The Gargoyle and the Princess

Artorias gave Dusk and Bramble all the time they needed to make an informed response. After all, it was quite the heavy question he had asked of them—one he had deliberated on for a while now. No, there would not be an easy answer to this dilemma, but he was curious to see how each of his daughters would respond in turn. Dusk was the first to speak, and her response... frankly, it disappointed Artorias. It showed a fundamental lack of understanding for the structure of their pack—of packs in general—and while he understood and appreciated her sentiment that their differences together made them stronger as a whole, a ship still needed a captain, and a pack still needed a singular alpha.

"We draw strength from our differences and collaboration, yes, but all packs still need someone at its head. It is the nature of pack structure. A named heir prevents dissent and discord in the event the alpha should fall. Without one, the pack collapses. I was named heir before I took the mantle of alpha. If I am slain or rendered unable to lead, someone will need to take over. That is how we continue the Hallows' legacy for generations to come." He hoped his explanation would clarify his need to name an heir of the Hallows to Dusk. It wasn't about picking out one child better than the others—it was about securing the Hallows' future against uncertainty.

Then Bramble began to speak her mind, and Artorias turned his attention to his tawny daughter. Like Dusk, she also abstained from naming any one particular wolf, instead pointing out that naming an heir would need to be a consensual deal. Artorias nodded his head. "Don't worry, I do not intend to name anyone who has no desire to lead. Leadership is not a gift—it is a responsibility. A burden I do not wish any of you to have to handle alone. That is why I am making this decision with incredible care." Bramble asked if any had voiced their interest in leading the Hallows. "Well, there is one of my girls who said she did when she turned a yearling," he replied, shooting Bram a teasing smile. "Otherwise, no. No one has specifically voiced their interest in the position." Artorias couldn't help but wonder if that was a lack of ambition on his children's part, or a genuine belief that none of them were worthy of the position. Either option did not make him feel like a successful father.

"I can't help but notice that neither of you named yourselves for Warden. Why is that?" Artorias asked, glancing between his two girls with curiosity in his fiery eyes. Bramble, who had once said she would pursue the title, had not said she wanted it either, nor had Dusk. Was it because neither of them wanted it, or were they trying to give him the answers they thought he wanted to hear?

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian"