Lord Of the Keep
Art
07-05-2022, 02:23 PM
With all the preparations made to expand the Hallows' reach to include the Wildberry Grove into their fold, Artorias had shifted gears to finalizing the logistics of their expansion. He was incredibly proud of all his wolves for all the hard work they'd put in helping to claim the land as theirs, and soon they would reap the bounty of their efforts. Autumn had come to Auster, and with it the shifting of colors on the trees and the crisping of apples and seasonal fruits for them to harvest. The days were still sunny and warm, but thankfully most of summer's oppressive heat had broken, making the days much more temperate as he had come to love the southern continent for. If there was ever a paradise on earth, Artorias was sure it was in Auster.
The Aegis had just finished a meeting with Rudyard and Fern discussing their upcoming vacation and preparations for the pack in their absence when a call came out for him from the northern borders, the voice foreign to the young male. Obsidian ears perked, a curious tilt to his head, and then he was heading out of the castle walls and across the expansive plains to greet whomever had called for his attention. He wore none of his armor, but carried Embershard with him as he always did in its scabbard across his back. It never hurt to be prepared, just in case. After all, there was no telling if this stranger was friend or foe from a call alone. Artorias spotted the other brute with ease, his dark fur a stark contrast to the lush greenery he sat around. The stranger matched him for height and build, and a quick sample of his scent upon his approach confirmed he did not know this wolf. That was fine; strangers were just friends you hadn't met yet.
"Good day, traveler," greeted the Aegis once he came within earshot of the stranger, offering a polite tip of his muzzle while fiery amber eyes studied his surprise guest. "You've arrived at the border of the Hallows. Are you seeking medical attention, asylum, or are you here for other purposes?" Artorias no longer greeted strangers with an introduction of himself as the alpha; he'd learned his lesson after the turn of events with Sparrow. He was more cautious now—trusting until proven otherwise, but wary of potential threats to his home. He watched the other wolf curiously, eager to hear who they were and what had brought them to his pack.