rising suns and falling nights

Zavien

He'd gotten so used to being at Lena's house that he didn't even bother to knock, stepping in to find her in the kitchen. Zavien might have commented on the smell or how hungry it made him despite the dinner he'd had with Soh, but there was too much on his mind, too much information that he needed to share all buzzing in his head to get his attention. It was all a little overwhelming and the glint in his eyes was almost manic as he strode hastily towards her, Sol scampering quickly at his heels; however, there was too much excitement on his face for it to be bad news, his smile sheepish when he took her shoulders. "Okay okay. This is going to be a lot of information, so I need you to sit down."

With a gentle, yet hurried movement, he guided Lena towards the couch, making sure she was settled before he accidently spilled it all and scared her. He'd been trying to process it the entire way home, but it was still hard to believe it was real and he had to fight the urge to blurt it out just to prove it. 

Sol popped up to sit beside her, watching Zavien intently with a wagging tail. Pride and unashamed joy pulsed from the gold dragon. 

When the Dragoon released Lena, he held his hands up cautiously, preparing her as much as himself for the reveal and the cataclysmic, life-altering decision that had just been made. Taking a deep breath, he searched the warm brown of her eyes, hoping he wasn't about to ruin everything by not consulting her. "Are you ready?"

That’s How We’re Gonna Win.
Not Fighting What We Hate,
Saving What We Love.

Lena’s plans for the evening had been simplistic at best, especially after her recent ventures in King’s End. Storms were always a prevalent thing, but being soaked to the bone and coated in mud even had the most patient and compassionate individuals seeking solace – so after checking in the Celestine and making her usual rounds, she and Mittens had retired to their home, a wonderful thing to think about again. After a nice warm shower and scrubbing away the layers of dirt, soil, and earth, she’d tied her wet hair back in a simple braid, humming to herself, tending to the fire in the hearth and the gentle roar of its flames, before opting to coincide with some easy dinner. And maybe some cocoa.

By the time she’d rustled something upon the stove and plated it – uncertain if Zavien would be coming over or not, she wasn’t surprised to hear him flicker into the house, but more of the hastiness. The speed in which he flew across the kitchen left her wary, nervous, on edge – the last time they’d had any kind of rampant discussion had been disastrous, melancholy, and damning – so she couldn’t help the width of her eyes or the bout of apprehension, even if he seemed excited and eager, rather than disheveled and despondent. “Are you okay?” was the first thing pried out, but before she even had time to add anything to her hot chocolate or take a first bite, she was steered towards the living room and the couch.

Mittens had already begun glaring, hovering from its corner, but the way Sol seemed proud made her all the more confused. Glancing back and forth between companion and Dragoon, she opened her mouth, shut it, then swallowed down the usual bile that came with abrupt news – uncertain what to expect. Protectively, she started to curl back into the cushions, tugging at her robe so the fluffy, fleecy components covered her knees and hid her from impending doom. “I…think so? Did something happen?”

 

Lena

Zavien

"I'm okay. It's okay." He said the words as he corralled her to the couch, only faintly aware that he'd taken her from her hot chocolate, more focused on the soft touch of her robe and the concern in her eyes. 

Noting the way she shrank into the cushions, Zavien jumped straight into it, not wanting to stress her out further. "A few things did." That's when he started to pace. His hands were moving, trying to explain through the rambling of all the details and important points. "So, when I visited Safrin to finish my quest, she called me 'the Risen Sun' and started talking about this absurd idea of me leading Stormbreak. It was really strange and out of nowhere and I thought it was too unrealistic to even think about - after all, Soh has been working nonstop to get back to Stormbreak, to lead it." Zavien paused to take a breath then dipped his head as he continued, "But then I went to speak with her today and she was talking about how hard everything was and how she wasn't sure she wanted to lead anymore and asked if I knew anyone else and then I thought about Safrin's suggestion and I said ME - like I have any business leading a city." He laughed, shaking his head at how insane it all sounded, how insane he sounded. Spinning on his heels, he looked to Lena, his eyes a little panicked and his breathing was embarrassingly fast as he finally said, "But then Soh agreed and now I'm going to be the leader of Stormbreak." 

Zavien froze at the final statement, hands raised as he gave her a sheepish smile that looked slightly terrified while still brimming with what he hoped was excitement. It was a lot to process and he tried his best not to throw more words at her, because if he said anything else, he might just change his mind.

That’s How We’re Gonna Win.
Not Fighting What We Hate,
Saving What We Love.

That he was all right, that there hadn’t been another deadly experience, that the world wasn’t falling apart around them, did alleviate some of her concern – softened her glance into something not so wary and cautious. Still, she couldn’t help the guard clustered around her, wary and uncertain, as Zavien seemed to unravel each and every explanation.

