How You Like Me Now

Art and Fern have been plotting and today their plan will come to fruition.

It has quickly become apparent, since the birth of both of their litters, that some, if not all, the pups have had their eyes on weapons. Fern herself has noticed at least two of the pups already carrying sticks around as if they are swords. Plus, when the pups are allowed in the armory under heavy supervision, there is no mistaking the awe on their little faces. While all of the parents have been busy with their families, Artorias and Fern have been sure to find time to continue their training together.

Training is one of the only truly constant routines in the gray woman’s day and she always looks forward to the time she gets to spend with her brother-in-law. He has seen her personal growth in life while also helping to cultivate her interest in the way of the sword. And now, they have pups of their own who are showing interest in weapons and it seems only right that teacher and student help to further the children along their paths. The season has seen more rain than normal and, while the pair wait for a string of sunny days, they lay the plans out.

Today, the sun shines brightly in an almost cloudless sky and the plan is put into action. Fern arrives at the outdoor training area first, moving the covered dummies out and away from the ring that they pair will use. Puff helps her test the ground, making sure that it is not loose while also filling in spots that have washed away during the rains. Once the ground is even and the ring cleared, she then sets up an area for the spectators, using a large log to mark the point that the puppies cannot cross. All in all, she has the area prepped and ready by the late morning hours.

Puff helps her to don her leather armor, deftly buckling it into place with her own, well-practiced, paws. With her armor in place, Fern then sets about doing her normal warmup stretches, working the muscles loss while she awaits Art’s arrive. He had promised to bring two of the blunted steel training swords with him and, as she spies his large form approaching, is happy to see that he has the weapons. Once he has joined her, the gray woman continues through her stretches while saying, “Morning Art! Ready to give them a show they won’t soon forget?” Eyes sparkle with mischief as she grins at her teacher, waiting for him to give the call to gather.



"Fern Carpathius"