Always there when you call

While they ate their breakfast, Artorias couldn't help but notice his mother's obvious signs of nervousness. Whatever she had on her mind clearly had her anxious. When he asked about Kane, Tamsyn seemed to visibly brighten, explaining that Gwynevere had been taking good care of him. Artorias smiled and nodded; he expected nothing less from his talented little sister. "Good. He's a tough guy, he'll be all right," he said, hoping to assuage some of the worry he knew his mother would be carrying for her new mate. It had taken some getting used to for him to come to terms with Kane as his mother's mate, but when he saw how happy they were together, it made the chore far easier. When he was younger, Artorias had just felt anger and resentment—not towards the nomadic brute, but towards life and the situation that had put them in a situation where his mother needed to find a new mate. Every day he wished Resin was still with them, but as he matured, he understood that Tamsyn needed someone in her life. She deserved to be happy.

Tamsyn began to explain what was on her mind and Artorias immediately started to cringe when she explained that she and Kane were thinking of starting a family. He didn't really need to know about his mother's bedroom habits with her new mate, nor did he want to know. But before he could make any comment begging her not to detail this any further, Tamsyn stated that he was going to be a big brother again. Artorias' fire opal eyes met Tamsyn's mint ones, shock and confusion on his features. Then realization dawned on him and his mouth hung open a bit. "Mom, you're...?" He glanced down at his mother's midsection, noting no obvious signs of pregnancy, but those would no doubt follow in the weeks to come. That hopeful smile and nervous fidget told no lies though. Tamsyn was pregnant with his half-siblings.

A plethora of emotions whirled about Artorias like a maelstrom. But shockingly, none of them were negative to him. Artorias was happy for his mother. He knew how much love Tamsyn had for him and his siblings, how much she loved her children, how good of a mother she'd been to them. She wanted this full, complete life with Kane, and now she was getting what she deserved. Artorias gave an incredulous laugh, then burst into giddy giggles as he smiled widely at her. "That's fantastic news, Mom! You two must be so excited! That- wow...!" Artorias couldn't stop laughing while he hurried around to throw his forelegs around Tamsyn in a loving embrace, his tail wagging excitedly behind him. "I'm so happy for you, Mama! You're gonna get to be the world's best mother a second time now." Artorias smothered Tam with affectionate nuzzles, pulling back only to said with a bit of cheeky teasing, "Y'know, you're supposed to ask the Aegis' permission before having pups in the Hallows, Mama. But since you're the Aegis' mother and I'm afraid you'll put me in time out, I think I can let it slide this time."

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