Memento Mori had been in the Hallows for a season now. She had come to feel at peace when she was within the castle’s walls. Rein was happier too, having a place that was safe and that they could call home. Hell, even Jacques seemed to be more at ease. The woman had been experiencing what a home could be like, here in the Hallows. It was clear to her now what the next move was and, as the Summer began to fade, Memento Mori left her room and made for the front of the castle to call for Artorias to have a chat with him. She had not seen the alpha personally since she had joined the Hallows but, by scent, it was obvious that the man had been about and ensuring his, no, their home was safe. She had left Rein and Jacque to their own devices, descending the stairs as she made her way to the front of the castle. She had no way of knowing where Artorias was at the present moment. She felt calm as she walked along, and, in her gut, she felt like this was the right decision. The Hallows and its members had been nothing but kind and welcoming. Why shouldn’t she ask to join them officially? What type of life would she really have, should she choose to leave? At least here she could apply herself and help others thrive. Those who appreciated her company, just as she appreciated theirs. Before long Memento Mori had made her way outside and her gaze swept the path that lead out of the castle. The land had entered a strange, magical autumn and even the castle grounds had become infected, despite it being winter not that long ago. Drawing in a breath Meme tipped her head back, calling for Artorias. Hopefully, the Aegis had time to take away from his mate, little ones, and other duties to spare some time with her. "Talk, 'Think.'

The Aegis had been where he had been the most for the past several weeks: trying to wrangle up his wild bunch of pups all over the castle. Thorn and Dusk had taken to racing around the halls exploring everywhere they could, and without supervision Artorias feared what sort of mischief they could get into. Already he'd found two of his children trying to sneak into the armory so there was no doubt in his mind that his little fuzzballs were a danger to themselves. After corralling the children in for a nap, the call from Memento Mori to meet her in the gardens resounded for him. Art's head perked up, and after quietly closing the bedroom door to pen in the sleeping pups, the azure wolf made his way down the grand staircase and out to the terrace. Memento was found walking the cobblestone paths that led out to the gates and to the Hallowed lands beyond, the gardens bathed in rich sunlight as autumnal colors burst all around them. His beloved wisteria trees, usually pale lilac in color, were all explosions of vibrant golds, and strong fall flowers made their homes in the beds around the gardens. He did not know where this mystical autumn had come from, but Artorias found himself thankful that this was the world his pups got to grow up knowing for their first season than the cold and snow of winter.

Trotting briskly down the stairs, Artorias made his way to join Memento, large paws carrying the dire wolf with surprising nimbleness to her side. He greeted her with his characteristic warm, lopsided smile that betrayed just how youthful the young alpha actually was. "I hope the day finds you well, Memento," he greeted his guest, motioning toward the rest of the gardens around them with a nod of his head. "Take a walk with me?" Artorias set the pace, strolling leisurely around the fountain and past some gold-leaved bushes, his claws clicking quietly against the cobblestone path. He had a suspicion he knew what this conversation would be about. Memento had either made up her mind to stay or to leave. It was no secret what Art hoped for, but he told himself he would not let himself be too disappointed if she chose to move on. This had to be a decision she made, after all. "I hope you've been enjoying the Hallows," he said with a smile after a moment, looking to the slightly smaller woman with bright, hopeful eyes. "I know the rest of the pack has been enjoying having you here, my children especially!"

"Artorias Carpathius"

