The Gargoyle and the Princess

Bramble was still incredibly stiff. It took a bit more of their father's teasing to get her to chill a bit. At least Dusk was there to explain just why they were there and what they wanted. Artorias joked with them and Dusk cracked a smile as he mentioned Briar teaching her how to get rid of a body. Really though, Dusk was pretty good at critical thinking. If she needed to get rid of a body, nothing would stop her from getting rid of a body.

Complements were given and Dusk nodded in acceptance of her father's words. She would indeed stand up and protect any wolf in The Hallows, though her protection didn't often extend to those outside of their walls. Unlike the rest of her siblings, Dusk tread a path that was neutral rather than good. She accepted that bad things needed to happen some times for the greater good. Dusk had no qualms with carrying out these bad things either.

Artorias pulled them into an embrace and Dusk didn't stiffen, though she didn't get all melty either. She wasn't a pup anymore, but she knew that her father loved showing them affection, so she'd stay locked into the embrace as long as he wanted to keep her there.

Their father then moved along to business, laying out what he expected of his council. Dusk listened quietly. In the end, he asked them who they believed should be heir to The Hallows. Dusk's brow furrowed as she considered the question. Part of her wanted to say that she should inherit the title of Aegis. She was one of the oldest and he said himself that she would go to any lengths to protect those under her care. That didn't seem like the kind of answer that he wanted to hear, however, so Dusk continued to quietly consider.

The Hallows was a special sort of pack. The fact that her father needed a council proved that decisions weren't meant to be made by one wolf alone. So, after a time of thinking, Dusk responded. "I don't believe that any one wolf should become heir. Our differences are what make us strong. Varying ways of thinking can solve a situation in many different ways. So no, I don't believe that any of us could or should be The Hallows heir. At least not as we are now." She wouldn't voice this part, but she didn't believe that any of them were worthy or ready for such responsibility.

"Dusk"