Just smile and be happy.
Glancing at the small lavender stalks with renewed respect, he hinged forward and closed his eyes to immerse himself in their calming quality. "Lavender..." He whispered it softly in awed appreciation. Its deep floral scent infiltrated his mind and caressed the sharp edges of worry and anxiety, letting him relax into its soft clarity. Feeling rejuvenated, Zavien stood to smile at Lena. "I guess 'lavender' fits better than 'fluffy purple swords.'" His volume dropped so that the florist wouldn't catch his words. "But I think I'm still partial to my name. It's more fun."
As she gathered her purchase, Zavien ran his hand through his sun-kissed hair in a nervous mannerism, laughing at the memories of dog piles and tickling matches. "Kind of? They don't have a lot of transferrable skills for a swordsman, but I find that it helps with agility, situational awareness, and core strength." He recalled doing pushups with a handful of kids screaming from his back and sweat dripping into his eyes. Each memory held warm feelings of happiness and child-like amusement, causing his face to glow brightly as a pure-hearted grin spread across his face. They were more than eager to "assist" in his training.
Zavien pulled his thoughts back to the present, following her finger to the section of stalls containing friendly dolls, captivating little mechanisms, and timeless reliable toys. He let a bounce enter his step, but kept close to Lena, offering his arm once again so as not to lose her in the throng of shoving people such as himself. When they reached the first shop, he analyzed the options, humming thoughtful. "There are six specific kids who frequently help, two girls and four boys, around five to nine. I figured I'd just get the boys some wood carvings of dragons or soldiers or maybe a ball, but I'm stumped on the girls. I know that not all girls like dolls and I don't want them to feel like that's what I assume." His mom had taught him that women were more than just pretty people who liked frilly, soft things. They were strong and courageous with ambitious goals of their own. Casting his green eyes back to Lena, he paused before curiously asking, "What would you have wanted when you were a kid?" He didn't mean it as a probing question. It was just meant to provide some ideas or context for possibilities. Although he did find a selfish level of intrigue lingering in his mind.
As she gathered her purchase, Zavien ran his hand through his sun-kissed hair in a nervous mannerism, laughing at the memories of dog piles and tickling matches. "Kind of? They don't have a lot of transferrable skills for a swordsman, but I find that it helps with agility, situational awareness, and core strength." He recalled doing pushups with a handful of kids screaming from his back and sweat dripping into his eyes. Each memory held warm feelings of happiness and child-like amusement, causing his face to glow brightly as a pure-hearted grin spread across his face. They were more than eager to "assist" in his training.
Zavien pulled his thoughts back to the present, following her finger to the section of stalls containing friendly dolls, captivating little mechanisms, and timeless reliable toys. He let a bounce enter his step, but kept close to Lena, offering his arm once again so as not to lose her in the throng of shoving people such as himself. When they reached the first shop, he analyzed the options, humming thoughtful. "There are six specific kids who frequently help, two girls and four boys, around five to nine. I figured I'd just get the boys some wood carvings of dragons or soldiers or maybe a ball, but I'm stumped on the girls. I know that not all girls like dolls and I don't want them to feel like that's what I assume." His mom had taught him that women were more than just pretty people who liked frilly, soft things. They were strong and courageous with ambitious goals of their own. Casting his green eyes back to Lena, he paused before curiously asking, "What would you have wanted when you were a kid?" He didn't mean it as a probing question. It was just meant to provide some ideas or context for possibilities. Although he did find a selfish level of intrigue lingering in his mind.
Zavien
