A road so rough

-Zavien-

The skyship was finally almost ready and Zavien groaned in tired anticipation. They'd just arrived to port, dropping their anchor in the sand. However, just as quickly, the captain was explaining that they'd need another hour to load their goods. Which meant more stalling until he could get home to Stormbreak.

With that in mind, he reluctantly set to perusing the shops. Lena had mentioned that her shopping had been successful in the area and he wondered what items he might find amongst the businesses. As he wandered aimlessly, the bustle of people surprised him for the darkening hour. The sun had set recently, but people showed no signs of retreating to their homes. It was very different than the silent streets of Pacifist Plaza or other nearby neighborhoods. However, these people also seemed to have a darker motive in mind.

Trying to avoid getting caught in a questionable dealing, Zavien stood off to the side, watching for trouble. Although, it seemed that trouble found him in the form of a very vocal stray tabby cat. Content to spend the rest of his time communing with the feline, he knelt down with a smile. "Hello." He reached out his hand to politely offer pets.

Life is getting up one more time
than you've been knocked down.

temporary fleeting thrills, keep me bruised and make me ill
my skin has lavender tones

The stray tabby cat isn’t the only feline on a mission to garner attention — because no sooner than Zacken kneels down to pet it, another feline comes trudging through also greedy for attention. Much larger than the stray, this one doesn’t seem entirely feline, and may seem surprisingly close to a depiction of a sea panther the Stormbreaker might have found in his perusal of shops. Petronella, scaled and horned head and all, appears with a mewl of her own, and the tabby cat (like any experienced Torcher living here) promptly vanishes at the sight of her.

It’s only been a few years since a full grown sea panther had attacked this very shore. But Petronella is none the wiser and content to lap up all of the attention she can, immediately moving to replace the space the tabby had left.

It takes a few moments for the Flood to find her, too, with how dark it’s getting and the sense of her happiness from where Sunjata can feel her through their companion bond, and when he does he stops short before Zavien, steel eyes immediately locking onto the sea panther with a small snort of amusement. “So sorry.” His accented voice rumbles, flashing the other man a crooked smile, twisted thanks to the gnarled scar on the side of his mouth running halfway up his cheek in the form of a half smile. “She’s still learning boundaries.”

the flood

tell me i'm a loaded gun, tie me up and come undone
i can cover it up, i can cover it up

totally sniped from odd ilu

-Zavien-

One second he'd been petting a cute tabby cat and the next there's a sea panther rubbing against his hand. The green of his wide eyes were twinkling in equal shock and wonder. Perhaps if he'd been a more cautious man, he would have backed away in fear, but Zavien had never felt afraid of an animal before. As long as they weren't hungry or angered, most didn't have a reason to attack. So instead of running in terror, he embraced the experience. He chuckled and reached into his pocket for a piece of jerky to offer to the magnificent creature, letting it guide where this hand was allowed to scratch and roam. "Well, aren't you a beauty?" His eyes took in the sleek fur that seemed to sparkle in the street lights, rippling like velvet over powerful muscles.

Enamored by her strength and grace, he was almost startled to hear another person speak. Zavien glanced up at the owner as if caught in a compromising position. A blush crept over his face and he straightened enough to properly address the man, although he left his hand dangling for the panther to sniff and rub against. An embarrassed laugh russtled the hair over his eye and he reached up his other hand to push it back. "Oh! Um- sorry. She just appeared out of no where." He hoped the owner wouldn't mind that he'd given her a treat and glanced back to the panther to avoid making eye contact for a second.

Clearing his throat, he laughed at the comment. "What are boundaries to an apex predator?" Boundaries were for people and animals worried about getting hurt. The sea panther didn't have to worry about that when she could destroy anything that gave her a bad vibe. He was just lucky that she happened to like his vibe. "Does she always approach strangers in dark streets? I have a feeling most people don't take that too well." Zavien could picture rushed movements to avoid the large cat. Maybe even a considerate amount of screaming.

Life is getting up one more time
than you've been knocked down.

temporary fleeting thrills, keep me bruised and make me ill
my skin has lavender tones

The praise received from Zavien has the sea panther cub purring a deep and ominous rumble, a little prideful nudge with the broad, scaled portion of the panther’s head, careful to let the nubs of horns not cause any pain to the stranger. Jerky is offered and her tail lashes out in excitement behind her, devouring the piece of meat quickly. She’s positively content to then bask in the attention the Accepted offers, while the Flood steps in to offer apologies, watching as he straightens up and Petronella’s webbed paws press up against his leg to keep sniffing and headbutting Zavien’s hand.

