Zavien
The thanks were unnecessary but appreciated and Zavien smiled in return. Tal's warm hand steadied the worry that his words weren't enough. He'd once told someone to cherish their words for the immense power they held. It seemed that Zavien's held more influence than he realized and he treasured the gratitude they provided. With a kind nod, he said, "I only wish I could do more, but know that you can always come to me for help." The statement rang true as he extended the offer. He would never turn anyone away or refuse to assist as long as he had the ability.
Tal's offer of an open ear and home gave him pause. "I'm sorry to hear about your parents. My mom passed when I was young." Zavien didn't want to mention how she was murdered, leaving him to mature at a young age. How he partially blamed himself for not being able to protect her. How her echoed teachings about smiles and happiness were the only thing he clung to as her face faded from memory. How the thoughts felt like too much to burden another with. Instead, Zavien focused on the possibility of sharing a close family moment with Tal and his sisters. He would hate to intrude on anything, however, the temptation to gather around a warm fireplace with joy and laughter was strong. It was enough to leave him at a loss for coherent words. Flushing with embarrassment, he ran his hand through his hair. "I-I-I couldn't. Your sisters don't know me, a-and I didn't bring anything. And-and I-I-" Trying to find some other reason for Tal to retract his polite offer, Zavien said the first thing that came to mind, "And I stink." It wasn't necessarily a lie, as he'd traveled far to reach Halo, but the mortification painted his face red all the same.
Tal's offer of an open ear and home gave him pause. "I'm sorry to hear about your parents. My mom passed when I was young." Zavien didn't want to mention how she was murdered, leaving him to mature at a young age. How he partially blamed himself for not being able to protect her. How her echoed teachings about smiles and happiness were the only thing he clung to as her face faded from memory. How the thoughts felt like too much to burden another with. Instead, Zavien focused on the possibility of sharing a close family moment with Tal and his sisters. He would hate to intrude on anything, however, the temptation to gather around a warm fireplace with joy and laughter was strong. It was enough to leave him at a loss for coherent words. Flushing with embarrassment, he ran his hand through his hair. "I-I-I couldn't. Your sisters don't know me, a-and I didn't bring anything. And-and I-I-" Trying to find some other reason for Tal to retract his polite offer, Zavien said the first thing that came to mind, "And I stink." It wasn't necessarily a lie, as he'd traveled far to reach Halo, but the mortification painted his face red all the same.
Keep your face to the sunshine,
And you cannot see a shadow.
And you cannot see a shadow.
