The Warrior and his Ward

Zephyrus seemed unfazed by his stern response while Artorias chided his adopted son's reckless and risky behavior. Really, did he expect any less though? Zeph was a headstrong young lad—so much so it reminded the Aegis of another young black and blue pup from long before. Like father, like bird son... Realizing he wasn't getting anywhere, Art breathed a heavy sigh, simply relieved that Zephyrus hadn't been harmed at all. His son's enthusiastic cheers caused the Aegis to both balk and feel a swell of pride for his child who was following his passions for armed combat. The words he spoke reminded Artorias of a much younger version of himself, the same pup who would pick up sticks to swing at small prey animals in an attempt to replicate fantasy combat. In the argentavis, he saw that same small pup that one day wanted to be a knight.

Artorias had just begun to relax from his tense state when Zeph told him—not ask, told him—that he wanted to have a go at armed combat again. The Aegis wasn't given even a moment to consider it before his avian child resorted to threats to get what he wanted, dropping the ultimatum of telling Briar he'd snuck his sparring swords up with him. Art flashed shocked amber eyes up to his son, giving him a hard stare for a moment. After a moment, Artorias gave a sigh and slid his sword back into its scabbard, then slid the weapon from off of his back, moving toward the obelisk to rest it up against one of the smooth sides. Now disarmed of his lethal weapon, Art turned toward Zeph and motioned for one of the sparring swords. "All right, but give your kind and very forgiving father one of those swords so we can have a fair match," he said, waiting for Zephyr to hand one of them over before taking the mock weapon in his jaws.

The obsidian and azure wolf took a couple steps away from the obelisk, putting a couple meters of space between him and his adopted son, then turned to square up against Zeph. "I'm going to give you ten seconds to get in the air, then I'm coming for you," he challenged his child, a playful and wicked gleam in his fiery eyes. Zeph wanted sword fighting lessons? The Aegis would give him what he wanted—while teaching him the valuable lesson of why you don't resort to threats unless you can back them up. Sure, maybe he should've taught the avian some of the basics to make it a fairer fight, but there'd be plenty of time for that—after he smacked Zephyr's butt a few times with the wooden sword to remind him of his manners.

Artorias vs Zephyrus for Spar (Learn some manners, boy!)
Round 0/?
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"