For the fifth time that morning, Artorias huffed in irritation at the aide's whiny voice in his ear, asking him to remain still as she made the final adjustments to his ceremonial armour, a rather garish suit of armour covered by an equally garish bright blue cloak that was lined with furs of all sorts, adding to the already infernal heat of the preparation room.
"Keep still, sire, I am nearly done…" she said, yet again.
"That's what you said five minutes ago…" I said through clenched teeth, eager to just get this over with. After what seemed another agonisingly long, five minutes, the aide was finally satisfied, and stepped back to see her 'work'.
"There, you look amazing, sire!" she said with a smile, though I was sure she was aiming at her self.
"Hmm…" I grumbled. A knock on the door brought both of our gazes to it.
"I'll get it." The aide chirped.
You don't say… Artorias sighed to himself.
The door creaked open, and in the doorway stood a rather blank faced Ornstein.
"Oh Sir Ornstein! How are you today?" The aide cooed, hoping to get some small compliment thrown her way, she leaned against the door frame, sliding her hand down it.
"I need to speak with Artorias." Ornstein said, no hint of, well, anything in his voice.
"Oh." The aide mumbled disappointingly, and stepped to the side. Ornstein flashed a look at her, and almost immediately she walked out the room.
But I knew this was bad news when Ornstein did not sneak a peek at her rump while she was walking off.
"Well, how do I look?" I asked, both honestly, and hoping to try and avoid Ornstein's own topic.
"You look fine." He monotonously replied while standing opposite me. I couldn't help but feel a little nervous under his fiery, commandeering gaze.
I simply nodded and cleared his throat nervously.
"So, I must ask, why did you not tell me before she arrived?" Ornstein broke the silence. I swayed by head to the side, trying to look as innocent as possible.
"Wha-"
"Don't play dumb with me, Artorias. You know full well of what I am talking about." Ornstein cut in quickly, reading his thoughts. Rolling his eyes, I just shrugged.
"What did she say?" I asked. Ornstein shrugged before answering.
"I'm not sure, after she told me that it happened the night before, I stopped listening."
"What? Why?" I asked. I could almost feel Ornstein's ego rising up, trying to defend his actions.
"Because I was drunk, why should I try to reason my actions?" Ornstein answered. I shook his head again. Ornstein was unlike himself. "Ciaran is an assassin, these type of things don't fuss her not one wit."
This hurt him more than her at this point.
"That's not the point, Ciaran is still a woman." I swiftly defended her.
Ornstein shrugged, again.
"Did you at least apologize?" I asked, silently praying that he did.
Ornstein's blank look told me his answer.
"Ornstein…" I growled.
"I told you, and her in fact, that my actions were out of my control, I was under the influence of alcohol." Ornstein replied. "Besides, if you were listening earlier, Ciaran is…"
"I don't care if she is a knight, or an 'assassin'. You seem to forget that she is a woman." I cut in before he could finish. "She still has a heart."
"Hmph, you'd think with a heart like that she would certainly apologize to me after bruising my face." Ornstein retorted.
"But that can be fixed in a matter of seconds with the healing maidens."I said, raising his voice slightly. "You hurt her more then she hurt you, Ornstein."
He scoffed and leaned closer.
"What part of 'I was drunk' don't you get!? What do you want me do, kiss her feet and shower her with presents? Cook her dinner and clean her sheets?" He retorted while waving his arms. "Besides, admittedly, what I said that night was the truth."
I snapped. Viciously.
"What's wrong with you!?" I shouted aloud. "Why is it so hard to say 'sorry' with you? Are you so up your own arse you can't see what's around you?"
An unnerving silence filled the room as Ornstein and I stared at each other, and for one, horrid moment, I hardly recognized him.
"Well…I see where your loyalties lie." Ornstein retorted.
"How childish are you? Don't be stupid, Captain."
"Sirs?" Both of us looked at Rodan, who stood in the doorway. "What ever is the matter?"
Rodan picked up on what was happening however, as he does, and sighed deeply.
"Sir Ornstein, perhaps is would be best if you would not anger Sir Artorias before he sees His Grace?"
Ornstein shifted slightly and nodded. "Yes, Rodan, sir...You're right." The Lion said before following him out of the room, leaving me to try and simmer down, which was difficult to gauge since the heat of the room was unbearable with all these clothes on.
