Basilisks only experience with parenting was raising Spider, and they were already a pretty much perfect kid before he came along. But he remembered how much he treasured the quiet moments, the one on one. 

So he waited until it was late into the night, when he returned from a patrol and crept quietly in the den. He did pause to kiss Ignita’s sleeping cheek, and then picked a kid at random. He would ensure he made time for each and every one of them. But he had to start somewhere. He nudged his kid awake and made a soft hushing noise. “Come on” he whispered, leading them out into the night. They'd only had their freedom a few days, and hadn't been out at night yet. He wanted this to be special.

Balrog stirred, blinking sleep from his eyes as he felt the gentle nudge. His father's voice was soft, almost a secret shared between just them. Without a word, he rose, excitement bubbling beneath his calm exterior and unreadable eyes.The night was still, the air cool and crisp, as he followed Basilisk out of the den. The world outside was different at night, mysterious and full of possibilities. Balrog's eyes glimmered with curiosity, his heart pounding with anticipation to discover the unknown. This was the first time he'd seen the world under the moon's glow, and it felt like a sacred moment, just him and his father against the night.

He glanced up at Basilisk with his golden dipped tail swaying gently, feeling a swell of pride to be chosen for this special night.

"Balrog"

The golden boy woke quietly, as he'd intended. They were able to navigate the puppy pile withiht disturbing any bodies. He grinned at Balrog as they successfully made it to the dens entrance and led him quietly from the den and into the awaiting night. He didn't speak until they were down the incline and into the open Col. Far enough from the dens to disturb anyone. “Look, little one, it's a full moon tonight” He said, nudging his attention upwards. 


He held out a paw to his child, knowing he needed to enjoy his small size before he reached his full height. “Climb aboard, we have an adventure ahead of us.” He said, wiggling the outstretched paw.

Balrog's eyes widened as he took in the sight of the full moon, its soft glow bathing the Col in silvery light. He followed his father's gaze upwards, momentarily lost in the beauty of the night sky. When Basilisk offered his paw, a thrill of excitement shot through him. Without hesitation, Balrog clambored onto his father's outstretched paw. Balrog felt the solid strength of his father beneath him as he settled up on his shoulders. With a playful glint in his obsidian eyes, he perched securely and placed his paws up in between Basi's ears so he could watch over his head while standing on those shoulders.

From this vantage point, the world seemed even more magical, the moonlight casting long shadows that danced across the ground at angles he'd never experienced before. Balrog let out a soft, contented sigh, ready for whatever adventure his father had in store for the both of them. The possibilities were endless and it made the night feel so alive, he was eager to explore it all from his new perch on his father.

"Balrog"

His little Balrog didn't hesitate for a moment. Scrambling up until he sat on the Warlord's shoulder. A little wash of gold against the dark, cold blues of his coat. Careful of his little burden, and aware just how far Bal had to fall Basilisk started off again.picking up speed as he kept his guitar smooth, gliding across the Col. His giant paws swallowed the distance between their den and the starting point to First Light Point. 

“This path leads up to the highest point in the Armada. Your great Aunt Andromeda has a glass house there where she can watch the stars.” He explained, starting up the trek. 

Some parts of the path could be slippery with loose stones, and occasionally snow. He made sure to take extra care navigating it, going higher and higher up the mountain. “Can you feel your ears pop?” He called out to the little pup on his head.

Balrog gripped his father's fur a bit tighter as they picked up speed, trying his best not to use his retractable claws to stay anchored. He felt the powerful muscles move with finesse beneath him, and he felt more and more secure as they continued. The sensation of gliding through the night, with the world rushing by, filled him with exhilaration. He listened intently to Basilisk's words, imagining the glass house where his great aunt would watch the stars. It sounded like a place of magic, where the heavens were close enough to touch.

As they ascended the mountain, Balrog noticed the change in air just before his father's words, the way it grew thinner and cooler the higher they climbed. When his father mentioned the popping in his ears, he wiggled them experimentally, feeling the slight pressure shift. "Yes, I think I can feel it!" he said back, a mixture of awe and excitement in his voice; not an ounce of fear of discomfort. The adventure was even more thrilling than he could have ever imagined, being able to see the land at such high heights filled him with an even deeper connection to it as they continued their ascent.

"Balrog"

Basilisk started to nod his head, before remembering that Balrog was anchored there. He killed the motion with a small, amused smile to himself. Much to remember when around little pups. “That's the change in altitude, and how you know you're really high up!” He explained to Bal, his eyes rolling upwards to try to see the golden boy.


“If you look to your left you'll start to see the woods down below. Don't lean too far!” He warned teasingly as they wound up the path. They were almost to the top now, and the cold became more prominent. The crunch of snow sounded beneath his paws. He was excited to show his son his first experience in the snow, too. The moon gave them a great viewing distance in the dark as they crested the last hill and arrived at the top.


“There's the glass house. Do you want to stay up, or hop down? The snow is pretty cold.” He warned gently, slowing his pace to a leisurely walk.

Balrog's eyes widened with excitement as he looked down at the woods below, the treetops swaying gently in the night breeze. His father's playful warning made him cautious, holding on tight, but eager to see what awaited them at the top. As they neared the crest of the hill, the cold air bit at his wet nose, and the soft crunch of snow under Basilisk's paws filled him with curiosity.

