The home that love built

Artorias had been walking around on cloud nine since the day Briar had announced to him that she was pregnant again, the thrill and joy of knowing their family would be growing even more keeping a beaming smile on the Aegis' face for days after. It was no secret how intensely family-oriented the Carpathius couple were, but getting to watch as Briar's belly gradually grew with their new pups through the passing days and weeks had been one of Artorias' greatest sources of joy and filled his heart with love for his perfect mate. The rest of the time was spent tending to daily needs of the pack and preparing their home for the arrival of the little Carpathian nuggets, Artorias and Briar once more pulling out all the supplies they'd used to puppy-proof their bedchambers with their first litter. It still floored Art when he realized that his little pups were now adolescents, yearlings exploring their world and discovering themselves, and that a year had already flown by. Gods, where did the time go...?

Coming back into Hearthstone from helping to collect more firewood from the nearby woods to help feed the Grand Hearth, Artorias dropped off the logs beside the roaring fire and then made his way up the grand staircase to the second floor, headed for the chambers he shared with Briar. Pushing open the large mahogany doors and stepping inside, the dire brute spotted his gorgeous mate spread out on some furs in front of the mirror trying to brush out her flowing tail with varying degrees of success thanks to her round belly. Eyes alighting with love and a bit of mirth, Artorias made his way over to his queen, his eyes unabashedly roaming over her beautiful form, made even more lovely knowing she was carrying their children and seeing her growing stomach. Coming up behind her, Art leaned down to nuzzle at the back of Briar’s neck, a low rumble of affection vibrating in his chest. "Allow me, my love," he told her, lying down behind Briar with his larger form curling around hers so she could relax into his body as he reached for the brush to take over tending to her luxurious tail for her. "How are they today?" His gaze glanced down to her belly as he asked.

"Artorias & Briar Carpathius" | "Carpathian"