The Great Pumpkins

Passing through the groves of aspen trees, Artorias led the way from Hallowed lands into the eastern woods with Bowen by his side. Now that they had both shared their secret feelings for one another, she had become a steady staple in his life once more, something Artorias was exceedingly happy for. Her avoiding him had broken his heart, but now it felt stronger than ever, thanks in no small part to the night they'd spent together. That had been a couple of days ago, and with each day that passed, Artorias felt himself getting stronger and more like his old self again. Part of his recovery plan from Gwyn had been incorporating gradually increasing amounts of physical exercise to make sure his body could handle it. Thanks to Bowen and Briar, he had no shortage of physical activity, but he supposed a walk around the neighboring territories would do him good too.

He'd chosen to walk through the eastern woods for a specific purpose, though he kept it a surprise from his sister. Corbin had told him about the large pumpkin patch he'd found while scouting and what better way to prepare for the upcoming winter feast than with some of the ripe gourds? Artorias pulled a cart along with them as they walked through the woods together. Artorias would occasionally steal small kisses and affections from his sister, giving her the constant touch she craved. Little gestures, like a nuzzle behind the ear, a brush of his tail against hers or her hip, small things to help her.

"Thanks for coming with me, Bo. It's not much further now," he said with a flash of his teeth in a wide smile to her. Crossing a shallow part of the streams that cut through the aspen woods, Artorias led the way out of the trees to a wide valley separating the forest from the shore. He came to a halt and gazed in shock at the sight before him. When Corbin had said "a large pumpkin patch", he hadn't expected this! The valley was almost entirely engulfed in pumpkins of various sizes, shapes, and colors! Thick verdant vines grew across the fertile ground and along the valley slopes, each with hefty pumpkins attached. There had to be hundreds of the gourds growing wild out here! "Oh, wow! I was not expecting this!"

"Artorias" | "Corbin" | "Argent"