It had been several weeks since Resin's death and when it came time to follow through with his plan to take Artorias out on a trip to introduce themselves to the other packs he decided to stick to their plan despite the issues in his personal life. The idea of getting away from the pack for a couple of weeks appealed to him. He left Indigo and Tamsyn in charge of the day to day of the pack and entrusted Eska with the mess that was Aranea and set out with Artorias to go take their tour of the packs that resided in Boreas. He was glad that the Baron's wound on his shoulder hadn't been very deep and had begun to heal quickly so it wouldn't be an issue on their trip.

He debated on the path they should take, but since they were already pretty well acquainted with Armada he figured starting with Ashen would be a good place to begin. It felt like a bit of a warm up for the more unknown packs that were to come. They took a day to cross up the bifrost, through the fjord and Gambit Briar, moving up through the prairie and skirting past the swamplands till they reached the border that surrounded the pale forest of the Alabastrine Shrine. They set up camp near by for the night and then approached Ashen fresh and rested in the morning. He hoped that they could meet with at least most of the packs in this area around their former home today since they were all close together, but depending on how long they stayed they might need to break it up into two days. All stuff they would have to play by ear.

Ulric stoped a respectful distance from the border and gave Artorias a glance before he lifted his head and let out a howl, calling for Ashen's leader to meet them. He could only remember meeting one Ashen wolf, aside from those that came to fight in their practice raid, and that had been a very long time ago, or at least it felt like a long time ago with how much had happened between then and now. He settled back to wait patiently, both eager and a touch nervous to have his first meeting as an alpha.

Ulric Adravendi

The day had finally come! When Ulric had told him about his plans to visit all of the packs in Boreas to reacquaint themselves as Hallowed wolves, Artorias had been ecstatic! Not only would it mean getting out and into the world he so desperately wanted to explore, it would also mean getting his first taste of what governing was like, and how packs interacted between one another. He had no idea what to expect, but it was that unknown variable that kept him anxious and energetic. Though his mother's passing had dampened his spirits somewhat in earlier weeks, Artorias' brooding had more or less subsided, and the wounds his mother had left on his shoulder had mostly healed and were turning to barely noticeable scars. Compared to what Resin had done to Tamsyn, he had gotten lucky.

Before they left, Ulric informed him to leave his equipment behind for their trip, and despite personal objections, Artorias obliged his alpha's orders and left his sword and armor at home. The morning of their departure, the two wolves had headed north across the Bifröst into Boreas, then skirted around the shores until they arrived at their destination. Camping overnight under the stars was a whole new experience for the young wolf, and he even learned how to start campfires from Ulric. Once morning broke, they packed up and headed for the border of their first pack meeting: Ashen.

Before they even reached the border, Artorias could smell the scents of dozens of wolves, making his nose wrinkle at the sudden impact on his olfactory senses. The two men strode up to the borders of the white-treed forest, Artorias stopping when Ulric did and observing his decorum for maintaining distance from the border. While Ulric howled for Ashen's alpha, Artorias took the time to survey his surroundings. He had never seen trees like this before, and although it was distinctly summer, the air was noticeably cooler than down in Auster. Perhaps it was just a chilly day? He honestly couldn't remember much from when he had been living in Boreas.

Artorias knew nothing of the Ashen wolves other than the ones he had fought (and defeated one-on-one, he thought proudly) during the practice raid, but he had heard the stories of the empire from his mothers, and of the empress that reigned over it. He also settled back on his haunches while they waited, eager for his first meeting as Ulric's right hand, and also anxious to meet his first alpha that wasn't Sirius or Ulric.


"Artorias" | Thoughts | "Corbin"

One big happy family

Artorias has two ravens named Corbin and Eira and a fox named Argent. Assume they are within calling distance at all times.
As his mate, Briar may enter Artorias' threads unless marked Private.
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It was early morning and Venom was heading back to the palace after a long night of work. She was mostly a nocturnal beast, sometimes a blessing others a curse. Especially when she was called at the border right when she would normally be heading to her first sleep of the day. The call was official, she knew it was another alpha seeking her attention and for a moment she debated about ignoring it, or allowing Hattori to see to them. Instead Venom finished her path to the palace and asked Ikigai to follow her towards the border. Anko the akita followed after them, her presence was calm and she remained in the background.

She approached the border, head held high and her gait perfect as sunset gaze fell on the two massive wolves at her border. The Empress was raised around huge wolves and did not show any hesitancy as her lithe form came to a halt before the Hallows party. She could tell easily from the scant wafting from them that this was from the pack that moved to Auster. Venom had never been close to Resin, as made apparent when she created the pack and didn’t seek to be included in the Empire proper.

