Just smile and be happy.
His eyebrows raise at the offer of Torchline soldiers, not realizing that Kai and the Queen were close enough to discuss politics, or that she'd been aware of Zavien's new position before he'd had a chance to tell her. He shows obvious interest, tilting his head as he seriously considers it. "Did she? More hands are always welcome... but I hope you don't mind if I talk with Flora about it before saying yes? I've been meaning to have a conversation with her anyways." The smile he gives is gentle but appreciative, hoping to soften the blow that might come with not immediately accepting the help.
Sol chirps again at the enthusiastic greeting, sweeping low enough to drag his string of shredded rope over Kai's head before dropping it in the pile he'd begun. He then zips off to find more, the golden dragon's mission-driven mind focused on the treats he knows he'll get later. Zavien lets his companion lighten the mood as the young man seems intent on justifying his plans for Deepfrost, as if he expects to be judged for them. Kai won't find any signs of confusion or anger, but a soft, sympathetic smile as Zavien gathers a piece of wilted cardboard, his voice gentle with a hint of playfulness. "You don't have to explain anything to me, Kai. I did something similar only a few months ago when I couldn't stay in Stormbreak." He didn't know how much Kai knew about his death and the subsequent aftermath, choosing not to linger on the depressing topic.
Bundling the cardboard and plastic into his arms, he deposits them in a pile with Sol's rope. His green eyes find Kai as he works, unashamed of his own past and what he'd needed to recover despite how embarrassing it had been at the time. "For me, I hated being away for long, leaving Lena and the other Breakers to deal with Dahlia by themselves." Shrugging his shoulders, he adds, "So I visited when I could, and the moment I felt comfortable, I came back home." The expression on his face is a little brighter at the happy ending, even if things had only gotten worse before they got better again.
Knowing that Kai's situation isn't the same - and that it might not end the same - Zavien offers an understanding smile, ready to support in whatever way was needed. "But I also get if it isn't the same anymore. Things change and Stormbreak is going to have a lot of growing pains before things settle." It didn't feel right to tell people to come back to the city without reassurance of its safety, and even then, he couldn't erase the memories that might still haunt them.
Sol chirps again at the enthusiastic greeting, sweeping low enough to drag his string of shredded rope over Kai's head before dropping it in the pile he'd begun. He then zips off to find more, the golden dragon's mission-driven mind focused on the treats he knows he'll get later. Zavien lets his companion lighten the mood as the young man seems intent on justifying his plans for Deepfrost, as if he expects to be judged for them. Kai won't find any signs of confusion or anger, but a soft, sympathetic smile as Zavien gathers a piece of wilted cardboard, his voice gentle with a hint of playfulness. "You don't have to explain anything to me, Kai. I did something similar only a few months ago when I couldn't stay in Stormbreak." He didn't know how much Kai knew about his death and the subsequent aftermath, choosing not to linger on the depressing topic.
Bundling the cardboard and plastic into his arms, he deposits them in a pile with Sol's rope. His green eyes find Kai as he works, unashamed of his own past and what he'd needed to recover despite how embarrassing it had been at the time. "For me, I hated being away for long, leaving Lena and the other Breakers to deal with Dahlia by themselves." Shrugging his shoulders, he adds, "So I visited when I could, and the moment I felt comfortable, I came back home." The expression on his face is a little brighter at the happy ending, even if things had only gotten worse before they got better again.
Knowing that Kai's situation isn't the same - and that it might not end the same - Zavien offers an understanding smile, ready to support in whatever way was needed. "But I also get if it isn't the same anymore. Things change and Stormbreak is going to have a lot of growing pains before things settle." It didn't feel right to tell people to come back to the city without reassurance of its safety, and even then, he couldn't erase the memories that might still haunt them.
Zavien
