Balance of Light and Dark

[thomaswaterstrike]

John set the last of the chocolates into the boxes and reach for the lids to place them on when Thomas walk into the living room of their apartment.  “Dad?” he asks, seeing the serious look on his adoptive father’s face.

Thomas glance at the boxes. “Are those for your friends Khyran and Ruran?” he asks.  At John’s nod, he pulls out to letters.  “If you would be kind to include these in with the chocolates.”

John looks at the letters curiously, “Um, alright.”  He was about to open one up but was stop by a gentle hand on his glove one.  “I guess it’s something serious.”

“Yes,” Thomas said.  “A voidsent that had attacked a young boy. I wish to hear the advice on how best to deal with it…and if possible, on how to destroy it.”

“I can help…”

“NO!”  John drew back from Thomas’ outburst.  “I…I’m sorry, John but this voidsent is far too dangerous. I do not wish you harm.  It is why I wish to speak with your friends because I’m afraid I’m too old to face this void on my own.”  He rubs John’s ear in a fatherly way.  “And you have your own family that does not wish to see you hurt…or do I need to remind you what happen with young Howl?”

John ducks his head, remembering those days when Howl had been missing after the fight at Specula Imperatoris, and wraps his arm around himself.  Thomas sighs and kneels next to John.  “I will be careful, John.  But I need to know that you will be safe.  You and Howl and the others that you are living with now…the whole of you have your own lives, long ones that I hope, to live.  Please understand that I only telling you this because I do not wish for you to go down the path that I once did.”  He was startle as John’s own arms wrap around him, but only for a moment.  “Now now, I still also have much to live for. I wish to see grandchildren from you and Tanya.”

“DAD!” John says, blushing. After a moment, he takes the letters from Thomas, place one in each of the boxes.  He stands up and makes his way to the door.  “I’m off.”

Thomas stood up, watching the door close behind his son, before he allows his temper to rise up to chill the room.  He knew that he had lie to his son, but he did not wish to upset him or even risk bring what few memories might still reside from the Siren that had tried to use him and his gift to remain in this world.  She would pay with her own life for what she did to John and he would be the one to do it. *****

The letter would arrive in the box of chocolates that John sent.  The writing is neat though a bit rough compare to John’s own handwriting.  The name written on the outside of the folder letter would just save Master Thomas to Kyran Oisin.

Sir Khyran Oisin,

It has come to my attention that you have a voidsent in your precession, one that is held trap by your hands, a voidsent that should not be allowed to have a chance to be free. First, I wish to thank you for what you did, removing the memories and her from my son, John.  I only wish to see that the Siren is dealt with.  As for how that may be done, I have sent off a letter to another Hunter that I hope may have

some idea on best protect any that would face her…or he knows someone that could find a way to keep her from using her ‘Song’ to control others.  If you are free, please let me know so that I can speak with you about what you had to do to remove her and her memories from John’s mind, so that I may be to see if there might have been any lasting effects with my son.

 May Nald’thal’s and Rhalgr’s blessing be on you,

Master Thomas Waterstrike, Lord of House Waterstrike

****

The letter would arrive in the box of chocolates that John sent. The writing is neat though a bit rough compare to John’s own handwriting.  The name written on the outside of the folder letter would just save Master Thomas to Ruran Vas.

Ser Ruran Vas,

I wish your help.  I have just recently received information concerning John and a voidsent.  You know of my son’s Gift.  I fear a Siren, perhaps long lived and a high run, use his gift against him.  She implanted her memories into him, to torcher him for the minor roll he and the Unit he was with prior to returning to the Flame Unit ‘Dagger’.  If allow myself to think of what those memories did to my son…I fear I would have to rewrite this letter to you.  Know that she is no longer link to John, her being and memories now held trap by one that is also a Hunter like us and close friend to John.  I have sent a letter to Sir Khyran Oisin to see if you still hold her trap and if there might be lingering effect from what he did to remove her.

If you may have a way to kill her without her ‘Song’ effecting and controlling those that would face her is for some reason she has found a way to free herself from her prison.  If not yourself, then maybe fellow Hunters might be able to give advice on best to deal with her.  Please contact me when you receive with what help you can offer, and I’ll let you know as well on what Sir Khyran has told me.

 May Nald’thal’s and Rhalgr’s blessing be on you,

Master Thomas Waterstrike, Lord of House Waterstrike

(@weepingknight​ and @khyranoisin)

[thomaswaterstrike]

Ruran Vas emitted a thoughtful hum, trying to remember his teachings. Ari'doram's light glimmered. "It was...a very long time ago indeed. Mhach and Nym, yes?"

"Mhach, Nym, and a city name Amdapor."  Thomas Waterstrike’s eyes went distance.  "From what was told, the elementals cause a great flood because their war drain the very land of aether."  A dark look settle on his face.  "If only it had been as simple as that."

Ruran nodded quietly, but then his head canted. Behind the shadows of his mask, his brows furrowed. "There is more to it..?"

Thomas nods.  "From what was pass down in my family line, those in Amdapor were great in aether, healing, but also golem work...or more to it, giving life to that which shouldn't have it.  From the other side, great destructive power, using the aether of oneself.  But to do so...they sided with the void and in turn would bind them to their own will.”

"That...sounds terrible," Ruran murmured, a frown in his tone. "But to be expected. Siding with the Void yields nothing but the destruction of oneself." He seemed quiet certain of this, and his stone flickered in approval. The knight hesitated, lingered on the hunter's previous words. "...'Giving life to that which should not have it'..?"

"Stone, to do as they bid.  Craved statues, use aether from the land to grant life to it, to use the same spell that those of Amdapor knew.  Yet that drain the land as it was not release once it was done."  He bow his head, the weight of a thousand years on his shoulders.  "Yet neither care on what they did to the land, how the power was killing the land, until the flood came.  Those that didn't die flee, those of my line arriving in Gyr Abania.  Those of my line flee into the higher mountain."

"I see..." Ruran shifted his weight from one plated foot to the other, nodding as the story was told. "It is true, the land--and its aether--can only take so much..." His head canted, allowing Thomas to speak more of the tale.

"Both side came together, realizing that if those after them live, that it shouldn't be forgotten what wrong was done."   He look up at Ruran.  "A balance was decided as a way to make amends for what was done. We work on using both black and white magic to hunt those voidsent that use the flood to escape, to heal those that had been hurt because of what our ancestors did."  He sigh, "Those of my blood still practice that first steps into what later became know as Red magic."

Thomas  points at his chest.  "It is a hard balance to achieve and harder to maintain."

"Ah--red magic, I have heard of such," he replied, his posture perking for a moment. "Yours does seem quite difference... There is danger in practicing black magic, as well as white--I am sure you know this well. I am impressed you are able to balance it..."

With @weepingknight

"Do not be impressed.  There has been time when I have lost my anger...and hunted not to protect but in revenge."

Ruran blinked, and his posture shrunk a bit. "A-apologies."

Thomas shook his head.  "I am old now, young one.  The balance I hold now...came from my lost of it."  He offer a smile.  "You have nothing to apologies for.  I only wish to see that you do not fall into the shadows that your light forms.  It is something that I hope Tanya will come to understand now that she is more aware of the darkness in her."

Ruran offered a small nod. "I am relieved that she has remained safe for so long, considering the circumstances of her reunion. A-as for...my shadow, I shall heed your warning. I have...experienced enough to know that power has a price."

Thomas stands up.  "That is good."  He cants his head.  "I will make sure to let Kit and John know that you are well.  Do not be surprise if you have chocolates arrive. John has gotten a good talent for cooking."  A smile softens his face.  "I gladly blame it on those that he calls family now."

Ruran straightened at the mention of chocolates; the knight always had a weakness for sweets. "I--I thank you, for taking the time to seek me out. Y-you may oft find me here, and if not, you may leave a note with the proprietress, and it shall reach me. Apologize to Kit for me, for making her worry..."

Thomas "I will do so."  He replace the cap on his head.  "I do need to speak with John though soon.  I want to know if he has had a chance to speak with the Healer Maril about how best to control his own gift with aether."

Ruran's masked face tilted. "Oh, Maril? I could not suggest anyone better for such matters. She works for the company as I. Shall I mention it to her, if I see her?"

Thomas nods.  "If it is not a bother to you.  If she might find a way to allow him to touch without being plague by vision of the past."  Thomas said, not realizing that Ruran may not have known about that gift.  "I'm thankful that Ser Warren and his lover has gotten him to at least see that this gift isn't a curse."  He tap the voidsent on the paper.  "Stun first.  It is very quick.  As soon as you have it stun, drive your sword into it side.  That is best weak point for hitting the heart in it."

Thomas bows to him.  "And, please be careful with the hunt, young one."

Ruran's brows rose. He had indeed not heard of John's recent plight. "I shall be certain to tell her, should I see her," he promised, his tone serious. His gaze turned to the paper, and he gave a curt nod. "Stun first... I shall try to subdue it quickly." His head bowed politely. "Thank you, sir, i-it was...nice to see you again."

"And you as well."  He gave a quiet chuckle.  "Ah...to be twenty or so Sun younger.  It has been a while since I have done this kind of a hunt."  He allow a soft smile touch his lips.  "Maggie may have some words about that though.  My wife would probably not like more grey hairs added to the ones that John has given her."

"Ah--" He quickly nodded. "Yes, please keep yourself safe, for her sake as well as yours. You are still doing your part, in teaching the next generation."

