when you've seen my best and worst

When he passed the moscato over to Venom, the smile that graced her features was a welcome sight indeed. He remembered all too well the months that preluded his mother's passing, how joy had been a thing seemingly banished from the Hallows. He couldn't recall how long it had taken him to smile again after that tragedy, but it had been the inspiration on why he cared for others so much. It took falling to the deepest recesses of heartbreak and depression to appreciate how much he didn't want anyone else to ever fall there too. Seeing Venom smile, even if only temporary, meant he was doing well. Then he asked what they were drinking to and Venom seemed to hesitate. His own fiery sunset eyes watched as her twilit gaze drifted down, contemplating his question. When she looked back and asserted they would drink to their friendship, Artorias' smile widened and his eyes lit up.

"To our friendship!" he repeated. "May it only grow stronger." With their toast made, Artorias took a long sip of the white wine. It was indeed sweet, sweeter than the usual vintages he drank, but no doubt Venom would appreciate the delicate fruity notes amidst the mild sugary flavor of the wine. While good, it wasn't his usual cup of tea—er, wine—and he would be sure to send the rest of the bottle home to Ashen with her. He sat the goblet down again and turned his head to consider his peer seated beside him. It still felt strange to consider someone as regal and accomplished as Venom as his peer, but that was the circumstance of their stations. Both wolves were alphas, leaders of their packs, role models to their wolves. While not quite full on imposter syndrome, Artorias did occasionally find himself floored by the notion that he was on the same level as some of the most prolific wolves in the world, like Venom, Sirius, and Theory. Perhaps time, age, and experience would gradually take some of that away.

"So what brings Ashen's esteemed empress down to Auster?" asked Artorias, tilting his head in quizzical fashion to the white-gloved woman seated beside him. "Somehow, I don't think it's our lovely sunny winter weather." He chuckled while the rain pattered against the windowpanes, as if emphasizing his point. Not that he'd ever mind a visit from any of his friends! Warlord Sirius was often prone to just finding his way down here from time to time, so it wasn't unexpected. However, he did acknowledge that the Hallows was not a simple walk down the road from Ashen, making Venom's appearance even more surprising and delightful.

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