insignificant meritocracy

Artorias studied Stratum's expression while the younger Fatalis brute returned his greeting, noting the strained smile, the way the light didn't quite reach his argent eyes. Something wasn't quite right... Stratum earned an amused chuckle from Artorias when he mentioned working up the nerve, though the mirth wasn't kept alive long before Stratum's dour expression returned, and with it came the Lord of Cinder's concern. He mentioned a disagreement over Basilisk becoming Warlord, and Art's brows pulled together as he listened to everything his brother-in-law had to tell him. He had figured Basilisk's ascension to alpha would have rubbed some wolves the wrong way—even he had his reservations about the new Warlord and their share of disagreements—but at the mention of leaving to be safe... That worried Artorias. Were his family in danger under Basilisk Fatalis' reign?

He didn't get to linger on the thought long or ask any follow ups before Sirius was arriving, both Stratum and Art regarding the Fatalis patriarch. Art took note of the shrinking of Stratum's demeanor in his sire's presence, but that gradually dissolved once Seer embraced his child and the two exchanged a curt, quintessentially Fatalis greeting. Artorias, who knew Sirius lacked a certain level of emotional IQ to check on his son, knew he'd have to follow up with Stratum in private, if the younger male was willing to talk. Stratum returned to the matter of his presence and explained that he and the others didn’t plan on returning to the Armada, and he was seeking to join the Hallows. There was no question in Artorias' mind on letting Stratum join, even with the lad already shyly offering alternatives. He could see that longing look in Strat's mercurial eyes. He needed his family's help.

Artorias cut off Stratum with a resolute shake of his head and a raised paw, fixing his brother-in-law with a welcoming smile that radiated warmth and acceptance. "You're my family, Stratum. You're always welcome, and we have plenty of room. I'm sure Briar will be over the moon to have more of her family around too!" Artorias was not concerned over Stratum's leg hindering him—although he would like to let their physicians take a look at it, even if there was nothing to be done about it. He would not deny his family or look upon him with shame. Artorias bore his own scars of the painful past too. Artorias strode forward to close the distance between them, gently nudging his head against Strat's in a familial nuzzle, welcoming him to his new home before motioning to the two Fatalis men to lead them towards Hearthstone. "C'mon, let's get your things inside and get you settled. Then we can see about a meal and a tour."

As they crossed the grove south towards the plains, Artorias looked to Stratum at his side once more. "Tell me about your skills, Strat. What are you passionate about?" Artorias liked to place his wolves in roles and ranks that best fit their interests and personalities. Who Stratum was would decide what he could do around the Hallows.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian"