Almost adults

Briar blinked open her eyes to the early morning sunlight as it just began to peak through the curtains that were drawn over the windows. In truth, it was rare for her to be up quite this early, but today was a special day so her own excitement got her up just as their children began to stir. It was still so strange sitting up in the bed she shared with Artorias and looking over to see nearly fully grown yearlings instead of a pile of small, cuddling pups. They would be moving out soon into their own spaces, spreading their wings and continuing to mature... It was all incredibly bitter sweet. She did her best not to focus on the part of her that yearned for them to stay small, young, and innocent forever, but instead focused her attention on the part of her that was so proud of the wolves they were becoming and her excitement to see them continue to grow and find their own paths.

Slipping out of bed, she gave herself a quick shake and then started going around to each of their children, rousing them from their sleep and getting them out of their beds with the promise of a special birthday breakfast. While that was certainly true, there was a bigger surprise than just breakfast waiting for them in the great hall. After getting even their most sleepy and stubborn children up and out of the bedroom, she followed them down the stairs and down the corridor that brought them to the great hall where Artorias was already waiting with their wrapped up gifts. She couldn't keep the grin from her features as she came over to join them. They had been working on these gifts for quite a while, figuring out what each of them might want and like and personalizing them to each of their children. She leaned into Artorias' shoulder for a moment, giving him a kiss on the cheek before beginning to help him with passing out each pup's gift.

"Carpathius Family"