Raise a glass to our story tonight. [Closed Arkin/Elyss]

Arkin was so busy lately, that it rarely occurred to him to visit his dear friends. In truth, since the war Arkin found himself utterly busy with training and management of the Division, a role he was more than happy to perform for the Captain. While some could say Arkin was easily able to compete for a captaincy, he preferred his role as a Vice-Captain. His work with Murasaki was meaningful, he was helping the young woman build something great! The companionship fostered within their Division was unlike anything else he'd seen.

But things where slowing down. The viking was able to actually have some time to himself. Of course, like any respectable viking he spent much of that time drinking and being an all around joy to be around. But something occured to him, a brief thought which had rooted it's self into his mind. That woman whom he had met so long ago, who grown into a respectable warrior, he had yet to check up on her. It.. bothered him. Someone as fiery as her certainly could keep his interest for awhile, perhaps a spar would be in order. Or merely just see how she had been.

Whatever he decided didn't matter so much as the act of visiting her. It took a brief overview of the tent charts to find where she would be housed, and to ensure she wasn't on mission. Lo and behold, she was supposedly in for the night. The sun was slowly setting in the horizon, a cool breeze sweeping through their veritable tent city as Arkin made his way towards Elyss's tent. Once he reached it, he'd knock on the wooden support on the side- which was a pole so he took care with that.

"Hello, hello- is anyone home?" The deep accented voice would call out from outside. He had been scolded in the past about just barging into tents, so he was somewhat mindful of his manners. Barely.

"'Das fine. I did not come to drink, although would not decline one."

The man would call from outside the tent, having not been invited in yet. But with that he'd take a breath, before sighing at the abrasiveness of Elyss. It was very much in her standard tool box, but he was not someone easily dissuaded from tasks. Crossing his arms outside he'd speak back.

"I am checking up on you. I am vice-captain. I am, also, your friend. It has been some times since we talked, I want to make sure things are fine. I haven't seen you at any campfires recently. Or ever. Really." He'd remark before sighing, wondering if this might get him inside. "On top of that, can I come inside. It is strange talking from the door.

Arkin stepped inside when she stepped aside, allowing him to take a look around her room. It seemed normalish, to him at least if not a bit minimalist. He'd go to occupy the seat at the small table she had, resting his fore arms against it he'd lean forward. The tired look in her eyes, and dry sarcasm seemed to be on point for her. If it bothered him he made no show of it, instead just giving her an easy smile.

"We are friends, Elyss. I may be awful at staying in contact, but I try." He'd respond his Japanese actually relatively better, he'd been studying. Though the accent was still quick stiff despite all his years in the Gotei. Some things died harder than others.

"How are you, how have things been? Please tell me, all I have is reports lately. Very dry stuff. You feel stronger. Sorry to wake you, by the way, You look very tired as well. You been sleeping well?" He'd begin to launch into questions and talking, very Arkin like as he gave her his full attention. He'd then lean back in his chair too.

"Shame you are not campfire Gal. People would love to have you 'round."

"Ah sorry, sorry." He'd apologize, before would move on quickly. His hand would come up to stroke the facial hair he had. He seemed to be examining her, after he spoke. It was true he didn't feel a dramatic increase in her strength, but there was one enough to warrant looking at eventually. Perhaps he could help her in that regard in the future. "We should train together, in the future. Perhaps you just need a fresh partner." He'd suggest with a small smile, bringing his hand down onto the table.

He'd then immediately throw his hands up into a shrug. "Eh' I have been busy. The division needs many things, and I try to give them. Murasaki has her own business to do, so I handle many of the new recruits." He'd explain, essentially acting as the inductor to many new shinigami into. His head would turn towards the door briefly, thinking for a moment. Then he'd turn it towards her. "Have you just been doing work, all this time?" He'd inquire with an expression that indicated some level of worry, his jaw shifting slightly.

"You don't look, well. "

"Distractions are not always good, Elyss. I would know."

Arkin's voice was not judgmental, but it took the tone of 'don't bullshit me.' His face shifted to that of the mild concern he had alluded to earlier, listening to what she said. Her not answering his question properly being noted by the vice-captain, he'd shift his large weight in the city. The creaking of the chair heard briefly, wondering how best to talk with her. In truth, the pain she so desperately wanted to hide was as plain as the bags under her eyes.

"It's rough, the regime. But they come out better. Trusting one another. Relying on one another. The best thing I've liked about this new Gotei, Elyss, is the companionship." He'd not so subtly hint at. Before finally standing up, slowly. The chair almost groaning with relief as he did so taking two large steps towards her. Before long he'd pop a squat in front of her, a hand resting on the table as blue irises looked at her own eyes.

"You do not look well. Speak to me. It feels like you are so very distant, alone on unknown shores, despite being here. You are my friend, and my subordinate. And I am failing you." The even baritone would remark, calm in it's delivery. Straight forward, no bullshit. Perhaps others would be able to dance around the topic, but he could not.

"What is wrong, my friend?"