I won't give in, til I reach the end, and then I'll start again

Upon her confirming she was fine and noting that she didn't seem to have a single scuff on her, Artorias breathed a sigh of relief. He would've felt so guilty if he'd hurt her. He looked between the little girl and her bird companion on her shoulder, offering her a small smile when she got back to her paws. Taking a moment to readjust his leather harness and sword on his back, Artorias glanced up to the sound of flapping wings just as Corbin came to land gracefully on his back, the large black bird peering at the littler wolf pup and the smaller hawk on her shoulder. Just as he was beginning to turn to get back to his training, Avantika asked him what he was up to, taking Artorias by surprise. In all the time they'd lived together, he couldn't recall an instance when he'd heard her speak more than a single sentence at a time. Apparently she was becoming more comfortable with their new home and her new family.

"Oh, I'm training. I'm going to be a knight someday, like Mom and Mama," he replied, a proud puff in his chest and a happy smile on his muzzle. "Mom's training me so I can help defend the Hallows and protect our family. But it's a lot of work." That was an understatement. Almost all of Artorias' days were committed to training and honing his skills. It didn't leave a lot of room for fun or socializing, but if it meant he'd be ready to protect his family if they needed him, it would all be worth it. While he wasn't one of boast, Artorias did seem to be further ahead in his training that many of his other siblings. "Um, it's Avantika, right?" He took a step closer to the bashful girl, casting a disarming smile her way. "I know we haven't gotten a chance to talk much. I'm Artorias." Of course, most wolves called him Art since it was simpler, and Bowen called him Torias, so he'd respond to just about any nickname.

With their official introductions out of the way, Artorias realized this would be a good time to keep his promise to his brother. "So Rudy talks about you... like, a lot. He says you're interested in fighting?" he asked. "He wanted me to talk to you about training too. I'm still learning too, but I can train with you if you'd like." Yes, he knew he wasn't a leading authority on fighting training—that would be their parents—but if his new adopted sister wanted to practice with him, he could always use the experience. Plus he had promised Rudy he'd help the girl out if she wanted it. His brother had seemed so sweet on the little girl, it was impossible for him to say no.