No Shame in This Walk

Lia's lyrical laugh filled the quiet space in the den and brought another genuine smile to Artorias' face. That was what he wanted to hear. Laughter. Smiles. Joy. Call him what you would, but Artorias' goals had always been simple in nature, complex in practice: leave the world a better place. Hearing Lia laugh and seeing her smile seemed like as good a step as any. Dutifully as ever, she fetched him a bowl of water, which he was quick to down to quench his parched throat. Fed and watered, Artorias did as he was instructed to, lying down on his belly and resting his chin on his paws, allowing Lia full access to him.

He felt the young woman press closer to him, her warm belly against his side. She asked where he was stiffest, and Artorias did a quick self-assessment. "My neck, shoulders, and hips mostly, though I won't stop you from doing what you think is best," he replied, settling in to enjoy the work Lia was about to do for him. He hadn't thought about it at the time, but Lia would no doubt find the fresh scars on the back of his neck from his fight with Oxx, the same fight he'd nearly lost his life in that had both her and Briar coming to the Hallows to his aid.

"Artorias Carpathius"