Through New Eyes

As Artorias returned her overjoyed affections and told her how much he loved her, how much her love meant to him, citing how she had cared for him and what she did for him... She just smiled and pulled back to look at him with a little shake of her head, tears still glistening in her eyes. "You don't have to say. I know. I love you too, Artorias." She would care for him and help him through any struggle he might face for the rest of their lives because he was worth it. He was worth every single moment of hardship and effort to her. There was no doubt in her mind that if the roles had been reversed, if she had been hurt or blinded or any other number of things, then he would have done the same for her and that was why she was so willing to give him every moment of her time and attention when he needed it. What had once been a crush or a simple attraction had grown into a dedicated understanding, a willingness to put each other first, a love so deep she wasn't sure she even fully understood how deep it went. She didn't want to be anywhere else but at his side.

But she couldn't be at his side permanently—at least not yet. The realization that her excuse for moving here early was now gone with his returned vision dawned on her and her smile faltered a little. Of course it was a small price to pay considering Artorias could see again, but that slight pang of disappointment still hit her. With him fine and well there was no excuse she could make to keep her from having to go back to Armada. She knew she was lucky to even get her father to agree for her to leave in the summer without too much fuss so she wouldn't push her luck without good cause, but... there was a part of her that wished she could. She brushed her muzzle against his, leaving a light kiss on his lips as she said, "Well... I guess my training as your guide has to come to an end, huh? No more bumping into me or stepped on toes," she said with a soft chuckle, trying to use humor to deflect her emotions. Between the huge wave of relief and joy and the heavy weight of dread and disappointment in her stomach it was all so overwhelming. "How about some breakfast?" she questioned as she started to pull away to get up.

"Briar Fatalis"