Every element exists in opposition to another one, and is balanced because of that relationship. Treating darkness like it's evil is simplistic and harmful. Of course, here, where you can't see the tangible effects of that... people wouldn't know any better. But some of us have seen a world where light was allowed to rule freely and prevented life from flourishing... and another where shadow caused the world to collapse in on itself, leaving a void. Neither is a good outcome.

[He rubs at the back of his head.]

I still have all my fingers, don't I? [He wiggles his hands, which have tattoos right up to the knuckles. This close, however, Raha might be able to tell that many of his tattoos sloppily cover or distract from lighter scars.] I had nothing better to do in taverns than learn stabberscotch while trying to get information. It was either that or start fights.