In the aftermath

It's impossible for Artorias to not be investigative and analytical as he studies the lands of Ethen post-raid. Battle was no foreign concept to the Lord of Cinder, nor violence or death, but it was rare for him to stand on someone else's battlefield and do damage assessment. Usually it was him and his wolves tending to the wounded and fighting to protect. His frown tightens as he surveys the quiet Ethne—too quiet for a pack this size. Hopefully everyone was all right... He glanced down at Clove at his side, amber eyes considering if perhaps this was too gruesome for his young daughter to be experiencing. Artorias had sworn to protect his children from the horrors he had endured in his youth so that they might preserve their innocence for as long as possible. Was this exposing her to too much? He wasn't given much time to ponder that dilemma however before Haydée was arriving to greet them at the borders. The first thing Artorias noted immediately was how tired the young alphess was, as well as the positive that she seemed unharmed. A little worse for wear and muddy, but thankfully not injured.

The alpha greeted them both cheerfully and the Lord of Cinder tipped his head to her in return. "I wish I could say the circumstances were better, my dear," he replied, lamenting the reasons for her exhaustion and for their presence. A sympathy and understanding hung heavy in the dire wolf's eyes, and he offered Haydée a gentle yet measured smile. Haydée took note of his daughter and Artorias smiled more genuinely this time, nodding his head to Clove as he did. "This is my daughter, Clove. We both came to check on you all. We heard some concerning reports from our ravens, and... well, I suppose they're true, aren't they?" Artorias was referring to the stench of blood in the air and the smell of the Raiders still lingering around. After a moment, Artorias dismissed Clove to go offer her help where she might be needed, leaving the two alphas to talk. Once they were alone, Artorias asked the question weighing on his mind. "Is everyone okay?" And more importantly... "Are you okay?"

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