Finally starting to start

Artorias did not rush Emile or pressure him to answer as the Adravendi man gathered himself to speak his mind. He had grown up with Emile, knew about his struggles from conversations with Ulric, Ezra, and Bowen. Emile could take all the time he needed to say what he needed to say. And speak he did, but when he did, it was to give the Aegis news that surprised and delighted him, but also made him realized exactly what this conversation was going to be. Emile had met someone, a man who brought him comfort and joy. Artorias listened to Emile speak with a little smile on his face, feeling like a proud brother listen to a sibling tell him of a grand achievement—and in a way, that's what they were. All the Hallows wolves born in that first wave of litters had been raised and grown up together. In many facets, Emile and all of his kin were like Art's family too. He couldn't help but feel proud and happy that Emile had someone in his life that made him smile the way he was smiling right now, and he did not perceive it as a slight in the least.

It did mean he knew what the next part of this conversation was going to be though. After a few long moments, Emile finally said the words Artorias knew were coming. He wished to leave the Hallows to be with his boyfriend. He qualified his request with a time window; he would not leave right away, he would take some time to make his preparations and say his goodbyes. Artorias looked back over to Emile at his side with gentle and warm eyes, leaning closer to give the smaller male a friendly nudge with his shoulder. "It doesn't have to be goodbye, y'know. The Hallows will always be your home, and you're always welcome back any time. I've told this to your brothers and sisters when they went off on their own adventures too. You can come home whenever, the doors are always open to you—and to this man who's made you so happy." Artorias smile widened despite the ache in his heart to know he was losing another wolf he considered family.

The Aegis sighed, but nodded his head and looked back out over the flowering gardens. "I'm so happy for you, Emile. I'm happy that you're finding what you want, and I hope that you and your man have a lifetime of happiness together. I hope you'll bring him around for a visit one day, maybe when Ezra or Lillith come back. But for now, you have my blessing to go pursue your happiness wherever it may take you. Take as much time as you need, and then go be fantastic." He glanced to Emile again and offered his friend a bit of a lopsided smile. Even if Emile didn't always believe in himself, Artorias did, and he knew Emile would be capable of great things in his own time with the right wolves in his life.

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