Zavien
We may indeed in counsel point to the higher road,
but we cannot compel any free creature to walk upon it.
The question feels more rhetorical this time and the minor conflict seems so distant that he figures it's not important at this point. If Thorn wants the long and dirty story later, he's happy to explain over food, but for now, Zavien continues walking, drinking up his friend's sage advice.
There's no hiding the joy he feels when thinking about Soh. He might not know why he'd acted so impulsively that day, but he couldn't have imagined it would lead to so much love and excitement - and he certainly wouldn't change a thing. The baby hasn't even come and he already feels like his heart could burst with the force of his emotions. It seems to shine from every pore, to brighten the green of his eyes, to make his smile warmer than sunlight. Thorn would be hard pressed to find anyone happier than Zavien at this moment, and the content tone of his voice radiates it. "I really am."
Looking to his friend, he takes in the smiles and playful movements, the casualness he constantly manages to wear. It's something he's always appreciated about the man - one of the many reasons they became quick friends to begin with - but Zavien knows the thickest armor is sometimes the easiest to disguise. Tilting his head, he asks the question in return. "Are you?" he ventures, adding to clarify, "Happy?" There's no probing suspicion or judgement in his eyes, only the relaxed openness of an outstretched hand checking in on someone he cares about. The smile on his face is a little softer, assuming Thorn is happy, but willing to support should that not be the case.
After, Zavien accepts the bump on his shoulder, chuckling as he shakes his head and looks to where he points. "I haven't." Sol seems more excited than they do, tail wagging behind him as he bounds ahead, inexplicably following the hearty smell of pasta.
There's no hiding the joy he feels when thinking about Soh. He might not know why he'd acted so impulsively that day, but he couldn't have imagined it would lead to so much love and excitement - and he certainly wouldn't change a thing. The baby hasn't even come and he already feels like his heart could burst with the force of his emotions. It seems to shine from every pore, to brighten the green of his eyes, to make his smile warmer than sunlight. Thorn would be hard pressed to find anyone happier than Zavien at this moment, and the content tone of his voice radiates it. "I really am."
Looking to his friend, he takes in the smiles and playful movements, the casualness he constantly manages to wear. It's something he's always appreciated about the man - one of the many reasons they became quick friends to begin with - but Zavien knows the thickest armor is sometimes the easiest to disguise. Tilting his head, he asks the question in return. "Are you?" he ventures, adding to clarify, "Happy?" There's no probing suspicion or judgement in his eyes, only the relaxed openness of an outstretched hand checking in on someone he cares about. The smile on his face is a little softer, assuming Thorn is happy, but willing to support should that not be the case.
After, Zavien accepts the bump on his shoulder, chuckling as he shakes his head and looks to where he points. "I haven't." Sol seems more excited than they do, tail wagging behind him as he bounds ahead, inexplicably following the hearty smell of pasta.
