Share the workload

Artorias had built up a rigorous structure to his days. As had been his routine since Resin had begun training him, Artorias woke up with the rising sun, starting his morning with the meditation Sirius had taught him out on his balcony overlooking the western sea. It helped him clear his mind, release any stress or anger before the day began, and gave him the clarity he needed. After that came patrols, followed by breakfast once the rest of the pack was awake. That was where Rudy had found him. The Carpathius lad had donned his armor and had his sword slung across his back, crossing the courtyard to the main gates about to start his patrol when the unexpected sound of his brother's voice caught him off guard. He peered up to see Rudy coming up to him, stating he was joining him on his patrols. Well now, here was a surprise and a half! Artorias never thought he'd see the day Rudyard got up before the sun was halfway through the morning sky.

A proud half-smile found its place on Artorias' muzzle and he nodded assent. "All right. I wouldn't mind the company," he said, though it was clear his brother was tagging along with or without his consent. "Let's get going." Artorias led the way out of the castle gates and toward the northern border of Hallowed territory. The morning was cool, and the grass was crisp with little shimmers of dew stuck to the partially frozen blades. All the snow and ice had melted by now, and lush grass was well into coming back. There were even some shoots of flowering plants popping up from the dirt and bushes had buds appearing on their twigs. Life was returning to Auster at long last.

"What made you want to come on a dawn patrol?" He cast a curious glance to his brother, who still seemed a little groggy and very much not a morning wolf. It made him smirk to himself. "Not that I'm complaining. I just don't think I've ever seen you up this early. Not gonna pass out on me halfway around the border, are you?" He chuckled, nudging his brother's shoulder to show he was teasing while they crossed the wide open plains surrounding the Carpathius castle. All the while they walked, Artorias was scanning the edges of the woods that surrounded the plains on three sides, looking through the trees to find any signs of movement or presences that shouldn't be there.


"Artorias" | Thoughts | "Corbin"