Right where I belong

It was far too amusing to Artorias to watch the way Briar's cocky teasing just melted away the second she peeked into the small velvet bag. It was as if the bracelet inside had completely blanked her mind, leaving her staring in awe and wonder while she held the bracelet like it was the most delicate treasure in the world. She was quiet while she studied it, a slightly smug smirk of satisfaction to know she was floored by the gift meant he had done well. The first sign that she loved her gift was the wagging tail that betrayed her joy. The second was the huge grin that appeared on her face. He smiled wide in return, leaning back against her while she slid the bracelet on and examined it in the light around her ankle. It really was striking, the beautiful silver metal and bright orange gemstones a lovely contrast against her tawny fur. It really did suit her.

"Oh, it was nothing, especially not for the princess who is even more beautiful" he replied with a soft chuckle. "I've been restoring the weapons in the castle armory, and I came across some old jewelry in one of the bedrooms. I figured if I could fix up a sword or spear, how hard could a bracelet or necklace be?" The answer was very. Jewelry was far more intricate and fragile than weapons were, but Artorias was nothing if not tenacious. Briar would never know the work he had put into making that bracelet shine for her, just to match the quality the Fatalis princess deserved, but she didn't need to. She loved it all the same and that was what mattered.

He turned his head to tell her that it was fine, he didn't need a birthday gift, when he felt his muzzle meet hers in another kiss. Artorias melted all at once like an ice cube on a hot summer's day, a goofy, content expression on his face while he kissed her back. It didn't matter how many kisses they shared, each one still sent his heart into flutters and flurries, those jittery butterflies filling his stomach and heat rushing to his face. He had never known bliss the way that Briar's love had given him, and that was gift enough for him. When their lips eventually parted, that goofy smile remained on Artorias' face for a moment longer until his brain caught back up with his body, blinking amber eyes to reorient himself and find her turquoise ones that set his blood aflame.

"Having you here with me and in my life is gift enough, Briar," he replied earnestly, a roguish grin creeping its way across his face. "But I certainly won't turn down more of those kisses if you're offering." He snickered under his breath, more than just infatuated with her. He was head over heels for this girl, and no amount of time together would ever be enough for him when it came to his Briar.

"Artorias" | "Corbin"