No Shame in This Walk

His prying question caused Lia to fall silent once more. The longer time stretched on between them, the more concerned Artorias got. What had happened that was so terrible that she was struggling to tell him? Finally, Lia began to tell him the story. She had an incident with a lone wolf somewhere beyond the pack lands. Immediately Artorias was on the defensive, his expression serious. Someone had done something to his Lia? She explained, very nonchalantly, that the wolf identified her as a slave, then had his way with her. A furious fire ignited within the young wolf's heart, amber eyes narrowing to smoldering points as he considered the reality that some bastard had touched his wolf in such a manner. He would have this wolf's head if he ever found him.

What bothered Artorias the most, however, was how coolly Lia related the story to him. She had been raped, taken against her will and violated, and she just... didn't care? "It is what it is." That phrase rubbed him the wrong way. Artorias didn't say a word, didn't make an effort to move until Lia had come closer to him. He waited until she set the bowl of stew down for him, and then Artorias was up on his paws, trying to ignore the wave of nausea that came with the sudden movement as he went to catch Lia's chin with a strong yet careful paw. He inspected the woman's face, looking her over up and down for any marks, fresh cuts, or healing scars on her that this dead son of a bitch might have left on her.

After he'd finished looking her over and determining she didn't have any outward physical injuries, Artorias breathed a heavy sigh and began to relax some, dropping his paw from her and settling softening eyes over her. "Are you all right, Lia?" he asked, more to find out her mental and emotional state since he could see physically she was all in one piece. "I never want you to say that again. Being assaulted and raped is not something that 'is what it is'. Nobody is ever allowed to touch you like that without your permission again. I swore to you that you'd never have to be that way again, and I meant it, Lia." Gods, he was so angry now! Not at Lia, but at the fucker that dared to lay a paw on his wolf.

Settling himself back down with some deep breathing, Artorias brought a gentle paw up to touch Lia's cheek, feeling like he'd failed her by not being around to protect her when she needed him the most. He had to get her and Briar into the Hallows as soon as he could. At least then he'd be able to make sure they were always safe. Nobody could touch you behind high castle walls, after all. Artorias slid back down to his belly to begin eating. The warm broth felt amazing in his stomach, and the meat and vegetables were tender and delicious. He had no idea Lia could cook, but by the gods, could she cook!

As he ate, his mind continued to reel back the story she'd told him. One thing kept standing out that bugged him the most. She'd folded; she just let a stranger have his way with her because he wanted it and she hadn't put up a fight. "Lia... do you like being dominated by another wolf?" It was an awkward question to ask, but as sex positive and open as she was about sexuality, he didn't feel as if the question was entirely outlandish for them to discuss. It would also give him insight into Lia's mind and preferences so he could understand why things had happened the way they had.

"Artorias Carpathius"