The journey had been long and bittersweet. Theory knew, distantly, that Thalia had once lived in the castle. As she skirted the edges of the territory, she couldn't help but picture her as a child, dodging in and out of the stone hallways. In a different life, maybe this would have been their home. There was a chill in the air as she reached the border’s very edge. Her breath ghosted white and dissipated quickly with every exhale. The castle seemed like a welcoming presence, even if its walls were meant to keep strangers out. It was austere yet clearly lived in - she could see evidence of pack wolves coming and going, smell thick furs and caches of prey. Hopefully it would be a smooth interaction and she could carry on to the next pack. A long journey home awaited her. Theory settled in a respectful distance away from the border and called for the leaders.

The call from his borders was not an unfamiliar sound as of late to young Artorias. It seemed more and more wolves were making their way back into the world at the passing of the Long Night, seeking shelter, aid, and a place to call home—all things the Hallows provided. What did come as a surprise was the only vaguely familiar lilt the call carried. It was a stranger's voice, but not one wholly unfamiliar to the yearling alpha. Curiosity piqued, Artorias made his way from the castle through the gardened courtyard and out the gates, setting across the plains in the direction of the call. The stranger was easy to spot against the verdant terrain of lush grasses and vivacious trees, yet as he drew nearer, he realized that this wasn't a stranger at all. He recognized this wolf from the brief meeting they'd shared back at the onset of the calamity. He also remembered how she'd been one of the ones that had ignored his and Ulric's attempts at diplomacy nearly a year ago. Moreso, he remembered her name.

"Theory, alpha of Abaven. You're a long ways from home," he greeted her cordially, voice cool and even, as he approached and came to a seated stop a few feet from his guest. It was quite a surprise for anyone to make the trek from one end of the world to the other. Artorias knew that once upon a time their packs had been on friendly terms—but that had been when his mother was still alive. Times had changed. "What brings an esteemed guest all the way to the Hallows?" A curious tilt of his head, and then Artorias waited to hear Theory's business with him.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Argent"

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.
____________________

A young man approached, wearing the mantle of leadership comfortably. Theory wondered who had helped him shrug it on. Did he have mentors? Family? Her own ascension had been wrecked by tragedy. It had marked her as unsure and constantly anxious. Although those days now seemed like a distant memory - or a nightmare that you wake from, coated in a sheen of cold sweat. It was like being faced with a ghost of her younger self, but its twin flame: male, self-assured, better prepared. Shaking off the self-reflection, Theory stood up once he was close and inclined her head in greeting. "Yes, it was a long journey. Thank you for the welcome," she murmured. The last year had been tumultuous - the endless darkness, the long winter, Thalia hovering deliciously within reach and then finally leaving at last. There had been distractions, missed calls at the border, lax patrols. This new year was a chance to begin again, rededicated to her pack and her newfound purpose.

"I've been visiting all of the packs, yours included. I wanted to see how the lands have fared and if you and yours are safe and well after the long winter and the illness that has wracked the continent," she began, leaving a moment for him to reply. "I also bring news of a new endeavor. Abaven is shifting priorities - I'm opening a school on the Eastern coast; Crystallum Cliffs, Monument Rapids, and Rustling Thicket. It will be a neutral grounds where wolves from all walks of life are welcome to come and learn. Curriculum is still being developed, but I hope to have a thriving community for both the young and old to improve their skills. I'm spreading the word. You're welcome to send anyone you think may be interested."

Theory rose to greet him politely, and the young alpha bowed his head respectfully in turn. He knew precious little of Theory other than what his mother had taught him of her and Abaven before her death, as distance, time, and unknown factors on her end had not permitted a one-on-one meeting until now. She was swift to launch right into the matter of her arrival, a trait Artorias was appreciative of. When it came to matters of business, he preferred to handle things quickly and efficiently as well. Theory explained that she was visiting all the packs and asked how the Hallows had fared the Long Night. "My pack was fortunate. We suffered no losses to the disease, though it did cripple a couple of my wolves permanently." He thought of Laeta, bed-ridden and paralyzed for life. He thought of Audra, who would never see from her right eye again. They were alive, but at a great cost. "And Abaven? How did you and your wolves fair?" He prayed for a positive response, but knowing the darkness that had consumed the world, he expected the worst.

