Zavien
He tried not to grimace at Soh's words. He already knew they wouldn't land well. She wasn't denying them or giving any real context as to why the word hadn't been how she truly felt about the offer. It wasn't her best moment, and although his faith in her didn't waiver, he couldn't help the disappointment to know this wouldn't be an easy miscommunication to dismiss.
There was fault to be had by both, and Zavien couldn't say he blamed Colt for the distance she began to build. Her own belief in Soh had been broken when she'd spoken more openly to Flora than the rancher. Repairing that trust wasn't something that could be done tonight, and he didn't delude himself into thinking it would heal with a few apologies - no matter how sincere.
It was no surprise when Colt turned her attentions back to him, although it was hard to pull himself back from the status of bystander. Zavien let out a deep sigh, his head falling slightly as it shook back and forth. "Words and politics have never been my strong suit," he admitted. It had been enough of a compliment for the woman to ask him to be on her council, but he'd always suspected he wouldn't be much of an asset after seeing how he'd navigated his own leadership. Maybe it was that kind gesture or Soh's admission or remembering the kinship they'd been forming recently that dampened his anger, the exhaustion returning to his frame as he met Colt's gaze.
Sincere disappointment pulled at his expression, honesty shining through when he said, "I don't think Soh meant harm or insult with her words, and I think you have a right to be hurting." His eyes narrow when he added, "Even if I think a dagger was a dangerous overreaction."
The frustration softened again, a sadness entering his eyes as he looked between the two women, wishing this conversation could have turned out differently, that they might have resolved their differences and healed the wound. Maybe one day they would, but that day wasn't today, and Zavien shook his head again. "Maybe some distance would be best for now." And given his relationship with Soh and how much he cared for her, he would continue to stand by her rather than continue helping Colt.
That didn't mean he would let animosity or hatred from where there was only pain and hurt. His gaze was steady, sincere and lighter with a sense of hope when it landed on the rancher. "But I do wish you luck, Colt."
There was fault to be had by both, and Zavien couldn't say he blamed Colt for the distance she began to build. Her own belief in Soh had been broken when she'd spoken more openly to Flora than the rancher. Repairing that trust wasn't something that could be done tonight, and he didn't delude himself into thinking it would heal with a few apologies - no matter how sincere.
It was no surprise when Colt turned her attentions back to him, although it was hard to pull himself back from the status of bystander. Zavien let out a deep sigh, his head falling slightly as it shook back and forth. "Words and politics have never been my strong suit," he admitted. It had been enough of a compliment for the woman to ask him to be on her council, but he'd always suspected he wouldn't be much of an asset after seeing how he'd navigated his own leadership. Maybe it was that kind gesture or Soh's admission or remembering the kinship they'd been forming recently that dampened his anger, the exhaustion returning to his frame as he met Colt's gaze.
Sincere disappointment pulled at his expression, honesty shining through when he said, "I don't think Soh meant harm or insult with her words, and I think you have a right to be hurting." His eyes narrow when he added, "Even if I think a dagger was a dangerous overreaction."
The frustration softened again, a sadness entering his eyes as he looked between the two women, wishing this conversation could have turned out differently, that they might have resolved their differences and healed the wound. Maybe one day they would, but that day wasn't today, and Zavien shook his head again. "Maybe some distance would be best for now." And given his relationship with Soh and how much he cared for her, he would continue to stand by her rather than continue helping Colt.
That didn't mean he would let animosity or hatred from where there was only pain and hurt. His gaze was steady, sincere and lighter with a sense of hope when it landed on the rancher. "But I do wish you luck, Colt."
It's a beautiful day.
Don't let it get away.
Don't let it get away.
