Artorias did not enjoy disciplining his children. For the most part, his five pups were well behaved, if not a little rambunctious and energetic, and seldom did they do anything that truly broke rules or upset him and Briar. However, this most recent mishap had been something entirely different. Dusk's recklessness in the God's Garden had caused an irreparable injury to Thorn and she had to face the consequences of her actions. Artorias and Briar had discussed at length how they wanted their daughter to learn her lesson about being careful with dangerous objects and always being mindful of one's surroundings so accidents like this didn't happen. The solution? A public lesson on weapon safety and situational awareness, taught by Dusk, delivered to the entirety of the Hallows. A public presentation... It was every child's worst nightmare and a guaranteed way to make sure the little Lady Carpathius learned from her mistakes. Plus if they were lucky, then just maybe Dusk would take away some learns from this herself.

The Carpathians permitted their daughter a few weeks at the turn of autumn to prepare her lesson, allowing her to study from her sire in the armory and ask questions of him to prepare for her presentation. Ultimately though, this would be all Dusk's work. They could give her the guidance, but only she could come to the answers. When the time came for her punishment, Artorias led his daughter into the Great Hall and took his seat upon the wooden throne on the elevated dais where the Carpathians' table sat. A wooden podium sat on the dais where Dusk could stand if she wished, able to be seen by all in the hall. Pitchers of water had been set out on all the tables along with goblets and bowls for the audience to drink from as they listened to Dusk's lessons, but pointedly no alcohol had been served. The last thing Artorias wanted was anyone getting hammered while this was happening. It was early evening, just when most wolves would be finishing up their daily tasks, so the audience would be plentiful for her.

Once situated, Artorias tipped his muzzle up and gave a call for all of the Hallows to assemble for a meeting. This was a non-negotiable summons; all had to attend. Dusk would have no shortage of eyes upon her tonight. While they waited, Art glanced down to his little soot ball of a daughter with a raised brow and asked, "Are you ready, Dusk?"

ooc: 2nd round will be posted on March 31st! All characters must be in before then to be considered arriving to the meeting on time!

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

Art & Code © Skelle 2023

"Speech!"Surprisingly enough, the okder woman had been among the first to arrive at Artorias’s call. His howl reached all depths of the castle, runbling in his baritones - his call was not to be ignored. Lae had been quietly sifting through some wildlflowers she’d dried from past seasons up in her bedroom as the call came, and she stood onto her thin limbs with a resounding crack from each joint. Mel stirred from a nap he’d been taking, glancing at the wolf with a puzzled look in his eyes.

Perhaps it was simply a pack meeting - maybe some matters the Aegis wished to discuss. It was his duty, after all. Her brow furrowed in some concern, regardless, Mel trailing behind her as the Specialist half-hobbled down the descending staircase on sore legs. Her flare-up was improving, but its bout was far from over. Still, she made it to the Great Hall in due time, noticing Art already at his throne of a seat and..his little daughter? On a podium, no less? She tilted her head softly in confusion, still unaware of the circumstances that led little Dusk to her punishment. She smiled softly at the two of them regardless, though the silence was so tense it was palpable. She slowly eased herself into a seat a little ways away, ruby eyes glanced toward them in some glance of anticipation.

Audra was out in the gardens spending time with Gloom. The woman was nearly healed by now and she didn't want to waste any time before Gloom had to make the return journey home. It left a sore spot in her chest as they had grown close over the season since her injury. Happy to chat while they strolled through the shriveling bushes, her paws stopped in their tracks as an echoing call came out from the castle. One ear flicked toward the beckoning as she glanced at Gloom. "I-I'll return shortly, I'm sure," she leans over to bump shoulders with Gloom before turning to make her way to the castle. Intercepted by her companion, Mack the bobcat, he gave her an inquisitive look. Unsure why they were being called to the hall, Audra shrugged in response. Thankfully the distance was short and they appeared to be early as Laeta was the only non-Carpathian to have arrived. "L-lets go sit by Lae," her voice is a soft whisper as she and the bobcat make their way over to Laeta and her companion, Mel. "Hi, Lae. Mel, a p-pleasure," Audra nods her chin toward the badger with a friendly smile before taking her seat beside the older woman. While she was also getting on in age, she was not quite there with Laeta yet. The silent but curt nod of Mack was as friendly as he could muster before sidling back to rest along the wall and out of the way. Audra then looked over to where Artorias sat upon his throne and Dusk stood nearby. A light lilt of her head was all that she gave away before looking over to Laeta. "I-I wonder if th-this has to do with Thorn," she whispers as quietly as she can to Laeta. On the day of the mishap, Audra had been gathering new bandages from the supply room and had overheard something to do with pups and missing ears. Settling in to get comfortable, she hopes that whatever is to be said is nothing too dire. More bad news was not what Audra wanted to hear.

Kea arrived at the meeting in good time. appearing moments after his fathers howl, and surveying the scene as he entered. He had already had far too much fun at his sister's expense, and now eagerly awaited the results of her hard work. Maybe there would even be a lesson or two to take away from this, but for the most part he was here for the show.

He trotted into place and settled down, his eyes glued to Art and Dusk, even while his ears swivelled around to catch the coming of other wolves, and the occasional burst of chatter as new wolves arrived.

"Ciaran Carpathius"

Mercury had an inkling of what this meeting was about, but no one would hear of it from him before Artorias was ready. He felt a little guilty that he had not been in range when the incident had gone down. He was only one wolf, but if he could split himself into six he would, in a heartbeat.

He arrived at the great hall, and his eyes roamed the wolves for a moment. Fluttering over Audra as seeing her brought forth a memory of another place, and another time. He shook the memory away so the past can lie where it should, and let his eyes settle on Art and Dusk. He gave the young girl a smile and a supportive nod of the head. She had proved herself to be resourceful and clever in training, and he had no doubt she would do marvellous with this.


"Mercury Ermís"

Bowen had been privy to the goings on of her nieces and nephews. She was a cool aunt and tried to be involved with them as much as she could manage. So of course she heard that Thorn had been injured and Dusk had been the culprit, though unintentionally. The girl had been reprimanded by her parents and a day or so after the incident, Bo had paid her niece a visit. The girl had been full of tears and regret and had soaked up the comfort that her aunt offered. It was obvious that Dusk felt terrible about what had happened.

Today the meeting was called so that Dusk could receive her punishment. She would have to advise the pack on proper weapon usage and safety. A fitting task for the girl. Once the meeting was called, Bowen moved off to the side, settling herself down upon one of the thick rugs on the floor. The caramel fae curled her paws inward like a cat and made sure that her niece could see her for moral support.

"Speech"|| "Romanian"

At the time of the incident, Dusk had felt horrid. She believed that she'd killed her brother and that, in removing the tip of his ear, he would bleed to death. That hadn't been the case. Yes, she still felt bad for having hurt Thorn, but at least he wasn't dead. She'd gotten into quite a bit of trouble, which she didn't fully understand. Thorn had been the one to jump over the log and right into the path of her wire swinging thing. Shouldn't he be in trouble too? Situational awareness, was what her father had called it. Thorn had none.

The day of her punishment came and the Carpathius child sat beside her father, ears flattened as he called the pack to the great hall. The obsidian girl wouldn't have chosen to speak in front of the whole pack, but, contrary to popular belief, doing so wouldn't bother her. The spotlight would be all for Dusk and she would use it wisely. All she had to do was wait for everyone to arrive and she could get this show on the road.

"Carpathius Kids"

Hearing her father’s voice always captivated her attention at once. Usually with pride, affection, and heightened interest all at once. However, today was different. With heavy paws, it didn’t take her long to arrive in the Great Hall. Seeing her father on his throne, with Dusk at his side, she shot her sister a soft look in an effort to convey empathy. Talyssa had an inkling of an idea as to what today’s assembly would entail- though she had no idea to what extent. She had seen the damage and talked to Thorn herself, however, hadn’t been able to get Dusk alone to be able to hear what happened from her. But even without hearing it said, of course it had been an accident. She knew Dusk would have felt absolutely terrible for the injury their brother sustained- the guilt would have eaten her alive from the inside out had she been in her sister’s place. Taly was sorry that their parents didn’t think that was punishment enough, and the thought of having one’s mistakes laid out before the entire pack seemed utterly humiliating. The tawny girl simply didn’t want to have to witness it.

