Zavien
Contrary to Kai's unspoken belief that Zavien's wording has anything to do with him or a prevalence for bending the truth, the reality is more aligned with the way he seems to be holding out the slimmest, delusional hope that they might not go through with the plans. He knows they're what's best for Soh and the baby, knows that he's willing to put aside his discomfort for them, knows that everything he's seen only confirms the decision. But part of him still subconsciously resists the move, keeping his terminology in the 'maybes' and 'mights' of the gray in-between as if it could slow the transition and the sinking feeling that Torchline will never be a home to him like Stormbreak was - that nowhere will.
As if confirming his silent struggle, Zavien glances away from the half-hearted smile, taking it as another sign that their strained relationship isn't what it once was. Perhaps Kai is just as conflicted about their moving here, and he resists the certainty in the man's tone, shrugging his shoulders as if disrupting the concrete plans. "It's not official. We haven't signed anything yet." Maybe if Kai said he didn't want them here - if he made his dislike clear - Zavien would finally have an excuse not to make the move.
But things continue to progress, and it's becoming blatantly clear that there's space for them in Torchline, even for a washed-up Dragoon and failed Commander. "Maybe I can help with that," he says softly of their issue in the Fingers. He doesn't expect to lead anything or anyone, but maybe it'll give him purpose enough in this new region to feel useful, to distract him from everything else.
Any concern about threats or bullying with Flora's abilities is quickly dismissed by Kai's vibrant smile. There doesn't appear to be anything nefarious behind his eyes, no ulterior motive in bringing up his fiancé's new status. It's just the ramblings of a man completely obsessed and proud of his significant other, and Zavien visibly softens. The smile he grants isn't completely free of tension, but it's more genuine before, happy for the two of them even if he hasn't gotten along with either of them in recent seasons. "That must be pretty useful." Perhaps not in a fight, but he's never taken Flora as the type to need magic to find the upper hand.
They slip into the fight easily enough and he offers a humored smile at Kai's comment of needing another sword. Zavien thinks the conversation will dissipate, but the funny thing about sparring is that it takes away that ability to hide everything when the focus is on moving his body and avoiding metal, and sometimes words flow easier in their wake. It makes it nearly impossible to disguise the less-than-convinced expression he wears as Kai brings up how 'glad' he is for Zavien and Soh, the initial reaction from Soh's perspective echoing in his mind when his sword whips through the air with a little more force than before, clashing with Kai's blade before it can reach his arm. "Really? It didn't sound like you were very happy when Soh first told you." There's the smallest hint of bite to his words, and a bit of the previous emotions bubble in his chest.
Not wanting to start a fight when he's supposed to be getting along, Zavien bottles some of his frustrations in favor of confirming Kai's words - uncertain whether they were genuine to begin with but at least impressed the man hasn't said anything especially offensive yet. "I love Soh." He declares it with a confident step, pinning Kai with a look that dares him to argue before moving in for another attack. "I can't say I'm proud with how or when things started, but Koa," he shifts into another move, sword swinging towards Kai's other shoulder, "he understood that just like he understood you and Flora."
2/4
Parries Kai's attack and moves to hit his other shoulder.
As if confirming his silent struggle, Zavien glances away from the half-hearted smile, taking it as another sign that their strained relationship isn't what it once was. Perhaps Kai is just as conflicted about their moving here, and he resists the certainty in the man's tone, shrugging his shoulders as if disrupting the concrete plans. "It's not official. We haven't signed anything yet." Maybe if Kai said he didn't want them here - if he made his dislike clear - Zavien would finally have an excuse not to make the move.
But things continue to progress, and it's becoming blatantly clear that there's space for them in Torchline, even for a washed-up Dragoon and failed Commander. "Maybe I can help with that," he says softly of their issue in the Fingers. He doesn't expect to lead anything or anyone, but maybe it'll give him purpose enough in this new region to feel useful, to distract him from everything else.
Any concern about threats or bullying with Flora's abilities is quickly dismissed by Kai's vibrant smile. There doesn't appear to be anything nefarious behind his eyes, no ulterior motive in bringing up his fiancé's new status. It's just the ramblings of a man completely obsessed and proud of his significant other, and Zavien visibly softens. The smile he grants isn't completely free of tension, but it's more genuine before, happy for the two of them even if he hasn't gotten along with either of them in recent seasons. "That must be pretty useful." Perhaps not in a fight, but he's never taken Flora as the type to need magic to find the upper hand.
They slip into the fight easily enough and he offers a humored smile at Kai's comment of needing another sword. Zavien thinks the conversation will dissipate, but the funny thing about sparring is that it takes away that ability to hide everything when the focus is on moving his body and avoiding metal, and sometimes words flow easier in their wake. It makes it nearly impossible to disguise the less-than-convinced expression he wears as Kai brings up how 'glad' he is for Zavien and Soh, the initial reaction from Soh's perspective echoing in his mind when his sword whips through the air with a little more force than before, clashing with Kai's blade before it can reach his arm. "Really? It didn't sound like you were very happy when Soh first told you." There's the smallest hint of bite to his words, and a bit of the previous emotions bubble in his chest.
Not wanting to start a fight when he's supposed to be getting along, Zavien bottles some of his frustrations in favor of confirming Kai's words - uncertain whether they were genuine to begin with but at least impressed the man hasn't said anything especially offensive yet. "I love Soh." He declares it with a confident step, pinning Kai with a look that dares him to argue before moving in for another attack. "I can't say I'm proud with how or when things started, but Koa," he shifts into another move, sword swinging towards Kai's other shoulder, "he understood that just like he understood you and Flora."
2/4
Parries Kai's attack and moves to hit his other shoulder.
We wear our scars as proof
that we are still alive.
