Reaffirming the reaffirming to reaffirm

The Elysian wolf didn't keep him waiting for an answer to his curiosity. The brute stood and introduced himself Deimos Mendacium, then went on to explain that Avacyn had made the decision to alter Elysium's power structure. Artorias' brows knitted together as he brought himself to sit and listen while Deimos explained how he was now King of Elysium and in charge of running it, while Avacyn remained the family's Matriarch over the family's traditions and laws. Artorias wasn't exactly sure how that was all to work, since it sounded like Ava had just abdicated the crown in that case, but he supposed it wasn't his place to understand or question another pack's structure. If it worked for Elysium, then all the more power to them. But that did mean the wolf before him now was Elysium's new alpha.

"I see." Artorias spoke plainly, feeling no need to mince words or adorn them with frivolity. "I hope the meeting didn't scare her into giving up her power. I didn't intend for it to make anyone question their abilities to lead." The whole meeting had felt like a total disaster to the Lord of Cinder, who walked away with fewer wolves on his side than when he'd gone in. "But in any case, it's nice to make your acquaintance, Deimos. I look forward to getting to know you better as our packs continue to work closely together." It was mildly concerning to hear the Hallows was Elysium's last standing ally. Between Ashen and Valta, both packs had lost friends rapidly.

Artorias motioned for Deimos to follow him before he began to lead the other wolf into Hallowed lands and down to the castle. It was too bloody hot to be sitting out on the plains in broad daylight having these kinds of conversations. Art led his guest through the castle gates and into the gardens, where the high walls helped shield the courtyard from the harsh sunlight. It was much cooler here, and more private to talk. "You can count on the Hallows to be at your side if you ever need us, Deimos," began Artorias. "We've recently undergone some changes as well. Less drastic than Elysium's, but still profound. We're letting ourselves be more involved with the world rather than sitting passively by while things happen around us." Artorias still had yet to put any of these changes into play yet, but he had every intention to soon.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian"