Zavien
The Risen Sun
Confusion spreads across his face, not quite sure why his explanation is so farfetched, or why both she and Kaisel are stubbornly fixated on the single instance he would tell versus all the times he wouldn't. It pulls the lightness from Zavien's expression, glancing to Sol like he might make it all clear to him, but when the dragon proves just as confused, the Dragoon turns back to Flora. "I don't want to be right, I want things to be easier for Koa, and I honestly don't know how all this is going to affect him. All I said is that I'd try." And if they don't know him well enough to trust that, then there's honestly nothing he can do to convince her. What matters is that he'll hold to his values, doing what he can to be there for his friend.
He's going to be sick.
The joke lands wrong, the death promised in her eyes twisting in his gut, the dagger slipping easily between his ribs. When he'd only thought to caution and clear the air, barbed traps have been placed all around him, activated by stupidity. Kai had been all fire and brute volume, blasting accusations like they're cannons, but Flora is ice and poisoned sweetness, disguising violence in softness. But the threat crushes his heart just as easily. It breaks through his calm more than anything Kai could have said or done; the implications clear enough that panic immediately begins to set in amongst the pain and embarrassment.
Flora is the leader of the strongest region, and there's no denying that Stormbreak is the weakest after months of neglect and damage, but he hadn't expected her to take advantage of that, to hold it over his head and shove him down into some lower place after doing his best to be a good friend. It doesn't feel right, and as much as he appreciates her help and the connection he was hoping to build between their regions, he's not sure he wants to be involved with someone who sees him or his city as lesser. But he also can't afford to make an enemy of her - especially not over something as stupid as a fictitious scenario.
Swallowing the hurt that flashes through his eyes, Zavien nods his head in deference of the threat she's lobbied. He doesn't shy away from the sharpness of her steely gaze, meeting it with the sorrow in his own. "You're right, and I'm sorry." He almost adds 'Your Highness' just to prove he's taking it seriously - that he realizes they're no longer talking as friends - but something tells him it would only piss her off further. He doesn't know what to do, doesn't know what to say, and doesn't feel inclined to figure it out after she's insulted him and his home.
A deep sigh rattles from his chest, trying to dislodge the tightening there as he tries to navigate this new battlefield, filled with potholes and unknown enemies. The smile he offers isn't nearly as skilled as hers, and not nearly as sharp, taking its foundation from pain and sadness rather than anger as he says, "It seems that having someone threaten my relationship negatively influences my decisions, but I didn't mean to offend or offer unwanted advice. I'll work on that and hope you can forgive my lapse in judgement." For having thought her someone close and understanding enough to have hard conversations with.
Stepping back, Zavien tries to give himself enough space to breathe, to piece through what else he might say to salvage it all. Yet all he finds are more blunders, more errors and fuel for Flora's rage, and it makes him wince. "But apparently, I've overstepped, so I should be going before I say anything else dumb and cause a war or something." His laughter isn't as bright as before, hollowed by the hurt and anxiety of political tension - and the honest fear that she might be more hotheaded that her boyfriend.
He doesn't let himself get swept up in the worries, smiling just enough to alleviate concerns of grudges or retribution. "Please let me know when you want that lesson, or if Stormbreak can do anything to help Torchline." Never good at hiding his true emotions, Zavien's somber smile dims, full of pity for the tragedies his people have had to endure. But his eyes shine brighter, giving Flora a peek at the heart of the people, the compassion and strength they hold despite it all. And there's a pride in his voice that nothing can take away when he says, "We may be the weakest region, but the people are passionate and always willing to lend a hand." And in the end, whether she chooses to throw threats or insults or find fault in his every word, Zavien and Stormbreak with always be there to help when the time comes.
He's going to be sick.
The joke lands wrong, the death promised in her eyes twisting in his gut, the dagger slipping easily between his ribs. When he'd only thought to caution and clear the air, barbed traps have been placed all around him, activated by stupidity. Kai had been all fire and brute volume, blasting accusations like they're cannons, but Flora is ice and poisoned sweetness, disguising violence in softness. But the threat crushes his heart just as easily. It breaks through his calm more than anything Kai could have said or done; the implications clear enough that panic immediately begins to set in amongst the pain and embarrassment.
Flora is the leader of the strongest region, and there's no denying that Stormbreak is the weakest after months of neglect and damage, but he hadn't expected her to take advantage of that, to hold it over his head and shove him down into some lower place after doing his best to be a good friend. It doesn't feel right, and as much as he appreciates her help and the connection he was hoping to build between their regions, he's not sure he wants to be involved with someone who sees him or his city as lesser. But he also can't afford to make an enemy of her - especially not over something as stupid as a fictitious scenario.
Swallowing the hurt that flashes through his eyes, Zavien nods his head in deference of the threat she's lobbied. He doesn't shy away from the sharpness of her steely gaze, meeting it with the sorrow in his own. "You're right, and I'm sorry." He almost adds 'Your Highness' just to prove he's taking it seriously - that he realizes they're no longer talking as friends - but something tells him it would only piss her off further. He doesn't know what to do, doesn't know what to say, and doesn't feel inclined to figure it out after she's insulted him and his home.
A deep sigh rattles from his chest, trying to dislodge the tightening there as he tries to navigate this new battlefield, filled with potholes and unknown enemies. The smile he offers isn't nearly as skilled as hers, and not nearly as sharp, taking its foundation from pain and sadness rather than anger as he says, "It seems that having someone threaten my relationship negatively influences my decisions, but I didn't mean to offend or offer unwanted advice. I'll work on that and hope you can forgive my lapse in judgement." For having thought her someone close and understanding enough to have hard conversations with.
Stepping back, Zavien tries to give himself enough space to breathe, to piece through what else he might say to salvage it all. Yet all he finds are more blunders, more errors and fuel for Flora's rage, and it makes him wince. "But apparently, I've overstepped, so I should be going before I say anything else dumb and cause a war or something." His laughter isn't as bright as before, hollowed by the hurt and anxiety of political tension - and the honest fear that she might be more hotheaded that her boyfriend.
He doesn't let himself get swept up in the worries, smiling just enough to alleviate concerns of grudges or retribution. "Please let me know when you want that lesson, or if Stormbreak can do anything to help Torchline." Never good at hiding his true emotions, Zavien's somber smile dims, full of pity for the tragedies his people have had to endure. But his eyes shine brighter, giving Flora a peek at the heart of the people, the compassion and strength they hold despite it all. And there's a pride in his voice that nothing can take away when he says, "We may be the weakest region, but the people are passionate and always willing to lend a hand." And in the end, whether she chooses to throw threats or insults or find fault in his every word, Zavien and Stormbreak with always be there to help when the time comes.
Lead with light, even in shadow
