Where there's life there's hope.
A less trusting person would have hesitated to trust the claim of 'friend,' but Zavien always listened to his gut and this woman looked more scared than threatening. He lowered his sword and offered a smile. It was a bright, welcome expression as he cautiously stepped closer, not wanting to startle her further. With his other hand, he gave a small wave of greeting. "Well, hello, friend. I didn't mean to sneak up on you." All suspicion was gone at this point, replaced with friendly excitement at meeting a new person, especially someone who seemed so familiar. At her indication, he looked to the dark purple stars hiding in the creek then to the griffin lingering nearby. Smiling at the winged creature in acknowledgement, Zavien came forward slowly, considering the positioning of the Void River Stars. Without hesitating, he said, "I can help with that." He crouched down, dipping the tip of his sword into the water. His progress froze momentarily at her name and he stole another sideways glance at the woman. Of course! The familiarity knocked him upside the head, forcing him to tense his body to keep from falling over in surprise. She had never met him, but the Heart of Stormbreak had been beloved by everyone. How could he not have recognized her? Especially considering he'd been helping search for her these last few months following her unexpected disappearance. According to Koa, she'd been kidnapped by the family, yet... she looked fine. No bonds restricted her and no guards lingered nearby. So why hadn't she returned to Stormbreak?
Zavien realized that he had frozen, his sword pointed at the creatures and his eyes staring wide at her. Clearing his throat, he quickly looked away, a blush spreading across his face. Too many questions shifted through his mind and he found it difficult to conjure more of a response than "Zavien". Trying to steal a moment to collect himself, he flicked his blade forward, casting a Void River Star out of the water into the direction of the griffin.
Zavien
