On Top of the World

Artorias didn't exactly know how to respond to Gossamer's question about whether he wanted to be a leader of a pack or not. He hadn't put any thought into it, really. It had been his responsibility and duty as the son of the alphas, and he had been entrusted to continue their legacy and keep their pack alive. What he wanted didn't factor into it. "I never thought of myself as a leader," he confessed, his smile faltering under the weight of self-doubt a little, "but my family and my pack, they all trust me to do it. How can I say no to their faith? All I want is to do right by them and keep my mother's legacy alive." It was impossible to refuse the call of his pack, the duty of his blood, his destiny. A Carpathius child was always bound to guide the Hallows. Resin had entrusted that duty to them, and Ulric had made the final decision. Whether he wanted it or not, Artorias would be the next Aegis.

While they gazed over the lands of Boreas, Artorias couldn't help the hearty laugh when Gossamer suggested bringing Briar up here for a date night. He shot the Fatalis girl an amused grin; it was a pretty good idea, it was just the idea of Briar's sister helping their relationship along tickled him. "I'll have to convince her to ignore the chill. Your sister hates the cold," he remarked with another snicker. "But she is one-upping me on dates right now. I have to bust out something really nice for her, and you might be on to something here." He didn't know how long they stayed there gazing around the lands below them—their home. As time went on, lands to the west became more visible as well, and Artorias gazed out at the desert and arid canyons out that way to the western sea.

Once the clouds began to move back in, Artorias motioned for Gossamer back the way they'd come. "Looks like the show's about to end. Thanks for sharing it with me, Gossamer. It's really nice to know Briar's got a sister like you in her life." He gave her a crooked smile as he got to his paws, shaking out his coat. "Want to check out the ruins up here, or are you about ready to head back down?" He certainly didn't mind spending a little more time up here checking everything out, but if she was ready to return to the world below, he was ready to join her.

"Artorias Carpathius"