Luxury Accommodations

Manea took his greeting with a laugh and a smile, and Artorias found it easy to grin back to her as their lighthearted banter resumed just as it had left off that day a season ago. The queen with a violet galaxy for fur confirmed his suspicions and introduced the massive black brute beside her as her husband, Alastor. The man dipped his head and greeted Artorias politely, so it was easy for the young Aegis to return his politeness in turn. "Likewise, Alastor. Welcome to the Hallows." Returning his attention to Manea, his peer began to explain to what he owed the pleasure of her unexpected appearance. She and Alastor were on vacation and preparing for their next litter. Yes, now that he was up close, Artorias had become acutely aware of the prevalence of Manea's heat scent. It made his stomach clench much in the same way Briar's and Bowen's had. A part of him wondered if that was just some sort of instinctive reflex of his biology; a virile young brute smelling a fae in heat and immediately feeling the need to breed. Artorias was more composed than that, especially around guests and doubly so around another alpha whose husband was sitting right there, and simply smiled back to Manea and listened while she spoke.

Ah, so Manea was taking him up on his offer to see the Hallows and spend a few nights in the castle? Well, he certainly couldn't fault her for her curiosity! Artorias' beaming smile grew wider when she gave him a wry smirk, eyes alight with delight at the prospect of having guests once more. "Of course! The Hallows is open to all! We only ask that you observe and respect our laws. No violence or bloodshed is allowed on our lands. Other than that, we're a generally relaxed pack." Artorias took a step to the side and turned towards the castle, motioning for the Mendaciums to follow him. "Follow me. I'll show you to a room and give you the grand tour." Artorias missed the way Alastor was studying him, eyeing him like a delectable treat as he led the two from the border and towards the castle.

Manea mentioned him being less indisposed and then asked about Briar's heat, the young wolf feeling his face go hot. Black ears folded back in sheepish embarrassment on reflex, shooting a bashful grin to the violet matriarch. "Er... yes, her heat season is over now. I'm very sorry about that too, I really should've cleaned myself up first. I, uh, hope I didn't put you off or anything." Something inside told him that Manea had probably found it more amusing and entertaining to rib him about it than uncouth, but he still felt more than a bit embarrassed at having shown up to meet another alpha reeking of a fae in heat and of sex. "So you're preparing for your next litter, you said?" he asked both wolves while they crossed the plains. "I hope it goes well for you both and you have fun with it." Artorias continued walking, making it a few oblivious paces before a look of panic crossed his face when he realized what he'd said. "Not that I think you'd have any problems making a litter! And not that I'm thinking about you two making a litter! Er, I mean... Uh..." Eventually, Artorias just gave up with an embarrassed groan, feeling his face flush even hotter while he forced his mouth to stay shut lest he dig himself in an even deeper hole.

Artorias led Manea and Alastr through the gates and the courtyard into the castle proper. He gave his guests a tour of the first level, starting at the kitchen and Great Hall and working their way down the corridors to the baths and infirmary. Hopefully neither would need medical attention during their vacation, but if they did, he had the utmost confidence in his sister's abilities to give them world class care. "We have a number of guest rooms already made up, just in case we have guests like yourselves," he explained while he opened the door to the room Manea and Alastor could reside in. The room was decently large for the two dire wolves, with a sizable queen canopy bed and the usual accoutrements the rooms of the castle had, like a fireplace, window, and fur rugs about the floor. "You both have free access to the baths, kitchen, and wine cellars as you please. Make yourselves at home, and if there's anything you need or want, just say the word!"

"Artorias"