Nashandra: Thom and Kuro

[10:06:30] And the long walk back.

It honestly didn't feel that long. The orange haired youth had been on a patrol to the Bygonegrove only, so it wasn't as if the trip back was ovelry long. Maybe a few days, or few hours if he spirnted not stop.. Which he didn't. Reguardless, before Thom knew it he would once again arrive in Cinderfall, and walk around the camp. The boy would take off his headband and goggles letting his glowing eyes glance around the area.

It would be very unlikely that Maria was around at this time, she rarely was, as she tended to be doing many exicting adventures during this time of day. And so his plans of talking to the drakanite leader were a bit postponed, but the boy didn't mind. Going back to his tent he would have produced various papers and books, mostly of rune rubs from adventures or a few books on them before heading near a large tree to the south east of the village.

He half expected to encounter a familar face there after all!
(Thom)
[10:13:20] Many things had been achieved recently, and Nashandra was fresh out of her first adventure. With such an experience still livind in her mind, everything aroun dthe homunculus felt awfully dull. Perhaps more risk in her life would help? The self-presevation insictint integrated in her greyrot being didn't enable anything to absurd. But perhaps another adventure of the sorts would be worth it?

Back in Cinderfall, where safety was at least guaranteed if she ever needed a break of sorts, Nashandra took the time to examine the odd new cloak she had gained during the expedition. A wear meant only for the spawns of the draconic monstrosity they had slain and in which she had acquired quite the collection of bodily goods.

In the midst of folding the piece of clothes whilst set in the middle of the lush meddow that surrounded the encampment, there'd be Thom. Fresh out of patrol and seemingly devoid of any activity to exert his attention toward.

"Mister Thom. I trust you've been having a good day?"

Nashandra inquired, same disinterest in her visage as she'd always have. The folded cloak would be set onto her lap as no effort was made to stand in order to greet the teen.
(Nashandra)
[10:18:27] The boy considered himself lucky, seeing that Nashandra was indeed around at this time. Counter-imposed to her disinterested look Thom's face would instead break out into a wide smile as the teenager walked over, and would take a seat somewhat near the depraved being, but not too close in case it might cause her discomfort. Upon her question the teen gave a brief nod.

"You could say that. Mostly nothing happening honestly so might be a better day for some then others but sometimes there's not a lot around."

Thom would open up the book, going to a bookmarked page on which he had taken the rub and notes on one of the runes for his first adventure. Mostly things relating to explosions and how how the door in question reacted to forien magic assulting it.

The golden eyes then once again glanced towards the silve haired girl.

"Have you been well Madame Nashandra? A good day?"
(Thom)
[10:26:08] "Splendid."

A swift reply, no enthusiasm in her voice. The day was indeed splendid, as the sky was clear and the weather optimal. But it lacked some excitement, something Nashandra craved ever since that encounter. Well, the craving was only overshadowed by her innate purpose. Though it was being dealt with.

"Have you been promoted since? I except you to step up your game, Mister Thom. Stagnation is a terrible thing."

Quick to hit the subjects that interested her, there was no holding back on the expectations the humunculus had on the young lad. Eyes focused onto the piece of cloth she had appropriated for herself as a useful cloak, little interest in the teen could be detected by her physical mannerisms.

"I want to meet this Maria individual. I must know the true leader of this camp. Her input. Her philosophy."
(Nashandra)
[10:30:24] "I'm glad you're doing splendid." Thom said, a grin settling on his face as he said the unfarmilar word. This time he didn't require a definition but the word still sounded odd to him. Though whe she asked her question Thom would shake his head.

"Afraid not yet. I need to speak with Maria herself for that and she hasn't been around. I'm.. I think third highest rank if you count the leader of the Eternal Flame herself. And yeah it is pretty bad to.. stag.. nate. I like to keep going up, keep getting stronger, all that stuff."

A nod of his head when he admitted to it. He noticed then the cloth in Nashandra's hand, and the glowing hues likely made their presnce on it known when the bright light shined on it.

"If you want to meet Maria I can probally introduce you. She's around sometimes but not all hte times. She does a lot of dangerous adventures. Not that the rest of us don't but.. She tends to go alone."
(Thom)
[10:36:22] "I can find her, I just want to know if she is around here. Her habits and such."

Quick to shoot down the proposal of introductions, Nashandra had indeed preferred leading the dance rather than letting someone else commence it. The cubed cloak would be then set into the bag she'd employ to carry her various equipment needed for whatever tasks she wished to perform.

"Third highest, though. What does that mean? Is it unique? Or are you surrounded by other ... Lesser individuals in that same category? All this is arbitrary, Mister Thom. You are unique, Mister Thom."

Not as unique as her, but if he were to be considered someone of value, someone of importance, then she would be even more given how she'd be grooming him. A boy following her demands, could only be under her in terms of worth in the end.

"Tell me, Mister Thom. What are your actual goals? Helping people is barely even a virtue people like you adopt as a way of life. But it is by no means a goal."
(Nashandra)
[10:43:12] Thom would give a nod.

"Alright. Well, when she is around you'll know. She's got red hair, drakanite wings, and she glows. Litteraly. She also hangs out at the main tree up there." The teen turned a bit, extending a finger towards one of the trees towards the center of the village so that when Maria showed up Nashandra would know where to look.

"And what does it mean?.." Thom fell silent, thinking about it. "I think that I'm pretty high rank.. Not a champion yet, those are the one's right under Maria, but I'm getting there. There are four or five of my rank and I think either two or three above it.." The bronze haired youth did smile a bit about the complement. "Thank you Madame Nashandra."

"And as for my goals?" There was a brief moment of pause. "My uncle said that I should be a hero. So thats been my goal for as long as I can remember. Protect the weak, protect the realm.. But for what I want.." Silence then. The golden hues stared at the ground.

"I want to make the world less destructive. I guess thats my goal."
(Thom)
[10:49:10] A few nods were sent his way as details pertaining to Maria were exposed, and Nashandra merely took mental notes. No need to be overly prepared, the homunculus simply wanted to meet the woman.

"Then assert yourself as a champion. Must you defeat one to prove yourself? Do it. And MAKE them recognize your value. You choose your worth, in the end, not them."

Nashanra was quite firm here. Attempting to insure a more aggressive mindset for her new friend/associate, ideas of imposing his will were her strategy for the moment. More nods and even a dismissive wave would be returned as a thank you was thrown her way.

And then the goals. He'd beat around the bush about the context, the drive, something the greyrot entity had already deduced and even exposed as nothing of a true goal. But then he would finally give something somewhat concrete.

"Less destruction? How would you do that? What causes destruction? How can it be stopped? Are you good enough to stop it? Curious indeed."
(Nashandra)
[10:56:00] Thom blinked a few times hearing Nashandra's words. That was a good point.. How exactly did one become a champion? Thinking about its current members Thom would think about his chances of winning a fight with them.. Which subsequently caused him to grin.

"I don't know honestly. I'll ask Maria when I see her. If thats what it takes to define my worth Madame Nashandra, then that's what I'll do." Reddish lighting began to circle and spark around him, exictment over the thought that he might have to fight already, with the the depravity the homoculus generated he certainly almost stopped caring who.

"The way I've always been told.." Thom said, looking towards his hands and the eletrical sparks in them. "There will always be people who create destruction. So you shouldn't try to destroy it completely. What you do is limit it.. You destroy what brings destruction. And when you are the only destructive thing left, or when the destructive things are in small amounts..

Then its limited. The world is less destructive as a result." He glanced over towards her.

"Does.. That make sense Madame Nashandra?"
(Thom)
[11:13:04] The Ookami finally was back at Cinderfall, hoping to speak to Thom about the whole Rhaziel situation. The man mentioned that Thom was his student, and this certainly meant that the boy would not be too pleased with what Kuro did to him. Using his Ancestral Power, he defeated Rhaziel, causing him to lose his left hand and right leg.

