The campfire flickered in the night, its light casting dancing shadows on the gathered shamans. Ramirez of the Ọmọlọgbó Clan, with his staff glowing faintly in the dim light, sat at the center of the group. To his left was Xinyi of the Lóng Clan, her dark eyes thoughtful. Across from her sat Meera of the Vidyut Clan, her bright robes a striking contrast to the night's gloom. Next to her was Bayo, also from the Ọmọlọgbó Clan, his earth-stained hands resting on his knees. Finally, there was Alira of the Vientos Clan, her pale hair tied back, feathers adorning her attire as a mark of her wind-based affinity.
The shamans had come together to share insights and devise a path forward for their leaders and their people, united by their role as spiritual guides and strategists.
***
Ramirez began, his voice calm but laced with concern. "We stand on the edge of a blade. The alliance is holding, but only just. The abominations grow stronger with each passing day, and the leaders are strained." He paused, his gaze moving across the group. "It is our responsibility to ensure they do not break under the pressure."
Meera scoffed, flicking a stray ember from her sleeve. "Arun is as stubborn as a mule. He listens to no one, not even me. The battles are fueling his pride, not tempering it."
Xinyi spoke softly but with authority. "Arun's pride can be a strength if channeled. He burns brightly, yes, but his flames can inspire. It's not our job to douse him but to guide him."
Bayo rumbled in agreement, his gravelly voice cutting through. "Adé's steady, but he carries too much. The weight of leadership, the fortifications, the people… It's all on him. He's like the earth—unmoving, but cracks can form if the burden grows too great."
Xinyi's tone was calm but firm. "All of them have their strengths, but their weaknesses are starting to show. Arun's pride, Wei's silence, Adé's burden… even Étienne. He's too focused on the battlefield, too rigid in his strategies."
Alira sighed, her eyes thoughtful. "And Osei? The storm within him is both his strength and his weakness. He wields his emotions like a weapon, but that same storm could tear him apart if it's not controlled."
Ramirez nodded. "That storm is my responsibility. Osei is strong, but strength alone isn't enough. He needs perspective. They all do." He glanced at each of them in turn. "Have you spoken to your leaders individually?"
Xinyi nodded. "I advised Wei to lean into his strength—his patience. He's doing well to keep the others grounded, but even he is not impervious to doubt. He doesn't show it, but I can see it in his silence."
Ramirez tilted his head. "And Arun?"
Meera sighed. "I've tried, but he waves me off. Says he doesn't need 'spiritual nonsense' when he has his fire. Still, I've been slipping protective runes into his armor. He hasn't noticed yet, and I intend to keep it that way."
Bayo smirked at that. "Crafty. Adé listens, but he doesn't share. I've been working earth fortifications with him, and I've seen him falter more than once. It's subtle, but it's there."
Ramirez's gaze turned distant, his voice quieter. "The leaders are strong, but strength alone won't carry us through this. We need more than strategy. We need cohesion. Trust."
Xinyi leaned forward, her tone urgent. "Then perhaps it's time we shamans step beyond our traditional roles. The leaders consult us, yes, but we must also consult each other and act in unison. A council within the council."
***
Osei was pacing at the edge of the camp, his posture tense as he scanned the dark forest. The distant cries of nocturnal creatures blended with the rustle of leaves in the wind, but his focus was unwavering. Ramirez approached quietly, leaning on his staff.
"You'll wear yourself out before the battle even begins," Ramirez said, his tone light but pointed.
Osei's shoulders stiffened before he turned, his sharp gaze softening slightly when he saw Ramirez. "I can't sit still, Ramirez. Not with everything at stake."
Ramirez gestured for Osei to sit on a fallen log, taking a seat himself. "The weight you carry is heavy, I know. But you are not the only one carrying it."
Osei let out a humorless laugh, shaking his head. "The others… they're strong, but they don't feel the same urgency. We're running out of time, Ramirez. Every moment we waste gives the abominations an edge."
Ramirez's gaze was steady. "And if you burn yourself out, what then? Who will lead when the storm you've created consumes you?"
Osei frowned, his jaw tightening.
"You're a storm, Osei," Ramirez continued. "But even storms must pass. Lean on your allies—on Adé's patience, Wei's calm, Arun's fire. Alone, you might drown in your own tempest, but together, you can weather anything."
Osei's expression softened, his lips pressing into a thin line. "I hear you, Ramirez. I'll try. But it's not easy."
"Leadership rarely is," Ramirez said, rising. "But you're not in this alone. Remember that."
***
Arun was tossing a small flame between his hands near the campfire, his expression brooding. Meera approached, sitting across from him without a word.
"You're not here to scold me again, are you?" Arun asked, not looking up.
Meera smirked. "Depends. Have you done anything reckless lately?"
Arun chuckled, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Not yet. But give me time."
Meera's tone softened. "Arun, you're strong—stronger than most. But strength isn't just about fire and fury. It's about control. Balance."
Arun's flames flickered as he sighed. "Balance isn't exactly my thing, Meera."
"Maybe not," Meera said, "but it could be. Start by listening—to the others, to me. You don't have to do this alone."
Arun nodded reluctantly. "I'll think about it."
***
As the shamans reconvened around the fire later that night, their resolve had deepened.
"We've done what we can," Ramirez said, his voice steady. "Now it's up to them."
"And if they falter?" Meera asked.
"Then we'll be there," Xinyi said simply.
The shamans exchanged nods, their unity unspoken but unwavering. They were the unseen pillars of the alliance, ready to guide, support, and sacrifice for the survival of all.