Time to set the tone

While they were waiting at the border of the Ashen territory, Artorias took a moment to study the odd trees. Their ghostly white bark was unusual and gave off an eerie, almost ethereal atmosphere, as if the land had been pulled straight from a child's fable. Fortunately, the Hallowed wolves didn't have to wait long before their presence was greeted by the Empire's rulers. Artorias fixed the approaching ladies with curious eyes; this was his first time meeting any alphas other than his family or Sirius. The fae was almost as tall as he was, and carried herself with a refined elegance that spoke volumes to her grooming and pedigree. She greeted them and introduced herself as the empress of Ashen, Venom Abraxas. Recognition flickered in fiery eyes; his parents had told him of the other packs and their leaders before in his teachings, and her name had been a common occurrence. Beside her was a small pup, no more than a season or two old, wearing a beautiful coat of pristine black and white that mirrored her mother's colors, sitting with such practiced and refined grace it stunned the young wolf. He met the girl's inquisitive eyes with a warm smile and a dip of his head in greeting while Venom introduced her by a name so regal he feared he would never do it justice by speaking it.

Shortly behind them came another wolf, a brute as large as Ulric and just as familiar to the young Carpathius lad. Artorias remembered Hattori. He remembered the raid vividly. He wondered if Hattori remembered as well—or how Artorias had bested two of Ashen's most promising warriors at the time. It had been close, but ultimately Ashen had squeaked out a victory. Hattori hung just behind Venom, an imposing bodyguard no doubt, but also the Empire's auxiliary alpha. He would be given due respect as well. Ulric introduced himself, but surprised Artorias by recognizing Venom from when she was a pup. Gods, how old was Ulric?

When Ulric's introduction and ended and the man left it open for him to give his greeting, Artorias regarded both Venom and Hattori with a deep bow of his head to the Empress and Shogun. "Your Majesty Venom, Your Excellence Hattori. It's a pleasure to meet you both—and to see you again, sir." His voice was even, measured, doing his best to follow Ulric's lead. He regarded Ikigai with a warm smile and an equal bow of his head to the little princess, though he feared even if he were to lay on the ground, his bow would never dip low enough for the small pup. "Your Majesty Okiku," he greeted her as well, ensuring he pronounced her name as close to the way her mother had said. The last thing he wanted was to butcher the little girl's name.

With his greetings given, he sat silent and allowed Ulric to continue the talks with Venom and Hattori, mostly observing him dot eh Ashen wolves with quiet consideration. He was to learn from his alpha, after all, and firsthand experience was a rare and valuable gift. If any of them were to address him, he would speak. Until then, he would be quiet, listen, and observe.

"Artorias Carpathius"