The Gargoyle and the Princess

Bramble relaxed further at their father's words. He had always been so capable at quelling her nerves. His easy going nature was indeed a factor that aided him in being the Aegis he was. Her cheeks blush at his words with embarrassment, a slight roll of her eyes that said 'no Tati, not scary at all.'

She straightened up though when he took on a slightly more serious note. Artorias' compliments have her feeling embarrassed once more, no matter how true his words were. Bramble would indeed put every ounce of her energy into the Hallows, do anything to see that they succeeded. Her eyes flicker to Dusk, subtly blank expression as reserved as always. What was her sister thinking? She was dying to know.

Before Bramble could think to thank their father for the compliment, they were being pulled into a tight, fatherly hug. "Oh, Tati," Bram murmurs, eyes closing as she pressed into his neck, enjoying the warmth from his body before they pulled away. As she restraightens, his words register in her brain. Both ears perk up as she stares wide-eyed at him, her tail betraying her emotion as it begins to wag quickly behind her. Following him with quick steps, she does her best to bolster her energy and keep her excitement contained. They were going to be a part of the High Council! Her dreams really were coming true!

Taking her chosen seat as she had so many times before, Bram glances to Dusk to see which one she would choose. To Bram, it was an important moment. There was significance in where they sat at the table. Only important figures ever received such an honor. Moving her gaze back to Artorias, Bram smooths her expression, exhaling deeply to calm her nerves as their father went into another explanation. He spoked of the important of the High Council and Bram nods softly, assuring him that she understood.

Where he goes next though as Bram looking at their father carefully. Envy or disgruntlement? Would any of them truly feel such a way toward each other? Did they not believe in their father to choose a Warden that was fitting of the Hallows? Her brows furrow as she thinks, quite stumped for an answer. Silence begins to settle, both her and Dusk in thought for a few minutes. This was no easy or light answer, they would need to contemplate as all High Councilors should. The thing was, as she thought about it, the answer led her to only two wolves and one of them wasn't Dusk.

Thorn might be a good option, but Bram felt he still had growing up to do. If he were Warden or even Aegis, she wondered if it would get to his head. Ciaran was so reserved, though a fighter as well, Bram rarely saw him and knew he wouldn't want such a title anyway. One might think Dusk the obvious choice, but she wasn't the best socially and her need to protect might get in the way of what's right. Talyssa, no, she wanted adventure, to journey and explore, she clearly wouldn't want to be stuck in the castle. Next was the second litter and while Bramble knew them, she didn't know them as well as her own littermates.

Out of them, Silas was too soft, too shy. Nelu was hard headed and a bit out of touch. Vendrick, well he was sick a lot and also tended to wander. Would he even stay? Solaire might be a good choice, Bramble could see him stepping up to do good with experience. Clove was sweet, smart too, but Bram didn't think her strong enough to lead the Hallows in a way that was good enough. The girl could potentially be a good scout though! Ember was another good option for Warden. She was headstrong, protective, smart, but there was that troublemaker behavior that caused Bramble worry. Would she be blinded by the ideals of honor and glory that it would get in the way of what was right?

And the third litter, well they were far too young to even know if they were a good fit. Already, though, Bram had a feeling they might not even be interested in leading. They would be good for other roles. All four seemed interested in the healing arts and would do well following Auntie Gwyn in her paw steps.

By now, Dusk had spoken her piece and Bram almost didn't register what her dust soot sister had said. With furrowed brow, she glanced at Dusk, humming quietly while she considered her final answer. Her nose scrunched, switching back and forth for a moment before she exhaled and made her decision. "The choice of Warden is not just upon you, Tati. If you choose one of us that does not want the role, what good does that do for any of us?" Her head cants, looking from Dusk to their father. "Have any of us expressed interest in being the Warden? If we were to know who was in the running, we would be able to give a better answer," Bram nods shortly, pleased with her answer. It was basically the same as Dusk, but worded differently. At least if they knew who was interested, they could pick based off of that or even help them train to become a good fitting Warden.

"Bramble"