After introducing himself to everypony in the wedding hall, Artorias went over to the balcony to clear his head. Besides, the whole event that transpired that day have left him a lot of thoughts.

His mind wandered back to his home, his friends, and of course Manus Father of The Abyss.

As much as he wanted to drive his divine greatsword through Manus' heart and stopping the spread of the Abyss, he knew he can no longer do anything about it. He just hoped that Manus is dead and the spread of the Abyss has been stopped by the Chosen Undead.

'My duty in my previous life is over, nothing I can do about it. Now, My duty is to protect this land and its inhabitants from anything that may threaten their safety...even if that means I have to die a second time, so be it.' he steeled himself as he think about this.

Just as he closed that thought, another one barged into his mind...Ciaran.

'I wish I kept that promise to her.'

Flashback...

It was a beautiful night on the city of Anor Londo, everyone else was vast asleep. Well almost everyone.

In his quarters, Knight Artorias was busy preparing his weapons and equipment for his next mission to Oolacile. As soon as he heard that the Abyss was attacking the kingdom of Oolacile, he immediately volunteered to stop the attack .

All was quiet, until he felt a presence behind him.

He turned around and saw Ciaran, standing behind him.

"Hello there Ciaran, may I help you?" he said casually.

"Don't you 'may I help you' me!" she replied sternly.

" Ciaran, what's wrong? why are you-?"

"Artorias, are you insane?! you can't do this alone!" she yelled. " The last time you traversed the Abyss, you almost died! don't you realize that?!" .

Artorias sighed, and stared into Ciaran's golden eyes. "I am sorry Ciaran, as much as I need your help you just can't go!" he yelled back " I am the only one who can traverse the Abyss, and you know it. If you go with me..." he paused " You will perish in there, and I can't risk that to happen because I can't lose you."

"And I can't lose you either Artorias! *sniff*" tears started forming in her eyes. " You are just too precious for me to l-" before she could finish her sentence, Artorias pulled her into a warm-comforting hug. She returned the hug and buried her head into Artorias' chest as tears started flowing down her face. They stayed like this for a long time before letting go of each other.

Artorias wiped away her tears and cupped her chin. " Yes, I almost died. but I returned didn't I?" he said softly .

Ciaran then stared into his crystal blue eyes and smiled softly " Yes, you did..." she paused "Promise me Artorias, I beg of you, promise me that you return to me alive." hope and concern present in her eyes and voice.

Artorias held her arms and pulled her closer, their faces inches away from each other "I promise" Artorias leaned in, and kissed her deeply. She returned the kiss, and after what seemed like an eternity they let go of each other.

"Be safe, I love you Artorias."

" I love you too Ciaran." he gave her one last hug, and with that he departed to Oolacile.

End of flashback...

'All of the missions given to me, I failed none of them...but one simple request from the one I love the most...' he trailed off.

He was drowned in his thoughts, unaware that a certain sun princess was walking towards him.

"Artorias, are you okay?" she asked in a soothing voice.

Artorias snapped out of his thought "Y-yes princess, I-I am okay. I was just clearing my mind that's all" he said.

She smiled in response "It's good to hear that, the wedding will begin shortly. As our savior, we would like to properly introduce you to the citizens of Canterlot if you accept of course."

"Oh that will be lovely princess, thank you." he said while bowing politely.

"You are welcome Artorias." she smiled. "Let's see how Twilight and her friends are doing."

"Lead the way princess." he said

Celestia snickered in response.

"All set?" Twilight asked her friends.

"All set boss!" they replied in unison.

"All set princess" she trotted to Princess Celestia.

She gave a nod of approval "Then lets get the wedding started shall we?"

As final inspections were made to see if everything is in their place, Artorias and everypony else got into their positions to start the wedding.

"Mares and gentlecolts, we are gathered here today not only to celebrate the union of the real Princess Mi Amore Cadenza--."

"Just Cadence is fine." Cadence cut Celestia off

The sun princess smiled in response. "The union of Princess Cadence and Shining Armor, but also a new hero. A hero who not only saved the wedding, but also all of Equestria."

'Remember, with grace and elegance.' Artorias thought while walking towards the wedding hall's double doors (which had been recently fixed thank magic for that) Captain Shatterstorm and his squad have joined in as well, and were acting as his escorts.

The double doors opened and revealed Captain Shatterstorm, his squad, and a large faceless metal-skinned bipedal creature walking out of it. All of the ponies gasped when they saw what the royal guards were escorting.

"My little ponies, may I introduce you to the hero who saved all of Equestria: Knight Artorias the Abysswalker." Celestia announced.

Artorias elegantly walked towards the wedding altar and stood behind Cadence and Shining Armor. He turned around, bowed, and spoke up. " Good afternoon, my name is Knight Artorias. It is a pleasure to meet all of you, before you ask; yes I am a knight and I am not from around here, but I mean all of you no harm. On my honor, I will do anything to keep Equestria and her citizens safe from dangers both in and outside her borders." he said politely. Then he placed both of his hands on his helmet, and took it off, thus revealing his face. "As you can see, I am not a creature of darkness; I am made of flesh and blood just like all of you." This, seemed to made the ponies relax. Then, he pitted his helmet against his hip.

"Artorias, please stand beside me; I think Cadence and Shining Armor have something to tell you."

Artorias nodded politely and walked up the altar towards Princess Celestia.

"Knight Artorias, even if we do not know of your kind; I can't thank you enough for the things you have done. From what I've seen; you are brave, heroic, and wise . I am happy you were on our side and not on Chrysalis'." Cadance said.

Artorias bowed to her , " I am just doing my duty princess." he said politely.

"And I would like to thank you as well if you didn't come all will be lost now; we and all of Equestria is in your debt." Shining Armor said while giving Artorias a bow. To Artorias' surprise; all of the ponies bowed to him, even Princess Celestia herself.

Artorias bowed back.

"Now we shall continue why we are all here". Celestia said. "May we have the rings please?"

Spike walked up with the two rings on a small pillow, the rings were covered in a golden aura and levitated over towards Cadence and Shining Armor. The rings were put on each other’s horns. Cadence and Shining Armor smiled at each other.

"I now pronounce you: mare and colt." Celestia announced.

'This reminds me of Lady Gwynevere and Lord Flan's marriage' he thought, whilst smiling happily at both his memory and the current situation.

Cheers erupted from the ponies in the wedding room for the recently married couple. Cadence and Shining Armor walked towards the balcony. They stood outside and looked at the city of Canterlot below them. All of the ponies on the streets started cheering for them.

Artorias stood by the princess' side, and followed the princess and the rest of the main six to the balcony.

"Rainbow Dash, That’s your cue." Celestia said.

'What?' Artorias thought.

Rainbow Dash nodded in response and literally flew out of her dress. With an amazing speed she performed her signature sonic rainboom high above Canterlot. "Best. Wedding. Ever!"

Artorias couldn't believe his eyes ' I guess she was not lying when she said she is the fastest flyer here.'

'This day is not going to be so bad after all.'

With that said; the wedding party had officially begun, everypony was celebrating and congratulating Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, and of course thanking Artorias for his deeds.

As evening falls, Artorias was invited by Princess Celestia and the main six to attend the party that took place on the castle's gardens. Princess Cadance and Shining Armor were embracing each other tightly in a slow dance, Artorias smiled as he observed the scene around him...the happiness, peace, festivities, and harmony really soothed his soul.

All of a sudden, Artorias saw another alicorn with a dark blue coat and a starry mane that represents the night sky.

'Ah, another princess. She must be the co-ruler Celestia mentioned earlier' he thought. 'I've got to say, after all of the princesses I've met here she is the most, charmi- wait, what?' he immediately shook that thought from his mind and regained his composure.

She landed beside Princess Celestia "Hello everypony, did I miss anything?" she said in a soft tone.

Artorias bowed to her politely.

Princess Luna chuckled at this, "Please, no need for formalities . We are Princess Luna, thou must be Sir Artorias."

'We? why is she referring to herself like that?'

"Yes, that is correct. It is an honor to meet you personally princess." he smiled.

With that done, Artorias,the main six, Princess Luna and Princess Celestia looked at the scene with smiles planted on their faces; Rarity shed tears of happiness . Pinkie Pie looked at Twilight, Twilight nodded and Pinkie Pie smiled with joy and made a little squeal.

She trotted over towards the DJ stand and somehow pulled Vinyl Scratch from behind it.

'What kind of contraption is that?' he thought with a bewildered expression on his face.

Twilight saw his bewildered expression, and was about to give Artorias a lecture about electronic music instruments until...

"Let’s get this party started!" Pinkie said while she grabbed a microphone with her mouth and threw it towards Twilight. Twilight caught the microphone with her magic and started singing.

Love is in bloom
A beautiful bride,
A handsome groom
Two hearts, becoming one
A bond that cannot be undone
Because love is in bloom
A beautiful bride, a handsome groom
I said love is in bloom
They’re starting a life and making room for us
Love is in bloom,
A beautiful bride, a handsome groom
I said, love is in bloom
They’re starting a life and making room for us
For us,
For us.

'I have never heard this kind of music, but I like it!' Back in Lordran, all he listened was classical orchestra music at several grand occasions and ceremonies.

He was enjoying the music, until he felt a tug on his shoulder. He turned around and saw Princesses Luna and Celestia were smiling at him.

"Walk with us Artorias, I think it's time we get to know each other. I mean, we didn't even know where you come from." said Princess Celestia

"It will be my genuine pleasure your highnesses. Let me alleviate your wonders." He smiled

With that, the three of them walked deeper into the Royal Gardens.

