A Feast of Thanks

Artorias giggled to himself as he bounded down the labyrinthian corridors of the castle, poking his nose into every now and cranny and open door he could find. The castle was huge, and every time he turned around, it was like discovering a new place to explore for the first time! He had found his way into a large room towards the back of the castle, massive wooden shelves covered in dust and moss reaching from the floors up to the towering ceiling. Leather-bound books were in various states of disarray and decay throughout the abandoned library, their weathered yellow pages torn and frail. Artorias' nose crinkled up at the musty smell of the library, but the boy didn't stay in the room for long, his mother's call catching his attention as he withdrew back out the doors and down the hallways to find her.

When he emerged in the great dining hall, his mouth dropped open and his eyes grew wide. Oh wow! On the large table through the center of the room sat a glorious feast of all sorts of meats and fruits, their delicious aromas blending in the warm air. A roaring fire crackled and burned in the fireplace, casting the hall in a welcoming orange glow and chasing away the remnants of cold that lingered in the air outside. Flowers adorned the table, the sweet floral scents complimenting the savory smells of roasting and raw meats. His mother sat at the head of the massive family table, addressing the other wolves of the pack that had gathered for the feast. This was it! This was what Artorias had imagined when he had first wandered through this room imagining what grand spectacles it could host! A family—their family—all together in celebration and community. It made the pup's heart swell with joy, and he did little to hide the smile on his face as he bounded up to the table to find his mother and nuzzle himself against her legs in a silent sign of gratitude.

At Resin's beckoning, he ran up to the banquet table with happy barks, just barely able to reach up when he stood on one of the creaky wooden chairs. Up close, the feast looked even more ample than it had from a distance. He didn't know where to begin! Little black nose twitching with rapid sniffs as he drowned his olfactory sense in the delicious aromas, Artorias selected some chunks of roasted and seasoned meats closest to him, then carried them back to the table to sit with the rest of his family. As he passed the great fireplace, his amber eyes watched the dancing flames with fascination, his gait slowing during his passing, only to resume once he was by. Artorias found a seat at the table and set to demolishing his meal, the flavors of the tender and juicy meats bringing a happy smile to his face while he watched all the other wolves arrive for the festivities.