Home is at your side

No matter how many times he answered them, the calls for his attention never failed to catch Artorias by surprise. The Aegis had been playing with his newest pups out in the castle gardens when the howls sounded for his presence, and after handing over the children to Briar he headed out through Hearthstone’s gates to greet the familiar voice. He crossed the lush spring plains at an easy gait and spotted the forms of Audra and Gloom waiting for him by the borders. Gloom’s reappearance was a pleasant surprise to the Carpathian patriarch. He had offered an open invitation for the Ashen woman to return and visit Audra whenever she wished, but he had not anticipated her to take him up on his offer so soon! Still, he had seen the positive effect Gloom’s presence had on Audra and he was happy to open his doors to her.

Approaching the two smaller wolves, Artorias greeted the women with his easygoing smile and dipped his head to Gloom. "Welcome back, Gloom! It’s always good to see a friendly face return to grace our home," he greeted her, then turned a playfully teasing smile to Audra. "Did you get lost on the way up to Ashen, or am I abetting you kidnapping one of the Empress’ subjects?" Art was teasing her of course; Ashen and the Hallows were fast allies, and if Audra had brought Gloom back so soon, he knew there would be a reason for it.

"Artorias Carpathius"