Diplomacy

The stranger introduced himself with a formal greeting as Alaric Warmaw, a general of a group called the Judilian Army. Artorias' brows knitted together in a suspicious look, leering at the other male with carefully guarded apprehension. A general coming to call at his borders? Was this an intention of invasion? Artorias' nerves steeled themselves for a fight—but that fortunately did not prove to be necessary, as Alaric offered the slain deer as a gift and a sign of good will to prove he intended no harm. Though still cautious, Artorias did let some of that tension melt away from his demeanor, settling back down to a passive neutrality. Alaric stated his motives; he wished to know more about the packs of Auster and to share information about this Judilian Army as well.

Pausing for a moment to consider his options, Artorias eyed the deer, then turned to one of the ravens perched upon his back. "Go find Ezra. Tell him to come collect our gift for skinning and dressing." Artorias was not the master hunter his friend was. Ezra would know how to best handle the deer—as well as tell if it had been tainted. Artorias wanted to assume the best of Alaric's intentions, but he knew better than to trust a wolf he'd just met at face value.

As his raven flew off, the Lord of Cinder returned his attention to his guest, bringing his haunches up to sit so he could speak more comfortably. "I'd be happy to tell you about the Hallows, General Alaric. The Hallows was founded by my mother as a place of sanctuary and healing for those in need. We have inhabited the plains and castle for over half a decade now, doing what work we can to protect the innocent who need guardians and heal those who need doctors, both for the body and the mind." Artorias paused to gesture behind him to the rolling summer hills and Hearthstone castle bathed in golden sunlight. "The Hallows is open to all who come in peace. Our goal is simple: leave the world better than when we found it. I like to think we're doing some pretty good work. Other than that, we manufacture a large amount of wine we offer for trade. My wife is our head sommelier and vintner. If you and your band partake, you're welcome to come sample some of her work." The larger brute chuckled, his deep voice rumbling in his chest as he offered Alaric a smile.

"I am curious about the Judilian Army," he said, looking at Alaric with a curious tilt to his head and scrutinizing eyes. "One of my daughters has mentioned meeting a woman who is the leader of a Judilian Band, but not an army. Are you affiliated with one another?"

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian"