Just smile and be happy.
Experience and knowledge were things Zavien understood well. Nothing came without practice and studying. Even swordsmanship required diligent time and effort. He still had much to learn, but it seemed to have a way of bringing him peace through confidence in his skills. There was so much release when his sword was slicing through the air, his muscles aching at the strain, his brain analyzing at light speed. All of that took patient self-application. Just like Lena's nurturing abilities. Zavien had faith that she would help the children learn many much. With a warm smile, he said, "I have no doubt that you'll be able to guide them well."
At the inquiry about their parents, Zavien paused to take another bite, trying to find the right words. "Their parents... rarely care about them until they're old enough to earn their own way." Shrugging his shoulders, he tried to give it a positive spin. "That just means they get to spend more time with me." Usually their parents were out indulging their own desires or working so much they only came around to pass out on their cots. The kids were left to their own devices, often living off the kindness of the community around them. Zavien tried to be one of those resources, giving them someone to trust and feel safe around. Looking at Ava and Aiden playing carelessly nearby just showed that it had worked to some extent, making his face soften with pride.
Lena's surprise at his words had him laughing loudly. "I recognize that now. See? I'm not too much of a hopeless case." He was practically giddy with joy, not quite sure when he'd last joked with someone his own age. The kids preferred to giggle at funny words like 'duty' and 'balls' - honestly, he did too - but it was still nice to laugh at something more sophisticated than childish potty humor. Relishing in the moment, Zavien gazed at Lena with playful soldierly obedience, lifting his hand in salute. "Yes, ma'am!"
At the inquiry about their parents, Zavien paused to take another bite, trying to find the right words. "Their parents... rarely care about them until they're old enough to earn their own way." Shrugging his shoulders, he tried to give it a positive spin. "That just means they get to spend more time with me." Usually their parents were out indulging their own desires or working so much they only came around to pass out on their cots. The kids were left to their own devices, often living off the kindness of the community around them. Zavien tried to be one of those resources, giving them someone to trust and feel safe around. Looking at Ava and Aiden playing carelessly nearby just showed that it had worked to some extent, making his face soften with pride.
Lena's surprise at his words had him laughing loudly. "I recognize that now. See? I'm not too much of a hopeless case." He was practically giddy with joy, not quite sure when he'd last joked with someone his own age. The kids preferred to giggle at funny words like 'duty' and 'balls' - honestly, he did too - but it was still nice to laugh at something more sophisticated than childish potty humor. Relishing in the moment, Zavien gazed at Lena with playful soldierly obedience, lifting his hand in salute. "Yes, ma'am!"
Zavien
