Aether Nexus: Curse of Love & Hatred

When Domitius opened the heavy wooden doors to the chief's residence, Dama, Koul, Liam, and Gus were greeted by a warm, cozy interior that starkly contrasted with the cold, snowy landscape outside.

The main room was spacious, with a high ceiling supported by sturdy wooden beams. A large hearth dominates one wall, where a fire crackles and casts a warm, flickering light across the room. The fire's heat was a welcome relief from the biting cold outside, with the smell of burning wood adding to the comforting atmosphere. Thick rugs covered the floors, adding to the room's warmth and giving it a homely feel.

The walls were lined with shelves and cabinets, holding various items ranging from tools, weapons, and decorative objects.

Some shelves held intricately carved wooden figurines, likely crafted by local artisans, depicting scenes of village life and mountain landscapes. Other shelves held scrolls and books, standing in as the vault for Briarstone's knowledge.

To the side, a small door likely led to private quarters, but remained closed, keeping the focus on the main area where the chief conducts his business.

The furniture in the room is simple yet sturdy, made of solid wood. A large table stands in the center, surrounded by chairs with thick cushions. The table is currently cluttered with maps, parchments, and a few plates with remnants of a recent meal. It’s clear that important discussions and decisions take place here. Benches and plush chairs stood beside the hearth.

“Woah…” Dama uttered out of sheer awe as the group stepped foot inside.

An action that would be met by a thunderous voice from the opposite side of the room. “Who goes there! State your business!”

Peeking from behind Koul, Dama could see a platoon of five men in the same outfit as Domitius and Ryuu approaching them, spears battle ready. Their faces, while mostly concealed by their woolen helmets, still held the distinct snarl of protective duty.

That was until they saw who led the group inside. “S-Sir Domitius?”

“So this is how you welcome your captain back, eh?” Domitius responded with a cheeky smirk whilst cracking his knuckles.

Each and every guard present stood straight and saluted, with the one in front apologizing. “Sorry Sir Domitius! Will never happen again!”

“Pffft-HA!” Domitius laughed as he patted the apologetic guard on the back, disrupting his balance. “Don’t worry ‘bout it, lad! If anyone should be apologizing, it's me! I'm the one who didn't knock, nor give word I'd be bringing a few guests! Quite rude of me, no?”

“I… I—uh…” the guard stuttered, trying to figure out the right answer. “I guess?”

“Indeed!” Domitius smiled from ear to ear as he brought his fist to his own chest. “So, my boys, I need for you to hear me carefully, I have a job for you! Back at the stables of the Talgat Residence are containers of food brought from our neighbors and trading partners, Enohay Village. I'll explain everything later, but for now, I need you boys to go and help distribute the food evenly to the Briarstone villagers, understand?”

Bringing their feet together, slamming the foot of their spears down on the ground, and saluting once more, the platoon of guards all shouted in unison: “Yessir!!”

With a snap of Domitius’ fingers, the platoon headed out of the estate to go fulfill their orders, with most of them taking a second to look at Mumu and Nina before leaving. That now left the original group alone in the expansive room.

Koul smirked as he scratched his beard. “Damn, you sure got some respect ‘round here, eh?”

“He's the headguard for a reason, Koul.” Liam replied with a tone of respect. “Though, I wonder how long it took to garner such a role.”

“Twenty years, right, Sir Domitius?” Ryuu asked, rubbing the side of head in an effort to remember.

“Give it or take, har har!” Domitius replied, his hearty laughs echoing within the wooden house.

“Domitius?” A voice with a distinct gravelly texture sounded inside the building, causing Dama to look around in confusion.

“Uh… Where did that voice come from, Mr. Domitius?” Dama said after retreating back behind Koul.

“Ehehee! Don't worry, young Dama,” Domitius approached a section of a wall with a mountain symbol on it and put his hand through, revealing it to be a curtain, “that's just our chief—Chief Okun Yamanaka!”

Inside, the group was met with a room much like the one they were just in, only a little bit smaller and with fewer furniture, including no shelves. In place of them were the heads of numerous mountain-indigenous animals, such as wolves, black bears, and even bearded vultures—all of which creeped Dama out.

On the back wall, a large tapestry hung on the wall, depicting a majestic mountain scene. Its rich colors and detailed craftsmanship suggest it’s a prized possession, symbolizing the village's pride in their mountainous home.

In front of them, a regal blue carpet, obviously made by an expert crafter, laid before them in between six small torches, three on each side.

At the end of the carpet stood a plush pile of cushions and furs combined with a hammock, creating a kind of makeshift throne. The one who reclined in said throne was none other than Chief Okun Yamanaka.

First thing that was obvious was that he is a rotund man, his position on the cushions making him look even larger. “Jeez, he really let himself go…” Dama caught himself thinking before breathing a sigh of relief, thanking himself for not saying it out loud.

Studying the chief further, Dama could see he wore a deep green robe that is both comfortable and finely made, adorned with simple but elegant embroidery. His olive-toned, round face held the occasional flap of skin, especially on his wide forehead.

Okun's hair is a thick mane of graying black, worn loose and flowing to his shoulders. It was unkempt and with a few strands often falling into his face, giving him a somewhat disheveled look. His beard, similarly untamed, is a mix of dark and silver, framing his face and adding to his rugged appearance.

What caught Dama’s attention the most, however, had to be the chief’s eyes. They were half-closed, exuding the same state of relaxed lethargy as his entire body. A sense of power and authority could also be felt, but both were overshadowed by another, an overwhelming sense of grief. As the chief opened them slightly wider at their arrival, Dama saw two peculiar symbols within Okun's dark brown eyes.

The left held a visage of mountains, correlating with the chief’s supposed ability to manipulate the earth around him. Yet, it was the right eye in particular that seemed to ‘capture’ Dama. What it held was an entirely different symbol consisting of two circles, one huge, and the other very small, in comparison, laying at the very bottom inside of the first circle.

Domitius kneeled on one knee in front of Okun, his tone and overall way of speaking switching to a more refined style. “Chief, I have brought unto you children of our neighboring village, Enohay. I believe it to be worthwhile for you to speak with them.”

The chief stroked his beard in consideration before waving the rest in. "Welcome, welcome…" Okun said with a yawn, his words lethargic and drawn out.

Taking the initiative, Koul stepped forward and kneeled beside Domitius. "Chief, we've brought food from Enohay, as we worried about the fact you haven't come to trade after th—!” Koul abruptly stopped as he started to sweat, remembering from Domitius that he was about to bring up the same plague that took the chief’s wife. Regaining composure, he continued. “Ahem! Haven't come to trade for a few years.”

Liam took a step forward himself and kneeled as well. “We also heard about your Oni problem and are ready to lend our help in defeating it if we must.” A comment that sent a shiver down Gus’ spine. “Not only that, I think we might have even encountered it on our way here.” He added on, which shocked Domitius and Ryuu.

Ryuu stepped up next. “Wait a second, you encountered the Oni?”

“Koul didn't tell you?” Liam responded as he looked up at Ryuu, confused before elaborating. “We’re not a hundred percent sure, but yes, we encountered a creature that had the ability to conjure ice and snow. We didn't get a good look at it, however. All I can say is that it was around the same height as Dama, maybe a little smaller.”

Ryuu and Domitius exchanged alarming glances. Before they could get another word in though, Okun spoke, his eyes flickering with mild interest. "Ah, the Oni," he said, scratching his belly, "yes, it's been quite the nuisance. But, it's so tiresome dealing with it directly. If you really encountered it, then the fact you're here now means you must have staved it off, how so?”

Liam grinned with confidence. "With my trusty bow-and-arrow!"

"And your Wind Magic, remember?" Koul cosigned.

"Yeah, my Wind Affinity, too."

"Wind Affinity?" Okun and Domitius both said and stroked their beards in unison, intrigued.

"Mhm," Liam nodded, "I was able to infuse one of my arrows with a 'wind charge' or sorts to empower, which scared it off!"

Okun nodded before turning his attention to Ryuu and Domitius. "Domitius, doesn't one of your rookies also hold an Elemental Affinity?"

"Yessir," Domitius responded, "you speak of Miuson Hakasha, son of Isola Hakasha. He's a diligent young fellow with a drive suitable to be apart of our guard. He has a Fire Affinity, though he's somewhat reluctant to use it. Never really said why either." he mentioned as he grasped his chin in contemplation, before punching his own palm. "However, now that you mention it, he would be a valuable asset against the Oni with enough training, no?"

Closing his eyes as he leaned back, Okun's voice became heavier, as if weighed down by not only his grief, but both his position as leader and the losses due to the Oni. “We have already lost more than half our men trying to fight it, I rather not keep this pointless endeavor up…”

Sympathizing with Okun's hardships, Dama stepped forward and kneeled, copying Liam and Koul. “If I may ask, mister—I mean, uh, Chief Okun… You have a Soulful Technique, right? It could be effective against the Oni.”

Okun nodded, patting his belly as he replied. “Indeed I do have one… However, even in the days of my youth, it took a lot out of me to use. I can't use it unless absolutely necessary…”

“Well, if that's the case,” Dama piped with his hand on his chest, “you don't have to worry, s-since I too have one!”

“Is that so?” Okun said as he leaned forward again, intrigue lifting an eyebrow up as he awaited Dama to continue. Everyone else in the room turned their attention to Dama, giving him the stage.

Now not only all eyes were on Dama, he also had the ears of a village chief—an outcome he did not see coming. Freezing in place, he tried to at least get a word out to break the silence, but could only muster weak sputters.

Before he let his nerves envelop him, he unconsciously looked to Koul in front of him, who smiled back with confidence—confidence that he had in him. It was then Dama remembered what Koul had said right before entering the chief's residence: "Then maybe it's time for Dama to step up. If we can show the chief that we're serious about solving this problem, maybe he'll be more inclined to help.”

Gulping his nerves down, Dams clutched at his chest, anticipating the step into the unknown he was about to take. “I-I would appreciate it if you could possibly teach me how to use my Soulful Technique, so I can help both you and your village!”

The room fell silent again as everyone turned their attention back to Okun, who leaned back once more.

Taking a few moments to consider, Okun then clapped softly. “So, you want to help us rid ourselves of this dangerous Oni, at the potential cost of your own safety, and for strangers no less?”

Dama gulped again as he nodded, his eyes showing his determination now that he couldn't back down. “Y-Yes! Briarstone is no strangers to us from Enohay! Mr. Koul and Mr. Liam taught me that both out here, and in Enohay Village, we all rely on each other. If one of us slacks off, it makes things harder for everyone else. That's what makes both a strong community and strong men!”

As Koul and Lima both smiled ear to ear with pride, Okun nodded once more. “I must say, child, you spoke words most men can't muster. I am moved, and as such, I'll try my best to help you in return. Pray tell, what is your name?”

Before Dama could answer, Koul ruffled his hair as he chuckled. “This man right here is named Dama Jinbia, chief! I'm Himon Kowl, the blonde haired gentleman here is Liam Leir,” Koul looked around before continuing, spotting Gus who was still standing aloof in the back, and forcing him to kneel beside everyone else, “and this here is Gus Ralphman!”

“I see… Dama, you said?” Okun replied as he stroked his beard more. “What is your Soulful Technique?”

“Well, we don't know much about it yet, Chief Okun…” Dama sheepishly said before pumping his fist into the air. “But! It's what gave my two most trusted companions life! Mumu and Nina, who are behind us!”

Looking behind the group of men, Okun spotted Mumu and Nina, who stared blankly back at him. “Oh my, I didn't even realize they were here…” Okun said, intrigued by their mere existence.

“Trust me, chief, those two are way more useful than they look. The bear may have cracked one or two of my ribs. The fox can move in the blink of an eye, I'm telling you!” Domitius ecstatically said with a wide smile.

Okun sighed and groaned for what seemed like minutes. Finally, he nodded his head again and clapped. “Then it is settled… Please, Domitius and Ryuu. Jr, see to it that these men from Enohay are quartered well. I will have some of our best chefs make a feast tonight for their bravery and help.”

As Domitius and Ryuu bowed in acknowledgement, Koul and Liam fist bumped as they both patted Dama's shoulders.

Though, the moment of elation would soon be interrupted by someone bursting through the curtains of the room. A girl around Dama’s age, with dark-red hair and dimples. Wearing the same deep-green robe Okun wore, she clasped her hands together with a shining spark of excitement in both of her eyes. “Cooking!? Can I help, papa!”

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(Chapter 39) The Wandering Warden