With Deathbelle in tow, the ladies made their way to the opposite side of Auster from where they'd reunited. Assuring her friend that it was okay to cross the border, Iolaire called out for Artorias in her squeaky old tones. He'd know who it was. As they moved towards the towering castle, Iolaire spoke casually to her companion, sharing the story of her mother and how she'd claimed the castle for The Hallows and how Artorias, her younger brother, was turning it into something grand. "He's young though and I believe he could benefit from having women as wise as us here to advise him, eh?" The small fae chuckled and continued forward.

There was no doubt in her mind that she would be welcome here in The Hallows. Artorias had told her as much more than once. She wasn't sure what he would say about Deathbelle though. They could only hope and ask, but Iolaire had a gut feeling that the man wouldn't turn them away. She wasn't very good at it, but they were family. Iolaire was willing to set her wandering ways aside in lieu of a nice family life. It was her intent to live out the rest of her days with Deathbelle at her side. They only had to acquire a permanent home first.

"Iolaire"

The once Empress followed Iolaire with ease, her muzzle resting on the smaller woman’s shoulder as they walked in tandem. She listened as she spoke about Resin and the origins of the Hallows. Deathbelle had never known Resin very well, she knew who she was and that she had split off from the Armada. That she was Iolaire’s mother as well as Tamsyn’s wife. Beyond the surface, Belle didn’t know much. After a bit of convincing, Deathbelle followed Io over the border and towards the shelter she promised.

She chuckled along with her once love when she mentioned their wise ways. ”Wise enough to tell him what not to do.” Belle returned amusedly, but the self-depreciating humor wasn’t the direction she was supposed to be going. There was still that chance their presence would be denied. She wasn’t sure what they would do in that case, but it was better to cross that bridge when they got there instead of worrying over their future now. Anywhere that Iolaire was, Deathbelle would find her peace.


"Deathbelle & Iolaire"

Artorias watched his two sons practicing their sword sparring in the outside arenas, supervising their training as both boys learned the art of sword fighting. They were still very green and had a long way to go before they mastered the art, but they both showed immense promise and ambition, and the proud and dutiful father would foster that growth in his pups. The afternoon training was interrupted by a call from the familiar voice of Iolaire, announcing her presence back in Hallowed lands. Artorias smiled and issued a short call back to let her know he was on his way, then left the boys with instructions to continue their practice on the training dummies. The Aegis stepped away from the training grounds and trotted his way across lush grass fields, headed in the direction of the eastern border.

It wasn't hard to pick out Iolaire amongst the tall grasses, a dark figure surrounded by verdant green. What did surprise the Aegis was the presence of another woman with his adoptive sister. He did not recognize the gaunt woman, but there was something about her eyes and coat that reminded him of his close friend and Empress of Ashen. Whoever she was, she and Io were very close, and that helped put the Carpathian man at ease. "Io! Bine ai venit acasa!" he greeted the elder wolf in their native tongue as he approached the two faes, fire-toned eyes bright and smile wide. He tipped his muzzle to Deathbelle next. "And a warm welcome to the Hallows to you as well, Miss. Is your friend in need of aid, Io? Do I need to alert Gwynevere?"

At first glance, the taller fae accompanying Iolaire didn't seem injured, just a bit malnourished, but Artorias was ever cautious to make sure all their guests were healthy and tended to. The Hallows was first and foremost a place of healing and sanctuary, after all. Strangers showing up at the border needing medical attention was nothing new to any of the Hallows residents.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian"

Belle walked quietly beside her and Io was glad to see a smile on the woman's face as they neared the castle. She deserved to smile. It had been a hard road for both of them. They had both suffered during their time apart. The little fae could only hope that their time together would make them whole again.

Having wasted little time, the black and blue form of Artorias soon approached. The man spoke to her in her native tongue and the older fae grinned and nodded. It was good to hear the language after all this time and she was glad that her younger siblings had taken the time to learn it. Their mother would have been proud. Io surely was.

