Lord Of the Keep

The other dire wolf greeted him with polite lyrics, speaking in a manner so properly that Artorias knew he must have come from highborn breeding. That, or he'd been taught to be cordial and respectful, though both traits would imply some form of necessary decorum. This was a pack wolf, though his scent did not seem to hint to belonging to any pack now, or at least not one he recognized from Boreas or Auster. Artorias did not miss the way the other male's stormy blue eyes shifted briefly to Embershard on his back; he paid it no mind. The Aegis had long-since grown accustomed to others unfamiliar with him eyeing up his weapon before fully trusting him, and he blamed none of them for their caution.

The stranger introduced himself as Mercury Ermis, a family name Artorias was wholly unfamiliar with, at the very least not one of the major families in Boreas. After declining his offer of aid, Mercury went on to elaborate on his reason for coming to the Hallows' doorstep. He had run into Fern, who in turn had directed him to the pack. Artorias raised a curious brow. Fern had not told him of any meeting with the stranger, nor that he should be expecting his presence. It would have been a smidge suspect had he not called out Fern by name, as well as himself, offering up accurate details of the Hallows as well. Either this wolf was an exceptionally observant stalker or he was speaking earnestly. Artorias allowed Mercury to say all that he had to, noting how enthusiastic he was to tell his tale and to be standing here. It was a touch humorous to the Aegis that someone would come out of their way just to see his family's home and his sword, though it was flattering all the same.

Artorias rolled his shoulders in a shrug and chuckled as well. "No need to bring your message to him. He's already heard it." He flashed pearly teeth in a welcoming smile, dipping his head as he introduced himself. "Artorias Carpathius, Aegis of the Hallows and alpha of these lands. Welcome to my home, Mercury." He motioned for Mercury to cross the border with a flick of his head. Even if they wound up just sitting along the edges of the territory, it still felt more polite to allow his guest over the boundary than sitting opposite it like some sort of invisible forcefield keeping him out. All guests were welcomed in the Hallows. "So you've met my apprentice, Fern, have you? How did that happen?" he asked, more out of casual curiosity than an interrogation. Knowing his protege, however, it would likely involve a bit of flourish and showboating.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"