When The Party's Over

The disappointment that crossed Duchess' face was palpable, and for a brief moment, Artorias worried that she might have a volatile response to him turning down her advances. He'd told her the truth when she asked her questions; had he not been committed to another, he surely would have had the lovely purple fae then and there in the seclusion of the cave. But he didn't have those liberties, and he couldn't give in to her without the guilt following. Fortunately though, she didn't pull away from him. Though her smile faded some, Duchess continued to cling to him and he held her, neither pushing the other away or moving to detach from one another just yet. Her diminutive paws played with the fur on his chest, a lovely little sensation he found was quite enjoyable and it almost made it worse that he had to deny her physical affections so vehemently.

Duchess claimed there was nothing he could do to hurt her, and in a way, that was almost a worse answer. It meant she was either so hurt by the rest of the world, or she was so numbed to the pain already. Artorias' heart ached for the small fae who was in some sort of emotional distress. After some moments of silence, she gazed back up at him and asked quietly if they could stay like this for a while longer. Artorias thought it over for a moment. On the one hand, he had refused Duchess' advances and probably should again, but on the other, he was facing an emotionally vulnerable wolf who needed help. While he might not have the cure for her, he could at least ease her. He thought about his duties as Aegis, how he had vowed to protect and help those in need. He couldn't sate all of Duchess' needs, but he could help her, at least a little bit.

"Yes, we can," he replied in a hushed voice. One giant azure paw moved to gently stroke Duchess' back, hoping to provide her a little bit of comfort and reassurance. "You are a beautiful wolf, Duchess. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise." She moved back in for another kiss and Artorias didn't refuse her. Their muzzles met in slow connection, letting her find small comforts with him. Neither wolf had unwound themselves from one another yet, but he didn't feel the need to since Duchess had shown no signs of pushing beyond when he'd told her to stop. He was just doing what he could to help an emotionally damaged soul while he could. Maybe it was useless and his efforts would ultimately be in vain, but at least he knew he hadn't just up and abandoned her when she came to him looking for aid.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Argent"