Everything that glitters isn't gold

Reaffirming his love to Briar wasn't something Artorias did because he felt obligated to, but because he genuinely and truly loved Briar with all his heart and soul. He wanted her to know, in all ways possible, how much she meant to him and how much he cared for her. When she said those words back to him, Artorias' tail began to wag faster behind him, gently bumping against her rump playfully in his show of joy and affection. He happily returned her kiss with a quiet murr as they snuggled together for a few moments longer. Artorias didn't know the full extend of Briar's battle with jealously and her self-esteem, though if he had, it would have been something he fought tooth and nail to battle with her. After losing her to those same issues the first time, the young wolf vowed to never lose her in the same way again. Briar was the most perfect, wonderful, loving, beautiful wolf. Artorias wished she could see herself the way he saw her.

After some time of snuggles and kisses in the hidden grotto of sparkling embers, Artorias gently nudged Briar and began to untangle himself from her. "C'mon, let's grab some of these gems and start making our way out." Giving his coat a shake, Artorias began to meander around the glistening cave, plucking some of the larger and brighter gems from the rocky walls where he could. They filled up the small satchel Briar had brought with them with vivid topazes, fire opals, orange sapphires, tourmalines, and citrines until the bag was nearly full. Then, with one last look around the glorious gemstone grotto, Artorias walked beside his Briar back out the way they came.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian"