To be a proper Knight

Artorias was practically quivering with excitement while Outlaw adjusted the straps on his sheath to fit it to his harness. Artorias shifted his weight from side to side, feeling the way the leather armor and the sword moved against his body. It would take some getting used to, but at least it was pretty comfortable! Artorias assumed his battle stance again, giving puppyish growls to nothing in particular and trying his best to appear intimidating and not downright adorable. At Outlaw's insistence to try drawing his sword, Artorias nodded to the dog and glanced over his left shoulder. With the positioning of his sword, the hilt was just over his shoulder and right in reach of his muzzle. Planting his paws firmly on the ground to stabilize himself, Artorias gripped the hilt in his jaws and tugged. The sword slid forward a bit, but didn't quite clear the scabbard. With a growl, Artorias gave another strong tug and finished drawing his weapon, keeping his jaws locked securely around the hilt to make sure he didn't accidentally drop it as he took on the entire weight of the sword.

The sword slid free of its scabbard with a soft sound of wood scraping against leather, and there he stood. The black and blue puppy, dressed in leather barding, wielding his wooden sword in preparation for imminent battle; the future knight of the Hallows. Pride swelled in Artorias' chest as he swung the sword a couple of times the same way he would a stick. He only managed a couple of swings before the weight began to tire him. He would definitely have to get used to the weight and size of a proper sword, but it would be so worth it! Artorias glanced up at Outlaw, the determined glare in his eyes melting away into an overjoyed beaming grin. "Thanfsh, Ahtlah!" he managed in a muffled voice, walking closer to bump his head against the dog's leg in as best a nuzzle as he could manage while holding his sword. These were the greatest gifts he had ever received—a validation that he was on the right path in his life—and it was all thanks to Outlaw! Artorias would never forget this kindness showed to him by the young man.