The future waits for no one

Artorias listened while Thorn gave him instructions on how to begin reading his future, an amused smile on his lips all the while. It took a great deal of effort to not giggle after everything his son said because it was just so dang adorable! "Okay, I think I get it," he remarked with a little bit of a titter in his voice, but followed Thorn’s instructions and played along all the same. Artorias drew in a deep breath, holding it in his lungs for a moment for good effect, then slowly released it out in a measured exhale. "All right, I’m ready. Give me my future, oh all seeing Thorn!" Art couldn’t wait to see what this show his son was about to put on for him would be like.

Thorn began, pulling a card from the top of the deck and handling it with eager with clumsy paws, breaking Artorias’ face into a smile once again. The first card Art was presented with depicted three hearts impaled with swords. The Carpathian man tilted his head in curiosity, studying the artwork on the card while Thorn began to explain its meaning. The little blue pup sure seemed excited by it! Once Thorn started to speak, Artorias realized what the cause of his child’s excitement was. Art breathed a chuckle and shook his head in reaction to his eldest pup’s exasperating drive to get himself a sword. "Uh-huh… So the cards are telling me to give you a sword, huh?" Clearly the future mistook Artorias for a foolish father, though he wouldn’t disparage his son’s fortune telling. It was all in good fun, and it was amusing to see his child so enthused by something that wasn’t shiny and made to kill.

The next card, however, slowly sapped the amusement from Artorias’ face. A castle turret, burning in bright flame. Thorn described the meaning to be a major battle coming to the Hallows. A powerful enemy attacked the Hallows and set fire to the castle. Artorias was chalking up this prediction to Thorn just inferring what the artwork literally showed, but a part of him couldn’t help but grow cautious around the grim omen. He was reminded of the pirate raid on the castle over a year prior, wondering if this was a prediction of a round two from the unruly curs. For their sake, he sincerely hoped not. If the pirates had thought the Hallows was a touch nut to crack before, now they would have to contend with a furious Aegis fighting tooth and nail to protect his new family. No holds would be barred.

"I see…" muttered Artorias, pensive and less amused by the second card. There was still one card remaining though. Art lifted his amber eyes to meet Thorn’s golden yellows. "Well, let’s see if this big, bad enemy stands a chance against the Hallows." He gave his son a confident grin and gestured for Thorn to flip the last card.



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