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High-functioning Hellraiser
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 Posted: Mon May 08, 2017 10:10 pm
Inner Thoughts : Night One : The Lost Path
No matter how strong any single B'alam claims to be, whether it be mentally, physically or emotionally, the feeling of being lost could be fearful one for any single B'alam. B'alam whom are still young to the world will almost always have some sense of fear when taking their first steps into the world since they have no real concept on how it functions. However, when it comes to those b'alam who rely on their emotional and mental strength, being lost may leave them second guessing their own optimism. Slowly but surely cracks will appear in their demeanor as they attempt to hang on to any sense of positive feelings they can. The smile that they carry and guard will hide the pain of their uncertainty. With those that depend on their physical strength, being lost may leak feelings of weakness within them. They may start questioning if they really carry the physical ability to take on everything within their path. But they are left to question how one can physically battle an opponent that does not carry a physical form. In a way it is the same for spirituality. Whenever one feels abandoned in the world there is a point where one starts to question what they believe in. It is up to them whether or not they keep on believing that which claims to love and watch over them. However, why would anyone doubt the Weaver in the first place? He exists. That much is proven in how the world functions and the knowledge everyone awakens with. But they does he sometimes remain silent during a time of need?
Oni himself, though he held belief in his own inner strength, found himself lost and questioning the path he decided to follow. The fire triber was one of the lucky few in the world that was woven with a purpose in mind. Since the day he first opened his eyes to the world he had a feeling that he was meant to carry importance. Like many things in the world, it took him some time to figure out what exactly the Weave had in mind for him, but when he did he felt a feeling of enlightenment in his life.
To be shown that he was meant to leader was something he never came to expect. How could one like himself, who still not truly know himself or his place in life, be expected to lead and protect those around him? It was both an exciting and scary realization. He would need to learn what is expected of a good leader. He would need to learn how to fight not just for survival, but for the protection of those around him, for his tribe as a whole. But who could teach him such lessons? There was just so much but too little time in his mind, but he learned what he could, and he earned his title, in a sense. His title felt so hollow though.
During his time in the world Oni also learned his cruel the world could be. It was tough to learn that nothing in the world was handed over with a smile and good prayers. Not even in the world wished the best for their brothers and sisters. Oh no. Some wished for the exact opposite. Though all seemed woven at an equal stance and crafted with love, some B'alam just held so much malice in their heart. If not that, then they just seemed disinterested in those around them or their lot in life. He even learned that even those who were woven with a golden claw upon their paw could abandon those around them without a second thought. If one is woven with the expectation to aid and lead, then how can one just leave their follows lost and confused? How could they just up and vanish without explanation?
For the military commander it seemed as if every time he felt like he had found his chance to live out his purpose it just lead to the dead end of a cave. Every time someone dangled some sort of jewel before his hopeful eyes like some sort of starved animal, they would pull it away from his paws for one reason or another. He was not a pet to be played with! He was not a child to be tricked or brushed away! It infuriated him to no end. He knew what he was meant to do in life. He, in a sense, knew what he was meant to be. The Weaver himself had shown him and spoken to him. There was no confusion for the reason behind his existence. So why then did they world choose to continue playing with him? So why then did his purpose continue to elude him like a paroo in the canopy?
He did not believe it too much to ask that someone just properly train him or guide him in some sense. He did not think it too much for the tribe to have even the shortest amount of time of good tidings.
Why the Fire Tribe? Why were they chosen to go through such hardship while the other tribes flourished? It just did not seem fair.
So now Oni found himself in a rather difficult and frustrating situation. The military commander found himself dragging along his own lost path towards a world of unknowns. Where exactly was the world and his paws taking him? Wherever he found himself heading he could only hope there would be answers at the end of the world. If not for himself then for those he swore to protect.
Thinking about it, the commander always found it so easy to give advice to others, and yet it was so difficult to follow that which he spoke. Comforting those who found themselves lost was never too annoying of a task. It was easy to just tell them that sometimes it is best to follow the lost path. One could never be too sure where it could lead in the end. Nor could one say what would be stumbled upon or what opportunities could be found. But now that Oni himself found himself walking the lost path, well he did not find him optimism in his journey. It felt worse than when he first awakened within the world. So lost. So alone. And yet something, like a small voice, guided him. Now though, that voice seemed silenced. Oni spend many hours crying out to the Weaver for some kind of sign, even the smallest of them, but nothing ever came.
Had the Weaver decided to abandon him in his time of need?
No, Oni did not believe the Weaver to be one to just abandoned his children, especially during times of hardship. If he was then he would not take the time to talk to his children during their first days on in the world.
Had he done something wrong?
No, he did not believe he had done anything to bring down the Weaver's wrath in his life. At least he hoped not.
Was he missing something?
He did not know. Still, something pushed him to keep walking wherever his paws decided to take him.
[1,211]
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Posted: Wed May 10, 2017 7:49 pm
Inner Thoughts : Night Two : Betrayal
From words that have been both whispered and talked about within the pride, the original Magi of the world were supposed to sit as leaders of their assigned domain. Beings who were created with more knowledge and power than b'alam of normal creation, they were created to build the world up towards greatness. Some tribes, like the Dark Tribe, were given a single Magi to lead them. Other tribes, like the Fire Tribe and the Light Tribe, were granted two magi to lead the tribe. All the original magi were told their place in the world and their duties to those who lived within it. With the wisdom that had been granted to them by the Grand Weaver himself, the magi of the world were entrusted to lead the b'alam who called their territory home towards a greater life, a hopefully peaceful life where all could prosper. All had goals to fulfill in order to build a world that could nurture their tribe. Paw in paw they worked hard to carve out a paradise of sorts where peace could prosper, or so they hoped as they worked away day in and day out.
Magi, from what he had learned on his own and been told by others, were supposed to be B'alam whom have fully awakened their true potential as creatures of the world. They are the peak of perfection and an example of what all b'alam could become if they worked hard to unlock their inner potential. No longer was their magic tied down within their soul, but unchained and expanded to every fiber of their being. Once limited only to the power of the mind and simple movement, how one had the potential to learn to control the elements of the world. But even then, a B'alam was limited to the element on their own pride, which made sense. It would be weird to see a being of wind spit fire. Maybe it was naive of the military commander, but once upon a time Oni had set a personal goal to one day unlock his own full potential, to rise and join the ranks of the Magi. These days though, he found himself very much unsure of such a goal.
It was not a matter of personal doubts, not fully anyway. If Oni had to guess, it was more of a matter of what he had witnessed within his own tribe.
Their own tribe, the Fire tribe started out with just that in mind. Their Magi, a tah and a nah, seemed just as fit as any other Magi in the world. They seemed to love their domain with their full heart and soul. They spoke of creating a grand land carved with the heart of the volcanoes that hugged their land. They would do great things, many things. They could become a tribe as fierce and beautiful as the heat and lava that ran through their lands like the rivers of the Water tribe.
The water tribe found meaning in wisdom. The wind tribe valued their freedom. The earth tribe, though lacking in features, held pride. The ice tribe had their stubbornness that aided them to survive in lands most would die in. The light tribe offered healing and peace. The dark tribe offered their power where no others found any. The fire tribe, well, they had strength, but would it be enough to aid them in such times of pressure...
"I don't understand, Naraan!" A growl escaped from the white tah's maw as he paced around in anger. Claws out and teeth bared, he seemed to seethe with pure anger. His fur bristled on end and his eyes even seemed to glow with his rage. "How could Xiao and Vul be so selfish as to walk out on their own tribe? Do they not care about what may happen to us? Do they not care enough to fulfill the position that was granted to them by the Weaver himself!? You know as well as I do that we are in no position to be left to our own devices!"
Oni shook his head and turned his gaze towards the sky above. Though the air around them carried a heavy sorrow the stars above still shined bright as if the Weaver was still smiling despite the events that were unfolding below. "The other tribes, Naraan," The tah's voice seemed broken in the moment. "They are so far ahead of us. They are prospering even with the bad events that have fallen upon them. They have made it through their moments of darkness, but none of them have had their magi walk out on them. So what example can we follow? What are we supposed to do? Tell me, Narran? WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO NOW!? How are we supposed to survive!?"
[810]
Naraan watched as his younger friend paced around the clearing. When word of the "betrayal" ran through the streets like some sort of infection, Naraan's mate, Idris, instructed him to go visit the commander. He had found the other B'alam pacing his cave and seething with anger, and what he could only guess was an underlining sense of denial. He felt bad for the tah, especially when he knew well that Oni's faith in the Magi was already fragile before the current events.
Watching his friend stomp around, he thought it best to try and take the military commander's mind off the outrage. When he had suggested they take time away from Yongheng Zhi Huo, the kingdom of the Fire Tribe, Oni was not all too excited about the idea. Still, Naraan insisted until the tah gave in and agreed.
When Naraan had brought up the idea he had hoped that a simple walk towards and around the outskirts of the city would help the white B'alam calm himself. However, for all his hope and effort, it seemed that his friend's anger and annoyance ran deep into his veins. Only time and Oni's own decision to let go would bring him peace. Naraan would just have to stay by the commander's side until that time, and stay he will. He knew Oni would do the same for him.
Oni's anger could not be helped though. The soldier knew that at the moment the feeling of betrayal was touched by many, if not all, within the Fire Tribe. No one, not that he had heard anyway, had ever heard of Magi just deciding to abandon their own tribe. So why did theirs disappear on them? It made no sense to Naraan, or anyone. Maybe the Weaver was planning something that the tribe could not grasp their minds around. Even if that were true Naraan did not believe they could all just sit around and wait for events to unfold. Some sort of action must be taken if they were to survive. Those were thoughts for another day though. For now he needed to be around for his friend.
With a silent sigh, Naraan watched his friend with a sense of sadness.
"I cannot say what ran through their minds, Oni." It was true, no one but the Magi themselves could say, and clearly they were not around to speak for themselves."But I know jumping to conclusions will not aid us in anyway. If you must let you anger out, then do so in a smart way, but do not let your anger cloud your senses, friend. You of all B'alam should know how easily anger can poison one's judgement and lead one astray."
Though Naraan was the eldest of their group, he was learning that age did not always mean wisdom. Just as Naraan had taught his friend much in his early days, Oni too taught him is own share of lessons. The tah could only guess that the lessons shared between them is what helped build their steel like trust and brotherly bond.
"Please, my friend. Please take a seat and find some peace."
[524]
Reluctantly, the military commander stilled his paws. Though still, he could still feel himself shaking with the anger that still swam through his veins. He wished he could look as at peace as Naraan at the moment, but his mind and soul would not allow him to feel such peace at the moment. He sat more like a volcano that was on the brink of erupting.
"I wish I could find peace that the moment, Naraan, but how can I? How can I allow myself to sit around and act as if nothing has happened when our tribe runs around in confusion and panic? Our leaders, they have abandoned us as if we are nothing! They left no words to calm us. They left no instructions on what we should do in their place. The Weaver, he has not sent us a single sign that things will be okay or that someone new will take their place! Three Magi, Naraan! Three Magi have been given to us and all three have left! What are we to do? No other tribe that I know of has had such issues, so why us!?"
[191]
"I cannot say, Oni! I wish I knew why, but I don't!"
Naraan did not mean to raise his voice at his friend. With another sigh he did his best to restrain himself once more for both their sakes. The older B'alam prided himself on his ability to remain calm in most situations. It is something that made it easy for others to approach him and look to him in times of confusion or anger. However, it also meant he rarely ever got a chance to express is own anger when formed.
"Listen, Oni, not is not the time to let your anger consume you. I know you are young and still learning, so now would be the time to learn how to steel yourself and your anger when others will be looking to you for guidance. You are one of the few that has any position of power at the moment, and that means you must be prepared to watch over all until a solution is found."
It was sad to think that his friend would be left in such a position, but nothing could be down. Beyond the Magi and whatever advisers they may or may not have had, only Oni and maybe one other ever had any direct dealings with the Magi. So whether he liked the idea or not, he would have to learn to stand on how own two paws.
"As your friend, you know I will do whatever I can to aid you. My family and I will always stand by your side, just as we always have since our meeting. It's time, Oni, for you to take this chance to fit your title."
[280]
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Oni did not enjoy spending time giving that night, the night that the Magi of the fire tribe abandoned everyone, much thought. However, no matter what he did, no matter how much distance he tried to put between himself and that night, it continued to follow him like a plague. It was like a predator that waited in the shadows for a chance to strike against him. Just as he could always expect the sun to rise as the moon falls, he could always expect something to remind him of that day. Whether he wanted it to or not, it always waited for him. The only positive thing about the moments is that he always got a little better at dealing with them. Eventually, he knew, it would finally learn to let go.
As the memory started to play through his head he could not help but feel a tiny bit of guilt. He knew his anger must have annoyed and burdened Naraan in some sense. The tah could only be appreciative of the older male's patience when it came to his explosive episodes. Truly, he was the best companion that Oni could ever wish for. Always loyal. Always willing to aid him. He was still so young back then, so inexperienced to many thing in the world. One of his faults was his inability to control his emotions to keep himself at an advantage. How easily he spewed his anger around him like a volcano spewing lava every which way. It was not good for a military commander to have such a fault. No good for anyone. At least his friend stayed by him and taught him to control himself.
Maybe the older B'alam taught him a little too well. If others knew of what he was like back then and compared him to who he is today, well, some would say he went from a raging volcano to a stone wall. All the better to lead with he guessed, or more like sit and monitor the streets.
No one but the Weaver could have foreseen that one of their Magi would have fallen to, what was the word that Naraan used when speaking about it, insanity? He said it was an illness of the mind, and not one that could have easily been worked with. There was no herb that could have helped Xiao. Words might have gotten through to the nah, but no one could have been sure for how long. Some days she seemed to be her old self, but others it seemed as if her mind had left her. All the tribe could have offered her was patience and guidance, but still she continued to fall so much that even their other Magus could do nothing but watch and pray for her.
It was a heartbreaking thing to watch, especially since the pair had bonded their soul with love and acceptance of one another.
Once a loving and kind soul who looked at her tribe with pride, the nah slowly but surely began to crack. She spent much of her time roaming the lava tunnels, mutter about creatures that did not exist. If Oni remembered right the nah called it a spish or something of the sort. Xiao claimed it to be a creature blessed upon them by the Weaver himself. A fish or bug like creature that knew all that was, is and was going to be. Such nonsense, but all were fearful of what would happen if anyone tried to go against her belief.
No one wanted to spend their days being yelled at for their "heretic nature". No one wanted to be the first to see if the magi would stay true to her threats. So much talk of heretics being locked away where none would ever find them. Whispers of B'alam vanishing or being drowned in the lake that the nah believed the creature resided in. It was...it was a true nightmare to witness.
Oni could not imagine what condition Vulkonus' heart, mind and soul would have been in. The pain that must erupt in one's heart as they were left to watch someone they loved with your whole being slowly descend into madness. What it must be like to walk up every morning to someone you do not recognize anymore. How could someone remain so together during all of it? If Oni were ever put in such a situation he felt that he would slowly break down. He would no longer be able to look his loved one in the face. But would he really be able to abandon them to their own madness? He did not want to believe so.
Maybe he was just good at hiding it all. He loved her enough to chase after her though, if he did indeed leave to follow. Or perhaps he left down a different path. Maybe he was searching for peace while the nah chased after figures that had no bearing in reality.
Maybe one day they would return, but no one could say if they would return with open arms. Oni did not even believed the third magus that was offered to them would return.
She just appeared one day claiming to be sent to take the empty seat of the crazed. The beginning of summer she would appear and at summer's end she would vanish until summer started once more.