After their pleasantries had been exchanged, Theory got down to the crux of her reason for being in Auster. She was rebranding Abaven, turning her pack into an institute of higher education and learning. A place of neutrality for the sole purpose of pursuing knowledge and skill. Artorias blinked through wide eyes. It was a noble effort, to be sure, one he found it easy to be impressed by. When Resin had founded the Hallows, she had done so to provide a place of shelter and healing to all. Now Theory was creating a haven of learning, open to all. "Thank you for the open invitation, Theory," he replied with a gracious tip of his head. "Your goals... they're something we should all aspire for. Bettering ourselves and the next generation. It's a virtuous ideal. You have the support of the Hallows. Whatever you need, though we may be far apart, if it's to make the world a better place, we'll see to it that it happens." Artorias looked his fellow alpha over again, reconsidering his initial stance. Amber eyes softened to quietly smoldering embers. Perhaps he'd made judgments too far and early...

"You've come a long way to deliver this generous invite in person. Can we offer you some rest for a time?" He gestured back towards the castle with a tip of his head. "We have plenty to go around. Food, drink, supplies. Some rations for the trip back home?" Resin had been the one to establish the custom of greeting guests to the pack with food at the border, and though Artorias had mostly done away with that practice, he retained the intentions of it by giving the offer to his guests. All were welcome in the Hallows so long as they brought peace in their hearts.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Argent"

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.
____________________

Her eyes softened as he spoke of the hardships his pack had faced. On the hand, he was lucky they'd faced no casualties - but to be maimed for life, to suffer and remember those dark days for all time... it was a heavy burden to bear, for both those effected and their leader. "I am very sorry to hear that," she said earnestly. "My journey was long and I couldn't carry much, but my pack has long used my family's murder of ravens to transmit messages. If you have need of aid - supplies, healers - please send a bird to the Eastern coast. I would aid you in any way I could." She felt a kinship with the young leader. Their reigns had both been marked by tragedy from a young age. Camaraderie went far to carry the soul through those kinds of trials; Theory wasn't sure she would be the same creature without the support of Rhyme, Aurielle, and Shaye's short time in her life. "We have dug graves. They were some of the most difficult yet," she admitted, resisting the urge to find the horizon with her eyes and look back towards home. Rhyme would still be waiting when she returned. He always would. It was too difficult to tell this stranger that it was her father she'd buried.

His response to her invitation warmed her heart. This was why she'd come so far. To hear the same enthusiasm echoed back, to find wolves who understood just exactly what she planned on undertaking. "Your support means more than I can say. I hope we'll see some of your wolves for a time, and that they'll return better for it." Theory stepped towards him as he extended the invitation of hospitality, gratefully dipping her head. "It would be wonderful if I could stop and rest for a while. I won't take more than you'd spare, but more than anything, a comfortable place to sit for a spell would be appreciated," she laughed. This journey had at least re-conditioned her body after she'd wasted away beneath the weight of the sickness, but at some cost. Her ribs peeked through the remnants of her winter coat, those long legs that she was known for now more willowy than ever. When she got home, she'd have to put Fable to work on fattening her back up. Thoughts of salmon swirled deliciously in her head as she waited for Artorias to direct her into his castle.

Artorias was visibly crestfallen to hear that Abaven had suffered casualties, but it wasn't wholly unexpected. The disease had been potent and aggressive; the fact that more bodies weren't being discovered out amongst the woods and plains was a blessing in itself. "I'm sorry for your losses," he spoke softly, empathetically. "When my mother, Resin, passed, burying her was the hardest thing I'd ever had to do. I can't imagine the pain you must've felt for your pack." So it went, both Artorias and Theory had grown from strife and tragedy in their youths. Artorias, a boy forced to become a man before his time. Had Theory been forced to mature by circumstance as well? Theory kindly offered aid, medicines, supplies, all but a raven's message away. Artorias gave her a grateful smile in turn. "You're very generous, Lady Theory. The Hallows uses ravens as well for long distance communication. While any aid we can offer won't be as immediate as I may want it to be, it will be here for you and your wolves nonetheless. The Hallows is always open to all with peace in their hearts." And so it would always be.

It delighted him when Theory accepted his invite, and he graciously welcomed her into his lands with a wave of his paw. The larger wolf turned to lead her across the short strip of plains towards the castle. He'd provide her meat and water—wine, if she wished, but she was still traveling—and a comfortable cushion to rest her weary paws as long as she liked. "I know several wolves who could benefit from your plans, actually. I'll talk to them, gauge their interests. Although they may need a little coaxing to get them out the door. Don't you worry, though, I'll get them to class on time, headmaster." He chuckled beneath his breath while he led Theory through the gates and into the castle courtyard and gardens, down the cobblestone paths between wisteria trees and blooming flowerbeds. Though Auster was in its autumn, the warm climate made it a fantastic place for perennials to bloom nearly year-round.

Artorias guided Theory through the castle corridors to the great hall, knowing the impressive structure could be a tad overwhelming to some. Thoughts of finding Sirius Fatalis lost in the halls brought a smirk to his lips. He left her to get comfortable at one of the long wooden tables while he fetched some fresh venison for his guest. He returned again with a carafe of water from the spring in the kitchen, then took a seat near where she'd chosen to sit. "Eat and drink your fill. We have plenty to spare," he urged her with warm hospitality. He gave Theory some time to enjoy her meal before he continued the conversation, making small talk as she rested.

"So how many of our fellow alphas have expressed interest in your school?" He assumed Sirius would likely support Theory, as the two were allies. He was curious what Ashen's response would be, or if she was even able to speak to the enigmatic leader of Aerie. That was when another question that had been rattling about in his brain came to the forefront. "You said you've been visiting all the packs, right? Have you been to one called Pirate's Plunder? I met a wolf from that pack a few days back, Sparrow, but I'd never heard of them before." Artorias had received lessons on all the known packs in Boreas, and visited them with Ulric. Pirate's Plunder had never been mentioned before. Maybe Theory could shed some light on the mysterious new pack.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Argent"

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.
____________________

"Oh," she said softly as she trotted after him across the plains. "I didn't know that she passed... I'm so sorry. We met when your pack called the Hot Springs home. I've always admired her vision for The Hallows. There isn't enough space for healing and recovery in this world. So often, all a wolf needs is time." A place where someone could arrive broken and leave healed anew, or at least more put together than before. A safe place. A companionable silence fell between the pair as he wound his way through the interior of the castle. She trailed him with wide eyes, impressed by the grandeur of it all. Alluring scents drifted around each corner, beckoning her to explore; smoke and meats and meads and worn leather accompanied by thick, comfortable furs. Theo could easily imagine getting lost in the warren of hallways and she was suddenly quite grateful for the escort. Whenever she had imagined Thalia's childhood here, it had seemed drab and gray and cold - but perhaps that was just a reflection of how she'd thought of the Abraxas. Now that she was here and seeing it in brilliant color, she had to admit it was a charming place infused with the warmth of those who called it home. Cozy, if such a huge, rambling estate could be.

I know of several wolves who could benefit from your plans... "Well, I'm grateful to hear it," she chirped from behind him. "They can take as long as they'd like - my intention is to keep the borders open and to watch for visitors. Lessons will be conducted on a rolling schedule to best fit the needs of the students. Warlord Sirius of the Armada has offered to lend me a fighting instructor for a time to best develop my curriculum." Name-dropping was an easy way to try and ferret out their relationship with other packs. She couldn't be sure what relationships had survived or changed now that the pack had migrated to Auster. She settled down at his table and allowed herself to be served, which was certainly a different feeling. Reminding herself that this wasn't something she could get used to, Theo sipped and nibbled and allowed herself the simple pleasure of being waited upon.

"The response has been fairly mixed, although more positive than not. I have strong allies in Valhalla and the Armada, a cordial relationship with Ashen's Shogun..." she rattled off. "I don't know much about the other Auster pack, Fenmyre, but a female named Dalila answered me at Aspen Dam and she was polite. It sounds like there are quite a few children on the island, but I couldn't be sure. A few other packs I have ties to through distant relatives," she avoided mentioning Aerie directly - it was unlikely Eligos would ever commit to such a thing. She took a big mouthful of food, giving an appreciative groan. Catching what she could along the way had meant plenty of nights crashing beneath the open sky with little more than a skinny squirrel or a particularly clumsy bird. This spread tasted like heaven. His next question caught her mid sip, and she struggled not to sputter her water. "Yes, Pirate's Plunder is the result of my cousin Sparrow winning that dissolution challenge in the far north. It was well fought on both sides," Theory erred on the side of diplomacy by nature, but it was also a plain fact. There hadn't been a gathering of spectators like that in her recent memory; the showmanship had certainly turned out a crowd. "She's... a character. I can't say I could predict her next actions now that they've been established as a pack, but I wouldn't put anything past her. They're big drinkers, brawlers, having-a-good-timers - an unpredictable bunch." Sparrow followed her fancy, to say the least. Theory couldn't condone her actions publicly, nor did she pretend to understand them - but they could always share a drunken laugh behind closed doors.