"Sir, the court awaits." Rodan's unwelcome voice told me. Taking deep breaths, I tried his best not to storm out of the room in complete anger, and instead took it slowly.
The cool air of the corridor was welcoming, and simmered his face down very nicely.
"Ah, a walking piece of art, if I say so myself!" The aide said happily. Ignoring her was the best option.
I've seen better art come out my-
"As we all already, shall we proceed?" Rodan asked as he stood by me. A simple nod was all I gave him in answer. Our foot steps filled the halls as we approached the great brass doors that led to Our Lord, and a thousand thoughts were swimming in his head.
Why didn't he apologize? How is Ciaran feeling?
Shaking his head free from those thoughts, I braced his self under the shadow of the Sentinels that loomed above me.
"Ready sir?" Rodan asked me again, and again, all I did was simply nod in agreement.
With a swift gesture, Rodan commanded the Sentinels to open the great brass doors, and the beasts that lied within.
Nervousness peaked when he felt all eyes fall on him. The smiles and grins of the people also filled the room, so I wasn't to sure weather to feel relaxed or even more nervous. Lord Gwyn and his children sat at the very end of the room. To the side of the room sat the others. Gough was looking as cheerful as ever, and judging by the way he was sitting, trying to contain his excitement. Ornstein… well, he wasn't really sure. He was smiling, but, his eyes still had that look in them from earlier.
Ciaran was also sitting next to them, but her face gave away her feelings. Still, she smiled, but he was certain that was for his sake.
Taking deep and slow breaths, I began his long, slow walk towards The Great Lord. It became increasingly more difficult with each step due to a legion of Silver Knights saluting me as I passed them. Each step I took became more and more heavy, he wasn't too sure if it was his numerous cloaks or the thoughts of his dream, but finally he stood in front the Lord, and knelt in honour, but more importantly in sweet relief.
"Ladies and Gentlemen of this court, I welcome thee." The Great Lord began. "Today, a legend has been made. This mighty warrior has indeed walked and slain death itself. This man, who has shown faith, loyalty and undying courage, has proven that he is indeed the mightiest of us all. And now, he shall receive my blessing…"
Lord Gwyn removed his sword from his scabbard, and placed it gently on his shoulders. Each one felt as if his arms were about to be hacked off. Artorias let out a breath when the sword was removed from his shoulders.
"Now rise! For thine name is Artorias, The Abyss-Walker!"
The hall was filled with laughter, music and celebration as all the nobles celebrated and danced in his name. Artorias, admitting to himself, felt a tad overwhelmed to be around all of this, but still, he simply tried to enjoy himself, and thanks to the fact he discarded most of his cloaks, he felt free, able to move about without nearly passing out.
"Haha, the Abyss-Walker!' Gough boomed. 'Tis' indeed a mighty title!"
"Ugh, don't tell me that is how you'll be greeting me everyday now, is it?" I groaned. Gough simply laughed before returning to his drink.
"Hm, tis' a suiting title, wear it proudly, my friend!" Ornstein added, a little alcohol cheering him up, which was a welcome relief.
"I will." I replied. "I just hope people remember it wasn't just me who slew Manus..."
"Hm, The Dragon-Slayer, The Hawk-Eye, The Abyss-Walker and The Lord's Blade… It seems we all have great titles!" Gough said cheerfully.
"Oh, speaking of the Lord's Blade…" Ornstein began rather sheepishly. "You're right. Drunk or not, I shouldn't have said those things."
"Well, go on." Artorias sighed with relief. "Go ahead."
Ornstein looked at the floor with his eyes briefly. "Ah well, that's the problem see, I cannot actually find her…"
"What do you mean you can't…" he echoed while looking around, but Artorias soon noticed that Ciaran was no where to be found.
"Hrm, now where…?" Gough said as he peered above the crowds.
"Sir Artorias!" A woman's voice cried out. Looking over their shoulders, the woman walked up to them.
"Can I help you?" he asked.
"Yes, it's about Ciaran, she's… well, gone overboard." The woman explained.
"I doubt that very much." Gough snorted. "Ciaran would never go… Oh, wait." Gough corrected himself before giving a disappointed look at Ornstein. He raised his hands to defend himself.
"I was literally about to." Ornstein agreed.
