Allies with benefits

Alastor listened with keen ears while Briar explained to him the habits and methods of producing the wines that came from the Hallows. She explained how it was not a single person's endeavor, but a whole affair of the pack, with multiple wolves working together to make the final products, and while she did most of the brainwork behind the recipes and brews, she did not do it all alone. The dark dire wolf hummed with consideration while he glanced down at the dark merlot liquid in his cup, swishing it about gently and taking another long sip. Briar's story behind her motivations to be the official sommelier of the Hallows was adorable and endearing. A little smile touched Alastor's lips while mirthful black eyes turned back up to the nubile queen in repose across from him. "I'd say you certainly found your calling, my dear," he remarked with a rumbling chuckle, taking another gluttonous swig of the wine. "It was a wise move, too. The Hallows is well known across Boreas for its wines by now! You built an entire market around your product, and you've done it very smartly." Was he flattering the young queen a bit? Perhaps. But he was also being honest. You'd be hard pressed to find any wolf in the north or south continents that hadn't partaken of the Hallows wines at some point.

Raising the cup to his lips, Alastor once again downed the remains of his beverage in one long gulp, starting to feel the pleasant tingle of the alcohol in his bloodstream. He was a large wolf and it would require a good amount of liquor to get him drunk or even tipsy, but that pleasant buzz was already starting to kick in. It was also beginning to affect the more... baser sides of Alastor's personality. If Manea and Artorias didn't return soon, they may very well come back to find him already making moves on the lovely Hallows queen. "Elysium doesn't do much in the way of open trade, though I know Manea is hoping to strike a deal with your husband in their talks tonight. We have some metals and gemstones we pull from our mountains, locally growing flora for the healers, and a curious little treat my wife's consort makes." Rising to his paws, Alastor padded over to the den space Irilyth occupied. The little healer wasn't in right now, so Alastor helped himself to one of the clear vials containing a pale gold liquid, bringing it over and placing it before Briar with a salacious smirk on his lips.

A giant paw lifted to tap a siam claw almost musically against the glass vial, drawing attention to it. "This is a special kind of treat for wolves looking to let themselves be a little more free and loose in their sex lives," he explicated to the tawny fae, abyssal eyes shining with an amusement and curiosity to see how she would perceive of Elysium's sole product. "It's an aphrodisiac. A powerful one too, at least according to its maker. She calls it Ambrosia. I haven't tried it myself, but Manea has told me it makes your bedroom antics otherworldly and mind-blowing." With a husky chuckle, Alastor pushed the vial closer to Briar's paws, allowing her to pick it up and inspect the drug closer. "That one's for you, my darling Briar. A free sample for you and Artorias to enjoy together sometime. If you like it, well, you'll be able to trade for as much as you'd like once our partners get through their negotiations. Though it might be some time. Manea does like to ensure she stays on top."

The brute gave a chuckle at his own innuendo. Then Alastor's expression perked up some as an idea came to him then. "While we wait for them, could I interest you in a back rub, Briar? Much like you and your wines, I've started to fancy myself something of a masseuse, and I'd like to get your opinions and feedback. With our partners carrying the burdens and responsibilities they do, it's nice to be able to do something to help them unwind, and I want to make sure I'm doing my best for my mate. Plus after your long walk to the north and then all the way out here, I'm sure you'd appreciate a nice massage." He flashed a wide, toothy smile to Briar, putting on a humorous show of puffing up his chest proudly and giving her a charming grin. "All you'd have to do is get comfortable and enjoy your wine. I'll take care of the rest. What do you say?"

"Alastor Mendacium"