Yet, here she stood, knowing very well that Dusk wasn’t going to be able to get out of her assembly, and she wouldn’t be getting out of witnessing it. With a quiet sigh, her pale gaze found Ciaran in the small crowd already gathered. She knew that he was amused by Dusk’s turmoil, but she couldn’t help but express her own feelings aloud knowing they would have different opinions. “I feel sorry for her,” Talyssa whispered near silently as she settled in near her brother. It wouldn’t be long before things kicked off …

Bramble was off doing whatever it was Bramble was normally doing. It could be a number of things. Practicing her fighting skills, talking up some random pack member, or even dozing off in the library with Meadow. Whatever it was, she was quickly drawn away from it when the beckoning howl of her father resonated throughout the castle. Like the attempt of being the good daughter she was, Bramble moved her way quickly down the corridors and into the great hall. Her teal eyes looked up at her father and Dusk who had taken the front by the throne and a podium. Not as close as her other siblings, she hadn't gotten the full details of what had transpired between Thorn and Dusk. Too busy doing whatever she was doing, ya know? So, the young pup spied her other two siblings, Talyssa and Ciaran, and made her way over to them. "Why do you feel sorry?" Bramble whispered as she settled in on the other side of Talyssa. Bramble Carpathius

There had been an incident with two of the Carpathius pups and today, a punishment was being upheld. Fern has been idling outside, enjoying the day and watching two of her pups play. Laughter rings around the trio as the mother watches over the youth, marveling at just how much she loves each of her children. The call to gather in the Great Hall for the meeting sings across the land and, while her ears swivel in the direction of the door that leads into Hearthstone, she does not immediately move. For now, she allows Kip and Callie to wrestle a little longer.

After several minutes pass, the gray woman easily stands, calling out, “Callie! Kip! Time to go inside.” Shushing a few groans of protest, Fern quickly ushers the kids toward the castle where she stops them before the entrance. There, she directs them to shake out their coats and licks her paw to help tame some unruly curls on their heads. Giving them a once over, she nods her approval and then pushes them inside wuile directing them toward the Great Hall. Before they enter, she softly says, “Feel free to sit wherever you like but remember; you have to pay attention when Dusk is talking.”

With that she allows the pups to bound away, shaking her head and giving a small laugh before entering herself. Eyes find Audra and Laeta and Mel immediately and Fern offers all a huge, friendly smile. They each have a special place in her heart and the woman would do anything for them. Next, she spies Bowen and the woman offers the petite fae a smile and dip of her head. To the group of gathered pups, she chuckles and gives them a wink before skirting the group to move to where Mercury sits.

Without asking permission, the gray woman settles in next to him, while reaching for the nearest goblet of water. Eyes find Dusk and Fern offers the pup an encouraging smile. The gray woman has no doubt that the dark pup will do just fine in her presentation. Turning her attention back to the goblet of water, she downs the water in one gulp and licks the remaining drops from her lips. Looking at Mercury, she says, “How have you been holding up Mercury?” Her tone is light and conversational but not lowered into the hushed whispers that the pups use. It is a talk and not a funeral after all.


"Fern Carpathius"

The day is beautiful and Caladia is enjoying it to the fullest. She pounces on her three-legged brother, growling at him as the pair show of their fighting ‘skills’. Her mother’s laughter rings out and the pup grins around her vicious sounds. Her uncle’s howl is missed as the pups continue to wrestle and she nips at her brother. However, she does not miss her mom’s voice and she groans in protest. Fern is quick to shush her and herd them toward the castle but stops them before they can enter.

Huffing in indignation at all the starts and stops, Callie grins happily at the order to shake out their coats. She can do that! In fact, the young pup shakes her coat out so well, she actually ends up on her side. Oops. Springing back up her paws, she fusses as mom holds her in place and tacks down some fur with her spit. So gross! Again, they are moving and when the option to sit wherever they want is given, Caladia happily bursts onto the scene.

Eyes scan the area, finding adults and pups that have already gathered. She almost joins the other puppies when she spies Mel. Bounding over to the pair of ladies and the badger, Callie gets right up into the creature’s face and looks at him with wide-eyed awe. Curiously, she asks, “What’re you?” Now, to be fair, the pup has seen him around the castle but she hasn’t had the chance to talk to him! Or his companions for that matter. However, the creature is far more interesting than more wolves… at least for the moment.


"Caladia Carpathius"

She was not a fan of these meetings. Really, she probably never would be. Meadow had been tucked away in the greenhouse until just before time to go, and she wasn't really ready to leave what she was up to. Something about transitioning from one thing to another really did throw her off, and changing gears was just... she wasn't happy with it. She tried to hide the scowl that threatened her features as she made her way to the meeting, but there was no telling if she was actually doing a good job or not. At least she still had the beeswax earplugs to dampen some of the noise that came with a pack this big meeting all at once. As quietly as she could, the girl slipped into the meeting. Scanning the room, she considered going to sit with Bramble and Talyssa for just a moment before thinking better of it. What if they rejected her? What if they pretended they didn't know her? In front of everyone? No, no, no. Her heartrate quickened, catching sight of Caladia too. She'd gone off to talk to someone else, a badger? Weird. Meadow had seen pictures in books, but she hadn't seen the one that actually lived in the castle. Instead, the girl picked her way carefully over to where her mother sat beside Mercury, tucking herself into the woman's side. She tried to do it without drawing too much attention to herself, finding comfort and safety by Fern as always. "Speech"

