Fostering Wanderlust

As he expected, Clove declared that she understood the cautions he was giving her about the cannabis plant. Artorias never had any doubt Clove would be quick on the uptake or give him any sort of pushback on his directive. She was such a bright girl at such a young age, and sweet as rock sugar. He loved his littlest girl with all his heart and soul. Artorias chuckled and craned his neck down to press a kiss to the top of his daughter's crown and a gentle lick on the end of her snout. "That's my good girl!" he praised her good behavior, bright amber eyes shining with pride and affection for her.

Artorias couldn't resist a hearty laugh when Clove reassured him that if she did ever want to try getting high, he'd be the first one she told. Her youthful innocence was just too precious to the sire wolf! Of course he appreciated how much she wanted to be open and share things with him, but he also knew that as she got older, he doubted she'd want to share such personal things with her dad. Still, it made him smile. "We'll see what the future holds, little love. You've got so much more to see and discover in your lifetime." Artorias was so excited for his children to make their own discoveries and forge their own paths in life. He only prayed that they were safe and happy as they did, and that he would always be around for them if they needed their dad for anything.

Clove asked him to take her around the borders of the Grove, and Artorias was quick to grin and give a nod to her request. "Of course, little love! C'mon, I'll show you just how big our home is." Motioning with a tilt of his head for her to follow, Artorias waited for Clove to get ready before he led the way through the thicket of fruit trees all the way out to where their scent markers marked the boundaries of their territory from the wild lands beyond. At the edge of the Grove, the trees began to thin out, revealing the open line of coast that led to the Bifröst land bridge and to Boreas beyond. To the east past an expanse of open field and a river, the aspen woods could be seen bordering their home. "This is the northernmost border of our homelands, Clovie," explained Art to his daughter, walking leisurely along the inside of their border so Clove could take her time drinking in all the sights. "Down that way is the shore, and that long strip of land is the Bifröst. It goes aaaaaaall the way across the sea to Boreas, where all of your mother's family lives." Artorias let Clove do all the wandering her little heart desired, ready to answer any questions she might have or offer her piggyback rides if her little legs grew tired.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian"