Zavien
The scent of lavender wrapped around his heart like a warm embrace, succeeding in its purpose of cultivating calm and tranquility within the Dragoon. He felt his hands slow their nervous ministrations, a deep sigh releasing from his chest as the blooms appeared, full and vibrant in their purple petals. Although the anxieties and fears didn't vanish, they felt lighter in the presence of Vi, more insignificant when he looked upon the glowing figure that stood before him. On instinct, his head bowed further, reverence stilling his mind and body.
He lifted his head enough to glance at the god, his words soft. "I thought I understood sacrifice, but this was... harder." Dying had been instantaneous. A decision to protect that had resulted in the second worse scenario - next to failure. It was unfortunate, but something he didn't regret, even if he would have hoped to avoid it with proper strength and preparation. He had certainly suffered in the aftermath, physical pain, being unable to face his home, plagued with nightmares and anxieties; yet it hadn't been the same, because it hadn't been his choice, knowing full well what the consequences would be. Giving up Sol was something he'd known would result in pain - and he'd done it anyways.
Perhaps he should be proud of himself, proud of his willingness to lose one of the only lifelines he'd come to rely on for stability, but all it had done was show him how much farther he had to go.
A shift in the jar of soil drew his attention as the rose sprouted, gold and red emerging to expand into thorns and petals, an ethereal image that didn't compare to any rose he'd ever seen. His breath shook, filling his heart and lungs with an awe that gave him confidence that it was all worth it, that they might stand a chance against the Family. He swallowed back a swelling of emotions, nodding his head as he reached forward to take the jar, cradling the delicate flower in arms.
Zavien finally looked to Vi, the depth of his green eyes saying more than his words ever could. "Thank you..." for trusting him, for finding him worthy, for giving him something to strive for.
[FIN]
He lifted his head enough to glance at the god, his words soft. "I thought I understood sacrifice, but this was... harder." Dying had been instantaneous. A decision to protect that had resulted in the second worse scenario - next to failure. It was unfortunate, but something he didn't regret, even if he would have hoped to avoid it with proper strength and preparation. He had certainly suffered in the aftermath, physical pain, being unable to face his home, plagued with nightmares and anxieties; yet it hadn't been the same, because it hadn't been his choice, knowing full well what the consequences would be. Giving up Sol was something he'd known would result in pain - and he'd done it anyways.
Perhaps he should be proud of himself, proud of his willingness to lose one of the only lifelines he'd come to rely on for stability, but all it had done was show him how much farther he had to go.
A shift in the jar of soil drew his attention as the rose sprouted, gold and red emerging to expand into thorns and petals, an ethereal image that didn't compare to any rose he'd ever seen. His breath shook, filling his heart and lungs with an awe that gave him confidence that it was all worth it, that they might stand a chance against the Family. He swallowed back a swelling of emotions, nodding his head as he reached forward to take the jar, cradling the delicate flower in arms.
Zavien finally looked to Vi, the depth of his green eyes saying more than his words ever could. "Thank you..." for trusting him, for finding him worthy, for giving him something to strive for.
[FIN]
A flower cannot blossom without sunshine,
and man cannot live without love.
and man cannot live without love.
