Zavien
Perhaps Zavien's fears were more fueled by anxiety than legitimate threats against his loved ones, but he understands Flora's reasoning, nonetheless. He nods his head, unable to say if he'd stand and fight rather than ensure Lena and the others were out of harm's way. "I think it just depends on how Pierce reacts - whether he focuses on you or begins targeting others." And the more unspoken factor of other participants - that being Family members joining Pierce or citizens joining Flora.
Her casual words grip at his heart, aching for what she'd had to live through. And what was he supposed to say to that? She'd been attacked during a time that was supposed to be one of her happiest moments, murdered for her efforts against the Void. Nothing he says will change her experience or the emotions associated it, but he offers his apology anyways, genuine sorrow in his voice like the brush of sunlight sinking beneath the horizon. "I'm sorry. That must have been... terrible." His mouth opens, ready to ask about her relationship and whether her death caused a similar strain between them as it had between him and Lena; but he closes it before getting out a word. That feels too personal to ask, too cruel when the memory stains her words with something too dark to be light.
Zavien tucks the selfish curiosities away, smiling softly at the sharp edges of her smirk. "Yet," he confirms. And despite her disarming playfulness and glittering smiles, it wouldn't surprise him if Flora is the one to ultimately kill the man with a shard of glass she plucked from her sparkling mask. A woman scorned and whatnot.
He doesn't discount her words with the sunshiny tone, tracking them like he might points on a strategy board. His smile turns firm in its understanding, ready. "That's more than fair." Any warning was more than how they'd started the discussion with, so he's just happy that she's including him enough to keep him informed of her intentions. "And I'll rub a hand on my neck if I'm in. That way you know someone has your back." For example, and to rid some of the prickling, Zavien drags a hand against the back of his neck, offering a grin that he hopes instills her with some semblance of peace in her plan - that even if it all went wrong, he'd do his best to help.
Her casual words grip at his heart, aching for what she'd had to live through. And what was he supposed to say to that? She'd been attacked during a time that was supposed to be one of her happiest moments, murdered for her efforts against the Void. Nothing he says will change her experience or the emotions associated it, but he offers his apology anyways, genuine sorrow in his voice like the brush of sunlight sinking beneath the horizon. "I'm sorry. That must have been... terrible." His mouth opens, ready to ask about her relationship and whether her death caused a similar strain between them as it had between him and Lena; but he closes it before getting out a word. That feels too personal to ask, too cruel when the memory stains her words with something too dark to be light.
Zavien tucks the selfish curiosities away, smiling softly at the sharp edges of her smirk. "Yet," he confirms. And despite her disarming playfulness and glittering smiles, it wouldn't surprise him if Flora is the one to ultimately kill the man with a shard of glass she plucked from her sparkling mask. A woman scorned and whatnot.
He doesn't discount her words with the sunshiny tone, tracking them like he might points on a strategy board. His smile turns firm in its understanding, ready. "That's more than fair." Any warning was more than how they'd started the discussion with, so he's just happy that she's including him enough to keep him informed of her intentions. "And I'll rub a hand on my neck if I'm in. That way you know someone has your back." For example, and to rid some of the prickling, Zavien drags a hand against the back of his neck, offering a grin that he hopes instills her with some semblance of peace in her plan - that even if it all went wrong, he'd do his best to help.
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.
