|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2011 1:28 pm
It had been a quiet, blissful morning. The sun was shining brilliantly, reflecting in the infinite expanses of white making the entire town of Lumena glow like a pearl against the light. People came and went filling the busy streets with their voices -so many voices, he noted; and behind them the voice of the crowd, the voice of the city- the air was filled with the scent of fresh flowers blooming on windowsills as well as an idea of aromatic grass. It blended perfectly with the scent that came from inside the house, a perfect blend of sweet dark coffee, ink and parchment paper. One would say that the resident of that home would always smell of paper, the delicate, earthy scent having become one with his white, white skin. He would also occasionally smell of cinnamon and a variety of baked treats, especially on Thursdays and Sundays and when he had visitors over. And the resident of the white home had visitors quite regularly seeing how he housed lessons quite often and his students would flock in small lively groups to his home. He was always waiting for them earlier than they came and he always answered the door with a warm smile to welcome them inside; perhaps this was one of the reasons he was also so well-liked.
The owner of the white home was more than just a well-liked teacher, however; he also happened to be a Cerberus Knight of some renown. He had completed his training in Makai within but a few months and had meticulously worked his way up the ranks to come to the prestigious position he was today. However, he disliked flaunting his achievements and could be often found dressed in plain civilian clothing rather than his battle gear -that, too, had been modelled as lightweight and discreet as possible. If he wasn't dressed in his armor and if he was being quiet, he could pass entirely unnoticed, like a phantom, a gentle shade, being here for one moment and then elsewhere on the next. It was rather remarkable, how he could stand there without being neither here nor or there, shrouded in the mystery, the uncertainty of being in between of so many things. When he'd finally be gone only his scent would linger on, a gentle reminder that maybe someone might have been there. And that, precisely that, was his existence, damned to be essentially forever alone.
However, for his students, his acquaintances, his friends, he could somehow push aside his very existence in order to take on a more corporeal form for those around him, not that of an illusion or dream even though he had spent the greater part of his life being just that. Nothing. It didn't quite matter, however. Where there was emptiness there was also fullness. Light within the darkness, after all, at least that he knew best. And this morning was special, perhaps slightly more special than the other special mornings when he'd have guests coming and he wouldn't be left in peace and quiet to enjoy reading his books or writing beautiful things on sheets of paper. One of his favourite students was coming to see him that day and at long last he was also bringing another very special guest with him, the person for whom he talked the most, his twin brother. Given a number of very special circumstances his student had deemed most healthy for his brother and him to meet. Wether his assessment had been right or wrong remained to be seen.
As for Philemon; he too had woken early that day, like every day before it, but this time it hadn't been due to a need to go gather and tend to the early morning herbs nor had it been unfinished homework -he didn't even have that anymore- or leftover chores he wanted to make haste and catch up to. No, that morning was very particular and he wanted to make sure everything would flow smoothly, because finally, after all this time, he would get his brother to meet that person for whom he'd so often babble about; his teacher. It might have sounded childish but it was true that he admired the man immensely and found him to had been both a great help with his studies as well as helping him along with his resolution. He was a person who, like very few, knew very well how to put his mind at ease. Normally, it was a privilege only Theo was allowed to have and when it came down to it there was still no one else but Theo that could do exactly that as precisely. It was a strange reality.
With that in mind, he got dressed, fixed his hair and made himself some breakfast before running off to meet with his brother at their meeting point, not wanting to make him wait or anything like that, knowing, full well, that such behaviour would invite an earful even now that he had graduated. Sometimes Theofratus could be such a handful but Phil couldn't help but love him -always- as dearly as he did. It had been destiny, he had decided at some point, that he was given birth to with Theo as his twin, it couldn't be otherwise explained. And he was proud of him, so very proud of him always, even if Theo didn't believe him. He was his incredible older brother, always, the one who always did the things Phil couldn't do, even if now Phil was the the one who took care of him in return. This was just the way things were.
The morning was rather welcoming indeed. He realized that as he made his way, slowly but steadily to where he was bound to wait for his brother to show up. A gentle breeze was singling its beautiful windy songs to the silence and Phil felt his heart soar with it. He hoped the meeting would flow smoothly, if nothing else. Both his teacher and brother were people he admired greatly, so if they could go along well Phil would be more than happy. After all, if his teacher agreed to teaching Theo also, his brother too would be one step closer to his goal of becoming a Black Heart seeing how studying and receiving combat training under an accomplished knight couldn't possibly be bad in any case.
Finally arriving at the crossroad he stared off into the distance towards the city of Moonfall secretly hoping to see his brother headed his way but since he saw nothing he allowed himself to plop down on the grass by the side of the road and relax, leaning back against a tree while closing his eyes. He was pretty hard to miss so he doubted he would go unnoticed even if he did fell asleep there while waiting and his brother came around.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2011 3:39 pm
Theo generally hated mornings. They left him bleary and groggy, unwilling to do much until he'd had a cup of coffee or something sweet to jumpstart his system. But for Phil, hell. He'd stay up until he died from the lack of sleep for Phil. Still, he grabbed a packet of candy to chew on while he headed to the crossroads that joined Lumena, Makai and Moonfall together. phil had promised to take him to meet the teacher he adored so, and Theo was curious about him. His twin was always singing the praises of his teacher, though he did do that for everyone he met.
As he walked across the deserted town square, there were people getting up already, setting up and preparing for the market. Of course, there were those staggering home after a night of partying and drinking, some perhaps high on some sort of substance. Sighing, Theo dropped by the bakery and picked up a piece of pastry for something mre substantial to fill his stomach besides empty calories. Phil would probably have something on him, worrying Theo wasn't feeding himself properly. After paying for his purchases, he left the city that was still for once, in these early hours when everyone was either still asleep or going back to their beds.
The sky lightened as the rising sun dyed it a whole host of colours, changing from soft pinks to fiery oranges and brilliant reds, streaking over the vast expanse above his head until the sky began to brighten, the black of night giving in to the light of day. As he walked, he ate his pastry, his mind elsewhere from the road he was traversing. Last night.. That dream again. Once more. It scared him, the implications of what that dream meant. He shook his head and returned to the present, trying to leave the fragements of a nightmare on this road, behind him. In the distance, he could spot the white of Phil's clothes leaning against a tree. Theo shook his head silently, sighing as he finished his pastry, stuffing the bag into one of his pockets to throw later. "Phil." He called, making a beeline for his twin.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2011 2:21 pm
Phil had just began to nod off and if Theo took any longer he might as well as have fallen asleep where he was sitting, lifted off to the gentle arms of sleep by the ever discreet breeze that whispered secrets as it caressed his face. Phil dreamt often, more often than he ever dared say. It was a strange reality, a different world there so that he could project his thoughts and his troubles. And even when those troubles and thoughts became too much there were people that could nudge him out of it, save him from himself, anytime and anywhere... and he was infinitely thankful for that fact.
But Theo was there. Phil sensed him a single moment before he heard his voice. That, too, was part of the connection that bonded the two of them as twins, no matter how different they appeared to be. He groggily pushed off the ground and rose to his feet, feeling his head a little heavy from coming that close to falling asleep by the tree. He waved his hand in a greeting, yawned and proceeded to dust of his clothes if only slightly, to make sure he kept clean. "Good morning, Theo!" he beamed, rushing in his direction to meet him. "Sorry to call you out so early." he chuckled awkwardly. "Teacher always wakes up early though, so I thought we shouldn't keep him waiting for long." Phil nodded slowly and turned to walk towards Lumena, glancing backwards at Theo. "Did you sleep well? Have you eaten breakfast?" even though his brother was old enough to take care of himself Phil couldn't really count on that to be sure and so he had to ask.
It was always that way with them as of lately and Theo would always pout about it. He'd also never drink all those healthy, tonic herbal teas Phil made just for him, claiming they were all bitter. Phil would disagree, but nobody ever paid this much attention to his words when it came to that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2011 5:20 pm
It just figured that Phil would have been there nearly long enough to almost fall asleep. He knew about Theo's impatient streak, having been at the wrong end of it a few times before. He looked like a walking drunk. Theo rolled his eyes as Phil pushed himself up and got his blood flowing, alertness returning to the blue eyes hidden by those glasses he wore.Theo cracked a small, wry smile as he shook his head, walking towards Phil and falling into step beside him as the started on the road towards Lumena.
"Morning Phil." He sighed as he prepared to answer the bombard of questions that woud surely follow. And sure enough, Phil began asking about his breakfast, his sleeping patterns and who knows what else. "I'm fine. Breakfast was eaten on the way here, sleep was lacking but nothing unusual about that. I never sleep much anyways." Theo shurgged his shoulders. "Uhm. Okay. Is it because he'll fly into fits of rage like me or because you just think it's better to be punctual?" Theo teased his brother, pulling out that packet of sweets he'd grabbed on his way out.
He offered the bag to Phil, knowing full well Phil would turn them down or make a face. His brother never had the sweet tooth he had, preferring his nasty teas to Theo's chocolate. Well, Phil like dark chocolate, but Theo wasn't too fond of that. Too bitter for him. He sighed, knowing that now he'd mentioned he wasn't getting enough sleep that Phil would have some magical solution for it, which no doubt would taste absolutely terrible but work like magic anyways.
Still, he was going to refuse it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 12:36 pm
Phil firmly watched his brother as he spoke, admiring how they were so distinctly different even though he also felt them to be so familiarly similar. Maybe it had been all those years that were spent together, or maybe the fact that Theo was much like Phil's constant variable -always there, in heat and cold, no matter what happened, always and always-. The replies came phrased more or less as he had expected them and he found himself smiling gently at them, laughing softly when Theo mentioned his intention about being punctual. "Nothing like that, don't be so presumptuous!" he shot his brother comment down. "Teacher isn't like that! You'll see... he's a really great person." he praised his tutor the best he could and nodded his head. He couldn't begin to describe just how much he admired that man. He was everything he hoped to be, although in a slightly different way than what he was aiming for. He was sure he could help Theo in more ways than one even if Theo himself would believe otherwise for now. "It's just... I thought he might be a little lonely." he admitted before giving a small shrug.
"You know... I could make you something for those sleep issues. A potion, maybe, or maybe a soothing, calming tea. I've been researching some flower extracts as of lately also, I could most likely even come up with some aromatic oil." Phil sighed, using one hand to fix his glasses. "But of course you'd refuse to comply, as always." he stuck his tongue out at him playfully and shrugged, reluctantly receiving one of Theo's sweets when he offered. He had never shared Theo's particular fondness for sweets although his brother might be surprised if he found out that his teacher was also the same. Phil could rant about it but nobody would listen.
"It's a good thing Lumena is so close once you've made it here." he noted, looking up ahead at the castle town rising gracefully in the distance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 4:59 am
Chewing thoughtfully on the piece of chocolate in his mouth, Theo swallowed the bittersweet treat before turning to answer his brother. "So, he's not a punctuality whore, like yours truly. Just a lonely-please-throw-yourself-over-me-and-pay-me-attention whore?" Theo teased lightly, knowing full well how much his twin adored his teacher. Honestly, he couldn't really judge the man until he met him. But one thing was for sure. Phil was absolutely, totally and completely obsessed about being like him. He admired the man enough to want to model himself after him. Which was rather rare in Phil, since he didn't know anyone else that Phil had ranted and raved about like this man. Fishing out another piece of chocolate, indulging himself. Sure, it was bad for his teeth, and Phil's complete reluctance about taking the sweet made him wonder if he should have even bothered. "You know Phil, if you're going to make a long face and reluctantly eat that piece of chocolate, kindly return it to me instead of letting it go down into your ungrateful bowels while you make faces like someone force fed you poison." He said, eloquent as usual.
"And no. I think I'll go drop by and see Kia if I want something for my sleeping problem. Yours are terribly nasty. And no oils. Too much mess." He shot the idea of aromatic oils down. "At least Kia tries to keep hers sweet while medicinal. Unlike you." He made a face, shuddering to recall some of Phil's brews.
The spires of Lumena castle rose up in the distance, full of grace an elegance. Vastly different from Poena Privus. those ruins were old and crumbling, but retained a sense of diginity, grace and strength even as the rocks tumbled down, their foundations cracking. Yes, he very much preferred Poena Privus' ruins. Grunting in response to Phil, Theo's eyes were wary. He never liked coming to Lumena very much. Sure, he would be fine if left alone, but generally he preferred not to come by here.
"So where's the house of this amazing teacher of yours?" Theo inquired, idly flicking off some lint from one of his sleeves. "Please tell me we don't have to walk very far."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 3:23 pm
Phil would often wonder how his brother actually managed to make it in the world. He was straight-forward to a fault and when he teased he always picked the worst of words to do it, just like now when he basically insulted a person he hadn't even met just to get to him. Even though he knew Theo wasn't ill-intentioned about saying the things he did he still found himself feeling oddly angered with him at the same time. "I told you! Teacher's not like that!! Stop talking ill about him without meeting him first. Sheesh... do you really have to be that rude..." he looked away from Theo, pouting. It wasn't fair if he was going to be so mean. His teacher didn't deserve that kind of treatment either. He waved his hand dismissingly at his brother when he talked about his reluctance and the treat he had been offered but truth be told he was only reluctant about eating it. Some sugar once in a while didn't really feel all that bad.
He tried to not openly state his disappointment that his own brother would place more faith in the medicine of another healer but himself but didn't fully make it. Instead he clammed down hard like he always would when he didn't really feel like talking and remained silent as they drew closer to the city of Lumena. At least he had something else to distract him and keep his spirit high and he didn't really feel like fighting about anything right now in any case. He might assess it at another time and ask why in the world did he not simply add sugar to the drink if the taste was the issue anyway.
When Theo asked about the home, though, Phil couldn't help but smile again. It was the most wonderful of places also, its owner aside. "It's a home, not a house." he pointed out laughing quietly knowing that Theo wouldn't really understand what this meant if he didn't experience it first hand for himself. The entire building had this sort of welcoming aura about it whether you were there for a visit, lessons or even the special battle training courses he rarely agreed in teaching other students. "But no, it's not very far." he pointed ahead of them towards the outer wall of the castle town. "It's a ten-minute walk from here or so, we'll be there soon, worry not."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 7:08 pm
Theo felthimself getting defensive when Phil rounded on him. "He crossed his arms and glared at his brother. "I didn't mean anything by it, okay?!" He flung out, reacting to his brother's harsh tone with his own. He settled into a simmering sulk as they continued on, pulling out yet another piece of chocolate to aid his bad temper. Really, Phil didn't have to be that touchy. Theo grumped to himself, ignoring his brother completely. Whatever. Screw Phil. He didn't need to meet his teacher. He was just doing so to humour Phil. Proven by the fact he had gotten up at an unearthly hour to meet Phil at the crossroads, the fact that he was now walking with Phil to Lumena, one of his least favorite places.
The anger and disappointment that radiated off Phil was almost palapble, but Theo shoved it from his mind. So what if he preferred Kia's sweeter brews to Phil's? They were just as effective, not too mention they tasted more pleasant. It wasn't because he hadn't added sugar into Phil's brews before. They just ended up tasting strange and sickly sweet. Even if put in a tiny spoon of sugar. Phil was definitely ignoring him, and Theo would do the same. Of course, there was the obvious, she was older, had spent more time brewing herbs and all. She would know better but Phil didn't have to get all huffy about it.
