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+--- Thread: [SE] the heart of a home (/showthread.php?tid=12923)
the heart of a home - Zavien - 06-15-2026
The house they've found is really perfect in every way - for being in Torchline. They're high up in the city of Haulani, overlooking the stretches of homes broken up by spiderwebbing canals, the ocean visible from nearly every window in the house. It's small and cozy with plenty of sunlight to warm the space, however, there's a noticeable addition that none of Zavien's previous houses have possessed: a second bedroom. He knows the baby won't be born for another season, but it seemed irresponsible to rent a place that didn't have space for the soon-to-be arrival, after all, the baby would be here sooner than they think.
For now, Zavien has other things to worry about, particularly the approaching LongNight and all its dangers. Torchline might be safer than King's End, but it doesn't mean it's without its risks, and he isn't willing to take any risks with his growing family.
He's perched now on a ladder outside, hammer in hand as he installs thick shudders that they can seal off when the impending darkness arrives. The giant lock on their front door was the first thing he added, but the gorgeous windows felt like the logical next step after they'd moved a few pieces of furniture in.
Soh had mentioned that Nova was supposed to stop by later to upgrade his necklace and make hers as another preparation for LongNight - a reassurance he was more than grateful for. But while they waited for her to arrive, he swung the hammer again, securing the nail into the wood while Sol flew another into his hand. [say]"Thanks, Sol."[/say]
RE: the heart of a home - Sohalia - 06-15-2026
The house was everything Soh could ever have hoped for. High up in the city, with stunning ocean views from nearly every room in the house, it was filled with sunlight and warmth even in the dead of Deepfrost. It was one of the perks of moving to Torchline, she supposed: the weather was practically blissful after the seemingly endless snow of King's End, warm enough that today she could get away with a simple knit sweater that showed off her rapidly growing belly. She'd recently had to invest in some maternity jeans - her favorite usual pair were growing increasingly tight - and since her morning sickness had finally died down, she looked entirely the part of the glowing, expectant mother.
Humming softly to herself, she bustled around the second bedroom, fussing with the curtains she'd let Zavien talk her out of hanging by herself (much to her chagrin) and mentally envisioning exactly where each piece of furniture they would need was going to go. Smoothing a hand over her belly, she smiled down at the bump. While she knew that Zavien wasn't exactly thrilled to be here in Torchline, he had also been nothing if not devoted and doting to her. The least she could do was promise not to go climbing on any ladders while he hung the shutters outside. It felt like overkill, now that they were safe and sound within arguably the strongest region in Caido, but she also knew that safety could lull one into complacency, and she certainly wasn't going to deny her boyfriend the opportunity to keep her - and their unborn child - safe come LongNight.
She strolled to the kitchen, which was as bright and airy as the rest of the house, and fixed a few glasses of water before making her way outside. Locating Zavien was quick and easy; reaching him where he stood on a ladder to hang the shutters, however, was not. Anani emerged from where she'd been enjoying the sunshine atop the roof, chiming a greeting to her bonded as she floated down to wrap herself around Soh's shoulders. The Luminary sat one glass down nearby, then reached up to stroke a finger along the cloud wyrm's chin.
[say]"Please be careful,"[/say] she said for the hundredth time, watching as Zavien perched precariously to get a nail hammered in just so. She knew he was perfectly capable - but accidents did happen, and the last thing she wanted was for him to hurt himself trying to keep them all safe. [say]"I brought some water out. Nova should be here soon."[/say]
RE: the heart of a home - Nova - 06-15-2026
Nova ran through the street, a woman on a mission, determined to get home. She'd agreed to meet Soh and Zavien in Torchline before hearing the news that there was going to be a party in New Haven. Now she had things to do and plans to make and people to annoy direct to make sure this was the best party in all of LongNight. But a promise is a promise, and Nova wasn't about to go back on her word to make the items for Soh, especially with golden scales on the line.
It just meant she was more motivated than ever to get this done, and when she came upon the house Soh had directed her to, it was with a flurry of glitter and fluttering fabric, a wide grin upon her face to see the woman. [say]"Hi, Soh!"[/say] She looked up to spot the man perched on a ladder, waving her hand up at him and the dragon hovering next to him. [say]"Hi, Zavien! Hi, Sol!"[/say]
When she turned back to the Luminary, the bubbling energy of her arrival stuttered, finally realizing that her stomach wasn't just a bundle of clothes in her arms. [say]"Wait! Are you pregnant?! Is that why you left King's End?!"[/say] She hadn't spent much time around pregnant people, but she immediately rushed forward, excitement glinting in her eyes as her hand outstretched to place over the gentle swell of her stomach.
RE: the heart of a home - Zavien - 06-15-2026
His head turned at the sound of Soh's voice, smiling down at her with a loving grin on his face. He paused in his work to prop an elbow on the ladder, admiring the view of his pregnant girlfriend for a moment. He loved her so much, and she'd only grown more beautiful with every passing week. Motherhood suited her.
Zavien opened his mouth to tell her he'd only be another minute when a bright personality was suddenly sweeping into the front yard. The voice chimed so loud in the quiet din of the neighborhood that he nearly lost his balance, gripping the ladder as it rattled against the side of the house. He muttered under his breath and clenched tight until it settled enough for him to descend and greet the girl.
A smile was already on his face, letting out a relieved huff of breath as he said, [say]"Hi, Nova."[/say] Sol gave his own chirped greeting as he dove to say hi, but Nova was lunging for Soh before either of them could intercept, a grimace spreading over Zavien's face at the broach of manners. He knew she wasn't a threat, but it still felt weird to watch someone spring on his girlfriend like a cat with a shiny toy.