On the streets of Canterlot were Twilight and her friends, Cadence, Shining Armor, and many other ponies still celebrating the wedding.

A royal chariot had arrived to take tho bride and groom away. Twilight opened the door with her magic and bowed, Cadence was the first one to enter; Shining Armor was about to enter before he stopped and looked at his little sister.

"Twilight! None of this would have been possible without you little sis. Love ya Twilight." Shining Armor said while smiling.

Twilight smiled back. "Love you to BBBFF."

Twilight then hugged her brother, which he returned. Shining Armor stepped into the royal chariot.

"Ready to go?" he asked Princess Cadance.

"Oh I almost forgot." Cadence said while standing on the couch of the chariot and throwing the bouquet of flowers out of it.

Some mares tried to catch it; only for Rarity to push them aside and catching the bouquet of flowers with her magic. "MIIINNNEEE!"Rarity screamed.The mares looked at her with an angered expression. "Heheheheh." Rarity laughed nervously.
The royal chariot left, taking the princess and her new prince.

"Now this was a great wedding." Twilight said while watching the chariot ride away.

"Oh yeah? Just wait and see what I have planned for the bachelor party." Spike said. Spike and the others laughed while Twilight held her hoof to her face from embarrassment, but eventually she laughed as well.

Artorias were walking with the princesses through the gardens, mainly the princesses asked about his origins and homeworld. And of course, he answered them perfectly but refused to go through the details, he stated that it would be better to answer their questions with more details when Twilight and her friends are around.

'She seemed to be the studious type.' he thought.

As night falls, they returned to the castle.

"Thank thee Artorias, tonight is very enjoyable." Princess Luna said.

"It is my pleasure your majesty." he said politely.

"Now Artorias, we would like to retire for the day but before that we would like to walk you to your chamber." Princess Celestia said

'They will do what?!' all of a sudden he felt very awkward. But, since he didn't even know where his chamber was he relented.

"T-thank you your majesties, I am honored. It's just, usually I am the one doing the walk-and-escort." he said while bowing.

"Don't mention it Artorias, it is the least that we can do." Princess Luna said.

Artorias nodded politely, and they walked towards his chamber. The walk was short and silent, after turning a few more corners they arrived at Artorias' chamber.

"This is it Artorias, I hope everything suits you. If you need anything, you only need to ask." Princess Celestia said softly.

"Thank you princess, this is more than perfect to me." he said politely

"Have a good night Artorias." Princess Luna said.

Artorias nodded politely, and just as he turned to open the door...

"Hi Artorias, where have you been?" Twilight said with a cheery tone.

He turned around and saw Twilight with her friends in tow, walking towards him.

"Hello, girls. I was engaged with a short Q&A session with Princesses Celestia and Luna that's all." he replied casually.

Twilight's ears flattened against her head as she heard this "I wish I could be there too, I've got a lot of questions for you Artorias."

Artorias smiled and patted Twilight's head gently. "Don't worry Miss Sparkle, I am always open for questions and since I've got questions on my own how about if we have another Q&A session tomorrow?"

"Where and when?" they asked in unison with huge grin planted on their faces

"Er, will the castle gardens suffice? In the morning perhaps?"

Twilight and her friends perked up at this "Oh, that would be wonderful! thank you Artorias!" she said as the rest of them huddled Artorias into a group hug. He was surprised, but returned the hug nevertheless.

"Now, I suggest we call this day off. Good night girls." he said politely.

"Good night Artorias." they replied in unison.

He nodded, and walked into his chamber inside, he smiled when he saw everything fits his needs his room even has balcony and a bathroom large enough for him to use.

He walked towards the balcony and opened the door, just as he was outside he felt the breeze of night air caressing his face. From his position, he saw the beautiful city of Canterlot stretching as far as his eyes could see. He looked up at the moon and stared into its tranquil light...this reminds him of his past habit with Sif.

'Sif, wherever you are now; I hope you are still alive. Forgive me my friend...forgive me.' he sighed sadly.

After staying on the balcony a bit longer, he took of his armor and went to sleep...unaware that the Princess of The Night was watching him.

"Good night Artorias." she said with a soft smile.

Author's Note

Merry Christmas guys!

Sorry for the delay, my internet went down a couple of days ago but now it's up and running again.

So, a quick evaluation :

I have decided to put Capt.Shatterstorm's squad to have more influence on the story. So they could help Artorias in both peace and war time in the future (I wish I could tag more characters).

I know you guys are expecting some kick-ass action from Artorias, but now he is still at his 'recovery' from the Abyss' grasp (come on! give the guy a break!) but trust me, he will do it soon.

As usual, let me know in the comments if you guys find anything wrong and I will see you in the next one

-Lightning Spear