Specialized Medicine

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"