Spirit's Awakening: The Path of Lightning and Water-Chapter 341: Dinner at Dorian’s

Lassim walked beside Dorian through the pathways of Starpoint City, the sound of mana-powered gondolas rising faintly to be heard from the river down below. Elevated platforms stretched in every direction, interspersed with narrow wooden bridges connecting the various sections of the city.

As they moved further from the bustling commercial districts where mining companies and their merchant distributor warehouse were located, the streets grew quieter towards the residentially zoned area for the wealthy, but not Noble, families. The faint glow of mana lanterns along the pathways cast soft light over the homes as the sun was now setting for the evening.

Each house they passed was elevated slightly above the platforms with a modest charm to their design. Lassim noted how most homes had a mix of vibrant flowers hanging from porches and carefully carved railings. The river and mining themes were quite prevalent in the carvings, but they added a warmth to the otherwise sleek and opulent silver design of the city.

"It’s not far now," Dorian said, gesturing toward a cluster of homes ahead. "We live in a quieter section. Close enough to the central platforms, but far enough that the noise doesn’t bother us."

Lassim nodded, his gaze sweeping over the houses. "It’s beautiful here. Peaceful. Quite different from the Tempest’s Cradle or the Lightning Sect’s headquarters. Though, I do miss the storm a bit."

Dorian gave a small, wry smile. "It was even more peaceful before. You’d see families out with their kids walking in the community walk we used to do each evening. Great for the mothers to gossip, but also get some healthy exercise in with the little ones. With things being more tense lately with all the upheaval… Well, I’m trying to do what I can to keep some normalcy for my family at least."

They approached a modest two-story home. The wooden exterior was painted a soft blue, with silver accents around the windows and doorframe. Lanterns hung from either side of the entrance, glowing with faint orange light. The scent of roasted herbs and spices wafted through the air, and Lassim could hear faint laughter from within.

Dorian opened the door, gesturing for Lassim to enter first. "Come on in. Make yourself comfortable."

Inside, the home was warm and inviting. The walls were adorned with framed paintings of scenic landscapes and well detailed family portraits that prominently featured Dorian front in center in each of them, yet surrounded by loved ones.

Lassim was led to a simple yet well-crafted table sat in the middle of a dining area, already set with plates and bowls, that reminded Lassim of his Vanthar family estate’s setup.

The open kitchen adjacent to the dining room bustled with activity as Dorian’s wife moved gracefully between countertops, cabinets and the stove, all one handed with a toddler, roughly 2 or 3 years old by Lassim’s estimate, perched on her hip.

She turned at the sound of the door to the dining room being opened, her fiery red hair pulled into a messy loose braid. Her eyes, also fiery and warm, lit up like two lighthouses when she saw Dorian.

"You’re late," she teased, though her tone was affectionate. "I thought you’d be back much sooner. The food is almost ready."

"I got caught up having to meet my new friend here, and then I showed him around before stopping at the office," Dorian replied, making his way over to her and taking the toddler off her hip, giving a small kiss to both. "But we’re here now. Lina, this is Lassim. He’s the Lightning Sect champion I mentioned."

Lina’s lips left her husbands and turned her gaze to Lassim, her smile widening. "My, how quick! Welcome to our home, Lassim. Dorian’s told me that our dear former employee Eno was going to send someone, but I thought you were coming all the way from the Southern Continent? Regardless, please, sit. Dinner’s just about ready."

"Yeah, I’m pretty quick, so I made great time. Thank you for having me. It smells great!" Lassim said politely, inclining his head.

The toddler, now in Dorian’s arms, squirmed, her wide eyes locking onto Lassim with open curiosity.

"This is Lassim, little Elle," Dorian said, bouncing the girl lightly. "He’s here to help your papa. Can you say hello?"

The girl tilted her head, her dark curls bouncing. "Hello!"

Lassim’s lips twitched into a smile. "Hello."

A young man entered from a side room, his build was quite athletic. He wore simple clothes, a dark button down top with a rich mahogany colored vest and simple black pants. The faint glint of silver threads along the edges of his hair gave way to a matching steel elemental affinity to his father, to whom his resemblance to Dorian was striking. It was like Dorian’s younger twin had walked in.

"Oh! And the prodigal son returns home as well. Lassim, this is our son, Kellan," Dorian said as the young man approached.

Kellan extended a hand, his grip firm as Lassim shook it. "It’s an honor to meet you. My father speaks highly of the contracts we’ve had with the Lightning Sect over the years. I’m sorry you’ve had to come under such…unfavorable… circumstances."

"That’s alright. I enjoy a good fight and I’ve developed the initial stages of my signature fighting style, so a good duel will let me get some good practice anyways. I must say though, the family resemblance is quite striking. You have such a strong resemblance to Dorian," Lassim replied, glancing between father and son with a faint smile.

Kellan laughed lightly. "I hear that a lot. Though, I’m hoping I’ve got a little more hair left than he does by the time I’m his age."

"Careful," Dorian interjected with mock indignation, pointing a finger at his son. "You’re not so young anymore. The balding will come for you too!"

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"I’ll take my chances," Kellan said with a grin before turning back to Lassim. "Anyway, welcome to our home. My mother’s been in a whirlwind all afternoon trying to make sure everything’s perfect since my fiance is coming as well, so I doubt she minds an extra plate being added to the table."

Lassim replied, "Thank you. It’s a pleasure to be here."

"It will be," Kellan replied with a playful smirk, leaning in conspiratorially. "She’ll make sure you’re absolutely stuffed before you head to bed."

Another figure appeared from the door that Dorian and Lassim entered from, clearly having access to the front door as well, a young woman with a bright smile and an easy confidence.

She held a platter of freshly baked breads and pastries, the aroma instantly filling the room. Setting it on the table, she wiped her hands on her waist apron and turned to Lassim.

"Ah, speak of the Goddess and she appears! Lassim, this is Anira," Kellan spoke. "My lovely fiance."

Anira gave Lassim a cheerful nod. "Welcome! I hope you’re hungry. I’ve just finished baking these at my shop, so they’re warm and fresh out the stone oven."

"I do love some pastries! My own mother has a particularly amazing chocolate filled one that she does on special occasions. She likes baking for fun, so I can tell you’re quite the profession based on how tasty these look." Lassim said warmly.

As they all gathered around the table, taking their seats, the conversation flowed easily.

Lina began to serve a variety of dishes—roasted meats seasoned with fragrant spices, steamed vegetables glistening with butter, and a hearty stew that seemed to be infused with her fire elemental nature and extended to each individual, warming the room with its aroma and taste.

The toddler, named Elle, giggled as she tried to sneak bites of bread before the meal began, much to her mother’s mock dismay.

The family dynamic was lively and affectionate. Lina’s fiery wit kept the conversation lively, while Kellan and Anira chimed in with stories of their training and small adventures in the city. Elara provided moments of levity, her curiosity and laughter filling any gaps in the conversation.

Lassim listened, contributing occasionally with stories from his travels. The warmth of the family’s interactions reminded him of the simpler times he’d left behind at 8 years old after the Spirit Awakening ceremony. He couldn’t help but feel a pang of longing for the same loving family atmosphere with his own loved ones. The idea to visit the Vanthar estate and see his mother, father and uncle again kept growing within him.

Dorian, noticing Lassim’s contemplative expression, leaned in slightly. "What do you think? Despite the chaos of the Steel Snake Sect’s meddling, I hope this has been a good enough meal for the Personal Disciple of the Lightning Sect Master?"

"It’s refreshing," Lassim admitted. "You’ve got a lovely family and it’s making me a bit nostalgic and homesick. It also makes the situation here, and with The Quarry, feel even more unjust."

Lina’s expression turned somber. "It’s not just us. So many families depend on the Quarry’s resources. It’s already difficult for our company, but if this continues…"

A small silence filled the room before Lassim spoke firmly, "Don’t worry. I won’t let it," his gaze steady, staring straight at her, "I also need the Astrium Veinstone for my own project, so it’s even more important that this gets settled and there’s no further disruptions after I leave."

The determination in his voice seemed to reassure them. Lina reached over, squeezing Dorian’s hand, while Kellan and Anira exchanged hopeful glances.

As the evening wound down, Lassim said his good night to the others before Dorian led him to the guest villa, the soft orange glow of mana lamps lighting the path between the main house and the adjacent building.

"This is it," Dorian said, unlocking the door to the villa’s entrance. "It’s nothing grand, but I hope you’ll find it comfortable enough. We don’t get visitors that often, but my wife insists we keep it ready just in case some old employees come back to town and need a place to stay for a night or two."

Lassim glanced at the neatly kept villa, its charming wooden exterior blending seamlessly with the main house’s decor. "It’s perfect. Thank you for going out of your way to make me feel welcome. It’s been a while since I’ve ever felt such hospitality."

Dorian chuckled lightly as he stepped inside, ushering Lassim to follow. "It’s the least we can do. Besides, you’ve got quite the task ahead of you. A good night’s rest will do you some good."

The interior of the villa was warm and inviting, much like the main house. Dorian gestured toward the modest bedroom down the hallway, the one with the door already ajar.

"The bed’s soft, and there’s a window that overlooks a path leading down to the river. Some say the view at night is the best part of staying here. My son would probably say it’s the peace and quiet away from his mother’s constant reminders. He’s got them double now that he’s found himself Anira" He said with a smile.

Lassim smiled faintly, "It’s more than I could have asked for."

"Don’t mention it," Dorian said, pausing by the doorway.

He hesitated for a moment, as if considering his words. "I know this might seem... small compared to everything else going on, but having someone like you here—someone that Eno believes so confidently in to help us out of this situation—it feels like we might have a real chance. So, thank you..."

Lassim met his gaze, his expression calm yet steady. "I’ll do my part. I give you my word."

Dorian nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Well, I’ll leave you to it. If you need anything, just head over to us next door and let me know. Tomorrow, we’ll head to the arena at noon. That’s when the show begins." He said as he emphasized the word "show" with a particularly long eye roll.

After Dorian left, Lassim moved to the floor to ceiling window Dorian had mentioned, pulling it open to let the cool night breeze filter into the room.

He stepped outside, just over the small lip that held the slots for the mechanism that allowed the window to open and close seamlessly.

Taking in the beauty, he followed the narrow path that led to the edge of the platform. The waters of the Sapphire River below sparkled faintly under the moonlight, their rhythmic flow a stark contrast to the tension that lingered in the city above.

Lassim leaned against the railing, his sharp gaze fixed on the river’s glimmering surface as he let his mind wander over the current situation of the city.

"I wonder if there’s a way to defeat the entire sect, not just Joryk, and help everyone. I hate to imagine that so many other companies are all struggling and losing their livelihoods because of their greedy…" He spoke aloud, mostly to himself, not really minding if Mari or Zaphy replied.