I am Hers, She is Mine

Avantika had groomed through her fur thoroughly that morning, getting Audra to help with the hard-to-reach spots, and practiced smiling and looking nice, although it felt more like she was baring her teeth. She'd been told that she was not to be on guard during the ceremony; she wasn't sure if she was going to be able to hold herself to that, but she was sure going to try. She'd been doing better later -- sleeping and eating at regular times, hanging out with Audra more, and managing to relax every once in a while -- but she'd known that today was going to be difficult. As proud as she was of her brother and his bride, she was much more excited for the tournament later.

She sat near to the front but not right up there, in the seats behind Rudy and Fern. He was there earlier than her, which was rare. It showed how deeply important Art and Briar's happiness was to everyone here. Avantika didn't know Briar super well, but if she was a beloved of Artorias, she would protect her like she would any other member of the pack. And maybe they'd become friends eventually, who knew? Today was a day of hope and optimism, even for someone as typically cynical as Avantika.

"Speech"