Zavien
Sure enough, Sol notes the pause, pushing a little harder into Kai's hand to continue the attentive scritches, a demanding grumble bubbling forth in case that's not enough. Zavien's awareness of the shift is more complex than his companion. Add in that the words don't sound especially excited, and he has to wonder at whether this is still a good idea - moving and sparring alike. Kai has no reason to welcome him with open arms. He's made his opinion of Zavien fairly clear from his perspective, but at least they both appear to be making an effort.
He nods his head to confirm Soh's preference, not bothering to mention that Haulani was a choice they'd both made due to proximity to healthcare and distance from Flora. It doesn't feel like the thing to tell her fiancé.
There's a slight pause at the start of an offer, Zavien doing his best to hide the surprise as he focuses more on the extended advice. He attempts a polite smile, lined with a bit of amusement he assumes Kai might understand as someone in a relationship. "Thanks, but I think Soh might be set on the one we found nearby." It might shock Kai to learn that Zavien has little money to his name after the fall of Stormbreak. He's been living on the good will of people and what coin he can scrounge together from helping the community. Regardless, he's determined to give his girlfriend and their unborn baby the house they deserve, no matter how much he has to break his back in the process.
Zavien is slightly relieved to hear that the younger man hasn't chosen this ring as his sole place for training, possibly giving them a chance for more space until things between them aren't so strained. Considering that sparring and exercise are one of Zavien's few escapes, he values the time as somewhat sacred, a time not to be disturbed by heavier emotions or conflicts, a time he can just move without thinking or worrying. Comparatively, it's a great place for community, and he perks up at the news of group workouts. He tilts his head, mentioning casually, "I heard Ronin might be looking for some help training the soldiers."
The sudden, genuine laughter catches him off guard, slipping past his defenses. A fuller smile rises in response, feeling the awkwardness dissipate a bit more. The lightness lingers as they prepare for the spar. Familiar with the drill, Sol trots off to the side. Zavien pulls out his sword to give it a few practice swings while Kai picks his weapon, relieved that he'll be able to finish one thing on his list.
Whatever peace there was buckles as Kai brings up Flora. He tries not to show how much it bothers him, hoping that this is an effort for small talk rather than a segue into some threat or boast on the backbones of his fiancé's new power. At least the news doesn't catch him by surprise since Soh had already told him and the making of a new demigod doesn't stay quiet for long in Caido. "I've heard," he says carefully, rolling his shoulders to dismiss any tension that tries to give away his personal thoughts. "How's it going?"
Once Kai's in position and confirming his readiness, Zavien moves forward into the familiar striking motion, his sword arcing down towards an exposed shoulder. It's controlled, testing, cautious. He watches for more than just parries and counterattacks, watching for any emotional subtleties that might tell him to stop the spar. However, he also doesn't insult the man by pulling his attack, the Starblade slicing through the air with a glowing reminder of the power it possesses.
1/4
He nods his head to confirm Soh's preference, not bothering to mention that Haulani was a choice they'd both made due to proximity to healthcare and distance from Flora. It doesn't feel like the thing to tell her fiancé.
There's a slight pause at the start of an offer, Zavien doing his best to hide the surprise as he focuses more on the extended advice. He attempts a polite smile, lined with a bit of amusement he assumes Kai might understand as someone in a relationship. "Thanks, but I think Soh might be set on the one we found nearby." It might shock Kai to learn that Zavien has little money to his name after the fall of Stormbreak. He's been living on the good will of people and what coin he can scrounge together from helping the community. Regardless, he's determined to give his girlfriend and their unborn baby the house they deserve, no matter how much he has to break his back in the process.
Zavien is slightly relieved to hear that the younger man hasn't chosen this ring as his sole place for training, possibly giving them a chance for more space until things between them aren't so strained. Considering that sparring and exercise are one of Zavien's few escapes, he values the time as somewhat sacred, a time not to be disturbed by heavier emotions or conflicts, a time he can just move without thinking or worrying. Comparatively, it's a great place for community, and he perks up at the news of group workouts. He tilts his head, mentioning casually, "I heard Ronin might be looking for some help training the soldiers."
The sudden, genuine laughter catches him off guard, slipping past his defenses. A fuller smile rises in response, feeling the awkwardness dissipate a bit more. The lightness lingers as they prepare for the spar. Familiar with the drill, Sol trots off to the side. Zavien pulls out his sword to give it a few practice swings while Kai picks his weapon, relieved that he'll be able to finish one thing on his list.
Whatever peace there was buckles as Kai brings up Flora. He tries not to show how much it bothers him, hoping that this is an effort for small talk rather than a segue into some threat or boast on the backbones of his fiancé's new power. At least the news doesn't catch him by surprise since Soh had already told him and the making of a new demigod doesn't stay quiet for long in Caido. "I've heard," he says carefully, rolling his shoulders to dismiss any tension that tries to give away his personal thoughts. "How's it going?"
Once Kai's in position and confirming his readiness, Zavien moves forward into the familiar striking motion, his sword arcing down towards an exposed shoulder. It's controlled, testing, cautious. He watches for more than just parries and counterattacks, watching for any emotional subtleties that might tell him to stop the spar. However, he also doesn't insult the man by pulling his attack, the Starblade slicing through the air with a glowing reminder of the power it possesses.
1/4
We wear our scars as proof
that we are still alive.
