Fostering Wanderlust

The youthful excitement and boundless wanderlust his smallest daughter exuded brought endless joy to Artorias, and his heart overflowed with love for his little girl! Clove reminded him so much of himself when he was her age, fascinated and awed by the wonders of their massive world and vowing to explore all of it one day. The way she stared, mouth agape at the expansive plains while they traversed toward the Grove brought him back to the first day he and his siblings had left their birthing den high atop the Sunset Falls, how he had been able to see for miles in all directions across Boreas and how it had sparked an innate curiosity and yearning to explore in his younger self. To see his children exhibit those same traits brought a kindred spirit between the sire and his pups, and it was a trait he hoped they would foster and maintain for the rest of their days.

Together the father and daughter took their time strolling through the long spring grasses of the plains, Artorias keeping his gait easy so Clove would have ample opportunity to explore as they went, keen amber eyes following the gray form of his daughter as she darted here and there all around the fields. A proud and amused smile pulled at the dire brute's lips and he couldn't help but chuckle at her innocent amazement. When they reached the Wildberry Grove and he had given her permission to break off and explore to her heart's content, Clove was eager to take full advantage of her freedom, body dipping into a playful bow as she vowed to find all sorts of treasures for them. Grinning and dropping down into a matching play bow, Art booped his nose against the end of Clove's. "Go find us some treasures, little love!" And then Clove was off, running about the bushes and foliage to collect anything she found interesting.

As his daughter played and explored, Artorias began his slow patrol around the Wildberry Grove. With how antsy and aggressive some of the predators had been getting lately (especially the damn bears) he had to make sure their borders were protected and under constant vigilance. Patrols with the Knights had already increased, but the Aegis would not be satisfied his family was safe until he was pulling his weight with his fighters as well. Sharp fiery eyes scanned through the forest, swerving through the trees to keep an eye out for any encroaching threats. Every now and then he would catch a glimpse of gray darting through the underbrush and watch as Clove scurried about collecting an assortment of fruits from each of the plants they passed. Art watched Clove with the purest of love in his gaze, a proud paternal smile painting his features. Nothing brought him joy in his life quite like his children did.

After a short while of patrolling and finding no immediate threats, Artorias turned to look for Clove again. He spotted his small pup sampling the scent of some deep verdant green leaves that caused her to sneeze in the most adorable fashion. Chuckling to himself, Art moved over to join Clove, glancing over the type of plant she was investigating. Although he was far from an expert in botany, Artorias was very familiar with this particular plant! "That one smells pretty weird, doesn't it, sweetheart?" he asked, a bit of jest in his voice as he came up to inspect the long jagged fronds of the leaves with a knowing smirk. Clove would have no idea what she had stumbled upon yet—but maybe the Aegis would sneak some of this home for him and Briar to enjoy later tonight after the kids had been put to bed. "This is a special kind of plant, one that only grown wolves should use. There are certain plants and flowers in this world that are only for adults to have fun, just like how there are ones to make you feel better when you're not well, like how you chewed marshmallow when your teeth started to come in."

Artorias found a sprig with a good amount of the cannabis leaves on it and used his claws to cut it loose, then whistled into the air. Corbin came gliding gracefully down from a nearby tree, took the sprig in his beak, and took to the air again to deliver the plant back to Hearthstone. "When you're older, if you'd like to try some of these special plants, your mother and I would prefer you do it in the safety of our home." Looking back down to his daughter, Art tilted his head curiously as he gave Clove the chance to ask him any questions she had about the special plants, or to show him some of the "treasures" she had collected so far.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian"