i can't say it, but..

Artorias raised a curious brow when Gwynevere started leading him out of the castle and across the plains with a big grin on her face. He hadn't seen his sister this happy in... actually, had he ever seen his sister smile like this before? Gwynevere was usually so introverted and reserved with her emotions. Even after their mother's death, she had been the most composed of them all. This was very out of character for the quiet bookworm of a wolf. He put his curiosity aside for the moment, figuring he'd see and learn more when he saw her interact with this newcomer at their borders. Not that he'd be chaperoning her or anything, but he was at least going to get a feel for the stranger before he permitted him access to his home.

Gwyn explained that the wolf, whose name was Ysmir, was mute and couldn't call or howl. Another raise of his brows. Gwyn had made friends with a wolf that couldn't speak? Of course she had... Gwyn found all wolves with some sort of abnormality or disability fascinating, and it made more sense how the girl who barely spoke to anyone made friends with him—because he didn't speak either. It was an amusing thought to picture the two of them just silently sitting next to one another and having the time of their lives. Artorias nearly chuckled out loud. "Well, now I'm even more anxious to meet this wolf," he said as they crossed the plains toward the borders.

It didn't take long for Gwynevere to find her friend seated patiently near their northern border. Artorias followed leisurely behind his trotting sister, watching the way her tail wagged when she approached him and the shy grin that crossed her face when they came close. After Gwyn had greeted her friend, she introduced Artorias, and the larger black and blue man took a couple steps closer to come beside his sister, greeting Ysmir with a nod of his head. He noted the scent on Ysmir's fur immediately, recognizing it from his diplomacy trip with Ulric. This was a Fireside wolf. Although he didn't know the pack well, he did remember that their alpha had been one of the few to entreat with him, and so he would give this wolf the same courtesies.

"Hello, Ysmir. Welcome to the Hallows. I heard you were the one that found my sister after her attack and brought her home. For that..." Artorias dipped his head in a grateful bow. "...you have my thanks." He knew the young man was mute, but he was intrigued to see how communication with him would go.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Corbin" | "Argent"