A Rise In The Ranks, An Effort To Be Made

To his worry, Audra responded with a chuckle and a bit of dark humor, a refreshing change from the last time he had the dreaded parting conversation with her. Artorias smirked and chuckled as well, though the relief he felt in that moment to know that he wasn’t losing her from the Hallows again was palpable. "Hopefully we won’t be thinking about that for a long time to come, my dear," he quipped back with an easy grin. Audra’s explanation of her request for his attention piqued the Aegis’ interest and he listened to his longtime friend with intrigue and intent. "A higher rank, hmm? Do go on." Art waved his paw for Audra to continue with her request. He would leave the door open for them this time.

Audra began to recount her history with the Hallows, describing it as not having been the smoothest, to which Artorias wrinkled his nose and gave Audra a disagreeing glance. He would not interrupt her, but he did not hold the tumultuous journey she took to self-discovery against her. To her credit, Audra was speaking quite confidently, and Artorias was almost beaming to see how little she stuttered now, he was so darn proud of her! As she got down to the matter at hand, it turned out to be quite the delightful surprise to the Aegis. Audra was seeking a promotion within the pack! That was way better than thinking she was leaving again! Always one to wear his heart on his sleeve, Artorias could not keep the pleased smile off his face as Audra mentioned doing something to earn her promotion while escorting Gloom back home to Ashen. Art rapped a paw against the stone table with a click of his claws while he considered her position and proposition. Audra had definitely earned her right to move up in the ranks. Only one question truly remained in Artorias’ mind.

"Firstly, your history with the Hallows is just fine, Audra. What happened was beyond your control, and I don’t ever want you to think it’s something that affects how I see you," he began, addressing the simplest point first with a reassuring smile. "As for Gloom, I think it would be a good idea for you to accompany her home. You and her have clearly grown quite a bond, and I hope you’ll let her know that she’s always welcome back—though hopefully as a guest and not a patient next time." A humored chuckle rumbled in the dire brute’s chest before he continued. "Lastly, I think you’re more than overdue for a promotion. You put your all into bringing your best to the Hallows, Audra, and it’s high time to reward that effort. My only question for you is this: do you wish to continue down the path of navigation, or would you prefer to return to your healer roots?" Artorias looked to Audra with a curious tilt to his head, awaiting her response. Audra had shown tremendous skills in both fronts, but he wondered if acting as Gloom’s personal doctor had given her a change of heart on her current path. Depending on what Audra chose, Artorias would have a promotion challenge in mind for her.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian"