You will never do anything in this world without courage.
Still gripping her elbows, he waits patiently for Colt to escape the mud, shuffling their steps to the side so that she can avoid further harassment. Even if she does tumble or threaten to fly face first into the dirt again, Zavien does his best to reassure her with a soft smile. "Don't worry. You can lean on me." At least she won't find herself on the ground with him around, although he knows the deeper meaning is there, sees the distress when she straightens and gives a vague clarification that tells him they're not talking about tripping anymore.
He knows what it's like to fall. His death had left him broken and uncertain. He'd fallen for Lena quickly, then lost her. From love to death to physically losing altitude, Zavien can sympathize with whatever she's going through, and it shows on the pain that peeks through the humor, the sorrow lacing his smile as he repeats her previous words, "It happens." And yet they're both here, both alive and breathing despite whatever tragedies or struggles have befallen them.
Still, it's hard to see someone suffering, and he wonders how much of this he would be seeing if the drugs weren't running through her system, watches as her emotions play across her features, the confident and boisterous rancher looking vulnerable and almost timid as she tucks her golden hair.
But that doesn't last long at the mention of ribs, and she hits him about as hard as he would expect from someone who does manual labor all day. It nearly knocks him back and he lets out another low laugh, releasing her arms and stepping just far enough away to lead her but still be within reach if the mud snags her boot again. "Come on then. Joe's got the best. He smokes his ribs for a whole day. They practically fall off the bone."
Leaving Sol with promises of bringing ribs back for him, Zavien guides Colt towards the end of the street. He keeps them clear of mud or other hazards that might catch on the influenced woman, placating any ramblings with gentle humor and the occasional reminder of food to lead her along the path.
Once the sounds of children laughing have faded and the end of the Silk Houses comes in view, a small stand becomes apparent. A tattered awning shades a single table laden with spices and marinades, an older gentleman whistling as he whittles away at a piece of wood. His callused hands work the wood like butter, carving it away in soft curls that pile onto the table. When he hears them approach, he raises his head, the dark peppered beard unable to hide the large smile that appears, his brown eyes glinting with recognition. "Zavien!"
Nodding his head, Zavien returns the bright smile, obviously fond of the large man. "Hey Joe. Colt here needs a pick up. I told her you were the man to see." A deep, echoing laugh erupts from Joe, who stands as if someone has called him to battle. "Say no more! I've got just the thing." Winking at Colt, he grabs a pair of tongs and lifts the lid of a black cannister, gray smoke and hickory smells billowing out in a wave of divine glory. Despite his gruff appearance and impressive size, he treats the meat reverently, proudly placing a rack onto a paper plate where the sauce and meat settle comfortably after a day of hard work.
The tall man grins, showing off a few chipped teeth as he offers forth the plate like it's the solution to all her problems. "Careful, nothing will ever compare afterwards."
He knows what it's like to fall. His death had left him broken and uncertain. He'd fallen for Lena quickly, then lost her. From love to death to physically losing altitude, Zavien can sympathize with whatever she's going through, and it shows on the pain that peeks through the humor, the sorrow lacing his smile as he repeats her previous words, "It happens." And yet they're both here, both alive and breathing despite whatever tragedies or struggles have befallen them.
Still, it's hard to see someone suffering, and he wonders how much of this he would be seeing if the drugs weren't running through her system, watches as her emotions play across her features, the confident and boisterous rancher looking vulnerable and almost timid as she tucks her golden hair.
But that doesn't last long at the mention of ribs, and she hits him about as hard as he would expect from someone who does manual labor all day. It nearly knocks him back and he lets out another low laugh, releasing her arms and stepping just far enough away to lead her but still be within reach if the mud snags her boot again. "Come on then. Joe's got the best. He smokes his ribs for a whole day. They practically fall off the bone."
Leaving Sol with promises of bringing ribs back for him, Zavien guides Colt towards the end of the street. He keeps them clear of mud or other hazards that might catch on the influenced woman, placating any ramblings with gentle humor and the occasional reminder of food to lead her along the path.
Once the sounds of children laughing have faded and the end of the Silk Houses comes in view, a small stand becomes apparent. A tattered awning shades a single table laden with spices and marinades, an older gentleman whistling as he whittles away at a piece of wood. His callused hands work the wood like butter, carving it away in soft curls that pile onto the table. When he hears them approach, he raises his head, the dark peppered beard unable to hide the large smile that appears, his brown eyes glinting with recognition. "Zavien!"
Nodding his head, Zavien returns the bright smile, obviously fond of the large man. "Hey Joe. Colt here needs a pick up. I told her you were the man to see." A deep, echoing laugh erupts from Joe, who stands as if someone has called him to battle. "Say no more! I've got just the thing." Winking at Colt, he grabs a pair of tongs and lifts the lid of a black cannister, gray smoke and hickory smells billowing out in a wave of divine glory. Despite his gruff appearance and impressive size, he treats the meat reverently, proudly placing a rack onto a paper plate where the sauce and meat settle comfortably after a day of hard work.
The tall man grins, showing off a few chipped teeth as he offers forth the plate like it's the solution to all her problems. "Careful, nothing will ever compare afterwards."
Zavien
It is the greatest quality of mind next to honor.
