went their own ways, he and Claire had taken up the rogue life despite his wanting her to find a place where her life would be stable, but she refused unless he came with her. Well...here he was...attempting to join a pack of strangers just for her. "Talk"

The newcomers greeted them both with polite reverence, and the younger woman spoke first. Claire Ancora, she introduced herself as, and her mentor Greed Armada. Artorias raised a curious brow when he heard the family name of her friend. It was only up until recently that the Hallows had another member of the Armada family in its ranks, and though he didn't know much of the enigmatic once-great house, he knew enough to know respect for the Armadas. Romulus had only bolstered that respect by being a valuable member of the Hallows, and he wished the young man all the best in his journey. Claire began to explain why they were here, but stumbled and hesitated, looking over to her companion to pick up where she left off. Artorias' gaze shifted to Greed next, finding the brunt directness of the older wolf refreshing. It reminded him of his late mother in some regards; Resin had also been a cut and dry kind of individual.

So they were here to learn about the Hallows and consider joining, eh? Artorias' lips turned up at the corners in a lopsided, knowing smile. "Of course, we'd be happy to tell you more about ourselves and show you what we're all about! Come, we'll show you around some of the land while we talk." The Aegis stepped back from the border and ushered their guests in past the border with a welcoming wave of his paw. He then turned and, going to place a gentle nuzzle to Briar's cheek, started a slow stroll along the forested eastern border of Hallowed lands. By walking and talking, he'd be able to give them the information they wanted while also letting them witness everything firsthand. He was a good speaker, but even Art knew that sometimes seeing was far better than hearing.

"The Hallows is a fairly young pack compared to some of the others in Boreas. We've existed only for a couple of years, but we've grown a lot in that short time," explained Artorias while he led the way for their group. "My mother founded the pack as a sanctuary pack—a shelter for anyone who needs help. Its ideal is simple: we live in neutrality and offer that same amicability to all who come as friends. Whether it's protection, medical aid, or even just a warm meal and a bed for the night, so long as a wolf comes without ill intent, the Hallows is open to all, regardless of alignment, history, creed, or lineage. Everyone is welcome and everyone is treated equally and fairly. The idea came from my mother's lifetime of fighting and struggling. She wanted to create a safe place for her family and for anyone who wanted to live their lives in peace and without fear." Artorias turned their path to cut inwards some, walking across the rolling green hills of the plains in the direction of the sparkling ocean. Not far off the Carpathian castle sat like a monument amongst the verdant fields. "The castle is my family's home and the citadel we all live in. If you'd like to see inside, we could arrange a tour. It's quite a sight to behold!"

With the general premise of his pack laid out, Artorias turned curious glances towards Claire and Greed. He was equally as curious about the visitors to his home as they were about the Hallows. "So where are you both coming from? Have you been surviving on your own until now?" A surreptitious sample of the air didn't reveal any pack scents on either of them, so he didn't suspect they were refugees fleeing somewhere. Perhaps just loners who'd grown tired of being on their own, or sought the benefits a pack could provide? Perhaps if he knew a bit more about them, he'd have an idea of how to cater their tour to their tastes. "Were there any particulars or specific questions you'd like me to tell you about the Hallows?" He left the floor open for Claire and Greed. If either of them wanted to know anything or see anything, they were free to ask it of them.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"

The woman spoke first, starting off very eloquently and politely, but getting slightly lost in her words somewhere along the way. Briar gave her an encouraging smile, hoping that there wasn't anything they were doing in particular that was making her nervous. Luckily the male picked up where she left off though, filling in that they were looking for information about the pack in hopes of joining. She smiled at that and in true Artorias fashion he welcomed them in easily to walk as he described the pack to them. She grinned as he nuzzled her cheek and she snuck a quick kiss to him in return before they turned and she walked alongside him as they moved across the plains and Artorias began to explain the philosophy of their pack.

Briar always enjoyed watching Artorias speak about their pack and welcoming others in. He had such a warmth about him and it was one of the many things that had drawn her to him from the beginning. It was a trait that had only gotten stronger since he took over the pack and grew into his own. It was also such a different experience than how she imagined her father would greet new wolves appearing at his border and with her father being the only other experience she had with an alpha other than the few times she had crossed paths with Venom it felt like a night and day difference. With the details of how their pack liked to operate laid out for the potential new comers, Artorias turned his curiosity back toward them and Briar did as well. She was always interested to see what outside eyes thought of the pack and what it was that drew them here.

"Briar Carpathius"

Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment at the fact that she had failed to do something so simple. Greed had been so straightforward with his words...quick and to the point. He didn't beat around the bush with anything which was what she liked about him. She knew she needed some more work with socializing...she hadn't exactly done that since her parents had passed away, and since she'd been on her own. With Greed though, she had no trouble talking. She trusted him with her life and found that he was easy to talk to despite his outward hard and closed off appearance. To her delight, however, Artorias and Briar agreed and seemed more than happy to tell them about their pack. Her heart lifted with hope and her tail slowly wagged. She looked to Greed again, a smile on her features this time as she followed the pair, Greed walking at her side, of course. Artorias explained to them, what the Hallows was about. And as she listened, she couldn't deny that it sounded similar to what her mother once started. Avalon had created a pack in similar nature way before she was born, and she had learned all about it from her and Greed. Her mother had been a kind, fair and forgiving woman despite all the hardships she'd been through, and even up to the end, she held onto her values and of course, Claire was practically Avalon's spitting image in terms of personality. As they walked across the plains, she could see the castle looming in the distance. Her ears perked up as she looked at it, and memories of her mother's description of it came rushing in. She had been told how grand it was, and how the Ancora family once lived in these very lands when her eldest brother led the family. Back then though, there wasn't a whole lot of focus on making the castle into their image. Dragon nor any of the Ancora family particularly cared about vanity nor making physical things into their image. They were more about bonding and passing on memories and stories of their history. While Greed had once lived in that very castle and these very plains, this was the first time she was seeing any of it. "So where are you both coming from? Have you been surviving on your own until now?" Her attention turned from the castle to Artorias and Briar. She wasn't sure what to tell them, but she could at least give them the gist of it. "We have been loners for the better part of a year or longer now, mostly living in the North where my family clan once called home." She cleared her throat as she thought about how to proceed...but she knew no matter how she said it, it still wasn't easy. "My mother and father passed away when I was very young. As did my eldest siblings. Greed was very much a part of our family having grown up with them, so..." She turned to him, amber gaze looking at him with a sort of gratefulness. "Were it not for him, I probably wouldn't have survived." As for his latter question, she thought about it, but...she couldn't quite think of anything else. She knew little of pack affairs and how they operated, especially when it was a pack she was completely new to. Her old pack had been far, far different than this...everyone was cold and distant, often keeping to themselves. Her siblings included. In the pack that had fallen while under Ignis' rule...one had to fight for their freedom to leave..."Out of curiosity...if one wanted to leave, must they challenge for their freedom?" She was still an inexperienced fighter, and until she felt confident enough, she knew Greed would do whatever it took to keep her safe. "Speak

It seemed his younger charge was having some difficulty with this, but he didn't blame her. She hadn't been as social as a pup should've been since her parents had passed away. The pair of them had buried her mother, and once the opportunity to slip away from the pack came up, that's exactly what they had done. They went and lived elsewhere as rogues, considering which packs would be a better fit for them. He didn't care one way or another which pack it was. He didn't really care about joining one, but what mattered to him was her and her happiness. He had promised Avalon, after all, that he'd look after them...or her, rather, since the others went their own ways. As Artorias spoke, he remained quiet and listened, following the trio as they walked and talked. He noticed the antlered Queen was rather quiet, but it was just in her nature, much like himself. Whatever the case, he caught the gist of what the pack was about. It sounded hauntingly familiar to what Avalon had, and he couldn't help but feel like maybe this was fate after all. Casting a glance towards the castle that loomed in the near distance, memories of his time in these lands flooded back. Talis had reigned here for a while before Dragon had lost the challenge against the Abraxas youth. But then again, the old king had been blind at the time, so he wasn't surprised when Talis had fallen. Returning his attention back to the group, he remained quiet throughout the talking, though when Claire asked her question, he turned his gaze to the King and Queen as he waited for their answer about that. When Ignis had taken over Winterfell, nobody could leave without a challenge. Was this pack the same way? It didn't seem like it...but he had lived long enough to know that appearances could be decieving. "Talk"

Artorias listened with keen interest while Claire summarized the lifestyle she and Greed had been sharing for the better part of a year now. They had been living on their own up in northern Boreas, and something she mentioned piqued his interest. Her family clan had been up north, but it had fallen. For a brief moment, Artorias wondered if both of these wolves had once belonged to Incendium, the pack he and Ulric had tried to visit during their diplomatic mission, only to find it barren and desolate. He'd heard word that the pack had fallen, and that Sparrow's pirates had risen in its place, but he hadn't been present for the events that unfolded, finding out secondhand after everything had occurred. A downside to living on the more remote southern continent, he supposed. Artorias breathed a sad sigh when Claire spoke of her family's passings. Family was a cornerstone to the young alpha's life, and his mother's death had stricken him grievously when it happened. He could empathize with the woman who seemed just a hair older than he was. "I am sorry to hear of your family, Claire. I couldn't imagine what that must be like. It sounds like you're very fortunate you both have one another."

The group meandered their way across the plains to the western border and walked along the sloping cliffs that dropped down to the Shimmering Shore below, and the western sea beyond that, sparkling in the summer sun. When asked if she had any questions off the top of her head, Claire asked about the means one would leave the pack. A prudent question, as every pack was a little different. "That's a good question. No, anyone is free to leave of their own volition at any time. No one is forced to live in the Hallows. All of our members are here because they want this life, and because they believe in its ideals. Should anyone choose to leave for any reason, I only ask that you talk to me about it first." Artorias thought briefly to the wolves who had left the Hallows, and how each of them had left their marks. Ulric, Romulus, Deion, Dunkan... Though he missed each and every one and had wished they'd stayed, he hoped they had found what they were looking for out in the world. "The only time I'd say no is it it's one of my lead ranks seeking to leave. Since the pack relies heavily on mentorship and self-improvement, I would ask only that they stay long enough to help train their replacement. But I have no desire to keep anyone where they don't want to be. That's no good for anyone."

Artorias turned his gaze to Briar with a loving smile then. "Is there anything you'd like to add, my Queen?" he asked. "Maybe some things you see in the Hallows from an outside perspective that might help Claire and Greed?" Briar had the interesting perspective of having come from the another pack to the Hallows, and as such would be more observant to things he might have just accepted, as he'd been born in the pack. Coming from the Armada to the Hallows had been an adjustment, so perhaps she could offer some unique insight or answers to their guests.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"

Just as Artorias had picked up on, Briar also noticed the mention of the woman's family being from the north and the fallen clan she mentioned. It wasn't often that a pack fell and another one was created so the word of what had gone on there had spread quickly. Her father had been at the challenge so she had heard from him when he returned, but of course she didn't know the finer details about the former pack itself. It was so far in the past now that it didn't really matter to her either way. A sympathetic frown pulled at her lips at the news of the passing of Claire's family though and she nodded in agreement when Artorias gave his condolences. Claire's question about what one would need to do to leave their pack if they wished to was indeed a good one since she knew the possessiveness of ones alpha varied greatly from pack to pack. Artorias' explanation of things continued to speak to the friendly, open nature of their castle dwelling pack and it was something that she was proud to represent. It felt fair and honest and didn't belittle anyone simply because their strengths were not in the prowess of battle.

When Artorias turned his attention to her as they all walked together along the ocean facing cliff, she gave him an equally loving smile in return before turning her attention to the pair, considering what she could impart to them from her experience. "I will say that The Hallows is definitely a far more open and collaborative pack than I've experienced from other packs," she told him thoughtfully. "The way we live here is more relaxed, but everyone still pulls their own weight... Except most of the wolves here want to help instead of feeling like it's required of them." She hoped they would understand the difference and she thought that they would from the sound of the pack experience they had gone through before. "Some wolves like the more structured, rigorous life style so if that is what you're looking for this might not be the best fit, but... If you're wanting somewhere to feel like family then this is where you want to be."

"Briar Carpathius"

"I am sorry to hear of your family, Claire. I couldn't imagine what that must be like. It sounds like you're very fortunate you both have one another." She nodded to the pair of them as they offered their sympathies. Indeed, she was grateful to have Greed in her life, and incredibly so. Without him, she wasn't sure if she would've survived on her own...not very well at least. She was the type that liked community and stability. She was of the familial sort, especially considering her mother and father were quite elderly when she was born. She leaned into Greed as silent thanks for his presence during her time in the world, and for the situation now as she learned about the pack she was considering. They seemed friendly and amicable, and when Artorias explained that wolves who chose to be here weren't forced and they had the option to leave when they wished, only further fueled her decision that this might be where she would settle. She followed them along the edge of the territory, casting her gaze out to the shimmering ocean as she listened to them talk. Everything about this place seemed promising, and surely it was fate that led her here. After all, her family once called this place home...surely it wasn't just a coincidence that the Hallows and its ideals lined up with her lifestyle, right? "It all sounds so...wonderful. Certainly something I feel fits what we've been searching for. My mother had similar ideals, and while I wish I could've lived in the times my ancestors led their packs, I'm sure they would've been similar to yours." She glanced at Greed, and then at the King and Queen. "I hope I'm not rushing into anything, but...I think this is where we would like to call home if you'll have us." "Speak

