A Change of Pace

Artorias only heard Audra's stuttered whisper by sheer chance and happenstance of being right beside her when she uttered it. This wasn't a forever goodbye, which did his heart good. The Aegis would never hold wolves in his ranks who did not want to be here, but letting them go was always a heartbreaking endeavor. Audra tried to give him a big, reassuring smile, but the taller wolf saw the tear-marks cutting through the fur on her cheeks. This wasn't any easier for her than it was for him. He knew how much she loved the Hallows, loved being a part of something grand and how much she believed in their mission. This decision had come not out of desire, but out of necessity. Audra made a comment about him not minding her breaking up with Avantika, and he managed a rueful smirk and chuckle. Even in the face of loss, she was still doing her best to be strong. Sweet, sweet Audra... She was far too good for this world.

Artorias was quiet all the while he let Audra speak her mind, explaining her reasons for needing to leave the Hallows for some time. She wanted to find a bigger purpose, something to make her feel fulfilled again. She wanted to go to Abaven to teach for a time. Artorias could think of no finer option for the passion-driven young woman. Theory had come soliciting him for teachers; Audra would be a valuable asset to her faculty. Turning his fire-kissed eyes back to Audra, he fixed the woman with a gentle smile, doing his best to hold back the emotions welling up in his heart. He was afraid that if that wall cracked, the dam might burst. "I would never expect you to stay in a relationship you weren't happy in, Audra," he reassured her. He knew of the struggles Tika and Audra had over the past few seasons. What ultimately happened in their personal lives was none of his business, though he was sad to see it go this way. Maybe they both needed time apart to heal, to grow, and perhaps if the fates smiled on them, they'd come together once more.

Heaving a sigh, Artorias turned his body to face Audra, lifting his strong forelegs to go and usher Audra into a brotherly embrace. Ever since Tika had brought her to the Hallows, he'd seen the tawny wolf as a sister, and losing her, even temporarily, would hurt just as much. "I know wherever you go, whatever you do, you're going to be amazing at it, Audra. And if we're lucky enough to have you back someday, the Hallows will be all the brighter for it." Artorias closed his eyes, swallowing back the emotion tightening in his throat. "Abaven will be very lucky to have you as a teacher. When you get there, tell Theory that Artorias sent you with his regards." The Aegis and Headmistress had a positive and professional relationship building between them. His word would carry great weight with it when she sought entrance to the school. Before he released her so she could say and do what she needed before departing, Artorias whispered, "This will always be your home, Audra. You can come back to us whenever you're ready. We'll always be here for you."

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