Zavien
The feelings Soh had around her perceived 'failure' would always be there, and no one could erase those for her - Zavien included. As someone who cared about her, all he could do was support and remind her of the truth and reality of it all: it had made her who she was today. He would happily do it as many times as she needed, and he kissed the top of her head to press the good thoughts in.
With his eyes to the ceiling, he only felt Soh move, lowering his gaze to meet hers with silent appreciation for her words and physical comfort. He knew he wasn't a 'nobody' - especially in her arms - but it certainly felt like it sometimes, like his worth had been determined by his station, and even as people continued to request for his help, it was with the echo of his past role drawing them to him. He hadn't yet found who he was without being a Dragoon or Commander. As Soh reiterated: they'd figure it out. Whether that was Hak Etme or something else, it would eventually reveal itself, and he nodded his head to reaffirm that belief.
The first words weren't even out of her mouth when he searched her face for answers. Her nerves were palpable, a cautious tension rising in Zavien as he braced for whatever she was about to say, suspecting it wasn't going to be as easy as the other topics - perhaps due to their current relevance.
When the impact of her suggestion hit, he was ready, absorbing the force with a quiet calm that spoke of deliberate thought and consideration. His hand had stilled in its soothing movement, as if knowing he would need it more than her when Flora's name came up. He had no intention of hiding anything from Soh, but he was reluctant to explain why he wasn't comfortable living and interacting with someone that meant so much to her - her best friend in fact. Zavien would never forgive himself if he jeopardized that relationship, being painfully familiar with what it felt like to possibly lose that kindred spirit and confidant.
He started his response light, a half-hearted smile on his face as he joked, "I suppose it's hard to train soldiers when you have a new set of twins." If Ronin really needed the help, it might be a good way for Zavien to find some structure again, and his smile turned more genuine at the thought of training with a group again. "That actually sounds really nice" he paused "but..." he couldn't ignore the reality of what that would entail.
Not wanting to upset Soh, but also not wanting to lie, he kept things simple when he admitted, "Flora and I don't seem to agree on much, so it might be awkward if I'm training her soldiers." They could easily leave it at that. Their previous disagreement had been settled (to his knowledge), and as long as he avoided further instigating factors, perhaps they could live peripherally without incidence.
With his eyes to the ceiling, he only felt Soh move, lowering his gaze to meet hers with silent appreciation for her words and physical comfort. He knew he wasn't a 'nobody' - especially in her arms - but it certainly felt like it sometimes, like his worth had been determined by his station, and even as people continued to request for his help, it was with the echo of his past role drawing them to him. He hadn't yet found who he was without being a Dragoon or Commander. As Soh reiterated: they'd figure it out. Whether that was Hak Etme or something else, it would eventually reveal itself, and he nodded his head to reaffirm that belief.
The first words weren't even out of her mouth when he searched her face for answers. Her nerves were palpable, a cautious tension rising in Zavien as he braced for whatever she was about to say, suspecting it wasn't going to be as easy as the other topics - perhaps due to their current relevance.
When the impact of her suggestion hit, he was ready, absorbing the force with a quiet calm that spoke of deliberate thought and consideration. His hand had stilled in its soothing movement, as if knowing he would need it more than her when Flora's name came up. He had no intention of hiding anything from Soh, but he was reluctant to explain why he wasn't comfortable living and interacting with someone that meant so much to her - her best friend in fact. Zavien would never forgive himself if he jeopardized that relationship, being painfully familiar with what it felt like to possibly lose that kindred spirit and confidant.
He started his response light, a half-hearted smile on his face as he joked, "I suppose it's hard to train soldiers when you have a new set of twins." If Ronin really needed the help, it might be a good way for Zavien to find some structure again, and his smile turned more genuine at the thought of training with a group again. "That actually sounds really nice" he paused "but..." he couldn't ignore the reality of what that would entail.
Not wanting to upset Soh, but also not wanting to lie, he kept things simple when he admitted, "Flora and I don't seem to agree on much, so it might be awkward if I'm training her soldiers." They could easily leave it at that. Their previous disagreement had been settled (to his knowledge), and as long as he avoided further instigating factors, perhaps they could live peripherally without incidence.
If you don't like the road you're walking,
start paving another.
start paving another.