”Gentlemen,” she greeted confidently with a slight dip of her head to each wolf. ”You’ve summoned the Empress Venom Abraxas and her daughter Okiku Ikigai Ōritsu Abraxas.” She gestured to her young daughter to allow her own curtsey.

Hattori wasn't called for, per se, but as the Shogun of Ashen he made minding its borders his business. He moved at a gentle lope, his large paws thudding against the earth as he passed through the pale trees. There was a marked change of temperature, it was slowly but surely getting warmer, more akin to true summer than early spring. The thawing of snow was a welcome change, giving the world a little more colour as Hattori breathed in the scents that wafted on the breeze. He recognised the smell of Hallows wolves and his brows drew a little tight on his forehead. From the nature of the call it seemed to be a diplomatic affair, but his mind drifted to the Hallows wolf he'd buried just off the Gulley, facing the sea. Perhaps he ought to have returned his body to Hallows, it would have been the just thing to do, but circumstances at the time were not favourable. Nor was the weather. Though if nothing Hattori would tell them and show them the grave, if that was what they wanted.

He slowed to a walk as he approached the group. His wife was already present, as was his daughter, Ikigai. Punctual and dutiful as always. She wasn't cut from the same cloth as the other children, and that suited the Shogun just fine. She excelled in many other ways, and her passion for their culture and manners pleased him far more than he'd care to show. Out of all his children, she flourished the most in these sorts of affairs. She'd make a fine diplomat for sure.

He dipped his head in greeting but hung back a little, a step or two behind/beside Venom. He recognised the wolves from the raid and recalled how they'd fought well, how after the clash and clamour of the mock-raid they'd welcomed the Ashen wolves as guests. Polite and fair but not overly schmoozy, a fact Hattori no doubt appreciated more than most.

"And I am Hattori, Shogun of Ashen. "

The days ran together and Ikigai learned and learned. The princess's mind was as thirsty as a desert flower and she watered it often. History, Kanji, diplomacy, music... the lessons never ended because the supply of information never ended. There was always someone willing to teach her. Someone willing to share their knowledge.

Along with her mind, Ikigai's frame was growing as well. The pudgy puppy had melted away and the pallid girl was growing long and lithe. Her slender body took on a naturally regal look and, accompanied by her perfect posture, Ikigai looked every bit the princess that she was. Despite her appearance, vanity was not a trait that one could pin to the girl. She was aware that she was beautiful because she'd been told as much many times, but Iki wished to make a name for herself with her dedication and her honor rather than her appearance.

Ever dutiful, when her mother summoned her, asking her to go along to meet one calling from the border, Ikigai wasted no time in following alongside the larger woman. In time, they came to their border where two big brutes stood. One was significantly younger than the other and the girl's silver eyes lighted upon him for a moment before she took her place to the side of her mother. As Venom introduced her, Iki dipped her own crown just as regally as her mother had; a mere bending of her long, graceful neck. A moment later her father appeared on her mother's opposite side. Though she was glad to see her father, now wasn't the time for affections. Instead, she dipped her head to her sire, silver pools closing momentarily in reverence as she gave the man the respect that he was due. Head raised once more, the young princess brought her full attention back to the visitors.

Okiku Ikigai Ōritsu Abraxas

He and Artorias weren't kept waiting long before an oddly familiar woman appeared along with the man that he had fought during the practice raid they held between Ashen and The Hallows and a young girl that couldn't have been more than a couple of seasons old. He gave them a warm smile though as soon as Venom spoke her name his distant memory of meeting a far younger variation of the Empress came to the forefront of his memory and he chuckled softly, a rueful grin pulling across his lips. "Well, I certainly feel like an old man now," he joked with a little shake of his head. "You probably won't remember, but we met when you were a pup by the hot springs. Gods, that feels like a life time ago." He turned his gaze to Hattori and gave the Shogun a nod as well. "And a pleasure to formally meet you as well, Hattori." He looked down at the young girl who truly was a beautiful little girl. He dipped his head to her as well, adding, "A pleasure to meet you as well." He wouldn't even dare to try and repeat her name out of fear of messing it up in front of her parents.

"I'm Ulric, Aegis of The Hallows," he said to introduce himself in turn, another smile crossing his lips. He glanced toward Artorias, allowing him the space to introduce himself as well before looking back to Venom once more. "Resin requested that I lead the pack once she was no longer able until Artorias or one of his siblings was old enough and prepared to lead. I wanted to take some time to properly introduce myself and Artorias to the other packs now that things have calmed down a bit back home." He left it at that for now, curious to see Venom's reaction to the news. He was more familiar with Resin's relationship to the Armada, but not so much how she had gotten along with Ashen beyond the training they had done together. From his understanding Ashen and Armada were tied together in some fashion though he supposed that didn't mean that friendship went all directions.

Ulric Adravendi

While they were waiting at the border of the Ashen territory, Artorias took a moment to study the odd trees. Their ghostly white bark was unusual and gave off an eerie, almost ethereal atmosphere, as if the land had been pulled straight from a child's fable. Fortunately, the Hallowed wolves didn't have to wait long before their presence was greeted by the Empire's rulers. Artorias fixed the approaching ladies with curious eyes; this was his first time meeting any alphas other than his family or Sirius. The fae was almost as tall as he was, and carried herself with a refined elegance that spoke volumes to her grooming and pedigree. She greeted them and introduced herself as the empress of Ashen, Venom Abraxas. Recognition flickered in fiery eyes; his parents had told him of the other packs and their leaders before in his teachings, and her name had been a common occurrence. Beside her was a small pup, no more than a season or two old, wearing a beautiful coat of pristine black and white that mirrored her mother's colors, sitting with such practiced and refined grace it stunned the young wolf. He met the girl's inquisitive eyes with a warm smile and a dip of his head in greeting while Venom introduced her by a name so regal he feared he would never do it justice by speaking it.

Shortly behind them came another wolf, a brute as large as Ulric and just as familiar to the young Carpathius lad. Artorias remembered Hattori. He remembered the raid vividly. He wondered if Hattori remembered as well—or how Artorias had bested two of Ashen's most promising warriors at the time. It had been close, but ultimately Ashen had squeaked out a victory. Hattori hung just behind Venom, an imposing bodyguard no doubt, but also the Empire's auxiliary alpha. He would be given due respect as well. Ulric introduced himself, but surprised Artorias by recognizing Venom from when she was a pup. Gods, how old was Ulric?

When Ulric's introduction and ended and the man left it open for him to give his greeting, Artorias regarded both Venom and Hattori with a deep bow of his head to the Empress and Shogun. "Your Majesty Venom, Your Excellence Hattori. It's a pleasure to meet you both—and to see you again, sir." His voice was even, measured, doing his best to follow Ulric's lead. He regarded Ikigai with a warm smile and an equal bow of his head to the little princess, though he feared even if he were to lay on the ground, his bow would never dip low enough for the small pup. "Your Majesty Okiku," he greeted her as well, ensuring he pronounced her name as close to the way her mother had said. The last thing he wanted was to butcher the little girl's name.

With his greetings given, he sat silent and allowed Ulric to continue the talks with Venom and Hattori, mostly observing him dot eh Ashen wolves with quiet consideration. He was to learn from his alpha, after all, and firsthand experience was a rare and valuable gift. If any of them were to address him, he would speak. Until then, he would be quiet, listen, and observe.

"Artorias Carpathius"

One big happy family

Artorias has two ravens named Corbin and Eira and a fox named Argent. Assume they are within calling distance at all times.
As his mate, Briar may enter Artorias' threads unless marked Private.
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Ikigai was silent as they approached and offered their guests the correct amount of reverence. She hid a pleased smirk as Hattori appeared behind her and the ruling pair was a complete set for the Hallowed wolves. She hadn’t seen him before he spoke and he followed her words with his own name and rank in the pack. They would both know him from the practice raid but she couldn’t imagine Hattori introducing himself at the time. Sunset gaze settled on the silver eyes of the older male as he began with a chuckle. Her pale brow lowered in question but his amusement was swiftly explained.

She peered at him, trying to remember the moment he spoke about but at best he recreated a vague memory. That had been a very long time ago, and Venom felt like she had already lived five lifetimes since she was a young girl. ”Or longer.” She commenced almost absently as he mentioned how it felt like half a lifetime. True introductions were made and Venom lowered her head for both wolves as they gave her their names and reverence. She wouldn’t forget the added greeting from the yearling heir to her own. Though she and Hattori had not discussed the future ruler of Ashen, Ikigai was still an heir of the Empire.

”Welcome to Ashen, Aegis Ulric, Artorias.” She dipped her head to both again. ”I thank you for bringing news of the transfer.” She had never spoken to Resin one on one, but Hattori had. Obviously Resin was no longer able to lead as he had said, but she knew not why. Not that the details truly mattered, she would give her condolences if she was made aware. ”You will allow us to feed you while we speak?” She asked, but Anko had already gotten to her feet to bring the party food for breakfast.

Hattori did recognise the boy and had noted his performance in the raid. He was still young, but capable foundations had long been set into place, marking him as a warrior the Hallows would do well to keep. Though he did not openly show it Hattori saw merit in this meeting, Ashen was strong enough to stand tall on its own now but out of all the other packs he had encountered the Hallows seemed to be the reliable sort. Led by a no nonsense woman who understood Hattori for who and what he was. Or at least she used to, it seemed. What had happened to Resin? Ulric spoke of her quite vaguely, dancing around the topic, but there was no sense of malcontent in his voice. As if he'd snatched the title of Aegis for his own. Venom was smooth as ever in her acknowledgement, able to gloss over it effortlessly. The same could be said for Ikigai, she took after her Mother flawlessly and if anything she knew how to act in these situations better than even Hattori did.

Hattori once again eyed Ulric's new scars for a moment before speaking.

"Though perhaps it is a little late, I have news for you also. When winter was at its worst I found a wolf, brown with yellow eyes that smelled of your people. He had been attacked by sabred cats and was dying, there was nothing that could be done for him. But he was....quite blunt to the very end."  Hattori recalled his dying words, not ones he'd utter to say the least. " I had his body buried near the Gully, by the sea. I can show you the way on your way back if you wish.  "

As the adults spoke, going through greetings and pleasantries, Ikigai observed it all. Some day she would be a force like her mother, but for now, she simply took a back seat, allowing the more experienced to take the spotlight. The knowledge hungry girl was eager to learn all that she could from this encounter. Already she was filing away information about The Hallows. Just like her mother and father, Iki caught the strange way that the Aegis, Ulric, danced around the topic of the former leader. She made no move or motion to show that she found it odd. The young lady's silver gaze never faltered from paying her guests the utmost attention.

As the boy, Artorias spoke her name in reverence, Ikigai allowed the first glimmer of personality to show. The corners of the delicate lass's eyes lifted in a smile, becoming even more almost shaped, perhaps due to the red flecks at the corners. "Please," the young lady spoke in tones that were both dulcet and strong all at once, "You may call me Ikigai." She was sure to enunciate her name well. Iki was all too aware that her long, illustrious name was a mouthful for those not use to such grand titles. The shadow and snow girl dipped her crown, eyes closing momentarily as she spoke once again. "Welcome to Ashen."

The conversation shifted and her mother offered the guests sustenance. As the group of them began to move, Ikigai waited for her mother to lead. Instead of walking beside her, the child moved to walk beside her massive sire. The girls long, obsidian tail snaked over the ground as she moved. Long legs and dainty paws moved gracefully, keeping up with her father's longer strides. She was eager to hear what their guests wished to speak about.

Okiku Ikigai Ōritsu Abraxas

Ulric glanced to Artorias while he spoke to greet the Ashen leaders, a small smile on his lips. Art might feel like he still had a lot to learn, but he was already doing far better than he would of at his age and he was proud of the young Carpathius man. He looked back to Venom when she returned their greeting, a bit of pleasant surprise touching his features when the Empress offered to feed them while they spoke, dipping his head gratefully to the offer. "That's very kind of you, we'd be honored." He fell into the group as they joined the Ashen wolves to partake in the kind meal they were being served.

He looked to Hattori when the Shogun spoke of one of their wolves that he had found, attacked and dying because of the saber cats that had been haunting them for some time now. He frowned, his brows pulling together. From the description of the male he was given he had to assume it was Askan. The man had gone missing some time ago and now they finally had an explanation. Even though he hadn't gotten along with the male it didn't mean that he'd be emotionless at the news of the wolf's passing. He nodded solemnly and replied, "Thank you for letting me know. The past few seasons have held a lot of pain and heartache. Hopefully there are some brighter skies ahead."

Once they were all settled with their breakfast among the pale trees of their host's territory, he decided to properly broach the subject of how he ended up in the position he was - partially for transparency since he knew he had been vague at best about Resin's fate and partially so they could discuss some of the attacks and odd creatures that had been around as of late. It sounded like they had at least faced the saber cats, though he wondered if they had encountered the massive dire wolves as well. Ashen was one of the closest packs to their own as far as distance went so it wouldn't be all that surprising if they had encountered them as well.

"Resin hadn't been in good health for the last season or two," he explained as they ate, mostly to Venom, but to the group as well. He didn't really want to go into the specifics and details since it still felt like a family matter for the Carpathius wolves, but it was at least enough to give some more context. "I took over for her when her health began to deteriorate, but we were attacked by a pack of giant dire wolves several weeks ago. She was killed in that attack." His expression was grim at the news, but there was a bit of relief there too. It had been difficult to watch his friend suffer. "How have things been in Boreas? You've at least encountered the saber cats it sounds like. We've had quite a few run ins with those as well."

Ulric Adravendi

Ikigai's eyes seemed to brighten when she smiled and bid he address her as Ikigai, then welcomed them both to the Ashen Empire. Giving her a little smile of his own, Artorias nodded his head once to her. "Ikigai it is then. A pleasure to meet you." The leaders of both Hallows and Ashen began to converse then. Venom invited them to stay for a meal, and Artorias was glad to see Ulric stand on ceremony and accept the invite. He followed his alpha's lead as they were invited into Ashen lands proper, curious and fascinated eyes taking in the sights of the alabaster forest that surrounded them. The group moved to settle amongst the trees for their breakfast, all the while Artorias studying their gracious hosts. Venom and Hattori both exuded cool professionalism and decorum, truly showcasing why they were the leaders of a pack known as an empire. Likewise, Ikigai was graceful and regal in her movements and the way she carried herself. For someone so young, she showed all the hallmarks of a future queen. It impressed the young wolf to no end, especially when he considered how he and his siblings had been.

As they settled in, Hattori mentioned coming across one of their wolves in the past season. The way he described the man, it could only be Askan. The brute had gone missing shortly after their winter feast and hadn't been seen since. It hurt Artorias' heart to know their pack mate had met with some unfortunate end so far from home. All he could pray was that it had been quick and he hadn't suffered. He showed no reaction beyond a slight darkening of his eyes however. He hadn't known Askan very well, but a loss was still a loss. They had experienced so much darkness and loss in the past half year, he could only hope Ulric's statement of seeing brighter skies on the horizon was true.

As Venom's companions went about preparing food for the five of them, Ulric started to explain the reason for the shift of power. He explained his mother's failing health, but thankfully didn't detail what had occurred or the madness that had claimed her. He did tell them about the dire wolf attack and how Resin had been killed in the ensuing battle. Artorias' brow pulled together in silent heartache while vivid images of his mother's bloody and broken body played back in his head. He rolled his right shoulder, the fresh scars from his mother's teeth still aching occasionally as the muscle fully healed. Artorias remained quiet, his expression unreadable, but the storm clouds in his eyes showing a glimpse into the pain his mother's death had left him with. Ulric asked how Ashen had fared with the harsh extended winter and Artorias was able to bring himself back to the moment, curiously looking between all three of their hosts as the adults spoke. He was indeed interested to know how their winter experience had been.

"Artorias Carpathius"

One big happy family

Artorias has two ravens named Corbin and Eira and a fox named Argent. Assume they are within calling distance at all times.
As his mate, Briar may enter Artorias' threads unless marked Private.
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Venom wanted to get everyone sat down for their meal before they truly got down to business but Hattori was much more impatient than he usually was.She lifted herself gracefully to her paws and led the way onward. The akitas were swift to gather the meal and lay the preparations out when the wolves appeared and took their places.

Hattori began, mentioning the wolf he had come across earlier in the winter. Venom barely remembered him making mention to her. He quieted and Venom opened the floor for their guests as she carefully tucked into the meal in front of her. She would be on her way to sleep for the day once they were on their way so she wasn’t planning on consuming much. Anko at least knew this and the wolves on their way to bed had considerably smaller portions than the guests just starting their day. Ulric began, but the story was swift to take a tragic turn, the legend that was the Aegis Resin was dead.

”A moment of silence for your lost leader.” And mother, she realized as her sunset gaze drifted to the young heir. Venom fell quiet for a long moment, assuming her companions would follow suit. The girl never knew Resin very well, but she did know that Sirius had trusted her and took her as his own mother so in turn Venom had respected the woman. Hattori had a better relationship than she did, as was made evident by their practice raid. Eventually she spoke again to answer Ulric’s question.

”Yes, they’ve been a menace.” Having the islands helped to mitigate the threat, they really only had to keep their eyes on the shrine, one landlocked border was much easier to guard than the whole pack lands. That fact alone reiterated her pleasure at having the island chain in her possession. ”Beyond fighting the winter chill things have been quiet." Everyone was quiet, perhaps it was the cold. Summer was here, and with it would come a celebration. ”To celebrate the brief warmth Ashen will be holding a gathering. A summer festival and my brother’s wedding. The Hallows is welcomed to attend, there will be a tournament for those with a talent for fighting.” She raised her brow and glanced towards Artorias with a half grin before her attention was returned to Ulric. ”It would be my pleasure to host you and your pack.”