Specialized Medicine

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"