a time to come together [Empire Festival Opening]

Ever since his visit up to Boreas with Ulric, Artorias had been looking forward to Ashen's summer festival. Not only would it give him a chance to compete for the Hallows in the gladiatorial tournament Venom had set up, but it would also allow him to get a better taste of what inter-pack politics was like, see how the alphas interacted amongst one another, and perhaps make a few new friends and connections with other wolves as well. Already Artorias was beginning to feel more like a wolf of note within the Hallows ranks, establishing himself not just to his family, but also in the world. The diplomatic mission he'd been on with Ulric had given him that little sampling of what leading involved outside the borders of his home and allowed him to make his presence known. Now would be his first chance to let the rest of the world get to know what kind of wolf Artorias Carpathius was.

Artorias had bathed and groomed his fur to make himself presentable to the Empress and her family, then donned his armor, fitting the charcoal-colored leather cuirass with a few final adjustments in the mirror, appraising his appearance. He had spent the past day meticulously maintaining it, smoothing and polishing the leather to an inky black sheen and buffing out the metal gorget until it shone. Looking at his reflection, Artorias couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervousness in his gut. He had never done anything like this before, and it would be in front of everyone who was anyone in Boreas. He swallowed back his nerves, steeling himself as he stared back into fiery amber eyes in the glass. He could do this. For the Hallows. For Resin. He would show the strength and resilience and honor of the pack in the south.

The journey up to Boreas began early morning, Ulric gathering the group headed for the festival and proceeding north. The trip was mostly uneventful, time filled in with light conversation between friends and family. Arriving at the familiar borers of the white forest, Artorias followed beside Ulric while they crossed into Ashen lands, following just behind his alpha while he led the way to the Empress and her family. He gave Venom a warm and gracious smile once Ulric had spoken, taking a step closer to bow his head to the sovereign of Ashen.

"Your Majesty Venom, thank you for your hospitality. It's good to see you and your family again." Warm amber eyes glanced between the other wolves around her, some he recognized from the raid back in the winter, all of them adorned in lavish appearance that emphasized their pristine and stark coats. With a parting dip of his head, Artorias followed Ulric's lead to join the rest of the wolves in mingling amongst the steadily arriving packs.

"Artorias" | "Corbin"