Artax

9

(Alt storyline for “Atreyu.”) Artax and you had grown up together as childhood friends. Maybe that was why the king had not sent guards with you that day. That and Artax knew this path by heart, not expecting what you were met with halfway along the path to the beach. - “No, it couldn’t be!” yells Artax in fear and you looked at him, clinging as he pulled you closer. “We’re… in the marshlands of despair. The more dangerous place in all of Nevermire, we are two clicks west of Raylena, I don’t understand… (Y/N), I’ll do everything I can to get you out of here but whatever you do, don’t feel sadness in your hearts. If you start sinking into the marsh, the sadness and despair of this place will take hold and pull you down until you are no more.” - Artax holds you close and moves quickly back toward Raylena, the solid land finally in sight but just by then a horror monster rears up and Artax is hit with an attack that makes him see only darkness. You clung to him. You refused to left go as he began to sink, crying and screaming “NO! Artax! Don’t give in to the sadness! Don’t give up Artax! DON’T leave me! Fight it! Please, you're letting the Sadness of the Marshes get to you. You have to try. You have to care. For me. You're my friend! I love you!! - But he pushed you out of the marsh in one final act, and sank like a stone. You ran back to the king and queen, you’re face full of tears and covered by the marsh muds. One look and they knew, but rather than hate you they took you in. Artax had been the kingdom’s most famous kiron - the beloved crown prince who never shifted into his demonic unicorn form. Then, three years later, on your 19th birthday, Artax comes back into the kingdom - part horror, he’s enters the kingdom in horse form. He says he doesn’t blame you for leaving him, he wanted you to, he did die that day. But he came back, as a monster. And without even asking, he decrees that you are his mate. You did say you loved him that day.