A Pound Of Flesh

The bleeding Raider boy looked like he was about to have a panic attack, almost hyperventilating as if he couldn't get enough air in his lungs. Artorias recognized the panic in the boy's eyes and gently tried to shush him to keep him calm, but Tarnish was too far gone, snarling and shrieking before consciousness left him and he flopped to the ground. Shit! Artorias was already moving to catch the almost grown pup before he hit his head on the earth, helping to ease him down and immediately pressing the damp cloth to the bleeding wound on his face. Well, no need for medical consent when he was unconscious he supposed... No sooner had Tarnish passed out then another stranger was coming into their lands, this woman also bearing the scent of the Raiders. Artorias' fur bristled as he eyed the stranger warily, preparing himself for a fight if she came seeking violence as well.

Thankfully, she seemed more level-tempered than the pup had been and embarrassed by the boy’s actions, apologizing for intruding and stating she was just here for the boy. Artorias relaxed his posture and nodded to the younger fae, motioning with his snout to the unconscious Raider in his paws. "Take him home. He's hurt, but he should heal with timely stitches. The God's Garden should have the herbs you need." Artorias' paw lifted from the bloodied cloth over Tarnish's face, letting Rivin keep the cloth so she could hopefully stem the bleeding. As Rivin took over from him, Artorias stepped back from the Raiders, regarding Tarnish with a stern pity and Rivin with an empathy that showed he understood what it felt like trying to wrangle unruly followers.

Standing beside Nelu, half as a gesture of support to his son and half to ensure that both Raiders would vacate their lands, Artorias glanced over to his matching dire-sized son, brow furrowing with confusion when Nelu apologized. "You have nothing to be sorry for, Nelu. You did exactly as you should. You met a threat with force and protected the Hallows and yourself. I’m very proud of how you handled yourself today." As for the perplexing part, well, Art knew that Nelu tended to take things at face value. Subtle social cues sometimes slipped by his boy’s perception. "We can discuss this more once our guests have left, Nelu. Then I will answer any question you may have."

"Artorias Carpathius"