easy come easy go

From above the black and white woman, an ebony-feathered raven glided down through the warm air, dipping overhead to scan her before turning and flapping back off around the edges of the territory.

The balmy summer day carried with it a scent of rain on the air. To the south, dark clouds had begun to gather over the continent. Artorias noticed them from his patrol route, walking south along the eastern border of Hallowed lands. While he loved summer storms, he hoped this one would stave itself off for a little while; there was still much the pack had to do in preparations for the upcoming feast. So lost had the young alpha been in his thoughts that he didn't notice Corbin floating lazily in the air down towards him until his raven came to perch on his back. "Master Artorias, there appears to be a lady waiting at our borders. She hasn't called yet, but she does seem to be waiting for someone," the raven reported. Artorias gave a pensive hum and nodded his head. "Show me."

The raven took to the air, leading his master along the borders until Artorias spotted the wolf in question. She was a petite little thing, her fur striking monochromatic and looking well maintained. Despite her groomed appearance, it was easy to see the poor dear was undernourished, her face sunken in and skin pulled taut. While she wasn't quite to the levels he'd seen Zee in when they'd rescued her, she was almost there. It was clear this stranger hadn't had a good meal in some time. Artorias whistled for Corbin, who floated back down to the black and blue male. "Fetch a piece of jerky and meet us back here," he said, watching his companion dutifully fly off while he finished his approach.

Artorias greeted the woman with a warm smile and a dip of his head. "Good morning," he began, his voice betraying his youth, but the confidence and calmness he exuded revealing his rank. "Welcome to the Hallows. I'm Artorias, Aegis and alpha of the pack." So far, so good. His first time greeting a guest to the pack; how exciting! "What brings you to our doorstep, Miss...?" He let his words drift off, an opening for the other wolf to introduce herself and state her reasons for seeking them out. Regardless, he would at least provide her with a meal. No wolf would leave the Hallows with an empty stomach.

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