The season turns, as it always days, and the hot Auster summer begins to lessen as the rains once again fall over the land. It is Autumn and, since the motley gray boy lost his bet at the tournament, the pair is looking to get married this season. Since the time is upon them, there is only there was only one thing left to do.

It is well into the afternoon by the time that Fern is finally able to pin down the motley boy and she now drags him along for the ‘big reveal’ to Artorias. While she excited to share the news, Fern still finds that butterflies are aflutter in her stomach. The gray pair make their way toward the crackling fire in the great hall, the roaring fire seems like an ideal setting for their news.

They quickly settle in front the warm hearth, Fern carefully folding her haunches to take a seat on one of the plush pillows. Rudy sits next to her and the gray girl leans into him, excited to speak to Art about their future but needing her love’s strength. Looking up to Rudyard, the gray girl plants a kiss on the side of his cheek before settling in and waiting for him to call for Art.


"Fern Lark"

Rudyard had been able to sleep into his normal time and after had spent a portion of the day weaving a fishing trap.  It was boring work but important.  He hadn’t told Fern about his plan to take her exploring for an entire season as her wedding present but he was preparing as he’d promised Art.  They had given out lessons for the hallows wolves to learn how to hunt a bit better and he would leave the tools for an easier way to get some food.  There would be a time to do extra hunting and food to preserve for the pack if they needed the extra food while they were gone.

Fern and Rudy spent enough time apart she didn’t see most of the traps he made.  There was no hard work in hiding it, simply making it outside of the castle exterior and then setting it aside in a storage area of the castle.  If she did spot him making a trap it certainly wasn’t a shocking matter that he might make one kind or another on rare occasions.  Rudy was one of their main hunters, a master of the craft and whether or not everyone saw it he took his job seriously.

Fern finally finished her tasks and found him.  Rudyard grinned, making a show of wanting to finish the trap before leaving but, of course, she got to win.  If she was going to best him in a fight and get to decide when the wedding would be he could at least make her work at this even if he was perfectly ready to go and speak with Art.

He chuckled as they made their way to the great hall.  It was a rare thing for Rudy to come here to talk with his brother.  He hadn’t tried sneaking up on Art for their last talk so this would have been a good reason but it was a thing between him and Art.  Fern might find it strange going to Art’s room for a talk so here they were it seemed.  Rudy sent out a call for his brother to come and meet up with them.  The message did assure not an emergency.  Rudyard wondered how long it would take of staying safe before the family didn’t fear Rudyard was in trouble the moment they heard his call.

Rudyard had been thinking about his future with Fern and really there was not a lot of room for reckless actions in his future.  Rudy liked the idea of having pups.  His own little bunch of trouble makers.  He hadn’t asked Fern about it yet.  The motley wolf hadn’t asked Art if the alpha was ready for pups simply for Art’s own future but of his own.  The bond he had with Art and his brother’s opinion on the idea would mean a lot.  Hell, if Art had said he wasn’t ready then how could Rudy possibly be ready?  Art was the most responsible among them after all.

Sitting there, feeling Fern lean against him he kept his ponderings to himself for the moment.  He imagined her thoughts were solely on the upcoming wedding to be planned.  Rudy’s mind saw the wedding as a start and already imagining the future that would lay ahead.  So many changes were coming in life, so many had already happened.

"Rudyard"

Artorias liked the rain. The rhythmic melody of the falling water tapping against panes of glass was soothing, a welcome white noise to relax his active brain. Which given that he was currently overstimulating it by trying to study up on the sign language Gwynevere and Ysmir had made up meant it was a well received boon. If he'd thought Carpathian had been difficult to learn from scratch, this was something entirely different altogether! But still, he owed it to his pack mate to learn how to best communicate with him. Ysmir was a part of their family now—literally if his relationship with Gwyn continued to grow like it was—and he wanted to make the former Fireside wolf feel welcomed and a part of the Hallows as much as he could. Even still, learning what different random gestures meant was... odd to say the least. But he was trying his best.

His brother's call for him broke him out of his deep thoughts, dark ears perking to catch his brother's message. It was unusual for Rudyard to call without there being an emergency, but right now he was just grateful that his brother didn't sound like he was in any sort of trouble or danger. Rolling back up the many, many scrolls of illustrations Gwyn had made him explaining their sign language, the Aegis exited his private chambers and made his way downstairs to the great hall where the call had come from. When he rounded the corner, he wasn't exactly surprised to find Fern and Rudy together. The pair had been inseparable since their relationship began. Art smirked at the two and approached them, shooting both wolves a suspicious glance.

"When the two of you call me together, I know I'm about to be asked for a favor," Artorias said with an amused chuckle. The dire wolf took a seat on the expansive furs laid out in front of the great hearth, waving a paw to give them the floor to speak. "Go on, what do you two want to do now?"

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

The pair wait for Art to show and Fern is extremely grateful that he arrives quickly. The butterflies that have been dance and twirl in her stomach settle when the tall form of the Aegis appears, a joyful grin spreading across her pale lips as her tail thumps the fur behind her. As he nears, Fern straightens up, feigning a hurt expression for a brief moment before falling away to reveal the excitement that lays underneath. Artorias settles in near Fern and Rudyard, waving a paw and opening the floor to them. The gray girl quickly clears her throat and slowly muses, “You know that your brother has a horrible track record against me in fights Art.”

A teasing glint rests in Fern’s blue eyes as she chuckles before quickly continuing, “Rudy here made a bet with me before our tournament fight. Whoever won, got to choose the season we get married.” She waits a moment, allowing Artorias to add it all up, a smirk appearing as the Aegis puts two and two together and she gives a joyful laugh before saying, “I want to get married this season, as soon as we can. And the favor we have to ask is this; will you officiate our wedding Art?” The gray girl beams as she leans into Rudyard’s side, her front leg snaking around his as the couple wait to hear what Artorias has to say.


"Fern Lark"

Rudyard sat still, letting Fern use lean up against him.  She was a fierce fighter and yet at the same time could be soft.  It was a perfect balance in Rudyard’s mind.  His puff of a tail would shift a bit to one way and then the other in a content relaxed manner that would have been more noticeable if he’d still had a full tail.  Rudy spent the time waiting imagining a whole different subject than the marriage.  He already knew Art would agree to help them with their wedding.  Art had yet to ever fail Rudy and there was no reason to expect that to happen now.

Rudy’s mind was torn between thoughts of the fun surprise for Fern with traveling and the more somber imagining of pups.  What was it like to be a dad?  Their moms had raised them and now he wanted to raise kids.  How different was it for a father than a mother?  How many kids would they have?  Well, any kids would have to wait until after they got done adventuring.  Rudyard would not fail on the promise he’d made Fern.  She would get the adventure she’d wanted.

Then Art showed up and Rudy cast his best charming trouble-maker smile at Art that quickly turned to overly-dramatic hurt that Art would suggest it had to be for a favor. “What? Couldn’t have just called you for a drink?”

Fern was quick to explain and of course, the first reminder she had to put out there was that she beat Rudy in a fight more than once. Dramatic effects over the motley wolf just smirked mildly.  She continued on and quickly enough got the point of asking about the wedding and having Art be the one to officiate it.  

“Fern isn’t one to take things slowly,” Rudy added with a grin at Art. “The request is from both of us, of course,” putting his sincerity in it.  It had been obvious a good way back Fern wasn’t one to bother going slowly about things.  She seemed to decide what she wanted and then went for it.  “I believe Fern also mentioned wanting something a bit smaller than yours.  Apparently, we miss out on all the million presents.”

Rudy’s lip twitched as an idea sprung up.  Well, he’d wait for Art to get a chance to answer on this one but then he had a question that should get just as good of a reaction from Fern.  She wanted to tease him about losing fights?  Revenge was coming!  The good form but, it would be fun.  

