i can't say it, but..

Artorias didn't miss the way Ysmir was looking at Gwyn when they approached, nor the way his gaze lingered on his sister with softness in his mismatched eyes. The Fireside wolf had a soft spot for Gwynevere, it seemed, and his sister seemed equally keen on him. The shy smiles, the blushes, the way they couldn't keep their eyes off of one another... Yeah, these two were crushing on each other hard. It made Art snicker quietly under his breath and wonder if this was what he and Briar looked like when they were together. It was sweet, but Artorias was still protective of his family, and he didn't know this wolf well enough yet to say he trusted his intentions with his sweet little sister. To his credit, Ysmir was cordial and polite, offering the young alpha a respectful bow of his head, which Artorias almost rebuked on reflex until he reminded himself that he would need to get used to other wolves treating him as such.

That was when Ysmir seemed to remember something, and the dark-furred lad began to untie a sack at his feet. Artorias quipped a curious brow, but nodded all the same when Ysmir looked to him for approval. He didn't know what the yearling had brought with him, but he had no reason to distrust him. It turned out his instincts were correct. Ysmir opened the sack and produced an elegant silver headdress, embossed with delicate and fine detailing along its perimeter. It was a beautiful gift, and when Ysmir set the headdress upon his sister's crown, Artorias couldn't help the crooked smile on his lips. Yeah, this boy liked Gwyn, all right.

"Well, I've got some important business to attend to," said Artorias, looking between the two of them with a knowing smirk. He didn't want to interrupt this special little moment, nor did he feel the need to hover and watch them like some overbearing parent. He trusted Gwyn's judgment that he didn't need to monitor Ysmir to make sure he didn't try anything untoward on his innocent sister. Plus Art would have plenty of time to get to know Ysmir when they could be more one-on-one, especially if he was going to be hanging around Gwyn on a regular basis. Right now, he'd let the two of them be awkwardly sweet with one another. "Welcome to the Hallows, Ysmir. I'm sure Gwyn will be happy to show you around. It was nice to meet you." Turning to head back to the castle, Artorias called back in jest, "Don't get into any trouble now, you two!" With another snicker, the Aegis made his way back to resume his duties.

- exit Artorias -

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Corbin" | "Argent"