The last thing Audra wanted was to sit around doing nothing. After her return when she chose to be a Scout instead of a Healer, she had been spending more time perusing the areas around the Hallows' territory. Yet, she didn't feel that was good enough. Patrolling and exploring would only get her so far when she could be doing more for the pack. And knowing that Gloom would eventually have to return to Ashen, Audra felt anxious about having not a lot to do. Thus her reasoning for seeking out Artorias that day. Outside appeared to be quite dreary as winter drew near to Auster and the castle. That she didn't mind as winter was typically mild compared to the Boreas regions. Glad to be warm inside the castle walls, Audra approached the council room where she had requested Artorias' presence. Knowing he was a busy wolf, Audra hoped to keep it short and to the point. Slipping into the large room and taking a place at the wooden table, the petite fae waited for her Aegis to arrive. Trying to keep the nervous feeling at bay as she picked at a knot in the wood, she would look up and smile at him when he entered.

No matter what daily life threw at him or heaped onto his plate, Artorias always made sure he was available for his wolves to come to whenever they needed him. That had been his solemn promise when he stepped into the mantle of Aegis and he intended to keep that oath for the duration of his reign. So when Audra had asked for an audience with him in the council chambers, the Carpathian patriarch was sure to set aside time he could dedicate to her and her alone. When the time came, Artorias finished up his patrol to help secure the border from the purple stranger that had threatened his family and headed for the council chamber to meet with his loyal Scout. He had managed to strip of his sword and armor for a more casual demeanor, so when the Aegis stepped through the open doors, he was much more his normal self than the mighty Aegis many saw him as out in the field.

Swift amber eyes greeted Audra with brightness and a smile on his lips, noticing how she was checking out the new stone table they had installed that was a literal map of Boreas and Auster. It gladdened him to see others so fascinated in it as well; well worth the cost in the end! "It's a lovely piece, don't you think? There's something to be said about that Armadan wolf's craftsmanship." Artorias chuckled as he stepped up to join Audra at the table, gazing down at the multidimensional surface of the topographical map at their paws. "What can I do for you today, Audra?" There was a pause as Artorias recalled the last time Audra had asked for a private conversation with him. His smile faltered a little and he glanced towards the open doors before asking in lower tones, "Should I be closing the doors for this?" Was Audra about to ask to be dismissed from the Hallows again...?

"Artorias" | "Carpathian"

Truly she was fascinated by the map! Each and every geographical curve dots a familiar landscape. If it hadn't been for the creak of the doors as Artorias entered, she probably would have spent the afternoon tracing the map until she memorized every nook and cranny of it. Looking up at the dire as he came near her, she nodded excitedly. "The craftsmanship really is inspiring," her voice is soft and homely as she falls into a companionable feeling when near the Aegis. As her eyes turn back toward the table, she does notice the concern in his gaze. Audra had expected this and even more so as he wondered if the door should be closed. The earthen woman chuckled and lifted a paw to pat his shoulder. "Do not worry my Aegis, I plan to be with the Hallows until you bury me yourself," it is not often that Audra jokes but she feels that it might help him relax. What she wanted to talk about was important indeed. "Closing the door is only important if you believe I may be in competition for a higher rank," her gaze brightens as she looks back up from the table toward him. Curiosity twinkles in her one good eye as she waits a few moments for him to decide. If he closed it, that was fine and if he left it open, that was fine too. "That is the first I would like to discuss. I know my history with the Hallows has not been... th-the smoothest," her voice hiccups momentarily as she feels nervous. Memories of what once was threatened to bring emotions that she wished to keep at bay. "That is the past though," she lifts a paw to wave away that conversation, "and I want my future with the Hallows to be bright a-and important," Audra pushes a wide smile onto her lips. Her nerves are trying to get the best of her so instead she quickly turns her attention back to the table. Bringing her paw to continue tracing the map, she feels herself calm down. "I want t-to know what I need t-to do to get a promotion," the petite fae flickers a look up from beneath her lids for a moment before looking back down. "Also... Gloom should probably be leaving soon... I-I wish to escort her home to ensure her s-safety and p-perhaps do something f-for my promotion along the way," she tries to stay confident but it is hard! As friendly and warm as Artorias is, he is still the big man in charge so asking for things like that was difficult!

To his worry, Audra responded with a chuckle and a bit of dark humor, a refreshing change from the last time he had the dreaded parting conversation with her. Artorias smirked and chuckled as well, though the relief he felt in that moment to know that he wasn’t losing her from the Hallows again was palpable. "Hopefully we won’t be thinking about that for a long time to come, my dear," he quipped back with an easy grin. Audra’s explanation of her request for his attention piqued the Aegis’ interest and he listened to his longtime friend with intrigue and intent. "A higher rank, hmm? Do go on." Art waved his paw for Audra to continue with her request. He would leave the door open for them this time.

