keeping promises as if my life depended on it

Audra spoke, and Artorias listened while she recounted what befell the rest of Menagerie. Each wolf had gone their own separate ways at the outset of the pack's disbanding. He dipped his head, a subtle nod of understanding. If the pack had fallen apart and each wolf gone about their own ways, it meant he likely wouldn't be able to track them all down and make sure they were okay. He would have to settle for saving the ones he could find. Audra's response to his question of what her plan was had been exactly what he had hoped for, and though he would not permit himself to find any joy in another pack's misfortune, he was happy that Audra would be returning to them, grown and changed with her experiences out in the world. A smile slowly grew across Artorias' lips the more the earthen-hued woman described her attachment to the Hallows, the love for her homeland evident in her voice. She tried to apologize for her behavior in the wake of her relationship ending, but Artorias would hear none of it. He shook his head, fixing Audra with gentle fire-kissed eyes.

"There is nothing to forgive," he reassured his beloved wolf. Artorias once more reached a forearm for Audra, moving to pull the smaller wolf into a welcoming embrace, like welcoming a long lost sister back home. "Bine ai venit acasa. Welcome home, Audra." Artorias would release Audra after a few moments, giving her some space to breathe and relax in the warmth of the castle. He had things to tend to now, and she needed to get some rest. "Please, make yourself at home. The castle hasn't changed much since you left. Feel free to pick any vacant room as yours and get settled in. Eat, drink, recuperate. When I return, we'll see about getting you put back into a rank you feel best suits your skills." For now, Artorias needed to go see what he could salvage from the wreckage of Menagerie, and who else he could save. "In the meantime, do you need anything from me to help you get settled in?"

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