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As he stepped into the village, the atmosphere felt oddly somber despite the flickering lanterns and the distant sounds of music. The warmth of the light was inviting, but an unsettling tension hung in the air. He noticed that the villagers moved with a certain urgency, their laughter lacking the carefree spirit one would expect in a peaceful setting.
The village was nestled in a clearing, surrounded by the dense forest that loomed like a wall of shadows. The absence of walls or barriers around the village made it painfully evident just how exposed they were to potential threats lurking just beyond the tree line. The protagonist's heart sank as he realized that this small community was vulnerable, easily susceptible to attacks from the creatures of the forest.
As he approached the first house, he could see the tall figure near the door—a person with long hair, their expression serious as they studied him with wary eyes.
"What brings you here at such an hour?" the figure called out, their voice steady but laced with caution.
The protagonist hesitated, weighing his words. He was not only a stranger in this land but also a potential harbinger of trouble. "I… I'm lost," he finally replied, trying to sound calm despite the growing tension in his chest. "I was taken from my home and ended up here. I need help."
The figure's gaze flickered to the shadows behind him, as if sensing the danger that lay just outside the village's borders. "You're not the first to find your way here," they said slowly. "But few stay long. The forest is not kind, especially at night."
The protagonist's pulse quickened." What dangers are out there?"
"Creatures that roam the woods after dark. They are drawn to the scent of fear," the figure explained, glancing around nervously as if expecting something to emerge from the shadows. "We've lost good people to those beasts. It's why we try to stay inside when the sun sets."
He could see the flickering shadows cast by the lanterns dancing on the figure's face, revealing a mix of concern and determination. "You should come inside. We can't be too careful."
Without waiting for an answer, the figure stepped back, gesturing for him to enter. The protagonist followed, the weight of his grocery bag feeling heavier with each step as he entered what look to be a tavn. Inside, the warm glow of the hearth illuminated the the interior and the space was filled with simple furniture and the lingering smell of cooked vegetables.
As the door shut behind him, sealing off the darkness outside, he felt a strange mixture of safety and uncertainty. The flickering light seemed to hold back the night, but the knowledge that danger lurked beyond the walls hung heavily in the air.
"What's your name?" the figure asked, turning to face him fully now.
"Ethan," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "I… I don't know where I am and ,I..I want to go home"
The figure offered a faint smile, though it didn't quite reach their eyes. "We'll figure it out together. But for now, you're safe. At least until morning."
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