Worlds collide

Though she was young, Bellatrix is well composed and well spoken. Artorias is impressed by the smaller girl's eloquence and inspired by her determination. She sought vengeance for her family and the rebuilding of her home. Noble pursuits, he could agree to that, but a much more monumental task than she likely realized. Raising Norad required more than just the ability to reform the pack and bring her family back into the fold. She would need to secure it and defend it better than Beauregard had, and with the Syndicate still on the prowl, she might always be in danger of a resurgence attack. She was right about one thing—she would need friends and allies she could count on if she was planning on taking the fight to the Syndicate. Artorias could see the fire in her eyes though; she was determined to see this through no matter the stakes.

After listening intently to what Bella had to say, Artorias would simply nod his head and motion with his head for her to follow him. "Come, Bellatrix. Take a walk with me." Rising back to his paws, Artorias began a leisurely stroll along the borders of the Hallows that surrounded the castle, the rolling plains of his home, and the vast sea shining in the setting sunlight. "You have heart, Bella. You have a fire inside of you that I recognize. You remind me of my own daughter," he began with a warm smile, bright eyes that matched the sunset looking back down at the little Ravenwood girl. He hoped Beauregard was proud of her gumption. "I will ask my wolves to keep an eye out for your sibling if you don't mind giving me a description of who to look for. As for your request..." Artorias' words drifted off with a pensive sigh, his gaze turning out over the fields around them while he contemplated.

"It's a heavy and dangerous job being a leader, Bellatrix. You're responsible not only for your life, but the lives of all the wolves that follow you too. You have to make decisions and judgments that affect others and you have to make them the best you can. I am responsible for all the wolves in the Hallows, meaning I am also responsible for their safety first and foremost." Artorias slowed his gait so he could look down at Bellatrix once more, his gaze soft, but severe. He wanted her to understand the depth of what she was asking, what she was seeking to do. "The wolves that took your home, they are vicious and ruthless. They show no mercy and have no care for the sanctity of life. Choosing to make enemies of these wolves is not a decision to take lightly..." A pause as the older brute took a slow breath in, held it, and released it in a sigh. "Your cause is noble. Fighting for the protection of others and justice is always a valiant effort. But are you prepared for what it might cost you and the ones you love? How much are you willing to sacrifice to rebuild your home and to seek your vengeance?" If Bellatrix was serious about her desires and her goals, Artorias needed to hear it from her now. Then he would give her his response to her request.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian"