On Top of the World

Gossamer felt a little sheepish that she barely remembered that earliest meeting. "Ack, you're right. It feels like so long ago. And no worries, my lips are sealed!" She found it amusing that he'd defeated Briar but she couldn't hold it against her sister. After all, he was the winner of their age bracket in the tournament. Clearly Artorias knew what he was doing when it came to battle. Gossamer focused on taking deep breaths as the continued hiking even higher. She could tell the air was getting thinner.

However, when Artorias stated that he was dating her sister she nearly chocked. "What! Really?" She came to a complete stop, just staring at him as she tried to figure out how to digest and respond to this news. Its true they were yearlings now but some how the idea of dating had never crossed her mind. She eyed Artorias for a moment, but what could she really say? Briar seemed to have found a catch. Artorias was handsome, heir to a pack and a notably talented fighter. Gossamer bounded ahead to catch up as she tried to figure out what to say.

They came at last to the final ledge, emerging above the clouds to a strange stone courtyard. Gossamer caught her breath for a minute then continued on. "Well, I mean I don't know what to say about you and my sister. Congratulations? I assume dad, err Sirius, knows? Did he give you the obligatory 'if you hurt my daughter I'll feed you to the crocodiles' thing?" She grinned mischievously. She really had no idea how Sirius would react, but she assumed there'd be some sort of threat. Artorias seemed nice though so she wasn't too worried. Of course if something did happen to Briar, she'd want to get her fair share of blood.

Gossamer wandered closer to the edge of the courtyard, peering out at what seemed like a sea of clouds. It was surreal and for a moment she wondered if this was what heaven looked like. Artorias suggested waiting to see if it cleared up and she nodded before sitting down next to him. She hesitated to answer his question. "My story? I mean… I don't know that there's much to tell. Training to be a warrior and a healer. I'm sure you've heard everything else from my sister about dad, our mom-" Her voice caught in her throat but she swallowed it down sharply, taking another voice before continuing. "I'd been out the past few seasons searching for her. I mean… I know it's stupid but I just… can't…" She sighed heavily wondering when she was supposed to get past the denial and anger stage. Eager for a change in conversation she looked to Artorias. "What about you? What have you been up to since the Hallows moved?"