"Why is it you wish to set towards Oolacile? Their quarrels with the Abyss are that of their own." Words spoken from an uneasy Ciaran.

"My dearest Ciaran, you know as well as I, that their township was swayed by that treacherous serpent and his false pleasantries." A hint of disgust fills Artorias' voice . "I mean you no disservice within my departure." Artorias laying a calming hand upon her shoulder. "But understand as you may, if Frampt and, his followers are to set hold on any opportunity we give them their plague of existence shall spread."

"Then let it spread! This is nothing but a fools errand you seek to complete Artorias! Anor Londo needs not the loss of another knight bu-"

Artorias cuts in with a hearty chuckle " So it is then my swordsmanship you question, rather than my departure."

Ciaran stunned by his tone "How can you jest so merrily in times like these." She looks away flustered by his actions.

"There is no need to worry, Sif is by my side." An arrogant smile formed about Artorias' face. "A finer brother in combat can not be found on any grounds you wish to seek. Many say I am unmatched with a great-sword but they have yet to see that pup in all his glory, and hast thou forgotten the Blind Hawk has already set foot in that land."

"What do you mean to accomplish from this feat?" An empty sounding Ciaran ask while reaching for Artorias' hand. "Already bestowed upon you is nobility, honor, and pride. What else do you require?"

Yanking his hand away. "I have nobility by blood. I have honor by code, but I can not claim pride when my enemies grow both in number, and strength." Artorias now standing firm "This is my duty. I was birthed with the gift of Abyss walking for this sole purpose."

"And is it your intention to shoulder this burden for the sake of your pride?"Now standing to meet his gaze. "Is there no words I can say to change your mind?"

Artorias' confident smile reemerging "No, there is not a single one that can slow my stride." The vigor in his smile leaves him now with a feint grin."I leave at dawn to Oolacile along with Sif. If it is your wish to send me off, meet us at the gates." He turns to Ciaran with A broadened smile. "That's if you wish to send a fool to complete his errand."

With a sense of remorse in her voice. "...Or to his death" Looking deeper into him she says "Please at any cost return the same man."

Pulling Ciaran close into an embrace "Remind me again which of us is the knight with the iron will." Chuckling as he says so.

A grin forces through as Ciaran mildly jabs her finger into Artorias' chest saying "The Fool." lightly pushing herself away from him with a smile. "It almost slipped my thoughts, I have a parting gift for you." Handing him a small silver pendant. "I had the Blacksmith forge it with a blessing from Gwynevere. Its light is meant to repel darkness. Let us pray that it affects the being of only the body and not that of the soul, or else you would not be able to return the same man."

"Now who's the one making jest of these times?" Says Artorias through a light laugh. "If it put any ease to your worries I will gladly accept it."

Artorias bowing ever so slightly as to allow Ciaran to dawn the pendant about his neck. "Now hurry off before I regret not being able to keep you by my side."

"I'd never truly leave your side as I know you'd never leave mine." Sealing his words with a kiss upon her head.