Venom accompanied Bowen on her return to the Hallows, partially because she believed she owed it to the woman and the other part was to have another sit down meeting with Artorias. Something always happened to get in the way of their alliance talks so they had yet to truly solidify anything between the two packs. They were more than friendly, she had opened up to Artorias once and she felt a camaraderie with him. It seemed natural that the two packs should be aligned. Too much time had passed since she had seen the Hallowed alpha, and she did look forward to seeing him.

Likely there would be no objecting to her crossing with Bowen, but she stopped at the border as was customary. She lifted her head and called for Artorias while Bowen thanked her once more before going to settle in, and allow her some time to speak with her alpha brother.

"Venom"

Artorias had been expecting the eventual return of Bowen when his sister had informed him of her intentions to help Ashen with their expansion out to the Rio Grande. It had been some time since Rudyard's wedding when he'd seen her, but it seemed the day had finally come for the Carpathian woman to return home. What he hadn't been expecting however was the familiar call of Ashen's Empress summoning him to the border. Black auds perks atop his crown, and he was swift to head out of the castle and across the fields in front of the high stone walls to find the two women waiting at the borders. He greeted Bowen first with a smile and a nuzzle as she made her way back into their home, then regarded Venom with a welcoming smile. "Thank you for seeing my sister back home, Venom." He gestured for his friend and peer to cross the border; she would always be welcome in the Hallows. "Come in, you're always welcome here! It looks like you have things on your mind anyway."

Once Venom had crossed into his lands, Artorias would turn and lead the way for them back towards the castle. "I'm guessing you're not here to take me up on the offer of committing arson to Tojo-kai, are you?" he teased with a joking smirk as the two alphas crossed the gardens and up the terraces into the castle proper. In actuality, Artorias had a hunch what this meeting would be about, but he would remain patient to see if his guess was correct rather than assuming the Empress' intentions.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"

Artorias was swift to appear before them and greet his sister before she went to go and settle back into her home. Venom was grateful to the woman for assisting her pack, and the action would help to bring Ashen and the Hallows even closer. However long this meeting had been coming. Maybe this should have been done years ago, but the Empress was not known for her swiftness in action.

The Aegis greeted her warmly with a dip of his head as he welcomed her within the Auster pack. "Of course, it’s the least I could do after her generous help.” She replied as he invited her inside. She nodded her head in acceptance and to his assumption. She wanted to escort Bowen home, but she also wanted to meet with Artorias. He teased her a bit as he led her closer to the castle, assuming she had not come here to take his offer of retribution towards Hattori and his southern pack.

With Maverick at her side there was very little time to dwell on her ex-husband and his recent antics, so his words caught her slightly off guard. Venom gave Artorias an amused chuckle in return. "No, honestly he hardly crosses my mind at all these days.” She told him truthfully. "You are correct, I have much more on my mind.” Venom paused momentarily as they walked into the gardens. "I believe it is high time we make our pack relations much more official in an alliance.”

"Venom"

Venom was swift decline his offer of mild arson to Tojo-kai, not to any surprise of the Aegis. Though he was quite pleased to hear that Venom had recovered tremendously from her divorce with Hattori, no longer even thinking about him, and appeared to be in much brighter spirits. It was a far cry from the heartbroken woman he had met at his border almost a year ago and it pleased him to see the change in her. Venom seemed much more alive and happier than he'd ever seen the Empress. Whatever or whoever had managed to lift her out of her emotional squalor had the young Aegis' thanks. "That makes me very happy to hear!" said Artorias with a toothy smile to his friend and peer, glancing back to her again when she paused and explained the reason for wanting this meeting with him. So the Ashen Empress wished to deepen the ties between the Empire and the Hallows? "Is that right?" he asked, mostly rhetorical. This had been a long time coming, and both alphas knew it. Artorias nodded. "Then come, let's get out of the snow and have a drink."

As Artorias led the way down the castle corridors to the warmth of the great hall, gesturing for her to have a seat by the grand fire. While his guest got comfortable, Artorias headed into the kitchens to fetch some of the Hallows' spiced cider, a new beverage they'd brewed after claiming the Wildberry Grove. Along with the apples from the orchard, the Hallows had fermented and spiced them into a mild alcoholic beverage, that when served warm made for a great way to chase out the winter chill from one's bones. After allowing the two mugs of cider to warm, he brought the drinks out to Venom, presenting her with one while taking a long draught from his own, the hot liquid warming him from within. "So, let's talk about the Empire and the Hallows," Artorias began, looking up to Venom until fire-toned eyes met her sunset gaze. "We've both been working towards this for some time, and I think you're right, it's about time we make something official. What did you have in mind for an alliance? What terms does the Empire hold in its usual treaties with other packs?"

"Artorias" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"

Artorias wasn’t so upset that she didn’t take him up on his offer. It was a good thing Maverick was not here because she had a sneaking suspicion that he would have jumped at such an opportunity. Venom’s mind and heart were fully wrapped up in her new love, for all she cared Hattori had already fallen off the face of the earth. The Aegis seemed to perk, but despite his question she knew he was expecting the words that she said. She grinned and nodded in acceptance as he invited her inside for a drink.

White gloved paws carried her along beside the young alpha as he brought her into a cozy room and began to heat a spiced beverage. Venom hadn’t really smelled anything like it before. The Empress made herself comfortable, lounging where Artorias gestured, folding her paws as her tail wrapped around her hip and Artorias brought her a mug of steaming hot liquid. "Thank you.” She settled in with her warm drink as the man settled himself and began to speak of the business at hand.

Artorias question what kind of arrangement Ashen held with the rest of the Empire. "One of mutual protection.” She started easily. "If you are threatened, Ashen will be there to fight beside you, and the same is expected in return. To a lesser degree, mutual raid training has always benefitted.” There had been more than one practice raid within the Empire. "As well as exploring our options to be trade partners.”

"Venom"

Artorias had been curious about how this moment would play out in reality from the moment he imagined a partnership with Venom. His mother before him had stalwartly refused to align the Hallows with other packs, least of all Ashen. He could understand her apprehension; Resin had never been shy about her desire to keep the pack out of the fold of the Abraxas' dominion nor her opinion of the family. But Artorias was not his mother. The world they lived in had changed, and continued to change rapidly. Dangers of all kinds threatened their existence, and with so many packs both new and established falling like houses of cards, it left the Aegis awake at night concerned for the longevity of his reign.

Venom opened the delegations simply with an offer of mutual protection. Ashen would stand with the Hallows in its defense, and in turn she expected the same consideration. That was easy enough to agree to. What intrigued him was the offer of raid training between the two packs. He did recall the simulation raid Ashen had led on the Hallows years past when he was almost a yearling, how it had been his first taste of real combat against real opponents and not just an organized spar. The option for trade was also opened, all things Artorias had also sought in his alliances. "These are acceptable terms," he began with a nod of his head once Venom had finished speaking. "But I want to make it clear that whatever agreements we reach, the Hallows is to remain an independent entity outside the Empire and not one of its subjects. It was my mother's wish that the Hallows remain a place open to all who seek shelter, and I intend to keep it that way." Artorias spoke adamantly, yet respectfully. Venom was someone he admired and a wolf he called a friend, but he would never allow the Hallows to be subjugated to anyone—friend or foe.

Artorias took a long sip of his drink before continuing. "The Hallows will stand to defend Ashen against any of its foes, just as you would for us. But we will not be involved in any aggression that does not directly involve us. We defend our friends, but we are no conquerors. We don't fight without cause." He hoped Venom would find this easy enough to agree to. The Hallows was not a warmongering pack. They would fight tooth and nail to defend their friends and fight in the name of justice and what was right, but they had no intentions of fighting for someone else's conquest. It was as much support as Artorias could offer without jeopardizing his pack's core tenet. "Raid training... Now that is something I hadn't considered! The last time we had a practice raid with you, I got to beat two of your wolves over the head with a wooden sword." Artorias chuckled at the memory and sipped his drink. "It was a worthwhile lesson then, and I think my wolves could definitely benefit from more. Trade as well. Though I admit, you have me at a disadvantage. You know well what we offer as goods..." The Aegis gestured to the mug in the Empress' paws. She was no doubt familiar of the Hallows' brewing works, as well as the medicines and crafts produced in the castle. "I regrettably haven't spent much time in Ashen to know much of your pack. I'd like to remedy that, if you'll have me and my Queen as guests at some point."

