Zavien
Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times
Nodding at her insistence, Zavien smiled softly, his energy dampening in respect for whatever may be weighing on her mind. "I'm always here if you need to talk, Soh." And only once she'd taken a seat did he select one of the chairs on the other side of the desk, leaning forward to prop his elbows on his knees, his attention fully on her now.
Soh didn't just look tired, she sounded tired, obviously drained by the responsibilities that had been placed on her. Zavien didn't interrupt, letting her voice the worries, to give space to the emotions she was feeling like he would a soldier scared to face battle, his own expression open with understanding. It was only when she admitted doubt in her role that his thoughts turned to the conversation with Safrin - the one where she'd suggested he lead. He tried not to give away the surprise or the following mix of emotions that coursed through him in that moment.
Calming his heart, he tried not to jump at anything, not even sure he wanted to lead. The Dragoon focused instead on Soh and making sure it was something she'd thought out, that it wasn's a hasty decision that she would come to regret. He offered a reassuring smile that was as gentle as a quiet dusk. "You've spent so much time and effort trying to get us home that I'm sure it's a little overwhelming."
Zavien glanced out the window to the vast city below and all the people that milled about in repairs. Having not really prepared for this kind of conversation - despite his promise to Safrin - he kneaded his hands together, looking for the right words before turning back to her. "I know you care about Stormbreak and its people - and they care about you - but it's not the same place it once was. There are a thousand more problems and a dark history that will hang over it for a long time. That's not an easy burden to carry. Everyone would understand if it was too much." Before she could assume that he meant she couldn't do it, he continued gently, "There's no shame in admitting that you want something simpler after everything you've been through." After a brief pause, he gave her a smile lined with hope and genuine insistence. "You deserve to be happy too, Soh."
Soh didn't just look tired, she sounded tired, obviously drained by the responsibilities that had been placed on her. Zavien didn't interrupt, letting her voice the worries, to give space to the emotions she was feeling like he would a soldier scared to face battle, his own expression open with understanding. It was only when she admitted doubt in her role that his thoughts turned to the conversation with Safrin - the one where she'd suggested he lead. He tried not to give away the surprise or the following mix of emotions that coursed through him in that moment.
Calming his heart, he tried not to jump at anything, not even sure he wanted to lead. The Dragoon focused instead on Soh and making sure it was something she'd thought out, that it wasn's a hasty decision that she would come to regret. He offered a reassuring smile that was as gentle as a quiet dusk. "You've spent so much time and effort trying to get us home that I'm sure it's a little overwhelming."
Zavien glanced out the window to the vast city below and all the people that milled about in repairs. Having not really prepared for this kind of conversation - despite his promise to Safrin - he kneaded his hands together, looking for the right words before turning back to her. "I know you care about Stormbreak and its people - and they care about you - but it's not the same place it once was. There are a thousand more problems and a dark history that will hang over it for a long time. That's not an easy burden to carry. Everyone would understand if it was too much." Before she could assume that he meant she couldn't do it, he continued gently, "There's no shame in admitting that you want something simpler after everything you've been through." After a brief pause, he gave her a smile lined with hope and genuine insistence. "You deserve to be happy too, Soh."
