One of the things Artorias had hoped for in his time with the Armada was the chance to get out and explore some of Boreas now that he was older. When he'd lived here as a pup, he hadn't been allowed to explore beyond the pack borders. Now he was nearly a full adult, he had been given a lot of liberties, including the chance to see the world. During his visit, Briar had introduced him to some of her siblings, including Gossamer who was currently joining him on a trek up the Fenrir mountains just north of the Armada. Artorias hadn't really spent any time with any of Briar's siblings before, but considering he was intimately involved with the Fatalis princess now, it only seemed right to get to know her brothers and sisters better.

Artorias led the charge up the craggy mountain slopes bent for the peak. He had some experience navigating the rocky mountains from his trip through the pass with Ulric last season, so he knew how to find stable paths up for the two of them. The air was frigid the higher up they went, his thick fur coat only just enough to keep the cold at bay. "We should be getting near the peak," he said to his traveling companion as the path narrowed towards a visible plateau. "I bet the view will be great up top!"

"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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Now back in the Armada and assigned a Warrior-in-Training Gossamer had goals to start working towards. She was slowly working her way back into pack life when her sister, Briar, introduced her to a boy that Sirius was training to be heir in the Hallows. The closeness between Briar and Artorias wasn't lost on her, but having little understanding of romantic relationships she just assumed them to be very close friends. If anything it was clear that she'd missed much on her travels to the north.

Gossamer tracked after Artorias into Fenrir's Maw. The mountain range was known for its treacherous terrain and was an excellent place to get some training in. Having explored much of the north's terrain solo she wasn't put off by a bit of an adventure outside the pack lands. If anything she looked forward to it. Her tail wagged lazily as she picked out her paths, moving swiftly and surely over the terrain. The air continued to get colder but Gossamer shrugged it off. Compared to the bitter cold of the ice bridge that had nearly claimed her life this was nothing.

"Yea, I bet we'll be able to see the Armada from up there if the clouds clear." It would make a great scouting point. "So, how did you and my sister meet? I thought the Hallows was all the way down in Auster." She picked up her pace seeking to come alongside Artorias.

Artorias was quite impressed with Gossamer's fleet-footedness to keep up with him. He briefly wondered if she'd had experience in rugged terrains like this before; surely she must have! The two wolves headed up the craggy sloped paths, nearing the peak. He stopped when one of his steps cracked off a small piece of rock from the edge of the path, watching as the stone tumbled down the misty mountain and into oblivion, a grim reminder of why they had to be certain with their footing. Gossamer came alongside him and asked how he knew Briar, a wry smirk playing on the boy's lips. "We met when our parents had that playdate a year ago. You probably don't remember that we were neighbors for two seasons. I might have totally thrashed your sister in a spar, but don't let her know I told you that." He chuckled, his breath now forming little misty clouds with every word the higher they went.

As they reached the final slope to the plateau, Artorias continued his story to Gossamer. "Briar's been making semi regular trips down to Auster over the last few seasons since the long winter. I think she likes the warmer climate. Well, that, and I suppose the fact that I live down there doesn't hurt. We've, uh, been dating for a few months now." Artorias wore a bashful smile as he said the words out loud to her. He didn't know how much of her family Briar had told about their relationship, and he didn't know if Briar was trying to keep their couple status secretive for any reason, though he couldn't imagine why. As strange and volatile as many of them seemed, the Fatalis wolves were a good bunch.

The two wolves came to the final ledge up to the summit. Artorias hoisted himself up, glancing around the small space that made up a fairly leveled out peak. They could walk easily on top of the mountain, able to see in all directions—if it weren't for the cloud cover. Artorias frowned and surveyed the clouds. They didn't seem too dense; perhaps with a little more sunlight they might break up. "Let's hang around for a bit and see if it clears up," he suggested, reclining back on his haunches to gaze around for any sight of Boreas down below. "What have you been up to, Gossamer? I saw you at the tournament last season, but we've never really hung out much. What's your story?"

"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.
____________________

Gossamer felt a little sheepish that she barely remembered that earliest meeting. "Ack, you're right. It feels like so long ago. And no worries, my lips are sealed!" She found it amusing that he'd defeated Briar but she couldn't hold it against her sister. After all, he was the winner of their age bracket in the tournament. Clearly Artorias knew what he was doing when it came to battle. Gossamer focused on taking deep breaths as the continued hiking even higher. She could tell the air was getting thinner.

However, when Artorias stated that he was dating her sister she nearly chocked. "What! Really?" She came to a complete stop, just staring at him as she tried to figure out how to digest and respond to this news. Its true they were yearlings now but some how the idea of dating had never crossed her mind. She eyed Artorias for a moment, but what could she really say? Briar seemed to have found a catch. Artorias was handsome, heir to a pack and a notably talented fighter. Gossamer bounded ahead to catch up as she tried to figure out what to say.

They came at last to the final ledge, emerging above the clouds to a strange stone courtyard. Gossamer caught her breath for a minute then continued on. "Well, I mean I don't know what to say about you and my sister. Congratulations? I assume dad, err Sirius, knows? Did he give you the obligatory 'if you hurt my daughter I'll feed you to the crocodiles' thing?" She grinned mischievously. She really had no idea how Sirius would react, but she assumed there'd be some sort of threat. Artorias seemed nice though so she wasn't too worried. Of course if something did happen to Briar, she'd want to get her fair share of blood.

Gossamer wandered closer to the edge of the courtyard, peering out at what seemed like a sea of clouds. It was surreal and for a moment she wondered if this was what heaven looked like. Artorias suggested waiting to see if it cleared up and she nodded before sitting down next to him. She hesitated to answer his question. "My story? I mean… I don't know that there's much to tell. Training to be a warrior and a healer. I'm sure you've heard everything else from my sister about dad, our mom-" Her voice caught in her throat but she swallowed it down sharply, taking another voice before continuing. "I'd been out the past few seasons searching for her. I mean… I know it's stupid but I just… can't…" She sighed heavily wondering when she was supposed to get past the denial and anger stage. Eager for a change in conversation she looked to Artorias. "What about you? What have you been up to since the Hallows moved?"

A roguish grin split Artorias' lips when he heard Gossamer's explosion of surprise. He had a sneaking suspicion that Briar hadn't mentioned anything to her siblings, so he got to delight in their reactions when they heard the news. Plus it would make for tremendous fun when they went to bombard Briar with questions about their relationship. The young wolf gave a laugh when Gossamer mentioned Sirius knowing about their relationship, responding first with a simple smirk. "Well, I think he might have an idea, but neither of us have said anything directly to our parents. My mom sniffed it out, so I'm sure he has to have an inkling. I'm just waiting to hear what he decides to threaten me with, crocodiles or otherwise!" He did suppose that sooner or later, he and Briar would have to have that revelation to their parents and announce their partnership. They'd both had more important things on their minds recently, however, and he figured there was plenty of time for that conversation later.

Gossamer began to fill him in on her life, as simple as it sounded. A warrior and healer; that seemed to fit the Fatalis bill, for sure. He gave a silent nod when she mentioned what had been going on with her father and mother. She didn't need to say anymore; Artorias had been well read into the Fatalis family dynamic. He'd nearly killed Sirius after how he'd abused his own mother while trying to bring Zee's remains home, though he had no intention on mentioning that part to any Fatalis wolf. Best to leave that secret in the past. "That's not stupid at all," Artorias interjected when Gossy's words trailed off. He turned empathetic amber eyes over to his companion, understanding far too well what she was feeling. "I lost my mother last season. She'd been sick for a while, but I spent every waking moment I could trying to find ways to fix her illness. I would have given anything to save her." He swallowed back the bitter sadness that still lingered in his heart, then leaned over and nudged her shoulder with his muzzle, trying to offer her some consolation. "No matter how bad life gets, you're never the only one going through it, so you're never alone."

Returning his gaze back to the wispy clouds all around them, Artorias heaved a sigh while he tried to consider how to appropriately fit everything that had happened in his life since the move. "Gods, so much... Well, you know about my mother now. Before that, we all had that long winter to deal with. The Hallows came under attack, first by saber cats, then by huge dire wolves. We fought them all off and nobody was badly hurt. We hunted a mammoth, that was pretty fun. But mostly, I've been helping Ulric keep the pack running, training the Knights, trying to get my head around the idea that I'm gonna have to lead a pack one day." He heaved another sigh while he considered the weight of responsibility that carried with it. He already struggled with feeling like he was worthy of carrying on his parents' legacy, but now that it was a real thing coming, he just felt wholly unprepared.

While he was lost in his train of thought, Artorias happened to notice a section of clouds beginning to break under the sunlight. He visibly perked up and tapped Gossamer's leg to get her attention. "Goss, look, to the south!" The southern blanket of clouds had almost fully dissipated, revealing all of southern Boreas and stretching as far as the ocean and the edge of Auster beyond. All of the Armada's and Ashen's lands could be seen, and just peeking through some clouds to the west, the edges of the desert was starting to become visible. Artorias let out an impressed whistle as he gazed over all the lands, realizing just how damn big Boreas actually was! "Wow, look at that! Really makes you realize just how big the world is, huh?"

"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.
____________________

Gossamer wished more than ever to learn to control her emotions. It was one thing being open with Ophelia about how shitty she'd been feeling, another entirely to share such things with Briar's boyfriend whom she'd only just met. She felt embarrassed at first then sympathetic as Artorias explained that he'd lost his own mother, just last season, to some strange illness. "Oh wow, I'm so sorry… I had no idea." She was glad though that Briar had found someone to confide in who truly understood the pain they were going through, and maybe a little jealous.

As Artorias spoke she listened intently, nodding rapidly when he mentioned the huge dire wolves. She remember such a force attacking the Armada and there had been at least one saber-cat among that group if not more. It was strange how the grief over her mother seemed to over-shadow everything else that had happened. "That must be a lot of pressure. Is that something that you actually want to do?" Gossamer had decided long ago that while she wanted a high rank she had no desire to ever take over the Armada. Luckily she had Mortis who was around and if Mortis wasn't going to be the heir she sort of assumed it would be Briar. Briar was pretty much the golden child of their litter and she couldn't imagine Aris or Ophelia wanting to run the Armada. Kotori? Maybe? Although, if the relationship between Briar and Artorias got serious…

Her thoughts were cut off when Artorias yelled out to look at the south. She turned her head where the clouds were starting to clear and gasped. The southern portion of Boreas and part of Auster stretched out before them. Gossamer had the strangest sensation, almost as if she was flying. Was this how birds saw the world? What she wouldn't give to be able to just soar over the land like a bird. "This is incredible!" She smiled softly. "Yea, it certainly offers a bit of perspective." She glanced over at Artorias again. "I mean, I don't know how Briar's taste runs for dates but if you get a clear night and a full moon this might be a nice spot before winter moves in."

Artorias didn't exactly know how to respond to Gossamer's question about whether he wanted to be a leader of a pack or not. He hadn't put any thought into it, really. It had been his responsibility and duty as the son of the alphas, and he had been entrusted to continue their legacy and keep their pack alive. What he wanted didn't factor into it. "I never thought of myself as a leader," he confessed, his smile faltering under the weight of self-doubt a little, "but my family and my pack, they all trust me to do it. How can I say no to their faith? All I want is to do right by them and keep my mother's legacy alive." It was impossible to refuse the call of his pack, the duty of his blood, his destiny. A Carpathius child was always bound to guide the Hallows. Resin had entrusted that duty to them, and Ulric had made the final decision. Whether he wanted it or not, Artorias would be the next Aegis.

While they gazed over the lands of Boreas, Artorias couldn't help the hearty laugh when Gossamer suggested bringing Briar up here for a date night. He shot the Fatalis girl an amused grin; it was a pretty good idea, it was just the idea of Briar's sister helping their relationship along tickled him. "I'll have to convince her to ignore the chill. Your sister hates the cold," he remarked with another snicker. "But she is one-upping me on dates right now. I have to bust out something really nice for her, and you might be on to something here." He didn't know how long they stayed there gazing around the lands below them—their home. As time went on, lands to the west became more visible as well, and Artorias gazed out at the desert and arid canyons out that way to the western sea.

Once the clouds began to move back in, Artorias motioned for Gossamer back the way they'd come. "Looks like the show's about to end. Thanks for sharing it with me, Gossamer. It's really nice to know Briar's got a sister like you in her life." He gave her a crooked smile as he got to his paws, shaking out his coat. "Want to check out the ruins up here, or are you about ready to head back down?" He certainly didn't mind spending a little more time up here checking everything out, but if she was ready to return to the world below, he was ready to join her.

"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.
____________________

Gossamer listened thoughtfully to Artorias' reply about his desire to do right by his family and keep his mother's legacy going. She couldn't imagine what it must be like to shoulder that burden and in some ways she was glad it had never been placed on her. Being born of the second litter took much of the pressure off of leading the pack. Although there were still pressures to uphold the family name. Her parents, her older siblings, all were practically legendary in the Armada.

Gossamer smirked a little as Artorias explained that Briar hated the cold. She could understand that. They'd been born right before things descended into the coldest period many had ever experienced in Boreas. On top of that the cold had brought them nothing but misery. She looked out to the north, to the snow capped peaks over to where the ice bridge surely laid. Moments later the clouds drifted back in until they covered the area once more. She sighed and nodded. The show was nice while it lasted. Gossamer felt a touch of embarrassment at the compliment. "I don't know that I've been that helpful to Briar honestly, but I appreciate the compliment."

Gossamer glanced at the ruins then back down the mountain. "I think I'm ready to leave. I never was much into human ruins."

-exit?-