"Rudyard"

As soon as Artorias made mention of suspecting both of them wanting a favor from him, both Rudyard and Fern reacted in an overly dramatic fashion, Fern and Rudy both feigning hurt feelings and personal offense as his brother tried to con him into believing he'd called him here for a drink. Artorias raised a brow and did a slow 360 in place, looking around to all the empty tables with no wine bottles nor glasses out on them, coming to a stop looking at Rudy with a playful look that read "Really?". Fern jumped in to save Rudy from an even more sarcastic remark from the tallest of the Carpathians, explaining how Rudy was terrible against her in fights and filling him in on how they had made yet another wager prior to their fight during the wedding tournament. Artorias breathed a sigh and shot his brother an exasperated look. "When are you going to learn to stop making bets against your girlfriend?" he asked with a roll of his eyes. "The next time you two make a wager, I want in. It's a guaranteed payday if I put money down on Fern."

Fern detailed the bet that was made on the fight she had won—whoever was the victor got to decide the season they were married in. Understanding dawned in the Aegis' eyes. Ah, so that's what this meeting was all about. Fern got to choose when they got married, and it appeared as though she had chosen. A crooked smirk turned the alpha's lips upwards in an amused smile, chuckling under his breath as Fern voiced what he had figured out. She wanted them to be married this season. Then she asked if he would officiate the wedding for them. Rudy also expressed his desire to have him officiate for them, also mentioning their wedding plans being a mite smaller than his had been. Inwardly, Art was relieved; while he would have done anything for any of his wolves' happiness, hosting two major celebrations back to back would have been a bit of a strain on the pack. Since neither of them had asked for that, it made their request much more feasible.

For a moment, Artorias just looked between the happy couple, studying their beaming faces and shimmering eyes. He couldn't recall a time he'd seen his brother so jubilant, and it was all thanks to the young woman holding onto his arm like he might float away if she let him go. In them, he could see a similar type of love and affection he felt for Briar. The eagerness to be married, mated together officially, it warmed his heart and let him know this was genuine. A toothy smile broke across Artorias' face as he gave a mirthful laugh. "Look at your faces... As if I could say no to two wolves so very much in love." The Aegis gave a nod of his head. "I'd be honored to officiate your wedding. If this is something you want done this season, we'll have to move fast. Do you two know where you'd like it performed? Here in the castle, on the plains, on the beach...?" Art allowed Rudy wand Fern to fill in all the details for him. There was only a couple of months in the season, so if they wanted to be married in the spring, they'd need to put together a small ceremony and celebration swiftly. The more details the happy couple could give him, the more he could help them plan their big day.

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

When Fern talks about the bet that Rudyard had made, Art sighs and shoots his brother an exasperated look which has the gray girl beams brightly. It is true, at the rate Rudy has been losing to her, Artorias could stand to make a pretty penny at their next bout. Assuming that Rudy even dares to challenge her again. The thought makes her giggle as she looks between Art and Rudy, a blush suddenly creeping up under her fur. The talks continue, the motley boy filling in after her words stop and she wraps a leg around Rudyard’s, smiling brightly at the Aegis while leaning into the boy that has stolen her heart. When a smile breaks over Art’s face, followed by a mirthful laugh, Fern’s tail thumps the furs hard. He goes on to agree to agree to officiating their wedding and then asks where they would like to have the ceremony.

Looking to Rudyard, Fern offers him a loving smile as she says, “Well, we haven’t really discussed the details.” The smile grows as she turns to look back to Artorias, a happy glint in her eyes as she continues, “Honestly, I would love to get married here, right in front of the fireplace. It doesn’t need to be anything big, just family to witness the union. We could do it at night when most of the castle is asleep.” Truthfully, Fern had never been a girl to dream of her wedding day and, now that it is approaching, she doesn’t want anything big or grand. Rudyard may want some big ceremony, maybe to prove his station in the pack but all she needs is the words that will officially bind their together. Fern carefully listens to the ideas that Rudyard and Artorias offer, a dreamy smile never leaving her pale lips.


