The Broken Knight

Seeing how Artorias' face lit up at her suggestion of getting him out of here made any wrath she received from Gwynevere later more than worth it. It seemed like the moments when he looked really happy were so few and far between now and all she wanted was to was to get him to smile. "That's the spirit!" she joked with a grin, her tail wagging gently behind her. As he started sliding down off of the bed, she stood by ready to catch him just in case, but he was able to stay standing fairly well and even though she had to help him occasionally as they made their way out of the room and down the corridor he really was making good progress and that made relief and pride swell in her chest. Logically she knew that he was getting the best care imaginable and he was going to easily make a full recovery, but she just couldn't shake that deep seated fear she had felt when she was racing down here to get to him. She wasn't sure she'd really be fully satisfied until he was back to his old habits of patrolling and fighting again.

For today though she would be content with just seeing him breathe in fresh air and bask in the sunlight as he made careful steps out into the courtyard to stand in the grass. She watched him with loving adoration and amazement. She didn't care what the outcome of the fight had been and she was beginning to get over her frustration with his refusal to ask for help or bring someone with him. She could still be proud of the fact that he had fought for his family and had made it out to the other side. She kept close to his side just in case he needed some help with his balance until they reached a good stopping point. They settled among a patch of flowers near one of the trees in the courtyard, helping him down onto his stomach before settling beside him and lightly leaning into his side with a grin. She kissed his cheek and nuzzled into his neck with a contented sigh, just as happy to be outside as he was. She had been equally as cooped up, though hers was much more voluntary than his had been.

"I'm so happy you're feeling better," she said softly, giving little teasing kisses around his jaw and ear, giving him a grin. Of course there was still more work to do and patience to be had before he was fully back to tip top fighting shape, but he was well on his way. Her paw traced over his foreleg, gently stroking back and forth while she snuggled with him in the shade. The slim infirmary beds weren't exactly conducive to snuggling and cuddling so besides sneaking kisses and leaning her head on the bed so they could nuzzle or lay together like that so this was the most affection she had been able to give him since she got here.

"Briar Zeitgeist Fatalis"