achingly bright too

Ordinarily, especially on a first date, Lena would’ve been dressed to impress. But given the day’s circumstances, including fleeing from banshees, collecting sweetgrass and dragon scales, and lugging said items with them, she was as collected as she was going to be. Which meant her hair was pulled back and out of her face, her dress had several grass stains on it, and she’d polished her look off with a bulging bag of wares for when they returned to Stormbreak. But for all of the messy configurations, she wore her contentment best, a little serene smile as they traversed out of the wilderness and into the forefront of the Inner Quarter.

Chattering away until her curiosity got the best of her, she was initially spun into silence at the sight of the bonfire. Eyes widened, she glanced back at Zavien, before meandering along the outer edges, where the heat was still a little tolerable. “Isn’t this amazing?” she whispered, clearly a tourist in awe. Keeping Mittens tethered at her side, for fear it would melt if it went any closer to the unwinding flaes, her eyes peered over people milling about, and then the storefronts.

The Ancients had clearly done wonders for the Grounds – for it was far more inhabitable than it had ever been. Maybe it still carried those primordial sorrows somewhere, lodged in between new foundations and old stones, but for now, it was a growing marketplace, amidst guilds and farmland.

And restaurants, of course.

The smell of some kind of barbeque filled the air, along with aromas of nearby bakeries, kiosks and stands – promises of pasta from one area, and some cozy, home-style cooking from another. With so many possibilities before them, and a steadily blooming appetite, the Caretaker wasn’t picky about the selection. Sweeping her grin and rosy cheeks towards the Dragoon, she pondered over the readily available choices, and what he’d prefer. “Any of them catch your eye?”

 

Lena

Just smile and be happy.

Considering Zavien hadn't been on a lot of 'first dates,' perhaps it's a good thing that he hadn't gotten the chance to overthink his outfit, otherwise he might have shown up in a tacky patterned button up with shorts or a full five-piece suit that didn't fit (since it was a rental). At least this way, he just had to accept that he was in plain travel clothes, dirt and grass being his only forms of accessories. However, little of it mattered to him. After all, he was on a date with Lena. 

The smile hadn't left his face as they made their way through the Hollowed Grounds, even as the nerves slowly rose to join the fluttering in his chest. While Lena admired the Hollowed Grounds itself, he tried to steal discrete glances her way as he pretended to do the same. It was hard to focus on anything other than her, but he made a good show of it, raising his head to take in the smells and twisting around to catch random passing sights. However, he didn't have to pretend when they reached the bonfire, the brilliant collection of colorful flames dancing before them. Sol's eyes widened as he shuffled his feet from the Dragoon's shoulder. He could feel the compounding awe between them. The heat was light a physical manifestation of its beauty. If he weren't so eager to proceed with their date, he might have asked if they wanted to sit and watch it for a while. 

Zavien frowned at the visible options. He wasn't about to let their first date be street food. No. Lena was a real lady, and he liked and respected her too much to put in so little effort. Flashing her a quick grin, he said, "Wait here for just a second" before darting off to one of the nicer looking vendors. They were extremely kind and answered all his questions after he agreed to buy something from their booth. By the time Zavien made his way back to Lena, he had a destination in mind and a single flower clutched in his hand. Although he had no idea what kind it was, he was sure she would as he bowed dramatically to her, offering it with an outreached hand and a sweet smile. "Lady Lena, if you would be so kind as to accept this flower, I shall lead us to our dining experience for the evening." 

Straightening, he offered her his arm in a gentlemanly way. Whether she chose to take it or not, Zavien led them down a less populated side street, trying to keep the directions organized in his head. Left at the seamstress. Right after the butcher. Left again just before the fountain. Maybe he should have asked for a map... especially as he turned a few more times and found himself uncertain whether the restaurant would be amongst the seemingly empty square. Only a few people milled around the edge of the low-lit cobblestones, a statue in the center. The man had said it was at the edge of town...

His eyes searched the area for a restaurant, a warm blush rushing his cheeks as he chuckled. "It's supposed to be around here somewhere..."

Zavien

Lena wouldn’t have cared if it was street food or fanciful nonsense; the company would’ve been enough. But at his grin and sudden disappearance, her eyes widened, and she gave a nod, head tilting to watch him dart towards a vendor. She did her fair share of catching glances while he asked inquiries, before steadying her breath and going back and forth between the dazzling array of fire, and Zavien.

