court of storms and oceans

Zavien

"Is this actually where you work?" Zavien's mouth is practically hanging open and he knows it, but how else is he supposed to respond when it's his first time seeing the pristine white masterpiece that is the Court of Stars? The structure stands against the sea like a beacon of power and beauty, strong despite the pillars that seem too delicate to support its roof, let alone the responsibility of holding Torchline's leadership. Between the ocean at its doorstep and the towering dome above, he doesn't know where to look. Then add in the pops of greenery and he could absolutely spend all day here.

But unfortunately, he can't be away from the city too long, the preparations for cleaning and reconstructions taking up most of his time; so Zavien doesn't let his focus become encompassed in the surroundings. He runs a hand through his hair, smiling sheepishly as he glances sideways at Flora. "I'm assuming you already know why I asked to meet with you?" Kai had already implied that she'd somehow heard the news - even going so far as to offer soldiers for the efforts - but that doesn't mean Zavien wants to start his new position without meeting with each other leader in person. He just hopes the Queen isn't offended that he hadn't taken the time to come see her sooner.

Keep your face to the sunshine,
And you cannot see a shadow.

flora

The way Zavien’s jaw practically unhinges sends a ripple of laughter bubbling out of Flora before she can help it, bright and full of sun-warmed mischief that echoes softly in the marble-accented space. She leans against one of the delicate columns with the sort of relaxed ease that says she’s not remotely worried about their structural integrity, or about Zavien’s gawking, either. "Mmmm, not really," she drawls, nose crinkling, gold rings glinting as she gestures vaguely toward the inner hall. "Hadama does most of his work here. I mostly float in and make a mess of the paperwork."

She’s dressed for the season, but only in the Torchline sense: a light, cropped sweater slips off one shoulder, the colour somewhere between seafoam and mischief, tucked half-heartedly into high-waisted jeans. Her sandals click lightly as she pivots to face him more fully, the scent of night-blooming jasmine just barely rising from the garden beyond.

"Word gets around," she agrees with a slow grin, brows lifting. "Though to be fair, Sohalia mentioned it to me long before you were even official." There’s a glint of familiarity that softens her teasing, a trace of fondness held over from the times he’d helped with her wild schemes. "Congratulations, Commander." The title is offered with theatrical flourish, a playful little bow that makes her curls bounce and her sandals scuff against the marble.

I hold my breath just a little bit longer
halfway out the door but it won't close

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

Zavien

He can't be offended by her laughter when it feels like sunlight glittering off the waves, and he looks very much like a child seeing the ocean for the first time. Pressing a hand against a separate pillar to feel the cold surface against his palm, Zavien laughs in return, just as warm and sun-kissed. "I can't blame him, it's beautiful."

Just as he'd feared, Flora is too well informed for him to have beat the spread of information. His face falls a little, but she doesn't seem upset and he tries not to be either. "I see... well, I wanted to at least come by and tell you myself. Especially since I don't think it was a change anyone saw coming, least of all me." He smiles sheepishly, fully aware that most wouldn't have pegged him for the leadership type - himself included. And yet, the congratulations keep flowing as if he's won some sort of prize that everyone knew he would. Even the title still sits awkwardly on his shoulders, his hand reflexively moving to his hair as he watches her bow, making a laugh bark from his chest. "That's really not necessary. I haven't done anything to deserve such a reaction." Especially not from Flora who'd been an integral part in defeating the Family and keeping the people of Torchline safe. "But thank you. I'm hoping I can be half the leader you are." This time it's his turn to give a bow - the motion soldierly and stiff - accompanied by a bright smile that's as sincere as it is teasing.

Keep your face to the sunshine,
And you cannot see a shadow.

flora

"Mmh." Flora wrinkles her nose, gaze drifting up toward the domed ceiling where a shaft of light angles through, catching in the curls beside her temple. "Even a view like this can’t distract from the endless heaps of paperwork. Trust me, I’ve tried."

At his admission, her brow rises; not sceptical, just...surprised. "Really?" she echoes, arms folding loosely beneath her chest. "Once Soh pulled back, it felt like the obvious choice to me." There’s no heavy implication behind it, just a conversational tilt of her head.

But when he brushes off her praise, that twist of amusement returns. With a nudge to his shoulder that’s more familiar than formal, she grins. "Bit of unsolicited advice? No one likes an overly modest leader." Then, with a more serious cant to her voice, though the warmth never fully fades: "It doesn’t inspire confidence, you know? Sure, there’ll be people you can be honest with"—a small, knowing shrug, as if to say she might even be one of them—"but you represent Stormbreak now. If you go around acting like you’re not the right one for the job, what does that say about Stormbreak?"

Her smile softens when he bows again, soldier-stiff and full of effort, and this time it’s affection that flickers in her expression. "You’re sweet," she murmurs with a sigh that’s more fond than frustrated. "When Sohalia was the Heart, all our political talks happened over wine or shopping trips." Her eyes sparkle as she leans back against the pillar once more, mock-dramatic as she lifts a hand to her brow. "I suppose I’ll have to start putting in actual effort now."

I hold my breath just a little bit longer
halfway out the door but it won't close

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

Zavien

Unintentionally parroting and mirroring her, Zavien raises an eyebrow, a small laugh of disbelief on his lips. "Really? You mean to tell me you didn't think of Koa or Anju or Lena or anyone else first?" Sure, Safrin had bothered to find him worthy, but he'd figured a goddess's view didn't mean regular people would notice what she did, let alone agree with her. He felt passionate enough to believe he would be able to put the people first, not that he was the most capable or obvious choice. 

Flora's criticism is met with a quiet grace, a soft blush across the bashful curve of his lips. "I suppose you're right, but I'd hope my actions speak louder than any lack of confidence." Although he'll certainly take her words to heart, imbuing some responsibility alongside his spine to keep the doubts from diminishing his posture. He can't let Stormbreak down, especially not by his own thoughts and actions. Still, he shrugs his shoulders, adding smartly, "It doesn't change the fact that I haven't done anything to deserve it - yet." An important distinction that he thinks relevant, even if the smirk says he knows it's semantics.

Rising from his bow, he lets out another laugh, somehow not surprised to hear of her previous style for leadership meetings. He has no desire to start shopping or getting his toes done, but the idea of having real, serious conversations makes him want to die a little on the inside, so he waves a hand in dismissal. "Oh no. Don't change on my account. I'm not much of a wine drinker, but I'm sure we can discuss politics in another friendly sparring match." His smile is all warmth and anticipation, a ray of sunlight creeping across the floor.

Keep your face to the sunshine,
And you cannot see a shadow.

flora

At first, Flora laughs, sharp and unbothered, as if he’s joking. Still grinning, though it fades as quickly as it comes, her brows lifting with something closer to genuine surprise. “"You can’t be serious." There’s no cruelty in it, no sharpness to wound, just disbelief that’s too honest to dress in silk.

Her unsolicited critique might have come with a ribbon and a bow, but the way he continues to soften doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. Flora doesn’t sigh—barely—but the slight twitch of her mouth betrays the effort it takes to swallow down a less diplomatic opinion. Instead, she just shrugs, gold bangles catching the light as she lifts her hands. "Guess you'll figure it out, huh?" she hums breezily, despite his response not quite sitting well with her.

Still, she doesn’t dwell on it. Her smirk returns easily, the weight of their positions replaced with something lighter, more familiar. "Name the time and place, Commander," she says, stepping forward just enough to knock her shoulder gently against his just to rub it in. "And this time I even promise not to drag you into helping me pull a fast one on a much stronger enemy. Cross my heart." Her fingers cross over her heart in an exaggerated motion, the gold rings clicking faintly together.

But when she straightens again, her expression shifts—less glitter, more grit. "Torchline’s got muscle to spare," she adds, voice more grounded now. "If Stormbreak needs help while it’s rebuilding, we’ve got soldiers who can swing more than a sword. Just say the word and I'll send the lot of them up to you."

I hold my breath just a little bit longer
halfway out the door but it won't close

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

Zavien

Flora seems like the kind of person no one can catch off guard, but when her expression falls, Zavien gets the sense he's done just that. It actually makes him laugh a little, raising his hands like she might start yelling at him or something. "Don't get me wrong, I know I have more motivation than most, and I don't think anyone will be opposed to my appointment as Commander, but I guess I didn't expect anyone to think of me that highly." Or at all. He's never considered himself someone of note, someone that people would think about when he wasn't present or mention him in a discussion of leadership. It doesn't bother him to be considered insignificant, although he supposes he'll have to get used to the idea of being 'important' now. He shrugs his shoulders, a warm smile lighting his features. "I'm just surprised - and more than a little flattered - that I was your first thought." 

But he can tell that he's already made a stumble, even if it's hard to tell where. The twitch of her mouth and the words that are too light clue him in, making his smile strain slightly, a small crease forming in the corner of his eyes like he's trying to puzzle through the maze of leadership that he's been dropped into. It's something for him to analyze later, to play over again with Lena so he might do better next time; but for now, Zavien dips his head in a curt nod. "I will." Contrary to the timidness that suggested uncertainty or lack of confidence, his tone is firm and overflowing with a warmth that leaves no room for doubt; because even if he's not deserving now, he's determined to make Stormbreak proud, and he knows that he has a good team to help him learn the ropes along the way. He will succeed. 

