Fight the Friction

Puppy grunts and low sounds of strain seemed to echo around the silent courtyard in the heart of the castle as Artorias swung his sword back and forth in controlled arcs and slashes, the wooden blade cutting harmlessly through the air. The air was cool but didn't carry the bitter cold that Boreas had just before their move, a fact the blue-furred boy was happy for as it meant he could spend more time outdoors without his parents fussing or his paws feeling like they were going to fall off. It was early afternoon, and while all of the adults were off doing their own tasks and jobs, Artorias was focused on his training regiment, honing his footwork and technique with his sword. Resin had praised him on his efforts so far, but it wasn't enough for the boy. He had made his vow and would keep at his work until he was the greatest knight in the Hallows, able to protect his pack and his family from whatever threats may come.

With one particularly strong downward slice, Artorias smacked the faux blade into a bush, cleaving several branches off of it in the process. He dropped his sword to the ground, pausing for a breather, heavy pants filling his lungs with refreshing oxygen and leaving him in airy clouds of hot breath. Making his way over to the dilapidated fountain at the center of the courtyard, Artorias climbed on top of the moss-covered stone and bent down to take a long drink of the cool water pooled in the base of the old fountain. He peered around the castle walls, the battlements, the hundreds of windows and dozens of doors that led off into different parts of their monumental home. It still amazed the pup that this was all theirs; they were so lucky!

Although he had gotten used to training on his own, Artorias did wish one of his siblings or the Adravendi kids would make an appearance so he could challenge them to a spar. Practicing was good and all, but there was a thrill to actually getting to use and test his skills in practical combat that couldn't be beat! Rudy, Daphne, Ezra, hell anyone he could test himself against would be good right now! Sadly, it seemed like everyone else was busy today, even the adults, so he resigned himself to solo practice and hopped off the fountain with a little jump, snatching up his sword in his jaws and resuming his assault on the overgrown foliage around the courtyard.