easy come easy go

Artorias never grew tired of seeing that look of astonishment cross the faces of wolves who gazed upon his family's castle for the first time. It truly was a splendor; a feat of engineering achievement and a stroke of good fortune that they had been able to claim the previously unoccupied lands as their own. Prior to the arrival of the new pack to the east, they had been the solitary pack in all of Auster. His mother, gods rest her soul, had picked the stronghold as a means of protecting their family and those they took in. Under his reign, Artorias sought to expand his mother's ideals and have the pack tend to general security across all of Auster. If they could get Fenmyre to cooperate, they would have a unified Auster, and it would put the Hallows in a very advantageous position.

Approaching the old stone gatehouse—the only way in and out of the castle walls—Artorias gave a barking laugh when Laeta explained her reasons for her arrival down in the southern continent, an amused grin splitting his lips. "The winters were the same reason my mother moved us from Boreas as well. That, and our old home was getting a little too... crowded." Auster was experiencing its summer season right now, but even the "winters" here were nothing compared to what Boreas suffered. A little damp and rainy, maybe, but never frigid and snowy. Black-furred ears flicked back to catch Lae's desire to find a purpose for herself. That got the young man to look back at the haggard wolf following him. Though her body seemed in need of care, the light he saw in her eyes told him of the life that still burned like a fire inside of her. Laeta had been through hard times, but she was a fighter, that much was clear, and she hadn't given up.

"I think you came to the right place, Laeta," said Artorias as he stepped through the gates and into the castle gardens and courtyard. The Austerian summer had the gardens vibrant and lush, with flowers in full bloom all around the old cobblestone paths. Wisteria trees sat between rows of hedges, their beautiful violet tendrils of flowers dangling towards the earth. Honeysuckle and ivy climbed the walls of the castle proper, and birds sang somewhere in the trees. No sooner had he led Laeta through the gardens, Corbin returned with a large chunk of dried venison in his talons, which he laid at Laeta's paws before he took to the sky to roost in a magnolia tree and watch the wolves.

Art motioned for Laeta to take the food, then moved to sit beneath one of the wisteria trees, hoping she would join him. He still remembered the lessons his mother had taught him when she established the pack. Receive all guests with food and hospitality. Conduct business when they are cared for. Laeta had a meal to eat, a shady tree to rest beneath. They could talk now. "The Hallows is a pack meant for sanctuary and healing. We provide protection and medical services to all wolves, regardless of their history, their allegiances, their status. Here, everyone is welcome," he explained. "We do not have many laws in the Hallows, but the one paramount is this: no blood is to be shed on Hallowed land, whether by pack member or guest. The only exception is in the cases of challenges or defending our home. It is how we maintain neutrality and can offer the services we do. My mother founded this pack as a safe haven for those who have nowhere else to turn, who need a helping paw, and who want a fresh start or a chance to rediscover themselves."

Fire-kissed amber eyes turned to look at Laeta, curious to see how she was receiving everything. The castle could be a bit overwhelming for some wolves, especially those that had never spent any periods of time surrounded by large structures. Some didn't care for it. Mostly Art was interested to see how she would view the Hallows' mission and goals. Would they align with her own beliefs? Would she still wish to join when she learned what they were about? "Does this still sound like somewhere you would like to be a part of, Laeta?" If it wasn't, Artorias would still insist on feeding his guest and have Gwynevere provide her with care until she was healthy enough to survive on her own. If it was, they could discuss further.

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