Despite having done this twice before, Artorias still marveled at how quickly puppies grew. It seemed like only yesterday he and Briar were welcoming them into the world and now their youngest litter was almost half a season old and ready to venture out from the four walls of the only room they’d ever known. With fewer pups this litter than they’d had in previous years, Art was less concerned about loosing a half dozen hellions out into the castle like they had done before. They’d taken the time to recite manners and good behavior so he didn’t fear any shenanigans or rule breaking from them like he had with Dusk and Ember. Still, as Artorias approached the heavy mahogany doors that led out into the corridor and castle beyond, he couldn’t help but feel a little bit wistful. This would be the last time he and Briar let their puppies loose into the world for the first time. The last time he opened up a door of wonders for his children.

Turning back to the group gathered around Briar, Artorias smiled as amber eyes danced over each of his children in turn. "Who’s ready to go outsiiide?" he asked in a sing-song tone meant to elicit excitement from the pups. With a giant azure paw resting on the door handle, Art waited for Briar to herd their kids over to him before going over the rules once more with them. "Now remember the rules for today—no going above this floor without an adult, no going into the forge or the cellars, and no leaving the castle grounds. Understood?" Once he had a resounding (if not reluctant) agreement from each pup, Artorias smiled and pulled the door open, freeing them out into the corridor. "All right, you lot, let’s go see the rest of your home!"

As soon as the pups were out of the room, Artorias turned to Briar with that same wistful smile on his face. He knew she was likely feeling the same way he was. Being parents was one of their favorite things and greatest accomplishments, and now they were passing all those first milestones one last time. Leaning over to kiss her cheek gently before following their kids out into the hallway to begin exploring the vast halls and rooms of Hearthstone.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian"

Outside! Outside! They were finally going outside! Manon bounced on her toes as she shadowed her father to the door. "Mmmeeee!" She squealed in answer to his question, unable to contain her giggling, toe tapping or tail waving as he reiterated the rules (any objects left on low surfaces were surely at risk).

She wouldn't go above this floor! (It was questionable whether or not her stubby legs were long enough to climb them yet), the forge sounded far too hot and the cellar far too... haunted, probably. They had the whole castle grounds to explore! It was so big and they were so small! She doubted she would even make it to the walls without a nap.

When the doors finally swung open, Manon charged forward with a squeal and peal of giggles. Where to start? There was so much to see!

"speech"

coded by NachoMumma

Not me. The words are internally soft spoken as he looks up at his father. Tucked neatly, closely, to their mother, Ioan isn't sure the confines outside of the bedroom are safe. Even with the close supervision of the Aegis himself, Ioan looks hesitantly toward the now opening door. If he were to go out... He could go explore the gardens. From a window, he had already seen part of the winding paths and the soon to be blooming plants that began to poke from fresh churned dirt. Or perhaps Auntie Gwyn's library? Mother had mentioned that there were many books there and someone would help teach him to read. Oh, the possibilities were beginning to grow! Glancing up at Briar, waiting for an approving nod from her, Ioan's tail slowly begins to wag. His pale lips begin to shift into a tender smile as he takes his first few ambitious steps toward the door. He doesn't mind if his siblings are more adventurous than he is. He doesn't need to go at their pace, but where is Manon going? She wasn't going to fall down the stairs was she!? Worry lights his amber eyes as he rushes toward his much smaller sister. "Manny, wait up!" Ioan calls in that soft-spoken tone of his, eyes already wide and brow already beginning to crease as he comes to her. "Maybe we can explore the gardens together?" He asks in that soft, pleading way that he does. So much hope in each syllable that makes it hard to say no to him. Ioan Carpathius

code by bunni, gif by minimoss

Nellie was jittering with excitement, flickering like a flame between her mother's legs as she waited for the door to creak open. "Ohhh, yes, yes, yes!" she chirped, speeding after Manon down the hallway. In her haste, she bumped shoulders with Ioan and heard his quiet plea as she passed in a rush. Oh, the gardens! Ionela skidded to a stop, small claws skittering on the stone castle floor, turning back to face Ioan. "Yes! The gardens! Oh please, oh please!" She chanted, hopping up and down in place. If Ioan wanted to see the gardens, she did too! The room they'd been in for the past weeks was big, but she was pretty sure she knew every nook and cranny in there. She'd even memorized what the air tasted like. Outside of the castle beckoned, even if it was just their backyard.

"speech"

pixel by king-lulu-deer on DA - coding by xarae