Through New Eyes

Briar attempted to pull away, but Artorias' forelegs wrapped tighter around her and held her firmly where she was, making her look back at him and see the smile fade on his lips as well. Her ears flicked back as he held her gaze, feeling his paw come to rest on her neck as he requested the one thing from her that she knew she couldn't give him. A soft whine escaped her when he asked her to stay, returning his kiss as it tempted and reminded her of what she would have to leave behind. She didn't want to leave. She wanted to stay here with him and stop this constant back and forth, the constant uncertainty of if he was okay, if he was taking care of himself, if this pack she had come to love was doing alright.

Her heart ached, but she knew what her answer had to be. If she gave a bit longer she'd be tempted to give a bit longer after that and a bit longer after that. She was too weak to the temptation of him and didn't trust herself to have the self control she'd need to leave. "I can't..." she said softly with a soft sigh, her muzzle brushing against his. "I'll stay through tomorrow just to make sure everything is back to normal before I go, but... I should get back. I need to get back to Lia and my family... and I don't want to push my luck with my father. He's already letting me move in the summer without much fuss and that's all I can really ask for." Briar leaned her cheek into Artorias' and wrapped her forelegs around his neck as she held onto him tightly, closing her eyes as she fought against the emotions that wanted to overwhelm her. "The moment that summer comes... I'll be here. It's just a couple more months..." She didn't know if she was trying to convince him or herself.

"Briar Fatalis"