insignificant meritocracy

Autumn in Auster meant harvesting round the clock in the Hallows. With the onset of the rainy season coming swiftly, it was imperative for all the year's harvest of fruits, berries, and herbs to be gathered and prepared to be preserved or used. Being as he was no healer, Artorias was often in charge of helping to gather the ripe fruits from the Wildberry Grove before they overripened and spoiled or were drowned by the coming rains. It wasn't his favorite job per se, but it kept Briar happy and the Hallows wines flowing, so he didn't put up a fuss. It was quite amusing to see the regal and fearsome Lord of Cinder roaming the berry grove with a wicker basket close to overflowing with fruit though. Ah, the things we do for the people we love...

Artorias was working through stripping a raspberry bush clean when Corbin came to alight on his back, croaking to get the dire wolf's attention. "Master Artorias, there's a visitor skulking around the borders," his avian reported, which almost had Artorias launching into high alert and ready for combat until he added on, "It's family."

Now more curious than concerned, Artorias abandoned his task and set off to the borders and see who was here. It took a little bit of walking before Artorias picked up on the familiar scent and followed it to a familiar wolf, one he hadn't seen in some time. There was no denying the unmistakable uncanniness the brute bore to his mother though. Approaching at a leisurely gait, Artorias regarded Stratum with a warm smile. "You're welcome to come in, y'know. Family is always welcome here," he teased his brother-in-law with a lighthearted prod. "It's good to see you again, Stratum. I’m guessing by the bag this isn’t just an 'I was in the neighborhood' kind of visit?" Artorias took quick stock of Stratum with his fiery gaze. The Fatalis man looked... well, he looked alive at the least. He couldn't exactly say Stratum looked well though. Life had clearly slung some shit at him since last they'd seen one another. And with his companions and belongings with him… Gods, what had been going on up north...?

"Artorias" | "Carpathian"