Zavien
Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times
Zavien doesn't expect the contact. He doesn't tense or shrink away, but he also doesn't lean into it beyond meeting her gaze, guarded and reserved with the Queen even in his grief. Her words are sweet, the sentiment there in a supportive way that might have brought him peace before, but he can't forget her cold assessment of his region - the 'weakest' region. No matter how many Breakers she knows or how many resources she offers, the previous insult has burrowed too deep, the disrespect carving wounds in his chest that blunt the sympathy.
He'd come for his people, to mend the relationship enough to ensure they would not be turned away, to apologize for the blunders he'd made and prove that he's not that kind of person. He'd shared the truth because he refuses to lie or give her only pieces of the picture, but he hadn't come for pity or compassion - hadn't expected it. He'd come in person to show his sincerity and nothing more. Because Zavien hadn't forgotten how harsh Flora had been, the ease with which she'd managed to make him feel so small and insignificant without caring for his feelings then. Why should she care now?
The smile he returns is gentle and controlled, a polite gratitude for the affirmations even if they don't soften him like they should. He simply nods his head, letting the emotions wash over him until she pulls away, mercifully giving him the excuse of work to escape the discomfort. "You're right. There are still a lot of preparations to be made." And a million that he probably hasn't thought of.
His head dips at her appreciation, returning it with his own. "Thank you for meeting with me, and thank you for all you've done for Stormbreak. I'm sorry we won't be able to repay the kindness." Another careful smile crosses the distance as he adds, "But once this is over, let me know if there's anything I can do." No lingering debts or proof of 'weakness' that could be cast on Zavien or his region, not by her or anyone.
Turning to Sol, he lets out a deep sigh, grateful to have his companion with him through it all, to be a guiding light that he'll never lose sight of. "I'll let you lead the way this time." And with that, they move to step away from the caves towards the city and the skyport beyond, their only thoughts of home and the work to be done.
[FIN]
He'd come for his people, to mend the relationship enough to ensure they would not be turned away, to apologize for the blunders he'd made and prove that he's not that kind of person. He'd shared the truth because he refuses to lie or give her only pieces of the picture, but he hadn't come for pity or compassion - hadn't expected it. He'd come in person to show his sincerity and nothing more. Because Zavien hadn't forgotten how harsh Flora had been, the ease with which she'd managed to make him feel so small and insignificant without caring for his feelings then. Why should she care now?
The smile he returns is gentle and controlled, a polite gratitude for the affirmations even if they don't soften him like they should. He simply nods his head, letting the emotions wash over him until she pulls away, mercifully giving him the excuse of work to escape the discomfort. "You're right. There are still a lot of preparations to be made." And a million that he probably hasn't thought of.
His head dips at her appreciation, returning it with his own. "Thank you for meeting with me, and thank you for all you've done for Stormbreak. I'm sorry we won't be able to repay the kindness." Another careful smile crosses the distance as he adds, "But once this is over, let me know if there's anything I can do." No lingering debts or proof of 'weakness' that could be cast on Zavien or his region, not by her or anyone.
Turning to Sol, he lets out a deep sigh, grateful to have his companion with him through it all, to be a guiding light that he'll never lose sight of. "I'll let you lead the way this time." And with that, they move to step away from the caves towards the city and the skyport beyond, their only thoughts of home and the work to be done.
[FIN]
