Lord Of the Keep

Observing the way Mercury studied his most prized possession, Artorias could tell that his fellow lupine had a true curiosity for the weapon. There was an awe-inspired fascination within the male's stormy blue eyes while he inspected every inch and facet of the blade, complimenting the craftsmanship that had gone into making such a fine piece. Artorias had to agree; he had no idea where his mother had procured such a fine blade, nor had he met the master craftsman who had restored it following its theft from him, but both artisans had his high praise and gratitude for their work. "It is indeed. It's the most treasured possession I own. A reminder of the past and the future."

The keen-eyed Aegis didn't miss the shadow of melancholy that crossed over Mercury's face when he explained the origins of how the sword came to be in his ownership. It wasn't unexpected that someone as young as they were had suffered their fair shares of loss and tragedy, but there was a deeper part to that darkness that hinted to mysteries left unexplored. Mercury had experienced loss, a deep and centric loss that struck one to their very soul. Artorias would not ask him about it—at least not now, when they were still veritable strangers. Perhaps if the decorous wolf remained in contact, there would be a time for soul bearing in the future. "It was a long time ago now... but thank you." Very nearly two years, in fact. More than half of his lifetime ago. "The pain fades, but the scars will always remain. Metaphorically, and physically..." Artorias shifted his right shoulder, parting the fur there with a large paw to reveal the thin lines of scars beneath his coat that his mother had left him with the day she died.

Artorias felt no apprehension when Mercury reached forward to touch Embershard. He only concerned himself with making sure his guest didn't cut himself on the sharp edge of the blade. The resounding metallic ting that rang out when Mercury rapped a claw against the rippling steel surface was akin to a tuning fork striking a crystal glass in its sound and beauty. Artorias' smile twitched a little larger while he listened to that sound, clearly very proud of the sword that would one day become a Carpathius family heirloom. The Aegis chuckled when Mercury cited Fern as his source of fascination for weapons. "I see my apprentice is doing her part to show off those skills! There are many different kinds of weapons in this world. I've seen various types of swords, shaped and crafted in many forms. There's shorter blades, daggers, and spears, and I'm sure even more that I haven't seen yet. The Hallows armory has many of these in it. I'm no smith, but I do what I can to maintain them, keep them ready for battle when the time comes." A knowing smirk touched the azure wolf's lips as he added, "What appeals to you most about weapons, Mercury?"

"Artorias" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"