Always there when you call

Artorias chuckled and brushed his mother off with a dismissive wave of his paw when she apologized for not telling him sooner. "Don't worry about it, I know you wouldn't do something deliberately like that. I'm just happy for the two of you." Like Tamsyn, he was also aware of his mother's age, and the fact that she could bear a litter this late in her life was nothing short of a miracle! He just prayed for a smooth pregnancy and birth for her, but already knew he would be on Gwynevere's case to care for her constantly to make sure everything went well.

He'd been busy mulling over that plan to talk to Gwynevere about their mother's care when Tamsyn started to speak again, seeming more hesitant and nervous while she picked and fussed with her breakfast like a pup afraid to admit something to a stern parent. Artorias raised a curious brow, wondering just what was on his mother's mind that had her acting so uncharacteristically timid. When she began to explain, he slowly started to understand why. She and Kane wanted to raise their litter in the wild lands, traveling and exploring, living the nomadic life of his people. That meant they wouldn't be seeing their mother very much anymore, and even if she did bring the pups around for frequent visits, it meant Tamsyn was leaving the Hallows.

Artorias' face sank with realization and his heart wrenched. He didn't want to see his mother leave their family home. She was a Carpathius; she was supposed to stay with them as a family. He wanted to deny her, to tell her to stay and raise their half-siblings here where they'd be safe and cared for. But seeing the hopeful look in his mother's eyes made him realize something he hadn't before. Tamsyn was happy. She was well and truly happy with Kane and this was what she wanted. As much as it hurt, Artorias knew he had to let Tamsyn go and lead her life how she wanted. "You already know I'm not happy thinking about you leaving home, Mom," he began, releasing a heavy sigh while he glanced down at their half eaten breakfasts. "But... if this is truly what will make you happy... I can't tell you no. But you are our mother, a founding member of this family and our pack. This will always be your home, you will always be a part of it, and I hope you'll come back to be with us again." It took a great deal of strength for Artorias to swallow back the pain of letting his mother go, but he had to let her live her life and pursue her happiness. She had spent two years living for them. Now it was her time to live for herself.

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