One of Artorias' favorite things about being a parent was getting to watch as each of his wonderful children developed and grew into the unique lads and ladies that they would one day become. Seeing his pups explore and discover the world, uncovering their passions and interests, it sparked a love and joy in his heart unlike anything else! As a man who grew up without that fatherly guidance and love in his life, he had vowed to always be present in his children's lives and support them in their endeavors from the moment they were born. That was why when it came to his attention that his littlest daughter had expressed an interest in exploring the Hallows outside the walls of Hearthstone, Artorias knew that his next step was to show Clove just how amazing the wide, wide world beyond their home could be!

As soon as the family had finished their breakfast that morning, Art approached Clove with a smile and fatherly love in his fire opal eyes. "Puțină Dragoste, would you like to come walk the berry grove with me?" he asked her with a curious tilt to his head. While still technically within Hallowed lands, the Wildberry Grove was to the far north of their home and the continent as a whole, and would be the farthest Clove had ever been from Hearthstone. Still, something as simple as a walk through the grove on a lovely spring day might be a world-changing adventure to a young puppy.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian"

With each day that passed, Clove and her siblings were becoming more aware of the world around them. And, so far just how big that world was, greatly interested the young girl. Hearing her mother talk about other continents that held packs and even family members on them was very intriguing. So much that Clove had expressed to her mother and father that she wanted to explore the neighboring territories once they felt she was ready. She wasn’t sure when that day would come, but she trusted her parent’s judgment, and stayed patient. The best she could anyway. Though she wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to drop hints here and there.

What she hadn’t expected, was that today would finally be the day she got to explore the world outside of the castle gardens. She had just finished up her breakfast and was helping put things away, when her father approached her with a soft smile and that characteristically warm gaze of his. The moment the invitation left his jaws, her lips contorted into the biggest smile she had ever worn, eyes igniting with child-like wonder at the mention of an adventure. “Yes, yes!” She squealed, her voice echoing quite loudly within the dining hall. She attempted to press her head against his leg in an affectionate manner, before excitedly spinning on her heels and towards the nearest staircase. A thought formed in her mind… If there was something cool she found on their adventure, she didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to bring it back home! “I’ll bring a bag with me!" She explained as she leaped up the stairs, running to the nearest storage area that held satchels that could be used for carrying things. She figured her father wouldn’t mind, but if he did, she could do without the bag.

But if he was fine with it, she would rush back down the stairs, clutching a small bag in her jaws and promptly returning to his side. “Ready!” She said voice muffled through the leather as she placed it over her shoulder the correct way. She waited then, rather impatiently, nearly dancing on her paws before her father. She didn’t know where the berry grove was, but Daddy knew where. So she would follow him wherever he said to go.


"Clove Carpathius"

Code by Shelby

Artorias couldn't help but let out a barking laugh at Clove's infectious enthusiasm to go venturing, even if it was just to the other side of the Hallows. The giant father craned his neck down to boop his nose against his little daughter's forehead as she bumped her head against his leg in a sign of affection, unable to keep from grinning ear to ear as he watched Clove spin around like an energized whirlwind of excitement. The tiny pup ran for the stairs exclaiming that she was getting a bag to bring with them. "Go on, little love! Who knows what treasures we'll find out there!" he encouraged her on, making his way to the foyer to wait for Clove while she got herself ready. When his daughter did reappear with her bag slung across her back and ready to go, Art flashed the pup a toothy grin and motioned with his head to the open doors leading out to the gardens. "Ready to go?" he asked, and when she declared she was ready, he added, "Then let's go on an adventure, Clovie!"

Turning to lead the way out of the castle and across the gardens and courtyard, Artorias stuck close by Clove's side every step of the way. He let her walk on her own so that his pup could feel like she was taking her own steps on her first big adventure, but if the girl got tired or just wanted to ride on his back, Art was ready to scoop her up at a moment's notice and act as her noble steed and a better vantage point for her to see all around them. The pair of wolves passed through the towering gates of Hearthstone and once they were beyond the walls, the vast plains that surrounded the castle on all sides came into view. Art gave Clove as much time as she needed to take it all in, seeing the outside world for the first time. He distinctly remembered the first time he had seen how huge the whole world was when he was a pup about her age and what a memorable moment that had been for him.

Once Clove had her moment of awe, the giant father motioned with his head towards the north. "The Wildberry Grove is our northernmost territory, just across the plains," explained Artorias, glancing across the expansive plains to the distant trees that made up the grove. "Do you see those trees all the way across the plains? That’s the Grove and that’s the way we’re headed." Warm amber eyes looked down at his little girl with a paternal warmth in them as he motioned for Clove to follow him. Dire-sized paws tamped down the soft spring grasses beneath him, moving at a leisurely gait so Clove's smaller strides could more easily keep pace with him.

The pair would reach the edge of the Grove by mid-morning, the warm vernal sunlight filtering in through the canopy of fresh green leaves. Many of the berry bushes and fruit trees were blooming or in bud in the warmer weather, some little unripened berries even popping up here and there in preparation for the coming summer. Artorias looked about the bright woodland, scenting the air for trespassing predators before turning his gaze down to Clove when the coast was clear. "All right, little love, we're here! Explore and have fun, your dad will be close by the entire time if you need me." While Artorias would walk a patrol around the Grove, Clove was free to discover this new part of their home while her sire stood ready to answer any questions she had or help her with anything she needed.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian"

Her father’s laughter, affectionate nose boop, and encouragement to find the perfect bag fueled the girl's excitement. She was already brimming with wanderlust, and it made her happy that her father matched her enthusiasm. He was the strongest pillar in their family; fierce and protective of his loved ones. But he was also patient, kind, and pup-like in a way, which made forming their father-daughter bond that much easier. He never made her feel like her dreams were silly, or that she couldn’t achieve them. He inspired her to keep her dreams alive, and today was a perfect example of how he did that. She couldn’t have asked for a better daddy.

These thoughts floated about in her mind as she returned with the satchel, returning to Artorias' side with a toothy smile that mirrored his. As he moved out of the doors that led to the garden, Clove did her best to match his pace. They passed through the castle doors, moved into the courtyard, and made it to the gates of the Hearthstone that led to the outside world. Although she was excited, she couldn’t help but stop at the gates. This was the first time she had been so close to the world beyond their home, and the realization caused a whirlwind of emotions inside of her. She looked up at Artorias, finding comfort in the soft smile on his face. She took a breath, steadied herself, and together they walked out of the gates and into the vast plains that surrounded the castle.

Her little jaw dropped at the scenery because it seemed to go on forever! Her eyes didn’t know which way to look, her head turning from side to side as she tried to take it all in. Her father’s voice brought her attention to him, as she peered up at his towering figure. He motioned towards the north, and her eyes followed to look at a cluster of trees off in the distance. She nodded her head yes when he asked if she could see them. "“That’s a far walk!”" She exclaimed with a giggle, kicking off on her hind legs in a skipping manner to follow after her father. She knew he would carry her if need be, all she had to do was ask. But she wanted to enjoy the journey and push herself like a true adventurer.  

As he led them to the wildberry grove, Clove stayed close for most of the way. Here and there she would veer off the trail, but only a few feet or so. And, every so often her head would peek over her shoulder, as the castle grew smaller and smaller in the distance behind them. It sent a wave of uneasiness through her, but it only lasted a moment. So long as Daddy was with her, she knew she was safe no matter how far away they went.  

The journey to the grove went by faster than she thought it would. Before she knew it, they were standing at the edge of the Grove. The towering trees cast a soft shadow on the underbrush, shielding much of the ground from the mid-morning sun. Along with the warm weather, it created the perfect environment for the bushes and trees to produce an array of berries and fruit. Unknown to Clove, they weren’t in season just yet. When Artorias gave her the OK to explore, she whirled around to face him and playfully lowered into a bow position. "“I will find all sorts of treasures Daddy!”"  She exclaimed, giving herself a self-proclaimed mission. She wanted to explore the grove so thoroughly that maybe she could show Daddy something he had never seen before!

Once they parted ways, Clove began to explore the variety of bushes in the grove. She meticulously collected a single berry from each new bush she discovered and placed them in her bag, intending to ask her father about them later. So far, she had collected a blue one (blueberry), a greenish-red spotted one (strawberry), a fuzzy black one (blackberry), a small black one (elderberry), a hard green thing that fell off a tree (apple), and a purple circle thing (plum) that had also dropped off a tree. She had also run into some small wildlife, like squirrels and sparrows foraging for the riper fruits in the bushes. Each time she saw one, she took the opportunity to work on her stalking skills.

She had just unsuccessfully stalked a bird who had been alerted to her presence when she stepped on a stick, when she came across a  plant that didn’t look like the others. It was tall, had green and purple leaves, and clusters of fuzzy smelly things that looked like they were dusted in crystals (marijuana.) Clove stopped to observe it, sticking her nose out to take a whiff before she sneezed. It smelt so weird!

*(Cue dad if he is nearby!)

"Clove Carpathius"

Code by Shelby

The youthful excitement and boundless wanderlust his smallest daughter exuded brought endless joy to Artorias, and his heart overflowed with love for his little girl! Clove reminded him so much of himself when he was her age, fascinated and awed by the wonders of their massive world and vowing to explore all of it one day. The way she stared, mouth agape at the expansive plains while they traversed toward the Grove brought him back to the first day he and his siblings had left their birthing den high atop the Sunset Falls, how he had been able to see for miles in all directions across Boreas and how it had sparked an innate curiosity and yearning to explore in his younger self. To see his children exhibit those same traits brought a kindred spirit between the sire and his pups, and it was a trait he hoped they would foster and maintain for the rest of their days.

Together the father and daughter took their time strolling through the long spring grasses of the plains, Artorias keeping his gait easy so Clove would have ample opportunity to explore as they went, keen amber eyes following the gray form of his daughter as she darted here and there all around the fields. A proud and amused smile pulled at the dire brute's lips and he couldn't help but chuckle at her innocent amazement. When they reached the Wildberry Grove and he had given her permission to break off and explore to her heart's content, Clove was eager to take full advantage of her freedom, body dipping into a playful bow as she vowed to find all sorts of treasures for them. Grinning and dropping down into a matching play bow, Art booped his nose against the end of Clove's. "Go find us some treasures, little love!" And then Clove was off, running about the bushes and foliage to collect anything she found interesting.

As his daughter played and explored, Artorias began his slow patrol around the Wildberry Grove. With how antsy and aggressive some of the predators had been getting lately (especially the damn bears) he had to make sure their borders were protected and under constant vigilance. Patrols with the Knights had already increased, but the Aegis would not be satisfied his family was safe until he was pulling his weight with his fighters as well. Sharp fiery eyes scanned through the forest, swerving through the trees to keep an eye out for any encroaching threats. Every now and then he would catch a glimpse of gray darting through the underbrush and watch as Clove scurried about collecting an assortment of fruits from each of the plants they passed. Art watched Clove with the purest of love in his gaze, a proud paternal smile painting his features. Nothing brought him joy in his life quite like his children did.

After a short while of patrolling and finding no immediate threats, Artorias turned to look for Clove again. He spotted his small pup sampling the scent of some deep verdant green leaves that caused her to sneeze in the most adorable fashion. Chuckling to himself, Art moved over to join Clove, glancing over the type of plant she was investigating. Although he was far from an expert in botany, Artorias was very familiar with this particular plant! "That one smells pretty weird, doesn't it, sweetheart?" he asked, a bit of jest in his voice as he came up to inspect the long jagged fronds of the leaves with a knowing smirk. Clove would have no idea what she had stumbled upon yet—but maybe the Aegis would sneak some of this home for him and Briar to enjoy later tonight after the kids had been put to bed. "This is a special kind of plant, one that only grown wolves should use. There are certain plants and flowers in this world that are only for adults to have fun, just like how there are ones to make you feel better when you're not well, like how you chewed marshmallow when your teeth started to come in."

Artorias found a sprig with a good amount of the cannabis leaves on it and used his claws to cut it loose, then whistled into the air. Corbin came gliding gracefully down from a nearby tree, took the sprig in his beak, and took to the air again to deliver the plant back to Hearthstone. "When you're older, if you'd like to try some of these special plants, your mother and I would prefer you do it in the safety of our home." Looking back down to his daughter, Art tilted his head curiously as he gave Clove the chance to ask him any questions she had about the special plants, or to show him some of the "treasures" she had collected so far.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian"

Right on cue, Artorias returned from his patrol, sauntering over until he was standing beside her. Taking one last glance at the bush, she tipped her head back to look up at her towering father, who was also inspecting it. "Yes, it does smell weird!” She exclaimed in agreement, happy that her father also thought it was a bit weird. It made her feel better for thinking it!

As he gave an explanation about the plant, Clove continued to look up at him, amber and azure gaze shimmering with wonder. She was attentive, making sure to store everything he said inside her memory. At this age, her little brain was like a sponge eager to soak up new information. This plant was for adults only, and the notion made her feel a tiny bit guilty for finding it. But, Father didn’t seem too concerned with her being so close to it, so it couldn’t be dangerous. He would never put her in danger! But, it was a plant used for having fun. “Okay, I understand!” She said, sitting more straight up to emphasize that she was going to be a good girl and not mess with the plant until she was older.

Watching Corbin glide down from the trees, Clove couldn’t help but smile towards the bird. And, at the mention of trying it when she was older, she smiled a bit sheepishly. “If I’m ever interested in it, you will be the first one I tell!” She always wanted to have an open line of communication with her father, especially when it regarded something foreign to her. “Hey Daddy, can you take me around the borders of the grove? I wanna see how big it is. I can show you my treasures too!” Picking up her bag, Clove prepared to follow him out of the heart of the territory, so they could walk the perimeter for a little bit.  

"Clove Carpathius"

Code by Shelby

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"