She wouldn’t be getting any word in edgewise – so he’d have to do with her expressions for the time being – from shock and awe at Safrin’s exclamation of his newfound title, jaw dropping and smiling in wonder, happy for his success and claim to honor, to the furrowed brows and lines forming in confusion, in bewilderment, as Sohalia seemed to be…relinquishing her title, and giving it to him.

She blinked, taking a few breaths for a moment, processing it in the span of moments, granting a small smile while she made her way through everything. “First of all, congratulations,” he of the Risen Sun. “I…what happened to Sohalia? Did-,” they’d been doing so many things for her, to place her amidst the throne she’d craved while the rest of them simply wanted their home back.

But more so – did Zavien crave all the responsibility suddenly placed upon his shoulders? Something chafed at her – maybe the unfairness of it all, to drop so many things immediately on him, after promises and allegiances had already been made well in advance…but she never quite could fixate on what the Luminary’s main responsibilities and missions had been. No matter that, for she could likely spin machinations and puzzles about Sohalia's roles for hours - he was the focus for now, and ensuring he wasn't suddenly tossed into a part he didn't deign to play. “Is that something you want?” Not because he’d been asked or demanded or handed it over, but because he yearned for the role.

 

Lena

Zavien

A blush spread across his cheeks and Zavien straightened to run a hand through his hair. The title still felt a little embarrassing, but pride also swelled his chest, the honour giving him just a little more confidence in the grand scheme of things. 

Shaking his head, Zavien shuffled his feet, not sure he could really speak on Soh and her decision, but doing his best with a shrug of his shoulders. "I'm not really sure. I think too much has changed. She took the position when no one else wanted to, when the city was whole and at peace, but a lot has happened - she's been through a lot - and now she's not sure if it's what she wants." He looked to Lena, green eyes narrowed in concentration as he recalled their conversation. "At first, she was really conflicted about what's best for Stormbreak versus what she needs, but when I offered to lead..." a smile appeared like sunlight over the horizon, "it was like she'd been freed. There was hope in her eyes, Lena." It was what he wanted for everyone in Stormbreak.

Her question gave him pause, something hed asked himself multiple times in the last few hours. "I... never really thought about it until Safrin said something. Even then, I thought she was crazy." He laughed, shrugging his broad shoulders again. "I'm still not sure I want to lead, but I want the city to thrive. I've lived here all my life. I know and care about the people. I know what it's like to be pushed from your home. And I love that I get the chance to make them feel happy and safe again." There was a confidence in his stance, a resolution in how his spine straightened to accommodate the increasing load. 

Zavien gave her a small smile, a little more settled in his decision. "If that means I should take the job, that's what I'm going to do. I'll just have to learn the other stuff along the way." Like politics and paperwork. 

Considering it all, he angled his head to rearrange the thoughts, raising an eyebrow when he asked, "Does that make me crazy?"

That’s How We’re Gonna Win.
Not Fighting What We Hate,
Saving What We Love.

Something in Lena felt immediately disheartened – maybe that Sohalia had felt pressured again, had thought that mantle far too heavy, far too much of a burden, had snagged when it was peaceful, changed things for the better, and then had her heartbreaking losses. Abduction. Her trials and tribulations with the Family. The loss of her companion recently. Maybe it’d been too much to bear in the end for someone so young, and her eyes went downcast, thinking, frowning, at the state that maybe none of them had noticed. “I’m sorry to hear that – I hope she didn’t feel we weren’t doing enough for her, or too encumbered by it all…,” but it’d been difficult to tell. She’d led portions of the charge back into Stormbreak.

Perhaps, in the midst of it all, she’d felt everything begin to outweigh one another.

But it was Zavien’s response she wanted to hear most. To know he wasn’t taking something on that was going to pressure, consume, and wear him down. That it was a charge he wanted, rather than felt responsible for, because Safrin suggested it. Her eyes watched, studied his face, listened to the speech, trying to push all her misgivings aside for his benefit. Gods, they’d had so many changes lately. Fretting along the ties of her robe, she smiled in response, inclining her head. “If you want to do it, then I say go for it.” He had the drive and motivation, the spirit, the tenacity. “I don’t think it makes you crazy – look at all the other regions and their leaders.” Her hands went lightly towards his face, to capture him in between her warm palms. “As long as you’re ready for likely a very steep learning curve,” and she grinned, giving him a wink, feeling her heart settle at the fact that he appeared to be less adrift the more he talked. “Do you have a council in mind?” That way he had others to keep him steady.

 

Lena

Zavien

His own face fell with the weight of her words, baffled the stress that Soh had been forced to face - mostly alone. They should have been more supportive. They should have stopped Dahlia from taking the city. They should have done a lot of things differently, but he desperately wished that Soh didn't feel that she'd been abandoned. Sighing, he smiled sadly. "I hope not, but I also wonder if we were all too focused on the city and not enough on each other..." Whether things might have different or burdens better shared. 

As unfortunate as the situation was, Zavien was more distracted by other topics and fretting fingers. He felt the tension dissipate, his worries and concerns falling away in the wake of reassurances, winks, and laughter. "'Curve'? I was expecting something more like a cliff." Still, her gentle touch infused him with confidence, the reality beginning to set in. His smile shifted to something serious and honest for barely a moment as he said, "It's not going to be easy - and I'm a little terrified - but I want to do it." Time suspended, the decision made like a final stamp on his future.

However, the grin quickly returned to something lighter - brighter. He sat next to Lena on the couch, tilting his head as he thought over the people he wanted at his side. "Well, Soh agreed to stay on. I haven't talked to Koa, but I'm not sure if he'll have time between the Dragoons. I'll have to ask." When he looked to her, Zavien couldn't hide the shimmer of his eyes or the playful quirk to his lips. "And I have a very smart, compassionate, breathtakingly beautiful woman in mind, if she's up for the task." With each word, he leaned a little closer, raising an eyebrow in silent question.

That’s How We’re Gonna Win.
Not Fighting What We Hate,
Saving What We Love.

Lena could begrudge them that sentiment at least. She’d argue that none of them would’ve been able to take Dahlia on, that Koa had tried, and that they’d been so hellbent on survival (and sometimes they couldn’t quite conquer that either), that emotions and bearings and anything other than making it to the next day had sometimes not largely crossed her mind. She’d still yet to process, and probably never would, some of the crueler, more daunting aspects. “I think we tried the best we could with what we had,” she murmured in return, sighing, because sometimes it wasn’t much at all. Sohalia’s refuge in Torchline had been difficult to parse through as well, when most of them had gone to King’s End, striving to find salvation there. “I’ll see if I can talk to her regardless,” cementing that thought for later.

But Zavien’s alteration in attitude, at least segmenting something into positive filaments rather than the overbearing, daunting road ahead, she grinned again. “Mm, what is that saying…nothing worth having comes easy?” Granting him a wink once more, she pressed her lips to his cheek, intending to extend all the support and guidance and compassion she had for him – especially in this brave, unrelenting hour, when Stormbreak could come back together.

Sohalia agreeing to stay on was intriguing, but she said nothing of it, and Koa was a likelihood for their Dragoon troops, once they got everything squared away and official again. “Even if he doesn’t have time, just his experience and knowledge alone for the soldiers would be huge.” So they’d have a force again, if worst came to worst.

The extensions towards her though made her laugh and blush, shaking her head. “I might be able to take it on once more,” especially while not having her life threatened by Dahlia. “I can juggle my time between the Celestine and the council, if that’s what you need.”

 

Lena

Zavien

His head nodded, understanding even if he took note to pay more attention next time, to try harder. But he couldn't do much now beyond support Soh's decision, and Zavien smiled when Lena gave her plans. "I think that'd be a good idea." Perhaps she'd feel more comfortable opening up to the Caretaker, sharing any regrets or misgivings about the choice she'd ultimately made. 

As her lips planted on his cheek, Zavien's grin widened, feeling every ounce of emotion it had carried with it. He lifted a hand to her face, running a thumb over the crest of her cheek and offering his own playful wink of appreciation. "Then it wouldn't be worth it." Which meant nothing in the coming months was going to be easy, but the look in his eyes said he hoped she'd be there next to him the whole time. 

Even as they settled into further discussions of leadership and plans, Zavien had a pleased smile on his lips, recognizing Lena's penchant for traveling along the same lines of reasoning. "My thoughts exactly." Koa would be a valuable asset whether he was part of the council or not. With his position in the Dragoons and his overall strategic processing, Zavien would be a fool not to consult him. 

However, Koa wasn't the council member on his mind when that adorable blush was spreading across her cheeks. He wanted desperately to kiss her and jump at the offer - maybe not in that order - but he also wouldn't overwhelm her when she already had a lot of responsibilities with the Celestine. Placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, he dipped his head. "I wouldn't ask you to do it if I didn't want you to, but if you feel like it's too much or you're spread too thin, we'll make it work. Don't say yes just because I asked." His smile was warm, understanding, and overall like a soft ray of sunlight.

Then the quirk of his brows was both playful and slightly exasperated as he sighed loudly. "Although, regardless, this will make it infinitely harder to finally take that anniversary trip. So, working together might be some of the only chances we get to see each other." Of course he'd find and make time for her, but he couldn't be as free as he used to be if the city was relying on him.

That’s How We’re Gonna Win.
Not Fighting What We Hate,
Saving What We Love.

With agreements firmly in place, at least with attempts to reach out to Sohalia and Koa alike (wondering too – if things had been patched between them or if that was going to be another impending obstacle), Lena could turn her attention to Zavien, and perhaps her own role in things. Her nose wrinkled at the vast amount of implications and the gentle touches, taking a deep sigh of either relief or calm platitudes, trying to instill that lack of apprehension in her spine, despite the vast amount of trepidation from the preceding seasons. “I wouldn’t. I made it work last time.” She could do so again – though she had a notion both of them would be running themselves ragged in the upcoming interims just to get Stormbreak back to where it used to be.

Though she had to tilt her head at the notions of the anniversary trip – always seeming to spiral outward, gone within a moment of planning. “You know,” she hummed, “I was thinking of some kind of ‘stay-cation’ anyway.” Perhaps to ease the burden, with another gentle wink, because they’d been gone for so long from their home anyway – it felt strange to think of dispersing already. “Maybe we make some progress on the council, the clean up….and then figure things out?” Laughing and shaking her head, she tried to ease the strain with another joke in the volley of upcoming burdens. “I wouldn’t want to be the cause of your dereliction of duty.”

 

Lena

Zavien

There was very little chance of Zavien arguing with Lena, especially when it came to selfishly relying on her as he stepped into this new role. However, his smile still softened a touch, genuine in his sincerity. "Okay, but let me know if that ever changes." He would not be the reason for her unhappiness in whatever regard it may be, no matter how much weight he had to carry. 

Grinning at the more positive and elusive topic of vacations and 'stay-cations,' Zavien chuckled at the perpetually practical notions of his girlfriend. "I think we could make that work - I'm certainly in no hurry to leave. Maybe we set aside a weekend for just us? Even if we just plan out the occasional dinner." He didn't mention that there would be plenty of spontaneous flowers and stolen moments. 

His eyes glittered at her joke, leaning in a little closer, humming his humor to the tune of optimism. "Mmm. If I had to choose a cause for my failure, I'd gladly pick you." Zavien pressed a kiss to her cheek, playful yet precious in its certainty. "But I don't think you have to worry about that. I have a good feeling."

That’s How We’re Gonna Win.
Not Fighting What We Hate,
Saving What We Love.

The Caretaker being the type to take multitudes of burdens on, she likely wouldn’t be voicing anything until truly overwhelmed, but she nodded just the same. “And you let me know if things feel like too much for you.” It was one thing to be on the council and involved with the Celestine, it was another to be taking on the overwhelming prospects of leadership and sovereignty, even with delegating issues at hand. Then they’d have to figure something else out.

Staycations were a bit more pleasant though, and far less taxing. “Mm. I can scout out some places too.” She winked thereafter, hinting that it’d be fundamentally a surprise, maneuvering her face around to perfectly time with his lips aligning with hers, instead of her cheek. “A failure, and all my fault? I don’t think so,” and she wrinkled her nose, rising from the couch. “Do you want any food? I started making dinner and I have some hot chocolate too. I needed something after that regional part in King's End."

 

Lena

Zavien

Zavien couldn't imagine it being too much right now, excitement coursing through his veins, but after Soh... His agreeing nod finished before her mischief was showing through, hinting at her own schemes for romance. He grinned and didn't stop at the coy maneuvering of his kiss, lingering a little longer at the contact. As she pulled away, he chuckled and winked in return, holding his position for a moment. "Then we'll just have to make it a success so the people don't blame you too much."

At that delightfully playful threat, Zavien turned to stand, trailing Lena into the kitchen like he wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the galaxy. Like a planet in orbit, as she moved around the counter, he kept close, peering over her shoulders at whatever meal she'd been preparing. He felt his mouth watering, his stomach adjusting to make room for the deliciousness that had him groaning. "Ugh. I already ate, but I can't ever say no to your cooking. And hot chocolate?" Zavien leaned over to sniff at the cooling mug of sweetness, peeking teasingly at her as he did so, a grin on his lips. "Will you still like me if I become a fat slouch at a desk?"

That’s How We’re Gonna Win.
Not Fighting What We Hate,
Saving What We Love.

She gave a pretensive gasp and scoff at his claim, hand going to her chest as she shook her head, already managing to start a plate of the proteins and vegetables she’d placed within a large basin of soup. She’d needed something savory and comforting after being out in the storm and mud for hours on end. “A little bowl then,” she hinted, wrinkling her nose and handing it over to him.

Though she did laugh at the mere notion of him becoming a slouch at a table, sipping at some of her hot chocolate before it cooled any further – then placing the ladle back within the pot, spooning out the hearty combination of potatoes, carrots, and blink hare meat. “I can’t imagine you’d ever keep yourself tied to that desk. And with any lack of fitness, you’ll have to take that up with Koa,” and she winked in return – presuming he’d still be striving to keep pace with the rest of the guild members.

 

Lena