[RQ] enshrined in devotion

Danger gleams like sunshine

Leaving your girlfriend alone with a newborn seems like a cruel thing to do, but Soh had practically begged him to go. Zavien tried not to take it personally since he has been a little overbearing since Reva arrived. From waiting on Soh hand and foot to checking on the infant constantly, some might consider him obsessed. It's less about a worry for their safety - although that certainly plays a role - and more of an overwhelming sense of love and affection that he didn't know what to do with. Some might count it as a good thing, but Zavien could tell Soh was feeling a little smothered and it might do them both some good to have a day of space. After all, he'd be back before she knew it. 

Still, Sol takes it upon himself to distract Zavien, nudging or chirping at him whenever his hand strays to the golden pendant around his neck - like now. 

He lets out an amused sigh when Sol bumps against his leg on their way up the hill. "I wasn't even touching it," he complains to the dragon, lifting his hands to show that they'd been hanging perfectly at his side - ignoring the twitch that had started to form. The companion gives a huff of disbelief but bounces up the path to reach the shrine before them, golden tail streaming behind like a guiding beacon. 

Zavien shakes his head, a grin playing across his lips. He's already bored Ronin at length with the details during their trip over, so he laughs lightly when he looks at the demigod. "I swear I wasn't this time." The shrug he offers shifts the pack of offerings and cleaning supplies across his back, flowers sticking out from the top like a goofy crown over his head. Even if he had been, Zavien gets the feeling Ronin would understand.

Zavien

to a brave man's eyes.

RONIN

the white knight

"Hey, I wouldn't have held it against you," Ronin says with a warm laugh as they close in on the top of the barrow where the shrine to Safrin and Vi is located. His own wedding ring has been a reassuring pulse against his finger for over a decade now after all, so it isn't as though he's a stranger to needing that sort of comfort, especially now. "I know Safrin would be pleased you're taking time out to come here, but I'd want to get home quickly too."

Stretching his arms above his head as they reach the shrine at last, Ronin is quick to shrug off his own satchel of supplies and offerings, also wrestling with the broom he's brought along to whisk away any debris. "Just because Flowerbirth is slow to show up here, doesn't mean we can't make it look like it's in bloom, right?" So saying, he starts to get to work in sweeping the shrine clear so they have a fresh start to place their offerings.

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

Danger gleams like sunshine

Just as he'd expected, Ronin understands better than most, and he lets the humor of it overshadow any self-consciousness that threatens to rise. Laughing, his steps are lighter when they crest the hill. "I think Soh was more excited for the break than she let on." The laughter continues in his eyes when he looks to Ronin, the grin shining bright when he admits unashamedly, "I don't want to leave them alone too long, but Safrin has given me a lot, and it might be best for everyone if I have something else to do with my time other than dote and spoil," he jokes. 'Smother' might be the better word. Or perhaps 'suffocate?' 

With LongNight over, his paranoia has eased, but the overprotectiveness persists, and when nothing else is distracting him, Zavien gravitates towards his girls, looking for a new way to help or protect even when they don't need anything. Hoping Ronin might have a solution, he smiles a little wider, his tone playful when he asks, "Are you still looking for help training soldiers?"

Following Ronin's lead, Zavien sets his pack onto the ground and takes in the dirty shrine with a determined grin. "Agreed." He doesn't waste time getting to work, hoping they can do Safrin justice despite the delayed Flowerbirth blooms. He pulls out some rags to wipe the stones of the shrine, clearing bits of debris and mud that have burrowed between the candles while Sol takes it upon himself to light any that might have been gone out.

Zavien

to a brave man's eyes.

RONIN

the white knight

"Ah, I don't think there's any such thing as spoiling them at this age," Ronin objects with a grin as he sweeps the flagstones around the shrine free of dead leaves and withered flowers from older offerings. "How is Soh handling everything? Well, presumably, if you're the one she needs a break from and not the baby." Humour dances in his blue eyes as he speaks, the Knight careful to hop over Zavien's legs to avoid accidentally sweeping him away too.

While Sol lights the candles Sugar keeps watch overhead as a small, pale arc in the sky, the little dragon never one for socialising unless under duress. "Soldiers?" he repeats as he sets the broom aside and goes digging in his pack. "Always. Torchline gets busier every day, and there's always some crooked thing happening in Haulani's underbelly. Any help you want to give would be great - though I will say, new recruits can get spoiled if you dote on them too much."

Getting out a few fresh pillar candles, he sets them up on the shrine as well for Sol to ignite.

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!