Their raid against Elysium had gone exceptionally well, and the Lord of Cinder was incredibly proud of all his wolves. Their victory had secured them a sizable cache of iron and precious metals and gemstones for their smithing as well as establishing that the Hallows was a force to be reckoned with, both on defense and offense. Now that they had one victory under their belt, Artorias was already turning his attention to their next target. He had never intended for the Hallows to be a raiding pack, but times changed, and they would have to adapt with them as well. A show of strength was needed to expand their home, as well as keep their enemies at bay and dissuade any future violence against them. And so, they would raid.

Artorias stood around the Carved Table, the candles lit beneath to illuminate the map etched into the dark stone. His eyes moved over the steel effigies of the packs of Ardent, studying each and the territories they possessed. He already knew who their next target would be. Now he just needed his warriors assembled and readied for the fight. With Embershard leaned up against the table and his armor strapped securely around his body, Artorias lifted his muzzle and gave a summoning call for his wolves to prepare for their next big fight.

2nd round deadline for anyone wanting to join this next raid is September 8th by 12PM CST!

"Artorias Carpathius"

As her time in Hemlock had begun to draw to a close, Ember had begun to receive regular updates from her home pack in the south from her raven companions, helping her transition back into life in the Hallows. When news of the first raid with Elysium had reached her, she had requested an advanced notice for the next one so she could be a part of it. She had gotten her wish; her father had sent Corbin to inform her of their upcoming second raid and Ember had hurried back home, arriving the night before. Being back in the Hallows took some getting used to after nearly half a year away from home, but there was a warm familiarity to everything that made Em just feel cozy and happy inside.

Her father's howl summoning all able-bodied fighters reached her in the forge where she was busy sharpening Ravenedge. She hadn't gotten to truly maintain her blade in her time away in the mountains, but now her blade once more shone with its deadly luster. Wiping down the rippling pattern of her Carpathian steel blade, Em sheathed her sword and slung it over her back, picking up her polished armor and carrying it with her across the castle to the council chamber. Ember had never been in the council chamber before now, so stepping inside felt a bit like entering a wonderland. Her wide blue eyes drank in the details of the table, studying the map of familiar lands with its pack effigies set up like a tactical battle map.

Em chose an empty seat a couple down from where her father sat at the head of the table, offering Artorias a respectful head bow as she took her seat and waited for the rest of the raiding party to arrive. "Bună, Tati," she greeted him with a small smile, still feeling some of that rift between them, but hoping that could be closed once she came back home.

"Ember Carpathius" | "Carpathian"

Ellara heard the summoning howl, her heart quickening with a mix of anticipation and nerves. The call of the Lord of Cinder was not one to be ignored, and she knew this raid would be a defining moment for the Hallows. She quickly rose from her resting spot on her balcony, her mind already turning to the preparations she would need to make.

The armor she had painstakingly crafted and maintained was stored neatly along her walls, a testament to her dedication to the art of violence. She moved quickly, securing bracers on her legs and the reinforced bone collar around her neck, both of these pieces having seen her through many battles. They fit snugly, a comforting weight that reminded her of the protection they offered. Ellara's movements were precise, almost ritualistic, as she checked every strap, ensuring there would be no weaknesses.

Her owls, sensing the shift in the air, fluttered inside from their aviary on the balcony, landing on each of her shoulders. Their silent presence was welcome as she made her way to the council chamber. Her eyes fell on the Carved Table, the steel effigies, and the figures already assembled. She nodded respectfully to the Lord of Cinder, acknowledging her leader, before taking a position near Ember. Ellara stood tall, ready to listen, ready to fight, and ready to prove herself worthy of her new home.

"Speech" - Thoughts

CODE BY SIN

As always, Dusk was quick to answer her father's call. The dutiful woman wouldn't dream of sitting back and allowing others to wander off into danger. Not while there was the chance that she could protect them.

The antlered fae made her way towards the hall and seated herself towards the front of the group, always the eager student. Dusk's long tail curled around one hip as she settled in, back ramrod straight per usual. Fiery eyes rested upon her father as she waited for him to choose a target.

"Dusk Carpathius"

Afternoon rolled around and Nelu set aside his latest batch of pottery to dry before firing. He had a few new glazes to try but they still needed to be mixed. Winter rolled in wet and chill but he expected a few drier days to roll in in the coming week. A nice big firing fire would work to fire his pottery as well as provide a source of warmth to sit by and enjoy some tea.

Nelu cleaned up and settled down to read. What seemed like not long after he heard his father's call. A raid? He had missed the last one, perhaps he should attend this one? Just in case. Nelu was a Scholar not a warrior, however he knew it was important to keep his skills sharpened and there was no better opportunity than a raid.

