A warm welcome?

Hearing Outlaw's voice did wonders for Artorias' concerned heart. His friend was in desperate need of a bath, meal, and warm bed, but he was alive and none too worse for wear all things considered. Fatigue weighed down the dog's movements, but Artorias stayed by his side every step of the way. He didn't care if it took hours or days, Art would not abandon his friend, not now that he was finally home. Once they were settled in by the fire and Outlaw was eating, the wolf dared to allow himself to relax more. At least he knew Outlaw wouldn't keel over on him or anything now. Still, he'd want the wayward canine to get a physical checkup from Gwynevere to make sure he was okay health wise. He watched while Outlaw devoured his meal, making a mental note to make sure the dog was provided with all the food he needed to recuperate his lost strength and weight. Outlaw explained his unexpected journey on his raft, how a freak storm had swept him away, and taken him to far off lands. The struggle he endured to return home had been perilous and draining, yet in the end, Outlaw had been successful. Now, after all this time, he was back.

"I'm just glad you're alive and home," Artorias replied with a warm smile. The relief and happiness he felt swelling in his heart was almost enough to move him to tears of joy. Outlaw asked about him, his family, and the Hallows. It was then that Art realized just how much time Outlaw had been gone for—especially when he mentioned Resin. The smile on his face and light in his fire-toned eyes slowly faded away, a solemnness claiming his expression. "Resin died two years ago, shortly after we lost you," he explained, his words simple and somber. He didn't need to give his pacifist friend the gory details of how it happened. He didn't need to think of Resin that way. "My mother found a new mate and had another litter of pups. He's a good guy; takes care of her. They don't live in the Hallows any more, but they stop by for frequent visits and to check up on us." With all the dour news given, Art could instead focus on the positives that had happened in Outlaw's absence. "I'm doing well! You can probably guess, but I'm the Aegis now. I've been leading the Hallows for just over a year with my mate, Briar. We're actually expecting our first litter of pups!" A wide smile split the alpha's lips while bushy tail wagged across the stone floor. He was so excited to be a dad! "The family's all still here. Gwyn, Rudy, Bowen, Ash, Tika... Gwyn's our chief physician now, and Rudy and Tika are both on the Vanguard."

Keeping the Carpathius family together through all their struggles hadn't been an easy feat, but it had been one Artorias was dedicated to. It had been a lot of hard work and diligence, but he had succeeded in keeping his family strong and united. "Everyone's going to be so happy to see you again, Outlaw," Artorias said. "The Hallows has been through some hard times, but we've risen stronger for it. I think we're finally reaching a point where we can enjoy some peace and prosperity." On the note of peace, Artorias looked over the weary seafaring dog once more. "You should rest, Outlaw. Have a bath, relax. I'll get one of our rooms ready for you so you can sleep. Gods know you probably need it after what you've been through."

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