It Didn't Look Sharp

As he expected, both pups were enthusiastic about seeing the swords, but Dread was even more emphatic than his own daughter, barking out an excited yes. It was the most life Artorias had seen in the young Fatalis pup since he'd arrived! Good to know, Artorias logged that detail away in his memory banks for later. After all, the Hallows was always open to family, and if Dread wanted to come back and spend his time learning the ins and outs of all the weapons as well as the art of wielding them, the Aegis would be happy to accommodate his younger brother-in-law. A husky chuckle rumbled in the alpha's chest when Dread tried to wiggle his way around Artorias' words, finding ways he could come back to study the weapons, then asking some very astute questions about the care and upkeep of each one. "That is indeed what I am saying, young prince," he replied, giving Dread a knowing look. "So long as you have a wolf permitted to be in here with you to supervise you until you're older. Not just anyone. That means myself, your sister Briar, or one of the Hallows' Knights or Vanguard."

Dread's enthusiasm gave rise to an intriguing idea to Artorias. With so many wolves of his own kin and strangers alike curious about the use of weaponry, perhaps he could offer lessons for them to those who were interested. Dread certainly seemed to be! It brought a sense of pride to the sword-wielding Aegis' heart. Maybe he could have a discussion with Sirius about starting some apprenticeships with the former Warlord's children. Glancing up to the polearm Dread was looking at in particular, Artorias smirked and rose to his paws, stepping past the pups to the weapons on the wall rack. "That depends on the weapon. Each one is different, and each one requires different care. Some are similar, but just like every wolf, each weapon is unique." Artorias lifted a blue paw to rest on the polished mahogany handle of the spear, looking the weapon up and down. "A spear, for example, needs the wood shaft oiled and polished as much as the blade at the end, since that is what is between you and the pointy end. If it isn't maintained, your weapon could break in combat or it could be damaged when you try to handle it."

Artorias selected a simple steel short sword from the rack, the edges and tip blunted for use as a sparring sword rather than a battle ready blade. He carried the sword back to Talyssa and Dread, setting the sword down with a gentle clink of metal on the stone floor, gesturing for them to come closer and inspect it. "Your basic sword," he introduced them to the weapon. "Feel free to touch it, but keep your paws away from the edges. This one is not sharp enough to cut, but you should treat every weapon with respect and caution." The Aegis smiled at the children, giving them time to explore and ask any questions they had. Lifting a paw, Art began to point out the different parts of the sword to the curious puppies. "This is the blade, the part that slices and stabs. Below that is your crossguard, the part that protects you from your own blade and gives you a more secure hold on the weapon. Below that is the grip where you hold it with your jaws, and at the bottom is the pommel. This one is simple in design, but some are much fancier and highly decorated."

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