[center][img]https://i.ibb.co/0CZnHYX/Orion-removebg-preview.webp[/img][/center][sub]Interactions:[@PrinceAlexus] Sya [/sub][hr]
[indent][color=#ffffff]Sya’s confession about being tipsy came out with such genuine honesty that it caught Orion off guard, and he couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at her bold declaration. Still, as Sya looped her smaller arm through his, he shifted his weight just a tad, making sure he was solid enough to support her without either of them toppling over. [/color]

[color=#0054a6]“I’ll be careful,”[/color][color=#ffffff] the blightborn man reassured his companion, his voice taking on a gentler note. As the corners of his lips threatened to betray him with a smirk, he added, [/color][color=#0054a6]“Though I believe your dear Becky has likely granted you her forgiveness long ago for your little escapade. If not, well, perhaps she is simply biding her time.” [/color][color=#ffffff]There was a warmth in his gaze as he watched her, hoping to see a bit of laughter in return. Yet, it wasn’t long before that warmth dimmed, replaced by the weight of her sudden change in mood.[/color]

[color=#ffffff]The tear sliding from Sya’s single, large blue eye reflected in the moonlight, and Orion felt a pang of empathy as she spoke of old memories and long-lost happiness. The way her voice faltered when she asked, [/color][color=#c4df9b]“Will we be happy again?” [/color][color=#ffffff]left him a little perplexed and unable to answer immediately. Could any of them truly hope for happiness after all they had endured? After what they had [/color][i][color=#ffffff]become[/color][/i][color=#ffffff]?[/color]

[color=#0054a6]“I think… happiness isn't just something we stumble upon randomly,” [/color][color=#ffffff]Orion finally said, shifting the weight of his thoughts into words.[/color][color=#0054a6] “It's more like...a game of chess. Victory we achieve with the right steps taken. And honestly, Sya, you’ve already made some strong moves. Just look at The Eye and the way you're nurturing that community—it’s definitely something noteworthy.” [/color][color=#ffffff]He looked down at her, the corners of his mouth curling up as his gaze softened. [/color][color=#0054a6]“I get that it might not seem like much at the moment, but believe me, it’s way more significant than what a lot of folks can even claim for themselves in these times.”[/color]

[color=#ffffff]Sya’s giggle then lightened the mood, and his worries, as she shifted topics with the fluidity only wine could provide. Her jest about his bedtime and her return to the “snake tower” elicited a quiet chuckle from him. [/color][color=#0054a6]“ I’d hate to keep the Prince waiting. He’s likely counting the hours until my return,” [/color][color=#ffffff]Then, he shook his head. [/color][color=#0054a6]“Well no..that’s not quite right. I imagine him to be quite busy trying to make a kinder world with this place. No small feat that.” [/color]

[color=#ffffff]As they moved through the snow, Sya’s scales brushed against his leg when she stumbled slightly, but he steadied her with ease, his hand briefly resting on her arm to ensure she didn’t fall. [/color]

[color=#0054a6]“Careful,”[/color][color=#ffffff] he murmured. [/color][color=#0054a6]“You’ve got me as your escort now, but let’s not give Becky another story to tell.” [/color][/indent]