Audra began to recount her history with the Hallows, describing it as not having been the smoothest, to which Artorias wrinkled his nose and gave Audra a disagreeing glance. He would not interrupt her, but he did not hold the tumultuous journey she took to self-discovery against her. To her credit, Audra was speaking quite confidently, and Artorias was almost beaming to see how little she stuttered now, he was so darn proud of her! As she got down to the matter at hand, it turned out to be quite the delightful surprise to the Aegis. Audra was seeking a promotion within the pack! That was way better than thinking she was leaving again! Always one to wear his heart on his sleeve, Artorias could not keep the pleased smile off his face as Audra mentioned doing something to earn her promotion while escorting Gloom back home to Ashen. Art rapped a paw against the stone table with a click of his claws while he considered her position and proposition. Audra had definitely earned her right to move up in the ranks. Only one question truly remained in Artorias’ mind.

"Firstly, your history with the Hallows is just fine, Audra. What happened was beyond your control, and I don’t ever want you to think it’s something that affects how I see you," he began, addressing the simplest point first with a reassuring smile. "As for Gloom, I think it would be a good idea for you to accompany her home. You and her have clearly grown quite a bond, and I hope you’ll let her know that she’s always welcome back—though hopefully as a guest and not a patient next time." A humored chuckle rumbled in the dire brute’s chest before he continued. "Lastly, I think you’re more than overdue for a promotion. You put your all into bringing your best to the Hallows, Audra, and it’s high time to reward that effort. My only question for you is this: do you wish to continue down the path of navigation, or would you prefer to return to your healer roots?" Artorias looked to Audra with a curious tilt to his head, awaiting her response. Audra had shown tremendous skills in both fronts, but he wondered if acting as Gloom’s personal doctor had given her a change of heart on her current path. Depending on what Audra chose, Artorias would have a promotion challenge in mind for her.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian"

There was one thing that Audra was always certain about and it was Artorias’ ability to be a good leader. No matter what he appeared to be faced with, he handled it with poise and confidence. Of course, Audra was not Briar and she would not see the finite details of Art’s inner life, but she had a feeling that he still managed quite well. His pups had already given him a run for his money! Impressed as she was, Audra looked up at her friend with a shy smile. She would do anything for him if he ever asked of it. “You are as good of a friend as you are a leader, Art,” Audra is practically humming with adoration for her Aegis. She is glad that she came to the Hallows even if it was under the emotion that she would be with Avantika forever. There would always be a spot for the girl in her heart, but she had to take care of herself as well and she was appreciative that Art saw that. Audra also appreciated that he would not shame her for moving on. His comment about her bond with Gloom brought a flushed feeling to her cheeks. “Gloom is different. I-I think her needing help and c-comfort has helped me too,” her voice is quiet as she brushes a paw across the intricate stone table. Audra blinks in that moment as she regards Art. He did have a point. Down to her core, she was a healer. Plants, herbs, bandages, acting in the moment, that was her thing. It was what she was most comfortable with. Her idea to be a scout came from her love to explore and see new land, but that could also come with being a healer. Being a scout could be dangerous and it was not an aspect she had considered before. Taking a few moments to think of her options, she ended up smiling with a slight nod of her head. “You know me too well,” she says in response as she leans over to nudge her nose against his shoulder. “I do miss helping other around the castle when in need,” Audra pauses one more time as she really tries to see Art and the inner workings of his mind. How did he always know? “I think I will take a promotion with healing, it will probably suit me best in the long run,” she chuckles lightly as she looks out around the room. It was here, in these castle walls that she would live out the rest of her life. While she would want Gloom to stay, she knew the woman had to return home. If she were meant to be alone, then she knew she truly wasn’t because she knew now that she always had the pack there for her.

To say Artorias was touched by Audra’s heartfelt and sincere words would have been a tremendous understatement. All he had ever wanted was to make the Hallows a home for those who wanted a place of peace to spend their days, an environment where a difference could be made in the world by wolves who wanted to be the change they wished to see. Hearing in Audra’s own words that he was accomplishing that hope and dream… it meant more to him than the earthen-hued woman could ever know. "You flatter me, Audra. But I appreciate your words all the same," replied the Aegis with a toothy smile and bashfully folded ears. Audra’s shy response to the topic of Gloom brought a playful smirk to the dire brute’s lips as she tried to casually explain away the mutual benefit the two brought to each other—Gloom some comfort, and Audra a purpose. Regardless of whether or not there was something more there, or if there ever would be, Artorias was just happy to see Audra happy again.

It seemed his observation about Audra’s passions had struck something inside the smaller wolf’s mind. Art wore a playfully smug expression as Audra confessed that he knew her too well, doing a happy little wiggle that showed off that youthful puppy-like side he never truly lost when she nosed his shoulder. An empath at heart, Artorias could feel Audra’s draw to caring for others, for nurturing and healing. "Then I think a promotion to the rank of Expert Physician is due up for you," he declared with pride in his voice. "See Gloom home safely. Leave whenever you both are ready and take whatever route you feel the safest. When you return, give me a full report on Gloom’s recovery, the treatments you chose and why, and then you’ll have your promotion." Audra had asked for a task to earn her promotion, and so Artorias would give her what she asked for: a chance to show her medical expertise and keen intelligence. "And Audra, please let Gloom know she is welcome to come visit any time." A smile was turned to Audra with his last statement. He wanted to make sure Audra’s newest friend knew she was always welcome to come back and spend time together, romantic or platonic.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian"