[SE] burned us down

Sohalia

Don't try to wake me up
Even if the sun really does come out tomorrow

Sohalia had had enough of the Void flora and fauna in the Greatwood - her months-long illness had seen to that - and had fled to King's End in the vain hope that perhaps she would be safer there, among friends like Sunjata and Talyson. And yet, despite her best efforts, here she was, staring down Void creatures again. Only this time, she was determined not to let them hurt her - or, for that matter, anyone else. It might not make a huge difference, of course, but if she could even get rid of a few of the plants or animals that had begun to take over King's End, then perhaps it would be a little safer for them all.

So she stood at the edge of a creek, gazing distastefully into the shallows, where a few Void River Stars had clustered. She'd seen them first in the Greatwood, and their ability to drain the life-force from their victims was no joke. She remembered very little of the past few months, but she did recall getting one of these stuck to an ankle. Despite their small size, they packed a punch. It had been at the very beginning of her self-imposed exile, and if she thought back, she figured it had been the beginning of her illness, too.

But how to destroy them? Tarak perched in a tree above her head, watching intently. He could use his fire breath on the creatures, but they were underwater, and to get them out would mean touching them - which was was not particularly eager to do. Soh chewed on her lower lip. Perhaps there was a branch or something nearby that she could use to flip them out of the water. Then Tarak could incinerate them, and this part of King's End might be marginally less infected.

Don't believe anything you say anymore
In the morn, in the morning

Where there's life there's hope.

After the perpetual darkness of Longnight, Zavien had developed somewhat of an island fever from Stormbreak. As much as he loved his home, he just needed to get out, so he'd hopped on the first skyship going anywhere. And now he somehow found himself strolling along a creek in King's Ends. Although perhaps 'strolling' wasn't quite the words as he sliced away any evidence of Void in his path.

A disgusted sneer was planted on his face as the oily black blood of the different flora and fauna coated his blade. His habits had him reaching to wipe it away with the edge of his tunic, but he stopped himself, determined to keep the infection away. Instead, he ran the flat of the blade through the grass, smearing the droplets into purplish blobs of ink. It would have to do for now.

Continuing on in his stress-relieving activity, Zavien proceeded down the creek before spotting a figure crouched by the water ahead. He paused to assess whether they were a dangerous or not, however, their body language didn't appear threatening to anything other than the Void River Stars below. They almost looked familiar but he wasn't quite sure. He cautiously approached with his sword raised, prepared for any signs of trouble. "Hello? Friend or foe?"

Zavien

Sohalia

Don't try to wake me up
Even if the sun really does come out tomorrow

A male voice interrupted Soh's thoughts, making her jump, and she sprang to her feet, wrapping her arms around herself defensively. The man who approached was taller and older than her, and she found herself immediately anxious. After all, she hadn't had the best experiences with strange men - of note, her last interaction with a stranger had started a cascade of events that had led to her disappearing into the Wilds for months on end, almost dying in the process.

But even as fear and adrenaline coursed through her, she found herself indignant. Friend or foe? Well, he was a stranger, so they certainly weren't friends! But... unless he was planning to attack her, she wasn't exactly a foe, either. So she took a breath, swallowing down her panic, and squeaked, "Friend?" in an entirely non-threatening kind of way that would - hopefully - reassure the stranger, even if he decided she could be lying.

Then, drawing upon some inner strength that must have been born of her time as the Heart of Stormbreak, she pointed at the Void River Stars distastefully. "Those are foes, though. I was going to have my griffin burn them, but I don't want to touch them to get them out of the water." She glanced darkly at the Void creatures, a scowl on her pretty face. Then, smoothing her expression, she regarded the stranger. "My name is Sohalia. What's yours?"

Don't believe anything you say anymore
In the morn, in the morning

Where there's life there's hope.

A less trusting person would have hesitated to trust the claim of 'friend,' but Zavien always listened to his gut and this woman looked more scared than threatening. He lowered his sword and offered a smile. It was a bright, welcome expression as he cautiously stepped closer, not wanting to startle her further. With his other hand, he gave a small wave of greeting. "Well, hello, friend. I didn't mean to sneak up on you." All suspicion was gone at this point, replaced with friendly excitement at meeting a new person, especially someone who seemed so familiar.

At her indication, he looked to the dark purple stars hiding in the creek then to the griffin lingering nearby. Smiling at the winged creature in acknowledgement, Zavien came forward slowly, considering the positioning of the Void River Stars. Without hesitating, he said, "I can help with that." He crouched down, dipping the tip of his sword into the water. His progress froze momentarily at her name and he stole another sideways glance at the woman. Of course! The familiarity knocked him upside the head, forcing him to tense his body to keep from falling over in surprise. She had never met him, but the Heart of Stormbreak had been beloved by everyone. How could he not have recognized her? Especially considering he'd been helping search for her these last few months following her unexpected disappearance. According to Koa, she'd been kidnapped by the family, yet... she looked fine. No bonds restricted her and no guards lingered nearby. So why hadn't she returned to Stormbreak?

Zavien realized that he had frozen, his sword pointed at the creatures and his eyes staring wide at her. Clearing his throat, he quickly looked away, a blush spreading across his face. Too many questions shifted through his mind and he found it difficult to conjure more of a response than "Zavien". Trying to steal a moment to collect himself, he flicked his blade forward, casting a Void River Star out of the water into the direction of the griffin.

Zavien

Sohalia

Don't try to wake me up
Even if the sun really does come out tomorrow

Fortunately for Sohalia, the man seemed to take her at her word, lowering his sword and offering a friendly smile. She returned it cautiously, still not particularly keen to trust a stranger, torn between her trusting nature and her recent experiences. "Oh," she said, "I was just lost in thought. I should have been paying more attention to my surroundings." It seemed she'd yet to learn her lesson, and both she and Tarak had been so fixated on the Void River Stars that neither of them had been particularly aware of someone approaching. She felt a pulse of guilt through her bond with her companion and glanced up at the griffin to smile ruefully. They would learn. They would have to.

The stranger proved himself useful, using the tip of his sword to flick a star out of the water. Tarak swooped down on it eagerly, blasting it with a burst of fire before returning to the tree branch where he'd started. There he crouched, tail flicking back and forth as he stalked the others still in the water with his eyes. Soh fought the urge to laugh. Her companion never seemed particularly intimidating, but he certainly had a hunter's heart.

"It's nice to meet you, Zavien," she said, oblivious to the confusion cascading through the man as he realized who she was. Perhaps, had she known, she might have been able to relax a little. If he was a friend of her friends, then he couldn't be that bad, right? But alas, she didn't know, and she didn't recognize his name, for all that she was from his home region. Instead, she offered small talk: "What brings you to King's End?"

Don't believe anything you say anymore
In the morn, in the morning

Where there's life there's hope.

He watched as the griffin descended upon the Void River Star, incinerating the creature instantly. Its excitement for more had Zavien smiling. Who was he to refuse the griffin its fun? With a wink, he used his sword to flick another star from the water and onto the bank.

Zavien turned his attention to Sohalia, still surprised to be face to face with the lost leader. Pushing aside his emotions, he shrugged his shoulders. "I was starting to go stir crazy looking at the same street in Stormbreak these last few weeks. The first skyship took me here and I decided to let off some steam on the Void." His nose wrinkled at the purple taint that seemed everywhere nowadays. It felt nice to swing his sword at the flora and fauna trying to take over the world.

Running his hand through his hair, he didn't know how to ask why she wasn't in Stormbreak, so he settled for a pleasant "What about you?"

Zavien

Sohalia

Don't try to wake me up
Even if the sun really does come out tomorrow

Another river star was flipped out of the water, and once more, Tarak descended with a cry of glee. He'd been helpless when Sohalia had fallen ill from the Void creatures and fauna that had taken over the Greatwood, and this felt an awful lot like well-deserved revenge. The river star burned to a crisp before his eyes, and this time, the little griffin crouched by the water's edge, golden eyes fixated on Zavien's blade.

Sohalia, meanwhile, was watching her companion with an amused gaze, shaking her head at the creature's bloodlust. Normally, Tarak wasn't one to get his claws particularly dirty, but he'd been protective ever since she'd awoken and returned to the land of the living.

Unfortunately, her well-meaning query resulted in her question being turned back on her, and she focused her attention back on the last remaining river star as excuses flashed through her mind. She didn't know Zavien, and she didn't exactly want to get into the whole, oh, I was the Heart of Stormbreak until I was kidnapped, released, and fell victim to the Void thing. But that didn't mean she wanted to lie, either. "I'm visiting a friend," she said vaguely, thinking of Tal and Sunjata and thanking her lucky stars that at least she had an excuse to be here. "I ran afoul of the Void fauna in the Greatwood recently, and this was the first place I thought to come when I recovered."

Don't believe anything you say anymore
In the morn, in the morning

Where there's life there's hope.

His sword froze at her words and he had to withhold the gasp that seemed to encompass the shock passing through his mind. 'Void fauna in the Greatwood'? 'Recovered'? What kind of hardships had she endured? Although she appeared physically intact, he couldn't imagine what kind of scars (literal and figurative) lingered. If what Koa had said was true, she was kidnapped and that would take a toll on anyone. Zavien didn't want to scare her by revealing that he knew her, but he didn't want to keep hiding the fact that he did, possibly causing more harm to her. It felt... wrong, almost deceptive in a way. 

So, as Zavien absent mindedly flicked another Void River Star onto the bank by the griffin, he cleared his throat, nervous. "I, uh. Would that friend happen to be Talyson?" He knew the Captain lived in King's End, and the fact that he'd been helping the Accepted search for her in the Greatwood was indication enough of their connection. Running his hand through his hair again, he avoided looking at her for a moment. "Your struggles sound difficult and I know he's been worried about a 'Sohalia'." Finally looking up with large, concerned green eyes, he asked, "Would that be you?" He stayed crouched by the river, a nonthreatening bundle of nerves that seemed poised to shatter with anxiety depending on her response.

Zavien

Sohalia

Don't try to wake me up
Even if the sun really does come out tomorrow

"Oh, do you know Tal?" Soh asked, perking up as another river star ended up on the bank, to be pounced upon by her griffin. "I was planning to seek him out," she added, watching Tarak with bemusement. The little creature seemed to be enjoying himself immensely in a way that he hadn't in quite some time. Perhaps she should invest in some kind of stuffed Void fauna for him to destroy at home.

Not, of course, that she knew where home was anymore.

News of Tal's worry had Soh's eyes widening. In truth, she hadn't thought that many outside of Stormbreak would miss her - and even those in her home region, she had assumed would be more surprised by her absence than truly care. Looking back, it had often felt like she had few friends. Acquaintances and responsibilities she had in spades, but people who would be concerned by her absence... well, she adored Tal, but even he had his own life to lead. Who'd have thought he'd spend it looking for her?

"It must be," she admitted after a moment, a light blush mantling her cheeks as she returned her gaze to the water, suddenly embarrassed and ashamed. "I was in the Greatwood for far longer than I realized. I never thought..." she trailed off, a crease forming between her brows as she frowned. "I didn't intend to worry anyone. I would have sent word sooner if I could have."

Don't believe anything you say anymore
In the morn, in the morning

Where there's life there's hope.

"I do. He's a good friend with an overabundance of kindness." It brought a large smile to his face, thinking about the kind courier he'd spent time hanging out with. At least it sounded like Sohalia would be relieving his worries soon enough. Watching the griffin pounce on the river star, he hummed lightly. "I'm sure he'll like that." Zavien let his eyes find the final Void critter, letting his sword flick its form onto the bank. 

Tension released at her answer. He wouldn't have to tiptoe around the subject, even if it was still sensitive. Placing his elbows on his knees, he gave her his full attention, concern riddling his features. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to bring up bad memories or make you feel guilty, but you were missing for months. Many people in Stormbreak have already given up hope that you still live. There are rumors surrounding your leaving and Dahlia's rise to power. And it's been hard on more than just the Breakers. Talyson, Koa, Hadama, probably countless others. They care for you..." Zavien felt that his words might cause more harm, but they kept coming in a nervous wave, so he tried to rush the point. "If you haven't already, it might be a good idea to reach out to them, too. At least let them know you're safe." He paused, looking at her with as much understanding and compassion as he could muster. "You don't have to tell me or anyone else what you experienced or justify your actions in any way, but I know they would appreciate hearing from you." His smile was warm and kind as he refocused his attentions on the discarded river stars littering the ground. Zavien didn't want to make her feel pressured in any way. He didn't know what had happened or what her reasons may have been for staying away from Stormbreak. It was ultimately up to her, but he didn't know if he could live with himself if he kept this information from his friends. Hopefully, he didn't have to.

Zavien

Sohalia

Don't try to wake me up
Even if the sun really does come out tomorrow

Sohalia smiled shyly at the man, nodding her agreement with his assessment of Tal. The courier might be a little prickly at times, but he had been kind to her since their very first meeting, and she had always been grateful for his friendship. A pang of guilt shot through her had the thought that he had been worried for her - although, in all fairness, between her kidnapping and her illness, he had had every right to be worried.

Her guilt only grew as Zavien continued to speak. She lowered her gaze to the river, her eyes glazing over with unshed tears. She hadn’t known that she’d been gone for so long until she’d made her way to King’s End, and now that she knew it had been months… well, how was she supposed to repair that kind of broken trust?

Soh couldn’t bring herself to look at her newfound companion as he continued on, but she nodded along. She could tell he meant it kindly, but his words felt like an accusation all the same. ”I didn’t mean for any of this to happen,” she found herself telling Zavien. ”It’s a long story, but if you see any of my friends before I do, please - please tell them that I didn’t know how long it had been. I’ve been… indisposed, but I had no idea how much time had passed, and I just -“ She cut herself off, frustrated. How could she explain herself to a perfect stranger?

Don't believe anything you say anymore
In the morn, in the morning

Where there's life there's hope.

Finally standing from the riverbank, he looked to the woman, his gaze warm and devoid of judgement. "Sohalia." He let her name fall from his lips like a gentle, comforting embrace. Zavien gave her a warm smile, tilting his head in a way that gave him the appearance of a friendly dog with floppy golden hair. The only emotion on his face was empathy and his next words came softly, "I never suspected that it was your intention for this to happen." 

He wanted to reach out and comfort her, but they'd only just met. So, he settled for raising his hands in reassurance, a request on his lips. "I only ask that you consider reaching out to them." Pausing, he was willing to compromise to relieve her burdern. "And if I see them first, I promise to pass on that you're safe." However, he could imagine Koa rushing to King's End to find her, demanding answers that she may not have, or may not be ready to give. Considering this, Zavien added, "But maybe I'll let them know that you need some time to process." His green eyes met her gaze, sincerity and concern furrowing his brows. "Would that be okay with you?"

Zavien

Sohalia

Don't try to wake me up
Even if the sun really does come out tomorrow

Whoever this stranger was, it was a shame that Soh hadn't stumbled across him much earlier in life. Perhaps, had she met someone seemingly as pure and gentle as she had once been, she might have spared herself some of the heartache that she had withstood. Of course, most of it was self-inflicted - and that was what hurt more than the consequences themselves. Knowing that she had caused harm to others - not only to those she was responsible for in Stormbreak, but to those she knew and loved on a personal level - well, that was devastating to the girl.

Soh was silent as Zavien spoke, her gaze not quite able to meet his until his last question. That she was to be given a choice in the matter was refreshing after her recent ordeal, and she peered shyly up at the man with an almost suspicious look in her eyes. Perhaps this kindness was a trap of some kind - after all, it wouldn't be the first time she had trusted someone who turned out to be not quite so wonderful as they'd first appeared. And it wouldn't be the first time she'd run into someone willing to do her harm. Why, after so many life lessons, did she still insist on trusting perfect strangers? What was it about her that made her so gullible and naive?

Still, she couldn't see any harm in a response, so she nodded slowly. "Thank you," she said, carefully polite, but still perhaps a bit unwilling to trust Zavien's quiet sincerity. "Time to process would be nice - but I will reach out to people, when I can."

Don't believe anything you say anymore
In the morn, in the morning

Where there's life there's hope.

Her suspicious gaze wasn't completely unsurprising given her recent experiences, but it still made Zavien wince internally. He didn't want to give her any more worries and yet he couldn't think of any other way to alleviate the distrust. For a moment, he wondered if she would dismiss all his advice and depart, leaving him to wonder about what to tell the others. 

But then Sohalia's agreeing with him, and Zavien had to keep from bursting into a bright smile. He succeeded in dampening his smile only slightly while he his hands fall back to his side. "That's all I ask." Looking to the griffin and the littering of Void River Stars, he chuckled lightly. "Maybe next time we meet, it'll be a more joyous activity and topic." His green gaze met hers again, compassion and kindness warming it to a deep forest shade. "If you do ever decide to return to Stormbreak, I'd be happy to stand by your side. And if you ever need help, you need only ask." Zavien didn't know what pressure she might be feeling right now, but he hoped his open invitation of allegiance, or friendship, or aide, or support, or whatever else she needed, was enough to let her know that there were still good people in the world, willing to help.

Zavien