Brotherly Love

Artorias · 11-27-2020, 06:33 PM

The more he talked, the more Artorias began to realize that this was not just some far-flung thought that Rudyard had come up with. There was reasoning and coherent connections, there was groundwork and a definitive goal. Rudy had clearly been putting a lot of time and thought into his fantasies—were they fantasies, or were they more like plans at this point?—and was entirely serious about them. Artorias listened to what his brother had to say with close attention, from the reassuring statement that this was all talk about a far distant future, but also about how they could both get to that goal. Yes, it would take a lot of hard work and patience from both of them, but if his parents had been able to do it, surely they could as well, right? Packs didn't just form on their own, and alphas didn't just appear from the sky. Someone had to put in the blood, sweat, and tears to make that dream a reality. So why couldn't he?

Once more, the small blue-hued pup found himself delving into the world of his imagination. He had always pictured himself standing on a battlefield against his opponents, weapon clutched securely in his jaws—but now, what if he was standing at the front of a pack, about to lead his warriors into battle? What if he was overseeing the protection of the lands not just as a soldier, but as the ruler? He had spent so many afternoons staring out across Boreas like a yearning adventurer, but what if those eager amber eyes belonged to a much larger wolf gazing down at his friends and family, making sure they were all cared for and safe? Was it that difficult for him to imagine himself in a leadership role? As it turned it, it wasn't; it was almost as natural as imagining himself as a powerful and formidable knight, just with extra responsibilities and a fancier title. Plus, if Rudy was going to also be in charge, they could help each other out if they needed it. Knowing his family would be at his side to support him brought a wave of relief over the fantasizing pup.

But it turned out Rudy wasn't done yet. His brother continued on to reassure him that he was going to be a great leader, that he believed in him. His words were honeyed, but they were also sincere, and it made the boy cock a half smile. Artorias was so afraid of failing his family or disappointing them—but he couldn't allow his worry to hold him back from being the best damn wolf he could be. It seemed like Rudy wasn't going to give him an alternative to believe in, so when he did finish his little speech, Artorias simply nodded his head and grinned at his grey-toned brother. "Y'know what? You're right, Rudy! We've got so much time to learn how to be the best. We have Mama and Mom, plus Uncle Ulric and Dunkan and Outlaw, and all the others to teach us! We're gonna get all the best parts from them all!" Artorias barked happily and bounced into a playful stance, front paws wide and body arched with his rear in the air, the fluffy tail at the end wagging like crazy.

Artorias had never desired power or fame. They were simply things he had never considered for himself. He wasn't the fantastical type like Rudy was, and his daydreams had never gone far beyond what he would do in a hypothetical fight. He was much more grounded than his brother in that regard. But if he considered it hard enough, he could see it becoming a reality. Fame didn't appeal to him. Power was something he thought he'd like to try, at least as a consequence of his abilities and not as a goal. What Artorias truly enjoyed the thought of was being a role model, someone other wolves and pups could look up to and aspire to be, the way he looked up to Resin and Tamsyn and Sirius. That he could do, and if that brought him in proximity to power and leadership, then he'd accept those terms. But for now, he had a long journey ahead of him, and he still had to take those first steps.

"Thanks for believing in me, Rudy," Artorias said with another bump of his muzzle to the side of his brother's. "But y'know, if you really wanna help prove I'm awesome..." Artorias stepped back over to his stick and assumed a pouncing stance against Rudyard, "...then let's fight! C'mon, let me test how good I am!" Artorias snatched up the stick in his jaws, making sure he had a good grip on it before facing off against Rudy with a low, playful growl. "En gahd, Rhudie!"

"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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