Art asked after Belle and Io nodded, motioning to the woman with one paw. "This is Deathbelle Klein," she began, wondering if the man might know the name. "She is a dear friend, former lover, probably future lover." If anyone knew anything about Iolaire, it was that she wasn't shy. "Life hasn't been kind to either of us and we're ready to just be happy and at peace for the rest of our days. We're both kind of old, you know." The tri-color fae chuckled, her green and gold gaze glancing upon Deathbelle with affection.

"We're both wise, masters of our crafts. I wouldn't mind teaching any and all who care to learn healing or crafting in compensation for a place to rest and lay our heads until our time runs out." Dark ears perked and Iolaire fixed Artorias with her piercing gaze, hoping that the man would catch her drift and offer the old women a home. As for healing, Deathbelle could answer that query for herself. Io could care for Belle on her own, or the woman could be taken to the infirmary if she believed that she had a malady that needed attending to.

"Io"

Belle leaned a little heavier into Iolaire’s side as she heard the return call of the Hallows alpha. The once Empress hadn’t ever had much association with Resin when she had joined Sirius in the Armada. She had been introduced to Ulric a few years ago, and didn’t expect to see the young man who greeted them. She didn’t know his name, but she had seen him in passing during her brief stay in the Hallows. He’d grown into a fine young man, one who greeted her warmly and offered her aid.

Deathbelle’s delicate lips held a small smile as she nodded politely in greeting. Iolaire introduced her in totality, including a note of the future that brought a flush to her dark cheeks. Once royal purple eyes lifted to the Aegis’ face as Io went on, explaining their trials with simplicity. As well as their strengths, and what they would have to offer the Hallows in return. They were indeed aged, and wisdom was the height of what they could contribute.

"Thank you, Mr. Hallows.” She followed up as Io quieted. "I’m fine, all I need is a good sleep.” How long had it been since she felt safe while she slept? Deathbelle quieted, letting Artorias hopefully grant them refuge.

"Deathbelle & Iolaire"

If there was one strong trait that Artorias and Iolaire shared, it was pride for their family. Seeing his elder sister grin to hear their native tongue made the Aegis' chest swell with dignity knowing that he was helping to uphold their legacy and traditions. Upon his query, Iolaire introduced her companion as Deathbelle Klein. The young brute's eyes widened in surprise and recognition. He knew of Deathbelle by name, his lessons on Boreal history and pack origins turning her up on more than one occasion, but this was his first time officially meeting the once Empress. Even more surprising was Io's introduction as her former and future lover. Well well, it seemed the Carpathians had a long tendency of bedding noble wolves, given both Io's and his predilections towards their partners! Far be it from him to judge, Art simply gave Io a knowing look and a nod of his head. No further questions need be asked.

Iolaire explained their reasons for their arrival: they both sought out green pastures and sunny days to spend the rest of their time together. It was a romantic and sentimental notion, one that deeply touched Artorias' hopelessly romantic heart. Even before Io tried to sell him on what skills and services they could offer the Hallows in return, Artorias had already decided they would be welcomed. How could he not when they were family? Even Deathbelle, whom had seemed so withdrawn and reserved when he walked up, was already starting to brighten as well, like a withering blossom that had found sunlight and was returning to life. She thanked him, and vibrant amber eyes met the dark violets of hers with a welcoming smile. "'Mr. Hallows'? That's a new one for me! Please call me Artorias, Lady Deathbelle. And you are both of course welcome to stay with us for as long as you please." The look of understanding he gave to Iolaire as he said this shared his deeper meaning—they could stay til the end of their days if they so pleased.

Deathbelle simply requested a good night's sleep, and the Aegis was quick to nod his head and gesture the two ladies further in to pack lands. "Of course. You both will have full run of the Hallows and Hearthstone. You're welcome to claim one of our many open bedrooms. They're all furnished and ready to receive new owners. Or if indoors isn't your style, you're both welcome to den anywhere in the Plains as well. Either way, consider this your home as much as it is mine." Leading the way across the plains towards the castle so both faes could at least get a meal and a bath if they desired, Artorias glanced back to Deathbelle. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Deathbelle. I'm good friends with your daughter and son. Venom is a fine Empress and an even finer friend, and Chimera and I shared many good times when he was our neighbor. You have much to be proud."

"Artorias" | "Carpathian"