A Pleasure to Meet You

Amber eyes gazed around at the bright pink blossoms on the trees surrounding him. The last time Artorias had been here, the trees hadn't been quite so bursting with color, but this time they showed their splendor and beauty ostentatiously. Their falling petals were like a rosy snow in the warm spring breeze, covering verdant and lush grass in a carpet of vivid pink. The air was fragranced gently with the floral smell of the buds, along with the smell of a wolf pack. Like with the trees, the last time Artorias had been here, the land hadn't seemed as active as it smelled now. That made him feel better; it meant Habari wasn't going the way of Abaven or Fireside. When Artorias had come up this way before with Ulric during their diplomatic mission, they hadn't gotten the chance to meet with the reclusive Recluse. He hoped that the second time would be the charm.

The sky above was painted in deep shades of navy, indigo, and pink as the sun slowly drifted below the western horizon. Sunset had passed, and now twilight blanketed the land in its rich shades. Ordinarily, Artorias would try to aim to meet other alphas during the day when it seemed more polite to conduct official business—but he'd learned that Recluse was no ordinary alpha. He'd heard from others of the Klein alphess's nocturnal tendencies and predilection for the evening hours, and so he would cater to her preferences. After all, Artorias wanted this meeting. Habari remained the only pack he had no true knowledge of, and Recluse the only alpha he'd never interacted with. The dire male was keen to see that ended tonight.

Tipping his muzzle to the darkening heavens, Artorias sang a call for Recluse in his rich baritone lyrics. Then he stood at the marked border of Habari and waited for her. He had come here alone and unarmed, without the company of his wife or ward. He didn't see a reason to drag them away from their time with Briar's family while he took a detour to handle a little alpha business of his own. As he waited, he considered the things that hadn't crossed his mind when he'd first set out with his plan. Things like what Recluse would be like and whether the little tidbits he'd heard about her ring true. But most importantly, where he would be bedding down tonight or if he'd chance the long walk back to the north in the dark.

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