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The irritation painted on Azure's grimace gave Artorias no joy. He didn't enjoy feeling this tension from someone he was supposed to call family. His marriage to Briar was supposed to help tether him closer to the Fatalis family, yet he'd never felt more at odds with someone as he did with Azure. All he could think of was the apology he'd been given, laden with excuses and stories made to make himself seem empathetic and like the victim in his narrative. He'd tried to shift the onus of the conflict onto Artorias by claiming that he was the one that needed to understand Hanako and how she was, as if that forgave all trespasses and offenses by the mere merit of her existence. Artorias could understand Azure's desire to shield his mate from reprisal just as he desired to avenge the slight against his mate, but it had felt more like Azure was trying to avoid culpability than take it and make amends. Ultimately, that hadn't been what led to this confrontation. What had led to the two dire wolves facing off was Azure's attempt to appeal to Art's love of family to twist things in his favor. He'd forgiven the words said against Briar, but this was now between the Champion who had tried to manipulate him and the Aegis he'd offended.

Artorias did not know Azure. That was the long and short of the matter. He knew nothing about the man opposite him save for his name, title, and lineage. He did not know the effort Azure had made when he'd apologized, did not know that he was the only one the Champion had spoken those words to, but he also never considered the fear Azure had of him using his vulnerability against him. Artorias was not in the business of keeping sensitive information to harm and manipulate others. Azure agreed to his challenge with an uncharacteristically exasperated sigh, then told him he put no restrictions on family. Artorias' scowl twitched on his face when Azure used that word. Did the dire wolf really consider him family? How could he? He didn't know Artorias any more than Art knew him. The azure wolf shook his head at the mention of the Armada. "This is between us. Just us." There would be no retaliation on anyone's behalf for him—not his family nor his pack. Whatever happened, happened.

Like that, their fight began. Azure didn't waste time on banter, something Artorias appreciated and respected. He'd rather get down to the matter at hand as well. Azure charged, closing the distance between them swiftly. Although he had more than ample time to draw his sword, Artorias did not. He held his ground, but he did not escalate with Azure. He truly did not want to hurt his brother-in-law. He didn't want to draw blood or maim him—his face was torn up enough as it was—or do anything with any lasting consequences. He just wanted to show Azure his mercy and familial love was not to be taken advantage of.

Artorias held his ground, paws set and reflexes tensed. His sharpened eyes followed Azure's movements, watching while the other man lifted his mutated forepaw high to bring it down on him. Artorias shifted his weight, pivoting to the side and then lunging forward, but not quite fully out of Azure's strike. The weight of the other wolf's paw clapped down on his shoulder, not quite as squarely as his opponent had sought, but enough to force Art to brace against the other wolf's strength. Matching in height and weight, Artorias did not go down, instead seizing the opportunity to use their closer proximity to push himself through to lunge for Azure with parted jaws, seeking to bite down where the Fatalis prince's neck and shoulder met. Azure's claws raked through his thicker fur, thankfully nullifying much of the damage, though the sting still remained. As he moved, Artorias also lifted a forepaw with the intent to wrap it around the other side of Azure's neck and get him in a grapple. He might not be able to topple the battle-hardened Armadan, but he was certainly going to try to make it difficult for him to maneuver.

Artorias vs Azure for Dominance
Round 1/2
Age: 1+ years
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Damascus steel sword
Defensive Battle Accessory: Reinforced leather cuirass
Companion 1: Common raven, Male - Flying - Boosted
Companion 2: Silver cross fox - Battle - Boosted
*Companion 3: Common raven, Female - Flying
Mutation 1: Stronger teeth and jaws - Offensive
Mutation 2: Thicker fur - Defensive
Mutation 3: Enhanced vision - Perception
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Navigator
Specialty: Knight or Fleet-footed

"Artorias Carpathius"