So she was surprised upon his return with a flower, granting a laugh at the complimentary gestures, grin brighter. “My pleasure,” she exalted with a sweeping curtsy, extending her dress and all, ignoring the way some grass fell out of the pockets. She then made ample use of the bloom, placing it neatly in her hair by way of purposeful adornment and elegance, before taking his arm. Mittens followed alongside with an indignant huff.

Her curiosity became all the more captivated as they swept down several more streets and avenues, striving to take it all in – unaware of how much the Hollowed Grounds had grown; enamored by its size and scale. She made a few mental notes as they passed by – especially at the seamstress and dressmakers, then the fanciful fountain…

Only becoming increasingly aware of Zavien’s movements looking a little less organized and a little more muddled. Nearly asking if they were lost, for she wouldn’t have minded and honestly it would’ve been more than a bit humorous, she aimed to placate the notions a little, especially once his embarrassed blush flushed over his face. “Do you remember what it was called? I can probably fly over and find it.” Her eyes went to the few others milling about. “Or we could ask.”

 

Lena

Just smile and be happy.

As Lena tucked the flower into her hair, a burst of new flutterings began in his chest. He distracted himself with the acceptance of his arm, remembering fondly the first time they'd strolled through Stormbreak together. Sensing the change in Zavien's emotions, Sol chose to leave his companion's shoulder, attempting to find company with Mittens. 

Maybe it was the distractingly beautiful woman beside him, or his innate lack of directional ability, but there was definitely a growing fear that he'd gotten them lost. His free hand ran through his hair, nerves and embarrassment threatening to curdle into mortification. "Well..." He was about to agree with asking someone nearby when he heard a clinking of glasses. Ears perked, Zavien pulled his eyes from Lena to search for the source. Although he couldn't see the restaurant, he spotted a couple disappearing around a corner, giggling amongst themselves. Smiling, he followed excitedly. "I think we might be in luck."

It was magnificent. The vendor hadn't been lying when they said this was the most unique spot in the Hollowed Grounds. He would even argue that it was one of the most unique places in all of Caido. Grinning at Lena, he led her forward. 

The crumbling building before them looked like it should have been torn down decades ago. The stones looked porous and frail while the wood couldn't be much more stable than the peace of Caido. A\Yet, none of that seemed to bother the patrons inside, washed in the warm glow of hundreds of small candles, their wax melding them to the stones as if they were part of the original structure. Somehow, that wasn't the most breathtaking part. It was the plants. Ivy crawled up the sides, both solidifying the walls and pushing between the vulnerable cracks, consuming what looked to be an old sign containing the name. A large tree sat in the center of the room, pushing out into the darkening sky, unencumbered by any roof or ceiling. Flowers bloomed from every corner, their glowing petals further illuminating the small gathering of dining tables. It was ethereal, causing Zavien to slow, taking in the sight with awe. 

When they finally reached the front, the hostess was ready to meet them with an amused smile. "First time?" Laughing lightly, the Dragoon patted Lena's hand. "Are we that obvious?" She winked and shook her head. "Not at all. You're going to love it. Follow me." Without hesitation, Zavien let her guide them through the incomplete arch that must have once been a doorway. People spoke in hushed tones at their tables, barely glancing as they passed, too enamored in the sights and their own conversations. It gave the atmosphere an even more whimsical tone, like faeries whispering in the plants. 

The hostess indicated to a small table settled near the base of the tree and he took the moment to pull out one of the chairs, gesturing for Lena to sit. "My Lady." His smile was bright in the lighting, excitement and joy evident on his face.

Zavien

The confusion seemed short-lived, and the Caretaker’s attention diverted between Zavien and the sudden bout of adventure slipping and sneaking through; intrigue endeavored from the moment they noticed the whispering patrons and the glances amidst more furtive means. For an instant she stared back at him with an arched brow and the inkling of a more childish, cheeky grin, as if trying to decipher what was about to occur, mind predicting with rampant energy.

But she never would’ve guessed the area they came to.

At first sight, she thought maybe everyone had been mistaken – and the crumbling exterior was a result of either the war, or the hopelessly downtrodden proportions of the Hollowed Grounds from days of the barrier. Perhaps it hadn’t been something they thought essential in all the aftermath, and it’d been left to –

Then, however, everything else unfurled, and the masterful artifices seemingly transformed. She tightened her hold on Zavien’s arm as she gasped, mouth slightly open in wonder and astonishment. “Well done,” she murmured back to him, as to not disturb the serenity – briefly reminded of the Celestine’s stretch of gardens and walls, but this place had a different aspect as well. The broadened expanse of the tree gave it an earthly ambience, outstretched over most of those gathered, and it was very easy for her to become enamored and lost in its majesty for a few seconds more.

Even as they sat down, she found herself going back and forth, catching new things from the corner of her eyes. “This is beautiful. I had no idea they had anything like this.” Which probably showed her lack of tourism yet again, and the prejudice that had come from Stormbreak, so long instilled no matter how she’d tried to not be amongst the biased. Menus were passed and handed along, and she snagged one, hardly able to peruse for the combinations of affections. Granting another smile at the workers, she then prospered the beam and radiance right back to the Dragoon. “What are you going to get?”

 

Lena

Just smile and be happy.

The look on Lena's face was worth every trouble of the afternoon. He would take the banshee again and again just to see the pure wonder softening her features. There was no doubt that he looked similarly awed, but it made it hard to decide what to focus on, the evolving majesty of the atmosphere around them, or the beautiful woman on his arm. Zavien settled for both as he watched her from his peripheral, giving her a silent smile at the compliment, not that he could take much credit for the place. He'd just found the right person to ask. And he made a vow to go back and thank them.

Once she had taken her seat, Zavien sat down across from Lena. Their wooden table was small and intimate, a soft glowing candle in the middle with a potted plant of slowly budding flowers. He fleetingly wondered if they were the kind that only bloomed at night. Maybe he'd have to ask later.

He didn't respond with his own ignorance, considering he'd rarely been in the Hollowed Grounds himself. Instead, he looked around fondly at the romantic atmosphere before giving her a soft smile. "The vendor said it's a well-hidden secret amongst some of the locals. I guess they don't want to share their little piece of heaven." As if to make his point, a pair of lightning bugs appeared from a nearby plant, emerging with the approaching evening, suggestive of more to come. The waiter didn't acknowledge the insects while he simply handed them the menus, probably so used to the marvels of the place at this point. Zavien, on the other hand, had to peel his eyes away from the glowing little winged creatures as his stomach reminded him of their purpose.

The Dragoon also had difficulty focusing on the words before him, a combination of floating letters and heart palpitations, only one being the byproduct of the warm eyes meeting his from across the table. Squinting his eyes in an attempt to pin the words in place, he tried to pick out even one dish name, but all it did was start a pounding in his head. Blushing, he chuckled. "Well, it all looks so good, I just can't decide." 

Clearing his throat, he lifted a polite arm to summon the waiter back. The man nodded his head, asking "How can I help?" Zavien tried not to look too stupid as he asked, "What would you recommend ordering?" He hoped it wasn't too obvious that his nerves were spiking as he bounced his leg beneath the table. However, the waiter just gave him a smile before pointing to a few spots on the menu. "The favorites are usually the moushroom stir fry with magic mushroom, giant mushroom, and moonshroom served over a bed of rice and the gilled musk deer seared over smolder blossoms, served with a molten pineapple glaze on a fire padd. Both pair well with our blueberry bush wine." Zavien nodded his head as if those were both perfectly respectable options. It was much fancier than he'd expected, but he liked the sound of whatever the second one had been. The guy had said 'deer' after all. He looked to Lena, a curious eyebrow raised. "Do either of those sound good to you?" If not, he was sure they could find something on the menu she would enjoy.

Zavien

Lena strived to direct her attention between Zavien, the plants, and the insects (itching not to grab at her bags and find her notebook again) – grounding herself with all the ebullience, excitement, and complete lack of trepidation. For her part, she found no need for restless nerves, content with the notions of simply being in preferred and favored company, snagging at potentials. With her rapt composure, she shot him another grin, thoroughly amused and delighted at each and every turn. “I suppose I can see why,” she hummed. “But it’s kind of them to give what they can.” She winked and wrinkled her nose in turn, also struggling to peruse the menu through enthusiasm and elation, or occasionally tugging on Mittens’ leash as the snowball craved to wander and hover a little too far (snapping at the occasional bug).

