when you've seen my best and worst

Perhaps with a bit of wine in her belly she would be more apt to reveal her inner workings and experiences to the young alpha who welcomed her into the Hallows. Artorias didn’t press her, for how youthful he was he had a good head on his shoulders. His instincts were correct, and he provided a welcome invitation that Venom desperately needed. An evening where she was the guest, where she didn’t have to worry about appearances. Or at least not as much, she was meeting with her peer and there was always a bit of professionalism that refused to leave her no matter how relaxed their meeting was.

Artorias encouraged her to follow as she agreed to be invited inside, and her white gloved paws carried her after him, she loped along near his shoulder. Allowing the alpha to lead her was an unfamiliar position for the Empress, but as much as she needed to improve her leadership there was something to be said about knowing how to follow. Letting herself relax as Artorias assumed his role as host.

After a quick trot through the drizzling raid he led her through the gardens and into the main entrance. Venom mimicked his actions as he shook his coat of the wet that gathered there. The Empress did the same and already began to feel immediate relief. From the wet and her own overactive mind. She felt the warmth of the hall as Artorias led her to the great fireplace. A small smile played on her lips as she reveled in the simple pleasures instead of dwelling on her massive troubles.

He gestured for her to make herself comfortable by the flames as he brought up a few more supplies so they might share that drink he had offered to her. As the heat of the fire began to really whisk away the dampness of her coat Artorias returned to her side and offered her a goblet of sweet smelling wine. He remembered her enjoyment of the sweet berries back when they had accidentally met in the brambles and the memory earned him a flash of pearly teeth. "You figure correct.” She told him as she swirled the liquid and breathed in the sweet alcohol scent of it.

He lifted his glass to ask her what they should be toasting or celebrating. Venom’s sunset gaze fell from Artorias’ features as her thoughts were flooded with the tragedies she was obsessing over. She hardened her heart to it all and grasped for her strength as her gaze returned to the alpha’s orange eyes. "To our friendship,” she decided on. The relationship between Hallows Aegis and Ashen Empress was slowly budding, and she would be glad to see it grow fruitful. "May it continue to grow, and bring us both prosperity.” There was more to it than just a friendship between two leaders of two packs. Venom found herself caring about Artorias as the wolf he was, and not just the leader he had become.

"Venom"