Light piercing the dark

Artorias couldn't help a rumbling chuckle when Briar called their pups rambunctious and energetic, grateful to know that despite the strangeness going on outside their unborn children were still healthy and active as ever. Leaning his head over to rest his muzzle against Briar's belly, Artorias spoke softly directly against his wife's skin to their pups. "Settle down in there, you lot. Your mother would like some rest now." Knowing that puppies were gonna puppy and do whatever they wanted regardless, Art just gave a soft breathy huff of amusement and sat up to help himself to some food, scooping some meat into his mouth while his free paw rested gently on Briar's side, giant digits stroking soothingly along her taut skin to offer her some relief.

Briar asked if everything was looking all right outside and Art just gave a drawn out sigh. "As good as a sudden unexpected and uncertain change in the world can, I suppose," he remarked, the Lord of Cinder giving a look up to his raven companions who swooped down to draw the curtains and block out the red night. He didn't want anything disturbing their peaceful evening together. "It's quiet right now. Nothing has really happened much beyond the appearance of that strange land. The kids are out investigating some things down on the Shore, but that's all." There was really not much to report, which came as both a blessing and a curse. The stillness brought peace, but it also brought with it uncertainty, like the world was hanging on the edge of cataclysm. Determined to keep their minds off of the things they had no control over, Artorias gave Briar an affectionate smile and planted a slow lick to her cheek. "Don't worry, my Deer Girl. We'll all be safe in here, even if we have to ride out whatever this is behind closed doors."

Art's eyes lit up with excitement then as he slowly untangled himself from Briar's side. "In fact, I have just the thing to keep ourselves entertained if we do go into lockdown." With a playful grin, Artorias crossed the room to his chest and nudged the lid open, pulling out something from within. When he returned to Briar, Art laid down the sheathed short sword at her paws, beaming lovingly while he wrapped himself around her once more. Letting Briar unsheath the sword from its navy blue leather sheath, Artorias took in all of his wife's reactions to her new blade. The short sword was forged from beautiful Carpathian steel, similar in style to Artorias' own sword in its natural organic ripples and bands. Both sharpened edges of the sword shone with a lustrous mirror-like finish from tip to hilt. The blade was long, elegant, lightweight, and deadly. The grip was wrapped in matching navy leather, and both the pommel and metal accents on the scabbard were made from the same wild Carpathian steel pattern. The metal around the top of the scabbard had a fire sapphire and turquoise stone set into either side, mimicking the eyes of the pair of lovers.

"You caught me working on this for you when we made these," he spoke playfully, gently patting her pregnant belly with his forepaw for emphasis. "Now it's yours, and once the pups are born, we'll be able to start your training with it. That'll be a good way to kill time indoors." Bushy tail wagging behind him on the fur rug, Artorias nuzzled Briar's neck and spoke softly against her ear. "Happy anniversary, Briar. My life is complete and perfect because of you and I love you so much."

"Artorias & Briar" | "Carpathian"