He followed along, listening as they spoke. He didn't have much to add, ask, or say...but that was his nature. He just sort of went with the flow, and right now, Claire was his flow. He would go wherever she did, and if this place was what she liked and wanted to call home, so be it. The King and Queen offered their condolences, and he simply offered a small nod to acknowledge it. Claire leaned into him, causing the male to slow down a bit as he quietly returned the gesture. He couldn't help but feel soft and warm whenever he felt her touch, but he did well to hide it. Especially now that they were in the presence of others. He mostly took in the sights, welcoming the memories these lands brought to him. He had been much younger then...but still, it didn't seem like much had changed in these parts, save for maybe the castle. When Claire spoke, he listened. And it seemed that she indeed wanted to give this place a shot. He nodded in agreement. "I used to live in these lands once when I was younger. When the Ancora clan used to call these very lands home. If Claire wishes to call this place home, then I will as well. It would be interesting to see how different things are compared to back then." He mused. Now all that was left to do was hear their verdict. Would they be welcomed? Or turned away? He had plenty of skillsets to offer. One upside of being old, he supposed. "Talk"

As Briar explained the differences she'd experienced between the Hallows and her former home in the Armada, Artorias couldn't help but smile a little. He knew that some would say the Hallows was too soft, too kind-hearted for their own good. He would staunchly disagree. Where other alphas were domineering or possessive with their power and control for loyalty, Artorias found loyalty purely out of the hearts of his wolves who chose to be here. Besides, even a peaceful pack had fangs and claws to defend itself with, and the Hallows was no different. After all, what good was a sanctuary if it had no means of defending those that came looking for it? Briar's kind words toward the work they'd all put forth to making the Hallows feel like a large family rather than an organization warmed Artorias' heart, and he cast a grateful and ever-loving gaze her way.

Claire described their pack and lifestyle as wonderful, and Art could only chuckle softly in humbled amusement. "Well, we certainly try our best." He lifted his brows in curious intrigue when the smaller wolf mentioned how their ideals and creed lined up with what her late mother had carried with her when her ancestors led a pack of their own. The more Claire spoke, the more interested Artorias became to learn more about the pair of loners. Then she expressed her interest to join the Hallows and make this place their home. The delighted smile that crept across the Aegis' face was a dead giveaway to how pleased he was that they had found merit in his family's pack. It felt like a validation of sorts that they were still doing the right thing enough that strangers would want to join in and be a part of it as well. Greed spoke up then, the terse male revealing details of himself now as he claimed he had lived in these same lands long ago, then voiced his support to join the Hallows with Claire.

"Well, I suppose this is more of a 'welcome home' for you then, Greed. Ironically, it was much the same way for the other Armada who used to live here," Art commented with a lighthearted chuckle. He paused their walking, turning to face Claire and Greed with a welcoming smile and bright eyes. "You've both been cordial, respectful, and I believe we share the same goal of leaving the world better than we found it. The Hallows would be delighted to welcome you both!" Artorias dipped his head in a respectful welcome to the two newest Hallowed wolves. He gestured with a flick of his head up towards the castle. "We've put a lot of work into restoring the castle. You are both welcome to choose rooms within its halls for your own personal space. Or if you prefer, the plains offers many great places to dig comfortable dens." Artorias tipped his muzzle back and let out a soft call, announcing to the other wolves across the lands and in the castle of their new compatriots. Strangers appearing in the castle halls was not an uncommon thing for the sanctuary pack, but still, it felt more official this way.

