Something has happened

Sirius returned their affectionate greetings, although Artorias couldn’t help but notice a slight edge to the Warlord’s demeanor, as if something was nagging at him inside his brain. He didn’t make mention of it, knowing that with Sirius he would likely lay bare whatever was bothering him in time. The elder alpha took note of Briar’s new weapon and Art followed Seer’s gaze down to the dagger strapped to his wife’s foreleg with a proud smile. He allowed Briar to explain it first if she desired, since it was her gift, before adding in, "It felt high time to give my Queen a family heirloom of her own." He turned that proud, loving smile to Briar as he gazed at her with nothing short of pure love. It only felt right for the matriarch of the Carpathius family to carry some of their special steel as well.

The next words that are out of Seer’s mouth though stole away that happy smile from the Aegis’ face. Artorias’ attention snapped to his father-in-law in a blink, alarm and concern painting his visage and furrowing his brow with worry. A flood had struck the Armada?! Before Artorias could voice any questions, Seer was already answering the unspoken queries in his mind. Two casualties—two wolves had lost their lives in the disaster. Artorias felt his heart sink, his expression falling as he looked to Briar in a moment of panic. His first concern was that it had been Briar's family, but Sirius thankfully reassured them all the Fatalises were fine. That allowed Artorias to breathe a momentary sigh of relief, though that was only short lived as the Warlord gave them the names of the deceased. Ruga and Keahi. Again the Aegis' expression dropped, a pain in his eyes as he thought of the red-coated blacksmith he had come to know well in their many business dealings, and of Keahi who he knew less well but had known her for her sweet disposition. "Gods... I'm so sorry, Sirius..." Gods be damned... Any loss of life was a tragedy, but Ruga especially... He had been the only wolf Art knew who could work with his family's special steel. With him gone, those weapons now suddenly felt infinitely more precious.

From how Seer worded it, it sounded like the Armada’s supplies had been hit the worst, and with it being the start of winter in north Boreas, that did not bode well for the pack. There was no hesitation in Artorias’ nod acknowledging Sirius’ request. "Of course, Seer. We have an abundance of preserved fish and fresh fruits thanks to the wet spring, and Briar has been making a surplus of wool blankets with the pups. I’d also be happy to send Gwynevere up with you with some medicines to help tend to the sick and injured. Whatever you need, if we can spare it, you’re welcome to it." Artorias knew this was no small matter for a wolf as proud as Sirius Fatalis to come asking for help; that’s what told him the Armada’s situation was serious. Of course they would do all that they could to aid their allies. Sirius and the Fatalis family were kin, and the Hallows always looked after their own.

"Artorias Carpathius"