The shift in tone is welcome, the bright glint in his eyes returning as he accepts the bump on his shoulder and his new title with equal levels of laughter. "Yes, Your Highness." His eyes roll, but he's smiling too much, excited to see what their sparring would look like next time and not in the least bit bothered by whatever insanity Flora brings to the party. "Not that I want a similar experience, but considering how things went last time, I'd gladly help you again." He hadn't done much to help in the chaos, but with the only downside being Tal's infection, Zavien would count the attack on Pierce as a win. 

Speaking of assistance, he perks at how Flora's leadership hat (crown?) falls into place, settling on her curls with an easiness that he envies. He tries to infuse that confidence into his spine, straightening as he his smile turns a little more serious. "I appreciate that. Thank you. I might take you up on the offer when we start rebuilding the Tower." He pauses for a moment before adding, "And even though we're still getting our feet back, I hope you know we're willing to help however you need, especially after all you did for the refugees."

Keep your face to the sunshine,
And you cannot see a shadow.

flora

Flora laughs, head tipping back slightly as Zavien offers up the title with enough teasing charm to make it bearable. She gives a theatrical little shimmy of her shoulders, curls bouncing and bangles chiming faintly with the movement as if to indicate just how easy it was to accept being called something far too formal.

But even the sparkle in her eyes doesn’t quite soften the thought that follows as the conversation shifts. "If we’d known roses could cure members of the Family back then..." she exhales, not quite a sigh, but close, her gaze flicking briefly toward the garden’s open wall and the glitter of sea beyond. "Could’ve taken out Pierce and maybe even Vox rather than just stabbing Pierce a few times." The shrug that follows is lighter, though. "Still, it worked out." Eventually and messily, but it had just the same.

Politics slips over her like a silk wrap rather than a crown, casual and comfortable as she turns back to him with an appreciative smile. "I appreciate that," she says, and it’s clear she means it, not just in the way Zavien’s taken to his new role, but in the way he’s offering help before being asked. Her grin curves wide and warm as she adds, "Fingers crossed no more aliens fall out of the sky this Deepfrost." Grining, Flora chuckles under her breath. "Assuming they don't, we're usually pretty low-key leading up to LongNight and then it's one big party on the beaches. You and Lena should come down if you aren't swamped by Commander things."

I hold my breath just a little bit longer
halfway out the door but it won't close

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

Zavien

She takes the formalities like someone whose had too much experience navigating leadership, and Zavien makes a mental note to explore ways to force himself to be more comfortable with it. After all, like she'd said, it wouldn't do to blush or cringe every time someone approaches him regarding leadership. Although he's not sure he'll ever get to Flora's level of confidence with her bouncing energy and embracing smile. 

But then she's dimming, reliving the chaotic pool party that had been such a monumental shift in their battle against the Family. It sobers him enough to offer a sympathetic smile, having worked through his own series of regrets. "That's the sucky part about the past; we could always have done it better and yet we can't fix it." His head nods as she shifts again, happy to focus on the positive outcome rather than any 'could have's or 'would have's of the past. "It did, and that's all that really matters." Tal is cured and Stormbreak is being rebuilt, leaving him with few things to be upset about, even if there are multiple things he would have done differently. 

Finally feeling like he's done something right, Zavien dips his head, the golden strands of his hair catching the sunrays before he's rising again, a bright smile on his face at the hopes. "Fingers crossed no more aliens fall out of the sky ever," he pipes back, his own laughter a little lighter with the prospect of peaceful times for rebuilding and rejuvenating. "We currently have a 'staycation' planned for the little free time we expect to have, but if we get a breather, we'll have to come see what all the fuss is about." Having spent all of last LongNight in a depressing cycle of nightmares and trauma, he'd be happy for something a little less dark. He knows it's ironic, but he can hope, nonetheless. It's what he's best at.

Keep your face to the sunshine,
And you cannot see a shadow.

flora

Flora beams at Zavien's correction, the brightness returning full force as she snaps her fingers in approval. "Ever," she echoes with a warm laugh, nodding emphatically.

Her grin softens at the mention of a staycation, and she lets out a small, wistful sigh. "That actually sounds so nice," she admits, brushing a bit of windblown curl behind her ear. "But if you get stir-crazy—" her brows bounce mischievously "—come on down. Pretty sure you’ll be able to see the fires from all the way up where you are anyway." There's a teasing glint in her eyes, the kind that hints at torch-lit parties and reckless laughter that's absolutely the sort worth coming down for.

