Brotherly Love

Artorias · 11-27-2020, 02:12 AM

It piqued his curiosity to know that Rudy was getting hunting lessons from Resin. His heart sank a little; he hadn't spent much quality time with his mother compared to Tamsyn or his siblings. That was wrong, especially if he wanted to learn to be the best fighter he could be and grow to become a distinguished warrior like both his parents were. Artorias made a mental note to seek out Resin soon and see if she'd teach him what she knew about fighting. Or if she was too tired, maybe he could just spend time with his larger parent. It wasn't fair the way he was dividing his time up and he'd have to correct that. Besides, if Rudy was getting special lessons from Mom, then he wanted special lessons too!

Artorias gave a barking laugh when Rudyard suggested cornering Tamsyn and forcing her to agree to take them on a day trip to the beach. Even though their mother was much bigger than them, he had seen how overwhelming the sheer will of determined puppies could be to even the most formidable adults. He thought back to their playdate at the Armada, at how the absolute unit of a dire wolf Sirius was turned into a living trampoline for the horde of small wolves. Puppies could be some of the most persistent and convincing of negotiators, and Rudyard was proving himself to be a champion of that cause. "Yeah! But maybe we should invite the girls too. It might make Mama more likely to say yes if we include everyone," he said, then added, "or we just get everyone a gift, like you said. Shiny things for Bowen! She really likes those! Hmm... maybe some flowers for Gwyn?" As much fun as he had with Rudyard, he didn't want to exclude anyone in his family from joining—even if his family seemed to continue to be growing exponentially and without reason...

Rudy's sudden exposition caught the boy's attention, eyes alert and ears pricked to catch his brother's every word. He had some sort of realization? Huh? They were touched by fate...? What on earth did that even mean? Whatever it is, it's got him all excited... thought Artorias. Fortunately, Rudy continued on to explain his thought process, and Artorias was able to follow his reasoning. Lips pressed together in a fine line as Rudy explained how both of them were special, pointing out his innovation with using weapons to fight. Artorias turned his gaze down to the stick at his paws. He didn't know if he could exactly say he was proficient enough to be called "special" in any way—but he didn't have long to dwell on that thought when Rudy confidently declared they were meant to become alphas of their pack.

Huh...? What? That had certainly gotten Artorias' attention in a hurry. The boy stared quizzically at his brother. Was that how becoming an alpha worked? Were only the most talented of wolves chosen? If so, that would explain why Mom Resin was the leader. But that thought also put a small pit of dread into the blue-furred boy's stomach. Was he really expected to be a leader? He didn't know the first thing about leading, and he certainly didn't have the bravado of Rudyard to bolster himself with. Maybe that was something they would learn in time? Could leadership be taught by someone else, or was it something you had to be born with and develop, like your personality? Artorias had a lot of questions, but as he tried to imagine himself as an alpha, the idea both intrigued and troubled him. What if he wasn't a good leader? Was that what other wolves saw him as? Were they going to look up to him for guidance and answers and orders when he got older?

"Wow..." was all Artorias managed to get out amongst the thoughts buzzing around his head like angry bees. "Do you really think we could be alphas? Like, our friends would want us to be leaders?" He glanced down around the den, trying to see if any of their family were nearby. They were not. "Do you think that's what Mom and Mama are planning for us?" A momentary pause granted him enough clarity to realize something Rudy had said as well. "Wait... you said 'we'll be the alphas'? As in, both of us, at the same time? Is that a thing we can even do?" Artorias didn't pretend to understand the logistics and hierarchy of pack structure; they hadn't learned that lesson yet. How would having two alphas even work?

"Speech" | Thoughts

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.
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