Hello, Chimera Here.

At Chimera's gesture, Artorias took a glance to the waterproof beaver hides, examining the bundle with a paw while their guest explained his unexpected arrival. The pelts were of fine quality and masterfully prepared. Chimera's skill as a hunter and tanner showed. Artorias followed Chimera's gaze to his sister, who by now had moved to stand to his side, and couldn't help but smirk as well. "Avantika is one of our finest wolves. An excellent warrior and a composed representative of the Hallows." He turned a much softer jesting smirk to Tika. "Although she can seem a bit dour, there's few I trust more to help protect the pack." It was no surprise Avantika had trouble with her emotions sometimes; it had been a fixture of her personality since they were pups. He wouldn't ask to change a thing of his sister though.

Although Chimera was a difficult wolf to read, Artorias knew when the man was being facetious and when he was speaking earnest. His compliments to Avantika were genuine and he dipped his head in humble thanks. The Fenmyre king had come to talk business, it seemed. That raised Art's spirits. It meant an alliance wasn't off the table. He knew Avantika wouldn't approve—hell, if the Hallows knew the extent of Fenmyre's purposes, he was sure many of them would disagree as well—but this was about more than personal feelings on the subject. What mattered was the increasing terrors that plagued the world in the long night and solidarity in the south. If someone were to try and invade, two packs standing together would bear a hell of a better chance than isolated. More friends was always better than fewer. This was also Artorias' way of reminding everyone that the Hallows was a neutral entity. Resin had established them to be accepting of all walks of life—that included Fenmyre. They did not have to agree with Chimera's beliefs or participate in his practices, but Art did expect everyone to withhold judgment, the same as they did for the Ashen empire.

"It sounds like we have much to talk about," he said, gesturing with a nod of his head towards the castle. "You'll join me for a meal and a drink, won't you? My mother had this tradition of receiving every guest with food, and I've found good drink tends to make wolves more amicable." As he turned to lead Chimera through the gates, he turned to Tika and requested, "Would you mind taking the furs down to the cellars and store them somewhere dry? Thank you, Tika." They wouldn't need the pelts until the wet winter season came, and he wanted to be sure they stayed pristine and well-preserved until then. Artorias led their guest through the gates and gardens toward the castle proper. "How have your wolves been? Are congratulations in order yet?" he asked, turning his head towards Chimera. He recalled that the brute had mentioned several of his women were pregnant the last time he had been there and hoped they were all getting along healthily.

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