[SE] find a way to lay it amongst the roots

It should come as no surprise that Zavien was a hopeless romantic. He didn't much care for how corny or sappy it sounded. The only feelings or opinions that should matter in their relationship were their own, and Zavien would stand on a cliff and profess his love to the world if he thought it would make Soh happy. If having their heartbeats physically close together was a comfort to them both, he didn't care what people thought.

Smirking at the stolen kiss, Zavien leaned down to brush his lips softly over hers, capturing them in a tender stolen moment. "Necklaces it is," he agreed as their lips parted, smiling again at how lucky he was. 

He looked down at her, eyes squinting as he considered the name. "Nova? She's that really spunky girl with lots of magic, right? I do recall telling her she can have some scales." He'd forgotten about that. It had mainly been an attempt to keep her from ripping them off Sol, but he really didn't mind giving them to her if they were shed. She'd seemed so excited about them. 

His laughter shook their rocking as he saw the look on Soh's face. It was cute that she was so protective of his companion, but he didn't let her stay concerned for too long, grinning as he said, "Yeah, they do. Not as much as most reptiles, but a few scales every month. It's how I made my bracelet, so I tend to save them." Nodding his head, he confirmed, "I've got some at home you can take to her."

Zavien

Sohalia

I wanna be your last first love

As their lips parted, Soh couldn't help the radiant smile that appeared on her face. They swayed slightly in time to some imperceptible song heard only to them, surrounded by the soft lights they'd placed, happy and lucky and so very blessed. Soh wasn't sure what she'd done to deserve this, but she wasn't going to complain. Maybe life was just finished throwing her curveballs, at least for the foreseeable future.

At Zavien's description of Nova, Soh tilted her head back and laughed. "Spunky is a word for her," she agreed, still giggling. Her friend was certainly energetic and bubbly, with a certain zest for life that Soh sometimes envied. It was like nothing bad had happened to her yet to steal her spark, and while Soh didn't know if that was strictly true, she had to admire Nova's seemingly endless joy.

Soh's expression relaxed as she learned that dragons did, in fact, shed their scales. "Oh, good," she said lightly, as though she hadn't just threatened bodily harm to a friend. "If you're sure you don't mind, I'm sure she'd be very appreciative." And, since Nova hadn't let her pay for the last items she'd had made, it seemed like suitable compensation for her services.

Till you're lying here beside me with arms and eyes open wide

It was hard not to smile when he heard Soh's laugh. It was vibrant and free and as beautiful as sunlight breaking through a cloudy day. He would do most anything to hear it again, to bask in her joy, and he joined in with a low chuckle. Nova had been quite hard to describe, full of life and energy and unending excitement that seemed to overflow from her small stature. He wasn't sure how she contained it all - or where it came from for that matter. 

Rocking them to the side, Zavien watched her concern fade away, his smile remaining warm and reassuring on his face. "Well, if she's willing to make the items, I'd happily pay her with actual gold." He didn't have much in terms of money or goods, but he would find a way to compensate the young woman for giving them peace of mind. 

He hummed thoughtfully, considering the lights and the slow drizzle of rain. "I think we have a little longer until we need to get back to the skyport. What do you want to do?"

Zavien

Sohalia

I wanna be your last first love

At Zavien’s offer to pay, Soh shrugged. ”Sometimes, she won’t let me pay. Let me bring her the scales and see what she says. She was really excited about them.” Soh wasn’t quite sure why, but she was certain that her friend had a project in mind for which to use them.

With their offering to Mathair made, they had some time to kill before their skyship departed. ”We could…” Soh mused, stretching out the word thoughtfully. ”… take a walk through the woods and see where the forest takes us. Or we could go back to Sidhe Village and explore the Bodega. There’s a cute little tea shop that I used to visit with Tal. I wonder if it’s still there…”

Soh left one arm around Zavien’s neck, moving the other to place a hand on his cheek. Gods, she loved him, more than she would have thought possible after so short a time together. ”Or we could stay here a little longer and dance in the rain,” she suggested, lips twitching playfully. ”Or I’m open to other suggestions. I don’t really care what we do, as long as I’m with you.”

Till you're lying here beside me with arms and eyes open wide

Nova seemed to always be excited, but Zavien didn't say anything, an amused smile playing across his lips. It didn't surprise him that the woman was more invested in things other than money. She had that careless way about her that he doubted anyone could really understand. So he didn't bother trying, nodding his head as he let Soh handle it. "Okay. Just let me know."

They settled into a quiet and blissful peace, dancing in the soft patter of rain as she listed their endless options. His hair was damp, falling across his forehead where he leaned it against hers, wearing a content smile that he hoped never left. "Then let's just stay here for a while." He wasn't in a hurry to move. "We can see about some tea for the skyship later." Once they'd properly enjoyed their time together. 

[FIN]

Zavien