The Aegis made a mental note that Theory had once known his mother. He would have to question her about Resin more when the time was better. Ever since taking over the Hallows and seeing the ghost of his mother returned to the living realm during the Long Night, he had an insatiable thirst to learn more about the wolf his adoptive mother had been. He'd only scarcely known her less than a year when he was but a pup before she'd been ripped away from their family. He needed to know more about the wolf who had helped shape him into who he was today. From all accounts he'd heard so far, everyone had nothing but positive things to say for the departed Resin. A protector, a guardian, a healer, fair and just yet firm and resolute. Everything he aspired to be himself. If she could see him now, would she be proud to see what he had become?

Artorias gave an impressed nod when Theory mentioned between bites of food that Sirius had offered to send instructors her way. He knew how the Armada held their trainers in high regard; to convince him to part with one for even a short time was a feat to be respected. She spoke briefly of Fenmyre, but Artorias was confused to hear that a wolf named Dalila had responded and not Chimera. A twinge of concern twisted the Aegis' heart. Had something happened to the alpha of Fenmyre? He hadn't heard from the pack since the Long Night ended. Perhaps he should send a raven to make sure they were all right. Artorias gave a soft chuckle when Theory mentioned her trips to Valhalla and Ashen. "I've met the alphas you mention. Aurielle and Venom seem the type to find value in education. Hattori..." The dark-furred wolf snickered and smirked. "He's a... ah, acquired taste." Artorias noted she didn't mention Aerie, Fireside, nor Habari, but he hadn't met Aerie's or Habari's alphas either. They were seclusive packs, for sure.

Theory provided him the clarity he sought when she explained that not only did she know of Sparrow and Pirate's Plunder, but that the woman was her cousin. "I must have missed news of this pack dissolving. Then again, word doesn't tend to travel south quickly, heh..." Artorias poured himself some water and took a long drink of the cool water. The pack that dissolved must have been Incendium, one of the other packs he and Ulric had tried to visit and were not received at. He remembered the lands had seemed abandoned, scents stale. "You know, you're very reassuring, Theory!" he remarked with a jesting laugh. He figured he at least owed her a reason behind the ask. "We caught her poking around our borders twice now. I invited her in, but she declined. She's not exactly forthcoming with her intentions, and that puts me on edge. I have a duty to protect all those in Hallowed lands."

Artorias glanced back to Theory then, a darkness coming to his bright eyes. What he had to say, he hoped would seem diplomatic and not threatening, but he had to ensure the safety of his wolves. "I know you cannot speak on your cousin's behalf, but you've been straight with me, so I will be with you too. If you hold any sway over your cousin, please discourage her from doing anything regrettable towards the Hallows. We are essentially a hospital, open to all who come in peace. But I watched my mother die to protect this dream, and I will defend it with the same intensity that she did." Artorias did not know Sparrow, but based on his interaction with her, he did not trust her either. If her own family could not predict her, then he would need to prepare for the worst. He did not wish to harm anyone, but if they came for his home and his family, he would do all he could to ruin them.

Wanting to shift the conversation back towards the subject she'd come for and to lighten the mood once more, Artorias relaxed his expression and offered Theory a smile. "Sirius has offered you instructors to help kickstart your program, and if you'd allow us, I'd like to do the same. I have a number of wolves that are very talented. Combat, medicinal sciences, hunting, you name it. If you need temporary instructors, I might be able to find someone to help you get started." Theory could very well have had her program all set and ready to go, but it didn't feel right to not give his fellow alpha something to return home with. He knew Avantika had taken an interest in teaching combat, and Syanna had made greta headway into her botany and pharmaceutical studies. And then there was Iolaire, who, while eccentric, was one of the brightest wolves he knew. Artorias wanted to rebuild the relationship Abaven and the Hallows had apparently once held before his time. The world needed more friends and fewer enemies.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Argent"

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.
____________________

"Yes," she agreed, bobbing her head as he commented that word didn't often travel so far south. "The challenge itself was at Boreas' northernmost pole - unless you'd happened to hear the call, which..." she laughed and rolled her shoulders, "I'm not sure it could be heard across the continent and then the Bifrost, although from the crowd that had gathered, it certainly seemed like it." The dissolution of the pack had been a relief; a warning she'd once received from an elderly exile of the pack had not been forgotten. For many months she'd found herself anxiously looking towards the north only for nothing to occur. The anxiety of it all was gut-churning, but she supposed better than the alternative. In the end, nothing had happened at all.

