Blunt the knives, bend the forks

Artorias had suggested the idea of a family dinner with everyone together during their heart to heart talk on the beach, and with the Fatalis matriarch's blessing he had made quick preparations to ensure everything would make for an unforgettable night. True to his word, Artorias had made sure that there was nothing in the great hall that gave off the vibe of finality or death; the hall was decorated in brightly colored seasonal flowers brought back to life by the mystical autumn, the fire crackling bright and alive in the hearth, the bright colors of the Hallows' orange banners hanging from the walls intermixed with the gray-azure color of the Armada and the Fatalis family, both noble family's heraldry proudly on display. Countless candles lit tables lined with a feast fit for a pack, an assortment of raw and roasted meats laid out amongst fresh fruits and vegetables, carafes of Hallowed wine and decanters of summer mead strewn about the adult tables with sugared and honied fruits on the pups' table. Bright amber eyes shifted with keen focus around the room, taking in every detail to make sure everything was perfect for tonight. Even if it wasn't done for Zee specifically, the importance of this night was not lost on the Aegis. This would be done right.

While the last of the food was brought out from the kitchen, Artorias turned and made his way down the corridors to the guest rooms of the castle, his paws carrying him to the room Sirius and Zee had been relocated to after the former Warlord's impromptu redecorating urges had forced them out. Each step Art took closer to the room, the more his heart ached. He didn't want to be doing this. He didn't want to think about the grim reality they were all facing down like a barrel of a loaded gun. It wasn't fair; it wasn't just! Zee had done nothing to deserve this, yet this was the hand she had been dealt. Now they were all making the most of the time they had left. What else could they do?

Artorias reached the door to the guest room and took a deep breath to steady his nerves. It was time. Lifting a paw to rap azure knuckles against the hard wood surface in three staccato knocks, the Aegis waited a beat before the door was unlatched and opened by his father-in-law. He looked surprised to see the Aegis, asking what he could do for him. Artorias put on his gentlest smile and glanced past Seer to the waning queen within the room. "Good evening, Seer, Zee. I'm gathering our families together for a shared Carpathius-Fatalis dinner. It's the first time we've all been under one roof like this, and I thought it would be nice to have everyone together." Fire-kissed eyes glanced back to Zee again for a split second, hoping she was still feeling up to the event. "I know the pups would be very happy to have their grandpa and grandma there. They've very much enjoyed playing with their uncles and aunts too. It might be fun to watch them run around the hall like little maniacs." He chuckled softly, offering a lopsided smile in an attempt to help alleviate a bit of the dismal atmosphere in the room.

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