"Artorias" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"

These talks really had been a long time in coming, she had sparked an easy friendship with Artorias and he had even been given the rare chance of seeing her so vulnerable after Hattori left her. Venom did trust the man before her, and she could trust him to become a great ally to her pack. He quickly nodded to her offerings and accepted them with ease. It was a solid alliance that would benefit both packs. She chuckled as he went on further, expressing his explicit exception to being under the umbrella of the Empire. "Fear not, dear Artorias.” She joked softly. "I don’t think you hold enough Klein blood for that.” Venom offered in a rare act of humor.

"Nor should you worry about being placed in an awkward position. I would never ask for your assistance without great consideration.” She lowered her head in appreciative reverence. Her fights were her own. "Besides, I’ve already got an offer of revenge from you towards a certain koi coated man.” Not that she had any intention of striking against her ex-husband’s pack. Or any pack for that matter, there was only one that she had a true desire to strike out against. She was certain that having a particular desire for land was a righteous reason to attack another pack.

In honesty she didn’t remember the raid he spoke of, mostly because it had been a tiny affair with Hattori leading it. It was no wonder Artorias had a much more vibrant memory of it. "I would enjoy more training like that, as much as I would enjoy a visit from yourself and the Queen.” She agreed with a welcoming grin, "You are always welcome in Ashen.” She paused, another amusing joke on her tongue. "You can probably guess that one of our most bountiful resources is our fish, but that can be incredibly difficult to enjoy when it isn’t fresh.”

"Venom"

In spite of her regality and sometimes austere aloofness, Artorias found Venom quite easy to talk to. At least in their conversations, there had been no pretenses, no calls to stand on ceremony or a fundamental rift between them. Perhaps it was because she had met him when he was so new to the role of leadership and he had found her in the lowest valley of her life that they had seen the true natures of one another. There was an honestness in their friendship, one the fairly young alpha appreciated from his peer. Venom teased and joked about him not having enough Klein blood to be considered part of the empire, earning a hearty chuckle from the azure-furred brute. "Well, as far as we know, at least," he quipped back, taking a bit of a shot at himself with his joke. Artorias was not shy about the fact that he'd never known his father. He supposed that it wasn't impossible that whoever had sired him and his siblings could have been a Klein, though they would never know. For all he knew, he could have been Klein, Fatalis, Abraxas, or anything! All he lived his life under the mantle of was Carpathius though—that was good enough for him.

Venom reassured him that just as he did not wish to place his pack in an awkward compromise between allies, the Empress did not desire that for her wolves either. Artorias gave her a short nod of understanding; so far, all their terms had been mutual and easy to agree to. This was shaping p to be a solid alliance between two strong and noteworthy packs. "It gladdens my heart to hear you say that, Venom," he replied with an easy smile, though there was a seriousness and fire behind his eyes as he added, "If the day ever comes, I will fight to my last breath to defend you and your own. I hope you wouldn't hesitate to call on us if you ever needed our aid." Artorias had seen enough packs he knew fall for one lifetime. If Ashen was ever in peril, he had no qualms dying on the battlefield to protect someone's home and way of life. So long as he breathed, his friends would have a powerful ally making sure they never fell.

Artorias barked out a hearty laugh when Venom mentioned his longstanding offer of arson against her ex-husband. He did so enjoy their running inside joke! The idea of taking a trip to the Ashen Empire in the near future was a delightful prospect, one Art would consider more as their children would grow to be more independent and less likely to injure themselves or each other. He and Briar could use a little romantic vacation, after all. "And you will always be welcome in the Hallows, to its lands, our castle, and our services, should you ever desire a vacation solo or with a... special someone." Artorias did not know Venom's personal life, but he did recall spying her dancing with a stranger at his wedding. Had it been a one night fling, or had Venom found someone new to grow her life with in the wake of Hattori? "You and your wolves, for that matter. Ashen wolves will always be welcomed in Hallowed lands."

At the discussion of trade offers, Venom spoke of fish being their most bountiful resource, earning another chuckle from the Aegis as she lamented the very limited freshness of it. "All the more reason to come visit then," he remarked with a witty smirk. "We'll keep trade lines open then. Should you need medicines, wines, herbs, we have ample supply to offer. We also offer a surplus of alpaca wool we use to make blankets, bedding, and cloaks. Excellent for keeping you warm during cold Boreal winters. I'm no blacksmith like what the Armada has, but I do have my armory and forge, and if its steelwork you need done, or weapons, I might be able to fill the Empire's needs."

"Artorias" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"

She would never put the thoughts into vocal declaration, but if Venom was going to describe how her relationship with Artorias felt, it would have been brotherly. They were probably unrelated, but as she was learning while life went on, family wasn’t always the ones who shared your blood. Sirius might as well have been another father to her, especially after Archon died. She had her doubts that the man before her did share any Klein lineage, but she couldn’t say one way or another if the Abraxas side wasn’t in there somewhere. They would never know with certainty, but it didn’t matter because she already held familial affection for him.

Even with the smile on his lips there was a seriousness in Artorias’ voice as he went on. He pledged his life if it came down to it, and Venom knew her feeling was correct. Maybe they weren’t blood, but they did share a special relationship. "And I, for you, Artorias. I’ll fight for you and yours as I would my own people.” She promised with a reverent dip of her head.

He was just about belly laughing when she again mentioned the offer he had given her so long ago now. Though she likely wouldn’t ever accept the offer, she far more enjoyed their inside joke. "I’ll remember that, Artorias.” She said with a wink as he mentioned a ‘special someone.’ This wasn’t the time to elaborate, but she was sure he’d seen her and Maverick on the dancefloor. "And the Hallows to Ashen as well. Hearth and Home.” She smiled welcomingly.

"Quite industrious, aren’t you, Artorias.” She was impressed with the list he provided, and figured she needed ot create a better list for herself when she returned home. "We have an abundance of feathers, they do well as pillow stuffing. We have a variety of materials. The islands are quite tropical because of the warmth of the ocean. Palms, coconut, fresh fruits and nuts. Exotic flowers for a special gift?” There was no end to the list of trades from their island paradise. "To a long and prosperous relationship, Artorias. May we both benefit for generations to come.” She lifted her glass to toast, feeling a spark of hope fill her eye.

"Venom"

The relationship fostered between the Empress and the Aegis had become one Artorias treasured dearly. When he'd risen to leadership, he had been concerned for his own lack of diplomacy skills, concerned how he would get along with his peers from other packs. The longer he reigned as Aegis thought, the more he was learning those fears were unfounded. Since becoming an alpha, Artorias had found more kinship within other alphas than he had ever known. Venom was someone he held in close confidence to himself, and while the younger alpha oft wore his heart on his sleeve, allowing anyone to get close to it was a rarity few experienced. Venom may as well have been a sister to him (to the best of his knowledge, there was no shared blood, but one would never know with his uncertain lineage) and someone who's friendship and opinions Art valued greatly. In truth, the Hallows and Ashen had been veritable allies long before this conversation, a shared affection and affinity binding them unofficially. With the ink drying on their metaphorical treaty, now their relationship would be recognized by all and be beyond contestation.

When he pledged his life to fight for and defend Ashen if they were ever needed, Artorias had meant it with every fiber of his being. That was why he knew he could trust the sincerity in Venom when she repeated the same sentiment back to him. There was no doubt in his mind that were the walls of the Hallows ever put to siege, he could count on his friends in the north to stand by his side, and vice versa. Though she did not directly mention or confirm his suspicions, the wink she gave him said it all, and the sapphire-coated brute turned a knowing smirk to the Empress. He was happy for and proud of her for the recovery she had made in the wake of her separation from her ex-husband. Though he had never doubted someone like Venom would have been able to find another suitor in no time, finding one that brightened her the way she seemed now compared to when he had met her was a godsend.

"And I will remember that, Venom," he replied when she offered the same open hospitality to him and his wolves. Her remark about the industriousness of the Hallows drew a humble smile and chuckle from him, ears flattening back in a bashful display while he shrugged his shoulders. "Everyone in the Hallows enjoys contributing to the pack and the greater good. I'm so very proud of them all, and we enjoy the bounty of their combined skills." Though it seemed Ashen had plenty to offer in the way of trade as well, including a plethora of exotic vegetation and fruits, luxuries, and idyllic vacation spots. "The Empire truly is prosperous," he said with an impressed raised of his brows. Venom then raised her goblet, toasting their new alliance and a longstanding friendship. It was easy for the Aegis to return the Empress' easy smile and lift his own goblet to clink the edge against hers. "To friendship and the longevity of the Empire and the Hallows. Noroc."

"Artorias" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"