Zavien
As someone who responds similarly to any kind of praise, Zavien doesn't let his smile get too wide. But even as the stranger shares his tale, there's a sort of admiration in his hidden expression, an approval in the timbre of his voice when he speaks over his shoulder. "That's a brave thing to do for someone so young." And yet, the reason for it isn't lost on him, and Zavien lowers his tone when he adds gently, "I'm sorry you had to go through that."
The topic of Deimos leaving bruises is lighter, one that has him laughing when he takes another step onto a frozen plank. "Sounds about right." The words have barely left his mouth before the bridge is shifting beneath him, a nauseating tilt that sends his stomach into his mouth with a nervous, "Woah." His hands grip the railings, Sol turning to check on his companion with a soft chirp and tilt of his head. The dragon looks down at the bridge, seeming to understand that his own bounding pace might be contributing. His movements are more measured when he turns to lead the way again.
Once the ice has solidified again, Zavien releases his death grip, straightening slightly to take his next step. A silence hangs after the young man speaks, the advice knocking against the shells of grief and regret he'll always carry. The words echo in the mists like a terrible omen he can't quite shake, one he'd prefer not to dwell on.
Finally, he places a polite smile on his lips, peeking half over his shoulder to express his understanding. "I'll keep that in mind."
The abrupt change in subject is welcome, his mind latching to the topic like Sol grabbing treats. "Stormbreak," he answers without thought, without considering that it hasn't been true for some time now. Stormbreak had been his city, his home, his heart for so long that he finds it hard to claim anywhere else. But he can't live there now, and his life has changed too much to wallow in what's lost.
Realizing that he'd paused on the bridge, Zavien clears his throat to take another step. "But I live in Torchline now." He doesn't say more, momentarily caught in the torrent of memories and places that he'd never live again.
The topic of Deimos leaving bruises is lighter, one that has him laughing when he takes another step onto a frozen plank. "Sounds about right." The words have barely left his mouth before the bridge is shifting beneath him, a nauseating tilt that sends his stomach into his mouth with a nervous, "Woah." His hands grip the railings, Sol turning to check on his companion with a soft chirp and tilt of his head. The dragon looks down at the bridge, seeming to understand that his own bounding pace might be contributing. His movements are more measured when he turns to lead the way again.
Once the ice has solidified again, Zavien releases his death grip, straightening slightly to take his next step. A silence hangs after the young man speaks, the advice knocking against the shells of grief and regret he'll always carry. The words echo in the mists like a terrible omen he can't quite shake, one he'd prefer not to dwell on.
Finally, he places a polite smile on his lips, peeking half over his shoulder to express his understanding. "I'll keep that in mind."
The abrupt change in subject is welcome, his mind latching to the topic like Sol grabbing treats. "Stormbreak," he answers without thought, without considering that it hasn't been true for some time now. Stormbreak had been his city, his home, his heart for so long that he finds it hard to claim anywhere else. But he can't live there now, and his life has changed too much to wallow in what's lost.
Realizing that he'd paused on the bridge, Zavien clears his throat to take another step. "But I live in Torchline now." He doesn't say more, momentarily caught in the torrent of memories and places that he'd never live again.
The secret of happiness is freedom,
the secret of freedom is courage.
the secret of freedom is courage.
