You'll never expect this!

During their fraternal embrace, Artorias had noticed Rudy's puff tail begin to wag with all the young man's enthusiasm, and it warmed the Aegis' heart. He loved Rudyard. From the time they'd been born, he and his brother had been very close. All the play fights, the adventures they went out on, the mischief they'd made and trouble they found, and still even now as adults, Art treasured his relationship with his little brother. Rudy was right in his thinking: so long as he lived, Artorias would always have his back. When asked about the details of their engagement, Rudy grinned and explained how they'd likely take their time, but wouldn't be waiting too long, lest Fern get antsy over the delay. The dire wolf chuckled, knowing Briar had been exactly the same way, and as soon as he'd proposed to her she had already begun the wedding planning process. "Yeah, you're probably right. Ladies do like to get a move on with the romance stuff."

Rudy mentioned Fern being so quick on the draw that he hadn't gotten a chance to offer up the ideas of marriage or being mates and Artorias gave a deep laugh, shooting a playful grin at his brother. "She's beating you to the punch, Rudy! You're slipping, brother. Can't let her keep catching you off guard, or the next thing you know she'll be working you over for pups too!" Artorias strode back over to his worktable to where two goblets and a half empty bottle of wine sat. He snatched the goblets up, then proceeded to fill each with a small amount of the rich, sweet wine he kept in his private reserve. This was a special occasion, and he wanted t toast it properly with Rudy. He didn't actually know if his brother partook of alcohol or not, but he'd rather offer it and be polite.

As Art poured their drinks, Rudy spoke up again and said he had promised to take Fern on an adventure—and that they would be doing so after the wedding. Artorias glanced back over his shoulder at his brother while he stuck the cork back in the wine. "Is that so? So are you requesting permission from your Aegis to waylay both of your duties to the pack, or are you telling your brother this is what you're doing?" asked Art with a raised brow and crooked smile. He pushed the goblet along the table and gestured for Rudy to come join him if he wanted. He was always accessible to his family, no matter what role or responsibilities he took on. "Y'know, this is a big ask. Losing not only two of my most accomplished warriors, but also two of my four hunters as well? For a season?" Artorias took a sip of wine, giving Rudy a pause to process exactly what he was asking. "You know I love you and want you to have fun, little brother—but I have to think of the Hallows too. What do you suggest I do to compensate for the loss of skill in our ranks?"

Curious amber eyes fixed to his brother's golden stare; Rudy had always wanted a taste of more responsibility and decision-making that came with being in charge. Well, now Art would let him get a sample. What would Rudyard say if he was posed with this dilemma?

"Artorias Carpathius"