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RE: achingly bright too - Lena - 11-01-2024
His empathic response was enough; had there been questions delving further than she couldn’t promise composure. That was for another time and space, and she gave him another small smile in camaraderie for lost beings – unfortunately a shared experience across Caido. [say]“Thank you.”[/say]
Appreciation for food was high on the list regardless, eyes widening upon the plate, glad she’d left substantial room for the impressive meal. In agreement with Zavien’s response, she laughed, a lighter chord, cutting away portions for her fork, inhaling the delightful aroma of pineapple with avid delight. Mittens grumbled nearby, and she silently promised a very small portion for the snowball.
Taking an initial bite, she hummed, albeit perhaps a little dramatically. [say]“Oh my gods – new favorite,”[/say] and she wiggled in her chair again, content with the taste. [say]“So we’re coming here again, hm?”[/say] With a teasing wrinkle to her nose; not that she wasn’t fond of exploring and trying other dishes or locations – this one lurking in the Grounds was still enriching beyond belief. And if there was an implication of other things there, she’d let him search around.
Listening while she ate, she waited until she swallowed down more portions before responding. The situation with leadership and its undertones, even in another region, still left her with careful measures; perhaps time spent on councils had also lent her to a more meticulous approach. [say]“I would lean more towards the people, at the moment,”[/say] her brow arching slightly, letting that miniscule bout of sedition linger out into the flourishing flowers. [say]“And I believe others would agree.” [/say]Koa, specifically – Anju was her friend, but also lingering on several sides. And they knew Everest was infected. [say]“Group expeditions to where, I suppose. And what would the duties be outside of Stormbreak? I think we have to be careful about other regions and what that entails.”[/say] She wouldn’t want to step on any other leadership’s toes; those jurisdictions were occupied and guarded. [say]“Or were you thinking of the Wilds?”[/say] Considering what had become of them with the void impacts…she could see setting up some patrolling not being a bad notion…
Though she was shaking her head at him again – trying to ignore the groaning sound and muffling her laughter behind her hand – angling curiosity around the fringes. [say]“Who is Erica?”[/say] The name might’ve been familiar around Stormbreak – though she couldn’t be certain.
RE: achingly bright too - Zavien - 11-03-2024
He gave her a gentle nod of understanding, letting the moment pass in peace. There was sure to be a time later on when they could share wounds and traumas of those they'd lost, but for now, he embraced the joy of food and pleasant company.
Zavien chuckled, again noticing the cute way Lena celebrated the food. [Say]"Absolutely!"[/say] His eyes scanned their surroundings as he leaned towards her conspiratorially. [Say]"But I think we should be like the locals and keep this as our little secret."[/say] Zavien gave her a playful wink followed by a bright smile. At the same moment, a rustling of leaves produced a handful of lightning bugs that had him glancing away dreamily. It really was a magical place.
As he turned back to his food, and the heavier topic of politics, Sol nudged his head out eagerly for another bite. Zavien obliged as he said, [Say]"I personally agree, but I think it would be beneficial to make sure everyone is on the same page."[/say] Considering her other points, he hummed, running a hand along his trimmed beard. His mind ran through the reasoning for his thoughts and their soldierly strategy. [Say]"Primarily the Wilds. I think we have a responsibility to all Breakers to be aware of what's going on in the outside world and what could pose a threat. If we only ever stayed in the city, we wouldn't know how far the Void has spread or if it might be more of a risk."[/say] It had been his main purpose for leaving Stormbreak to begin with, and he was still very passionate about the idea of anticipating issues rather than staying ignorant. Continuing on, he skewered a juicy piece of deer on his fork. [Say]"I wouldn't endorse taking liberties in others' territories, but our presence may be helpful, just for people to see us. To know that we're still strong and fighting."[/say] Perhaps as a deterrent for nefarious business, or as a beacon of safety for others, guiding them to Stormbreak. Whatever the reason, it couldn't hurt.
He swallowed the large bite of food, taking a moment to appreciate it as he answered her other question. [Say]"Erica owns a noodle shop in the Pacifist Plaza. She's the mother hen of Stormbreak. I swear she tries to fatten me like a prized pig for Deepfrost."[/say] His hand smacked his abdomen dramatically (which didn't have an ounce of fat), laughing freely at the sound it made. Then he leaned forward, face becoming serious as he pointed his fork at her. [Say]"I can introduce you next time we're in the city, but be warned... you may have to roll home."[/say] His face broke back into an easy smile, giving her another wink as he leaned back.
RE: achingly bright too - Lena - 11-03-2024
[say]“Oh, I had no intention of sharing,"[/say] she declared with a wink in jest; keeping these moments to herself, either due to honoring current company or because she wouldn’t want this wonderful place swarmed either. The lightning bugs meandering past kept her grin in check, even as they moved into political motions, humming along as clarity bloomed in other arrays.
Nodding in agreement about everyone being on the same page, because she knew several in their group that were prone to impulse, she broke off another portion of deer and listened, dipping it along the pineapple glaze. [say]“That’s fair. And we know information isn’t being directly provided to us. Not lately anyway.”[/say] It was easy to fathom why – the funneling of knowledge and sagacity had to take part anywhere else, due to their current sovereign state.
There was a quiet relief that they were in accord of not bothering other kingdoms; everyone had enough on their plate, and she could imagine coming in with a guild wasn’t going to be very welcome anywhere. [say]“Probably wise to ask first.”[/say] Halo had its own league of soldiers. But she wasn’t certain about King’s End, or the Hollowed Grounds – Torchline always seemed capable of tending to its own.
Maneuvering out of diplomatic quandaries, she leaned back in her chair on a quiet and content sigh, taking another sip of her wine. She must not have frequented this particular noodle shop, though now she was disappointed to hear she’d missed out on so much; it might’ve been nice to be mother-henned for a change. [say]“Gods, I’m not sure I’ll be able to fly out of here,”[/say] but she clearly wasn’t bothered by it – granting a light laugh. [say]“But yes, that sounds lovely.”[/say]
RE: achingly bright too - Zavien - 11-03-2024
[Say]"Good,"[/say] he said, his grin wide with shared enjoyment. Plans to come back with her eventually were already whirling in his mind, with a possibility to fulfill that promise to visit the Atheneum and Levinsward. It was starting to feel like those future events were bound to happen, making his heard flutter again.
Finishing off his own portion of the meal, Zavien sat back, no longer fighting the political turn of conversation. Maybe it was the food, or wine, or comfortable company. [Say]"Precisely. Even though there a plenty of kind and caring people around Caido, most will prioritize their own homes. We can't expect them to put Stormbreak first. That's our job."[/say] He smiled and shrugged his shoulders, not bothered by the fact that it put a lot of responsibility on them. Along the same lines, he nodded his head with the idea of requesting permission. He didn't want anyone to feel threatened by their presence. That would ultimately defeat the purpose. [Say]"I agree, which is why I think we'd need an ambassador of some kind, although I'm not sure our current leader would be interested in appointing one..."[/say] He already knew who he'd elect, not that he was biased in any way, but considering how Dahlia had managed her position thus far, it didn't seem likely.
Sol stared longingly at the empty plate, settling back down with a soft sigh while his companion discussed other foods. If Erica got ahold of Lena, he had no doubt she would dote and stuff the woman incessantly until she threatened to pop. Zavien tried to imagine a very plump bird trying to support its weight on tiny wings, chuckling at the absurdity of it. Although he knew she was joking, he leaned forward, raising an eyebrow. [Say]"Of course. I can always carry you if necessary."[/say] His green eyes glittered with amusement, feeling emboldened by the alcohol and playful banter.
RE: achingly bright too - Lena - 11-04-2024
Though it’d only been one dinner that they’d yet to finish, those little flutters curved around her heart too. They sounded like promises and plans, a wandering, rambling, roaming aspiration bending, looping, and weaving through her mind and soul; a warmer aspect than she’d had in years. The question was on her mind, churning and charming, but delicate all the same.