“No apologies needed. She kinda does that.” He admits with a soft chuckle, agreeing with a shrug to the comment made over apex predators. “Point made.” She had no true predator other than humans, despite having been a result of an attack right when she became the Flood’s companion. She had been small, vulnerable, and something larger had come along. If she had been her full size, fully grown and powerful, nothing would have even dared.

“She does, which is why I usually start with my own apology.” Sunjata winks, before he bends down to collect the sea panther into his arms, listening as she mewls her discontent. She’s heavy, but seems like nothing to him as he hoists her up to rest around his shoulders and neck. “It’s worse for her in Torchline than anywhere else. There was a sea panther attack a few years ago here, so.” One that he’d actually taken down with others – and where he’d gotten the lightning strike scars that cover nearly half of his body, down the arm that isn’t tattooed and crisscrosses over his hand.

the flood

tell me i'm a loaded gun, tie me up and come undone
i can cover it up, i can cover it up

totally sniped from odd ilu

-Zavien-

The sea panther's friendly nuzzling has Zavien smiling further, indulging the predator with enthusiastic scratches. It isn't every day that he gets to pet such a creature, so he's disappointed when the man picks her up to place her around his shoulders and out of reach. Although his eyebrows raise at the show of nonchalant strength.

Disguising his shock and dismay, Zavien gives an understanding grin of the people's reaction to her. "Ah. Smart. That kind of event would definitely give people a reason to be cautious around her." Not that he could relate. However, people had a tendency to develop prejudices based on one instance.

With a closer glance at the man, he notices the pattern of scars and unique appearance. Not one to dig into people's past, he doesn't ask about the cause, although he does wonder if it has anything to do with the sea panther attack. Intentionally pulling his eyes away from the puckered white flesh, he meets the man's gaze and reaches out his hand. "I'm Zavien by the way. I don't believe we've met before."

Life is getting up one more time
than you've been knocked down.

temporary fleeting thrills, keep me bruised and make me ill
my skin has lavender tones

Petronella, now resigned to settling on Sunjata’s shoulders, curls a webbed paw up toward her mouth to lick away any dirt and remnants of her wandering the streets, leaving the two men to speak even if her golden eyes do flicker back toward the Accepted on occasion (partially wondering if he has anymore of the jerky he had just offered her). Sunjata, on the other hand, nods to what Zavien says, humming a note of agreement.

Inclining his head to the introduction, Sunjata flashes a crooked smile, thanks to the scar that bisects his cheek in a half Glasgow smile. “Nice to meet you, Zavien. I’m Sunjata.” Extending the non-lightning scarred hand, there’s the view of a sleeve of tattoos up from this wrist in swirling wave patterns, and while the Accepted may not know him by sight alone, the name might seem to make more sense. He was the Flood, the demigod of Frey, punctuated by the way he steps in closer to shake the man’s hand and his scent drifts over toward the other man which becomes whatever Zavien finds most appealing.

He was also a previous governor of this very region, but that had felt like decades ago. "Have you just arrived in Torchline or are you intending to leave soon?" He asks.

the flood

tell me i'm a loaded gun, tie me up and come undone
i can cover it up, i can cover it up

totally sniped from odd ilu

-Zavien-

The name did in fact click in Zavien's brain. He'd heard rumors of the infamous Flood, demigod to Frey and overall powerhouse. It was an interesting coincidence to run into the demigod so soon after hearing multiple viewpoints of the herald. As he reached for the man's hand, he wondered if Sunjata might be the best person to settle the score, considering their close relationship. "Frey, right? I've been hearing their name a lot recently. What are they like?" He wasn't the most subtle person and he hoped the Flood didn't mind the question.

While he waited for his response, a nostalgic scent wafted around him, bringing back memories of warm hugs and bright smiles. He couldn't quite place what the scent was, perhaps a floral perfume or linen fabric. Whatever it may be, he smiled at the welcome memories, wondering if Sunjata could also smell it.
 
Zavien laughed at the question. "Well, I've been trying to leave, but there have been some delays with my transportation. I live in Stormbreak, but I came to visit some friends." He thought of Lena's drawing tucked into his bag, smiling fondly at the time spent lounging on the Rainbow Road. It wasn't surprising why people tended to seek out Torchline's warmer weather during Deepfrost. He hadn't realized how much he missed feeling the full heat of the sun.

If Zavien remembered correctly, the demigod usually frequented King's End, making him curious as to what (other than levelling requirements) might have brought the man out here. "What about you? Coming or going?"

Life is getting up one more time
than you've been knocked down.

temporary fleeting thrills, keep me bruised and make me ill
my skin has lavender tones

“Frey, indeed.” Sunjata’s accented tone rumbles out, his smile widening a fraction as their hands shake and he withdraws back to his little space. He doesn’t expect to be asked what they’re like, but, he can’t deny someone for being curious over his own experiences. “They’re great.” He starts to say before elaborating with a soft chuckle. “It’s hard to explain, but, being in their presence you’re both seen and welcomed. Never once have I felt like I needed to be worried when speaking to them.” Not like he had been with Safrin, though he doesn’t know if Zavien knows that. “They’ve offered me some pretty good advice over the years too. Was there something in particular you wanted to know about them?” He asks, tacking it on after as he realizes he could just keep going on and on about them.

As for his question over the skyboat situation – they were in a Skyport after all – Sunjata squints over in Stormbreak’s direction with a little tilt of his head. “’Least it’s not too long of a trip to get back.” He begins, before wincing slightly. “Once the delays get figured out.” Which would hopefully be sooner rather than later for the other man.

Himself, though, this spurs a roguish, crooked grin. “Heading back home. I usually fly myself, though.” He explains, his grin shifting more playful. “Sometimes its my dragon shift, sometimes it’s my pegasus shift.” One or the other, they both got him the same result and didn’t have him dealing with rotating Skyport schedules. Though it does remind him of Tal’s inquery to making the Skyport in King’s End at some point.

the flood

tell me i'm a loaded gun, tie me up and come undone
i can cover it up, i can cover it up

totally sniped from odd ilu

-Zavien-

Zavien listens closely to the description, not minding the long-winded response. Comparing it to what he's heard before, Tal's account is appearing to be the minority at this point. Both Sunjata and Lena promote the herald's gentle and gracious nature, although he wonders which side of Frey that speaks of. "Nothing in particular. I've heard some talk about Frey like a friend; welcoming and accepting. However, I've also heard them described as a petty bully. I guess it just depends on who you ask, and what you ask of Frey." He shrugs his shoulders. It's more curiosity than anything that drives him to gather the information. That, and a sense of need to ensure that he doesn't anger the herald. With that in mind, he forms a question in his mind. "Which side of Frey do you usually converse with?" It might help to know which side is smarter to pray to, should he need the assistance one day.

On the topic of skyships, Zavien nods his head and sighs, looking up at the floating city. "I know. At this point, I could've been home in bed hours ago." He just hopes the delays don't persist much longer. His trip to Torchline has been lengthier than he was expecting, running into multiple new and familiar faces then experiencing the drawling skyport turnover. Honestly, he just wants to be sleeping.

At the mention of shifts, he laughs lightly. "Sounds convenient!" It must be so much easier to come and go as he pleases, rather than having to wait for transportation, or walk. Another curious question comes to mind though, and Zavien looks to the sea panther lounging on the demigod's shoulders. "How does Petronella get home?" He could picture Sunjata carrying her in his claws as a dragon, but he didn't think she would appreciate that.

Life is getting up one more time
than you've been knocked down.

temporary fleeting thrills, keep me bruised and make me ill
my skin has lavender tones

He nods as Zavien explains, a soft chuckle leaving him at the mention of Frey potentially being a bully. Shrugging lightly, much to Petronella’s displeasure, Sunjata flashes the Accepted an easy smile. “I’m the demigod for the sex side of Frey. I’ve never met the nature side but it sounds as though they are the more understanding part. My side, though, they find small little strifes of ours trivial when we could be enjoying our lives and indulging in sex and a carefree lifestyle.” If someone considered them a bully, it was likely they weren’t following that. “I could see how they might seem like a bully if you’re focused on all the wrong things.”

Flashing a smile of understanding about being home in bed by now, Sunjata listens after he’s explained the shifts he usually takes to get home. With the mention of Petronella, he turns his head to look at the sea panther, who’s back to licking her webbed paws before she headbutts him affectionately. “She either rides on my back as a Pegasus or I carry her with a hand of the dragon shift.” She’s learned the best spots and how to settle in for the rides so she isn’t left behind. Before that, though, Sunjata had walked damn near everywhere just to carry her around.

the flood

tell me i'm a loaded gun, tie me up and come undone
i can cover it up, i can cover it up

totally sniped from odd ilu

-Zavien-

Not having spent much time 'indulging,' Zavien is hesitant to agree that the problems of the world are 'trivial.' He doesn't fault people for enjoying their lives how they please, his mother wouldn't have been employed otherwise, but he questions whether that should be the focus of life. There is so much more to living than sex. But who is he to judge? Shrugging his shoulders, he tries to relate even as he defends Talyson. "I guess I can understand that. Although people have a right to their own priorities." It isn't wrong for Tal to focus on more serious topics than giving in to his carnal desires. If that's what had angered Frey, Zavien wasn't sure he would get along with the duplicitous herald either.

On the lighter topic of Petronella, he smiles, watching as she headbutts Sunjata. She really is just a big kitten. Zavien pictures her clinging to the demigod's back or being clutched in his claws, flying through the air. It's almost a comical image. If he'd seen the arrangement without context, he knew he'd be very confused. A light laugh echoes around them and Zavien glances to the sea panther. "I can only imagine how that must look to others."

Life is getting up one more time
than you've been knocked down.

temporary fleeting thrills, keep me bruised and make me ill
my skin has lavender tones

If he had known more of the fact that they were talking about Tal’s interaction and what exactly the courier had asked to do, he might be able to offer more insight on that particular thing, but instead he flashes an easy smile to Zavien, reminded of how many times his own life had started to fall apart again and again and had it not been for Frey to remind him to smell the roses now and then he’d likely be a different man. “They do, but why else would you ask to meet with the sexual aspect of Frey if you aren’t seeking that kind of advice?” He chuckles lightly, shrugging to Petronella’s annoyance. “It’s at least cut and dry in comparison to Safrin.” His nose wrinkles with the comment. “One day she could want one thing and the next completely opposite.” And it had ruined his life, which is why he’d gone through with Frey’s offer. Why he had the deity burn every ounce of Safrin owning him out of his being. Why Safrin had nearly killed him for his betrayal.

Either way, Petronella head butts him and a deep rumble of a purr (or as close to one as a sea panther can manage) escapes her throat and a deep chuckle leaves the Flood as he regards Zavien. “Oh I’m sure it looks crazy.” He admits with another soft laugh, shaking his head. “She’s gotten good at figuring it out at least.”

the flood

tell me i'm a loaded gun, tie me up and come undone
i can cover it up, i can cover it up

totally sniped from odd ilu

-Zavien-

Zavien can't argue with the man's logic, although he can't give input on Safrin any more than Frey. He nods his head in acceptance of the rhetorical question. "I guess that's a fair point. Frey's open about what they stand for, even if some people may not like it." There's still a desire to personally avoid the sex herald, but he respects Sunjata's own allegiance and experiences. His words do make him curious about Safrin and what kind of interactions the man may have had with Vi's herald. However, Zavien is reluctant to pry after Tal's negative reaction to his questions.

As he continues to imagine a sea panther flying through the sky, a loud bell peels across the port, signaling that his ride is preparing to depart and distracting him from any further thoughts of skyward felines. Slightly disappointed that his conversation must draw to a close, Zavien gives Sunjata a sad smile. "It would seem that my wait has finally come to an end. Would you like to walk with me back to the ship?" It would be nice to have some company for the short walk but he didn't know if the demigod needed to be elsewhere.

Life is getting up one more time
than you've been knocked down.

temporary fleeting thrills, keep me bruised and make me ill
my skin has lavender tones

“Exactly.” Sunjata says with a bright smile, as if the Accepted had nailed it right on the head. At least with Frey, nothing was hidden. Nothing was secretive or in between clauses in a contract you didn’t entirely know what you were signing up for.

He’s content to leave it as is, though. No need to keep hitting the same point when Zavien clearly got it.

At least the subject of whether or not a sea panther flying through the air in the clutches of a dragon or on the back of a Pegasus are easier, safer topics. And the Flood chuckles lightly as he nods when things start moving again and the promise of returning home becomes reality again for the other man. “Yeah, sure.” He offers, ensuring Petronella’s comfortable on his shoulders, before he steps back to let Zavien take the lead toward the ship.

the flood

tell me i'm a loaded gun, tie me up and come undone
i can cover it up, i can cover it up

totally sniped from odd ilu