Everything that glitters isn't gold

As if Artorias' amazed reaction wasn't indication enough of how much he was floored by the mere existence of such a place, but also by Briar's thoughtfulness, his bushy tail began to wag a mile a minute from his hind end, almost spinning in a circle it was swishing about so fast. He looked away from the shimmering fire-like stones back to his beautiful girlfriend, his cheeks aching from smiling so big. She looked even more beautiful and radiant with the orange glimmers sparkling around her and reflecting in her turquoise eyes, splashes of fire in the otherwise cool pools of her gaze. When she explained that this was where she had come to gather the stones to repair Embershard, Artorias suddenly realized the even greater importance of this mystical place. Not only was it beautiful in its own rights, but Briar had come out here on her own to fix his cherished weapon for him, and now she was sharing that with him. This place had been partially responsible for seeing the gift from his late mother restored to its glory and splendor.

"Briar, this place is truly something special! Thank you for sharing this with me," he replied, stepping over to the wall to carefully pry a loose gemstone out of the wall to inspect it further. He saw Briar move out of the corner of his eye and watched while she moved to settle down on the soft grass in the shaft of sunlight from the split ravine, patting a spot beside her to beckon him over. Artorias didn't need to be told twice, and grinning to his gorgeous queen, he walked over to lie down beside her. The grasses were plush and soft, having never been eaten by any herbivores down here, and he leaned gently back into her side while he got comfortable. The dark-furred brute hummed with delight while she nuzzled his neck, leaning down to plant a tender lick to the end of her nose. "There's so many hidden wonders around the world, I've found," he said in agreement, following her gaze around the sparkling grotto until fire-kissed eyes rested upon her once more. "It's almost a shame they pale when you're in the area."

A roguish smirk touched Artorias' lips while he shamelessly flirted with the love of his life, leaning closer once more to gently kiss her cheek. His tail willingly moved to rest closer to her rump while her braided tail entwined with his, holding it captive in the best possible ways as they cuddled together. Art glanced down at her paw resting over his, seeing her sparkling topaz bracelet he'd given her a year ago next to the flawless fire opal he held next to it. They were nearly a perfect match for color, and Artorias couldn't look away from them. "We should gather up some of these stones to bring back with us," he said as he spoke his thoughts aloud. "Maybe I can convince my clever queen to make me something to match her bracelet? Like a leather band or cuff with some of these on it?" He turned the fire opal around in his digits again, considering if that would be cheesy or cute.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian"