Artorias and Briar were going to be parents! By now, the whole of the Hallows had heard the news, and the pack was bustling with activity preparing for the arrival of the next generation of Carpathians. Everyone was excited, and Artorias was even more so—but there was an underlying anxiousness to his joy. Beyond his own concerns about his aptitude for being a father, what the Aegis feared the most was that this change in the pack would cause even more worry and stress to his sister's already fragile psyche. He loved Avantika, and he oft worried about his sister's obsession with absolute and total uncompromising security. He valued that tenacity in his Vanguard, but he'd seen how the stress and singleminded focus had destroyed Tika's personal life. He wanted the birth of his children to be a happy and celebrated event, not one that would lead to further cracks in his beloved sibling.

But try as he might, Artorias had not found a way to truly help Avantika. When it came to matters of the mind, the Aegis was about as knowledgeable as an infant. Medicine was not his forte on a good day, and beyond basic physical triage, he knew nothing. Mental health was an abstract and confusing thing to him, and after watching his own mother descend into madness, he refused to let Tika go down a similar path. So the alpha turned to the one wolf he knew he could trust with the matter. Artorias sent a summons via Argent to Laeta, asking her to join him in the castle lounge. A fire crackled in the hearth of the cozy parlor, warming the room from winter's chill just beyond the glass windows, which revealed the white-covered landscape of the plains outside. Artorias had two bowls of hot apple cider prepared from their harvests of the grove, a soothing beverage he thought Laeta might appreciate.

The alpha settled back on his haunches on one of the several old couches, sinking into the plush cushions while he awaited the arrival of his friend. What he wanted to discuss with her was a delicate subject, one that required sensitivity and tact. If there was one wolf who had his utmost faith to handle this matter with discretion, it was Laeta.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"

Laeta had been overjoyed when the news came out that Artorias and Briar were expecting. New life to the Hallows was always welcome, and it had been ages since she'd seen a pup - or several - running about the castle halls. Actually, she didn't know if she'd ever heard the pitter-patter of tiny feet to begin with, making the news all the more exciting for everyone, her included. It was certainly a time to look forward to, and she was more than happy to see the Aegis about to become a father himself. She'd never had pups herself, so she would likely not fully understand the scope of the emotions the new parents would no doubt be feeling - but she knew they were happy ones. And she was more than willing to support them emotionally and mentally on their new chapter in their lives. Puppies really did change the tide in one's life, after all. It was because of this that when Art's companion approached her when she was in her room, asking for her presence, she agreed, wondering if the leader was struggling with some pre-pup anxiety. It was normal - completely natural - to be worried or nervous about the arrival of new bundles of joy. They interrupted routines and schedules, they required around the clock care for the first two months of their lives at least. So it was under the assumption that Artorias required a confidential talk that she followed the fox towards the castle lounge. The monochrome woman was met with the azure and charcoal wolf, sat upon one of the few coaches arranged in the center. The fire crackled and snapped with its embers and dry timber, masking the popping of her joints as she emerged into the vast, ornate room. Ruby eyes reflected in the warm orange glow, she glanced at Artorias and offered a kind smile, offering a polite dip of her head in greeting. "Artorias, a pleasure to see you," She said, tone as warm as the room itself. A stark contrast to the surprisingly snowy, wintry atmosphere outside the castle. It reminded her of northern Boreas all over again, something she could never fully shake off from her years as a loner. Basking in the fire's glowing embrace, she settled herself on the couch across from the Aegis, her bony figure and angular haunches casting sharp shadows across the stone floor. She was fully prepared to engaeg in a private talk with him, not realizing the reason for his summoning her was about Avantika. "Is there something you'd wish to discuss?" She inquired gently, the smile gracing her charcoal lips, gentle and mild as she was. THe question was an invitation, asking the leader to discuss anything he needed to. ”Speech” ’Thought’

The sound of paws entering the lounge brought Artorias out of his brooding thoughts, his troubled expression lightening some when he lifted his head and saw Laeta with Argent. "Laeta! Thank you for coming so quickly," he began, offering his friend and confidant one of the many comfortable seats with a wave of his paw to them. Once she'd gotten settled in and asked after what he had summoned her for, the Aegis nudged one of the cups of hot cider her way if she wished to have the beverage with him, then breathed a sigh as he prepared himself for what he wanted to ask of her. "Yes, there is. It's something I was hoping you might be able to help me with. It's nothing severe, but it is personal." Artorias paused to sip at his drink, the warmth of the liquid flowing down his throat to settle in his belly and warm him from the inside out.

"It's about my sister, Avantika," the younger wolf explained. He had to be tactful in how he explained the situation, so as to be sure he didn't betray Tika's confidence in him while also giving Laeta all the crucial information she required. "She's a wonderful wolf. Fiercely loyal, dedicated, driven. It's why she's my most valued Vanguard, and why I trust her as my family's personal guard." The lopsided smile that had formed on the alpha's face gradually slipped away while worry darkened his eyes. "Tika has always been prone to overwhelming herself, however... She's self-sacrificing to a fault. I've personally watched her let her own happiness and relationships deteriorate because she works herself to death believing that the Hallows is never safe enough. Nothing I've done has managed to convince her that she doesn't need to bear the weight of the world on her shoulders alone. After that pirate raid... she's just not been herself, and I don't know how to help her."

Artorias' amber eyes lifted to meet Laeta's ruby gaze. "I fear that once my pups are born, she'll start the cycle all over again worrying that she needs to work herself to death to protect them from nonexistent threats. That's exactly what I don't want, but I don't know how to get through to her. You've told me that you have a penchant and passion for helping others with their mental and emotional health. I'm hoping that you could help me with Tika. Help find the root cause of her anxiety and resolve it so she can live her life free of paranoia and worry. I want her to be a sister and aunt first and my Vanguard second, but something is preventing her from being able to do that." Artorias let the words hang in the air for a moment for Lae to digest them, then asked, "Is this something you could help with?"

"Artorias" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"

As Artorias greeted her ever so warmly, she smiled in return. It was almost her default expression now, a kind and welcoming expression she never took off. A stark contrast from the blank, sorrowful expression she'd carried upon first entering the Hallows. He then offered her a cup of hot cider - a perfect beverage for a frosted winter's eve such as this, and the perfect drink to warm her bones. She offered a nod in thanks, gently reaching down towards the cup to take a sip. It was absolutely delicious, and much needed. Letting the cider warm her up, she listened as Artorias explained that though what he asked for her was nothing severe, it was personal. Laeta perked her ears slightly. Not severe, but personal? Was it really Artorias himself who wished to confide in her? But this was soon dissuaded as he went on to mention this meeting was about Avantika. A glimmer of recognition crossed her ruby gaze, a slight furrow creasing her brow. She had spoken to Tika before, back when she was still paralyzed, so wolves who were recovering from the mental and physical trauma of the Long Night felt she would keep their secrets better than anybody else. He went on to describe her, and Laeta nodded in agreement - yes, the Vanguard was determined, courageous, and a lovely person all around. So helpful and selfless, willing to cross anything if it meant saving her family and her pack. But as the cerulean Aegis continued, the things that were brought up in her private meeting with Tika returned. She recalled the woman's struggles with panic attacks, and her chronic anxiety - quite severe, she might add - about the pack's safety. Being vigilant was one thing - when it began to merge into a form of paranoia, the overwhelming thoughts of the pack being in danger, at all times, wore heavily on a wolf's mind. Particularly with Avantika's underlying anxieties. He added this struggle of hers was exacerbated after the Pirates' raid, and the idea that her fear was outlined by being exposed to specific traumas again and again was likely another issue that hampered her from understanding when the pack was truly in danger or not. The poor woman was on survival mode, full alert, all the time. Laeta's furrowed brow paired with a concerned frown, nodding periodically and taking mental notes of Tika's symptoms. To circle it back, the Aegis continued, stating he worried for her - he wanted her to enjoy being an Aunt to his and Briar's upcoming litter, and he only wanted her to be happy. He pointed out how Laeta herself had explained her passion for helping wolves through mental and emotional turmoil, and though she knew Avantika to have deeply established anxiety, paranoia, and irrational fear, she felt she could at least try. Her case was a complex one, no doubt, but she understood how much Artorias was dedicated to helping his sister feel better again. And that's exactly what Laeta would help him with, too. As he finished, inquiring if this was something she could help with, she nodded dutifully. "I will do my best to help her, Artorias," She said, offering a comforting smile. "Thank you for explaining the situation concerning Avantika with me. Although I cannot say I know her very well, the times we have met have shown me she is a courageous, wonderful soul." She paused, adding, "From what you've told me, it's clear that she is struggling deeply with anxiety, and possibly some phobias as well - specific fears about the pack being harmed or hurt, but to an extreme. This fear may have been exacerbated by certain traumas - like the raid with the Pirates - which likely affected her more deeply than others concerning her chronic anxiety. It can definitely wear down a wolf just as much as a physical illness. And like a physical illness, it should be treated." She hoped her own words gave Art some hope - she couldn't offer empty promises or guarantees, that he was likely aware of, but she was confident in her own ability to attempt to see this through - to help him and to help Avantika get some relief from her emotional pain. ”Speech” ’Thought’

