One big, happy family

The big day had finally arrived! When Kane came hurrying up to the castle with a huge smile and tired eyes, Artorias knew what news he had to share before he even said a word. Tamsyn had had her litter and he was a big brother once more. Artorias' heart soared in his chest, and the Aegis wasted no time going down to the shore with the other dire wolf to see the newest additions to the Carpathius family. Even if they had chosen not to take the family name, they shared the same blood, and they would all be Carpathians in Art's eyes. Kane led him down to the seaside birthing den, Bowen and Gwynevere having already arrived. Kane had obviously delivered the news to them first. While Bowen was lounging out on the sand in the sun, Artorias could see Gwyn emerging from the den to sit just outside the door, peering inside with the biggest smile on her face. It did his spirits good to see his sister smiling like that again.

He approached and regarded both Bowen and Gwyn with a gentle nuzzle, exchanging an excited and gleeful look with Gwyn before he slipped inside. The den even smelled like new puppies, and he got their scents before he saw them. Tamsyn was curled up on the bed of furs, positively glowing with radiant motherly bliss and looking far happier than Artorias had seen her in a long, long time. He saw Tam press her paw to her muzzle in a silent shush and the giant alpha cringed with an apologetic look. As quietly as he could, he crept closer to peer around Tamsyn's curled paws and tail. Nestled against her stomach were three little beans of wolves, sound asleep as they snuggled with their mother. Artorias' mouth fell open the moment he beheld them—his siblings, half-blooded be damned! Amber eyes glistened with glowing teal tears while he watched them sleep, the two girls bearing striking resemblance to their mother while the third was a near copycat of his sire. They were beautiful and precious.

Turning to meet Tamsyn's eyes with his own beaming face, Artorias came closer to gently nuzzle and lick his mother's cheek in wordless congratulations and affection. "I'm so happy for you, Mom," he whispered in the quiet of the den, his voice barely louder than the rolling of the waves outside. "What are their names?"

"Artorias Carpathius"