Greatness awaits you

As the bonfire burned well into the night, Artorias watched his family and guests enjoying themselves, taking in the sight with joy in his heart. The Hallows had truly built something special with their annual celebration, and seeing the ones he cared for reveling in the night brought him a sense of accomplishment and pride. He hoped Resin would be proud of how he was leading the pack she had built. Amber eyes practically glowing in the intense firelight, the Aegis meandered through the party, mingling and seeing how everyone chose to celebrate together. Some cuddled, some chatted in groups, the pups were playing, and even Gwynevere was cutting loose and dancing with her boyfriend. It made Art smile. Then his eyes fell upon the giant form of his son. Though Zephyrus was not born of his blood, the adolescent was no less his child than any of his firstborn litter. In many ways, he was special and unique to the Carpathian, and looking at how much he had grown from a stout chick hiding in the abandoned tower of Hearthstone to this majestic raptor made Artorias feel very much the same pride of a father watching his children take their first steps or reach life milestones.

Approaching his eldest child, Artorias moved in to nuzzle his forehead against Zeph's feathery side. "Thank you for bringing those metals. The kids loved the show you gave them," he said to his avian son, then motioned for Zeph to follow him with a nod of his head towards the fire. "Come. I want to discuss something with you, Zeph." Artorias led the way over to a quieter section of the bonfire, giving the two some privacy as they conversed. The dire wolf sat himself down on his haunches facing the flames, gazing into the flickering light as it burned and bathed them in its warming glow. "I know I've told you the history of our family before. I think you're old enough now to fully understand who we are—and who you get to become." A pause, then Artorias asked, "Do you know why your grandmother founded the Hallows, Zeph? What she entrusted into us when she established our pack?"

"Artorias Carpathius"