when you've seen my best and worst

The days that followed the bonfire celebration had been slow and mundane. Life had found its leisurely rhythm once more, and it felt all the world was just moving along. As it stood, he had no deadlines to meet, no immediate projects demanding his attention, and Artorias was able to dedicate his time and energy back to the wolves he loved most. It seemed the Hallows would be welcoming a new generation of puppies soon, so there were preparations to be made there, but otherwise life proceeded as normal. The young alpha heard the unexpected yet highly familiar voice call to him from the border and raised his head with keen interest. What was Venom doing all the way down in Auster? Had she learned of her former mate's decision to take up residence in the southern continent and come to investigate herself? The Hallows was certainly out of Ashen's way for a simple stop by, so whatever the occasion, it was a special one.

Ah, but before he could greet her, there was something he needed to do first. Artorias headed down to the wine cellar and selected one of the rarer, finest vintages he kept locked up for only the most fitting of circumstances, then carried the bottle of vintage moscato with him out of the castle and towards the border to greet their guest. A light drizzle had begun, still showing Auster's damp winter season, though the worst of the storms seemed to have passed early on. Now, as Auster's spring drew closer, the days had begun to get drier, with only a few scattered showers or drizzles to speak of. Walking through the misting rain, Artorias spotted the distinct monochrome form of the empress awaiting him at the border. He approached and set the bottle down to bow his head and greet her with a warm smile and gentle eyes.

"Now this is a surprise, but a treat all the same!" he said with a low chuckle. "Empress Venom, welcome to Auster and the Hallows. It's good to see you again." Raising a blue paw, he rested it atop the neck of the wine bottle to call attention to it. "My mother began our pack's tradition of greeting guests with food. These days, I prefer to give my friends something more special. I thought perhaps we could share a drink of it together." The Aegis gave the Empress another tender, empathetic smile. He didn't immediately show or say that he knew what had happened between her and Hattori. Really, he only knew by happenstance anyway. He didn't know how hurt Venom would be, but whatever his friend needed, however she wanted to handle or ignore the matter, he would support her. "Though maybe you'd like to see the castle and get out of the rain?" he suggested, glancing up at the misting cloudy sky. It didn't seem the best manners to host the Empress and have her sit out in the rain.

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