When will I see you again

It felt like the simplest task in the world, holding little Lia while she collapsed against him and just let the emotions come pouring out, and yet it also felt like one of the hardest. Comforting her while knowing he'd failed her, thinking that she probably blamed him for not keeping his word to her, and she would be justified in that belief. He had failed her in some regards. He'd trusted the Armada would keep her safe. He'd thought no one would be stupid enough to attack a wolf bearing the pack's scent. He'd been wrong—grievously wrong, and Lia had paid the price for his mistake. While she leaned into his chest and buried her face in his thick fur, Artorias brought a dire-sized blue paw up to gently caress and cradle the back of her head, beginning a subtle rocking motion with her, letting her get all of those pent up emotions out in sniffles and sobs.

"Shhh, shhh, don't you worry about any of that. Listen to me. None of it is your fault that happened to you. Not one moment is yours for blame. You are the victim here, Lia. You've been hurt deeply, and you need to heal." Artorias craned his neck down to brush his muzzle across the top of Lia's head in a tender nuzzle. Though he was only starting to feel a tingle from the wine, Lia was clearly feeling the full effects of it by now, and it was making her an emotional drunk. That was fine; she seemed like she needed this badly. "You don't have to be anything you're not anymore, Lia. If you're not a fighter, then you're not a fighter. Lots of wolves aren't. That doesn't make you any lesser than anyone else or make you someone else's property. I can fight for you from now on. Briar and I both can until you're healed enough to decide who you want to be." Freedom of will was a heavy concept to give to the girl who had only known chains and orders all her life, let alone one who was also very intoxicated right now. But Lia didn't need to be a fighter if that wasn't who she was. She could be so many other things—but none of them would be a victim anymore. Not so long as Artorias drew breath.

"Artorias Carpathius"