Still all smiles and excitement, Artorias looked back to Claire and Greed respectively. "Come, let Briar and I show you around the castle! It's not terribly complicated, but if you've never been inside before it can be a little confusing. Greed, I'm sure you'll have no trouble navigating around. We haven't changed much other than giving the old place a face lift!" The onyx and azure wolf led the way down toward the castle, taking the opportunity to explain some of the finer details of the pack to their newest members. "As far as laws go, we don't have many, but those we do have are there for a reason," he explained, his voice even and calm despite his mounting enthusiasm. "The most important rule is that bloodshed of any kind outside of training or official challenges is forbidden. The Hallows is a place of healing, growth, and safety, and violence towards others is not tolerated. Other than that, the only laws we observe are that couples must petition myself and Briar before conceiving a litter, everyone in the pack is expected to contribute, and be respectful and tolerant of our guests. Other than that, you pretty much have all the liberties you need. We have plenty of food to help yourselves to, and an expansive wine cellar you can access too, if you're inclined. You're free to come and go as you please, but any guests you want to bring, just let myself or Briar know of."

Artorias glanced back over his shoulder to look at Claire and Greed again, adding, "Oh, before I forget, if either of you have an aptitude in any skills, I'd be glad to get you with some of your new pack mates who share those skills. We have five paths: fighters, healers, hunters, scouts, and scholars. You don't have to pick now, you can feel them out for a while." Oh, but he had been talking for some time now. Art smiled bashfully, ears pulling to his skull. "Ah, sorry, I can ramble a bit when I'm talking about the pack. Did either of you have more questions we can answer while we get you settled in?"

"Artorias" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"

After hearing everything that she and Artorias had to say about their pack, the pair seemed taken with the idea of it—well, at least Claire did. She said as much as she called their ideals wonderful and mentioned how it was much the same to how her late mother would have run things. Greed seemed to be content simply going along with whatever Claire wanted and that was good enough for her. Claire asked about joining and Briar looked to her husband to see what his response would be. Once he agreed and welcomed them both into the pack she grinned, her long tail waving gently behind her at the two new additions to their pack. She was always happy to see The Hallows flourish and grow and there was always more room to be had in the castle and its surrounding grounds.

Artorias led the way toward the castle to give their newest members a tour while explaining the basics of their laws and occasionally Briar would nod in agreement, letting him do the bulk of the talking for their interaction. When he brought up the topic of them choosing a particular path in their skills at some point to decide on their positions with in the pack, Briar added, "Also, if you have any experience or interest in crafting or helping me with our wine production let me know! I'm always looking for extra help around the castle in that regard." She chuckled softly, thinking about all the work that still needed to be done to replenish all of the wine that had been enjoyed during the wedding feast. Artorias asked if they had any other questions and she turned her attention back to the new pair again as well, waiting to see if there was anything she could answer or help with before she slipped away to get some of her daily work done.

"Briar Carpathius"

"Well, I suppose this is more of a 'welcome home' for you then, Greed. Ironically, it was much the same way for the other Armada who used to live here," She couldn't help the quiet giggle and the smile that she shot towards Greed when Artorias said that. Indeed, it had been years since her friend had been here. He had been loyal to her mother and the Ancora family, following them wherever they roamed, even if it took him away from the places he adored. "You've both been cordial, respectful, and I believe we share the same goal of leaving the world better than we found it. The Hallows would be delighted to welcome you both!" She perked up and her tail wagged as she excitedly looked at her companion. "Thank you! Oh, I truly appreciate it! Er, we both do! I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to begin this new journey," He explained that they were welcome to choose their own rooms in the castle if they so chose, or had the option to dig out their own dens in the plains. She nodded her thanks as the King announced them as new members of the pack. He went on to wanting to give them a tour of the castle, which admittedly, she was all too eager to see. Greed had told her all about it, but actually seeing it would be another story! The pair followed, her excitement rising though she listened to Artorias explain the rules of the pack to which she nodded. They seemed easy enough to follow, and she would certainly work to familiarize herself with how things worked around here. "Oh, before I forget, if either of you have an aptitude in any skills, I'd be glad to get you with some of your new pack mates who share those skills. We have five paths: fighters, healers, hunters, scouts, and scholars. You don't have to pick now, you can feel them out for a while." Claire grew thoughtful for a moment, though when Briar mentioned crafting and winemaking, Claire's ears perked up. "Well...Greed has been teaching me how to fight. He's an excellent teacher. He's been in raids, and was one of the top warriors back in the day! He even saved me a few times when other predators ambushed me," She wasn't the best fighter just yet. She still had a long way to go, but she also kept comparing herself to the older male and wanted to be as good as hime one day. Turning to Briar, she was interested in her tasks. "I would love to help you, crafting and winemaking sound very interesting." To the both of them she added, "If you both don't mind, I would like to feel out my path. I didn't get much of an opportunity in our old pack. Although Greed has been mentoring me, I'm not quite confident yet in my abilities as a fighter." Not yet at least...someday maybe... "Speak

Claire's excitement and enthusiasm about the pack was...contagious. She smiled at him when they were accepted as members of the pack, and he couldn't help his own small smile. Despite his outward hard and cold exterior, he couldn't help but feel happy whenever she was happy. And today, she was the happiest he'd seen her since her parents had passed away. Though he didn't miss that Artorias mentioned another 'Armada', he did wonder if it was the one he had met in the swamp, or if it was a different one entirely...or perhaps one that was unrelated to him. It was weird for him to suddenly come across all these new changes and other things, but he was learning to just go with it. The King explained the rules and that they could choose their own rooms in the castle, or even dig out dens on the plains. He was curious to see if his old room had been taken up, or if it was still open...regardless, a new chapter in his life was opening up, so that meant he ought to start new...right? Claire would be safe here...while he wasn't sure about sleeping separate and not sharing the same room or den, she was her own woman and he wasn't going to stop her from doing what she wished. He was sure as hell going to miss her company though...that much he knew. When Claire mentioned his teaching her and went on to mention his past achievements, he couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed and felt the heat rising to his face. He cleared his throat but said nothing until he felt it was his turn to speak. "Claire is an excellent fighter. Though regardless of what she chooses, she's a valuable asset to have," He cleared his throat again as he looked at her for a moment before turning his attention to the King and Queen. "As for me, I'd prefer a rank as a warrior. If it suits you, we can discuss the proper ranking later. I may be old, but I've still plenty of fight left in me." Hell, he'd go down swinging even at death's door. "Talk"

Artorias listened keenly while Claire and Greed both explained where their passions and skills lay. To the Aegis, what a wolf was passionate about was more than just what job they could perform for the Hallows. It was a reflection of the person they were, a glimpse into their minds and souls so to speak. It was also a highly effective way for the alpha to learn his wolves and find ways to connect and relate to them. When he's said the Hallows regarded their own as family, he wasn't being hyperbolic. The entire pack felt like one large nuclear family and that was by design. It built stronger bonds between the creatures that made up the pack. It brought lives together and created lifelong friendships and relationships. It was a physical representation of community and camaraderie, and he hoped that Claire and Greed would both find what they were looking for here amongst them.

Claire mentioned some skill as a fighter, but was quick to laud the talents of Greed as a warrior, detailing his history of martial skill to the alpha couple. She did also express interest in the crafting opportunities Briar offered her, but ultimately she wanted to feel out her own path. Artorias nodded his head assent; that was always a wise decision for someone to take. Sometimes being unsure was the most sure thing a person could say about themselves. Greed was much more straightforward—the veteran warrior wanted a position as a fighter. Artorias would be remiss to deny a talented wolf the chance to use their skills, and he turned a flash of a grin to the older wolf. "Very well, then a Knight you shall be, Greed," Artorias declared. "I think we would all benefit from having you use your skills to keep us all safe, and to help keep our fighters sharp with whatever lessons you can teach them. And for you, Claire, I think it's a smart move to feel out your own path. There's a lot to see and do and learn in the Hallows, and sometimes passions pop up where you least expect them! Whenever you feel confident in what you want and show skill, let me know and we'll get you on a path to mastering your passions."

By now, the group had reached the castle. Artorias led the way through the gates and the high stone walls and into the lush gardens of the courtyard. Wild and domesticated flowers of all kinds bloomed bright and fragrant all about the cobblestone pathways that cut through lush verdant grass. Around the courtyard, beautiful wisteria trees blossomed with lilac-purple fronds that draped down like floral curtains from their branches. The wolves of the pack that had green thumbs were all very proud of the work they did maintaining the gardens—as was Artorias in their efforts and talents. "Welcome to your new home, friends! Briar and I will give you a brief tour, then show you some of the vacant rooms. You're both welcome to have your own space, or share one if you prefer." Artorias didn't know the intricacies or nuances of Claire and Greed's relationship, but it also wasn't his place to pry. If the two wished to cohabitate, he wouldn't deny them that simple joy.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"