Luckily the waiter was nearby, and perhaps both could concentrate on listening. She followed over and after the details, eyes widening briefly at the notions of so many mushrooms, and then tilting her head, contemplating. Her gaze flickered immediately back to the Dragoon, wasting no time in prospects. “I wouldn’t mind the gilled musk deer. Would that work for you?” And since they’d worked up a hungry ambition through sweetgrass scouring and running from banshees, she pondered down the list of appetizers. “What do you think of the mirage crab cakes to start?” Her stomach rumbled in return too, and she couldn’t help but laugh. “And maybe some waters with the wine too?” That way not everything went straight to their heads – at least in good spirits and attempts.

 

Lena

Just smile and be happy.

Unlike Mittens, Sol was tired after the exciting day. So much big boy flying and playing hard had tuckered the poor baby out. Despite the shining of his eyes at the glowing bugs, his tail flicked slowly. He crawled onto Zavien's lap, watching everything with hooded interest as his eyes bounced open and closed, heavy with approaching sleep. It made the Dragoon chuckle lightly as he laid a protective hand on the golden scales of his companion's back. 

It was probably a good thing that Lena picked the gilled musk deer since Zavien didn't think moushrooms would be quite enough meat to fill the empty cavern of his stomach. Her response brought a smile to him face as he listened to her lay out a perfect spread for their dinner, doing a much better job than he would've. Content with all her choices, he nodded. "Those sound like great ideas. I knew I brought you for a reason." As if it wasn't just to spend time with her. He gave her a wink then made sure the waiter had heard their requests before he disappeared to the kitchen. 

And then they were alone. At least as alone as they were going to get in a restaurant full of people. And two companions. In a heavily populated city. Regardless, it was enough to bring a slight blush to his cheeks, butterflies trying to break free from his chest. As much as it scared him, Zavien then made the conscious decision to push aside the nerves. He was on a date, with a beautiful woman, and he'd be a fool not to enjoy it. Propping his chin on a hand, he made himself comfortable, feeling the scruff of his beard as he tilted his head to the side. "I really hope this food is as good as that guy claimed, but if not, I guess it won't be as hard to make this a memorable first date." He chuckled lightly, thinking about how it would be hard to forget food poisoning or stupidly inedible food even with mediocre company, but good food and meh conversation would probably land him smack dab in the back of her mind, and that was not where he was hoping to be. So it would need to be really bad food or really good company.

Zavien

Lena wasn’t certain abominable snowballs ever truly tired – it’d been nearly impossible to catch Mittens sleeping. Perhaps it was simply always on guard. Regardless, it eventually ceased snapping at insects and sulked from underneath the table, glaring occasionally at Sol, who probably couldn’t return the favor in the dragon’s slumber.

Which left the Caretaker and Dragoon to partake in their own parameters.

Nodding politely to the waiter as they sauntered away with their order, she caught the initial statement made by Zavien, narrowing her eyes skeptically, but playing into the pretenses. “I thought I asked you.” Her fingers eventually wound their way to the fanciful napkin display, snagging it apart and beginning to fold it over her lap, giving her time to come up with something other than teasing. “I will give you credit for the fine dining area,” she winked in return, gaze catching more of the scenery (some imagery looked like falling petals or leaves nearby, but perhaps it was a trick or illusion caused by the light).

Taking her own deep breath, her warmth eventually settled back onto the Dragoon all over again. “Fair. Though starting the day with banshees means everything should go up, hm?” Narrowing her eyes for a moment, not maliciously, but certainly with a twinkle of amusement bordering on the fringes, she conjured another idea while they waited and prayed for no food poisoning. “All right – tell me one thing about yourself I wouldn’t already know.” Figuring she would play the game too, she leaned forward, as if to impart a furtive and covert disclosure. “Like, that time you were busy playing fetch with skeletons, I snagged a new shift.”

 

Lena

Just smile and be happy.

Not being too upset over having missed the chance to ask her first (someone had to), Zavien still had to pretend like it mattered. "Really? I thought you suggested dinner, but I countered with a date? Doesn't that mean I asked you?" The semantics may have been minor and insignificant, but it was fun to banter with her about anything and everything. His bright smile said enough as he raised a playful eyebrow, otherwise accepting her compliment with a shrug of his shoulders like it was the only logical result (and not the possibility of him getting them lost and winding up at a kabob shack). 

Taking his own napkin, he placed it gently over the now snoring dragon like a blanket. "Fair point." Even food poisoning would be a step up. The following serious look had him suspicious for a moment before Lena was suddenly interrogating him for new information about himself. It was not what he'd expected, and he actually enjoyed the idea. It was a good way to get to know each other better, but he narrowed his eyes to think hard about what she may not know about him. He made sure that he was an open book to pretty much everyone, so it made it hard to come up with anything. As he thought about it, her example momentarily distracted him. "Really?! That's awesome! I don't think I even know all your shifts. I've seen the bird. What else do you have?"

Meanwhile, he finally came up with something he deemed appropriate for a first fact to share. Leaning forward as if it was a national secret, he looked around before saying quietly, "I have difficulty reading." She may have noticed it as he'd tried to read the menu, but it wasn't necessarily something he'd told her. When he leaned back, he shrugged his shoulders, going on to elaborate as the waiter set their water and wine on the table. "Have since I was a kid. The letters all flip and move around, making it hard to make out what they say." His hands gestured dramatically, like twisting letters through the air, then he lowered them, giving her an endearing smile.

Zavien

“I thought mine was heavily implied,” she laughed again, unbothered by the semantics at all but certainly willing to banter. At his bright smile her cheeks flushed once more, but the calm atmosphere kept everything light, effervescent, leaving her wondering and pondering why she’d once been torn about the situation in the first place. Not that it wasn’t still an ambiguous little line they traipsed over and around, and these were initial trials anyway, but it still felt natural and easy (and she still would’ve been perfectly content at a kabob shack).

While Zavien seemed to be contemplating the inquiry, Lena bent down towards her bag to fetch Mittens some treats, hoping to keep the companion amused while it sulked. When the Dragoon’s expression seemed to show acceptance, her breath eased, because there’d always been the chance she pushed a little too far with inquiries or statements. Relieved she hadn’t, she granted another broad grin, proud of her accomplishments. “Arctic fox, a leopard cat, and an encantado. Though I have not tried the last two yet.” An eventuality; when she found the hours to stretch feline limbs or embrace the waters. It would certainly give swimming new ventures. “I’m the only Attuned in my family.” For an additional fact, figuring it was her turn thereafter. All the others had, in Stormbreak tradition, been heavily Accepted and devout to all. Maybe that should've been a hint towards the underlying aspects of some sedition stored in her ribs; even if was minor.

His own fact caused her head to tilt, easing the same beam and polite nod to the waiter as they brought over drinks. In truth, she hadn’t noticed Zavien’s difficulty. There was an offer on her breath almost immediately, and then she retracted it instantly thereafter, not wanting to be rude, pushy, or overbearing. Even if it was in bestowal and assistance. “Did your school help at all?” It didn’t seem to bother him; and he’d likely found ways to adapt over the years.

 

Lena

Just smile and be happy.

"When have you ever known me to get the 'implied' meaning of things?" An eyebrow raised teasingly over his green eyes as he gave her a chuckling grin. Not that he wasn't smart, but some things took a little longer to drill into his head. 'Implications' were one of those things. You have to be a little blunter with the Dragoon, otherwise his head might explode. 

Resting his arm on the table again, he smiled at the long list (in his little experience) of shifts. "Wow! That's amazing!" If they weren't in the middle of a restaurant, he might have asked her to show him, but alas, he didn't think the other guests would appreciate a leopard appearing during their dinner. And he didn't know how personal she would find the request. Maybe he'd bring it up on their next outing somewhere. She'd have to practice with them eventually anyways. His eyebrows raised at her next fact. "Interesting. How many are in your family?" If she was one out of three to be Attuned, that would make more sense, but one out of nine would be much more surprising. Zavien also wondered if she was born Attuned, considering it was always possible that Frey had helped change her, but he didn't want to overwhelm her with questions just yet. They had time after all. 

Her own question brought out a light laugh. "Kind of. It took me more time to do assignments, but the teachers didn't really believe me, so I had to work harder to keep up. The homework practice helped though!" It also showed him that no one was going to lower the bar for him (hence the incessant training). For him, hard work always proved more effective than trying to ignore the issue. It helped that his mom sat with him when she had the time, sounding out the words and patiently waiting for him to stumble through the pronunciations. It was probably the only reason he wasn't illiterate. 

Thinking that it was probably his turn again, Zavien decided to also go along the line of family. "I never knew my dad." He didn't talk about it much, making the word 'dad' feel strange on his lips. Despite that, there wasn't any anger or animosity in his voice. He had long ago accepted the reality of his parentage, and it didn't bother him to talk about either of them. However, he also knew that it could be a source of 'pity' from people, so he kept things light and nonchalant, taking his first sip of the blueberry bush wine. It was really good, and Zavien nodded to Lena both to try it and indicate that she was up.

Zavien

Taking a sip of her wine, she was very pleased with the arrangement, making a content little hum as he threw out notions of suggestions and insinuations going beyond him. “Perhaps that’s something else you can work on,” she suggested with a quip and a wrinkle to her nose; not meaning it. But she’d keep that in mind from now on – to be point blank, concise, and thorough, rather than batting around the semblances; as they’d done in earlier circles.

Her family was its own run of other implications, so she swallowed down another taste before playing with her napkin. “There were four of us, my mom, dad, sister, and I, but I have many aunts, uncles, cousins, and the like.” All staunchly traditional; it’d been quite an upheaval when she’d announced her Attunement; though most of the roars have been staved off upon also introducing her occupation and just who had asked her. “How many are in yours?” Though she might’ve held off on the question further along, had she realized a missing portion.

She could almost envision a smaller version of Zavien working away on his monumental homework loads, so she smiled just the same – glad to know he wasn’t bothered by the arrangement. He’d managed, and always seemed like a capable striver. There was something to be said for the boundless angles of determination.

His final line though brought her down into some sort of silence, and though he didn’t seem angry, hostile, or embittered about the situation. Maybe that was forced, like the way she talked around Sera and her imminent fate; the way wars cast different shades of perils and traumas. Maybe it was how he coped. Or maybe it truly didn’t rankle; acceptance in the way he couldn’t change things. She wasn’t going to ask the whys either; it didn’t really matter. So she lowered her eyes briefly, before placing a smaller smile back on her features. “But you always had your mom?” Back to better things, maybe.

Realizing it was her turn again, she pondered over other notions – though some she was still a little wary of. Galvanized by another sip of wine, she pondered, gaze flicking towards the ceiling as she meandered through the possibilities. “I still only live in my Celestine office,” to which she snorted, because it probably sounded ridiculous. “But I am house hunting, promise! I was inspired by yours, actually. It seemed very comfortable.” Lived in. A shelter; rather than existing within work and away from any true healing.

 

Lena

Just smile and be happy.

The casual quip may have seemed like the end of that conversation if Zavien hadn't raised an inquisitive eyebrow.  "'Something else'? Do you have a list?" He knew he was a work in progress, but who wasn't? The idea just made him smile, leaning forward like she might pull out an itemized list of all his faults that she'd noticed thus far. Considering she probably wouldn't, he just pinned her with an amused look. 

On the topic of families, the choice of wording didn't really strike Zavien as strange, and even if it had, her discomfort would have been enough to keep him from picking at old wounds. With any luck, they'd have many more dates to delve into dead family members and deep dark secrets. So he settled for raised eyebrows and a soft whistle. "That's a lot." For comparison, he added his answer to her question, "It was just me and my mom." Maybe she would be more intuitive than him, picking up on his own wording, but he was too lost in thoughts of her 'large' family and what that would have been like. He'd grown up in a large community that felt like family, yet he didn't think it would feel the same to be blood related.

Her question in regard to his mom was not quite in the realm of 'better things,' but Zavien tried to keep things light with a nod of his head. "For a time." This time, the smile was more obviously shaded with grief. The passing of years had softened the pain, but her memories still tasted of melancholy and bitter regrets. He didn't say more, not wanting to darken the mood too much. After all, this was only a first date. 

Luckily, the next topic made it easy. He was happy to hear that she was finally moving someplace more comfortable than her office, smiling in approval (not that she needed it). Considering her shifting housing situation, and compliment of his own, Zavien gave a smile and the same automatic response that he gave all his friends: "Well, you're always welcome to stay with me." He was taking another sip of his wine before he realized the weight of his offer (again implications). A deep blush spread across his cheeks and he nearly spat the sweet drink from his mouth in a coughing fit. "I - I meant, if you need one. But you still have the Celestine, so you probably don't. But if you did, and wanted to crash at my place, I'd obviously sleep in one of the chairs. But not because of anything to do with you! You're great! Just to be polite..." His voice trailed off as he ran out of breath. Sol peeked open a lazy eye to see the source of the commotion, but quickly determined that his companion was just being an idiot and closed his eye again to resume his snoring. Zavien groaned, placing his hand over the burning of his face, mortified. "Please tell me that didn't sound as bad to you as it felt coming out of my mouth."

Zavien