Glimmer and glow

The winter evening in Auster was mild and temperate as Artorias and Briar walked side by side down the worn dirt path that led from the Carpathian castle down to the beach, the two lovers' sides brushing with every step they took. Artorias would smile and hum happily whenever Briar snuck a sneaky kiss to his cheek on their walk, eagerly returning each one to her, or brushing his tail against her rump while they headed to the shore. After being bedridden on orders of Gwynevere (whoever thought to give her power over the Aegis in regards to medical matters had really done him dirty) it felt good to be out and about. His body had recovered much of its lost strength, and though it would take a little more time and exercise to be 100% recovered, Artorias felt significantly better than when he'd been dragged into he medical ward half frozen, dehydrated, and woozy from blood loss. That had been the closest he'd ever been to death, and he had no intentions of ever getting that close again.

After being discharged by Gwyn, Artorias couldn't wait to get up and move about the castle once more. Stairs proved to be slow going, but he managed and made it up to his room for some much needed private time with Briar. Afterwards though, he still had the craving to be outside and spend more time with his girlfriend, so they took a walk down to the beach. The sun was sinking below the western sea, covering the lands in a deep purple, indigo, and red sky as twilight took over. By the time their paws reached the shore, the sun had disappeared enough for the sand's mysterious qualities to show in full force.

Artorias glanced to Briar with a little smirk when she ogled the beach in awe of its mystical properties. He chuckled, then realized she'd never actually seen the Shimmering Shore except in the daylight. He saw it almost every night from his bedroom window, so he supposed he was a bit spoiled for the view—although adding Briar to it did indeed make it exponentially better. "Beautiful, isn't it?" he remarked, speaking of the sparkling shore, though his eyes never left Briar and his double entendre was evident. He watched as the beautiful princess walked down to the edges of the surf, letting the water wash over her paws. He smiled, just taking her in and basking in her presence. When Briar was with him, he felt complete. Already he was imagining all the evenings they'd get to take walks along this beach once she moved here permanently, toes in the sparkling sands, enjoying each other's company. It made his heart beat quicker, as did the glance she shot back at him.

Grinning back, Artorias closed the distance between them and came up alongside Briar so his blue paws joined hers in the shallow waves. He dipped his head to run his muzzle along the side of her neck in an affectionate nuzzle. "The backdrop suits you, Princess," he said, the deep love he felt for her evident in his voice and words. "One day, we'll be able to come here whenever you want. We can take all the walks on the beach and swim in the sea for as long as your heart desires." His tail gently wagged behind him as he placed a soft kiss behind Briar's ear, every so often brushing his tail against the back of Briar's thigh.

"Artorias Carpathius"