I'll take the weight of the sun

Zavien

Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times

His smile was gentle - patient - despite the anxiety building in his chest, the feeling that he was standing on a precipice of unimaginable heights, one that would shift his entire life. It gave him a mixture of nausea and excitement that made him conscious of every breath and heartbeat. 

When Soh's eyes watered and an expression of acceptance seemed to pass with her nod, Zavien knew what was coming. He didn't take pleasure in it - in fact, he was fairly certain dread seized his chest for a second - but he gave her an encouraging smile, not wanting her to regret this moment or the faith she was putting in him. "Then I will do everything in my power to make it a decision you can be proud of - that you're happy you made."

Willing the mood to brighten, Zavien strengthened the smile on his face, an optimistic glint in his gaze. "I hope you'll still be part of the council. You're an integral part of Stormbreak and it's leadership, even if you're not acting as the leader. After all, I haven't exactly done this before." And he expected to make many mistakes.

SOHALIA

But you're untouchable, burning brighter than the sun

Handing over the region to Zavien was a bittersweet thing. On the one hand, Soh felt like she was giving away a little piece of herself. She'd spent so long yearning to return home and rule again that it felt... strange, not to have that as a goal all of a sudden. But on the other, it was like a burden had been removed from her shoulders. She was able to sit a little straighter, smile a little more genuinely, and the tears that had threatened only a moment before slowly dissipated as she realized that this was right, however hard it may have been.

"I would be honored to serve on your council." She shrugged a shoulder. "I always liked the diplomatic aspects of ruling, if that sort of thing would be helpful. Or, really, whatever role you think I'd be best at." This was, after all, now Zavien's rodeo.

Speaking of which - the Luminary smiled, the expression a little playful and wicked. "This office - and all this paperwork - are now officially yours," she said with a wink. Then, relenting, she added, "I'm happy to go through any of it with you. There are a lot of requisitions for repairs to the city, and there's a lot that fell to the wayside while the Family were in power. Lots to do, but then, you know that already."

And now that you're close I feel like coming undone

Zavien

Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times

Your council. The words felt a little too real and he paused for a moment, trying to digest that it was really happening - that he was going to lead Stormbreak. He blinked and took a breath before returning her smile. "I can't tell you how happy I am to hear that." Not that he had the faintest idea what having a council would look like or what her role would be. Zavien shrugged his shoulders, chuckling at the absurdity of it all. "We can discuss the details at a later time - once I've had a moment to process all this."

The wicked grin had him wincing, although it didn't dampen the brightness of his features, too excited to let the looming work make him regret the decision so soon. Still, he narrowed his eyes playfully at her as he said, "You look a little too happy about that part." Standing from the chair, he looked hauntingly at the swimming stack of pages, running a hand through his hair. "Maybe you can give me a rundown while at dinner. It'll go down easier with some good food, and I haven't visited Erika's in awhile." And the resident noodle shop owner would surely have a word or two to say about ways to improve the city - and their diets.

SOHALIA

But you're untouchable, burning brighter than the sun

"Of course," Soh agreed instantly, all too aware of how overwhelming such a decision could be. If Zavien had truly never coveted the crown, then he had to be questioning what, exactly, he'd gotten himself into. And how Soh fit into that equation was something that could indeed be discussed later. Perhaps he would find that he didn't need her at all - and that would be okay, too, even if it would sting a bit to be so unwanted. "Take all the time you need."

As for the paperwork, Soh stacked what she'd been working on neatly on the desk. "Dinner sounds great. And I'm mostly kidding. I'm happy to help with any of it." Though she certainly wouldn't lament the loss of days spent reading and signing and drafting things rather than doing work she actually enjoyed. For now, though, it was off to Erika's to partake in some noodles, and for the first time in weeks, Soh actually felt a little lighter as they left her office.

fin

And now that you're close I feel like coming undone