Chasing shadows

It was slightly humorous to Artorias to watch amnesia-afflicted Daphne grow annoyed by her own companion. He recalled how close the two had been, and though it was heartbreaking to see that she didn't even remember her little friend, it warmed his heart to know that through it all the raccoon had stayed with her. His advances caused Daphne to recoil in fear, the alarm and hesitance apparent on her countenance. Artorias was patient with her though, giving her all the space and time she needed to come to her own decision. For a moment, she looked like she was struggling to find the words to say, and then she asked if it was a good idea. "I think so. We've all missed you terribly, Daphne. We thought..." The young male's words trailed off while he swallowed back a tightness forming in his throat. He didn't dare utter the fears he'd felt over his sister's disappearance. They were the same fears he'd felt when Bowen was abducted. Yet somehow, both sisters had survived and followed their feet back home.

Dark ears pricked up to catch the sound of Daphne's growling stomach and a knowing smirk twitched at his lips. "I see your stomach has voted," he quipped with a bit of gentle humor. Her companion nudged her ribs with its heels like a rider ushering a steed on, and Daphne turned with a growl at the cinnamon raccoon, nearly making Artorias snicker aloud. With time, Daphne started to move towards him, looking a little more confident in herself. Artorias urged her on with a warm smile, having to resist the wave of emotions threatening to make him tear up as he watched his sister finally come home. When he felt the cold pad of her nose push into his fur, Artorias finally allowed himself to show Daphne the love she deserved. He tilted his head to nuzzle his cheek against her crown, wanting to weep with joy. Daphne was home.

His sister's grimly humorous words made the Aegis bark with laughter, matching her smile with a big grin of his own, fiery eyes flashing mischievously. "Yeah, maybe just a bit. Besides, we have tastier things to eat back home." With a nod of his head, Artorias turned to lead the way back home—but not before he would pause to go to press his nose to Daphne's cheek in a sweet familial kiss. "You don't know how happy I am to see you're all right. C'mon, let's get you fed." Taking the lead, Artorias began the trek back towards the castle. He couldn't wait to see the reactions on his family's face when they saw who he was coming home with!

"Artorias Carpathius"