The Rightful Rulers

Artorias had not been happy for the move. He still didn't understand why their family had to leave their home—the only home he had ever known—to move all the way across the world. Sure, he wanted to travel and explore new lands, but he didn't think that would mean giving up his home in the process. Their parens had been deliberately obscure with the information and reasons behind their entire pack's sudden move, but if it required all of them moving at the same time, if must have been pretty serious... whatever it was. This had all happened so fast, he didn't even have time to process the information before they were gone, let alone say goodbye to anyone. Then again, all of his friends existed within the Hallows. Who would miss him? Briar Fatalis, who only seemed to want to annoy him and fight with him any chance she got? If anything, she'd be happy he'd be gone, and he couldn't say he minded the distance either...

So, with quiet reservation and a dour expression, Artorias had packed up his leather armor, slipped his sword around his body, and set off with his family. The trip had been way too long and way too boring. Artorias enjoyed getting to see all the different terrains they crossed over on their way to their new home, taking in the sights they passed as the cold weather had begun to herald some flurries of early winter snow. Once they passed into the southern hemisphere, the snow ebbed away into much more mild weather. It was still cool, but these lands seemed much more like the autumn they had been exposed to back in Boreas.

The pack saw their new home long before they had reached it. Artorias' eyes spotted the behemoth of a castle from across the plains as they headed towards it. Although he was exhausted and his little paws felt like they were going to fall off at any moment, the bright excitement in his wide amber eyes was unmistakable. The closer they got, the more the boy gaped and awed at the humongous stone structure, covered in vines and foliage as the earth attempted to regain the old ruins. Walking through the main gates and into the spacious overgrown courtyard, Art felt as if he were stepping into a fantasy world, wondering just how this place had come to be. Was this all really theirs now?! As if on cue, Tamsyn called for him and his siblings, the pup's eyes still taking in all of the sights of stone walls, glass windows, and weathered statues even as he meandered back towards his mother. This place was incredible! He already couldn't wait to explore all of the rooms and corridors, nooks and crannies of their new home! "Coming, Mama!" he called as he bounced over to follow her.