The Art of War

Just before their first birthdays, Bramble had told Artorias that she wanted to train to be a Knight, to learn to fight and protect herself and the Hallows. A proud father had assured her that he would train her, and now the time had come. Bramble had been receiving some basic lessons from Mercury, but his daughter had specifically asked to train with him, and he would honor her request. In fact, it would be his pleasure to teach his child! Artorias watched the morning sun finish rising over the eastern forest as he finished his morning meditation and completed his daily routine, readying himself for another day. A deep breath in, released as a slow sigh, and then the Aegis rose from his place atop the high walls of Hearthstone. It had rained the night before, making the air cool yet a touch sticky with humidity, but that wouldn't deter Art from his lessons, nor would he allow it to dissuade Bramble either. A warrior could not always pick their battlefield, after all.

Making his way down the stone steps to the courtyard below and then out the open gates, Artorias headed to the outdoor training arenas, the ground soft but not muddy thankfully. He didn't exactly relish the idea of Briar scolding him for getting their pups mucky in the pursuit of training again, but sometimes he wished his mate understood that combat wasn't always a clean sport. After tromping around the arena a few times to make sure there wasn't any risk of slippage, the dire wolf lifted his muzzle and gave a soft call for his tawny daughter, trying not to wake the rest of the pack in the process. Then he waited for her, eager to see what she had learned so far and what he could show her today.

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