Healing through fighting

Rudy's uncharacteristic quietness hadn't been lost on Artorias. He saw how his usual bubbly, outgoing brother had become reserved, silent, morose since his assault. When his monochromatic sibling explained that Oxx had said he'd "help Rudy not talk so much" it infuriated the Aegis. How dare anyone say such things about his brother?! Were he a lesser wolf, Art would have rounded up every wolf in the Hallows and led a manhunt for the fucker from Manatee Bay up to the Sparse Pines. But he knew he couldn't. He had a responsibility as alpha of a pack to be a role model to his wolves; to protect them and guide them and be their foundation. If he fell apart to anger, then he'd lose himself, and their enemy would have won.

Artorias didn't say anything for a long, quiet moment while both males gathered their thoughts. It was Rudy who finally broke the silence once more, asking that when they finally do kill Oxx, Artorias lets him suffer first. Again, Artorias didn't say anything right away. Oh, he'd spent nights lying awake replaying his attack in his mind and fantasizing about all the ways he could get his revenge. And though that fire burned him from the inside out, Artorias knew he would have to be better than Oxx. The depraved maniac had harmed their family grievously, and anything Artorias did to him would no doubt be justified—but once it was done and the dust settled, it would be Artorias who had to live with himself and the consequences of his actions. Artorias wasn't in the business of torture. Oxx would get justice served to him one way or another, and he would rue the day he crossed the Carpathians, but he would not stoop to his level of methods to win.

"Don't you worry. Oxx will get what's coming to him, sooner or later." Artorias' words were spoken on a deadly growl that promised violence. Yes, he would have Oxx's head someday, and no doubt Rudy would help, as would others in the Hallows. But the killing blow would be served by the Aegis himself. He who passes the sentence should swing the sword. Nodding his head back towards the castle, Artorias nudged his brother's shoulder gently. "C'mon, let's go get something to eat. We could use a break after that roughhousing." He led the way back through the castle gates, his mind clouded with dark thoughts and memories every step of the way.

- exit Artorias -

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