_________________________________________________________________ Emotions raced through Audra as her brow crinkled. Standing on the balcony of her room, she had patiently waited until after the wedding was done to mull over her thoughts. While the wedding had been extravagant, beautiful, amazing, and an all-around fun time, there had been something missing. The spark between her and Avantika hadn't been there. Even sitting beside her through the ceremony, sharing food together at the reception, and even getting her to agree to one dance, it had all felt stiff. She could tell that Tika was trying to be around more, but Audra knew the damage had been done. Stowing her pack that was filled as much as possible with anything of hers under the bed, she turned to make her way out and into the gardens. Having sent Mack, her bobcat, ahead to request Artorias' company whenever he wasn't busy for another walk in the gardens, Audra descended the stairs and trotted out the door into the summer heat. It was stifling today with hardly a breeze coming off of the coast. Keeping to the shadier parts of the gardens, she picked a comfortable area for them to chat in. She wasn't looking forward to leaving the castle, her friends, or the pack. It wasn't their fault, but she needed something more and that something was in Boreas. _________________________________________________________________ A  U  D  R  A

The wedding had been an incredible extravaganza and everything he had hoped for! Artorias was so indescribably proud of his pack for coming together the way they had to pull off an amazing feat like they had for himself and Briar. The wedding was beautiful and the reception extravagant, with wolves from all over enjoying the fruits of their labors. And now that his honeymoon had been concluded and he was back to life par the course, Art was kind of happy to settle back into his normal routines. That is, until he found Audra's bobcat companion coming to request his presence with the young woman in the gardens. Artorias obliged, following the smaller feline out into the sweltering heat of the courtyard and down the cobblestone paths until he spotted the tawny brown woman relaxing in the shade of the trees. But along with her was a pack, bulging from the contents within. Immediately, the Aegis' brows knitted together and he frowned, feeling his heart sink in his chest. He recognized this scene from the several times he'd seen it before, and each time felt as difficult as the first.

Managing to soften his expression while he approached his wolf, Artorias greeted Audra with a rueful smile while he motioned to her full pack with his muzzle. "I'm guessing this isn't a meeting to talk about the fine art of healing or a friendly race," he said, teasing her gently with the knowledge of her favorite skills and activities. Artorias moved to sit beside Audra in the shade, flopping back on his haunches with a heavy sigh. He wasn't exactly surprised this was happening given what he'd observed between her and his sister, but it still hurt all the same. "So is this a forever goodbye, or a 'see you later' sort of thing?"

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

One big happy family

Artorias has two ravens named Corbin and Eira and a fox named Argent. Assume they are within calling distance at all times.
As his mate, Briar may enter Artorias' threads unless marked Private.
____________________

_________________________________________________________________ It wasn't long before the Aegis came to her with Mack in tow. Respectfully, the bobcat departed with a curt nod in their direction before Audra's attention was firmly on Artorias. One look at the softened expression on his face nearly brought tears to her eyes. She was going to miss the castle, the pack, everything. Even one as busy as Art still made time to remember her favorite hobbies. Feeling her heart pelt into the sides of her ribcage, threatening to burst, she forced her chin to turn to the side. "It's n-not forever," the petite fae whispered under her breath. Mustering as big of a smile as she could, Audra forced herself to look back up at Art with tear-stained cheeks. "U-unless you d-don't mind me breaking u-up with your sister," oh how she couldn't even speak her name, "I th-think I need to f-find a b-bigger purpose," her voice is hoarse as she tries her best to be confident. It was easier to just leave instead of an official breakup. Maybe some time away would show Tika that something was wrong and everything wasn't sunshine and rainbows anymore. "If you're o-okay with it, I w-want to go to Abaven to t-teach, but I c-can always return if I'm needed," she added on as her smile grew. Maybe going up north to teach others would help the Hallows too and not just her. _________________________________________________________________ A  U  D  R  A

Artorias only heard Audra's stuttered whisper by sheer chance and happenstance of being right beside her when she uttered it. This wasn't a forever goodbye, which did his heart good. The Aegis would never hold wolves in his ranks who did not want to be here, but letting them go was always a heartbreaking endeavor. Audra tried to give him a big, reassuring smile, but the taller wolf saw the tear-marks cutting through the fur on her cheeks. This wasn't any easier for her than it was for him. He knew how much she loved the Hallows, loved being a part of something grand and how much she believed in their mission. This decision had come not out of desire, but out of necessity. Audra made a comment about him not minding her breaking up with Avantika, and he managed a rueful smirk and chuckle. Even in the face of loss, she was still doing her best to be strong. Sweet, sweet Audra... She was far too good for this world.

Artorias was quiet all the while he let Audra speak her mind, explaining her reasons for needing to leave the Hallows for some time. She wanted to find a bigger purpose, something to make her feel fulfilled again. She wanted to go to Abaven to teach for a time. Artorias could think of no finer option for the passion-driven young woman. Theory had come soliciting him for teachers; Audra would be a valuable asset to her faculty. Turning his fire-kissed eyes back to Audra, he fixed the woman with a gentle smile, doing his best to hold back the emotions welling up in his heart. He was afraid that if that wall cracked, the dam might burst. "I would never expect you to stay in a relationship you weren't happy in, Audra," he reassured her. He knew of the struggles Tika and Audra had over the past few seasons. What ultimately happened in their personal lives was none of his business, though he was sad to see it go this way. Maybe they both needed time apart to heal, to grow, and perhaps if the fates smiled on them, they'd come together once more.

Heaving a sigh, Artorias turned his body to face Audra, lifting his strong forelegs to go and usher Audra into a brotherly embrace. Ever since Tika had brought her to the Hallows, he'd seen the tawny wolf as a sister, and losing her, even temporarily, would hurt just as much. "I know wherever you go, whatever you do, you're going to be amazing at it, Audra. And if we're lucky enough to have you back someday, the Hallows will be all the brighter for it." Artorias closed his eyes, swallowing back the emotion tightening in his throat. "Abaven will be very lucky to have you as a teacher. When you get there, tell Theory that Artorias sent you with his regards." The Aegis and Headmistress had a positive and professional relationship building between them. His word would carry great weight with it when she sought entrance to the school. Before he released her so she could say and do what she needed before departing, Artorias whispered, "This will always be your home, Audra. You can come back to us whenever you're ready. We'll always be here for you."

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

One big happy family

Artorias has two ravens named Corbin and Eira and a fox named Argent. Assume they are within calling distance at all times.
As his mate, Briar may enter Artorias' threads unless marked Private.
____________________