Zavien
Having very much become a bystander to this conversation, Zavien kept his mouth sealed tightly shut. At first, he struggled, wanting to jump to Soh's defense, to explain why Colt's worries had been unwarranted to begin with; however, it became easier the more words were said. It felt like tensions were easing, like the silt that had muddied the waters might begin to settle. Even his breaths felt less strained, hope for reconciliation feeling just within reach.
Until the ground he thought was solid and sure beneath his own argument suddenly felt loose and uncertain. Whereas he'd thought the 'poaching' term had come for Flora, he quickly learned that Soh had been the first to say it. Shocked radiated down his spine. Zavien did his best to keep his expression schooled, but he'd never been much of a liar or gambler. His emotions showed through like a knock-off privacy screen, the surprise dimmed only barely as he glanced towards his girlfriend. He couldn't even imagine what would have motivated her to use such a word unless it was a joke, in which case, he silently prayed she made that extremely clear to the rancher.
Although he didn't agree with the word used - and he definitely didn't understand - he still trusted her, trusted in the woman he knew, in the goodness of her heart. Sure that she had a valid reason on the tip of her tongue, Zavien still stood by her side, poised to intervene if the righteous embers of Colt's eyes threatened to reach beyond herself.
Until the ground he thought was solid and sure beneath his own argument suddenly felt loose and uncertain. Whereas he'd thought the 'poaching' term had come for Flora, he quickly learned that Soh had been the first to say it. Shocked radiated down his spine. Zavien did his best to keep his expression schooled, but he'd never been much of a liar or gambler. His emotions showed through like a knock-off privacy screen, the surprise dimmed only barely as he glanced towards his girlfriend. He couldn't even imagine what would have motivated her to use such a word unless it was a joke, in which case, he silently prayed she made that extremely clear to the rancher.
Although he didn't agree with the word used - and he definitely didn't understand - he still trusted her, trusted in the woman he knew, in the goodness of her heart. Sure that she had a valid reason on the tip of her tongue, Zavien still stood by her side, poised to intervene if the righteous embers of Colt's eyes threatened to reach beyond herself.
It's a beautiful day.
Don't let it get away.
Don't let it get away.
