Light piercing the dark

No matter what calamity befell the world around them, nothing could have kept Artorias from his wife's side. Briar was the most important thing in his life, bar only their children, and despite the innate urges to rush out to investigate the strange goings-on and try to keep his pack safe, he did not venture far from home. With a pregnant mate filled with his children ready to burst any day now, he knew he would be needed here more than anywhere else in the world. So after his initial investigation of the stone spires in the mysterious Prominence, Artorias promptly returned back to the Hallows to secure Hearthstone against any threats, real or paranormal. The last thing he wanted was for their home to fall under attack during the end of Briar's pregnancy.

After ensuring the walls were bolstered and the gates were ready to be sealed at a moment's notice, the Lord of Cinder retired from the castle walls just before dusk. His Lady had bid he join her for dinner for their anniversary up in their chambers, so that's where he headed, going straight from his rotation on patrol to meet his wife upstairs. The great dire brute walked at an almost march down the corridors, concern weighing heavily on his mind and his heart. He worried about the safety of his family and his wolves during this time, but he had to trust that they would all be safe, just like the years that came before. But all of those thoughts were slowly falling from the Carpathian brute's mind as he neared the doors to their bedchambers, focusing entirely on enjoying his evening with his wife no matter what.

Pushing into the room, Artorias was met with the warmth from the fireplace crackling away and casting the room in bright light. He shut the door gently and greeted Briar with a loving smile, shining amber eyes roving over her round belly where their children grew. His heart swelled, full of love for the beautiful fae laid out in front of the fire, bathed in golden orange light, growing their next litter. "Bună seara, iubirea mea. Aniversare fericită," he greeted Briar in low tones, coming closer to plant a loving kiss on her lips before craning his neck down to nuzzle at her swollen belly. Less round than years prior, but still round all the same. "How are they treating you tonight?" Artorias stepped aside briefly to strip off his armor, setting it onto the mannequin beside the fireplace and stowing Embershard above the mantle. Once fully disarmed and disrobed, he came back to join Briar on the soft furs, curling his body around hers to snuggle her close while they shared their anniversary night together.

"Artorias & Briar"