Perhaps the closest equivalent of Caido’s golden retriever energy, Zavien has been the light in an otherwise patch of darkness. Always putting others first, working hard at being a Dragoon and helping Stormbreak thrive in kindness, and always being optimistic, Zavien’s outlook is refreshing and wonderful even with drama and terrible things occurring around him. He always has something helpful to say and a willingness to lend a hand that makes it so fun to keep up with him and we can’t wait to see what else comes his way.
Congratulations, Zavien!
Credits
Court of the Fallen was created in October of 2018 by Odd, Honey, and Crooked.
Skinning and hosting by the epically talented Kaons, and functionality fanciness by the coding magic of Neowulf. If you ever see either of them around, make sure to show them some love!
Mastered Item:
Type: Light | Style: Other | Level: Mastered
La Verbena | A personal skyboat (schooner) capable of travelling at 2x wagon speeds over most types of terrain. Can accommodate 2 people onboard during flight.
and sweetest in the gale is heard and sore must be the storm
Waiting in dread, for something awful, conniving, or outlandish to happen wasn’t like her. And while she might have been snagged in manners of trepidation, the Caretaker wasn’t going to allow it to become her life – not when there were too many others things to do. The Celestine had once again become her solace, a sanctuary, a safeguard, a shelter, a means to distraction and necessity; rather than floating off in apprehension and tragedy.
But she also had scores of other things to do – so she marched across the Plaza with her head held high, undaunted and unbroken no matter how many fringes or edges yearned, threatened, to crumble, eyes searching and roaming the market. She had enough friends to send some gifts and trinkets to for their efforts, and maybe it’d be sealed and signed with apologies as well. Stopping at the flower stand, she gave a quick smile to the gardener, before inspecting several portions of lavender, and leashing Mittens to her side before the snowball began it's usual decree of tossing its head back and forth.
that could abash the little bird that kept so many warm
Zavien loved this time of year. The chilly weather made him appreciate the warmth of friends and family more as they gathered around the fire and shared gifts in the soft lights. He hadn't truly celebrated with people in years, but he still enjoyed perusing the shops to find gifts for the local less fortunate, especially the kids. They always greeted him with bright laughs and often "helped" him with his training near the edge of the city, even if it usually ended with a tickling match and ear-piercing squeals. As a token of affection, every year, he got them small treats and toys to remind them that the world is a good place filled with kind people.
The savory smell of a kebab stand had him pausing to reward himself with a steaming snack. Its juices and spicy seasoning brought a satisfied grin to his face and he slowed his stroll to appreciate the flavors with a deep hum. His eyes drifted closed for a fleeting moment, but it was long enough to have him bumping into a shorter figure in front of him. With a stumbled correction, he made sure to support her with a gentle hand. A large blush spread across his face in embarrassment at his inconsiderate clumsiness and he fumbled through a series of apologies, "Oh no! I'm so sorry! I didn't hurt you, did I? I obviously wasn't watching where I was going. I was just so distracted. Are you okay? I'm such an idiot sometimes. Please forgive me." He took a breath in preparation for another string of remorseful lines, but snapped his mouth closed in self-conscious correction. Zavien didn't want to bombard this poor woman with more words. Instead, he just smiled sheepishly.
Mastered Item:
Type: Light | Style: Other | Level: Mastered
La Verbena | A personal skyboat (schooner) capable of travelling at 2x wagon speeds over most types of terrain. Can accommodate 2 people onboard during flight.
and sweetest in the gale is heard and sore must be the storm
The last thing Lena expected was to be jostled and bumped, and Mittens’ shrill hiss was enough of a warning – though it was a good thing she had the companion leashed – or else other things might’ve been more disastrous. She was saved from tumbling into the stand by the stranger’s hands, and when she whipped around, saw it wasn’t an unfamiliar person at all. “Oh sorry,” though she didn’t know why she was apologizing – more of an automatic thing than anything else. “Zavien, wasn’t it?”
Whether or not those memories and names would bring back their failure amidst the swamp scarcely mattered – she found it difficult to forget. “I’m all right,” though Mittens was irate, and it took more than a moment to wheedle the snowball back into the confinement of her arms.
that could abash the little bird that kept so many warm
He blinked momentarily as recognition began to enter his mind. The lightbulb went off, evident as his face lit up like a ray of sunlight. Although the swamp had been an utter failure, he didn't let the past impact his current mood, sliding it off his back and into the rearview. Zavien chose to focus on the woman in front of him instead. What was her name? Had he ever heard it? They were a little distracted last time they'd met. He felt like a fool, standing there with a blank space in his mind.
His blush deepened and he noticed he still had his hands supporting her, so he pulled back to run his fingers through his hair. "Uh, yeah! What a coincidence! Um..." Rather than just spouting a random name, he laughs nervously and says, "I'm so sorry. I don't think I remember your name." Fearful that he may have offended her, he started waving his hands quickly. "Not that I don't remember you! You were incredible at the Feverlands! It was definitely thanks to you and the beavers that we got as far as we did!" He glanced down at the snowball, adding, "And your companion, of course!"
Feeling that he was digging a deeper hole, Zavien sighed loudly and ran a hand down his face. With a soft smile to hopefully reset the encounter, he looked back to her. "Is there anything I can assist you with? I don't feel like I was much help during our last meeting." He silently prayed that she'd put him out of his misery. From bumping into her to forgetting her name, he couldn't imagine how stupid he looked.
