When will I see you again

No, he didn't know what on earth or Somnium she was talking about. Lia spoke in almost cryptic half-riddles with him, hinting to things that she felt he should have known. She mentioned a man outside of the Armada borders and Artorias cocked his head once more. This was all news to him. What man outside the borders? What happened behind his back?! Fortunately, he wouldn't have to wait long to have his unspoken question answered. Unfortunately, he would not like the answer he was given. Lia sighed and set the bottle aside—then very nearly toppled over into him in the process. Artorias was quick to lean forward and catch Lia with his body, shifting closer so he could help support her. He moved the open bottle out of the way and focused entirely on the inebriated girl, brow furrowed while he waited for the rest of the story.

Lia explained how she had gone out of Armada territory to look for flowers. She met a man and he'd mounted her against her will. But Lia... she blamed herself? A whirlwind of emotions was kicking up inside Artorias, the strongest being an unholy fire of rage. Someone had violated her in ways he'd promised she'd never endure again. Someone had made him out to be a liar and broken his promise. But worst of all, someone had hurt one of his wolves. His wolves! Lia was his, under his protection from now until the end of days. Whoever this stupid bastard was, he was a dead wolf walking. Artorias shifted closer until his side was pressing entirely into Lia's, holding her upright while he wrapped her in a protective embrace, shielding her away from the world. He pulled her into his chest, allowing the autumnal woman to fall against him if she wished and hide herself away. Azure lips curled away from sharp fangs on reflex while his brain began to run through the scenario against his will. He saw Lia, saw her being attacked, calling for help, and he was nowhere. The failure hit him in the gut, and even knowing there was no way he could have possibly helped her didn't ease the feeling.

"Shhh, don't you say that ever again," Artorias said with hard, rumbling tones. "This was not your fault. That is never your fault, Lia. No wolf has any right to hurt you, ever. When I find that fucker..." It took all of his self-control to keep from growling so as not to startle Lia, but by the gods, did he want to go hunt that wolf down and scatter pieces of him across Boreas. But right now, he had a much more important duty to Lia. He needed to reassure her that this wasn't her doing, it wasn't her fault, and that he'd meant his promise to her. "I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you, Lia. I'm so, so sorry. I thought you would be safe here... I was wrong, and I let you down." Artorias swallowed hard. Once he got her down to the Hallows, no wolf would ever touch her in such a way ever again.

"Artorias Carpathius"