“So, how does it feel?” Men’ma asked, to break the silence the carriage fell in after the carriage made it past the stave.

“What if I told you that I feel miserable?”

“I wouldn’t believe you. I mean look at you look just fine. Even if you aren’t now, I’m sure you will be just fine.”

“You’re saying this just because you absolutely need me to accompany you to that “Oldest” you and your fellow valkyrie friend were talking about, don’t you?”

“How? How did you know? Could it be that you still retained your pranakinetic abilities?” She teased.

“This isn’t funny.” The Rustler replied, casting a glance at the strange rune glowing on his palm.

Naturally, since he was within the confines of the stave, all forms of power that were not Odo were repressed to the point of feeling as though they were inexistent. He could still feel the prana within him; however, it simply couldn't be wielded.

Seriously, why did I even accept this? What’s even the point?

No answer nor comment came forth. There was just this awfully familiar empty silence.

“Come on, cheer up, don’t make this face, we’re finally in the capital, check this out,” she said, pointing at the windows.

Following her gaze, the Rustler no longer saw forests, woods but instead the bustling sight of a city—and not just any cities, but the one and only Odoe capital, so naturally Dae Odoe of all sort roamed the streets without any worry about hiding their Odoe traits. Some with golden scales on their arms, some on their face, others with instead of scales golden vein-like mark on their faces.

“It changes from how it is on the southern continent, doesn’t it? Seeing so many Dae Odoe in one place, I won’t hide from you there’d been a time I considered this sight normal yet just two years spent in that continent, without meeting a single fellow Dae Odoe, I feel like I’ve lived oblivious of a lot of thing, among which is understanding how lucky I was to be born here.”

“...”

“Now when I look at this, I feel like this is how things should be for the Odoe our people, not like the way they are treated on the Central continent.

“Hm, is that so?”

“Perhaps, you should work to find a way to perhaps repatriate Odoe of the continent,” the Rustler casually ventured.

“Oh, you too were thinking so? Because I was thinking about finding a way to do that. Now no doubt that’s the way, this place is where all the Odoes belong: Dae Odoe or not.”

“I guess, you’re right.”

As the carriage rode through the city, towering structures rolled past the carriage's window, one after another. Yet, the carriage continued moving forward without any sign of reaching its destination. It was understandable, considering that traveling from one corner of the street to another was like embarking on a separate journey in itself. Unlike the central continent, which consisted of four provinces with 39-40 isolated cities, if one were to include StillWater, most of the Odoes from the southern continent settled in a single location. A single city of unprecedented size was established around the large golden tree, they called it: the Odoe Capital.

“Our buildings do look better than yours, don’t you think?” Men’ma asked, in a clear attempt to spark the conversation.

“Um, you think so?”

"Yeah, if we set aside the Rajs of the central continent, there isn't much to see there from an architectural perspective," she boldly declared, unaware of her own bias.

While looking from a distance, the city appeared to be built with literal gold. However, up close, it was even more colorful than it seemed. The main issue was that the city's emphasis, particularly through its roofs, made the golden color overshadow every other existing shade. Fortunately, they didn't go as far as to paint the surrounding structures in gold.

Despite her bias, one could rightfully praise the entire city for its architectural advancement as a whole. The structures displayed walls with unique shades of three main colors: a concrete-like gray, jade-like green, and an ocean-like blue. In addition to that, the roads were broad, allowing one to see standing in the far distance two of the seven staves surrounding the capital, despite the distance.

With nothing to talk about the carriage sank back in a morose silence, one that she wanted to break yet failed to find the words for, so the Rustler, understanding what the situation was like, decided to break the silence himself.

“So… What exactly are we supposed to do from here on out?”

“Here on out?”

“Yeah. Now that we’ve reached the capital is there some sort of schedule you have for us?”

“Well,” she began lightening up. “I was initially planning to first pay a visit to my parents, but as An’nah reminded me of, I think the one I should see first is the Eldest.”

That straight away, huh?

"Since I suppose I'll have to provide some explanation, could you tell me more about this Eldest?" the Rustler inquired.

"The Eldest is—" Men'ma began, only to be interrupted by the carriage coming to a halt.

"Lady Men'ma," the carriage driver called, "we've arrived under the shade of the Mother tree. Where should we head down?"

Letting out a nervous sigh, Men'ma replied, "We're to meet with the Eldest, so take us to the Odo Tree."

"Understood!" the carriage driver acknowledged. The carriage then advanced towards the Odo Tree as instructed.

“Where was I? Ah, I was about to tell you who is the Eldest, right?”

The Rustler nodded.

"Well, the Eldest is... I would say the equivalent for us Odoe of what the Rajs represent for the Arbians who stand at the head of the organization they call the Citadel. She is a supreme leader of sorts, but not quite in the same way. I can explain it in more detail another time. For now, what you need to know is that, like us, she is a crowned Odoe and therefore a Valkyrie, just like An'nah and me. However, unlike us, she is the youngest of the previous generation of Valkyrie, which makes her the real deal."

***

Being born under the shade of the Odo tree is said to enable an Odoe to be born as an Odo-wielder. But how exactly does that work? It is primarily due to the Odo tree's colossal and towering size, which casts an immense and unwavering shadow, thanks to the unmoving moon that hovers above it. The branches of the Odo tree stretch out like gnarled arms, adorned with golden leaves that shimmer and glisten with a radiant glow.

The combination of the tree's immense size, the unyielding shadow it casts, and the enchanting presence of its golden branches and leaves all contribute to the mystical power that emanates from the Odo tree,said to bestow Odo-wielding abilities upon Odoe born under its protective canopy.But the Rustler knew the truth of it. He had been told and taught, so he knew that the shade cast by the Odo tree, while mystical in appearance, held no inherent odo-granting properties. It was simply a shade cast on the ground, similar to any other. What truly granted the power was proximity—proximity to the Odo tree itself. There was a specific distance within which a newborn child's awakening as an odo-wielder was possible, and coincidentally, that distance just happened to match with the shadow cast by the Odo tree over the city.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Having traveled a considerable distance through the capital under the Odo tree's shade, the Rustler and Men'ma finally crossed one of the seven bridges that separated the Odo tree and the rest of the city. However, their journey was far from over as they had to continue the remaining part of the trip to the base of the Odo tree on foot. They walked for another ten minutes, ascending a set of stairs along the way.

With the Odo tree just up ahead, it was only at that moment, from such a close distance, that a previously indiscernible detail became strikingly obvious. The Odo tree, up close, revealed itself as more than just a tree with a single large trunk. It appeared as a magnificent golden tree, primarily composed of two intertwining gigantic stems. These stems coiled around each other, forming a grand spiral staircase that seemed to reach towards the heavens themselves.

“We’ve arrived,” Men’ma declared, stepping upon the final sets of stairs.

“It was about time!”

Reaching the top of the stairs, the Rustler sight fell upon an sprawling estate built just at the base of the gigantic tree that literally dwarfed and humbled the place in comparison.

As the Rustler took a moment to absorb the sight of the Odoe tree, he heard Men'ma mumble, "I think it's about time," she said before taking off her visor, revealing her face to the Rustler for the first time.

The golden visor, unlike the crown which was literally an extension of her, was merely an accessory, yet much like the crown, she wore it so vicariously that it felt like it was at the same title as the crown. This was the Rustler's first time seeing what was under that mask. Surprisingly, it was exactly like the face he had always imagined, although he couldn't shake the strange feeling that it was simply weird to see her without the visor on.

Figuring by herself the question the Rustler was about to ask, Men'ma explained, "The visor serves as a garment that symbolizes my status as a valkyrie and the responsibilities that come with it. However, its primary purpose is to showcase my elevated position as a valkyrie among my fellow valkyries. We are about to enter the Valkyrie domain— the Eldest's Domain. As someone of lower status than her, I have no right to wear this visor in her presence."

“I see.”

“The Domain is just up ahead. Let’s go.” Men’ma declared, proceeding toward the estate.

Following Men'ma's lead, the Rustler walked alongside her towards the sprawling estate. As they approached, they were received as though their arrival had been expected. Golden-masked Winged-Odoes, who appeared to fulfill the role of guards, guided them through the entrance.

With the golden-masked Winged-Odoes leading the way, the duo was escorted through the estate's corridors, passing intricate tapestries and ornate sculptures. The atmosphere exuded a sense of tranquility and reverence. Eventually, they arrived at a verdant and expansive courtyard, adorned with vibrant flowers and meticulously maintained gardens.

Men'ma turned to the Rustler and smiled. "Welcome to the heart of the Valkyrie Domain," she said, her voice filled with a mixture of excitement and reverence. "Prepare yourself, for the Eldest awaits us."

And indeed, there she was, standing atop a wooden veranda that opened to the breathtaking gardens. Flanked by two young female Odoes with veiled faces.

“Do just do as I do,” Men’ma mumbled stepping forth, to just kneel on the ground, the head bowed, “Men’ma respectfully greets our Eldest.”

As Men'ma finished her respectful greeting, she cast a glance toward the Rustler, her unchanging visored gaze conveying a hint of encouragement and urging him to follow her lead. With a slight hesitation, the Rustler followed her gesture, lowering one knee to the ground.

Acknowledging Men'ma's greeting, the woman known as the Eldest nodded in response. Men'ma took this as a signal to raise her head, meeting the gaze of the Eldest. The Rustler followed suit, slowly lifting his head to behold the woman before him.

Contrary to the expected warmth associated with her title, the woman, exuded a stern and intimidating presence. With a strict expression, she walked up to Men’ma and commanded, "Speak." Men’ma hesitated before finally speaking up, "I have returned home, Eldest."

The Eldest's gaze narrowed as she questioned, "Men’ma, where have you returned from?"

"I have returned from... I have returned from my mission," Men’ma responded cautiously.

"And tell me, who gave you that mission?" the Eldest pressed further.

"It was a duty I received from—" Men’ma began, only to be abruptly silenced by a resounding "clap" that echoed through the air.

The Eldest simply slapped Men’ma across the face.

"Don't you dare use the Odo tree or even the Matriarch to justify your own delusions," the Eldest chastised, her tone filled with authority and disdain.

"Men’ma apologize, Eldest," Men’ma simply replied, in spite of having been slapped. "It has always been like this with you. I have warned you against your endeavors, yet you refuse to listen, prioritizing yourselves over anything, even your duty as a valkyrie," the Eldest continued, her voice dripping with disappointment.

"I..." Men’ma trailed off, choosing to remain silent.

"Now look at you, two years after throwing everything away. What do you expect me to do with you?" the Eldest questioned, her voice tinged with exasperation.

"I hope to be forgiven," Men’ma pleaded.

"Huh," the Eldest chuckled. "Forgiven, huh?"

"Yes, Eldest. It might sound presumptuous of me to say so, but as a valkyrie, I believe I have upheld my duty to the Odo tree," Men’ma replied, her gaze directed toward the Rustler.

"You... you never learn, do you?" the Eldest expressed through gritted teeth, repressing a clear and visible urge to slap Men’ma once again. Letting out a sigh, she asked, "And how so? How are you going to tell me that you upheld your duty as a valkyrie from a land far away for two long years?"

"I believe I have fulfilled my duty by bringing him here," Men’ma replied, her gaze washing over the Rustler.

“Wait… He’s the out-of-control arbian, that woman was talking about.”

“Yes, he is, Eldest, but he’s not just that,” motioning at him, Men’ma requested, “Please Rustler, can you show it to us?”

Though the Rustler, for a moment, remained confused as to what she was expecting him to do, he eventually did.

The Rustler began by removing the glove he wore on his left hand, revealing his arm that was almost entirely composed of Odo. The sight elicited gasps from almost everyone present, except for Men’ma and the Eldest, who winced in response. The Rustler then reached up to his forehead, and to their astonishment or perhaps horror, a pair of large golden antlers materialized on him.

"Sister, this is... you call him Rustler, and he is indeed the one Feh’zoro spoke of, but he is not just what she described. He not only has Odo, but he's also—"

"That is not Odo," the Eldest interjected.

"Pardon?"

"How blind do you have to be, Men’ma? That is clearly not Odo," the Eldest accused, her voice filled with conviction.

"It may appear that way and operate differently from ours, but it is, Eldest," Men’ma explained, standing her ground.

"All that glitters is not always Odo," the Eldest declared, taking a step toward the Rustler. However, Men’ma quickly positioned herself between them, blocking her path.

Sensing the potential for confrontation, the nearby masked Odoes began to step forward, but they were swiftly halted by a single gesture from the Eldest.

"Men’ma, what are you doing?" the Eldest questioned, her voice laced with disapproval.

"I apologize if my actions seem disrespectful, but I believe there may be a misunderstanding about him," Men’ma replied, maintaining her composure.

"What could I possibly be mistaken about? That is no Odo, and you had the audacity to bring it here? Not only have you abandoned your duty to tend to the Odo tree, but you also dare to tarnish its presence with the presence of this creature."

"Eldest, what he possesses was once wielded by an Odoe—one blessed by Odo, just like you and I. She is no longer with us, but her Odo found refuge within him. Therefore, I am certain that what he possesses is Odo," Men’ma explained, her voice steady but filled with conviction.

"Men’ma, choose your words and tone carefully," the Eldest warned, her eyes narrowing.

"I am being mindful, but I have always believed that this place is where Odo and Odo-wielders belong. That is why I brought him, despite the appearance of things," Men’ma replied, her voice unwavering.

“It is not just a matter of appearance, you know very well what he did and don’t try to undermine them by pretending he had his reason, he’s caused trouble to many of his fellow arbian, he might have spared one of ours, but no doubt he’s going to bring nothing but trouble.”

"He is not the same. He has changed as he proved himself being upon walking past our staves, forsaking everything that defined him as an arbian. He may not be an Odoe, but he is an Odo-wielder like us."

“He’s nothing like us.”

“And still I believe he got the right to prove you wrong.”

A tense standoff ensued between the Eldest and Men’ma, both firmly rooted in their beliefs.

"Just how insolent the central continent and those two years have turned you into?"

"I am not sure about that, Eldest, but I do know that I brought him here, sailed him across, and rode across lands. I cannot simply let him and his Odo be belittled after all I had him go through to get here. It is not a matter of sounding insolent; it is a matter of dignity."

A heavy silence settled before the Eldest, who finally spoke, "Fine, I will do nothing about him. Do as you see fit, but be ready to face the consequences of your actions. Two years have been lost and can never be recovered. Someone will have to pay for that."

"I am ready to do so," Men'ma replied earnestly, determination in her voice.

"I do not wish to see him anywhere near our Odo tree. Am I making myself clear enough?"

"Yes. Understood, Eldest," Men'ma acknowledged.

Then the Eldest turned her gaze towards the Rustler. "I have heard that you acted in a manner unfitting and trespassed over our Odoe's trust. I assure you, it shall not happen again."

The Rustler was about to reply, but Men'ma quickly positioned herself between them. "He is under my responsibility. I will make sure it never happens."

"If you say so," the Eldest responded, turning around to leave. However, before departing, she turned back and made one last demand. "One more thing, you," she said, addressing the Rustler. "That crown—you are no Odoe and less fit to wear it. Take it off."