Shoving his hands in his pockets, he stared at his feet as they continued on, his mouth in a tight line. "Home, house, schmouse whatever." Theo muttered under his breath, his pace increasing. Honestly, He just wanted it over and done with. Nothing more. Idly, he kicked at a stone, watching it fly as his toe made contact with it. Really, he ought to get to practicing more. A couple more hours of practice and then maybe he'd be able to perfect that flip maneuver. It was a miracle he hadn't broken or sprained anything while learning it. But of course, he was doing pretty well, seeing no one was teaching him anything.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2011 1:09 pm
Phil would like to tell Theo that if he didn't mean anything he should really have not said that to begin with but he'd have little luck reasoning with his brother in any sense so he pushed the thought aside and didn't really talk for the rest of the road except for when he had to. He couldn't begin to see why his brother had to be so negative about everything in the first place. He sighed, mentally and shook his head. Hopefully his teacher would have more luck than he, himself did; if there was one thing to give the Knight, that was his ever calming, ever welcoming aura even though he also managed to feel distant at the same time; hanging at the precipice of both extremities, as always. He kept thinking about that as he turned at the corners of streets, Theo following him, as he made for the home.
The White Home, now, was a rather baroque building with a narrow front that let only half of the internal beauty of it to show, concealing the neatly paved staircase on its left side. The wide, comfortable stone steps led up to the owner's most favourite terrace overviewing the town, a small place that most of his students didn't get to visit as it belonged to his more private part of the house, the top floor. Phil smiled gently as he passed next to the pair of steps that led to the front door, motioning to Theo to follow him in a narrow passageway among well-groomed trees to said side of the house and up the stair. Like the small garden, the steps were, too, decorated with potted plants although very few of them would bear any kind of flower. The owner of the home loved the neat arrangements where the flowers seemed to rise up like rare treasures among the green coats of leaves. The steps went on to the first floor where the created a small open balcony from where you could see the narrow road at the other side of the home and the rows of windows from the nearby houses up to the small square at the other end of it where people came and went, following their everyday routine. From there, the steps turned north and climbed another storey to the terrace.
Matrekyu appeared to have judged his student's timing almost perfectly, having predicted that, even with a guest, he'd come as early as possible not to mention probably leave just as late at night. He had already warmed the tea up and left it steep in one of his self-warming kettles although the apple pie he had prepared wasn't quite ready to get out the oven yet. He had been waiting for it, counting the minutes on a small, old-fashioned clock, while curled up in a chair, absorbed in reading a novel that had recently only been published. He felt his student before he heard him; his warm and gentle magic pulsing and spreading in slightly distracted waves that were settling down by the moment, next to ones of similar wavelength yet completely different qualities and origins. The difference was almost as light and day, the hearts of Majin were never meant to radiate magic after all. In waiting he move to lower his book, untangling his legs -letting bare feet touch the refreshingly cool flooring of the terrace- preparing himself to give a warm greeting to the siblings once they'd make their way up there.
It didn't take them quite that long as a few seconds later Phil's head entered his field of vision as he climbed the stone steps, closely followed by one crowned by night blue hair. Even though he appeared more rough at first glance, Kyu could clearly see the resemblance between his brother and him -even if both of the twins claimed they were nothing alike-. Sitting up he took a few steps towards them to greet properly, placing his book aside and making a small bow, a curtain of black hair momentarily covering his face entirely -even the normally visible, pale right eye. "Good morning, Philemon; you're here early, as always." a small smile played on his lips as he spoke. "And you..." he turned to Theo seeing how he was the day's special guest and it was his first ever time meeting him. "You must be sir Theofratus; I've heard so many stories from your brother." he made another bow before straightening his back. "My name is Matrekyu Eberhardt, friends call me Kyu, most students simply 'teacher'." he introduced himself before making way to welcome both brothers on the trace. "Please, don't stand, take a seat... It is quite the way from both Makai as well as Moonfall..." he offered, showing them to the table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 3:39 am
The rest of the walk consisted of grumpy silences and meaningful looks, which Theo pointedly ignored. Whatever Phil thought, Theo was entitled to voice his own opinions, badly worded as they may be. Sure, it probably wasn't the most well-planned sentence, but still. He wouldnt apologize. Never. Stubborn pride made him hold his chin up even though he knew that he was clearly at fault.In an attempt to assuage his omnipresent conscience, Theo tried to justify it. He didn't mean anything by the flippant remark, nor did he mean to upset Phil. His intentions were alright, so he ought not be freeting too much about it. In fact, he should just forget about the matter.
Too soon, they were in Lumena. The town was buzzing as people flitted about, intent on making their rounds and getting to the market. Lips set in a tight line, Theo followed Phil as he navigated through the streets of Lumena to his teacher's home. The building certainly was different, proved further still when Phil indicated he ought to go in through the side. Wide, sweeping stair rose high, disappearing into the building. A garden was filled with potted plants, some of which he recognized but most of them he didn't.
Trudging up the stairs, Theo continued to observe his surroundings. It was a small oasis, a center of peace in this buzzing town. That much he could tell. It seemed to welcome anyone and everyon, but Theo still didn't feel too comfortable. Even so, he continued on only because he'd promised Phil.
Theo didn't know what he was expecting of Phil's teacher. A doddering old man perhaps? Or maybe someone like Miusa. Frankly, whatever he had in mind was clearly not what this man was made out to be. His skin was white and pale, like a sheet of fresh paper. In sharp contrast to that, his hair was so dark it seemed to absorb the light. He was striking, granted. No doubt turned many female heads and set just as many hearts aflutter.
His formality however, made Theo uncomfortable as he awkwardly returned the bow. "Yes, I am indeed Theofratus, though most simply call me Theo." He said flatly. His voice was without deflection, but whether he was being subtly rude or just outright rude didn't matter to him. He was going to keep a blank expression throughout the whole meeting, even if it killed him. "Thank you for welcoming me into your home and for your hospitality." Theo said formally before seating himself. Hell, even Salem -the strange man that he was- had made him feel more comfortable than this unusual man. There was something about Kyu.. Theo couldn't quite put his finger on it, but it unsettled something inside him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2011 1:03 am
Phil regarded Theo gently, out of the corner of his eye as he made his way up the stone steps to the terrace. He was somewhat relieved it was going well so far, Theo did appear to be slightly unsettled but that was only to be expected. It was always like this at first. For there to be calm there must always be conflict. It was beautiful to see how the two of them interacted. His teacher was open, receiving, as readily prepared to hold the emotions and troubles of others as ever. Theo on the other hand was wary. He wasn't clamping down hard, withdrawing and hiding in himself like when he didn't want to talk nor was he lashing out, relentless as he usually was. He was settled for a surprisingly happy medium that gave off no vibe of its own but was rather trying to decide what to do, what to think.
He had once before felt like this himself, even though he had dealt with it in a vastly different way. "Good morning, teacher." he beamed, watching both his brother as well as Kyu closely with what could almost be described as clean, honest, heartfelt adoration. They were two of the most important people in his life, after all.
Matrekyu on the other hand, more or less had known what to expect of Theo when he first met him. The image he had formed in his mind, deriving from Phil's stories was that of a hotheaded, yet in fact noble and kind soul. His appearance most certainly suited him perfectly. He had the same gentle eyes as Phil although the dark hair, sharp horns and choice of clothing caused him to decisively contrast at the same time. It made him smile. He was full of life, boundless energy... it was a good thing. It had been a good thing he was able to live a relatively normal life if nothing because of Phil himself; if he hadn't been what he was he wouldn't be able to tell either. He smiled softly and shook his head. "Don't thank me, really." people came to him for a reason but from all people in the entire earth he was not one deserving of praise and kind words. He feared coming off as unkind and held his tongue though. He really shouldn't be unsettling his guests so early in the morning, especially Theo, who he was meeting for the first time after all. First impressions where important.
He carried himself back to the table taking a seat and checking his clock again. "Theo it is, then." he nodded his head thoughtfully before brushing a stray lock of hair away and getting to serve them. "Would you two, perhaps, like some tea?" he offered adding some sugar to his own cup.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2011 7:41 am
Phil's eyes were watching him, whether he admitted it or not. Theo knew that he was observing, trying to see how Theo responded. Well, he had manners, even if he behaved otherwise most times. He knew how to carry himself. Steeling himself to keep on a blank, expressionless mask for the rest of the day, he shook his head at Kyu's offer. "No thank you. I'd prefer water, if you have that. Thank you." The words were formal, somewhat stilted. Unlike the pure adoration that seeped through Phil's voice. It was clear how much he looked up to this man just from his voice.
But Theo wasn't sure yet, what was so surprising about this man. He had yet to discover anything particularly amazing about this man. Certainly, he moved with a kind of fluid grace one usually saw in dancers. He had an air of confidence about him, a surety that said he knew what he was doing, a man confident in his own abilities. But the smile... It was guarded, hiding secrets from people. Theo could tell, simply because he often had seen that expression on his own face, hiding his own secrets, none privy to them. He remained silent, schooling his face into a blank mask, opting to let Phil or Kyu take over the conversation and decide its flow.
After all, one would learn more from listening than talking. He would sit back and watch, learn a little more about this man before he formed an opinion about him. But as of now, Theo would say he seemed rather... insubstantial, for the lack of a better word. He seemed to be there, and yet, just not quite there. It didn't sit very well with Theo, hence his decision to observe quietly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 7:56 am
Kyu was quick to nod his head and hurry off in the direction of the home's quiet interior. He loved the feeling his house gave off, always would, he thought. He wouldn't find a better home if he tried, no other more suiting place to hide in and relinquish all his fears and doubts while at it. The wooden floorings creaked gently underneath his feet, the sound muffled by the warm, thick carpet spread on the floor. Once he finally made it to the kitchen he moved to remove his pie from the oven -sooner rather than later, to make sure it would retain a good temperature to eat when he'd carry it outside, before placing it and plates -precisely three in number, as many as they were- alongside a cool glass bottle of water he kept in his fridge for such visits on a tray and made his way back on the double.
It was hard to tell exactly what the boy, Theo, was thinking. It had been clear to Kyu that if he wanted to have any sort of success he'd have to be methodically confident in order to navigate around the maze of walls he was raising to hide himself from the world. Unlike Phil who readily reached his own hand out to connect with people, Kyu was simply unable of executing such actions. If he dare let anyone close enough they might accidentally realize what he was even when he hid it so well; brethren of his like Theo all the more. He'd have to figure out a way to help Theo from the outside, standing against him, in front of him, pointing the way... anything as long as he wouldn't have to come too close.
Just as Phil had described he did appear capable though, but just like Phil he shared a hint of doubt. He had potential, okay... and if properly trained he would surely become a terrifyingly powerful witch. But what would that mean for him, for them, for everyone? Would it change anything? The answer was no... most likely not. Things had a tendency to remain one certain way, somehow regardless of what people were trying to do. That too was balance, that too was equilibrium. Everything had to be a result of violence in order for it to become peaceful afterwards.
"Teacher... did you sleep well? Sorry for disturbing you on your days off, as always..." Phil asked, apologizing as he went, one hand moving to fix his glasses up his nose. His words were met with a soft smile on Kyu's part as he brought to seat himself back down pouring some water for Theo and smiling to him as well. "I wanted to ask-" Phil had no way to complete his sentence however, as Kyu cut him pretty fast. "You wanted to ask me to enlist your brother for training because you know of my exploits as a knight, no?" even though the questioning answer was meant for Phil Kyu's eyes flicked to Theo instead, studying closely and judging his reactions. "W-Well... yes..." Phil sighed, sinking back in his chair as his teacher moved to serve the fresh-baked pie, still smiling. "We can discuss this over some pie, really. In the end it should be sir Theo's decision, after all." he nodded. "I know you don't like sugar that much, Phil... but I couldn't help myself. Please have some also." he bowed his head slightly and sat back to watch them side by side. They surely were the most striking of combinations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 10:01 am
As Kyu hurried off towards where the kitchen must be, Theo allowed himself to slump down. He still wasn't sure what was it about Kyu that left him feeling so unsettled. It wasn't the sense of insubstantiality that he exuded. It was something else as well. Sighing, he rubbed the back of his neck briefly before straightening again, his mask back in place. The sound of footsteps alerted him to Kyu's return, bearing the requested water and a freshly baked apple pie. "Thank you." Theo said quietly as Kyu served the apple pie and Phil started questioning his teacher.
However, his mind was on other things. Did he want to accept Kyu's offer of help? The one Phil had more or less given to him? He kept a carefully blank face, noting the way Kyu's eyes flicked over to him even if it was Phil asking the questions. He seemed to be trying to figure Theo out, inasmuch as Theo was trying to do the same. However, now he had a decidion to make, two choices before him. Two very different paths it seemed. Did he want Kyu's help? Or would he rather try to get by on his own?
Theo looked over the terrace, staring empitly into the blue, blue sky. Why did he have this feeling that he was at a turning point, where things could change drastically, depending on which way he went? He absently picked at the apple pie Kyu had set before them as he mulled over it, weighing the pros and cons of each. He needed a third option. Why wasn't there one? Spooning a little of the pie into his mouth, he chewed on it thoughtfully, savouring the pastry and apple filling. It was a delicious pie, one that apealed to Theo's sweet tooth. Clearly here was some one who appreciated the sweeter things in life, unlike Phil.
"Maybe we should have a spar." Theo said thoughtfully. "You'll be able to test out my abilities, and decide if you would like to have me as a student." His gaze remained on the sky before him. And maybe by then, he would have made a decision. Either way, he would decide for himself whether it would be worth coming here to work with Kyu. As his spoon scraped the last of the apple pie into his mouth, Theo made a decision. No doubt Kyu would be superior to him, but if he decided it was worth it, he would come. Maybe he wouldn't form such an easy-going relationship with the man as Phil had, but Theo had never been known for doing things the way Phil did them.
He would do it in his own way, just like everything else.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 3:46 am
Phil looked over at Theo expectantly, as if he expected to hear something yet all his brother did was slump in his chair looking rather strange. Knowing him Phil could sense he felt unsettled, uncertain... perhaps it was his teacher's initial impact, the first impression he always left people with or perhaps being what he was Theo could vaguely sense him even if he didn't, couldn't know why. At the same time he seemed oddly receptive at the same time, a face of his that even Phil rarely had the pleasure to witness. He even thanked Kyu properly, if nothing else. So... maybe it wasn't all bad in the end.
Phil wished, with all his heart, for Theo to be able to accept his teacher. If nothing because Phil knew of both their stories and how Theo could learn so very much about the true nature of things if he was educated by this person who, however targeted by life, in the worst possible ways, had managed to stand back on his feet every time he was knocked down. Theo was headstrong; he refused to fall, which was the reason that when he did he hit the ground the hardest. It was a sad reality and it made him all the more worried, but he did respect his teacher's words and he didn't want to speak up out of turn, didn't want to affect Theo's decision in any sense.
Kyu on the other hand watched the pair of siblings with secret bemusement, a smile smile curving his lips as he nodded his head lightly, kindly receiving Theo's words and sitting back to enjoy his tea in the quiet of the atmosphere, however much tension floated lingering idly there, waiting to be sparked into a wildfire. When Theo suggested they had a spar, however he thought of declining. Sparring so early, without any prior preparation was.. absurd at best. Was Theo forgetting that albeit a graduate he'd be facing a knight? Or was he headstrong enough to think he would deal well. Sparring came after training, after the honing of one's skill. He knew best after all. First you develop then you're tested.
"I... do not need to spar with you in order to determine your abilities, Theofratus." Kyu smiled softly even if his words were stern. "A sparring match might appear like a tempting idea, both to you and I alike, after all it's more direct than playing games." he admitted, hands coming to rest on his lap. "However you wouldn't have the chance to unfold your full potential for me to see and that would sadden me." he nodded lightly to underline his words and let himself sigh a little. "I would love to know your basic abilities before we move to something like that so we can work on improving some points before we get to see your actual fighting style, do you agree?" he asked, wanting to make sure everyone, especially Theo, was in agreement with his proposal. "Would you please make a small, brief presentation of the forms your magic takes?" he had placed his offer down, he was willing to teach the boy, if only to try teaching him. Philemon seemed to place great trust in him and he'd hate to disappoint such a dedicated student.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