Artorias did not take long to arrive at Memento’s side. He greeted her warmly, his smile welcome, and returned by one of her own. “And you, Artorias,” She told him, falling into step beside the alpha as he started their walk around the fountain. Memento Mori didn’t mind walking as they went, in fact, it would make the talk a bit easier, at least for her. She knew her decision already, and it wasn’t a bad one, but still, getting her feelings out honestly wasn’t something she had a lot of practice with. She could use the walk to shift her attention a little, and hopefully distract from the awkwardness of it all. “I have been. The Hallows was nothing at all what I was expecting, but so much more. I’ve never felt safer, nor have I ever seen my companions smiling so much. Even Jacques, if you can believe it.” The maned woman chuckled softly at this. For all the jackal’s grumps, he seemed to be at peace when they were within the castle. They had finally found themselves at home, and at peace with themselves as they lived among the Hallow’s members. She had even met one of Briar and Artorias’ children, getting to know the youngster a little as he made one of his maps. “I’ve been enjoying staying here too. I finally feel like I belong somewhere.” Meme lifted her gaze, turning it toward the Aegis. “...and so, I would like to ask for a place here officially, and call the Hallows as my permanent home. I would also like to offer my skills as a tutor for the young ones. I have some fighting knowledge, and will gladly go to arms if need be, but I’d prefer to be a teacher of the crafting arts rather than a fighter if given a choice.” Memento gave a small smile. “I… I feel like this is the right path for me. The path where I’ll be happiest… you know? Oh! I’ll be happy to do more patrols with Ezra as well, during downtime. The last one we went on was quite enjoyable.” "Talk, 'Think.'

The two wolves settled into an easy lope around the circuit of cobblestone paths that looped the garden courtyard, enjoying the warm day and beautiful autumn foliage around them. Memento confirmed that she had been enjoying her time with the Hallows, even going on to recount how her companions were happier and felt safe here. That brought a smile to Artorias' lips; all he had ever wanted to do from the moment he had been crowned Aegis was to uphold his mother's vision of a sanctuary to all who needed it. The alpha gave a bright chuckle as he imagined the dour jackal actually smiling. It reminded him of his late mother's companions, both jackals who had also been relentlessly stern in their demeanor. Maybe it was a jackal thing? "Well, it gladdens me to know that we've earned a coveted seal of approval from Jacques! I know how notoriously hard to please jackals can be." Again he chuckled, glad to see that the gentle gait of their walk seemed to make the conversation easier for them to share.

The words that followed had been exactly what the hopeful Aegis had held out for. He had never once doubted that the Hallows would prove to be a hospitable home to Meme, but ultimately the decision had to be hers to make whether she wanted to carve out a life for herself amongst them. The smile on Art's lips grew the more she spoke, enlightening him to her delight of teaching the children of the pack, offering up her knowledge and wisdom to them as well as her prowess in battle to defend the pack. "It would be our honor to welcome you in as a part of our family, Meme," he replied, turning kind fire-toned eyes her way. "You're a kind-hearted and gentle soul, exactly the type of nurturing individual the Hallows thrives with. I'm so happy you chose to stay with us." Artorias brought their walk towards the large fountain at the center of the gardens, striding up to the edge and leaning forward to rest his paws against the ledge. He watched the water flowing in the basin for a moment before turning his attention back to his newest Hallowed wolf once more. "You've shown a great wealth of knowledge, so I'm inclined to agree, I think being a tutor and one of the pack's educators is your calling. While I won't forget your fighting skills, I'd rather you do what you're passionate about. I'm certain the pups will be ecstatic to hear you'll be their forever teacher."

Artorias laughed as he imagined the energetic mirth his children would no doubt show to learning Meme would be staying to tutor them. "I think this will be good for Ezra too. Ever since his father and sisters left, I've been concerned for him. It's not easy feeling the weight of your family name on your back, y'know? I think having you around will bring him some comfort, so on his behalf, thank you." That only left two things remaining to settle, and Art fixed curious eyes to the slightly smaller woman at his side. "So, now that you'll be staying with us, I'd like to give you your own personal room. A space for yourself to decorate and use as you wish. Feel free to pick from any open room on the second floor or higher and we'll get you settled in. You'll need an official rank to match your talents too. Would you prefer to begin as a Scholar, or as one of our Specialists?" Memento certainly had the aptitude, she could choose as she desired.

"Artorias Carpathius"

Memento couldn’t help but chuckle as well as Artorias mentioned that he was glad to have a seal of approval from Jacques. He wasn’t wrong, at least with that one. He had been a bit of a grumpy male ever since she had met him. Yet, despite this, Jacques was always there for her. Despite his serious demeanor, she knew he was squishy at heart, and cared deeply for her. He was a stark contrast to his brother, Rein, who was far more carefree. The other jackal had been like kin to her and was always quick to bring a smile to her maw. Perhaps after her talk with Art she’d see about taking them on a walk. It seemed so much easier to talk when they were on the move, and walking around the castle was always so beautiful. Artorias was happy to hear of her decision, and Meme joined in his happiness. It felt like after years she had finally found her purpose, and where she belonged. His compliments were welcome, and Memento smiled gently at his words. It felt like she had been waiting for the Hallows her whole life. She let her gaze slide to the fountain that they had approached. The Hallows was a home… for her, for her companions, and for every member that Artiorias welcomed to their pack. Even their guests from the Armada had been treated well, as they should have been in their time of need. Though Memento Mori hadn’t interacted with them directly, they seemed like a good lot. Resting against the fountain herself, Meme focused her attention back on Artorias. “I appreciate the opportunity to do what I’m passionate about as well. Teaching is far easier if it is your passion, after all.” The woman told the Aegis. She had always been interested in the crafting arts, favoring making things to help gather things or toys and the like. It helped her mind stay busy, and not fall into the trap of redundancy. When you could craft, there were so many different things you could make… and even experiment with! Jynn had even shown her about weaving baskets, and she was eager to give that a try now that the weather was warming up. “I can definitely understand that. Ezra’s line has stuck with a family name that has a great bit of history to it, and I’m sure that weighs on him. Though my mother did not pass it on to me, I’m hoping to share that burden. I’m sure that having kin does wonders for both of us.” She was sure that it already had been helping. Ezra was the main reason she had come here, after all. And interacting with him made her happy. She’d be able to officially take a room on the second floor or higher now and, now that she was part of the pack as a full-fledged member, she needed to get a rank other than Hallowed. “I would be happy to take on the rank of a Specialist. Crafting is my forte after all, for things to aid in other tasks or miscellaneous items for trade. Toys, accessories, pillows, blankets, and I’ve learned to make baskets, recently… things of that nature. If there is something particular you would like me to work on making for trading purposes, let me know. Otherwise, I’d be happy to just make a bit of anything and everything, so that it is ready for the Hallows to use and distribute.” Memento Mori hummed happily. She was eager to do what she could and happy to be there that day. Perhaps she’d even work on a way to help improve the maps that Thorn with his maps too. Charcoal maps were all well and good, but sure they could do even better. "Talk, 'Think.'

Artorias hummed and nodded assent to Memento's comment that teaching was easier if it was something you were passionate about. "True, true." He thought of his own children, how he had handled their lessons for fighting and navigation, and Briar... Briar had handled pretty much everything else, being the far smarter and more capable of the two of them. As he suspected, Meme was thrilled to take on a rank above the general populace of Hallowed, and happily claimed the role of Specialist. The slightly smaller woman immediately had ideas to hit the ground running as she laid bare her plans to teach crafting, naming all of the items she could manufacture. Artorias looked to Meme with wide, impressed eyes. "Well well, it seems the Hallows has just found its new head crafter!" he remarked with a bit of playful jest. "I'm sure the pups will be ecstatic to know there'll be no shortage of toys to go around now!" With the two litters growing up quick, the younglings would need plenty to teeth on as they matured.

Meme asked if there were particular things Artorias wanted her to work on for their trading partners and the Aegis put a bit of thought into it. "Wine and goods made from our surplus of alpaca wool are our major exports," he explained as he thought aloud to himself. "Briar has a corner on the wine production, though I'm sure she'll always welcome more help. If you can think of things beyond cloaks and blankets we could turn the wool into, that would be swell. Also, as a Specialist, you have free rein to all of our stores and natural resources. Take a look around, see if inspiration strikes you." Artorias trusted the wolves he placed in the roles that suited them best almost implicitly. Meme would be a better judge of what she could work on than he could ever be, so why not let her creativity take her where it wanted?

An idea did come to Artorias' mind though, and he looked back to his newest pack member again. "I am having a bit of a project commissioned for my council chambers. A map of the world built into a stone tabletop we can use to strategize and maintain track of packs as they come, move, and go. Do you think you could craft some pieces for us to use to represent each of these packs respectively?" Like a chessboard, it would be easier to plan and visualize the world if it was laid out before their eyes. Stone or metal effigies of each pack or pieces representing them could be moved about as the world shifted and changed. Would Meme be able to create something like that for him? The Aegis looked to his newest Specialist, awaiting her response.

"Artorias Carpathius"

Memento Mori hadn’t expected to get the rank so easily, nor for Artorias to be so enthusiastic himself. The maned woman grinned. She’d certainly do her best at the rank. She loved crafting and figuring out new ways to work things. Keeping her paws busy was the best, though sometimes… she wished that she could do finer work. It might be a good idea for her to seek out another companion, one that had an easier time handling things. She would just need to keep her eye out. In the meanwhile, keeping toys supplied for the two litters in the Hallows would keep her busy, as well as any other things the pack might need. “For sure!” “I’ve never worked with drinks, but I’d definitely be excited to work and lend a paw if she’ll let me. The cloaks and blankets would definitely be doable, as well as a fine way to keep my paws busy.” Hearing that she would have free rein to the natural resources was exciting as well. She wouldn’t squander that right and she would be careful with what she made. She gave a firm nod, excited about filling her days with creative tasks, mingling with packmates, and working on her skills. She was going to make sure her time in the Hallows was well spent! Hearing about the Aegis' commission caught her attention. A map of Boreas and Auster, huh? “Sounds like a wonderful challenge. I could make a test batch out of wood… and  I’m sure I can make a dye out of berries and the like, making them easily different by sight. Then, if that works well, I can work on more permanent pieces.” She had no skill in working metal, but… maybe if she had the right help she could find a way to make some clay figures? Dyed as well, to keep that ease of use factored in. Her brow furrowed her brow thoughtfully. “I’ll definitely need to learn a little about each pack that we know of as well… give me some inspiration for the pieces for each.” Memento’s movements had become more lively, and excited. “How long do you think it’ll take for the map to be finished?” "Talk, 'Think.'

Memento's zeal and enthusiasm for the activities suggested to her to keep her paws busy brought a pleased smile to the Aegis' lips. Seeing his wolves finding enjoyment in the purposes and crafts they chose to pursue brought him a sense of fulfillment, like he was helping people find a place for themselves in the world. Coming as a bastard boy raised by a fledgling pack, Artorias knew all too well how difficult it could be to find somewhere you felt you belonged. He hoped the Hallows would continue to be this place for Meme and for many others for centuries to come. Meme showed an interest in learning the winemaking process Briar had perfected and expressed great potential for being able to craft the cloaks and blankets with ease. The more she spoke, the more Artorias learned what she was capable of, what her wheelhouse was when it came to crafting. He knew from experience that a crafter's skills could be vast and broad; finding out what Memento was good at and interested in would be his first order of business.

When the Aegis explained the special project he had coming for the castle's council chambers, an intrigue crossed Memento's eyes that gave the dire wolf great faith in her. She was interested, and an interested wolf would always deliver top notch results. Immediately she began to brainstorm ideas for what she could do to meet her objective. Artorias was impressed by her ingenuity. He knew what he was asking would be challenging, as to his knowledge, no one had ever done anything like it before, but that was the beauty of the work the Hallows did—it was rare, one of a kind, and pushed its members to rise to be the best they could be. "I like the direction your head's at," he commented with a crooked smile. "Honestly, I leave you total creative freedom in how you go about this task. You're the expert, and I default to your knowledge and experience."

Meme mentioned learning about the other packs she was to mold effigies of and the black and blue wolf nodded again. "Briar is our standing diplomat and as a Fatalis is well versed in expansive pack history. You can reference her knowledge as much as you'd like. The Hallows does not restrict any of its members' movements, so you are also free to do any scouting or interviewing of other packs for yourself if you'd like." Again, he left the decision on how she went about her task squarely in her paws. Meme would know how she worked best, and Art would give her all the freedom to do as she needed.

"Artorias Carpathius"