Gathering his armor and weaponry, Nelu readied himself. With a quick call to his companions he set out for the castle. As he arrived he dipped his head in greeting to each of the wolves gathered there and took his place at the table.

ooc: Nelu is here in reserve. If someone else needs the points feel free to take his spot.

The call for a raid. Claire had been unable to attend the last one since she'd been caring for Greed. An illness had befallen him, and in his old age, she worried for her mate. He was still ill, but her daughters had urged her to go to this one while they tended to their father. Reluctantly, Claire agreed and she kissed the three of them before making her way to the meeting. She had been so devoted to her own family, that she'd been neglecting her own role as a member of the pack. Truth be told, she had been hesitant since all she truly knew was Greed's company. She was older now though, as was he. Sooner or later, she would have to integrate herself a lot more. Arriving to the meeting, she offered a nod to those in attendance before sitting down and waiting to see where they would be going. "Speak

Briar had never anticipated being in offensive fights when she made The Hallows her home, but with the changing world she understood her husband's need and desire to show the strength of their warriors. It was good practice if nothing else and she was certainly never one to turn down a good fight. With her armor and Memento at the ready, she came to the council chamber at Artorias' call to join the rest of the warriors that had begun to gather. She took her usual place at Artorias' side-not before giving each of her children an affectionate greeting–and settled to await the news of who their next target would be.

"Briar Carpathius"

Gwyn still had her reservations about partaking in offensive raids on other packs, but until her nephew was proficient in his medical training enough for her to feel comfortable being The Hallows' sole healer on the field she would offer her skills without complaint. At her brother's call for warriors she gathered up her supplies and her cloak, tossing it around her shoulders before making her way to the meeting room. Many wolves had already gathered around the carved table by the time she joined them, giving Art and her various family members a small smile as she settled at an empty spot. Her mint and lavender gaze roamed across the glowing map, wondering to herself where they might head next.

"Gwynevere Carpathius"

Solaire hadn't gotten to go on the last raid that the pack went on so this time he was going to make sure he wasn't going to miss it! He had been out in the garden most of the morning and was only just coming inside when his father's call for the fighters rang through the castle halls. He hurried to put away the herbs he had gathered and ran up to his room to grab his armor and axe. He didn't know if he'd be allowed to use his axe in this fight or not, but he wasn't going to leave it behind regardless! He was panting a little bit as he loped into the meeting room from all his rushing around to get here, but he gave his parents a grin and quietly tucked himself into an empty spot toward the end of the table closest to the door. At least he made it before his dad started giving out his orders!

"Solaire Carpathius"

Rebel listened to the call for warriors for another raid and grabbed her gear to start heading down to the meeting room on the first floor of the castle. She hung back a bit since she wasn't sure if perhaps some of the less experienced fighters would want to join in, but when she eventually made her way to the council chamber she peeked in and noticed that there was still an empty seat waiting for someone to fill it. Well, if no one had shown up by now they certainly weren't going to. She stepped in and gave Art and Briar a quick nod and tried to catch Ember's gaze with a little grin as she settled a little further down the table from where she was sitting. Curious to see where they were going to be heading this time, she peeked across the carved surface of the table to see if there were any clues.

"Rebel Klein"

One by one the warriors of the Hallows assembled in the council chamber. Artorias greeted each of them in turn, his daughters and sons, his wife, his sister, each of his wolves as the Carved Table was slowly surrounded. Artorias was still not pleased with having to take the Hallows down this route of offensive raids, but there were some things that had to be done in order to ensure the pack survived and could continue to expand. "Thank you all for assembling so quickly. I know we're all anxious to get started, so I won't keep you all in suspense." Artorias lifted one of the smaller Hallows effigies and placed it squarely down in Polaris lands—namely the Lazuli Falls. "We will be hitting Polaris this time around. Besides them being friendly neighbors, this will give us both a chance to test our fighters' strengths. We will be aiming to raid their sugar caves hidden behind the falls. I'm sure you're all well acquainted with my wife's amazing baked goods and wines." Artorias flashed a grin at Briar and chuckled. "Let's make sure we have plenty of sugar to keep our kitchens running."

With their target and resource chosen, Artorias took up Embershard and slung his sword across his back. "If there's no other questions, then we move out now. Make yourselves ready, then head for the southern borders. I want everyone to fight with all their strength, but remember that these wolves are not our enemies. Do not seek to do any lasting damage to them."

ooc: The target pack is Vedia, but as the raid meeting was made prior to Polaris changing, Artorias only knows them as Polaris

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian"