[2913] [13757] A Heavy Heart [Tranquil p2]

The soft glow of the Tranquil Clan’s crystals bathed the underground sanctuary in hues of blue and violet, casting long shadows over the still, mirror-like pools scattered throughout the cavern. The air felt calm here—weightless, as if the very atmosphere was infused with peace. Pyrrah-Vos sat on the smooth stone floor, staring down into the water’s surface. Despite the serenity surrounding him, his mind buzzed with curiosity. Everything here felt like a weight was lifted after their dramatics with the Brutes and the Forgotten. Theneras beside him couldn't quite keep still, and his paw itched his other one as he looked around rather impatiently.

A Tranquil Haedian stood before the two chasers. Their gentle voice resonated, low and calming, as they reached out, handing Pyrrah a small crystal with a faint inner glow.

Tranquil Haedian~"This crystal is attuned to healing energies. If you focus, you’ll feel it pulse with life. Let it guide your thoughts, quiet your mind, and centre your spirit. Healing, after all, begins within."

Pyrrah glanced down at the crystal in his paws. He felt the faint thrum of energy, almost like a heartbeat. Channelling energy through something as delicate as a crystal—it was different. Softer. Gentler. He bet that his companion Zarumaal would be immensely jealous of it all.

His ears twitched slightly as he attempted to focus, closing his eyes and taking a slow breath, the Haedian’s words filling the serene quiet around them.

Pyrrah-Vos~"So… It’s about balance, right? I need to clear my head first?"

Tranquil Haedian~"Exactly. You cannot heal others if you yourself are in chaos. Let the crystal be your guide. Focus on the stillness it brings."

Pyrrah opened his eyes just enough to steal a glance at Theneras. He couldn’t help but grin, trying to stifle his amusement.

Pyrrah-Vos~"Theneras, this might be your kind of thing—zen, balance, inner peace? Sounds like your natural state, right? All that clan stuff back on top?"

Theneras- "Hah! You're the one with the weird soothsayer companion.”

He snigger in bemusement, though as the Haedian cleared their throat he ducked his head down. 

Theneras- "I mean– there's definitely no inner peace in my clan with my companion as the leader, but I've never had any inner struggles. So I don't think I'm the kind of chaser that it'll work on…”

The Haedian looked at him with curiosity, beckoning him to try anyway.

Tranquil Haedian- " Perhaps that is what your body wills you to believe. Try it anyway.”

The chaser looked at Pyrrah with narrowed eyes before he snatched the crystal. The moment it touched his paws he felt a strange buzzing go through his body, as if it was something that was trying to find something within his body. Even with the feeling, Theneras couldn’t help but feel unsettled and uneasy, shuddering when it seemed that the sensation  was finally dying down.

Looking up, the Tranquil Haedian watched him with intense curiosity.

Tranquil Haedian- “You are at peace.”

They sounded confused, confounded- and perhaps a little impressed.

Theneras- “Well, I mean… I did say.”

He trailed off a little bit before he realised he could have his own personal revenge on Pyrrah, smirking and holding the crystal back out for the other chaser.

Theneras- “Looks like we’re going to see Pyrrah freak out instead.”

Pyrrah-Vos~“Firstly, he’s not a soothsayer… He’s an augur or something.’ Big difference, mr-at-peace.”

He huffed, but as he took the crystal back, he felt a new pulse of energy, grounding him. Despite Theneras’ teasing, Pyrrah closed his eyes, letting himself focus on the crystal’s hum. Gradually, a feeling of calm washed over him, clearing away the usual tension he didn’t realise he’d been carrying.

Tranquil Haedian~“Good. Let it guide you. Healing isn’t just for others—it’s for yourself.”

A faint memory flickered through his mind—Zarumaal’s claws pulling him from dark waters, a distant rescue blurred by time. For a moment, Pyrrah felt his heart grow heavy, but the crystal’s energy kept him relatively grounded, easing his thoughts. Opening his eyes, he passed the crystal back with a nod. Glad to let go of it, really.

Pyrrah-Vos~“Guess there’s something to this ‘inner peace’ stuff after all.. Not just some whimsical crap. No offence.”

The Haedian chuckled.

Tranquil Haedian~“Peace is not about erasing the past but carrying it without letting it weigh you down. Both of you have stories woven into your souls, and they shape your very being. It is more complicated than you will come to know.”

Pyrrah-Vos~“Guess it wouldn’t hurt to carry a bit of that peace and healing stuff around myself.”

The Haedian nodded approvingly, the faintest smile touching their lips.

Tranquil Haedian~“Precisely. And remember—you do not carry it alone. You have companions, friends, and even spirits who are watching over you. Let them share in your journey.”

Pyrrah exhaled, the knot in his chest loosening a little. The crystal’s energy had faded from his claws, but the Haedian’s words lingered; something that just might stick with him a bit longer than he’d care to admit to Theneras.