five AM on the bathroom floor from the night before

Grimshaw dedicated his toast to him and to Briar, and Artorias responded with a bashful smile and scoff, shaking his head. "To Briar, definitely. She's amazing. I'm not certain I've done anything toast worthy. But thank you," he remarked, taking the bottle when Grim offered it back and downing another sip of the bittersweet red wine. He set the bottle down between them in neutral territory, allowing either brute to help themselves to it as they desired. For a moment, Artorias let the comfortable quiet of the night settle in around them, a chorus of Austerian nocturnal insects singing throughout the gardens. The nice thing about both he and Grim, they didn't mind being in silence and both didn't care for mincing words or small talk. It didn't feel awkward for him, nor did he feel a false pretense to try to make conversation for conversation's sake.

While they sat, Artorias glanced over to look at Grimshaw. The other wolf had put on a good bit of muscle, having bulked up in his time in the Armada. Truly the change of scenery had been exactly what Grim needed. "You're looking good, Grim. Healthy, I mean. The Armada's been treating you well," he said as he reached to take another sip of wine from the bottle before returning it to its place between them. "So do you want to tell me what's keeping you up, or do you just wanna keep drinking and forget about whatever it is?" he asked, looking to his brother at his side with a raised brow. He could tell something was bothering his brother, but he didn't want to come out and pry. If Grim felt like talking about whatever was on his mind, he would be here to listen. Otherwise Artorias was content to just share a drink with Grim so he wouldn't have to be alone.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Argent"