long time coming

Venom was swift decline his offer of mild arson to Tojo-kai, not to any surprise of the Aegis. Though he was quite pleased to hear that Venom had recovered tremendously from her divorce with Hattori, no longer even thinking about him, and appeared to be in much brighter spirits. It was a far cry from the heartbroken woman he had met at his border almost a year ago and it pleased him to see the change in her. Venom seemed much more alive and happier than he'd ever seen the Empress. Whatever or whoever had managed to lift her out of her emotional squalor had the young Aegis' thanks. "That makes me very happy to hear!" said Artorias with a toothy smile to his friend and peer, glancing back to her again when she paused and explained the reason for wanting this meeting with him. So the Ashen Empress wished to deepen the ties between the Empire and the Hallows? "Is that right?" he asked, mostly rhetorical. This had been a long time coming, and both alphas knew it. Artorias nodded. "Then come, let's get out of the snow and have a drink."

As Artorias led the way down the castle corridors to the warmth of the great hall, gesturing for her to have a seat by the grand fire. While his guest got comfortable, Artorias headed into the kitchens to fetch some of the Hallows' spiced cider, a new beverage they'd brewed after claiming the Wildberry Grove. Along with the apples from the orchard, the Hallows had fermented and spiced them into a mild alcoholic beverage, that when served warm made for a great way to chase out the winter chill from one's bones. After allowing the two mugs of cider to warm, he brought the drinks out to Venom, presenting her with one while taking a long draught from his own, the hot liquid warming him from within. "So, let's talk about the Empire and the Hallows," Artorias began, looking up to Venom until fire-toned eyes met her sunset gaze. "We've both been working towards this for some time, and I think you're right, it's about time we make something official. What did you have in mind for an alliance? What terms does the Empire hold in its usual treaties with other packs?"

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