Where our Problems Began

The aftermath of the encounter with the purple brute had seen Artorias plagued with restlessness and worry. Though he had managed to fight the purple brute back and protect his daughter and her innocence from her would-be rapist, it had all been in the nick of time. Too often did dark thoughts of what he and Briar might have found had they been a few minutes later—or how close they had come to possibly losing Talyssa entirely, whether to the feral coyotes or to the savage boy abducting her for his own debased purposes. It terrified the young father and kept him up that night. Thank the gods none of his worst nightmares had come true. Talyssa was safely home and secure behind their borders. Artorias had issued double patrols around the borders just in case the stranger decided to get bold and try his luck with the Aegis and his family again. If he did, Artorias would not be so kind and merciful a second time.

Sleep did not come for Artorias that night. He laid awake in the quiet darkness of the bedchambers as his family all slumbered soundly around him—all save for Talyssa, who had spent the evening down in the infirmary. He envied his pups for their peace and innocence that allowed them to sleep not knowing the darknesses and evils lurking in the world. The Carpathian brute had done all that he could to shield his family from that side of the world, but it seemed like his little Taly would be discovering it for herself far sooner than he would have liked. Now he had the inner debate of what he should do now… No doubt Talyssa would have questions for him about what happened. How did he answer them? Did he tell her the truth about the vile and lecherous intentions the brute had for her or did he deflect and try his best to keep shielding her? He knew he couldn’t protect her forever, but dammit, he shouldn’t have to explain what sexual assault was to his half a year old pup!

It was just before dawn when Artorias eventually gave up on sleep, his hyperactive brain far too addled with anxiety to calm down. With a tired grumble, the dire brute rolled out of bed and to his paws, gathering his sword and armor in preparation to begin his patrol. He dressed as quietly as he could and tiptoed out of the bedroom to avoid waking his queen or their pups, then made his way down the silent corridors of Hearthstone to the first level. His path diverted from its usual course outside to stop by the infirmary to check on Talyssa, only to find she wasn't in there. A bit of panic rose in Artorias' chest, but a quick scent check found Taly's scent leading into the nearby lounge. The door was pushed open a smidge, and peering inside, the sire found his daughter relaxing on one of the chaises looking out the window at the pre-dawn world. It seemed he wasn't the only one plagued with insomnia tonight... Pushing open the door with a soft creak of wood, Artorias crossed the room to join Talyssa at the window, checking on her leg when he drew near. "Couldn't sleep, huh?" It was rhetorical, but she was free to respond as she pleased. "Do you want to take a walk with me? I think there's some things you probably want to ask me."

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