[ He takes his own sip, and after a beat of silence, he says, almost like a confession: ]

For a knight, there's no greater honor than to exchange drinks with their lord or liege.

[ Amber-gold eyes close for a moment; a moment of respite for someone whose humility hardly allows him to be happy. ]

I'll remember this warmth, for as long as I'm allowed.

[ how does he even live with himself ]