Sun's Comin' Up

The stranger smiled at him, but wouldn't give herself the credit of being called a friend. Artorias raised a quizzical brow, somehow less assuaged by the woman's choice of words despite her honesty. She explained what Sota had been up to, which was corroborated by Sota's explanation a moment later. This was a chance encounter. She was exploring the lands and happened upon the Hallows. Artorias nodded his head, particularly to Sota's rationale. In the wake of the near-apocalypse, wolves needed to be able to rely on one another for support now more than ever. Who knew how many lives had been claimed in the endless darkness of the Long Night?

As if on cue, the stranger snorted up some phlegm to emphasize her lack of ability to smell—and almost immediately began to cough and choke. Artorias' expression grew concerned and he took a couple steps closer to the stranger in case she suddenly needed first aid or resuscitation. A healer he was not, but his sister had taught him enough about basic triage that he could keep a dying wolf alive if needed. Fortunately, his mediocre medical skills would not be put to the test, as the wolf recovered from her ooze and spittle induced suffocation. Artorias released a sigh of relief.

She mentioned she knew some wolves from their castle and again Artorias' interest was piqued. That is, until she referenced a name he'd never heard of before. Brows furrowed a touch over amber eyes. "I've never heard of Deus before. He's not one of ours, at least." He did think he knew who she meant when she explained the canine that wore a cowboy hat, but he hadn't been seen in a long time, and his name wasn't Deus. "What's your name, miss? What pack or band do you come from?" he asked, giving her a moment to respond before continuing, "That congestion doesn't sound too good. Our healers might be able to help with that." Though he didn't know her and her entire appearance seemed suspect, Artorias held to his mother's creed—all would be welcomed on promise of peace and medical aid available to those who needed it. If she was a survivor of the Long Night as well, they could help her, whoever she was.

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