As he spoke of his concerns to her, Laeta listened with respectful and silent attention, and the Aegis was grateful for her attentiveness. She didn't speak until after he'd finished voicing his worries, and the words she replied with helped to soothe his anxiety. Laeta of course accepted to talk to Avantika and try to offer her aid. That was all he could really ask for. Listening to the experienced therapist speak of mental illness as the same as a physical illness reassured him that she could be healed, and that he had indeed come to the right wolf for the job. Artorias breathed a soft sigh and nodded, his posture visibly relaxing. The kind words she spoke of his sister did not go unnoticed either, and he gave the smaller woman an appreciative smile. "She is indeed courageous, but sometimes I worry that she mistakes courage for pride and makes it difficult to allow others to help her." He sighed again and took a long sip of his cider while gazing into the dancing flames of the crackling fire. "Thank you, Laeta. Whether you are able to help her or not, please know that I appreciate the attempt you're making for her—for me."

Artorias turned his fire opal gaze back to his wolf. "I hope you know how much your work around the Hallows has been noticed and valued," he said after a moment. "No one else specializes in matters of the mind like you do. I just wanted to be sure you were aware of how valuable you are to us. Coming to the Hallows was not an easy step for you, but I hope it's one that's been as beneficial to you as it has been to us." Artorias still remembered the day he'd found Laeta at the borders. A half-starved and frail creature, skeptical and wary of strangers. She'd come seeking a new life and a new start. Since that day, he'd seen her blossom and flourish in the pack. He watched as she transformed into the wolf she was today, and he was more proud of her than he could ever put to words. "If there's ever anything you need or want from me, anything I can do to show you my gratitude, you just name it."

He chuckled under his breath and brought his mug to his lips once more, drinking in deep the warm, spiced beverage. "I know I've been busy preparing for the pups, so I apologize if I've seemed unavailable at all. I just... am not 100% sure I'm ready for what's coming." It was a challenging thing for Artorias to admit, that he didn't feel prepared to be a father, especially when his children were so close to being here. But it was a concern that kept him up at night.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"

Laeta smiled softly as Artorias gave his thanks. She never really boasted about her abilities, nor gave too much thought into what she did had a profound impact on others - she simply did, on the most basic level of compassion, want to help his sister. She nodded in agreement to his statement regarding Avantika's shaken confidence, that she might fear that courage was on par with pride and arrogance, thus undermining her own self-esteem. It was certainly heartbreaking for such a brave and golden-hearted vanguard to struggle so deeply with her fears. On top of that, shutting herself off from others because asking for help was daunting. Little else compared with the emptiness and sheer pain of feeling isolated and alone..even when surrounded by family and friends. The crackling of the flames steadied the pauses between words. Laeta gently grasped her mug of cider again, taking a sip as Artorias continued explaining his gratitude to her. It was true that it was unheard of for a wolf to specialize in matters of the mind, but t suited her role well. And as he explained as well - she really did fit into the pack well. He hoped it was of benefit to her as well, knowing that she had arrived upon his borders a tired, weakened, and distrustful woman. Hardened by her early years as a loner, suffering through lonely, cold nights and nearly on the brink of death some seasons. But the Hallows had given within her a new flame, an ember that swelled into its own blaze. A fire in her heart, stars bright in her eyes - besides her older, delicate appearance, she genuinely was at her prime. And she had many more years still to give to the pack, to provide a comforting word and a shoulder to cry on. To help others through the darkness that she, too, had experienced so many times. It was the fact she had endured so much that, in turn, garnered a new hope for her to life others' spirits. She could hope that Avantika could heal if she could gain her trust, lend her a listening ear. Give the anxious girl kindness and compassion, and plenty of time. Healing didn't happen overnight, and it certainly wasn't linear. But, it could end with Tika being a happy, less anxious person. To conquer that fear. To be the sister and aunt she deserved to be. Laeta shook her head as Art apologized for seeming unavailable. "No need to apologize, it's quite understandable. A new litter is a valid reason - and Briar needs you during this time," She smiled softly as the Aegis mentioned not feeling completely ready for the pups. Taking another sip of her cider, the older woman placed the mug on the table before letting her ruby gaze settle upon the wolf in front of her. "It's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed. I have not had pups, but in my perspective, I don't think anyone is 100% ready for their arrival, either. It's a big change, and a life-altering one at that. A beautiful thing, and a big responsibility." She paused, smiling still as she added in earnest, "You will be a wonderful father, Artorias. You are an excellent leader, and those traits you show will certainly help you in this journey ahead of you." ”Speech” ’Thought’

