My Pirate Treasure

Finding balance in his life had become one of Artorias' greatest challenges. Between leading the Hallows, getting Briar and Lia settled into the pack, dealing with Sparrow and Artisan's release, his exploration of Auster, and still making time for Briar and Bowen, the Aegis found a disturbing lack of hours in the day. He never forgot the conversation he had with his beloved sister in the waterfall cave not long ago though, and how she'd confessed her worries and emotions, looking to him for help. He'd sworn he'd make time for her, just for her, where they could do things together and be together, and he intended to keep his word to its fullest. Artorias wanted to explore the world, see sights few others had ever seen, and he wanted to do it all with his partner in crime. Ever since they were pups, Art and Bowen had explored and adventured together, and now they would get the chance to again.

Artorias stole Bowen away for himself early in the day, preparing a special breakfast for them in the castle before leading her up into the southern part of Boreas. He'd heard rumors of hidden treasures and riches in an old shipwreck within a cave off of the Obsidian Shore and couldn't think of a more perfect adventure for the two Carpathians to take together. They spent the morning traveling north, Art offering to let Bowen ride on his back if she so desired while they walked and ran and bounded across the territories together. Leading the way up the Boreal shoreline until they reached familiar black sands, Artorias was surprised to find a pack's scent markers on the beach—the unmistakable smell of the pirates in the air. He shot Bowen a daring look, one eyebrow raised in wily suggestion. "Think they're home?" he asked with a crooked grin, then slipped by towards the mouth of the massive cave. No one was in sight; they must have all been off doing more fun things.

Still doing his best to not draw any attention lest they weren't actually alone, Artorias walked into the cave, peering around the dimly lit cavern at the supplies the pirates had around and ultimately disregarding them as he led the way deeper into the cave in search of the mysterious shipwreck he'd been promised existed further in. Every so often he would pause to steal a glance at his little sister, giving her a gentle, loving smile and warm fiery eyes. "How have you been feeling, Bo?" he asked, partially after what she'd told him at the falls, partially because he knew this was her first heat season as well and would no doubt be challenging for her in its own way given her past and her condition. He needed to make sure she was all right and being taken care of properly—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. It was hard knowing that no matter what he would never fully be enough for her, but he did his best for her all the same because he loved her.

As they moved deeper into the cavern, the dark walls of stone slowly began to show growths of crystals and geodes, shimmering as they jutted from the ceiling and walls. Artorias gazed around in awe at the splendor, slowing his gait to take in the incredible sights with Bowen. "Supposedly this shipwreck is surrounded by these crystals, or so that traveler told me. We must be getting close."

"Artorias" | "Carpathian"