How You Like Me Now

As the pups file in, Fern greets them with a happy smile and dancing eyes. As Elowen arrives, breathless and apologizing, the monochrome woman sings a laugh and reaches out for her daughter, giving her an affectionate nuzzle on the top of her head before scooting her over to where the others are gathered. Calling for attention, she then directs everyone to Artorias who… passes the lesson back to her. Wide eyes blink at the Aegis, uncertainty flickering across her features for a moment before she dips her head in agreement.

The black and blue male steps to one of the blunted blades, pulling it free from the ground and flipping it into the air with a grand flourish which causes the sunlight to make the sword appear as if it is glowing. With the easy that comes from years of practice, Artorias positions himself underneath the sword and lunges upward to effortless capture the hilt in his jaws. A gentle laugh fills the air as she gives him a small shake of her skull, winking to the showboating Aegis before turning back to address the gathered pups.

“Artorais is able to wield the sword that way because he has spent countless hours training. Since he was about your age, he has learned everything he could about his weapon. From how heavy it is, the correct way to hold the hilt in his mouth, to how to move his body for maximum effectiveness.” Nodding toward Art, Fern’s countenance turns stern as she warns the pups, “I don’t want any of you trying that for a while. We will give you the basics you need today, so that, in the future, you too can be as confident with a weapon as Artorias is.”

A smile blooms across her face, chasing away the hardness that been there mere moments before. Lifting a paw to point toward Art, Fern says, “The first thing to learn is the correct way to hold a sword, or weapon, in your mouth. To know that, you must be aware of how heavy it is and how to adjust your stance to compensate for it.” Looking to the Aegis, she lifts a brow and waits to for him to show them all the way grips the hilt as she explains, “This is the best to hold your weapon. Behind your long teeth, there is a sweet spot where holding the hilt will feel natural. You just need to find it.”

Nervousness flutters in her chest, causing her stomach to flip-flop painfully as she looks at Artorias, silently wondering if she is doing his lessons justice. However, as she turns back to the pups, there is no hint of the worry she feels is on her features as she gentle asks, “Any questions so far?” A warm, inviting smile is on her lips as she looks them over, hoping that they are enjoying themselves.


"Fern Carpathius"