"No, I think you'll just make it worse, I'll go see what this is about." sighed before following the woman. "See you in a minute."
What's she done now? He thought to himself while groaning. A familiar, but rather overly cheerful voice confirmed all suspicions.
Entering the room, the view that was given was enough to make him shake his head.
"...And so I shesh, "Wuddya mean you're dead? I only just started on you face, It's time for- Oh hey, the man of the century!" Ciaran said as she pointed at Artorias, wine glass in hand while slumping her arm around his shoulders. Her friends around her gave rather worried looks.
"Alright, how many?"
"Many? Oh, how many men..." She slurred and raised her fingers, counting. "One. And that's you, my sweetness."
"Drinks" He corrected her.
"Drinks... now that's the good stuff! I want more drinks. I've only had two." she burped.
"She's had at least five." One Blade corrected her. Ciaran's face turned a bright shade of red, and spun around.
"Yeah alright, you little bit-"
"Blades, I think it would be best if you left. I'll try and calm her one down." Artorias swiftly cut in. The Blades bowed in agreement, and stepped out of the room, and into the Grand Hall, leaving hom alone with Ciaran.
"How many times have you told me and Ornstein that wine and mead is bad for us? Hmm?" he asked with a smile.
"Oh I couldn't care less about Ornstein! He can go and drown in it for all I care!" She bit back while storming onto the balcony. The cool evening air was a wonderful feeling on her warm face. The dusk light painted the town with an orange unlike any other as the sun climbed down the mountain range in the distance.
"Ah, the balcony huh? Tryna get me alone, eh?" She giggled.
"Excuse me?"
"I know you game, Big boy."
A sigh. "Big b- This is a little weird now. Besides, I don't tend to sleep with women who are blind drunk."
"Blind? I'm not blind, I can see you just fine." she answered while tilting erratically. "Oh could you do me a favour, and, undress me? I wanna play your game."
"In public? Didn't know you had it in you."
"Gonna get something else in a minute."
"Why are you being like this?" He asked while sighing. Ciaran snorted before answer.
"Because I'm drunk? Why are you sober, is the question." Ciaran replied while drinking her wine.
"Look, I've talked to Ornstein about it, and he will try and…" Artorias tried to reason.
"Ooooh, that... Fuck him, am I right?! Calling me inadequate, look at him with his stupid walking stick. Bet he's overcompensating, the bastard." Ciaran announced to him.
Artorias couldn't help himself. "If only you could see yourself now."
"But it's OK!" Ciaran continued sarcasm heavy in her tone. "It's only Ciaran; she'll go murder a family of humans to cheer herself up! Because that's all I'm good for, these days!"
"What- Alright, that is enough." He snapped, removing the glass from her hand.
"What are you doin'? I needa drink. Or a drunk. Maybe people will like me more, I know I would." Ciaran spluttered in protest.
"Just, stop and listen." He started. " Honey... It doesn't matter, what people think of you, because I know you, better then anyone else in this land, and I care about you. More then anything."
"But I'm…" Ciaran began to answer, but stopped, trying to fight the little pools of tears forming in her eyes. "I'm a mess..."
"I wouldn't have said I loved you otherwise now, would I?" He continued, and he knew it was working as Ciaran leapt into his arms. "I love you, Ciaran. As I always have done, and always will do." He added as he wiped a tear away from her soft cheeks.
"I love you too, you idiot..." she whispered.
"You're an idiot. Feeling better?" Artorias asked with a smile.
She nodded.
"Going to drink that much ever again?"
She shook her head.
"Thought so." He laughed as her rubbed her back. They turned towards the township, which had turned from a bright, luminous orange, to a dark navy, little spots of gold dotted the area beneath, and that vanished one by one. They held each other tighter as the sun disappeared over the mountain, and the cool air of the night swept over the land.
"Art?"
"Yeah?"
"I take it back."
"Wha-"
"Hold my hair."
"...Oh, right."
She leant over the said and unloaded her stomach over the side, Artorias doing his best to catch her hair. She chocked on her bile, making him feel ill in the process.
Well, this is certainly new. "I'm not letting you live this down."
"Hey, I love you." she coughed between intervals.
"Just, err, yeah..." Artorias answered sheepishly, poking her cheek, turning her head to the side. "Love you to, honey."
A sigh escaped his lips. It was going to be a night remembered.