The Rains Fall Mainly on the Plains

Any hope Artorias might have had of simply skirting by the embarrassing conversation of his obvious bedroom antics was curtailed swiftly when Manea gave him a wickedly teasing grin and made a comment about not needing to be embarrassed, since she would also want to be doing the same if she were in Briar's position. Artorias felt the warmth in his cheeks flare; Manea was so open and cavalier about the entire matter, publicly sex positive in her way of thinking that the young brute didn't know how to handle the conversation. It was refreshing, but so totally out of the ordinary for what Artorias was used to. "Well, we've certainly been, uh, enjoying ourselves thoroughly," he said in agreement to Manea's statement. Briar was definitely enjoying taking advantage of their new living situation and how perfect it coincided with her first heat season. The Fatalis princess had a high sex drive on a normal day, but in season, her sexual appetite was insatiable! "Your husband must be a very lucky brute as well then." He silently wondered if Manea's openness about herself was any indicator toward what she was like in her bedroom, but quickly pushed those thoughts aside. There was business to tend to, and thinking about the pretty violet woman's sex life was not part of it.

Manea answered his request for more information about Elysium, explaining that her primary goal was to provide a safe home for her family and children. Artorias nodded his head in understanding; he shared that sentiment. The Hallows had been set up on much the same ideals, though it branched out to everyone who needed a home. Manea described herself as a woman of simple tastes and needs, and again Artorias' mind wandered back to what she'd mentioned before about being in Briar's position. The more and more she spoke, the more intrigued Artorias became with the other alpha. Manea explained that her pack would be settling on an island in northeastern Boreas, but that she'd be back for vacations to the southern continent. Artorias smiled and gestured with a waving paw across the open plains and to the castle in the distance. "The Hallows is open to all visitors when you do come back for a vacation. Perhaps you and your husband could be our guests for your stay. We have comfortable beds, plenty of food, drink, and we're basically beachfront property. We'd love to host you."

Then Manea asked what the Hallows was about and Artorias couldn't help the proud smile from touching his lips while he gazed back out across his home. "The Hallows was founded on a simple premise: a sanctuary for all wolves to find aid and shelter. The only requirement to enter our lands is that you come peacefully. Who you are, where you hail from, what pack you swear allegiances to, none of that matters. We strive to maintain neutrality with all so all are welcome," he explained, gesturing with his muzzle back towards the castle. "My family's home has a fully equipped infirmary and some of the best healers in Ardent. We have enough rooms and supplies to host a number of guests. Our walls are high and strong and have never been penetrated. We try to be the safe harbor for whoever needs us." Artorias turned his fiery eyes back to Manea's cool-hued pools with a welcoming smile and still just a touch of flush on his cheeks. "It was my mother's dream. Now, I just maintain it. But I keep the pack open for our friends to use as a vacation spot as well. Being right on the beach, in tropical climates, with a full spa on site, it does tend to seem like a resort sometimes." He chuckled under his breath, but the invite was there. If Manea intended to make friends, Artorias was open to the idea, and his home would be open to the Mendacium family.

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