((Liquid timing this back to around week 2 of the samhain event, sorry time is a strange soup and we wanted to establish if Gloom will be allowed to stay for recovery, Audra first please!))

So this was awkward... The slight woman was leaning against the earthen woman she'd only really just met, Audra. Her very broken and bitten ankle tucked up against Gloom's chest. The going had been slow but it had been decided, though how Gloom would never know considering her own deep anxiety even speak with a stranger, and Audra's own clear shyness, that it was probably better to bring Gloom to Audra's pack rather than let her try to hobble her way all the way back up to Boreas. So here they were, two clearly very flustered and awkward women, one with a broken ankle and the other- Well Gloom really didn't know anything about Audra yet so she couldn't say but she certainly felt self-conscious about it all.

How would she survive in a pack, even temporarily, full of nothing but strangers when she'd been such a mess in a pack that had been almost nothing but family? Oh gods! Her family! She'd have to make sure they knew she was okay, that she'd be back once she was able to make the trip back. Spirit especially needed to know that she was not simply abandoning them, she and her brother had been so dependent on each other in the last few years she hated to think that even now he might be worrying after her... And no doubt he would when she didn't return home tonight. Gloom grimaced, unable to hide the worry on her face and she tried desperately to keep herself from bursting into tears, again, she settled on her haunches as they drew close and tried to take deep breathes, but they were shaky and shallow and she was doing an absolutely terrible job hiding the new surge of anxiety this whole thing had brought her. She tried instead to think of the feeling of peace she'd had all too briefly during the nature walk, a sort of weird tingle in her stomach as the image of Audra walking beside her, bathed in the unnatural autumnal light entered her mind. Better to quickly push that off for now, she was already too worried about everything to begin trying to figure out what that tingle was or meant, with her luck, it meant she was dying.

"Speech"

Image by Madandcat

Audra had insisted that Gloom accompany her back to the castle. Feeling awfully guilty herself that on the walk Gloom had managed to break her ankle and receive a nasty snake bite, she wasn't sure how much time they would have. Unsure as to what snake had bitten her since it had slithered off before Audra could get a look, there wasn't much she could do for the poor girl until they were in the infirmary. Regretting leaving Mack at the castle to travel on her that day, Audra was internally cursing herself as they made their way slowly back home. Surely Art wouldn't turn Gloom away, even if she did smell of another pack. What a shame it was really... But she didn't know much about Gloom yet either so there was no use getting her hopes up.

Feeling the rigidity of Gloom as the monochrome girl leaned against her, Audra held herself up strong. Well, as strong as she could. Thankful Gloom was right about the same size as herself, Audra tried to keep a pleasant expression on her face. The quicker they returned to the castle, the quicker she could mend Gloom back up. Inhaling deep breaths so she wouldn't tire easily, she felt relief rush through her as the sight of her home was seen across the field. Approaching the stone walls and open gates, Audra let out a call to anyone who would come assist them.

"Let's g-get you in-inside t-to the infirmary," Audra stuttered as she exhaled heavily, feeling her muscles begin to tire. "W-we can t-talk to Art o-once I-I've got your l-leg b-bandaged," she assured the woman as she led her up the castle steps toward the front door.

A U D R A

Although the Hallows was an open sanctuary and hospital for public use, hearing a call for aid was never something Artorias anticipated nor hoped to hear. Especially not one from Audra of all wolves. The first thought that entered the Aegis' mind when he heard his wolf's call was panic. Was Audra okay? Had something happened to her? It was that worry that sent the dire wolf propelling down the castle corridors from the armory, not even bothering to shut the door behind him as he raced to the castle gates. Bounding up to the front doors, he spotted the earthen-hued woman coming up the terrace stairs escorting an equally small monochrome woman with her. Once he set eyes upon the two women, it became obvious that Audra was not the one in need of aid. The stranger she was escorting appeared to be in rough shape, injured and bedraggled and looking on the verge of a panic attack. Was it shock? Had she been attacked by something or someone out in the wild lands?

"Audra, what happened?" the Aegis asked, shifting into alpha mode in an instant. He hurried over to the other side of their guest, careful not to touch her out of respect while also assessing her to damage. He was no healer and his triage abilities were limited at best, but he didn't need to be a world class surgeon like his sister to know she was in a bad spot. "Come, let's get her to the infirmary. You can tell me everything on the way." Gwyn and Syanna had just recently restocked their supplies, so Audra should have more than enough medicine and material to help patch up the stranger. Looking down to the black and white woman with bright lilac eyes, Art offered her his shoulder to escort her the rest of the way if she needed the help. "You're safe here, Miss. The Hallows protects all who need help. My name is Artorias. Are you able to walk? I can carry you if you don't mind."

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

Oh god, okay they were moving again, Audra decided it was best to get her laid down and seen too before checking she could stay. Gloom didn't know this pack, hardly knew most packs but if Audra assumed that was fine then... Well Gloom wasn't exactly in a position to argue was she? So she hobbled along, grimacing as the pain continued to lance up her leg, were her toes going numb? She tried not to remember the snake that had sunk its fangs into her already injured leg. She didn't know if it was venomous or not, it hadn't been a snake she'd ever seen before, ironically an animal she had some familiarity with considering where she'd grown up.

They were joined soon enough by a large blue man, he held himself in such a way that spoke to his authority and Gloom's heart leapt into her throat. Gloom heard him as if he was a million miles away, and when his attention was turned on her she practically shrunk into Audra. She shook her head more out of instinctual fear than in response to him. It probably would have been better to let the blue man help her, Audra wasn't exactly bigger than she was but right now it was the devil she knew or the devil she didn't and she preferred the one she knew.

"Speech"

Image by Madandcat

Though Audra knew before this moment that she was forever in debted to Artorias' valiant help, she mentally made a note to find him later. Because as she watched him approach with the worry of a brother in his eye but the courage and confidence of an Aegis, she felt a wave of relief wash over her again. Nothing made her feel more at home than knowing he and the rest of the Hallows would be there to help when she needed it. She wouldn't stop moving with Gloom though even as the dire-sized man swooped over to the other side of the injured woman. "We were walking through the woods when she fell onto a snake," her voice was sure and steady, even if she wanted to stumble over every syllable, she knew Art would have to be able to understand if they wanted to help save her. He also was perhaps one of the very few wolves that she was comfortable enough around to not stutter as was her customary way of speech. "I d-didn't see it properly so I'm not sure if it's venomous or not," Audra glanced at him, trying to hide her nervousness even if it was hard. They continued to walk slowly but with progress toward the infirmary. She could feel Gloom shrink and press into her as Art offered to help carry her. "We appreciate the offer but I don't believe Gloom is comfortable with that," there is only tenderness in her tone as she speaks directly to Artorias. Her one good eye is glistening with anxious fear as she keeps the rest of herself put together. "I would appreciate it though if you stayed nearby to make sure neither of us falls, pass out, or worse," she tries to be humorous with a small smile playing on her lips. Maybe it wasn't the right moment, but sometimes being funny helped others feel better in bad situations. As they approach the infirmary, Audra allows Art to open the door for them and lead them to an empty bed. Once she knows Gloom is settled comfortably, the petite woman moves with a swiftness. For a small wolf with only one working eye, she knows the infirmary like the back of her paw. Even without the assistance of Mack, her bobcat, Audra knows where everything is and she is thanking Syanna and Gwyn for keeping it stocked. Meanwhile, she racks her brain to try and remember what to do with snake bites. Would it be safe for her to draw it out? She couldn't just give her an antivenom would knowing what snake it was... "Art, do you know what venomous s-snakes live in Auster?" The question is tossed hurriedly over her should as she gathers bandages, salves, and any other medications she might need. It was better to be safe than sorry.

As soon as he approached the two women, Artorias noted the way their guest shrunk back into Audra’s side, practically shaking with fear. It took him by surprise, but more than anything it broke his heart. Seeing wolves gripped by such fear often spoke of deep traumas and abuse. His heart immediately went out to her and he swore she would be kept safe in their care. Audra spoke on behalf of the terrified and injured woman, explaining how she had received a bite from some sort of snake in the jungle. Artorias winced as he thought of a hundred different dreadful outcomes that could come from this kind of situation, going as far as amputation or even death. No, they could not allow that to happen. Audra thanked him for his offer to carry their guest, but declined on the grounds of her discomfort. The Aegis simply nodded, taking no offense and showing an incredible amount of empathy. "Understood. I’ll make sure neither of you fall then."

Down the corridors they slowly made their way to the infirmary, Artorias pushing open doors with his dire strength. Gwynevere and Syanna were out currently, but Art knew both women could be summoned swiftly with a simple call if their support was needed. Once Audra had gotten the stranger she had named as Gloom into a bed, Artoriad stood around at the ready to assist as needed. When it came to healing and medical stuff, the azure wolf was virtually useless. He knew basic battlefield dressings and triage, but things like snakebites? The best he could do was pronounce you legally dead. That wouldn’t stop him from helping the more knowledgeable Audra with her tasks though. As the earthen-hued wolf made her way around the infirmary gathering up supplies, Art stood sentinel near the bed with Gloom, making sure she was still conscious and breathing. It was then that he noted the scent of Ashen lingering on her fur and his heart sank. If one of their allies perished while in their care, he’d have a hell of a lot to explain to Venom.

When she asked him about the kinds of venomous snakes that lived in Auster, Art’s attention perked up and his mind began to run with all the lessons on flora and fauna he’d taken from his parents and Rudy. "Uh, vipers for the most part. Some rattlers too, I think. Did it make any sort of rattling noise before it struck?" Knowing what sort of serpent had attacked Gloom would be the first challenge they faced. Each snake’s Venom had to be handled in different and unique ways, and one wrong choice could potentially lead to death.

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