Make good decisions

Artorias knew his children were smart. All five of them were so, so clever for their age. Perhaps that was what made them act out and reckless; they had that same restless urge to just do that he had when he was a pup. He did not enjoy scolding Bramble, but he did it to make sure she knew how and when to make good decisions for herself. One day she would be old enough to venture out on her own, and he might not be there to protect or help her if she found trouble. The Aegis would always be there for his family, especially his children, but he knew all too well the risks and dangers that existed out in the world. How many times had he nearly lost his own life somewhere far from home? Who would have saved him back then? The best thing he could do for his pups was to prepare them the best he could, lest they come home injured or maimed or pregnant—or worse, never came back at all. Those fears remained silent and unspoken by the father who dared not sully his child's innocence with such worries. They were his alone to watch over so that they could enjoy the childhood he never got to live.

For all her humility, Bramble was attentive to his words. She nodded when he asked if she understood and didn't interrupt or talk back. She was such a good girl that it felt even worse having to chide her like this. But when he was done and breathed his rhetorical question on a sigh, Bramble seemed to come to life with an idea. A brightness returned to her turquoise eyes as she told him to teach her to be the best warrior the Hallows had ever known. That response caught Artorias truly off guard! Much like Talyssa, Bramble hadn't shown much interest in the art of combat until recently. But a late blooming flower was still just as beautiful and fragrant as the early spring buds. Art considered Bramble's request for a moment, studying her intent gaze for any signs of jesting or insincerity. He found none in those youthful green eyes. The surprised expression on the sire wolf's face began to shift into intrigue, a lopsided smile making its way across his lips.

"The best warrior the Hallows has ever known, eh? Well, you'll have some healthy competition from your brothers for that title, Lady Carpathius," Artorias teased back. A giant blue paw lifted to stroke along his young pup's back while she snuggled up into his arms, an imaginative gleam in her father's eyes as he pictured Bramble dressed in the vestments of the Hallows, bearing arms with her siblings and brethren. It was no secret that most of the pups' combat lessons came from their sire. He would be glad to add another name to his roster if this was what she desired. "I'll let you in on a little secret, Brammy. If you want to learn how to be a warrior and put your mind to your training, you can be the best warrior. In the Hallows, in Auster, in the world." A little tilt came to Art's head as he left the choice in her paws, just as Resin had left the same decision in his when he was her age. "Would you like to become a Knight, Bramble?"

"Carpathius Family"