Laeta had been as gracious as ever in her polite dismissal of his apology. She understood far better than he expected anyone to what he was facing, what stresses and worries he was staring down the barrel of on a daily basis. Sometimes he felt that no one in the pack truly understood what it meant to lead the Hallows, though he would never begrudge anyone that fact. It was his goal, after all, to make sure that everyone in the Hallows had an easy life, cared for and provided for in every conceivable way. If they didn't know the struggles he faced, then that meant he was doing his job successfully. Laeta comforted his nerves, assuring him that what he was feeling was normal and reasonable. He was facing a tremendous life-altering event! What first-time father wouldn't be nervous about raising a new bundle of life? This was a daunting task for anyone, one that he had never experienced before.

But Laeta surprised him with the kindness and sincerity of her words. She assured him that he would be a wonderful father, citing his qualities that made him a good leader as the reasons why. Artorias did not know what to say at first, struck dumb and mute while he listened to Laeta speak. The monochromatic woman put all of her faith in him. Maybe he needed to start seeing himself through the eyes of those that saw him the most rather than through his own critical lens. Artorias had been so focused on his inexperience, the fact that he had grown up without a father in his life to model himself after, that he doubted his own value. Laeta didn't though—no one in the Hallows did. Blinking in quick succession, Art didn't realize that a mist had begun to gather in his eyes, blinked away quickly before they could manifest into true tears. "Thank you, Laeta," he replied, his voice soft with emotion and a smile touching the corners of his lips. "Your counsel is exactly what I'd needed, even if I hadn't known it."

Could the Aegis ever truly show how much he valued the surprising woman of the Hallows? There was one way he could consider. "You've made tremendous strides in your skills since taking the rank of Scholar. Your story is one to be admired and made an example of. If I offered you the rank of Specialist, would you take it?" Artorias asked, leading on to explain further, "You'd be a mentor to all those who wish to follow the path of an Intellect. I think you could do some tremendous work being a role model to our novice members—and to any of my children that show an aptitude for the craft."

"Artorias" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"

It appeared to her words sent ripples through the Aegis - in a positive way, a deep and sincere way. The woman paused in her words, patiently allowing Artorias to process what she had told him. She stood by what she said, and always would - the qualities that lent the younger wolf to be a capable, courageous and kind leader of the Hallows would reflect in a surely positive, loving and encouraging relationship with his upcoming litter. The children of his and Briar's would, no doubt, be raised in a healthy and happy environment, surrounded by love and care and a community that cared for them. She almost blinked in surprise, herself, as Lae caught a sheen of mist in the Aegis's eyes, which he blinkd away rapidly. She smiled softly, as if encouraging the man to shed tears if he needed to. She'd given him words of great emotional ties, of great impact. She understood that in his expressions and the way he responded. He then continued to speak, and his proposition made her smile widen and her eyes look at him, with the greatest sincerity. He..offered to make her a specialist. He trusted her abilities to counsel and teach others her skills. A new generation of children could be taught under her, if they expressed a desire to connect to wolves who were in need of emotional support. A new method of treatment and comfort for wolves who were hurt, traumatized, and needed a guiding paw through the darkness they shouldered in their minds. And he was willing to give her a rank to make that all possible. It was an honor she was more than willing to be bestowed, and it showed. She took in his words, genuinely grateful. Calm and level-headed, a far cry from the bitter woman she'd been on his doorstep all those seasons ago, only the faintest sheen of mist muddled her clear ruby eyes. She blinked, and though no tears flowed, her gentle voice wavered with the thickness of her own emotions. But she was collected, steady as she spoke. "Artorias..it would be my honor to accept your offer. To teach a new generation the skills I've been gifted, and honed, would be a duty I'd uphold to the best of my ability. And to offer my gratitude for all you've done for me and my journey of healing here." She let the words slip from her lips, and the pride of her hard work swelled in her chest. She would take the rank, teach the next scholars of the hallows to help others the way she helped her packmates. ”Speech” ’Thought’