Time to set the tone

Ikigai's eyes seemed to brighten when she smiled and bid he address her as Ikigai, then welcomed them both to the Ashen Empire. Giving her a little smile of his own, Artorias nodded his head once to her. "Ikigai it is then. A pleasure to meet you." The leaders of both Hallows and Ashen began to converse then. Venom invited them to stay for a meal, and Artorias was glad to see Ulric stand on ceremony and accept the invite. He followed his alpha's lead as they were invited into Ashen lands proper, curious and fascinated eyes taking in the sights of the alabaster forest that surrounded them. The group moved to settle amongst the trees for their breakfast, all the while Artorias studying their gracious hosts. Venom and Hattori both exuded cool professionalism and decorum, truly showcasing why they were the leaders of a pack known as an empire. Likewise, Ikigai was graceful and regal in her movements and the way she carried herself. For someone so young, she showed all the hallmarks of a future queen. It impressed the young wolf to no end, especially when he considered how he and his siblings had been.

As they settled in, Hattori mentioned coming across one of their wolves in the past season. The way he described the man, it could only be Askan. The brute had gone missing shortly after their winter feast and hadn't been seen since. It hurt Artorias' heart to know their pack mate had met with some unfortunate end so far from home. All he could pray was that it had been quick and he hadn't suffered. He showed no reaction beyond a slight darkening of his eyes however. He hadn't known Askan very well, but a loss was still a loss. They had experienced so much darkness and loss in the past half year, he could only hope Ulric's statement of seeing brighter skies on the horizon was true.

As Venom's companions went about preparing food for the five of them, Ulric started to explain the reason for the shift of power. He explained his mother's failing health, but thankfully didn't detail what had occurred or the madness that had claimed her. He did tell them about the dire wolf attack and how Resin had been killed in the ensuing battle. Artorias' brow pulled together in silent heartache while vivid images of his mother's bloody and broken body played back in his head. He rolled his right shoulder, the fresh scars from his mother's teeth still aching occasionally as the muscle fully healed. Artorias remained quiet, his expression unreadable, but the storm clouds in his eyes showing a glimpse into the pain his mother's death had left him with. Ulric asked how Ashen had fared with the harsh extended winter and Artorias was able to bring himself back to the moment, curiously looking between all three of their hosts as the adults spoke. He was indeed interested to know how their winter experience had been.

"Artorias Carpathius"