Red alert

From the sidelines, Artorias watched as Bramble confronted the intruder as this Adelaide boldly called out his daughter, taunting her with an implication that she would refuse their orders. She challenged Bramble and mocked the ideas of living in a pack. There was little more to be said after that. Adelaide had proven her intent here was antagonistic at best and malicious at worst, and she had to be dealt with. To his delight and pride, Bramble stepped up to the challenge, and the fight was on. Artorias could have jumped in to turn it into a two-on-one to protect his child, but Bramble was growing into a more mature young woman now. He needed to give her the space to do things on her own and prove her capabilities. When Bramble looked back at him, her sire simply gave her an approving nod and a small smile. Then it was on.

Bramble rushed Adelaide and the two women engaged in combat, the fighting fierce but restrained on Bramble’s part. Artorias paced the edges of the battleground, observing Bramble’s tactics and techniques in practice. He remained quiet, saving his observations for after the fight was finished. At one point one of the trespasser’s attacks went deep, cutting into Bramble’s skin. The moment blood was drawn, Art’s protective paternal instincts kicked in full force. Fiery eyes narrowed to the trespasser and his muscles tensed, ready to spring into the fight, but he continued to hold his place and let Bramble continue to take control of the situation. He wasn't going to undermine his daughter's moment to prove her capabilities to him—but more importantly to herself.

That turned out to be the right decision, as a few moments later Bramble had subdued Adelaide with a brutal collision of their heads together, the sound of their skulls smacking together making Artorias wince. Adelaide tumbled to the ground and Art was moving towards Bramble the instant the fight was over, concerned eyes checking over his daughter's wounds. The lacerations to her shoulder appeared no worse than superficial cuts that looked worse than they were, and besides maybe a mild concussion from her ill-advised headbutt she was fine. Scratch that, Bramble was more than fine. She was victorious! Artorias said nothing while he let Bramble have her moment of triumph, growling out an order for Adelaide to leave and not come back lest she be taken prisoner. Art admired his daughter's mercy amidst her sternness; had this been the Armada, Sirius would likely have taken her captive immediately. But the Aegis was not fully satisfied with the warning this trespasser had been issued. She had knowingly invaded their lands, and had she done so for means of survival or unwittingly he might have been merciful as well. But Adelaide had shown she was looking for trouble—and worse, she had injured the alpha's daughter and spilled blood in their home, one of the most severe crimes in the Hallows.

"If I ever see you in these lands again, I'll take your paws to make sure there isn't a third time. Now get out," the massive blue wolf snarled after the defeated intruder, glaring at her as he waited for her to retreat while she still had her paws to run away with. If Adelaide foolishly chose to remain, the Aegis would have no qualms doling out a round two beating to her. If she simply left, then Artorias would turn his attention to Bramble, regarding his daughter with a loving smile. Strong forelegs opened up wide to accept Bramble into an embrace, holding her close while he nuzzled his tall daughter's forehead. "Sunt foarte mandru de tine, Bramble," he said in gentle rumbling tones. "You did very well, and you defended your home successfully. You showed mercy, but remained firm and unyielding. Though maybe next time, we try not to beat our heads against our opponents, eh?" He chuckled and went to gently rub a giant paw over Bramble's crown, careful to make sure he didn't hurt any tender spots. "C'mon, let's get that shoulder looked at by Aunt Gwyn."

"Artorias Carpathius"