Loneliness

After Bramble and Ember had been sent off on their diplomatic missions, Artorias began to notice a change in his littlest daughter's personality. Sweet Clove had become more sullen whenever he caught glimpses of her around the Hallows or at dinner. At first, he just chalked it up to her missing her sister. Clove and Ember had never been apart for any extended period since they'd been born and they were thick as thieves. But the more Artorias reflected on it, he began to wonder and worry if maybe Clove wasn't content at home anymore. Memories of Talyssa twisted at his heart as he imagined Clove following suit to leave on her own. Perhaps he could find something for her to give her some direction, something to focus on. Maybe she just needed someone to talk to...

Evening was creeping across Auster, the long summer days dragging out the magnificent radiance of the sunset over the western sea. Artorias looked around for Clove, not finding her in the gardens or in the library or the castle grounds. Where he did eventually find her scent trial leading to was right to her room, pulling another concerned frown from the dire wolf father. With a gentle rapping of his paw against the door, Art lifted the latch and poked his head inside. "Clove? It's Dad. Can I come in?" When she gave him permission, Artorias opened the door to step inside before closing it behind him to give them some privacy to talk. His little girl was sitting out on her balcony all alone, just watching the sunset. Art could practically feel the emotion radiating off of her.

The giant blue and black sire came to join his petite daughter out on the balcony, sitting beside her with his forepaws resting on the balustrade while they watched the blazing sunset slowly turning into twilight behind the shimmering sea. "Is everything all right, drăguţ printesa? It's not like you to stay cooped up in your room." Art tipped his head to one side in typical canine confusion, looking at his daughter with love and paternal concern in his amber gaze. All Artorias ever wanted was for his children to be happy, healthy, and loved. If Clove wasn't feeling any of those three things, then he had a responsibility as her father to make things right for her.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian"