Borderline

Perceptive as ever, Artorias did notice the way Asheila's expression seemed to droop a little when he asked her about her time in the gardens, looking like there was some unseen force she couldn't quite overcome waiting for her outside. The eldest Carpathian's gentle smile faltered a bit, little more than a dip of the corner of his mouth, while he watched his sister contend with some struggle inside her head. He did not know what sort of challenges and pain she had faced in her time alone nor what had ultimately happened to her while she was gone; he hadn't dared to ask, fearing the same sort of response that Bowen had given him about her times as a sex slave held captive by pirates. His heart hurt for his sisters whose youths and innocence had been stolen from them. A vindictive part of his nature wished he could exact vengeance against all who harmed their family, but Artorias had to be realistic and face the truth—some crimes were never properly punished.

After a few moments of quiet contemplation between the brother and sister, Ash looked up to him again, catching Art's attention from his own dour brooding. She mentioned how she hadn't been to the castle walls yet, and then asked if he would go with her to see the sights. Ever the supportive brother, the ebony and sapphire male smiled more genuinely and nodded his head. "It'd be my pleasure. The sights from the walls are second only to the tower, but with significantly less stairs," he remarked with a chuckle and began to make his way to his sister's side. The gardens lay just outside the open doors, and surrounding them, the high gray stone walls. Art gave Ash all the time she needed to prepare herself, then gestured with a paw for her to take the lead, "Ready when you are, Ash."

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