Hello there, neighbor!

Artorias listened intently while Bellamy introduced herself and spoke of the Valhalla challenge that she had made herself known to the public with. More than just her words though, Artorias listened to the woman's tone, her body language, getting a read for who Bellamy truly was. The older wolf seemed almost embarrassed by her past actions, a remorse noted in her expression and in her voice. Artorias did not hold it against Bellamy to do what she felt was right for her family at the time; he had long since come to learn that the ways of the world were sometimes cruel and merciless, and doing right for one would sometimes mean doing harm to another. Life was a delicate game of balance that every living creature played. Still, the Hallows held no deep love nor allegiance with Valhalla, so he did not begrudge Bellamy for her actions or intents. He was glad to hear that she and her mate had been able to establish their pack without further violence or force however. He thought of that other wolf, Medusa, and how her wanton violence and lust for vengeance had cost the Klein family their home and freedom. He was glad to know Bellamy was not another Medusa. A smile warmed Artorias' already welcoming features, already finding Bellamy's candid demeanor refreshing.

With a wave of a large blue paw, Artorias dismissed Bellamy's rueful words with a gentle shake of his head. "Empathy is a long and slow lesson for us to learn. What we do with the best intentions in our hearts can sometimes have grave consequences for others. But life is all shades of gray like that, and seldom is anything ever cut and dry. But we learn, and we move forward with those lessons, as it seems you have." Artorias perked up when Bellamy mentioned the desire to learn more of his pack, and in turn share some of her own with him, expressing an interest in concord between the two packs. "It would be my honor to tell you of the Hallows, Lady Bellamy! Would you walk with me, take in the sights while we talk?" The young Aegis had always found these conversations easier if they were moving rather than sitting like statues in one place passing snippets of info back and forth to one another.

Turning on his paws, the ebony and azure brute motioned with his head for Bellamy to follow him. He set an easy and leisurely pace for the two of them to walk along the perimeter of Hallowed lands, giving Bellamy the chance to take in the rolling fields of green grass and the high castle walls and spires nearby with the picturesque ocean backdrop just beyond it. "The Hallows was originally founded by my mother as a sanctuary pack, open to all who required shelter, medical attention, or simply a place to rest for a time," he began to explain to his guest, looking out over the sun drenched lands his family called home. "We've been fortunate to have been blessed with a peaceful existence for the most part. Although we were never in any official alliance with Menagerie, our core tenets remain the same for all—the Hallows is open to all who come with peace in their hearts. No matter your origins, creeds, or beliefs, so long as someone does not bring violence or malice to our doorstep, they will be welcomed by us. My mother intended the pack to be an asylum for all to rely on as needed, and with her mission in mind, I've continued to keep to that mantra."

Artorias glanced to Bellamy with a warm smile, his fiery amber eyes bright and alive with an excitement to get to talk about his family's accomplishments. "My family, the Carpathians, have existed outside these lands for many generations. My mother was the first to come to Boreas, and when my litter was born, we became the first generation to expand here. My mate and I recently had a litter of our own too, so the family continues to grow!" He chuckled and grinned, reflecting on how much his family had grown and changed in such a short period of time. "If you ever get the chance to meet my family or my siblings, you'll see just how eclectic of a bunch we are. But like Ethne, we draw strength from our differences and collaboration. The Hallows is a blend and celebration of all that makes us unique. We're a beacon for those who need a light in their darkest times. Often, many of those who seek us out choose to stay to help with our mission and pass on the good will to the next soul who needs us. We're not perfect by any means, but we try to make the world a little bit better for our efforts." Artorias let his words drift off them, allowing silence to pass between them for Bellamy to absorb all the information he had given her and ask any questions she had before he put the ball back in her court. The younger man looked over to his fellow alpha with a curious tilt of his head. "And what of Ethne? What does our newest neighbor stand for and believe in?"

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