In an attempt to get to know the newer members of the pack a little better, Artorias had been spending more one on one time with his wolves, trying to learn their interests, motivations, stories, and more about them in general. Today, he had dedicated some time to getting to know Balthier. The Hallows' newest Knight had come form promising stock over in Fenmyre, and given the wolf's history with the Hallows, Artorias was intrigued by the seafaring wolf. It was a cold wintry day that saw the Aegis gearing up for a patrol, running the usual rounds he still tried to maintain despite all the extra work he was putting in tending to his pregnant mate and getting the Hallows prepared for their coming litter. It just wasn't in his nature to stop performing his duties just because he had more things to tend to now.

Artorias had asked Blather to run the patrol with him today in an attempt to build the relationship between himself and his warrior. Chimera had spoken of Balth's skills, but Art was more interested in the mind behind the teeth. A skilled warrior was always a good thing to have, yes, but the Aegis prided himself in knowing the ins and outs of his pack family. After eating a quick breakfast and donning his armor and sword, the alpha awaited his partner outside the castle gates, his fiery gaze scanning the snow-covered fields of the plains. A light snow flurry had begun to fall from the clouded sky, painting a tranquil scene of a winter's day before them. A cold but beautiful backdrop to walk to.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"

Balthier had spent his early days a new member of the Hallows more secluded and to himself. That wasn't really anything new for him but these days were harder for him. It may not have been seen by anyone else, more so because he hadn't made the effort to make friends or get to know anyone here. He had been easing up on his drinking some and it was always behind closed doors in the room he claimed in the castle. But he wasn't doing any better emotionally. Keeping to himself had built up walls around him though he didn't act so cold hearted in the least. He had been raised polite and he was generally a happy guy, but it was mostly a facade.

Artorias had set up a patrol with him and he had no problem with that. He didn't seem like the most social butterfly but it was easy to engage when others approached him. The winters that came across Auster were nothing new to him either so he wouldn't struggle through the light snow and chilly air across the lands. He'd join Artorias more than willingly with a soft grin once they met up. He too was equipped with his accessories for the patrol, they were not a new experience for him.

He'd wait for Artorias to take the lead before heading off, taking a gentle pace with him without any hesitation or even awkwardness. He may not have known the alpha too well, but he wasn't uncomfortable around him. It wasn't long after they had left the gates, but he did take a moment to muster up some conversation, "So... the pups are expected soon." He spoke with just a glance towards his alpha before keeping his gaze out in front of them. "Fun stuff." Balthier couldn't do much more than congratulate him, his own ambitions were far from starting his own family. And honestly if he thought too hard about it it would hurt his soul. Leaving Azzurra was the most destructive thing in his life, and while he loved his sister even past all the tension and sour memories up to his time joining the Hallows, he'd never have wanted to start a family with her for obvious reasons. Maybe reasons he felt like she wouldn't understand. He couldn't look back on her much anymore. But that's what the drinking was for.

"Balthier"

Graciously, Balthier did not keep the Aegis waiting long. After only a few minutes, the gold and black wolf approached him with his usual stony silence, a small grin on his lips though no words were spoken. That was perfectly fine; Artorias didn't necessarily need nor expect all of his wolves to be extroverts. Smiling back to Balth, the two males headed out on their patrol, their paws crunching through the fresh snow as they walked side by side to the eastern border to begin their circuit. The world was quiet and still, just as he expected it to be in the cold of winter. They'd only just reached the border proper and begun heading around it when his companion spoke, Balthier's words making the Aegis' ears perk atop his head and a little grin play on his lips.

"Yeeeah, not too much longer now," he replied with a chuckle that fogged his breath before his snout in the cool air. "That's probably for the best. I don't know if my wife could take much more growing or being confined to the castle, and gods know I'll probably sleep easier once they're here and healthy." It was no secret how much stress and effort Artorias was putting forward in his preparations for his first litter. All of the Hallows had been working so diligently to provide for the coming of his family, and for that he would be eternally grateful, but man, was he tired and the little ones weren't even here yet! "I suppose we'll have to see how fun they are when they're actually here and pray they don't run us ragged," remarked Artorias with a bit of a chuckle.

"Artorias" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"