The Broken Knight

Recovery was far too slow a process for Artorias' liking. All he did was lie around in the infirmary all day, waiting away time between meals and sleep. It felt like he was living in stasis, watching the world pass around him while he waited to be well enough to join it once more. Thankfully he had Briar to keep him company during the long stretches of nothingness. Since her arrival, she had stayed at his side, keeping him company, sneaking little kisses in where she could, and helping him with whatever he needed. He was beyond grateful for her support and love, not only since it made the recovery process easier, but it helped him feel like less of a burden on the rest of his family. Tamsyn seldom left the infirmary, and poor Bowen had spent every waking moment at his side up until her arrival. Everyone needed a break, and he wanted to stop feeling so useless.

How sad, Artorias thought to himself, that the first thing the new Aegis does is nearly get himself killed. It really was a blow to his self-esteem, to be named the alpha of his pack only to be laid low by a mortal nemesis. His confidence was shattered, his image of himself in tatters. But the worst part was that his sword had been stolen. Embershard, the last gift from his mother, the physical embodiment of her faith in him to be her little knight, in the paws of an enemy. He hated himself for his failure, and it showed in his mood when left to ruminate on the events that had transpired. He was no alpha. He was a broken knight, robbed of his valor, his courage, and his blade.

Artorias was gazing out the window at the bright sunny day just outside in the courtyard. Gods, how he longed to be able to walk and move again. He wanted to feel the sun on his skin, the breeze in his fur, grass beneath his paws. He wanted to roam and run and jump and train. Here, it just felt like he was waiting for death. A deep sigh left the dark-furred brute staring longingly outside, wishing so badly that he hadn't been so reckless and foolhardy. This was a painful lesson he would never forget.

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