Not much of a replacement, but who could speak up on it? Not they. That would be going against the Weaver's word, right?
He could only pray a blessing would soon come upon the tribe before a divide would start. Weaver help them all if in-fighting ever started. What side would he himself have to take? Would he be forced to turn tail and abandon his homeland just as the Magi did?
'Weaver please watch over us all. I know you are both watching and listening. I just wish I could understand what you are trying to set us up for.'
[1,002]
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High-functioning Hellraiser
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High-functioning Hellraiser
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Posted: Wed May 10, 2017 11:37 pm
Inner Thoughts : Night 3 : Thoughts of Love
Never in my life would I have believed that love would find me, but there she stands in her glory.
When I stare into her eyes I remember the day that I stumbled upon her.
So new to the world as she danced among the cherry blossoms that littered that volcanic oasis.
A simple gesture, but when that was life changing.
Never in my life would I have believed that someone I brought back to the capital would be tied to me for life.
When I stare into her eyes I remember the days when I would watch as she blossomed into the frierce yet gentle soul she is today.
Many hours she spent studying that which few would find interesting or worthwhile
And yet she chased after her dreams as the voice within guided her down many paths.
Never in my life would I have believed that watching her walk into the distance would squeeze my heart so.
I would count the days never knowing when I would be allowed to stare into her eyes again
Still, I felt assured I would see her again one day
I would have to admit that I felt for her more that I would have ever thought
I just hope she felt the same
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Inner Thoughts : Night 4 : Thoughts of Love and Pain
No one ever tells you that there will be times that love will be painful.
There will be nights where the one you love will return to you with worn bones and tears in their eyes.
There will be nights where the one you love will not be at their best and they will be off so to speak.
But it is during those times where you come to an agreement to take yourselves away from the world and just build a place for the two of you.
It is there that the two of you can came together and cry.
It is there that the two of you can come together and ease each other's pain.
It is there that you can take time to feel the love you have built grow a little stronger.
There will be periods of time where if feels as if the one you love has closed themselves not only to the world, but to you.
There will be periods of time where it hurts to watch as they holds on to their pains and insecurities, their secrets, and you have to remind yourself to give them their space.
No matter how much you want to approach and prod, you don't, and it hurts.
It is a reminds that at times love can be painful.
It is during times like these where you come to an agreement to take yourselves away from the world and just build a place for the two of you.
Is if there that you reassure each other and no one is going anyway, that you are in this together.
It is there that you reassure each other that you can tell each other the tales they believed they could never tell.
Is it there that you can take time to feel the love you have built grow a little stronger.
No one ever tells you that there will be times that love will be painful.
But it is then that you remember that love is not just a feeling of butterflies and laughter.
Love is a compromise between two souls.
Love is a choice that two souls make.
You make a promise to each other to stand by each other's side through the good and the bad.
You make a promise to climb the stormy mountains and walk through the darkened valleys paw in paw.
You make a promise to nurture the good within, and work on the bad, because no will is perfect and never will be.
Love is laughter. Love is pain. Love is compromise.
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Inner Thoughts : Night 5 : Take it all
Take all my love, my dear.
I offer it all to you in all you are.
Please, I beg of you, take it all.
Would you ever believe with that in hand that you are richer than you were once before.
Please, tell me that with my love I have offered that I have added something of value to your life.
My dear, please.
My love
I'll make you a promise that no matter how rough your road may be I will be there beside you.
I'll make you a promise that when times get hard that I will be there to tell you when you have done enough.
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Inner Thoughts : Night 6 : I'll Wait
The Weaver has graced me one last chance to see Xian before she slips away from my gaze once more. It hurts to know she must leave once again right as she finds her way back, but the capital city is no longer a safe place to be. I must stay because Shen is determined to keep my knowledge within his grasp, but at least those on the outside will be able to watch over her when I cannot.
I hope she will remain safe. I hope she will find purpose within the rebel army, and aid in leading us back to peace and freedom.
I will do my best to survive all of this. I will do my best to offer aid when I can. I just hope I will be able to see her face again after the war. At least my wish will give me the extra drive to do what I must on the inside.
Weaver, allow this to be the final phase of whatever you are planning, because you know I do not have much left in me in the way of patience and belief in this world. Just...just give me more patience, because I believe if you were to grant me more in the way of strength that I would turn my white a** around and strangle Shen myself.
[1,003]
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Posted: Thu May 11, 2017 11:10 am
Inner Thoughts : Night 4 : Unwanted Company
Someone within Shen's shameful council, or perhaps it was the egotistical tah himself, had took it upon themselves to send a soldier Oni's way. Now, Oni would not question the typical soldier being sent his way, seeing as the commander of the Dragon Army it was his duty to train the pathetic lot or face the consequences, but this particular solider was no typical soldier. No. According to the soldier's own words he had been ordered to not only be trained under the commander, but to also sit as a secondary assistant of sorts. Basically, someone thought it best to send someone to keep an eye on Oni. Oh, he wondered why anyway would think he needed a cubsitter. Tch. It mattered not.
Oni silently circled the so called soldier before him. His milky white eyes carefully looked over the tah searching for any signs of weakness. It was not just physical weakness he searched for, but also mental or emotional weakness they may show during the time or silence, or the seconds after. Under normal circumstances Oni would turn away anyone that showed a weakness that could make an army fall apart, but in this case the commander did not care much. He was not looking to build an army that could win. He was just building a group that looked competent enough to keep Shen quiet. He needed an army that could put up a bit of a fight, but with inevitably fall apart a bit too late into the war. Oh what a glorious day that will be.
The b'alam before him was purple in color. Though his designs of a darker shade was nothing intricate or interesting to look upon, it worked for him. In an odd way it made him appear sturdier or more dangerous than he might actually be. A greyish cream was spread across his underbelly, and upon his chest sat a symbol that Oni did not recognize. Was it meant to represent something? Probably not, but maybe it would earn meaning as the tah grew into his own. At least he appeared normal enough.
Oni could find no faults in his appearance. There was no nervous twitching of a tail or shifting of the eyes. Perhaps the tah had previous training? Or maybe a threat from someone kept him in line enough.
Shaking his head, Oni lead himself away and back towards his home. "Stay for a moment, soldier. I need to see to something for a minute. I will send one of my other soldiers to collect you if I don't collect you myself." If this is what the so called council desired, then so be it. It is not mean he had to follow every single rule or enjoy it though. He would humor them for now.
Perhaps he could toss the boy in Naraan or Flare's direction if he needed time to himself. He was sure one of them could always come up with some sort of task for the tah. They would just have to be sure to keep there maws shut when it came to plans that were not for open ears. There were still so many that needed to be lead out of the territory and towards the opposing army in waiting.
"So what should we do with him, Commander?" Flare watched in unease as the commander walked away from the purple stranger. He never liked it when Oni would go silent, which was most of the time. Unlike Naraan, he was not so skilled in reading the white B'alam's gaze and body language.
"Tch, be at ease, Flare. I'm sure he will bring us no trouble as long as we all have an understanding. If they feel the need to have someone watch us, then so be it. Still," the commander's tail twitched as his mind wandered towards several thoughts. It took a moment, but a smile started to creep its way across his maw, and his gaze slowly turned to Flare. This in turn caused the brown b'alam's ears to pin in a mix of confusion and fear. "Why don't you take our friend out and test his abilities ? Maybe you can even make a game out of it, yes? It is what you are good at after all."
"I.." Flare bit his maw as he turned his gaze towards the stranger. He would have felt better if he had someone else to go with him, but he could not allow his fear to get the best of him.
"If need be you can always ask one of the Naraans to aid you. I believe Zafirah may be free at the moment. If not her then she can surely point you in the direction of someone who is. Do not be fearful, Flare. I would not trust you with this task if I did not believe you could handle it. So, what do you say, soldier?"
Oni watched at the young B'alam sighed and gave him a nod. He took a second to shake himself loose before heading in the direction of the stranger. The commander was not sure if the other tah would agree to leave with Flare, but a wave of calm washed over him as he watched the pair run off.
He could only hope that Flare could distract the other b'alam long enough for him to take time to complete his own tasks and then find some rest. He was sure though that Shen or one of his minions would continue to find ways to keep him busy. Always busy with meaningless tasks that stank of like an unbathed floofalo.
Hm, maybe he could find someone to trade him for a herd of floofalo and release them into the palace. Or possibly some harmadillos? A bunch of pissed off harmadillos would surely make for a great mauling show in the throne room. Oh, Oni could always dream if nothing else. Weaver continue to grant him patience.
[910]
[92]
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High-functioning Hellraiser
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High-functioning Hellraiser
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Posted: Fri May 12, 2017 10:04 pm
Inner Thoughts : Night 5 : Lost Soul
Death was not a concept that the b'alam of the world were naturally born knowledgeable about. Actually, Oni did not believe any creature that existed were born with such a concept drilled into their head. Perhaps it was a conscious choice by the Weaver to keep the knowledge of death out of the minds of his creations. It was, after all, not something that brought peace to any individual. So he must have made the choice in order to save his children the pain of knowing that someday, someway, they may perhaps lose a loved one. Oni did not believe that the Weaver made his choice believing that no one would ever stumble upon the reality that is life and death. Sure, their species was one of longevity. They spend their days with no true end in sight, because there was none to be found. They are birthed or created from love and care, and some spends a portion of their lives in the innocence of childhood, but there was no death to be found in their life line. None that any knew of anyway. Sure, there were b'alam who were older than others, but there was no true concept of old, which meant there was no true concept of death by age.
Oni himself had taken time out of his patrol to go peak in on the confusion that had erupted within the throne room a day or so earlier. He was no sure what to expect from the event, but it was not everything that had transpired. The military commander remembered portions of the speech that Shen had given that day. Chilling words erupted through the room as the tah had given threats towards all that were willing to listen. Either stand by his side, or leave the territory. There would be no compromise. It was scary to think that several bowed down to the tah without a second thought. However, desperation was at hand. Many wanted a leader that would lead them back towards the road to greatness, and Shen had taken advantage of that.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, Oni had made the decision to leave the throne room not long after. A portion of him had begged him to stay, if not out of pure curiosity to see how the events would end, then to at least watch over the residents should violence make an attempt at rearing its ugly head. But Oni did not stay. He did not believe anything too terrible would happen, or at least that is what he convinced himself after hearing the stranger's words. Maybe he wanted to believe the other b'alam would just shake their head and fall out. The whispers he was picking up on, the news that Naraan had told him, told him something different had taken place.
Death was no something he had expected to come from within the tribe, especially during a time like this. It might have just been his denial, or a bit of naive thinking. As a military commander he should have been ready for anything and everything, but that too would be wishful thinking.
Naraan, his friend, had approached him with head down and an expression of great sadness. He did not understand why the older B'alam would carry himself in such a way, but did nothing to ask lest he say something that might hurt or offend. Simply, he sat by his friend's side and offered him silence and what comfort that could be offered until Naraan was ready to speak in his own time.
Then the news exited his maw. Apparently, a death had taken place within the throne room, but it was who had died that hit Naraan hard. Pelanore, one of his sons, had lost her life to the actions of Shen. She had spoken out of turn and faced the consequences for her actions. Pelanore himself was left to retreat back to the 4 cubs that the mother had left behind. Oni could not say anything at the news. He could only wish the poor nah's soul peace as she traveled back to the Weaver's side.
What would happen to Pelanore and the 4 cubs? Would they grow with sorrow in their hearts and souls? Would they grow to have anger towards their father because they believe he could have done more? He hoped that would not be the case for the poor single father. He hoped they could grow to heal.
He knew well enough that the family would do everything in their power to offer the single father aid in raising the children.
This was not something he expected. He should have done more to protect the people. He should have been the Military Commander that the residents of the Fire Tribe needed him to be.
Weaver help him and guide me.
[812]
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