One might believe that all other animals disliked wolves and avoided them at all costs. This wasn't the case. Some animals made deals with wolves, offering their children in service. Not only did it teach the child responsibility, but it formed a lasting bond with someone higher on the food chain. That was why Bowen was leading Titus out into the Grove. She had a little surprise waiting for her sweet boy.

The caramel and cream fae led the boy into a thicker part of the grove, senses alert and searching for bears. Nothing landed on her radar. Nothing big, anyway. "We're going to talk about responsibility today, my love," Bowen informed her son. "If you're going to grow up big, strong and able to protect yourself, it's good to keep help nearby. What kind of help do you think I'm talking about, Titus?"

"Bowen"

Little soldier boy Titus couldn't of been happier being lead out by Bowen today. No brothers or sisters to steal the attention, just him and mom. Well aside from Andrei who was quiet overhead. He wasn't going to steal the attention though. His mouth was split in a big grin as he padded after his mother, keeping on her heel as much as possible with his shorter legs. She hadn't said why they were going to the Grove but Titus was excited nonetheless. His fiery orbs showed his enthusiasm to be out with Bowen easily. Her words brought his ears to perk at her and those excited fireballs to her face. Responsibility. So she had brought him out here to have a lesson. That was kind of weird, they could of went to the library or the gardens or the forge for a lesson. Why did she want to take him out here in the cold for a lesson? At her mention of growing up big and strong he gave her a grin. Obviously he was gonna be the biggest and strongest, didn't his mom already know that? And protecting himself? No he was going to protect more than himself! But she also spoke of help. He, that wasn't a trick question was it? He gave a thought to the question she posed before carefully answering her. "Well if I wanna protect you and Auntie Briar and my sister, then also keep myself safe I'm gonna need friends like uncle Art yeah? So its good I make strong and good friends." it was a logical answer in his mind. He couldn't think of a better answer so he perked those little mismatched ears and looked up at Bowen for her to tell him if he was right or wrong. Walk, "Talk", Think Come marching home

Titus gave his explanation as to what he thought she meant and Bowen chuckled, leaning over to give her sweet boy a loving nuzzle between the ears. "Yes, you'll have your Uncle Art as a friend, but there are other friends that you can have. Constant companions like Andrei and Bishop up there." Bowen's own raven was flying alongside the younger bird.

Emerald eyes caught a bit of movement and Bowen smiled, nodding towards the pair of creatures waiting in the brush. A mother wolverine came forward, a smaller wolverine in tow. "Titus, this is your new companion, Nikolai. His mother has given him into your service. " The older wolverine nodded, a smile on her weasely face. "It's your responsibility to care for him and to keep him safe. In return, he'll do the same for you. You'll need to rely on each other and become best friends." Just like she was with Bishop and how she had been with Boogie.

"Bowen"

Little soldier boy He gave a small giggle as she nuzzled between his ears, flattening the stiffening hairs there, most likely unintentionally. His mom confirmed he was right and he gave her a grin. Though she continued on and his grin dropped to a more serious expression. So she wanted him to have another friend other than just Andrei? Hmmm, seemed fine with him. Though when she nodded towards something he moved his fiery gaze to follow hers. And there they settled on a larger creature with a smaller in tow. He gave a blink. The heck was that? And within moments his mother was answering that. His new companion. Nikolai. He glanced at her just as the smaller wolverine looked at its own mother. Only to then be pushed forward towards them both. His eyes moved back to it. It was funny looking. A dark brown with beady little eyes and a weird splotchy white chest. Kinda like his own splotches. He gave the creature a nod and smiled before looking back to his mom. "I'll take great care of him mom! Just like I do Andrei!" his grin was ear to ear and he had a wag to his tail that almost made his whole body shake. Walk, "Talk", Think Come marching home

The little boys went up to one another, both tails wagging. The little wolverine bounced about and both mothers chuckled. Bowen cast her gaze towards the older wolverine and smiled. "He'll be well cared for and you may visit whenever you'd like," she promised. She'd have to let Artorias know about her promise so that he could let others know about a wolverine coming and going as she pleased.

With one last kiss to her child, the wolverine mother disappeared back into the underbrush. Titus promised to care for his new friend and Bowen nodded. "Make sure that you do." Bowen motioned towards the pair with one sable gloved paw. "Let's get back to the castle so you can show Nicolai around and get him settled, okay?"

"Bowen"