"Rudyard & Fern"

Rudy refused to ever lose a verbal match, at least he’d put up a good fight for that last word.  Art’s talk of not betting Fern and wanting in on a wager had Rudy making a slow dramatized sigh, “you are missing how great it is that she beats me frequently.” A seconds pause before adding on, “this proves that I can spot talent.  And her prowess in both hunting and fighting proves what great teachers we are.”  It did not prove that Rudy was not a good fighter.  

Art agreed and Rudy grins a bit bigger.  He’d already known Art wouldn’t let him down so no surprise there.  The question of where was one that hadn’t been brought up yet.  Fern was quick, of course, to come up with an answer while Rudy was still thinking on it.

Rudy had thought the beach had been pretty nice but Fern suggested the castle.  Rudy thought of the various reasons they had met in this room.  There were some good memories in here but there were also some bad ones.  She also suggested at night.   “I’m good with it being here but,” Rudy looked at Fern shaking his head, “can’t do that Fern,” said in his best somber tone before quirking the smile back, “The party after would wake everyone up.  Small doesn’t mean not noisy, right?”  They might have to determine what small meant between Fern and Rudy.  Would it be strictly just the family or anyone in the pack still invited?  After Art’s wedding, just those in the castle would be small but was she hoping for Carpathius only?  Fern had no family other than his own.  Well, soon she’d be joining a good large one.

“Besides,” this time the somber tone is kept as he adds, “The hallows is a family.  Should the family be asleep when we are getting married?” Rudy rarely dreamed small.  Nudging Fern's shoulder with his own and tapping his nose against her chin, "C'mon, let me show off getting married to the greatest wife at least a little bit?  Just family for the wedding but entire pack gets in on the party?"  

"Rudyard"

Watching the way Rudy and Fern interacted just confirmed in Artorias' mind that these two wolves that he cared so greatly for really were meant to be together. Their banter, their playful teasing, the way they looked and smiled at one another, it reminded him of the way he and Briar behaved. The display brought a wider, beaming smile to the Aegis face and more than a few chuckles while Rudyard absolutely rebuked Fern's request to do the marriage at night with just their family around. He did have to give Rudy credit, his brother had really taken the time to consider what would be the best thing for Fern. "Sounds like you've got an idea in your head, Rudy," Art commented with a low chuckle. "The Hallows is indeed a family, and I'm inclined to agree that they would want to celebrate along with you."

And now, for the fine art of the compromise! "How about we do the ceremony in the afternoon or evening, here in front of the hearth as you want, and with the Hallows in attendance for a reception after as you want," he suggested, looking between Fern and Rudyard respectively while he pitched the idea forward. "We can fulfill both of your requests that way while still keeping it more low key than the last affair we had here." Art snickered, fully knowing that "the last affair" had been his own grandiose wedding. This definitely felt more like Rudy and Fern's style though—an intimate affair with those closest to them in attendance and a celebration after. They still had plenty of food in their larders to host a Hallows feast, and the wine cellars never seemed to run low with Briar in charge of production.

Now on to the finer details of the event... "How about any other details of the wedding? Tell me your ideas for your dream wedding and we'll make it happen." No matter how simple or extravagant they wanted to get, Art would do his best to make sure their dreams came true. The only constraint they had was time, as both Rudy and Fern wanted to be married within the season. Easily feasible, but it would mean a limit on what could be done in time, and that all came down to how simple they wanted the event to be. If they wanted a straightforward ceremony and reception feats after, then it could be ready in no time.

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

Fern is over the moon with joy. She is finally going to make her mate official in the eyes of the pack. Rudyard has had her heart for a long time but now they get to share their love with the pack. The gray girl had never considered what her wedding would be like because she had never considered finding love. But here she is, with Rudyard and Artorias talking about the gray couple’s wedding. She talks about a small affair and the motley boy immediately counters, saying that he wants the pack involved. A soft chuckle passes her pale lips as she gives Rudy a gentle, teasing nudge, trying to hide her embarrassment at him wanting to ‘show her off’.

