The Glory Of All Our Problems

Artorias was a merciful wolf—sometimes too much so—but his patience and his mercy had limits, limits that Balthier was rapidly approaching with his indifference towards his responsibilities and the conversation they were having. Was the gold-swirled wolf even paying attention to him? Artorias couldn't tell what was due to the man's hangover and what was due to his apathy. What he did know was that Balthier's disrespect and blasé attitude was pissing him off. Narrowed eyes gleamed with an anger as Balth dismissed his concerns and his comments, feigning ignorance or perhaps stupidity to justify his innocence. In a display of raw frustration and ire, the Aegis stormed up to Balthier when he stepped away and picked up the mostly empty bottle of liquor from the deck of the raft, slamming it down to shatter the glass bottle across the deck and sending shards spraying across the raft to glitter in the sunlight. That should get the man's attention.

"Is that all you have to say for yourself?! You don't know what I'm talking about?" seethed the Aegis, black and azure lips peeling away from sharp fangs as a growl entered his tones. "Is that what you'd tell me if your carelessness had gotten someone else hurt? What if it was one of my children who was harmed?! Would you still not know what the problem was then? There have been coyotes skulking about the borders and you can't be assed to get to a simple patrol shift on time!" Artorias had felt anger before, but it had been a long, long time since he'd felt this degree of rage towards another wolf. Balthier was knowingly and willingly putting his wolves at risk and jeopardizing the safety of his family. This would not stand. The smaller male had better have a damned good response for him this time.

"Artorias Carpathius"