Zavien
Flora's giggles send him into laughter of his own. He gives a dip of his head that nearly resembles the bow of a performer, a bright grin on his face. "Only sometimes." When he's not harrowed by adult thoughts or traumas or responsibilities. It happens less often now, but the moment lingers like sweet lemonade on his tongue, a childlike delight.
His own pulse starts to slow, calm and content until he turns at the quiet and serious 'Hey' that draws his attention. Her question hits harder than any of the strikes she'd landed, wiping the peaceful expression from his face. It feels risky to talk about in Stormbreak, so close to the source. Playful jokes of punching Pierce were made with sarcasm and teasing - something that would never actually happen - but this is something real with intention, and if they were overheard, it could prove dangerous.
Zavien glances around at their surroundings, using the moment to search for threats as well as his own heart. He finds it steadier than before, stabilized by time and the return of his companion. It echoes with the certainty of courage and responsibility that have always rooted him.
Finding nothing purple or otherwise out of the ordinary, he finally responds. "I... would." His voice is soft, tinged with caution that drags at his syllables. "But I'm not sure how much help I'd be. I don't think I'm at a point where I can face a member of the Family. I couldn't even face one of their minions without getting killed." There's regret in his thin smile as he looks down to meet her eyes, wishing he was stronger so he might offer more assistance. "It'd really depend on how things played out. If anything, I'd do my best to get you - and everyone else - out alive." And despite the fear associated with facing death again, Zavien knows that he would do it all again if it meant protecting someone else.
His own pulse starts to slow, calm and content until he turns at the quiet and serious 'Hey' that draws his attention. Her question hits harder than any of the strikes she'd landed, wiping the peaceful expression from his face. It feels risky to talk about in Stormbreak, so close to the source. Playful jokes of punching Pierce were made with sarcasm and teasing - something that would never actually happen - but this is something real with intention, and if they were overheard, it could prove dangerous.
Zavien glances around at their surroundings, using the moment to search for threats as well as his own heart. He finds it steadier than before, stabilized by time and the return of his companion. It echoes with the certainty of courage and responsibility that have always rooted him.
Finding nothing purple or otherwise out of the ordinary, he finally responds. "I... would." His voice is soft, tinged with caution that drags at his syllables. "But I'm not sure how much help I'd be. I don't think I'm at a point where I can face a member of the Family. I couldn't even face one of their minions without getting killed." There's regret in his thin smile as he looks down to meet her eyes, wishing he was stronger so he might offer more assistance. "It'd really depend on how things played out. If anything, I'd do my best to get you - and everyone else - out alive." And despite the fear associated with facing death again, Zavien knows that he would do it all again if it meant protecting someone else.
Stay focused on your mission,
remain steadfast in your pursuit of excellence,
and always do the right thing.
remain steadfast in your pursuit of excellence,
and always do the right thing.
