Look Da, no hands!

No sooner had Artorias alerted Ciaran that they were right on top of their quarry, a ruffle of grass not caused by the now still wind came from nearby. Artorias' ear flicked, head snapping in the direction of the sound, and as the grasses shifted just a bit, his enhanced eyesight caught a glimpse of ochre amongst the green. There was no time between spotting the tiger and its ambush for Art to warn his son, and Ciaran was the closer target. Thankfully, Spud stepped in to save the day, intercepting the lunging tiger with a ferocious roar as the two predators locked in combat. Kea took a moment to gain his bearings (no pun intended) and then rushed in to fight the tiger as well.

As a father, Artorias' first instinct was to rush in and join his son in battle. But as a young warrior's mentor, the Aegis knew the value of paws-on learning. The tiger was outnumbered three-to-one. It would not be a fair fight, and Art could end it in seconds with the sword sheathed across his back. So instead, Artorias hung to the perimeter of the skirmish, watching Kea's form and his tactics while making sure the tiger didn't pose too great of a threat to the wolf or polar bear. If the fight started turning in favor of the tiger, then he'd come to his son's aid. Artorias did lend Kea a hand every so often by barking and feigning an attack towards the tiger, who recoiled from the wolf and roared while swiping its clawed paws at Art to keep him at bay. "Don't let up, Kea! Press the attack and keep it on the defensive!"

"Artorias Carpathius"