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+---- Thread: achingly bright too (/showthread.php?tid=10225)
RE: achingly bright too - Lena - 10-23-2024
Lena had never once thought about Zavien’s flaws – so her eyes widened, and then she briefly snorted, pretending to enact innocence and batting her eyes.[say] “Oh? You don’t work on your Dragoon skills? I thought that’s what all warriors did.”[/say] She stuck her tongue out briefly, the wine making her slightly braver.
Ah – but then the blunder had occurred within, and though she’d tried to edge her way around potential pitfalls, she hadn’t thought the multitudes through. She paused, striving to figure out how to not delve deeper into the traumas and painful sentiments. [say]“Sorry,”[/say] she murmured instead, taking another breath and placing the wine glass down, figuring it might be safer for the water until the appetizer arrived.
He didn’t seem to begrudge her for the inquiry, even as she squirmed inwardly, eyes flickering elsewhere. The housing semblances seemed to be a better fit – though those immediately had her gaze widening and head shooting back upwards the moment he started unfurling one thing after another. She had to scramble through several of the statements before she could respond, and then by the end she was muffling laughter – breaking within understanding and comprehension several seconds thereafter – even if her cheeks were still quite flushed. [say]“This is what I meant by the insinuations,”[/say] she waved her hand around for emphasis. Deciding to tease, she hummed again. [say]“From what I gathered, I’m welcome in your house, but you don’t want to be near me out of politeness.” [/say]
Opting to save him from himself, she freed him from the torment. [say]“It’s all right. I understand,”[/say] she thought anyway, beginning to wonder other implications but not giving them a single voice. [say]“And you don’t have to worry. There’s some houses close to the Celestine that I’ll probably pick out soon.”[/say]
RE: achingly bright too - Zavien - 10-23-2024
She had a good point. Especially where Zavien was concerned, he always seemed to be in the training ring. But now he had a secret weapon. [say]"I don't think I need to worry about that anymore. Not with my own personal healer."[/say] His lips came up in a lopsided grin, knowing full well that it'd been an excuse, and that she'd probably find issue with him relying on healing over increasing his skills. Not that she had to worry about that, but it was fun to tease the idea.
Zavien accepted the apology as a form of sympathy, giving her a gentle smile to let her know that he didn't mind. [say]"That's okay. It was a long time ago."[/say] His words were soft, dismissing the topic and all lingering feelings of sadness or guilt. Once they moved past the awkwardness of confirming statuses and toeing lines, maybe he would tell her about the woman who would have loved Lena like a daughter, who loved everyone with a bright smile on her face. Until then, that same mother would roll in her grave at her son's stupidity.
The muffled laughter at his blunder made Zavien turn the shade of a very ripe tomato, spreading from his ear tips to neck like a second-degree sunburn. It was a good sign that she wasn't immediately leaving the table or slapping him, but she still seemed to slightly misinterpret the meaning behind his ramblings. [say]"That's not -"[/say] He let out another groan, lifting his second hand from Sol to rub along his brightening face. [say]"Maybe 'politeness' wasn't the right word..."[/say] The issue was that he wanted to be too near her, but how was he supposed to say that he didn't want to make her feel obligated to anything out of her comfort zone? This was just the beginning, but he already hoped for them to have a future together. However, that didn't mean he wanted to rush anything. He didn't yet know where she stood on the physical comfort level. As much as he wanted her in his house, in his bed, he didn't want her to think that was the only thing on his mind. Maybe he did need to work on his insinuations and implications. And maybe this wine was a touch too strong.
He thanked the gods quietly when the mirage crab cakes arrived, making a vow to leave an offering for each and every one of them. It didn't seem right that the food was smelling so divine to his starving stomach. Maybe it had some magic properties to keep his tongue from tripping him up all night, or to soothe the flaming redness of his face. Zavien gave the waiter a pitifully thankful smile before turning back to Lena, hoping to redeem himself somewhat in their next topic of conversation. [say]"Ladies first."[/say]
RE: achingly bright too - Lena - 10-24-2024
[say]“I would love to hear what Anju or Koa say about that,” [/say]she smiled in return, another tease – figuring he wouldn’t ever try to pull those notions with either Dragoon. A presumption, perhaps, but most soldiers carried the predilection of growth and duty, following commands, growing in their knowledge of weaponry and tactical skills. Maybe she’d been wrong.
Shaking her head at the nonsense, she tried to find the overlap of pushed away notions about his mother, and then the blundering statements thereafter. She gave him all the space he needed to formulate the right wording with an arched brow and serene patience, if an indulgent smile because that seemed better than letting him dig himself in further. [say]“It’s okay,”[/say] she offered and assured instead, when naught seemed to come to the surface – uncertain about all those lines drawn again, misread circumstances, or where implications became something else entirely.
She drew a long breath as the appetizer approached. [say]“Thank you,”[/say] was another polite and regal obliging towards the waiter, and then she stared openly at the food, stomach rumbling in response. Mittens drew its own head upwards, and could likely be seen soon hovering nearby, just over her shoulder. At the permission to snag hers first, she arched a brow and took one, leaving plenty remaining on the serving plate, waiting for him to grab some before diving in.
RE: achingly bright too - Zavien - 10-24-2024
He definitely didn't think his superiors would agree, so even in joking he flinched visibly. [say]"Hmmm. Perhaps you're right. I'll just have to keep training as a pretense then."[/say] His words were accompanied by another playful wink and shrug of his shoulders as he settled back in his chair. That didn't mean he was letting Lena out of her new role, but it gave him a theoretical excuse for continuing to spar and grow (in their teasing hypothetical). He also wouldn't mention that Koa had no reason to argue since he was partially to blame for the progression.
Not that he could blame his fellow Dragoon for his current circumstance. Zavien was quite certain he'd handled that about as poorly as he could have, and he'd done that all on his own. It was just a natural talent of his.
Since Lena seemed content with putting a tab in the last horrendous discussion, he tried to push the blood from his face, running an exasperated hand through his hair to calm the racing of his heart. Once she'd chosen her food, Zavien grabbed his own and took a distracted bite, swallowing before he mumbled, [say]"I guess it's probably my turn again..."[/say] He hadn't quite forgotten the game, although he was finding it more difficult to think up new interesting facts about his life, and the previous conversation still left many words unspoken. A sip of water helped wash down the mirage crab cake and wash away a little of his prior embarrassment, then he tilted his head thoughtfully. [say]"Let's see... I guess I've never broken a bone."[/say] In spite of all his physical trainings and clumsiness, Zavien had pretty good instincts that kept him from doing too much damage. Lots of bruises and scrapes, but rarely anything more. He secretly wondered if he would eventually be adding a self-inflicted broken heart to that list.
RE: achingly bright too - Lena - 10-25-2024
[say]“Of course,”[/say] she shook her head in return, with the same smile, savoring another sip of the water in order to maintain composure. In all regards, she wouldn’t want him to simply cease training because she could heal him – nor was he likely to see her constantly on the battlefield either; knowing her lack of prowess.
Cutting portions of her crab cake, she waited for the next round of sentiments, pushing past the other adornments easily. Those notions wouldn’t be taken to heart – she’d understood the realm of miscommunication in some comprehending measure, figuring he’d find a way to rectify the notions or they’d simply leave it behind. Her eyes flicked back to him at the announcement though, brow arching, mildly surprised. For all his efforts, especially as a Dragoon, and the way he bolted directly into the path of danger, Lena would’ve figured Zavien had acquired any number of broken bones in his past.
Taking a bite before she managed a response, and humming lightly at how wonderful the food was, she swallowed and gave a light laugh. [say]“That’s impressive! I can’t say the same,”[/say] and here she felt a little foolish, but shrugged her shoulders. [say]“First days as Caretaker were a bit wild, and I definitely didn’t account for some of the more dangerous aspects of the job.”[/say] But there were only a few scars here and there, burn marks from disgruntled dragons, a few mauled portions of skin on her arms and legs from incidental thrashings. [say]“But they were good learning curves.”[/say] And she’d never blamed the sick or wounded creatures; opting instead, to alter the course of her actions and become a better healer.
RE: achingly bright too - Zavien - 10-25-2024
Feeling that things were calming down again, Zavien took a moment to actually enjoy the food in his mouth. Its crunchy exterior made a satisfying sound as he bit into it, the savory mirage crab hitting all the right notes. He nodded in vehement agreeance with Lena's hummed appreciation. His movement stopped midway as his eyebrows came up, surprised by her own answer. He knew animals were dangerous, his personal experiences supported that, but the idea of Lena being hurt like that flooded him with a lot of emotions. Trying to push those aside, he relaxed his facial expressions to something more akin to curiosity than concern. [say]"Really? Have you broken a lot of bones then? And I'm assuming they weren't all from the same animal?"[/say] One scared creature could do a lot of damage, but surely it hadn't just been one after so many years.
While waiting for her response, another thought came to mind. Tilting his head, he lifted the wineglass to his lips again. [say]"When did you take over as Caretaker?"[/say] It felt like it'd taken Zavien forever to find his role in the world, particularly as a Dragoon. He wondered if Lena had ever felt that way, of if she'd known her path all along. There didn't seem to be any particular memory where he'd heard of her taking over the position, although he'd been singularly focused on training until about the age of... twenty-eight?
RE: achingly bright too - Lena - 10-25-2024
Completely unbothered by the question, since her instances and experiences had come with the hazardous conditions, she shrugged and handwaved most of it off. [say]“Only my collar bone from an unfortunate run in with an alpina. More burns from dragons than anything else.”[/say] Taking another bite and wiggling in her seat from the zealous and fervent taste of it, she swallowed down more of the wondrous food before continuing. [say]“It’s all right. Sometimes they’re scared, and that was before I knew I had to be calm in every situation too.”[/say] So while the inclination to panic, bolt, or flee was still ingrained, it didn’t mean it happened – long since learned to maintain a careful, controlled, and composed nature for many – and not just the animals she worked with.
Avoiding the wine for the moment, her head tilted at his question, beginning to count the years on her fingers. [say]“About seven years ago.”[/say] Slightly before barriers had come down, or Stormbreak had been revealed to the world, unwinding along skyports and Order distinctions. Before wars had broken apart lands and families. [say]“It was something I’d always wanted to do.”[/say] And Lena was a determined individual – even if the tasks seemed arduous or demanding. Nor had she wanted to be shunted off into the potential cycle of Order probabilities; distinctly not for her.
RE: achingly bright too - Zavien - 10-25-2024
The fluffy white wool of Alpinas originally made them seem like soft creatures, but Zavien suspected those giant horns weren't just there for show. It made him wince to imagine getting pummeled by one. [say]"Ouch. How long did that take to heal?"[/say] Despite Lena's calm and caring nature, he didn't think she'd appreciate being physically limited by an injury. He'd seen how down she'd been after feeling like she wasn't making a difference.
Zavien had to hide a smile at the cute wiggle of delight she made. It was more than a little endearing, letting him relax further in the moment. He chuckled to himself as he took another bite of his own, followed by a sip of wine. At the mention of dragons, Sol peeked another eye open, sending a push of hunger down the bond, a very obvious plea for table scraps. Assuming that mirage crab cakes weren't in the diets of most dragons, he pulled a piece of jerky from his pocket, lowering under the table for his companion to munch on.
While listening to Lena's answer, he leaned forward again, intent on paying attention to every detail. It seemed the right time to ask his earlier question, curious to know the circumstances around her affinity for animals. [say]"Is that around the time you became an Attuned? Or did that happen before?"[/say]
RE: achingly bright too - Lena - 10-25-2024
Had Zavien asked, Lena could have easily launched into a lecture about alpinas, but when the inquiry only spun towards her injury, she wrinkled her nose slightly, mind going back to the incident. [say]“Around 8 weeks or so. Wore a sling almost the whole time.”[/say] She shrugged again, though gave a Cheshire grin in response, using her fork to cut another piece of crab cake. [say]“So you see why I’m an advocate for healing.”[/say] Quick, fast, and swift, with no need for suffering; even for the most minor.
Listening to Sol grumble, she gave another sly smile, pretending not to see or hear. The other inquiry caused her brow to arch, and she shook her head, counting back the years in her head. [say]“No, well before. I was about sixteen.”[/say] In all those headstrong, rebellious, teenage feelings – or as close as Lena would’ve ever gotten to them in a traditional Stormbreak household. They’d worked out for her; with all that steadfast determination, no matter how cagey her parents might’ve been about the situation.
Intending to pinpoint notions back upon him, she gave another little smile after polishing off the last of her food; opting to wait for the main course before eating anymore. Placing her chin upon her hands, her warm gaze studied him from across the table. [say]“When did you want to become a Dragoon?”[/say] She could see it being a childhood dream for those akin to the warrior type, craving to defend from an early age.
RE: achingly bright too - Zavien - 10-25-2024
[say]"Oof. That sounds rough. I can definitely see why that may have influenced your opinion on healing."[/say] Suffering herself would be a big reason for her to sympathize with wounded creatures. He couldn't imagine being limited for eight weeks. If he was out for more than a day, that seemed like too long. It reminded him of something that brought a smile to his face as he said, [say]"I did get sick once. Nasty fever that kept me down for about a week. And that was only because I faceplanted when out with the other kids. Apparently, I was burning up."[/say] Zavien chuckled at the memory. [say]"I hadn't said anything, not wanting to miss out on training or worry my mom, but it was kind of hard to hide it when I came home with a giant scrape on my face, snot running down my chin. My mom refused to let me leave the house until I got her approval, although, she practically had to sit on me that last day. I'd been ready to run out the door, practice sword in hand."[/say] She'd bundled him in so many blankets, he was scared he'd get another fever, but her stern face shattering into hysterical laughter at his pouting face had convinced him to suffer through one more day with his loving mother.
On the topic of Lena's own childhood, he was surprised to hear when she'd changed. Considering she'd said she was the only Attuned in her family, he wondered aloud, [say]"How did your family take that?"[/say] He'd heard of some Abandoned and Ancient being ostracized, but he didn't think anyone could fault someone for being blessed by the gods. However, families were a strange world that he didn't know much about.
Finishing off his last cake, Zavien shrugged his shoulders at her question. [say]"As long as I can remember. My mom used to tell me stories about Dragoons and their dragons going on valiant quests, being the heroes of Caido. Like every little boy, I envisioned myself becoming a 'protector of Stormbreak.' However, unlike a lot of my friends, I didn't grow out of it."[/say] His smile was proud of his determination to pursue what some might consider a childish dream. It seemed inappropriate to mention that his mother's death had only further solidified his reasonings for making it a reality.
RE: achingly bright too - Lena - 10-26-2024
While Lena, like many, regularly didn’t become concerned with her own health and wellbeing, the experience had given enough insight to ensure she didn’t wany others to suffer the same fate. Be that through a litany of possibilities, she also wanted to advocate for those that simply had no voice. Rounding her features back to Zavien, she wasn’t surprised to hear of the feverish anecdote; he seemed the type of individual to ignore a sickness until it simply couldn’t be any longer. [say]“And did you learn from that?”[/say] She teased from behind her glass of wine, daring to take a light sip.
The notions of how her family took her alteration, when it’d been that stark convention and practice built through generations gave her pause. Wanting to explain, without making them seem like a strict and rigorous institution, she glanced upward, eyes going towards the garden fixtures as she mulled and mused. [say]“I think they were…surprised. They didn’t take issue that I’d devoted myself entirely to Frey,”[/say] for anyone and everyone in Stormbreak held their modicums towards the gods. [say]“But more because I hadn’t followed the traditional way of things. They warmed up to it much more when I had taken on the Celestine.”[/say] Proud, perhaps, of what their children had accomplished, even if they’d alternative visions. [say]“Sera was always supportive though.”[/say]
Pleased with the distinction, she listened to the wealth of Zavien’s own childhood aspirations, smiling all the while – he’d be easy to visualize as a youth, holding a wooden blade and racing off across fields and cobblestones to save those in distress. [say]“Is it everything you thought it’d be?” [/say]
RE: achingly bright too - Zavien - 10-31-2024
Taking a sip of his wine, his eyes met hers, a very obvious 'What do you think?' relayed in their sparkling green depths. He set his glass down, chuckling. [say]"I haven't really been sick since, but maybe that's just been out of pure willpower."[/say] Sure, he'd had days of general malaise or sweats, but it wasn't enough to keep him down. Perhaps it was a matured immune system, or maybe a deep-rooted stubbornness. Whatever it was, he got the sense that he'd have to (lovingly) hide symptoms from Lena if he was going to keep up his streak.
He listened attentively to every word of the Caretaker, letting his head rest on his hand as he noticed the little things this time. The way she seemed to take strength from the surroundings. The way her nose wrinkled gently as she spoke. The way her words seemed to veil the sensitive subject. With each detail, Zavien felt drawn in, wanting to know more about what it was like for her. How Lena had grown up and what her family situation was like now. In his observations, he did pick up on the nuanced wording this time. 'Was'.
Folding his arms slowly on the table, he stayed leaned forward, hoping to be a solid, comforting presence. His words were soft as he asked gently, [say]"And Sera was... your sister?"[/say] It was a guess using what she'd revealed earlier, but he had a feeling he was on the right track. The past tense term gave him the sense that she shared his unfortunate experience, but, to lose a sister. He couldn't imagine the pain that still lingered there.
On their other conversation, Zavien hummed, seriously considering the question. He crossed his arms and looked away, leaning back in his chair as he said, [say]"In some ways, yes. The comradery and opportunity to protect others is exactly what I'd always dreamed."[/say] His eyes followed the branches of the tree arching over them, stars starting to twinkle in the darkening sky. [say]"But... it's not a perfect organization. I feel like there are still ways that the Dragoons could improve."[/say] Specific thoughts immediately emerged; his experience at the Needle or the differing opinions on Dahlia's rule (Anju/Everest >.>) being primary among them. However, he didn't want to steer the conversation towards politics or strategy, so Zavien looked back to his beautiful date, a smile on his lips. [say]"Although, with you joining our ranks, I feel like we're already one step closer."[/say]
RE: achingly bright too - Lena - 10-31-2024
Lena shook her head in response, the narrowing of her eyes an entire pretense, but also a volley of that’s not really how that works. [say]“That’s always a good thing though.”[/say] He would’ve remembered the plagues and blights; especially the more recent, and to not have been swarmed and mauled by them, while so many others were, would’ve been paramount.
Not wholly aware of how much she gave herself away in little tells and movements, she’d only been driven by carefulness. Discrete poise, that measure of calm that gently ebbed and flowed beneath the surface. It had been years since her sibling’s death, and many others alongside, and perhaps given enough opportunities and time, she might’ve been less constrained about the whole thing. It was also a heavy subject for a first date, and she didn’t want to bring the mood down immediately. So she gave a firm nod, and then a thinning line of her lips, trying to override the discomfort, eyes flicking downwards, to candles and lightning bugs, finding solace in the stretch of time. Maybe the barest, minimal notions, and then nothing thereafter. [say]“Yes. We lost her when the Ascended attacked the Tower.”[/say] They’d all been a little more naïve then – but Lena made no mention of being the one to find Sera in the rubble, of placing her amidst the memorials of the other ones gone and perished from the perils of war.
She was, perhaps, saved by mentioning anything else by the arrival of their food – and she took a long, steady breath and granted a small grin when the waiter maneuvered plates and portions around, placing the gilled musk deer and all its accoutrements on the table. [say]“This looks fantastic,”[/say] came on a gasp and an immersion of delight, thanking the workers once again as they hastened off to the next.
While carving out a portion for herself, and then handing the knife over to Zavien, she listened on the merits of Dragoon dreams (of which she’d never had; for obvious sentiments and reasons). [say]“Most things have room for improvements,”[/say] she winked, pushing rice onto her plate as well. [say]“What were you thinking of enhancing?”[/say] She admittedly didn’t know a whole lot about the guild itself, rather than the pragmatical design; though she had to laugh at his sentiments. [say]“Gods, I wouldn’t say that.”[/say] Pondering over the position of her own entity within the line of troops, she shrugged. [say]“My intentions are to assist with building upon the medic side. I’m hoping, with permission, I can get some healing and herb packs going, along with some other ideas.”[/say]
RE: achingly bright too - Zavien - 10-31-2024
Giving her an endearing lopsided grin, Zavien didn't delve more into the inexplicable nature of his penchant for health (If not willpower, maybe stupidity?). Not as the conversation drifted to Lena's sister. It hurt to hear that she'd suffered a similar experience as him, especially since he didn't wish it on anyone. He fought the urge to reach across and give her physical comfort. Instead, a million more questions flooded his mind. Were you close? What was she like? How did it happen? Yet, seeing her discomfort, and not wanting to ruin the date, Zavien settled for a soft, [say]"I'm sorry to hear that."[/say] He offered her a sad smile, letting a moment of silence pass for her lost sister.
Luckily, the food appeared as if summoned, drawing them away from the dark conversation. Zavien let his eyes devour the sight of the gilled musk dear, seated on the fire padd, glistening with the glaze. A soft [say]"Wow"[/say] escaped before he quickly thanked the staff. As they shuffled away, he shared Lena's delight. [say]"When something looks this good, there's no doubt that it must taste divine."[/say] He watched her with interest as she served herself, having to contain himself from drooling on the table. Even Sol poked his head onto the tabletop to watch, although he wasn't as discreet, letting a puddle of drool wet his chin. Once she had finished, he accepted the knife with an overcompensated level of restraint, eager to dig into the food.
He listened closely as he served himself, offering a piece to the wide-eyed dragon. Agreeing with the first sentiment, Zavien chuckled lightly. The question was a little more difficult to answer. His head tilted to consider his phrasing. [say]"I don't think I have the power to make much of a difference right now, but I think there needs to be a consensus on our 'purpose.' I think there's some confusion about who we serve. Do we serve the leader of Stormbreak, or the people of Stormbreak?"[/say] He let the implication hang, shrugging his shoulders. If they could clarify that, it'd give them more of a direction for their recruitment and trainings. But again, Zavien didn't want to delve into politics, so he added, [say]"Group expeditions would probably be a good idea. Or an ambassador of some kind. We shouldn't be so closed off in Stormbreak."[/say] He also liked traveling, and this would give him an excuse to explore more of Caido.
Lena's plans didn't surprise him. That was practically her purpose in life, so he just smiled supportively. [say]"That's a good idea. I'll need to put aside my own little stash."[/say] It was his turn to wink as he finally turned to take a bite of the deer. It nearly blew him from his seat. He let out a low groan, closing his eyes and placing his hands flat on the table. [say]"I don't think I've ever tasted food this good."[/say] Laughing lightly, he added, [say]"Don't tell Erica when you meet her."[/say] He could only imagine the earful he'd get if she ever found out.