Truth be told, he was a little nervous to confront Thom about this, but... it had to be done. As soon as he walked into the settlement, he saw him, just standing there. Followed by Phantom, he approached the boy, placing a hand on his shoulder. He gave him a look, and told him to follow him somewhere more discrete.

"Hey Thom?... So, I had a fight with Rhaziel. He's a bad man, but I know he was your teacher. He kidnapped two of my friends and I dished out my own justice towards him. He's dead. There was a rockslide in the Trystle Caverns that fell over him, but I managed to escape."

He spurted out those words rather quickly, hoping to get it over with. It was never a pleasant thing to do, killing someone that is.

Phantom - "He might be angry Kuro, be sure to console him when need be."
(Kuro Ikeda)
[11:19:53] "A balance. It does make sense. If you were to try and eliminate all that causes destruction, you would have to eliminate me. And that, Mister Thom, would not be a very good idea."

Her gaze truned toward him at this moment. The depravity manifesting itself far more than usual to illustrate what she meant. Nashandra's mere existence caused massive damage to the balance of the world, and the homunculus was thoroughly aware of it.

"Killing your Madame would be so shameful any- ..."

And what was this? A random interloper prying into their conversation, beckoning Thom to join him in order to transfer some information. Nashandra would not hesitate to eavesdrop and asborb whatever it was the newcomer had to say.

A certain Rhaziel? The man that had had a hand in creating her and served as a secretary to her Progenitor? Now this was disconcerting. Squinting at the young male, the homunculus spoke out.

"Rhaziel Vydres. My pregenitor's Human Resources coordinator. Did you cause his death? Omit to assist something belonging to me? As a member of my progenitor's group, he did belong to me, after all."
(Nashandra)
[11:29:16] Thom merely shook his head towards Nashandra. "There is a point that I will not destroy. I know that you are not someone I would want to hurt Madame Nashandra. I will never eliminate you. You are my friend. I will limit the destruction in other ways."

He didn't seem to be fearful of that possiblity because he did not entertain it for a second. Even if he wanted to destroy various things that caused destruction but his friends and those he cared about would definatley not be on the list. But before he could speak more on it they would be interupted by the appearance of one Kuro. Which quickly made him frown.

"Kuro. I know what you did." The orange haired man said quickly, turning his bright glowing eyes towards the ookami. "I was told of your fight by Rhaziel, and the circumstances around it. I was told about how my father beat up two children and ordered Rhaziel to take care of them until they were better. I know this for a fact to be true because one I know how my father is, and two

I talked to Rhaziel. Your murder didn't take hold. He is now missing a hand and a leg, but he still walks Valmasia. I spoke to him myself. Do not attack him again. He said he will give you the same curtesy. As long as the two of you don't come to blows again I am fine. But if you do.. I will be pissed."

A glance was then made when the Homunculus spoke up, saying that Rhaziel was her's. A slight blush came onto the bronze skinned boy's cheeks and he looked towards Kuro once more.

"You should say sorry to Madame Nashandra for hurting Rhaziel though. I don't want her to be upset. And she says he is her's so."
(Thom)
[11:40:22] Rhaziel lives? Strange, the Ookami made sure he would die. Maybe he should've finished the job himself. Nonetheless, it's very unlikely that the man will be too pleased with Kuro after suffering so much because of him. He couldn't have his guard down near him, but he couldn't lie to Thom.

Phantom - "Ikeda, tell him how you really feel. There's no point in lying to your close friend."

He looked back at Phantom, nodding at him, then diverting his attention back to the duo.

"I will not attempt to kill him Thom, but I doubt he'll be too pleased with me. That's why I will have my guard up if I ever see him, and if he tries anything funny he will die. That's reasonable I assume, as you would do the same thing. Survival is the most important friend."

Then, this random stranger who was acting like royalty decided to add her own thoughts into the qualm at hand. Looking over at the girl, he addressed her.

"Erm... and who might you be?"
(Kuro Ikeda)
[11:46:20] Kuro was his name. Noted. It appeared as though he was complying with Thom's demands, and would back off from touching Nashandra's psuedo-property.

"Miss Nashandra. If Mister Rhaziel is an issue, simply bind him and deliver him to the Mashland Mansion. Terminating his life is extremely unnecessary, Mister Kuro."

Emphasis on the 'unnecessary', as if it were something the young man were to take very seriously. Dull, silver eyes went about to scan the thoroughly equipped Ookami. He'd feel her gaze scrutinizing every bit of him while the miasma of depravity oozing abnormally from her being went about and assaulted Kuro's psyche.

Calls of horror and anguish filled his mind sporadically as the greyrot's influence uncontrollably ran rampant and assaulted all sentient lifeforms nearby.

"I would appreciate an apology for attempting to destroy my goods, however. Asserting your dominance would have been enough to deter further initiatives, Mister Kuro."
(Nashandra)
[11:52:19] Thom blinked a few times when Nashandra introduced herself as miss but the boy wouldn't interupt, just nodding. His eyes remained on Kuro however, blinking a few times before nodding.

"No, you're right to have your guard up. To say he wants to kill you would not be an understatement. But I spoke to him and made him promise not to do anything to you as long as you don't do the same. So please don't attack him... I don't want to lose a friend. And I don't want to lose two friends if things get really bad."

Nashandra at this point seemed to approach, and Thom blinked hearing the girl give her own proposition for what was to happen if battle were to break out. It sounded better then one killing the other so he would nod.

"Yeah. If you do fight him you should just take him to the mansion.. And an apology for the Madame please." The mentioing for further initatives made Thom look curious but he didn't question. Some things were better left unknown after all.
(Thom)
[12:01:42] There was no way Kuro was going to apologize for doing what he deemed right, he never did. He shrugged, looking down at the girl while Phantom growled, obviously not too pleased with the girl's attitude.

"Thom, thank you for also undestanding my perspective. Since you are one of my closest friends, I will not cause grief to you by complying with your requests. As for you... Nashandra, I will not be apologizing for anything. It's good enough I will not murder that man, but demanding an apology for someone doing what they believe is right... simply disrespectful. Although, it was a pleasure meeting you."

Despite having a mask atop his face, one could tell that Kuro was giving the young girl a courteous smile, out of sheer politeness. Afterall, he did have manners.

Phantom - "Ikeda, let's be on our way, we need to perfect your Ancestral Power before any sort of war breaks out between two factions."

He would nod, patting Thom on the shoulder and turning around, walking away. He was still nearby, so anyone could stop him if they needed to.
(Kuro Ikeda)
[12:06:49] "Miss Nashandra."

A firm tone, one that would certainly grasp the attention of the fleeting Kuro. The repulsive miasma of depravity remained, and didn't hesitate to mercilessly assault the lad with an immense amount of negativity.

Her gaze turned toward Thom, eyes squinted and body stiff. Nashandra did not seem pleased whatsoever. As such, a little lesson had to be taught.

"Mister Thom. Do you see what I mean? People taking for granted your values. Rejecting your assertion despite requesting them to apologize. Twice."

And now, they returned to fixate the Ookami. Clearly unhappy with the lack of one-sided respect she oh so craved, Thom was going to learn what her words truly meant.

"A good way to start being taken seriously, Mister Thom, is to have people take what you say VERY seriously. He needs to apologize. Don't make him force you to repeat yourself a third time."
(Nashandra)
[12:13:39] Kuro began to walk away. The orange haired child would have started to relax a little bit, knowing that Kuro would not kill Rhaziel as long as Rhaziel didn't do the same.. And even if he did there was now a good other prospect to be had, that isntead he might be taken to Nashandra's manner. But the silver haired girl did not receive the same respect from Kuro it seemed.

She made such evident when she looked towards him, and though it was not with anger, at least at Thom, he quickly became aware of her mood. And when she pointed out that Kuro did not apologize, that he did not follow everything that Thom said.. Well the orange haired youth would very much see this.

"Hey Kuro!" Thom said, walking over towards the leaving ookami after Nashandra pointed things out. The younger boy would have put his arm around Kuro's shoulder, and whisper, not wanting Nashandra to be mad.

"Would you please apologize to Madame Nashandra? she said that she was her pregenitors.. something. Don't know what the big words mean but I think it's her mom. Anyways, he was important to her mom so would you please apologize to her? I don't want her to be mad."
(Thom)
[12:23:02] He would listen to Thom carefully, then sigh. It was so obvious that she was taking advantage of the boy, and it angered Kuro. He would look towards the girl, carefully taking his mask off. His vivid golden hues piercing the girl's gaze, like a stern mother eyeing down her child. Maintaining intense eye contact, he spoke without blinking even once.

"Then her mom can come see me herself. I will not be disrespected by a little spoiled brat. You know how much you mean to me Thom, please don't allow people such as herself to control you. If she wants an apology she can force me to give her one. If not, then I will be on my way."

He placed his mask back on, this time leaning over towards Thom's ear. He whispered a few words that might make him understand why Kuro needed to act this way.

"Thom, she's not a good person, and she's using you to get what she wants. If her mother asks for me, or whoever she's heir too, please send me a letter."
(Kuro Ikeda)
[12:33:16] "Progenitor. The term mother is largely innacurate. However said Progenitor is deceased, as such it falls onto me to enforce ownership."

A statement of fact. Nothing more, and little to no emotion added to her discourse. Arms were crossed with silvery eyes now glaring knives at the Ookami male who refused to comply with demands.

"Perhaps you are the fairweather-type, Mister Kuro. You appear to misunderstand Mister Thom's current perspective. Rejecting his plea in such a callous manner is o' so disrespectful and dare I say even unworthy of a friend."

Her chin rose, as her voice gained intensity. Nashandra's body remained stoic, adamant to any form of tension that could come a perturb her state of mind.

"Apologize. Express your regret for nearly killing an individual you had no say in ending. Self-defense or not, I will not reprimand you from defending yourself, but terminating him was by no means your call. However, luckily for you you have failed."

She'd tilt her head, prompting a crack.

"Now, will you apologize? Respect both Mister Thom and my wishes? Or will you hold onto false pride and endanger not only yourself but your friendship? Mister Thom, do consider this as well. Is this the type of people you want around you? Those that disregard your wishes?"
(Nashandra)
[12:41:48] Yikes.

Well, not only did Kuro not apologize he called Nashandra a little spoiled brat as well. The oranged haired youth frowned at this, especailly when the girl brought up her Progenitor was dead. The boy almost winced at such.

"She's not controlling me Kuro." Thom said, looking over towards Kuro in an urgent manner. "But she's being right a bit.. You hurt somoene who was important to her.. what that big word is. Even if they're dead shouldn't you say sorry a little? It was someone important to her family Kuro.." Now, maybe it was her talking, or perhaps it was Thom finally passing from the shock of his friend actually having attempted to take the life of one of his teachers but Thom started to be more assertive.

"Kuro.. I think she is a good person. She's teaching me runes and stuff. So would you please apologize just this once?"

The words of Nashandra only made the boy more in the right for asking about this, and the depravity she emitted began to soak into him.. Not so much the anger, but ddefinatley the sadness. The glowing eyes stared at Kuro looking to staring him right in the eyes.

"Or am I not a good enough friend to do that for? Am I just someone that you shouldn't listen to Kuro?.. Is my value in your eyes that little? Or.. Will you do this for me Kuro?"

Nashandra's words echoed in his mind and he glanced over to the silver haired girl. 'Is this the type of people you want around you?'
(Thom)
[12:49:29] The entirety of this made Phantom viciously growl, looking at the girl with eyes full of spite. Kuro shook his head, being forced to be a good friend and do what THOM asked him to do. With the most monotone voice, he spoke to the little brat.

"I apologize for causing harm to your... whatever."

Making a swirling hand motion as he said the word 'whatever', it was clear that he didn't mean a single word he said, and nobody could convince him to make it believable, not even the great Asena herself. If it weren't for Thom he would've probably been MUCH harsher on the girl, but for his friend he would have to put his pride aside. He stared at Thom, giving him a disappointed look.

"I hope you're happy."

And on that note, he was ready to walk off again, unless stopped, again.
(Kuro Ikeda)
[12:56:19] How she'd have a field trip with him once submission was shown. The man's attitude, it irked Nashandra, but the simple fact that she haf pegged him was enough to compensate. For now. Oh how she longed to stomp her foot even more. But, for Thom's sake and the means he provided, temperance was a virtue she had to hold dear.

"Very well, Mister Kuro. I trust no such infringement will occur in the future. I would most certainly hate to have you genuinely praying for forgiveness. It'd leave me heartbroken to see Mister Thom witness you in such a state."

A light smile as she peered over at her handyman. Compliments and signs of caring were key to keep the teen in line. There was some genuine feelings in there, but one could easily correlate them to far less admirable ends. Nonetheless, Nashandra presented herself as an individual concerned for Thom's sake.

Brushing the bangs on her forehead, the homunculus would address the occultic blonde as the Ookami resumed his departure.

"It appears he does value your friendship to an extent. However one would assume he would put a little more effort into his apology. One cannot expect such individuals to be genuinely sorry and show it just because we want them to, there is no going around that. But at least a certain level of decency would be warranted for the sake of respect and your friendship, don't you agree Mister Thom?"
(Nashandra)
[12:58:01] Var'Thuul sits on a table in a bit of a ball. He was a bit bored at the moment, with people being around the camp talking. He was able to understand some of the stuff said now. He heard the others nearby talking about one of them nearly taking a life.

He lets out a slight sigh. Liara was busy at the moment so he wasn't sure what to do. The wyrmling was starting to get a bit bigger, much faster than a normal child would grow. a few months ago he was eleven inches tall, now he was a foot and an inch, and he had gotten a few inches longer.
(Var' Thuul)
[13:02:17] Thom's eyes stared at Kuro as he did his apology in the monotone voice. The boy was silent for a few seconds afterwords, blinking and just staring at Kuro and the non-emotional, non-truthful way in which he said the words. But the you then would simply reach into his pocket, pulling out his goggles and placing them over his eyes.

"Yeah.. I'm fine."

The crack in his voice certainly did so as he just sounded disapointed and tired. The ookami began to walk away yet again and Thom would do the same but in the opposite direction towards the silver haired girl. It would likely be rather difficult for even her to get aread on what he was feeling.

Whatever he might have said didn't matter. He felt like Nashandra had summed up his thoughts enough, and though she was smiling he wasn't.. Although when he got by her side he stood a little closer, perhaps comforted by her concern rather fake or real.

"Madame Nashandra.. I don't want to talk about it anymore.. Can we please talk about something else?"
(Thom)
[13:09:07] "Very well."

Successful, it seemed like Nashandra had done enough for now. The girl wasn't going to hammer in more ideology into the poor boy's head. It had to be progressive, and so far it was paying off.

A tap on his shoulder, with a smile lingering on her visage. A subtle one that exposed a certain level of joy. Perhaps a bit foxy too, but in the end, it was hard to say it wasn't genuine. Now what she was happy about would always be up for debate.

"I am sorry things do not always seem so joyful, Mister Thom. Do understand that I wish only to see you thrive when it concerns you."

After all, if he thrived, so did she. A slight tightening of her grip onto his shoulder too place before she'd employ a softer tone.

"You need space. I understand. Such an experience can be overwhelming. Think long and hard. Question what you can. Make your own conclusions. And then, come to me if you want answers."

With that, she would march away as well, providing the alone time she deemed adequate for Thom.
(Nashandra)