Alaric lingered near the borders of a pack he had never met before. His cane corsos lurked behind him, their postures neutral. At his feet lay a large stag, freshly slain with the help of the large dogs. Alaric hoped this would show he was no threat, but a welcoming polite face. In the distance he could see a large castle, and he had to give whoever owned it props. A castle was a formidable fortress to live in. Much better than most of the territories here. Yet, Alaric wasn't here to sight see. He had a job to do, he had to learn the packs of the region. On friendly terms of course. Alaric lifted his head and let out a deep summoning howl, loud and echoing across the lands. It held no malice or challenge, it was a simple neutral and curious tone. Although, he had to admit being diplomatic wasn't his strong suit. He just hoped he didn't come across in any offense to whoever owned these lands.

Calls from the border were not unfamiliar sounds in the Hallows. The sanctuary pack was a popular place, though as of late each call brought about some trepidation to its Lord. Artorias lifted his head when he heard the call summoning him to the borders; a voice he didn't recognize. Hmm... curious. Dismissing himself from playtime with his pups and wife, the Lord of Cinder headed out of the castle to go meet the stranger at their doorstep and see what it was he wanted. His ravens swooped down from the parapets along the castle walls to join him, alighting on their titanic master's back. He approached with no sword and no armor, finding no need to come to this meeting armed. No reason yet, at least.

Approaching the edges of Hallowed lands, Artorias spotted the stranger waiting for him. He was a male wolf, about a half foot shorter than he was, and stocky. He wore a monochromatic coat cut in places with noticeable scars. Similar orange eyes looked at him, and Artorias' own amber gaze analyzed the stranger as he drew closer. Pausing a couple paces away, he looked over the wolf and his canine companions, then down to the fresh kill at the wolf's paws. A gift, perhaps?

"Welcome to the Hallows, stranger," he greeted the wolf, eyes lifting to meet the other male's gaze once more. "I am Artorias Carpathius, the Lord of Cinder and alpha of these lands." Artorias waited, giving the stranger the air to speak his name, his intentions, or whatever else he chose to say, listening attentively all the while.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian"

Alaric remained patient as he waited for any signs of life to come from the castle. His call was soon answered, a large formidable brute came from the castle and greeted him. Artorias Carpathius, the Lord of Cinder. Alaric dipped his head in respect towards the Lord, even if the gesture felt....foreign to him. He used to believe that all those in power were corrupt, untrustworthy, bastards. But now he was in a position of power. He had a growing band to represent. He was not only representing the band but Atreyu as well. He had to give a good impression. No matter how odd it felt to him. Finally, the Warmaw spoke. "I am Alaric Warmaw, General to the Judilian Army." He began, pausing to let it sink in. "I brought you this gift as a sign of good favor, I have not come on bad intentions." He bent down, using his maws to pull the fallen prey towards the borders. He laid it at the the Lord's feet and stepped back to his respectful distance away from the borders. "I am here to learn the packs of Auster. To become familiar with them." He explained briefly. "If there is anything you would like to know of the band, feel free to ask." He finished, allowing the Lord to speak as he waited calmly. He could only hope he was doing this right.

The stranger introduced himself with a formal greeting as Alaric Warmaw, a general of a group called the Judilian Army. Artorias' brows knitted together in a suspicious look, leering at the other male with carefully guarded apprehension. A general coming to call at his borders? Was this an intention of invasion? Artorias' nerves steeled themselves for a fight—but that fortunately did not prove to be necessary, as Alaric offered the slain deer as a gift and a sign of good will to prove he intended no harm. Though still cautious, Artorias did let some of that tension melt away from his demeanor, settling back down to a passive neutrality. Alaric stated his motives; he wished to know more about the packs of Auster and to share information about this Judilian Army as well.

Pausing for a moment to consider his options, Artorias eyed the deer, then turned to one of the ravens perched upon his back. "Go find Ezra. Tell him to come collect our gift for skinning and dressing." Artorias was not the master hunter his friend was. Ezra would know how to best handle the deer—as well as tell if it had been tainted. Artorias wanted to assume the best of Alaric's intentions, but he knew better than to trust a wolf he'd just met at face value.

As his raven flew off, the Lord of Cinder returned his attention to his guest, bringing his haunches up to sit so he could speak more comfortably. "I'd be happy to tell you about the Hallows, General Alaric. The Hallows was founded by my mother as a place of sanctuary and healing for those in need. We have inhabited the plains and castle for over half a decade now, doing what work we can to protect the innocent who need guardians and heal those who need doctors, both for the body and the mind." Artorias paused to gesture behind him to the rolling summer hills and Hearthstone castle bathed in golden sunlight. "The Hallows is open to all who come in peace. Our goal is simple: leave the world better than when we found it. I like to think we're doing some pretty good work. Other than that, we manufacture a large amount of wine we offer for trade. My wife is our head sommelier and vintner. If you and your band partake, you're welcome to come sample some of her work." The larger brute chuckled, his deep voice rumbling in his chest as he offered Alaric a smile.

"I am curious about the Judilian Army," he said, looking at Alaric with a curious tilt to his head and scrutinizing eyes. "One of my daughters has mentioned meeting a woman who is the leader of a Judilian Band, but not an army. Are you affiliated with one another?"

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian"