Invidie

Artorias managed another little chuckle when Briar reciprocated his greeting and again when Bowen made a remark about him being a full time job. "Can't let things get too boring for you, Bo," he remarked, though in actuality he was deeply touched by Bowen's dedication to him. His sweet, loving sister had barely spent any time away from him at all, despite him urging her that he was okay and she could tend to herself. The last thing he wanted was Bowen sacrificing from herself for him. He glanced back to Briar when he felt her paw rest over his, giving her a reassuring smile, his warm eyes hopefully conveying that he was okay. Gwyn had him stable, his body ached but no longer hurt the way it had, and strength was coming back to his weary muscles. He still had a bit of a road ahead before he could be considered recovered, but he was well on the way to being better.

Bowen's throat clearing brought Art's attention back to the little auburn and ivory fae, watching with confusion and disappointment as she began to back away towards the door, mentioning leaving the two of them alone. His brow furrowed and he sat up a bit more, his eyes holding her gaze when she turned and seeing the sadness and longing in those green gems. He didn't want her to leave and he didn't understand why. Bowen had been his guardian since she'd saved his life on that arctic beach. Why would she think he wanted to be away from her now? If anything, he'd felt better with her at his side, doubly so now that Briar was here with him as well. He didn't want to feel her absence, didn't want her to leave. What if she didn't come back again?

"Bowen!" he called out to her, but the fae had already slipped out of the infirmary. His heart wrenched and a defeated sigh slipped past his lips. His mind raced, trying to discern what he'd seen in her eyes just before she left. The protective, possessive side of him wanted her back, always by his side. Being away felt wrong, especially after they'd been separated for so long. With a deep frown, Artorias settled back into the bed. He wasn't exactly in any condition to go running after her, as much as he wanted to. He turned his saddened gaze back to Briar, offering her an apologetic smile and opening his mouth to explain himself, since he knew now that Briar had met Bowen in enough of a capacity to realize who she was.

To his surprise though, Briar simply gave his cheek a kiss and said she'd be right back. "Uh, okay...?" Art watched with confusion as Briar slipped away and followed his sister outside, closing the door behind her and leaving him alone in the quiet infirmary. Artorias gave another sigh as he settled back to the bed, his mind buzzing with thousands of conflicting thoughts and insides roiling with the warring emotions. Gods, how did he sort himself out of something like this?

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