Thomas give Ruran a fatherly look.  "I mean it young one.  I do now wish to be the one to tell Kit that you and your partner became hurt.  I want to see you and this generation able to teach those that come after."

"O-of course. I...I shall be careful." He glanced down, shifting uneasily. "You have my word, I shall make every action an intention."

Thomas taking his staff in hand, he place several gil pieces on the counter. "This should cover for anything he may need on his travel." he says to the young woman behind the counter. "I remember how hard it was getting supplies when I first started out."  He gave a nod.  "May Thal not call you to his side for a long time, Ser Ruran."

Ruran made a small sound to object, but stopped himself and offered a grateful bow of his head instead. "Th-thank you, sir, y-you are very kind. I pray the same for you, as well."

Thomas gave another bow and made his way out of the inn.

(@weepingknight​, mention @johnwaterstrike, mention @tanyawaterstrike)

[weepingknight]

The door opened, and a slightly familiar hyur stepped in, the staff used as a cane as he move into the inn. Step, Steptap, step, steptap. If Ruran looked up, he would see an older but slightly familiar hyur moving toward him. “You,” came the kind but elderly voice, “are a hard hyur to find, Ser Ruran.”

Ruran Vas peered at the counter, idly sorting through a few papers and flyers. Judging by his sand-dusted armor and trusty blade, he was geared for combat—or at least the anticipation of it. His white mask turned to glance toward the door, and he made a near double-take. “Oh,” he blinked, his head canting, and then his eyes lit with realization. “S-sir. I apologize, I-I…tend to move around. It has…been a while.”

Thomas Waterstrike offered a kind smile. “I was away from the Goblet for a week, so it would probably explain why I did not find you when I first sought you out.” He looked the younger hyur over. “It seems that you have just returned as well, young one.”

“Just about to head out, actually,” Ruran gently corrected. The muffled tone behind his mask was a kind one. “B-but you…have been looking for me? Has something happened?”

Thomas frowned, giving a closer look at Ruran. “Yes, I have been looking for you, between looking a new student to teach.” He shook his head. “No, things are fine with both John and Tanya. They are not living far from this inn.” Thomas wished that he could see behind the mask, just so that he could put his mind at ease. “It was Kit that asked me to check on you and her friend.”

Ruran blinked. “Kit?” The stone at his chest flickered once. Overall, Ruran appeared…fine. The same as he always did, if not a bit more weathered. He regarded the man thoughtfully. “I suppose I have seen neither her nor John since…the incident at Qarn. I can see why she would worry.” His feet shifted against the wooden floor. “If I do not see them soon, will you assure them that I am—we are,” he motioned to his stone, “doing well?”

Thomas was still watching him. “I will do so, but I can see why Kit is worried at least for you.” His eyes flickered over the inn, not seeing another fairy or even a carbuncle. Though his eyes did move to the stone when Ruran motioned to it. The cap was removed, showing more of Thomas’s concern face. “Have you even rested since you first got back?” he asked, motioning to the papers that Ruran had been looking through.

The papers consisted mostly of bounties and hunts; the one on top was for a voidsent, and likely the one that Ruran was most interested in. “I…I have—I did…a while back.” He fidgeted. “R-rest is…not something that comes easy for me. I try, but, it is…better that I keep myself busy. There is no cause for worry.” His head shook. “I know my limits, moreso than I did before.”

Thomas released a hard breath. “At least that is something that has been learned.” He shook his head. “I blame my age and life on my anger. I had forgotten what I had been like, seeking to right what had been wrong from long ago.” He eyed the stone, addressing it, “And just because you may be beyond mortal coils, old one, you should still not push yourself. Kit doesn’t want to see one of the few that she sees as friends destroy itself so it can be free.”

The soulstone at Ruran’s neck gleamed in acknowledgment, though it spoke no words. “Ari'doram has much more energy than I do. I do not fear it pushing itself beyond its limits anytime soon,” Ruran assured with a shake of his head. “You…said you were looking for students? Have you found any potential ones?”

“Then Ari'doram must also realize that you have limits as well.” He placed his hand on Ruran’s arm, holding his other hand just over the stone on his own chest. “You both must work on a balance, just as Kit and John still do, and just as I must remain balance like those of my blood.” The aether they would both feel was a true balance of darkness and light, just enough coolness to not burn for the light, cold but only enough to not hurt for the darkness. “Ah, I have found a couple of young ones that are just showing the signs of using aether,” he said, releasing Ruran’s arm and drawing his hand back. “They are still a bit young to be sent to the Thaumaturge’s guild.  I have offer the parents to teach them if they so wish.”

Ruran canted his hand at the touch, sensing both the darkness and the light. The stone at his chest flickered several beats. “They would be wise to choose a teacher like you,” the knight’s quiet voice complimented. “…I-If I may ask, how is it that you became such? Light and dark, there is both within you. I-I have heard of those who wield the dark arts to fight the darkness itself. Is it similar..?”

Thomas looked thoughtful. “Ah, it is a long story, one from long, long ago. Kit herself is from that time, though I do not know if her or her master fought in that war.”  He moved to sit. “Tell me, the both of you. How much do you know of the Magi War?”

The masked man emitted a thoughtful hum, trying to remember his teachings. Ari'doram’s light glimmered. “It was…a very long time ago indeed. Mhach and Nym, yes?”

“Mhach, Nym, and a city named Amdapor.” His eyes went distant. “From what was told, the Elementals caused a great flood because their war drained the very land of aether.”  A dark look settled on his face. “If only it had been as simple as that…”

{ @starlin23 }

[thomaswaterstrike]

Thomas Waterstrike looks over the two children as one set of parents stood by quietly and the father of the other kept pressing him about why he had to test the other child.  Could he not see that his son was more powerful then the girl.  Personal, he had heard enough for the boy’s father.  “Both has a way with aetherical magic.  The boy way not be strong in the use of destructive magic but in the healing arts...”

The boy cowers as his father raises his hand.  “I told you, you were to practice before Master Waterstike came.  How dare you embarrass our family...” the hand came down at the boy.

Thomas’s staff block the hit.  “You,” came Thomas quiet voice, an icy chill rising up around the three, “will Not strike him.”  The boy’s father tried to match the icy glare that Thomas has but he drop his eyes after a moment.  “The child will be taught but I will not see one so young be cowered in such a fashion.”

The father back away, shivering from the cold.  “Fine...take the boy.” he says, spinning around without so much a goodbye.  The mother came forward, placing a kiss on the top of the boy’s head.  “Please forgive him.  You know the business has been stressful for him right now.”

Thomas wanted to say more but held his tongue.  The children were already scared enough for his own displace of anger.  “I’ll see to their tickets when they are ready to come to Ul’dah.  I’ll also speak to my wife and see if she would be willing to take your son on as well as the student that she is teaching.”

After a last few details with the children’s parents.  He left Lisma and flew back on the airship to Ul’dah.  He was meet by one of his former students as he came off the airship.  “Master...Master, I think I saw the person you wish to speak with.  I saw him step into the inn at the forth ward of the Goblet.”

“Thank you, Stephan.  Please let Maggie know that I may be late for dinner.”  The young man nods, giving a quiet “I will, Master Waterstrike.”  Now, a small stop by the Goblet.

The door opens and a slightly familiar hyur steps in, the staff used as a cane as he move into the inn. Step, steptap, step, steptap.  If Ruran looks up, he would see an older but slightly familiar hyur moving toward him.  "You," came the kind but elderly voice, "are a hard hyur to find, Ser Ruran."

(@weepingknight)

[johnwaterstrike]

Kit floats in front of the door before knocking on it.  “Yes?” came a far older voice on the other side.  ‘It’s Kit.  Can I speak with you Tom?’  The sound of a chair pushing back came from the other side.

Thomas Waterstrike open the door for the fairy, slightly surprise of the other being here.  “Kit, is something wrong?  Or are you bring me a message from John?”  He move over to the desk, pulling out an apple favor piece of candy.  “Here, you probably need the sugar.”

Kit cheer, taking the candy and sitting crosslegged on Thomas’ desk.  ‘Thank you, Tom.’ she says, taking several licks off of it.

“You always welcome, little one,” he says.  He look at her seriously, “What brings you here, little one?”

The fairy turn serious.  ‘Haven’t seen friend…or Ruran.  Worry over them.’

Thomas sigh, “You are as kind and gentle as John.  I can understand why he did as he did to get your book.”  He remove the glasses, setting his chin on his hand.  “I too worry for him, since I remember my own time as a void hunter as well.”  He watch her nibble at the piece of candy.  “He push himself too hard, much as John did for a while.”

She watch Thomas lean back in his chair.  ‘I would go and speak with him, but I am unsure where he would be at.'  She look at the candy, ‘Haven’t ‘smell’ Ruran or friend.’

Thomas reach over tapping Kit very gentle on the head.  “Do not worry, little one.  I can ask around and see if anyone that ‘Hunt’ have seen him.”  He set quil to paper, allowing Kit to finish up the piece of candy, and then once she was done, he seal the letter.  “You should get back to John.  I do not wish for you strain the link between you two for you coming here.  I’ll let you and John know if I’m able to speak with him.”  He open up the door, excepting the hug from the fairy, and watching her move down the hall.

“Now then, looks like it’s time for me to hunt now.” he says, taking the staff that was next to the door, and leaving the room.

(Mention of @weepingknight)