Zavien
Flora seems like the kind of person no one can catch off guard, but when her expression falls, Zavien gets the sense he's done just that. It actually makes him laugh a little, raising his hands like she might start yelling at him or something. "Don't get me wrong, I know I have more motivation than most, and I don't think anyone will be opposed to my appointment as Commander, but I guess I didn't expect anyone to think of me that highly." Or at all. He's never considered himself someone of note, someone that people would think about when he wasn't present or mention him in a discussion of leadership. It doesn't bother him to be considered insignificant, although he supposes he'll have to get used to the idea of being 'important' now. He shrugs his shoulders, a warm smile lighting his features. "I'm just surprised - and more than a little flattered - that I was your first thought."
But he can tell that he's already made a stumble, even if it's hard to tell where. The twitch of her mouth and the words that are too light clue him in, making his smile strain slightly, a small crease forming in the corner of his eyes like he's trying to puzzle through the maze of leadership that he's been dropped into. It's something for him to analyze later, to play over again with Lena so he might do better next time; but for now, Zavien dips his head in a curt nod. "I will." Contrary to the timidness that suggested uncertainty or lack of confidence, his tone is firm and overflowing with a warmth that leaves no room for doubt; because even if he's not deserving now, he's determined to make Stormbreak proud, and he knows that he has a good team to help him learn the ropes along the way. He will succeed.
The shift in tone is welcome, the bright glint in his eyes returning as he accepts the bump on his shoulder and his new title with equal levels of laughter. "Yes, Your Highness." His eyes roll, but he's smiling too much, excited to see what their sparring would look like next time and not in the least bit bothered by whatever insanity Flora brings to the party. "Not that I want a similar experience, but considering how things went last time, I'd gladly help you again." He hadn't done much to help in the chaos, but with the only downside being Tal's infection, Zavien would count the attack on Pierce as a win.
Speaking of assistance, he perks at how Flora's leadership hat (crown?) falls into place, settling on her curls with an easiness that he envies. He tries to infuse that confidence into his spine, straightening as he his smile turns a little more serious. "I appreciate that. Thank you. I might take you up on the offer when we start rebuilding the Tower." He pauses for a moment before adding, "And even though we're still getting our feet back, I hope you know we're willing to help however you need, especially after all you did for the refugees."
But he can tell that he's already made a stumble, even if it's hard to tell where. The twitch of her mouth and the words that are too light clue him in, making his smile strain slightly, a small crease forming in the corner of his eyes like he's trying to puzzle through the maze of leadership that he's been dropped into. It's something for him to analyze later, to play over again with Lena so he might do better next time; but for now, Zavien dips his head in a curt nod. "I will." Contrary to the timidness that suggested uncertainty or lack of confidence, his tone is firm and overflowing with a warmth that leaves no room for doubt; because even if he's not deserving now, he's determined to make Stormbreak proud, and he knows that he has a good team to help him learn the ropes along the way. He will succeed.
The shift in tone is welcome, the bright glint in his eyes returning as he accepts the bump on his shoulder and his new title with equal levels of laughter. "Yes, Your Highness." His eyes roll, but he's smiling too much, excited to see what their sparring would look like next time and not in the least bit bothered by whatever insanity Flora brings to the party. "Not that I want a similar experience, but considering how things went last time, I'd gladly help you again." He hadn't done much to help in the chaos, but with the only downside being Tal's infection, Zavien would count the attack on Pierce as a win.
Speaking of assistance, he perks at how Flora's leadership hat (crown?) falls into place, settling on her curls with an easiness that he envies. He tries to infuse that confidence into his spine, straightening as he his smile turns a little more serious. "I appreciate that. Thank you. I might take you up on the offer when we start rebuilding the Tower." He pauses for a moment before adding, "And even though we're still getting our feet back, I hope you know we're willing to help however you need, especially after all you did for the refugees."
Keep your face to the sunshine,
And you cannot see a shadow.
And you cannot see a shadow.
