Cervato - Girl On Fire (Part 1 of Cervato's Saga)

Reflections on Zarek Stone

Dusty floors. She really needed to sweep with that over sized broom. Cervato found herself lounging on a small lover's couch, perfect for just her and Zarek. Her toes curled, trying to somehow sustain warmth from the bed she had pulled herself moments before.

Today, she was on her own again. Although both of them worked for the Ebon Vanguard, they were often scheduled different rotational patrol shifts. It never bothered her. He'd left a kiss on her lips in the early morning hours, whispering his words of love next to her cheek, then left.

Draped in a large lavender blanket, except her feet of course, she sat there, taking note of all the things she could do. Two fuzzy bundles slept huddled together in a corner, atop flannel blankets. Ciree and Azul, the Krytan Hound puppies clearly maturing past their initial cuteness, yet still adorable in her eyes. Suddenly, a weight made itself known at her side, as four small feet hopped up onto the loveseat. Winston purred, rubbing himself along her, searching for her hands. Of course, Cervato complied, fingers curling to gently caress behind an ear.

Content, she allowed her mind to wander. Back to the time when she truly had met Zarek in the Ossan Tavern. She'd just started working for the Noble House Zwe, and had spent much of her time late into the night trying to uncover a terrible mystery. Atreyu. Theron. Dazanbi. Rinn. A few more faces passed through her mind, as that time seemed so far away. The next morning, she had dragged herself to the tavern, simply wanting a cup of coffee to make the exhaustion go away.

His cheerful voice was the first thing that came to mind. Asking for a cup of coffee like her own, yet ensuring he also had an entire container of sugar to add to it. As he waited, his gaze had wandered over to her. He seemed real young in her opinion, and there was something exciting about that. She'd been on her own for so long, running away and casting aside her birthright, stress with her new job, and that which was hidden to all. Colorful was putting it lightly when she considered her previous flings with men of all backgrounds. She had grown to live to please herself. Do what she wanted. It did not matter what happened next. Living in the moment.

Yet here he was, giving her a sweet smile, taking note of the dark circles under her eyes that makeup just could not seem to hide. They chatted, making small talk. Every caring, he noted the way she seemed to wince as her shoulders moved and offered a small massage. She accepted, and he worked at the knots and kinks out with ease. Ever grateful she thanked him. Winston, always present somewhere along Zarek (backpack, satchel, inside chestplate, you name it, Winston the warrior kitten could fit there), was introduced as well, Cervato taking an immediate liking to the small kitten at the time.

With no intent on anything more than to show her gratitude, she'd offered for him to have breakfast with her, to then come to her home, to continue their conversation, and just get to know each other better. Their conversations went well on into the night, before Cervato had realized it had grown so late. They'd gone over common things, such as favorite color, profession, where they came from. Zarek entertained her with his thought provoking questions such as where she saw herself in five years from then. Or to describe a perfect day with someone she loves. The conversation turned to relationships then. Even at such a young age, yet not surprising, Zarek had had his fill of people. Even boasting that women would sometimes get jealous over him. The workings in Cervato's own mind came forth. She was older. She knew better. He was just starting to work his life into something wonderful. And she wanted a taste of what could be. He kissed her. She held nothing back.

The next morning, something new stirred in her heart. It felt different. It felt nice. Warm. A light feeling. She never felt guilty after anything, yet that day she felt almost refreshed. He had stayed.

Her thoughts quickly turned to a number of events. She had fallen hard. Fallen fast. Her heart torn in two. She had taken Zarek's heart in her hands and crushed it. He was perfect. And something in her made her want to break him. So she did. In the end hurting more than a few others.

He forgave her. Even after that, he had forgiven her. Then, Ti'lay and Deronjur had left. Off to fight for a noble cause, without her. She desperately wanted to go with them, yet was left behind. With this, her soul fell into depression. Bottles. She barely remembered the taste of anything else besides alcohol that first month.

He still stood by her. Others of course expressed their concern. Nothing got through. They tried so hard. Zarek. He forced his way in again. Always trying even when it was futile in her own opinion. Cervato grew to hate herself. Hate her life. Hate how she had caused him pain. Hate how selfish she was and how selfless he had proven to be.

Then...he brought her back. The last secret between them killed her. How could she still hide information from him? Yet she had sworn her oath. That day, she fully intended to reveal all after completing the last mission, and as if by fate, Zarek had caught her in Ebonhawke. She hurt him. Physically. Then as her identity was revealed, emotionally. She fully intended to end her life, praying that some other kind soul would take him, give Zarek the love and life that he deserved.

He saved her again.

Even after that, he had reached out, and held her. Professing his love.

Cervato shook her head, bringing herself back to reality, wiping at her eyes as tears had begun to run down her face. Winston made a small noise of protest to Cervato, clearly unhappy that his petting had ceased too soon.

She provided their 'son' a warm smile. Opening her mouth to say something and once again realizing she couldn't.

Pushing the dark thoughts aside, she thanked the Six once more, for giving her another chance. She was going to make everything right by Zarek now. She'd always be imperfect, undeserving, and hopeless. Yet she was going to do her best.

Zarek only deserves love.