Stepping back slightly, the smile she offers now is more composed, if no less warm. "Maybe once the new year rolls in," she says, "we can sit down and actually talk about what things look like between Torchline and Stormbreak going forward. Once you’re all back on your feet."

I hold my breath just a little bit longer
halfway out the door but it won't close

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

Zavien

Zavien nods his head, laughing as he adds, "Our last attempts at 'vacations' have been interrupted, but we're hoping this one is less easy to disrupt." If they just hunker down in the house and lock the doors, he anticipates they can steal at least a day of peace and quiet, even if he has to act as the gate guard to keep Lena from escaping to the Celestine. As long as all goes well, he brightens at the idea of cozy bonfires and the kind of activities that are shining behind Flora's eyes. Chuckling at the mischief sure to follow in such enjoyment, he makes note to consider it amidst all his work, knowing it wouldn't be much of a trip down to the coastal city below. "I'll see what I can do, especially since it'll be easy to follow the light."

His own expression turns to something he hopes resembles 'professionalism' as well, nodding to solidify the plans. "That sounds like a great idea." He glances around like he might spot the other ruler in the hallway, even if he knows he probably won't. "I still have to let Hadama know too, unless you already told him?" Zavien's eyes return to her, a glimmer of amusement at haven't missed at least one chance to spread the news.

Keep your face to the sunshine,
And you cannot see a shadow.

flora

At the mention of Hadama, Flora’s smile dims—just faintly, a flicker like a breeze brushing the surface of still water—but she holds it in place with the kind of ease that only comes from long practice. The light doesn’t quite reach her eyes as it had before, but her tone stays breezy, a soft shrug lifting one shoulder. "You’re welcome to," she says lightly. "But the Tidebreaker’s stepped back from leadership for a bit."

She twirls a curl around her finger, gold rings catching the light as if to distract from anything heavier in her voice. "He’s gone to spend more time in the Underwater City." There’s no bite, no edge, just an easy, matter-of-fact lilt, like she’s reciting something from a report rather than brushing up against something more personal. Whatever her real feelings are about the whole thing, she doesn't know Zavien well enough yet to elaborate, and so they stay tucked neatly behind a pleasant smile and a posture that doesn’t waver.

I hold my breath just a little bit longer
halfway out the door but it won't close

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

Zavien

"He - What?!" He doesn't quite shout, but his voice certainly rises as the shock hits him, bracing back from the blow that wipes the smile from his face. His eyes search Flora, nearly expecting her to go back to joking, to tease and tap him on the shoulder at his overreaction, but she doesn't. Her expression may be regal and pleasant, her words rehearsed, and yet there's no denying that they're real. 

Zavien purses his lips, his eyebrows furrowing as he glances away. "I... hadn't realized." Why hadn't Hadama said anything? Had the Mer King been silently suffering just as Soh had? Would he be back? Could Zavien have done anything to help? Did this make him a bad friend? He tries not to blame himself too much, knowing there must be a reason Hadama hadn't told him, but it hurts to find out like this, unable to have his questions answered, unable to support his friend through whatever struggles he's experiencing. 

The worry is evident on his face, yet he's still looking to Flora, doing his best to read between her smile and stiff shoulders without prying, sparing some of his concern for the leader who now has to carry the full weight of the responsibilities. He doesn't disrespect her with pity or doubt, his tone gentle only in volume. "How are you feeling about it?" It's polite in the way a distant acquaintance offers their condolences in the midst of tears, a quiet expression of sympathy with the offer of an open ear or a source of strength should she ever need it - not that he'd ever expect her to.

Keep your face to the sunshine,
And you cannot see a shadow.

flora

Flora nods, head tilting as if to shake away the worst of Zavien’s surprise. "It was recent," she says, soft enough to acknowledge the weight of it without inviting more. "We haven’t really told anyone yet.”" A pause, then, smoother and more composed: "He wanted to focus more of his efforts down in the Underwater City. He’s always been the bridge between us and them, and I guess...after all the years serving above the waves, it was time to answer what’s calling from below."

There’s a flicker in her eyes, something old and tired, but it vanishes like a breath behind another grin. "I’m totally fine," she says breezily, her tone convincingly cheerful. "Honestly? It gives me a chance to try all the things he used to talk me out of." Her voice lilts into something brighter, teasing. "Like putting liquor fountains all over the city. Or magical floating stars to light up the streets at night. You know—very subtle, very restrained." She flashes him a grin, all golden charm and glittering mischief, and if there’s anything brittle under it, she keeps it buried beneath the sparkle.

I hold my breath just a little bit longer
halfway out the door but it won't close

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!