Unity in the Long Night

Artorias gazed around the grand hall with pride swelling in his heart. The room looked incredible, decorated with seasonal Austerian flowers and ivy, long oak tables lined with fine cloths, candles burning to provide intimate illumination and a roaring fire in the hearth welcoming all. The fragrances of roasted and raw meats, sweet summer berries and fruits, and honeyed wines and rich mead danced in the air along with the smell of the wood fire and fresh florals. Yes, Artorias was proud—truly, deeply proud of how the Hallows had banded together to create such a wondrous occasion come to life! It had been through the pack's dedication and hard work that this moment was happening in amidst all of the darkness and dread that had taken over the world. For tonight, those fears would be left outside where they belonged. This was their escape, their sanctuary, their home.

It took a lot of self control to keep back the tears that wanted to form in the corners of his eyes. This would be the pack's first celebration without his mother, and the first one they'd hold with him as their leader. A lot of mixing emotions twisted at his heart. Joy, pride, humility, sorrow, heartbreak... But Artorias steeled himself, drawing in a deep breath to steady those turbulent feelings and instead turned to look at Ulric with a smile. "The pack really outdid themselves," he remarked with a chuckle. Ulric told him he should do the honors and call the pack and Artorias felt his heart miss a beat. This would also be his first time summoning the pack as a whole. This was all really happening. Swallowing back his nerves, Artorias nodded, then threw back his head and let out a long, dignified howl to bring the Hallows together. The time for feasting and celebrating the unity of the pack was now.

Once his call ended, Artorias brought his fiery amber gaze back down the the blazing fire in the hearth. The fire, which stood for the warmth and shelter the Hallows provided to all, looked magnificent. It was then that Artorias decided on his own tradition as Aegis. So long as he reigned, there would be a fire burning in the hall every night to welcome strangers and friends alike as their guests. The Aegis, the lord of cinders, would maintain that beacon for this night and all nights to come. Resin had always imparted the virtue of generosity when welcoming guests. Artorias would carry the virtue of shelter. The Hallows would be the light burning in the darkness forevermore so long as he was alpha.

Turning to stride away from the fireplace, Artorias made his way up to the raised dais where the Carpathian table sat, staring with humility and respect at the larger seat his mother had once occupied. If he closed his eyes and cleared his head, he could almost hear the echoes of the past in his ears. Sitting at the mahogany table with his family, barely big enough to peek up over the edge, hearing Tamsyn's soft voice filled with laughter as he and his siblings scampered about. Resin's firm yet compassionate voice filling the halls, sharing her love for her pack, bestowing to them their family name. He missed how easy those days had seemed only a short year ago... "I miss you..." whispered Artorias to the ghost occupying his memories. Then, as strange as it felt to do, Artorias circled the table and slowly took the seat of the Aegis, presiding over the hall and its glorious feast, ready to welcome his family—all of his family.

All they needed now was everyone else...

"Artorias Carpathius"