Avantika had tried her best to stay up to date with the pups and the Hallows in general. Really, she had! But trying wasn't always good enough, and she knew better than anyone that her best wasn't, either. It wasn't her fault -- there were so many of them scampering around and she just couldn't keep track of them all even when she longed so desperately to. For as much as Avantika loved her family, she was realizing that the constant influx of new wolves, both born into and joining the pack, was... kind of overwhelming for her at times. So many new lives that she had to defend. Those joining from the outside were targets for little more than her suspicion for at least a while, while the pups carried the weight of their own constant vulnerability. Sometimes it was hard to resist the urge to disappear into the blind routine that had once crippled her, even though she knew how dangerous it was.

She shook herself as she approached the meeting, forcing the worries down as she had so many times before, letting the familiar ache be at least briefly coated over by a different kind. Scanning the crowd as she slowed, she spotted Audra first and quickly looked away. Not anywhere near her. She would stand near Mercury and Fern, giving them each a soft smile and nod in greeting; her eyes would continue sweeping, though, almost without her permission, finding each of the pups present. Dusk up on a podium beside Art, looking oddly guilty -- strange, of course, but Avantika could be patient and wait until the matter was explained --, Meadow huddled against Fern as usual, Ciaran, Talyssa, and Bramble all together, but her breath almost hitched at the sight of Caladia. She was with Laeta and Audra; while Avantika had no quarrel with Laeta, she had quite justifiable -- in her opinion -- reasons to want the child away from her disloyal traitor of an ex-girlfriend. She liked Callie. The kid was tough and eager to learn. She only hoped she wouldn't learn the wrong kinds of things.

She looked away before she could be caught staring, but her anger still festered like hot coals.

"Speech"

Thorn was jogging along the beach, his wooden sword firmly in his mouth.  The sand shifted under the weight and was flung backward as he ran.  With a rhythmic pattern he spun his neck to the left, slashing an imagined enemy, then his head was brought back to center, a few more strides, and the sword swung to the right and once more straightened.  

His gait slowed as he heard his father’s howl.  It was time for the meeting  Turning to face the castle he picked up his speed, long strides carried him back to the castle fast and it didn’t take to long before he was striding through the castle entry and slowed back to a walk.

Thorn made his way to the great hall, slipping past other wolves with his focus on Dusk.  He sat down near the front of where the wolves were gathered.  The young wolf had grown in size and muscle over this last season.  He was also missing the tip of his left ear, the dark blue fur stopping short before it could hit a curved point. Settling his weight on his rump his gaze met Dusk somberly, lip twitching for a moment to offer a comforting smile.  

"Thorn Carpathius"

Ysmir tilted his head in confusion as the sound of Artorias’ voice echoed through the castle’s walls, commanding the presence of all the Hallows. He didn’t know that his finance knew much more than he did. Mismatched eyes lingered on Gwyn’s mint lavender before he helped her up so they could walk to the meeting together. His future wife. Ysmir couldn’t help the grin that played on his features, knowing the future they had together made it hard to ever get the silent man’s mood down. He loved Gwynevere with his whole heart, and she was going to be his. Despite his disability, or his scattered family.

With his dark tail wagging at his hips, and loping closely at his beloved’s side, he walked her to the meeting place. Ysmir always felt a little awkward at group gatherings, his inability to talk hindered much of his social aspect. He nodded to any that acknowledged him as he let Gwyn choose where they sat. He made himself comfortable at her side, curious as he peered up at Aegis and the little Princess.

"Gwynevere & Ysmir"

Elowen might not have been actively participating in the wrestling between Caladia and Kip but she had been close by, having a match of her own. As she grew, El was becoming stronger and Ginger had to put in more effort to keep the upper paw. Elowen was eager though, determined to overcome the canine one of these days! She grinned as Ginger pinned her down, pushing a paw to the dog’s chest. Ahh but then, before they could continue her mother was calling them inside. Huh? What? What was going on? She hadn’t really listened to much when her mother brought up that there was to be a meeting later. She had been far too eager to get to “training” with Ginger to have paid much attention. Feeling a bit bad for not listening more when her mom told them earlier she trailed after their parent and siblings. She kept close to Fern, gaze shifting to Meadow, too. She knew her sister didn’t care much for these things… and with Caladia heading over the pups and whatnot… hmm… Tempting, especially with the odd creature there, but this time Elowen decided to stick close to Fern and Meadow. She moved on the other side of her sister, offering her a reassuring smile before her gaze flicked from Meadow to her mother, then the Mercury, then to her cousin with a frown. She hadn't seen if Ginger followed her, but knowing the retriever she had gone off to talk with Hot Mama or something... ah well. She'd catch up with them later.

