Every princess needs a handmaid

The trio of wolves finished making their way back to the Armada's lands the following day, setting out at the crack of dawn to make the most of the waning daylight. Every day brought them closer and closer to winter, closer to longer nights and colder days. Artorias silently dreaded that it might bring them back to the only winter he had ever known, the winter of wild beasts and endless ice that had claimed the life of his mother. He prayed those days would be nothing but bad memories from here on out. They walked past the border into Armada lands, and Sirius set off with his bear to unload the wares they had purchased and the remaining items they hadn't bartered away. That left Art to introduce Idalia to her new master.

"Briar is a very sweet, down to earth girl with a big heart," he told Lia as they walked through the great sea of grasses towards where he knew Briar had been staying with Mortis. "Just don't talk back or say anything about her or her family and you should be fine. Listen to her, agree when she wants you to, offer advice if asked, and apologize if you do upset her somehow. Even if you're not wrong, she does tend to hold grudges, so it's best to just say sorry to keep the peace." They arrived at Mortis' den a short walk later, and before they stepped inside, Artorias paused and pulled Lia to the side. He gave her a reassuring smile. "You're going to do great, I'm sure of it. And while I doubt Briar will ever let any harm come to you, if something does happen, if you ever need me, get a message to me any way you can. No one is permitted to harm you." There was no question in his words. Lia was his, he had given her his word, and he would keep it. Whether three feet or three hundred miles away, he would keep it.

Once she had agreed, Artorias smiled again and stepped into the entrance of Mortis' den. "Briar? Are you home? I've got a surprise for you!" he called into the large space, not wanting to just intrude without an invite. He didn't even know if she was in right now or out training.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Corbin" | "Argent"