She didn’t give it a voice, not just yet, because politics still lurked, and for some reason that was easier than trying to summon any revelation or inquiry. [say]“Of course,”[/say] she murmured around the remains of her food – with quite a bit of deer remaining. She’d have to agree on the sentiments of their current sovereign not being keen on anything ambassador-like, so she wrinkled her nose as she leaned back further into the chair, eyes drifting over lightning bugs and twirling vines for half a moment, attempting to condense her thoughts into something that wouldn’t be overtly rebellious. [say]“I have my doubts. It sounds like we’ll be doing much of it on our own. And discreetly.”[/say] She added the last part on a whisper, cheeks dimpling in the curve of her smile. [say]“So not much different than what we’ve been doing.”[/say]
Lena did grant Mittens one bite of the deer, a small portion, and hoped the companion would stay hushed about it. There was a singular, ravenous declaration of aplomb, before it disappeared below the table again and she had to stifle a laugh. At his declaration, her brow arched, playing into the fold with a shake of her head and obvious amusement; also emboldened. [say]“Quite an arrangement. I wouldn’t mind.”[/say] She winked again, and then looked down at her food. [say]“Do you think they’d be offended if I asked for a box?”[/say] She wasn’t about to let the wondrous meal go to waste. [say]“And then I may need to walk off some of this while we find dessert.”[/say] An extension of a stroll; but she had seen some rather glorious displays on their way over.
RE: achingly bright too - Zavien - 11-05-2024
It was nice to hear that they already agreed on so much (verbal and nonverbal), not that he'd had any doubts since they'd been working together thus far. But Zavien still laughed at the apt comparison. [say]"I suppose you're right. We'll just have to keep up the good work."[/say] Ever the optimist, he was certain that they would find a way to keep Stormbreak strong in spite of the questionable leadership.
Alternatively, it was hard to deny the very obvious approval of his playful suggestion, which had his mind wondering about other physical actions that she might approve of; but being the gentleman (and idiot) he was, Zavien just deadpanned momentarily. Perhaps his brain had short-circuited, or maybe he'd pushed more than just the suggestive thoughts from his mind, but his expression had gone completely blank. Luckily, it didn't last more than half a millisecond before his face brightened, a loud disbelieving laugh coming out as he said, [say]"I'll keep that in mind."[/say] And he definitely would.
Her question made him chuckle a little softer this time, shaking his head. [say]"I highly doubt it. If anything, it's a compliment."[/say] Waving over the server again, he politely asked for a box and the check. There was no judgement in the man's face as he obliged, returning with a small container made of thick paper which would be packaged up for her. Meanwhile, Zavien paid, adding a large tip and smile for the wonderful experience. Sol hopped off his lap and stretched, preparing to hitch a ride again on Zavien's shoulder once they were walking.
When Lena was ready, he finished off the dregs of his wine then stood and offered her a hand. [say]"Shall we? I believe we have things to see and desserts to find."[/say] He gave her a chivalrous grin, ready to explore the area a little more, although reluctant to leave behind the glowing restaurant.
RE: achingly bright too - Lena - 11-06-2024
“Good work” might have been a stretch – she’d feel better once their efforts had accumulated into something other than determination. A lily conjured within the springs would’ve been largely fortunate in many regards – and potentially the last infected region freed. Thereafter would be a gamble on what to alter and try next; but they could decide on those things once everything else had been achieved.
Unaware that she’d conjured other notions in his mind, Lena simply followed along with the boxing, delighted, giving her thanks in polite acknowledgments again – and before long they were walking out of the wonderful threshold.
She glanced back at the twisted eaves and the streaks of light; mildly forlorn at having to leave, but knowing, understanding, that all the magic conjured within would remain. And that it didn’t dissipate or disappear around them either – part of the charm had been the company kept. So she slipped her arm around his elbow, anticipating the delight of a stroll, placing the box within her bag and listening as Mittens followed along, hovering upon the aromas of the leftovers.
Much of the sun had already set – vibrant peaks and hues of colors arranging in vibrant luminescence – and combined with the bonfire in the distance, it gave off vivid orange and crimson hues. [say]“What were you thinking for dessert?”[/say] She pondered out loud, strides easygoing as they milled around other couples; casually steering them down the streets they’d be familiar with from their recent wandering. [say]“I saw a couple different vendors.”[/say] S’mores seemed very in the moment – especially with the nearby flames, but so would any cool and refreshing treat, catching on the eaves of Leafchange.
RE: achingly bright too - Zavien - 11-09-2024
Accepting her arm, Zavien took a moment to imprint the memory in his mind. The warm feeling in his chest, the warm arm around his, the lingering food on his tongue, the glowing flowers and candles, the twinkling of fireflies, and the soft hum of chatter interspersed by rustling leaves. It had easily taken place in his mind as his new favorite memory. It would be hard to forget, but he still committed everything like it might slip though his fingers if he looked away.
He finally turned to leave, sharing a smile with Lena as he led them back into the dark streets of the Inner Quarter. The otherworldly feeling seemed to follow them, the streetlamps casting a soft haze over the cobblestone walkways filled with soft laughter of other couples. Zavien was content to walk in silence, his stride slow and leisurely as they made their way back towards the busier part of town. Sol sat perched on his shoulder, taking in the surroundings again with less interest as his eyelids barely opened more than halfway, a sleepy glaze covering their golden gleam.
When they spotted the rising flame ahead of them, Zavien began considering Lena's question, raking his mind for any good ideas. When nothing came to mind, he laughed lightly. [say]"Honestly, I hadn't really been thinking about desserts when we passed."[/say] He'd been too busy trying not to get lost. Although, that hadn't been the most successful. Still, a smile remained firmly planted on his lips while he scanned the kiosks ahead of them. [say]"But, I think I see a stand selling 's'mores cookies.' Do those sound good to you?"[/say] He hadn't the foggiest idea what they were, but they sounded fitting considering the giant bonfire occupying the center of the city.
RE: achingly bright too - Lena - 11-10-2024
She laughed – full of contentment in a variety of ways. [say]“Sorry – I’m always looking at desserts.”[/say] She winked – he could take meaning however he liked. The mere potential of pending sweets, and the options, would leave her curious eyes wandering, and while Zavien had searched and scoured for restaurants, Lena had already been thinking ahead. [say]“And those sound spectacular,”[/say] in agreement and accord, happily strolling back in the direction from whence they came.
Making their way towards the conflagration further impressed her, but then her attention was away from the waking flames, and back upon the kiosks milling around the sanction. When they finally came around to that particular merchant, she steered them directly to the stall, and began chatting animatedly with the owner. ”You may cook your own marshmallow if you would like,” came by way of explanation – giving over some amount of childish wonder - as they were handed their products, and Lena snagged the sticks excitedly. [say]“Thank you!” [/say]
Granting Zavien his share, she glanced back at the rampant fire. [say]“Are you going for the perfect golden brown, or burnt to a crisp?” [/say]
RE: achingly bright too - Zavien - 11-10-2024
Zavien laughed in response, shaking his head. [say]"Don't ever apologize for thinking about food."[/say] Considering that's where his mind lived most of the time anyways, he couldn't blame anyone else. He quickened his steps to follow Lena, more eager now that dessert was decided. His eyes barely strayed from the large bonfire and its glittering stones. A few Ancients stepped out of its center, causing his eyebrows to raise, but then he was turning back to the shop owner, giving a bright smile of thanks and handing over payment for the items. By the time he was following the Caretaker towards the center of the square, the Ancients had vanished.
Accepting the marshmallow, he gave Lena a skeptical grin. [say]"I'll try for golden brown, but I don't have a lot of hope."[/say] It wasn't a lack of faith, but rather a level of self-awareness that had him laughing again. [say]"Last time I had s'mores, Tal had to roast all the marshmallows."[/say] He didn't mention the fact that they'd been on the end of a dagger, figuring that the sticks were probably smarter and safer. Kneeling, Zavien twirled his marshmallow just inside the fire, trying his best to keep a close eye on the flammable sugar.
Maybe it was the alcohol still lingering in his system or the soothing warmth of the bonfire, but Zavien found himself smiling softly as he asked, [say]"Can I make a confession?"[/say] He didn't let the nerves make an ugly appearance, sneaking a glance towards Lena before diving in. If he didn't say it now, he didn't know when he would. Taking a deep breath, he chuckled and said, [say]"Lena, I've had a crush on you since I bumped into you in the Pacifist Plaza."[/say]
RE: achingly bright too - Lena - 11-11-2024
Lena couldn’t help but wave at the few Ancients stepping into the bonfire itself – a compelling thing to see. An affinity for fire and never succumbing to it was an intriguing denizen, and she might’ve studied or pondered on it further, had the marshmallows and present company not been so distracting.
Beginning to turn hers over, to watch the white exterior alter and change with the pressing heat, she laughed again – crouching beside him as some others participated nearby too. Intent on the study but allowing her mind to wander, she did have to wonder about his affiliation with burnt things – but hopefully that wouldn’t happen in this regard.
Once hers had reached its perfected, gilded point, she drew the stick back from the flames. The timing had been executed well too, because the moment the words left his lips, she probably would’ve dropped the whole thing. Instead, she lifted the spear and its prize upwards, head and eyes immediately inclining back to Zavien, a reel of uncertainty beginning to brim again. He didn’t keep her waiting long enough for any apprehension to well and boil over, gaze widening at the admittance. And shortly thereafter, a blush perhaps hidden by the bonfire they resided beside, but sparking over her cheeks regardless. A rush to her heart, a fluttering fulfillment in her ribs. [say]“Oh, not when we were covered in mud, trying to save the Feverlands?”[/say] A joke first, contentment and ease flickering over her depths the longer they stayed in that same expanse – exchanging truths and winding over potentials.
Her fingers twirled around her makeshift pike, the depths of her smile blooming at her own pending divulgence. [say]“I think mine started when we were at the Rainbow Road.”[/say] A soft hum started, a long breath unfurled. [say]“I did hang your picture by the front gate of the Celestine,”[/say] as promised, and she gave a wink. [say]“The kids like to interpret its meaning.” [/say]
Her gaze never left his face, though maybe chancing a stare to his mouth, before looking back into his eyes. [say]“Do we want to try then?”[/say] Dating?
RE: achingly bright too - Zavien - 11-11-2024
Sol found a way to busy himself amongst the scattering sparks of the bonfire as Zavien and Lena roasted their desserts. [Say]"Considering I was too busy trying not to get swallowed whole by the ground?"[/say] He laughed lightly, shrugging his shoulders. The memory still brought up a little bitterness, but it was so long ago that he'd mostly healed from the shame. Partially to make himself feel better, and to assure Lena that it was nothing against her Attuned skills, Zavien resorted to playful joking. [Say]"If anything, I think that's when I developed a crush on Koa."[/say] He gave her a wink, fairly certain that she knew about his bromance with the fellow Dragoon. A sudden brightness brought his eyes back to the now burning marshmallow. He let out a sigh, but didn't pause the conversation, pulling out the blackened sugar to blow out the flame. It had been inevitable after all.
Smiling softly again, he thought back to their shopping trip. [Say]"No, it was your passion and knowledge as you explained what lavender was. That's when it all started."[/say] It was the only time he'd ever admit that he did remember the name of the 'fluffy purple swords.' Looking back at her, his green eyes glittered in the firelight. [Say]"It helps that you're also very pretty."[/say] His own blush had started faintly on his cheeks, but he was already too far in to let the nerves catch him now.
It gave him the confidence to lean a little closer, batting his eyelids. [Say]"Oh? Was it the attractive way I stumbled over my own words? Or my impressive art abilities?"[/say] Her next statement answered that and Zavien laughed loud and bright, imagining a gaggle of kids gathered around the random scribbles he'd drawn. [Say]"Good. Maybe they can enlighten me."[/say] Because he hadn't the faintest idea of what it was supposed to be. Her own drawing was tucked safely in his home, away from the elements and any would-be-thiefs.
At her implying question, he searched Lena's eyes intently for any signs of uncertainty. When he found none, Zavien let his face break into a wide emphatic grin. [Say]"Absolutely."[/say] The single word of confirmation sent the butterflies fluttering anew, his heart racing with the excitement of spending more time with this amazing woman.
RE: achingly bright too - Lena - 11-11-2024
Mittens stayed far back, grumbling nearby, from the flames – and it would’ve probably tried to inveigle Sol into something amusing and ridiculous, had the dragon not been occupied by the sparks. So instead it pouted, though a few passersby seemed to give it a wide berth. Besides, Lena was busy laughing, smile wide and cheeks flushed at the flickering sentiments. [say]“To be fair, all of us were busy in that regard.”[/say] At least, with everything healed in the Feverlands, they could chuckle about it now – in prior circumstances she still would’ve been a disappointed mess, wearing that despondent carving deep in her bones. As for Koa, she gave another bright monicker. [say]“Understandable. He’s very heroic.”[/say] Pondering over circumstances with the other Dragoon, she kept the notions to herself – not wanting to tattle on his efforts between the two of them, or to entangle lost secrets and covers blown; even if they’d already gone through a churn of revelations.
Glancing over at the burnt marshmallow, she shook her head, but handed over an extra she’d stored. At the following notions though, she blushed again, glancing downward, memories tracing over those little foundational aspects. She wouldn’t have known or thought her passionate words over a flower would’ve gained such regard; but maybe it meant more than one thing stuck. [say]“Well, thank you,”[/say] she started at first, glancing at him from under her eyelashes once more. [say]“As for you -,”[/say] tapping on her chin as if she hadn’t given it any thought before, save for all the other times the notions had swirled through her head. [say]“It was all of that,”[/say] on a whim and tease, a flutter of a wink. [say]“And that you’re endearing, selfless, kind, and compassionate.”[/say] She found all those sentiments, those characteristics, much more enriching, fulfilling, and worthwhile in someone she chose to spend her time with – valuable, enticing, and precious. Far too emboldened now, she twirled her marshmallow spear nearby, using it as a punctuating point. [say]“Being very handsome also helps.”[/say] Turning back to stare deeply at him though, her cheeky grin faltered for a more effervescent accord. [say]“You make the world a better place.”[/say]
Using the past topics as a shield after so much exposure and vulnerability, she hummed again. [say]“One supposed it was a group of monsters chasing a glotter, and another believed it was bounding blink hares.”[/say] Giving him another steady smile, she tried to calm the beating of her heart in its rapid fire, striving to settle it into the safety net they were busy cultivating and creating.
Made easier, perhaps, by the vehement and conclusive response. [say]“Okay,”[/say] she whispered on an incandescent smile, everything beginning to bloom in her chest all over again.
RE: achingly bright too - Zavien - 11-11-2024
His head nodded as he hummed in adament agreement. Koa was certainly one of the most heroic people he knew, even while simultaneously being one of the most goofy. Maybe that was just the perfect combo. It had easily earned him respect from everyone. He still had to remember to either throttle or hug the man later for his 'advice' about his love life.
It hadn't been Zavien's intention to start a train of compliments or obligatory confessions, so Lena's words brought a growing warmth to his cheeks. He tried to hide it with a brush of his fingers through his hair but she made it hard with that teasing wink, capturing his gaze and making his heart stutter. A sheepish grin dimpled his cheeks. [Say]"Well thank you. Although I would have settled for handsome."[/say] In truth, the physical aspect meant very little to him, but he'd never been good at taking compliments, so his smile widened with humor, fighting the urge to start a war of admiring remarks. He'd barely scratched the surface with everything he liked about Lena, but he got the feeling that there would be time for more words and sweet moments.
However, he wasn't going to let her end the topic that easily. Not after such a flattering and wholesome statement. Flashing her a pure, meaningful smile, he said, [Say]"You make me want to make the world a better place."[/say] All joking was set aside for a moment as he tried to convey her own importance. Lena mattered to more than just him. [Say]"Maybe we can do it together."[/say] His gaze was sincere and earnest, an invitation to let their efforts and victories be shared.
The humor helped to break some of the seriousness of the moment. Zavien chuckled lightly, lifting a finger. [Say]"Astute observations, but I don't think the monsters would appreciate the comparison."[/say] His scribbles had been too colorful to be terrifying and too childish to be intimidating. It was the perfect storm of useless lines. Zavien shook his head to clear the juvenile humor, leaning a little closer with the movement.
Their close proximity and the soft whisper of her voice had his eyes glancing down to her lips. The marshmallows nearby were completely forgotten. He couldn't tell if the heat he was feeling came from the bonfire or the bubbling emotions inside. He felt breathless, frozen in time as he met Lena's deep brown eyes. [Say]"Can I kiss you?"[/say] It slipped from his mouth in a soft whisper, uncertain whether the moment was right even if the feelings had been confirmed, yet all he knew was that she sat before him, sharing his vulnerability, and he wanted to kiss her more than anything in the world.