Kipling was a  ferocious fighter in a spar, at least to the best of his abilities.  This included plenty of snarls, paw swiping, and chomping bites.  He tended to worry less about retaliation and instead of going with a great offense makes for a better defense.  Whoever got the most bites in won, right?  The pup lived with a shadow that followed him, whispering a need to prove himself to others.  

Mom called to them and for a moment Kip tried to ignore it, hoping to get that last bite in on his sister before finally stopping his assault.  A look of pure innocence directed at his mother as if he simply hadn’t heard the first time she’d told them it was time to go. A huff of indignation and glance to Caladia, “well, I guess it's best to stop.  I already won really.”  Whether or not there was a firm decision there he’d call it now.

He follows mom inside, pausing at the instruction of shaking out his coat.  Glancing from mom to sister and back Kip considers this.  Squatting a bit, shifting his weight more to one side the boy carefully gives his body a shake, less strongly than Caladia to make sure he remains standing.  Smirking down at his sister, “Callliieee, clumsy.”  Let it be ignored she’d put a lot more power into shaking herself off and focusing instead on her falling over.

They entered the hall and Kip scanned the room with so many wolves in it.  The notion of roaming and exploring who all was there came to mind but then his attention fell on Meadow.  The energetic and stubborn pup withheld his interest in roaming the room and instead moved to sit next to Meadow and Elowen, pressing himself up against his shy sister, and resting his head against hers.  He could aim for the strong protective older brother role. This also put him rather squished against Elowen, a little sitting down puppy pile. “Hey Meadow,” the boy kept his voice down low and even more gentle than he used around most, “El and I got you covered.  If anyone comes up I’ll do all the talking so you don’t have to, ok?  Don’t you worry.”

"Kipling"

Rudyard had to pick up his pace to be sure he made it to the great hall in time.  The motley wolf had found an easy kill in a lost fawn earlier and wasn’t about to let the opportunity slip by.  A successful kill, and cleaning up his coat quickly he made his way into the grand hall.  His eyes searched out his family and these days there was a large number of family to look for.  Art and little Dusk were the most obvious to see but he swiftly spotted Fern near Mercury and three of his children.  Another scan about the room and he spotted Callie as well.  

Tika was also with the small group and Rudy made his way to them, a paw tap to each of his children affectionately and swiftly, a passing lick and playful tap of his nose at Fern's cheek before moving to sit next to his sister Tika.  His gaze was turned towards the front of the room but he bumped Tika’s shoulder gently with his own.  “How you doing Tika?  We don’t see each other nearly enough these days.” They’d spent plenty of time together as kids but both had grown up and had their own jobs and relationships to steal most of their attention and of course, Rudy now had a bunch of kids that took his time.  That didn’t mean he loved his sister any less.

"Rudyard Carpathius"

Asheila had only heard of what had happened between Dusk and Thorn, but really she saw it only as that. Sure she may have needed to be reprimanded by her parents but when she heard of the public presentation that would come following she thought that was a little much. Still she'd keep her place quiet, opinions to herself. Not really understanding how she had closed that out from the rest of her family. When she arrived to the hall she wouldn't take a seat at the table but instead leave those open for others and finding a place around the walls of the room. Not entirely off and away from everyone else, but a way that may have seemed to be a part of her character these days.

"Ashelia Carpathius"

Rinoa had only recently come back to The Hallows but she was falling back into pack routine nicely. She didn't struggle much to make her place inside the pack, it was a life she had always known. And besides, she liked helping out even when it wasn't a part of her job. So coming to a meeting like this wouldn't make her nervous. She liked being around others and she hoped with her journey away from the castle she was ready to open up more and make friends.

She took a seat at the table, making herself comfortable and glancing to each side of her to smile at the wolves nearby but wouldn't say anything out loud in greeting. Her gaze would then move to Artorias and soon Dusk would be there as well. She wasn't sure exactly what was going on but she hoped it would be fun. A little public humiliation to come, there was really no harm in that.

"Speech"