Lord Of the Keep

At his insistence, Mercury graciously stepped across the border to join him within Hallowed lands. It was a small gesture, but one that impacted the tone of their interactions significantly. Artorias was loathe to leave someone outside his borders when the Hallows was safe harbor to all. He was glad that Mercury had obliged his offer without any fuss. Mercury began to recount the tale of how he had met Fern and learned of the Hallows. It all started with a fight with a lion. Artorias breathed a sigh and nodded his head. "Yeah, that sounds like Fern," he agreed with an amused smirk. She was never one to pass up on a fight, even if she was outmatched. It seemed she also wasn't shy showing off her skills with her blade, as his guest recalled Fern's flourishing coup de grace on the unfortunate feline. Fern had given him a brief lesson on swordplay and touted Artorias' own skills, which brought the dark-furred dire to his doorstep. Artorias gave a pensive hum and nodded again, but frowned at the notion of his life being impressive.

"I don't know how 'impressive' my life's been, but it's had its fair share of challenges. Each one taught me something new and each scar is a lesson learned," replied Artorias, sagacious wisdom beyond his years that could only have been obtained from a lifetime of struggle evident in his words. Though he was still very young, the Aegis carried with him all the best parts of the mentors he'd had in his life. The stalwart beliefs of Resin, the unyielding kindness of Tamsyn, the just honor of Ulric, and the relentless protectiveness of Sirius. "And what of you, Mercury Ermis?" Curious amber eyes turned back to his guest at his side. "Did you really travel all this way south just to meet me and get a look at my sword, or is there more to you than meets the eye?"

Artorias had wolves come to see the castle before, or come to the Hallows seeking refuge or medical aid, but Mercury was the first to come looking for him specifically. Had the young wolf really made the trek just to lay eyes on Embershard and say hello, or was he here seeking more from him?

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