"Poking around..." she murmured under her breath. Sparrow was likely to get up to trouble - it was in her nature. But perhaps she wasn't aware that this was a sanctuary pack? A lingering shadow also whispered that perhaps Sparrow just didn't care. Her stomach twisted uncomfortably. "I understand your duty to protect your own. Truly, I can't speak to her intentions - I wish I could. She's a loose cannon, completely." The pirate crew in general was a rabble-rousing bunch. "Frankly, I'm not sure if I hold any sway over her, but I'll do my best the next time I see her," she said solemnly. Artorias seemed like a gentleman, but perhaps it had nothing to do with him - or the Hallows. It was just as likely that Sparrow had seem something shiny and thought I want that. Theory had thought this new pack endeavor would occupy her cousin after that koi patterned woman had broken her heart, just not occupy her like this. Poke around the borders of someone who deserved it! Like Aerie, she thought selfishly.

I watched my mother die... She quelled at his words, lowering her eyes to her glass. "I'm truly sorry. Your mother was kind and brave - I was still so young when we met, but just barely old enough to recognize her as the leader she was," Theory said softly, fixing him with a long gaze. "I can only imagine how much she is missed." Like Shaye, she was sure - an open wound that would never close, just grow tender scar tissue until it was prodded and reopened, over and over again for the rest of your life. At his warm invitation of assistance, the dark cloud that had passed over the table at the discussion of Resin's passing dissipated. Theory nibbled down some more of the meat in front of her, taking a long sip and clearing her throat before emphatically accepting his offer. "I would certainly take on anyone who wishes to teach for a spell. They're welcome for only a few weeks or a few seasons - my only requirement is they take up official rank with us for a time, but there are no expectations for length of stay. Did you have anyone particular in mind?" While Artorias seemed to be a shrewd leader, she knew little of the other inhabitants here.

Now it was Artorias' turn to give an amused laugh along with his fellow leader. "My ears are good, but I'm afraid they're not quite that good. Shame, too. Sounds like it was quite the spectacle!" Artorias had never witnessed a fight with quite the heavy implications as a pack challenge; to miss it felt like he'd missed a once in a lifetime opportunity. When Theory explained that Sparrow was entirely a loose cannon without any real sway or ideals guiding her actions, that both reassured and unsettled the young alpha. It meant that Sparrow and her lot were most likely little more than a ragtag bunch of renegades looking to cause a mess rather than a real legitimate threat, but it also meant that she couldn't be stopped and likely didn't give two shits about what the rest of the world thought of her. A wolf like that was dangerous.

"I appreciate the offer more than you know, Theory," he replied when she said she would urge Sparrow to consider her moves carefully the next time she saw her cousin. "I don't intend to do harm to anyone, but if pushed, we will meet force with force. A sanctuary that cannot protect itself is a sanctuary to no one." He knew Theory could only do so much with a wolf that lived inside her own head, but the sentiment meant a great deal to him. Theory was a wolf cut from the same cloth as himself, it seemed. They both valued the virtues of peace and leaving the world a better place. It was a shame it took them so long to finally meet, or that their packs lived such a distance apart. Once he had his wolves in ranks and positions he wanted them in, he'd have to look into creating a semi-permanent liaison position with Abaven to help maintain their packs' relations.

The topic shifted to Resin then, and Artorias found his ears flicking back to his head in reflexive response. Dark clouds gathered in his usually bright eyes while they dipped to gaze at the bowl of water he'd been drinking, absentmindedly nudging it with his paw to create little ripples in its surface. Theory spoke lovely words of his mother, having met her when she was very young also. It was one of Artorias' only regrets in life: that he would never know his mother the way so much of the world had. All he had of her was stories and memories. He'd been just a puppy for the time he'd known her, losing her just at the turn of his first birthday, when he'd finally be able to see her as the wolf the rest of the world knew her as. It felt like he'd been robbed in many ways because of that—but it was also why he was so resolute to protect what she had created. "Thank you for your kind words, Theory. She was a magnificent wolf, and she will always be remembered as such."

Fortunately, their topic switched back to the business at hand, and Artorias was able to look back up again and focus on the reason Theory was here. Her requirements for educators was simple: they needed only to adopt an official rank within Abaven for the duration of their stay. She asked if he had anyone in particular in mind, and Artorias mulled it over for a moment. "I can think of a few who might fit the bill. My sister has mastered the science of medicine at a young age. She's our Chief Physician. I also have one of my Vanguard, Ezra Adravendi, an exceptionally talented fighter and hunter. He actually won the yearling bracket at Ashen's tournament last year. He has a girlfriend, Syanna, who is also highly talented with practical medicine and surgery, and is a bit of an adventurer. They're young, but they have spirit, and they might find it easy to connect with the student body because of that." He didn't know exactly what departments in Theory's school still needed educators, but he figured he could offer a broad spectrum of assistance.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Argent"

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.
____________________