Unbowed, unbent, unbroken

The fighting between his two prospective warriors was intense, yet honorable. From the sidelines, Artorias watched with steely eyes as he studied the movements of both combatants, observing the methods and mannerisms of the two fighters as they clashed and collided. Despite the size difference between the two, Avantika fought as ferociously as any impassioned warrior, and Mercury likewise did not show his opponent any underestimation. Both respected the other and took the challenge seriously, and Artorias knew this fight would be a close call between the two seasoned fighters. At some point during the fighting, Artorias took notice of the audience, of his family come to offer their support to whomever their new Commander might be. The Aegis' stoic expression softened when he glimpsed his small daughter amongst the group, beckoning her over with a wave of a paw to come sit by him to get a better view of the spectacle. She looked like she was practically vibrating with excitement, and he would always encourage his child's curiosity.

After some time, Avantika managed to get in close and dodge a grapple from Mercury, giving her the opening she needed to get her fangs in at his neck. "Cease combat! I've seen enough," Artorias bellowed above the sounds of fighting, rising to step into the arena towards his two wolves. "Avantika, Mercury, you both have exhibited exemplary skills and prowess today. You should both be extremely proud. you stepped forward to accept the challenge and faced it nobly and with courage." Truly, the Aegis was so proud of both wolves, and it showed in the way his fire-blazoned eyes shone as he looked between them. But there could only be one Commander, and a winner had to be named. "After careful consideration and what I've observed, I'm proud to name Avantika as the Hallows' first Commander! With this new rise in rank, I have great expectations for you, and you will need honor, diligence, and balance." Artorias placed a gentle emphasis on "balance", his gaze lingering on Tika's. He was putting all of his faith into her to uphold the protection of the pack—that included herself as well, and caring for her own wellbeing.

Artorias' gaze shifted to Mercury next, fixing the dark-coated wolf with a proud smile. "Mercury, although you have not been with us long, you have truly shown beyond a doubt what the Hallows means to you. You've made this your home, accepted us as your kin, and you always strive to help improve everything you involve yourself in. This loyalty is exactly the kind of trait that makes our greatest Knights into even better Vanguard. I would be honored if you became our next Vanguard." Offering the rank of Vanguard to Mercury was as much a show of trust in the man as it was a reward for his skills and efforts. The Vanguard were the personal guard of his family—a family that now included five small, squishy puppies. Only those he trusted the most were ever asked to take on such a task, and Artorias hoped that in spite of not getting the rank he may have desired today, he would accept the prestigious rank at his family's side until the day came where he could challenge for Commander again.

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