Drift Away Together

Watching Bowen smile as she waded her way into the rippling surf lightened and warmed the Carpathius man's heart. He had wanted to do just that: make her smile. Bring a little bit of unexpected joy into her life. He loved his siblings, all of them, but Bowen was special. He'd felt fiercely protective of her from the day they were born, always looking out for his adventure partner. When she'd disappeared, it had broken his heart. Having her back reminded him of just what sort of special place she held in those broken pieces. Even though he was overjoyed to have her back, he knew that she'd had to surrender a life she loved to get back to them. That sacrifice was not ignored, and if it took him all his days, he would find a way to show Bowen his gratitude that she'd chosen to come back to them.

Artorias waded out into the water beside his sister, content to simply watch her bask in the coastal environment. Her eyes were closed, muzzle tipped up to breathe deep the salty sea air while she soaked in the water and sun. That smile on her face was so completely content it was almost amusing. He cocked a crooked smile at her, pushing a little deeper into the water. Having almost two feet of height difference between them, Art had to go a good distance deeper for the water to come up past his knees, whereas Bowen already had her chest in the water. That was fine by him though; their size difference had never been an issue for them as pups, it wouldn't start now.

He was watching her when her emerald eyes opened once again, catching her gaze with a sheepish smile, ears flicking back for a brief moment. She thanked him, then pressed a kiss to his cheek that left electricity in its wake and suggested a swim. Artorias flashed a wide, toothy grin, his wagging tail betraying his enjoyment of her suggestion. It seemed Bowen liked to swim too! "You're welcome," he replied. "That sounds perfect." Artorias led the charge into the gently lapping waves, his toned form cutting easily through the pull of the tides. He waded deeper and deeper until the water came up to his chest, then taking a deep breath, he pushed off of the sandy sea floor and dove beneath the waves.

The feeling of weightlessness as his body was surrounded by the sea was immediate and delightful. Paws pulled through the water, legs kicking to propel himself leisurely around under the surface. He reemerged a few moments later, dark-furred head bursting from the surface with a spray of sparkling water and wet fur hanging down his head and neck. He grinned and swam in water just deep enough for him to kick and stroke without his paws hitting the bottom, not wanting to go too far out and leave Bowen's side. Gods, it had been too long since he'd just gone for a swim!

"Artorias" | "Corbin" | "Argent"