Trial by Fire

With the exclusion of the momentary disturbance from the Raiders, this year's bonfire had been a rousing success! More wolves than ever had turned up to celebrate in the spirit of familial bonds and camaraderie. It did Artorias' heart such good to see the love shared between their guests, as well as new bonds and friendships starting, especially in a time when darkness lingered in Ardent. Now more than ever, the world needed friendship and love. But as glad as his heart was for the bonfire, it could never be full—not so long as his family was still not whole. Ember had returned from Hemlock, and Nelu was on the road to recovery, but Talyssa was still gone, off on her adventures exploring the world. Artorias was glad he'd given her the opportunity to grow and discover herself, but gods, did he miss her so much. Realizing that this was the first bonfire they were going to have with their daughter gone had been a blow to his heart. He just hoped wherever she was, she was happy, safe, and healthy.

Finishing up a conversation with some of their guests, Artorias continued making the rounds and chatting with everyone when his gaze lifted to meet the golden fawn form of a wolf near and dear to his heart. Her sire's eyes lit up with such a light that they rivaled the glow of the bonfire, his shocked expression swiftly evolving into uncontainable joy. She smiled back at him, and then both wolves were hurrying toward each other until Artorias was scooping up Talyssa in his powerful forearms, practically hoisting her off her paws as he embraced her like she'd been gone for years and not seasons. "Taly! Oh, fiica mea dulce și minunată! Mi-a fost foarte dor de tine!" he cheered, responding in their tongue to her. All of his children knew Carpathian, but none of them had embraced it like Talyssa had. It felt like something special between them when they spoke it regularly to one another.

Artorias held Talyssa close in a tight embrace, nuzzling the side of her neck and forehead while he took in her familiar scent. She was here; she was really here! Art didn't even care if it was just for the bonfire, he was overjoyed just to see her again! A couple glowing teal tears spilled from his eyes while his happiness overwhelmed him, a smile so wide on his muzzle it hurt. He'd underestimated how much her absence would impact him until he felt the relief of seeing her again. "I'm so glad you could make it home for the bonfire," he spoke softly to her alone, squeezing her again in his arms while his bushy tail thumped on the ground and wagged so fast it was flattening the grass. "You're looking well, Taly! How have your travels been?" The last Artorias had heard of Talyssa was when Chimera had sent a raven informing him his daughter was teaching lessons in Ashen. When Ashen fell, he lost all track of Talyssa and could only hope she was okay.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian"