"The Ignition Of Wrath"
HATE! What does it mean? Hate is complex and intense emotion, that often defies easy definition, some say it is the opposite of love but this oversimplifies its nature, it can be a product of a myriad of factors and experiences, ranging from personal conflicts and differences in values to past grievances and misunderstanding. What happens if the person you hate was never the person you loved, some say hate is born out of betrayal but what if the person never betrayed you? Consider for a second, a situation where someone's hate is not rooted in love or betrayal but rather in a deep-seated anger and thirst for revenge that simmers over time. Imagine how such intense emotions can shape an individual's life, how the desire for revenge can fan the flames of hate, consuming one's thoughts and emotional energy. It often leaves one trapped in a never-ending loop of negativity. Such is the power of hate.
These were the thoughts that went through my mind as I stared at my mother's portrait, I questioned how I had reached this point. When did I become the very thing I hated?
I couldn't help but blame that accursed day when everything went so very wrong.
"Mom, I miss you," I whispered as my mind drifted back to that day.
(Flashback):
"Roan, please, don't go past that fence, stay where I can keep my eyes on you."
"Ash, leave the child be. Can't you see he just wants to play? It's safe. I've gone to great lengths to rid the area around our village of those beasts. There's no way one could sneak into our village. Just let him play and try to relax a little, Please."
Ashley's gaze met Anser's, who looked upon her with a sweet smile.
"You're always doting on that boy, Anser," She sighed.
"The world isn't safe, you know. How can you indulge him like this? He's just a small boy, unaware of all the dangers that surround us. You keep indulging him. What if he gets hurt?" Ashley's question carried a hint of anger directed at her husband as she voiced her concerns, Anser drew closer to her, his eyes locked onto hers.
"That's why I'm here, Ash. To protect both of you." He reassured. But Lumière persisted.
"But what if you're not here?" Anser's response was resolute-
"I will always be here. That is my oath." He inched even nearer, gazing deeply into her eyes, plotting to steal a quick kiss until an innocent voice interrupted.
"Papa, what are you doing so close to Mom?"
"Erm your Mom had something in her eyes, and I was helping her." Anser explained and stood up.
"Come here, my young hunter." Answer said and Roan ran to Anser and he picked him up, smiling broadly. Ashley smiled at her son's attempt to be helpful.
"How was the hunting today?" Roan sighed. And she cupped his cheeks.
"Well, I almost caught a bird, but sadly it got away, Mom."
"Have patience, Roan. You'll catch it one day. Remember, patience is a hunter's greatest strength." Ashley said, comforting him. The boy nodded and turned to his father.
"Where are you off to, Papa?"
"Off to check my traps and see if I've caught anything for the festival tonight. I'll be back soon."
"My love, it'll soon be time for the festival. Can't you check the traps tomorrow?"
"Ash, It won't take long, I'll will be back soon, I Promise." Anser says and places a kiss on her forehead and turns to Roan.
"Take care of Mom while I'm gone, okay? You're the man of the house now. Do you understand, soldier?" Roan salutes his father and runs to get him his hunting sack.
Anser kissed his wife on the cheek again, picked up his bow, quiver, and sword, and headed out. As he passed through the village on his way to the entrance, the villagers greeted him and paid their respects, recognizing him as the best Hunter in the village.
"Get inside kiddo, help me prepare the meal for the festival. Everything has to be perfect for today. This is your first time experiencing the harvest festival. Our family had been chosen to make the unleavened bread for this festival so take notice of everything that goes on okay?" Roan nods and hastens his steps to grab a stool. He places the still so close to his mother by the fire she was using to prepare her meals, not wanting to miss any step. His mother giggles at her curious son and pushes his stool a bit further from the fire.
"Mum, why is our family always chosen to make the sacred unleavened bread?"
"Well, it's the duty of the family with the best werewolf hunter to make it son."
"Does it mean that I would make the bread when I grow up? Because I'm surely going to be like Dad and be a very good hunter. She chuckles again at his question and turns to him.
"You surely would." She smiled and continued. "When you grow up, and find a beautiful wife who loves you, she is the one who would make it if our family is chosen again."
"I'll find a beautiful wife like you Ma." He smiled and she laughed hard.
"I'm pretty sure you would be able to find and achieve everything you wish for, my love." She rubbed his shoulder and got back to her cooking.
"Let's finish up, we don't have much time left and your father will be back soon. Pass me the salt."
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"I was just on my way to see you. Are you not coming for the festival?" Fallon asked as he chanced upon Anser.
"Oh yes, I would, but there are a couple of traps I have to inspect. I'll be back in time for the festival. Is there anything wrong? You said you were on your way to see me."
"Oh, just to talk about some recent findings. But I'm sure it can wait. I'll see you at the festival. We shall talk over drinks. See you soon."
"If you say so. Take care my friend." Anser replies, and he adjusts his sack on his shoulder, and continues his journey. The Alfean forest was as lovely as ever, and he felt like going back home to enjoy the evening with his family so that he could rise early and check the traps but decided against it. Anser didn't let the beauty of the forest distract him from his task. He had seen it countless times. What he did take note of was the strange markings and scents that seemed to pervade the forest. He had never encountered this before so he set off to investigate but unbeknown to him the further he went from the village the closer and bolder certain shadows crept toward the light and warmth radiating from the village.