When his father pointed out the glass house, Balrog's fascination only grew. The moonlight reflecting off the snow made the whole scene feel like something out of a dreap. "I want to hop down!" he exclaimed eagerly, his voice filled with wounder. Without waiting for more encouragement, he carefully slid down from Basilisk's shoulders, landing softly in the cold snow.

The coldness under his paws was a new sensation, but it only fueled his excitement. Balrog immediately began to explore, his small paws leaving trails in the snow as he made his way towards the glass house. He paused every few steps to marvel at the way the snow sparkled in the moonlight, utterly captivated by this new experience. "This is amazing!" he called out, the thick of his fur wagging with joy as he looked back at his father.

"Balrog"

Woops! Bal moved fast and Bas had to snap out a paw to catch them before they could tumble all the way down to the ground. Which was an incredibly long way down for the young pup. He put Bal on the ground and the pup landed in the cool snow. 


Seeing Bals excitement to traverse the snow and explore filled Bas with its own sort of wonder. He followed after the pup, keeping an eye that he didn't fall too far through the snow. "I'm heading to the edge, are you brave enough to follow?” ge called out to Balrog as he veered to the side, heading to where the cliff fell away to reveal the Col, the beach, and everything else that belonged to the Armada.

Balrog's paws sank slightly into the snow as he landed, the coldness seeping through but not dampening his excitement. He darted around, leaving tiny paw prints in his wake, utterly entranced by the way the snow crunched beneath him and sparkled under the moonlight.

Hearing his father's voice, Balrog looked up, his obsidian eyes sparkling with his curiosity and interest. The mention of the cliff's edge sent a thrill through him, a mix of nervousness and eagerness to prove his bravery. "Yes, I'm coming!" he called out, his little legs working quickly to catch up to his father.

As he approached the edge, the vastness of the view took his breath away. The world below seemed to stretch endlessly, the Col, the beach, and the entire Armada illuminated by the moon's glow. Balrog's heart swelled with pride, knowing that all of this belonged to their family. He was only just beginning to understand its greatness. He edged closer to his father, feeling the cold wind brush against his fur. "It is.. so big," he whispered, awestruck at the sight before him.

"Balrog"

Basilisk smiled, pleased at his son's bravery. His strength would get him far through life, and Bas intended to help that strength grow. The Warlord came to a stop at the cliff's edge, his paws dangling the dangerous drop as he took in the impressive view of their home. Balrog settled in beside him and the Warlord leanes slightly over his son. Protective. Loving, in his own way.


“It is. These lands are considered hostile and cold to some, but the Armada found its strength and used it. These lands belong to us, we have tamed them and we will keep them. While these lands are a little newer, the Armada is the oldest pack to hold territory in this world. Remember our strength, little Balrog. That strength is yours as well.”

Balrog felt a warm surge of pride as he listened to his father's words. The weight of Basilisk's presence beside him, protective and strong, filled him with a sense of security and belonging in this world. He gazed out over the lands, the vast expanse that stretched before them, and understood the significance of what his father was saying. These lands, with all their challenges, were a testament to the strength of their family, and now, that strength would be him and his siblings' to carry forward.

He leaned into Basilisk's side, his small frame dwarfed by his father's, but his heart swelled. "I'll remember, Father," Balrog said quietly, his voice full of calm resolve. "I will be strong, just like the Armada."

The cold wind whipped around them, but Balrog didn't feel it. Not just because of his thick fur, but he felt the warmth of his father's love and pride for being a part of something so ancient and powerful. He looked up at his dad, his black eyes glimmering with admiration. "I will protect our home, always. Just like you do."

"Balrog"

Basilisk gave a solemn nod, knowing his son would remember this moment. Who would these children be, when they grew? He would direct them as he knew best, but in the end that final push would be their own. “There will come a day when you will find you will have to fight for what you care about most. I caution you to learn enough to have the strength to fight that battle when it comes.”

This world was full of fighters, and despite what some might wish Basilisk knew it was the strong that survived. His children would be survivors, he would ensure it. He kissed his son's crown. “If you could go anywhere in the Armada, where would you want to go?”


"Jamie"||"Iskandor"||"Selene"||"Citadel"||"Selene"||"Balrog"||"Ignita"||"Basilisk"

Balrog listened carefully, the weight of his father's words settling deep within him. He understood that the path ahead would not always be easy, but he felt a fierce protectiveness over everything his family held. The kiss on his crown filled him with warmth and reassurance, solidifying his resolve to grow strong and protect everything that mattered to him.

When his father asked where he would want to go, Balrog paused to think, his eyes scanning the vast landscape before them. "I want to see where the ocean meets the land," he said thoughtfully. "It is powerful and endless, just like the Armada. I want to feel closer to that strength and understand it." He looked up at his father, a spark of curiosity and ambition in his obsidian eyes.

"Balrog"

He could see the resolve in his young son’s eyes, and he looked back at Balrog with a measure of satisfaction. They were good kids, all of them. He would do what he could to prepare them for the world.

“Alright then, let's head down to the beach. I’ll race you down the path!” he yelled in challenge, taking off from the cliff edge, and back the way they had come. Taking care with his heavy set paws. Keeping his eye on where Balrog was at all times, and being careful not to take off too fast and leave the little pup in the dust.


"Jamie"||"Iskandor"||"Selene"||"Citadel"||"Selene"||"Balrog"||"Ignita"||"Basilisk"