Artorias, ever the diplomat of the family, speaks up and helps to quell some of her nervousness. Fern dips her head in agreement, conceding her suggestion and silently agreeing that the pack may be involved in the ceremony. Looking to Rudyard, the gray woman says, “How about early evening? So, there will still be light outside and, that way, it will be around dinner time. We can feed our guests a hearty meal afterward.” Eyes sparkle with joy as her light blue eyes capture his golden gaze. A single brow lifts in question before Art asks about other details for the wedding. Heat floods her cheeks as she quickly looks back to Artorias, floundering for details that she hadn’t even thought of.

Uncertainty plays across her features as she thinks and an idea finally takes hold. Looking between the Carpathian males, Fern speaks up, her voice soft but filled with emotions, “There is only one detail I would really appreciate. Sunflowers. They were my mom’s favorite. It… I would like to have a part of her here.” A gentle, loving smile appears as she thinks of her earthen-hued mother. Meadow may not have found love but Fern is determined to have her dead mother be a part of her only daughter’s wedding. Light blue eyes look to Art and she offers the Aegis a warm smile.


"Rudyard & Fern"

Rudy grinned as it seemed he’d have his way.   The motley wolf didn’t want Fern uncomfortable at their own wedding but it would feel wrong to have it overly quiet and out of sight of everyone.  Rudy flashed a grin at Art mentioning Rudy had an idea in his head. “Oh, I’ve never lacked for ideas.”  Rudyard nodded at both Art and Fern as they spoke of the time, “early evening works fine for me.  All you early risers will be tired the next day when you find you never fell asleep.” The wedding would be a small and formal thing but hopefully, the party itself would last throughout the night.  

Thoughts of work brought another idea to Rudy’s mind to be addressed but he set it aside to first respond to the other questions being brought up. “I admit I put most of my dreams to more of the after-wedding details.  My main image of the wedding itself was just including my entire family around.  Those that mean the most being with us for such an important moment..  So, I want sunflowers too, lots of sunflowers.”  Making Fern happy would be his dream for it.  

There was a part of his dream that was missing but, it was one thing Art couldn’t arrange and did not need to be mentioned at a time for joy.  Had Art also felt a bit of sadness in the fact that Resin hadn’t been there to see his wedding?  She wouldn’t be in the family watching.  Well, that was a thought for a less joyful discussion.  Maybe sitting over a bottle of wine another night with Art would be a time to mention mom and their memories or perhaps it was just time to put the past behind and not bring it up.

“That said,” glancing between Artt and Fern, with a charming grin, his old trouble-making smile.  They had played him good earlier about losing his fight, now it was time for revenge. “There is another matter to discuss.” Rudy glanced between the two he loved so much in different fashions, then his smile turned to a softer one with sincerity in his eyes.  “Fern, I thought of something that would be even better than what we have now.  What I do dream of is pups, a bit of you and a bit of me rolled into one in every pup.”

Rudy turned his attention more directly at Art, “I asked you once about your plans on pups.  If you thought you’d be ready for it.  I’m not sure you know how important hearing your answer was to me at that time.  If my far more mature brother wasn’t ready to have pups how could I be?  What is it to be a dad?  What will our kids need of us and can we really raise them to have their own bright future?  Well Art, I still thought about it.  I know you can be a great dad.  I also know I can be a great dad.  If Fern agrees to it, that’s my dream.” That dream had nothing to do with the wedding of course but it was the priority to him.  

He could have talked to Fern about puppies in private first to see how she felt and then suggested they bring it up to Art if she agreed.  A whole other meeting with her already knowing the point but no, now was far far better.  Besides, when else?  They’d be getting married and then Rudy would be taking Fern on a surprise wedding trip about the land.  Little did she know that had been what created Rudy’s whole need for them to train the pack in hunting exercises.  There were Rudy’s dreams, fulfilling his promises to Fern, helping her dreams come true, and then having children of their own to raise up and help them fulfill their own dreams.

"Rudyard & Fern"

Artorias had never considered himself anything of a wedding planner, and he still wouldn't go so far as to say he was one, but recent experience planning and organizing his own ceremony and reception had helped open his eyes to all the details that went into a wedding. Even a small, intimate affair like the one Fern and Rudy were planning had a lot of forethought that needed to go into it. Blending the desires of both bride and groom would be a balancing act. Thankfully, it seemed like the two lovebirds were mostly on the same wavelength as once another and there wasn't much need for mediation, just clarification on some finer details. Fern requested the early evening for the ceremony, followed immediately by the hearty reception meal for the pack, and Art nodded. "I think that sounds like a grand plan," he agreed. Rudyard also agreed, and that matter was settled. The ceremony would take place early evening, around sunset and just before twilight.

There was only one other detail Fern requested be included in the event: sunflowers. At first, the Aegis was curious, but as his future sister-in-law went on to explain, Artorias' expression softened and there was a tender empathy in his fire-toned gaze. The sunflowers were a representation for Meadow, a little bit of Fern's way of having her mother at the wedding. A pang struck Artorias' heart as he thought about that melancholy he'd felt standing beneath the arbor on his own wedding day, looking out at the faces of their family and loved ones and knowing he'd never see another one amongst them. Not having Resin in attendance had broken his heart, but he knew that she'd been with him that day, even if it wasn't the way he'd hoped she would be. "I will make that happen for you, Fern. You have my word," promised Art, a seriousness in his gaze as embers met Fern's blues showing how important he took this request.

Rudy took the floor again, bringing up another matter he wanted to discuss. Art gave his brother his attention, half expecting another wedding request. What he got instead was a subject that took him well off guard. Rudy wanted to start considering having pups with Fern. Meeting his brother's golden gaze, the Carpathius patriarch listened as his brother pitched his case. Rudy explained how he looked up to Art, how his answer about his readiness to be a father had been his mottled sibling's guiding light. He voiced his confidence for Artorias to be a great father, a sentiment that made Art's ears fold to his head, perhaps from humility or from uncertainty, he couldn't be sure. But Rudy was. Rudyard knew they'd make great dads, and he wanted Artorias' blessing to make that dream become a reality. Artorias hesitated in his answer, mulling it over in his head while he considered his brother's words. Neither he nor Rudy had grown up with a father to be their role model. They would be going into this blind, doing what they felt was right. It was the biggest hangup Artorias had when it came to his own future children, the children he knew he was going to have whether he was ready or not. Would he ever be ready though? Would there ever come a time when he felt so sure of himself that didn't involve jumping in head first and learning to swim or sink?

After a few moments of thought, Artorias considered Rudyard. His rambunctious, reckless little brother had come such a long way from the pup he had been when the two of them would sneak out of pack lands to go play and explore. He was a man now, just like Art was, and he had grown, matured, endured, survived, and learned. Artorias saw a proud and noble man standing before him, confident and ready to take on the challenges of an unknown world. It was... inspiring. If Rudy could be ready for fatherhood, then maybe Art needed to stop doubting himself so much. Sure, he might not be a perfect father—mistakes would be made and lessons would be learned—but that was just a part of life, wasn't it? You live and you learn, and you grow from where you fall. Artorias pursed his lips, swallowed, then nodded with a small smile.

"Mulțumesc, Rudy," he said softly, his composed expression slipping to show some deeper emotion he rarely revealed. "If this is what you both want, then I could permit it. The Hallows has plenty of space and resources to go around right now, a few more mouths to feed won't break us." Of course, this would be a mutual decision for the couple to come to. If puppies were being brought into the Hallows, they would be brought in by parents working as a team, who both wanted and loved them. He would allow the pair to discuss this matter privately and make the decision that was best. "If there were no other matters of the wedding, then I think perhaps I should leave you two to... ah, discuss some personal decisions." With a tip of his head to his family, Artorias rose and excused himself. He needed to go find Briar to enlist his wife's help getting everything prepared for the upcoming wedding.

- exit Artorias unless stopped -

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