Mai's voice dipped into a worried tremor as she elaborated on the village's plight. "Creatures have been prowling around the village at night," she explained, her eyes reflecting the flickering firelight. "They target the fences, relentlessly clawing and gnawing at them."A frown etched itself onto Orano's face. "For how long has this been happening?" he inquired, his voice low and serious."Weeks," Mai confessed, a heavy sigh escaping her lips. "At first, we thought it was a fluke, a random encounter. But night after night, they returned, their attacks focused on the same weak point in the fence."Disappointment flickered in Caitrin's eyes. "So they weren't scared off? They kept coming back?"Mai nodded, her expression grim. "Indeed. And whenever we confronted them, they would erupt in a ferocious growl, their eyes blazing with a primal hunger. If they couldn't breach the fence, they'd vent their frustration by tearing at the wood with their claws."Orano leaned forward, his gaze intense. "Can you describe these creatures, Miss Mai? What do they look like?""They resemble hares," Mai began, her voice barely a whisper. "But the similarities end there. They're the size of a full-grown wolf, with a muscular build that belies their herbivorous counterparts. The most unsettling feature, however, is their grotesque fusion of features. They possess razor-sharp fangs that glint menacingly in the moonlight, and a crown of antlers that adds to their monstrous visage."Caitrin shot Orano a bewildered glance. "A Pertinger?" she blurted, the word unfamiliar on her tongue.A flicker of surprise crossed Orano's features before a knowing smile played on his lips. "Ah, yes, Miss Caitrin," he replied. "Indeed, it seems we're dealing with a Pertinger herd.""Interesting," Mai echoed, her brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you find interesting about them, Mr. Orano?"Orano closed his eyes for a moment, his brow furrowed in deep thought. "Pertingers are creatures of the cold," he explained, his voice low and measured. "They typically inhabit snowy regions, nesting high in the mountains. It's generally believed they prefer solitude, avoiding any contact with humans. The fact that a herd has taken up residence so close to the village is… unusual, to say the least."A spark of determination ignited in his eyes as he turned to Mai. "Miss Mai, if you wouldn't mind, could you lead me to the section of fence that these creatures have been targeting?"Hope flickered in Mai's eyes. "Of course, Mr. Orano," she replied eagerly. "Follow me."They stepped back out into the biting cold, the warmth of the fire a fading memory. As they walked through the village, Caitrin noticed a group of villagers struggling to clear a snow-laden road. The path, she realized, led towards a sturdy building, most likely a village storehouse."Why is the road leading to that building blocked, Miss Mai?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued."Unfortunately," Mai replied with a heavy sigh, "that path used to lead to our food storage facility. However, this year's relentless snowstorms caused an avalanche, burying the entrance beneath a mountain of snow. Even though we have some food reserves within the village, we can't afford to lose that supply."A pang of sympathy stabbed at Caitrin's heart. The villagers were facing a multitude of problems, each one seemingly insurmountable.After a short walk, they arrived at the edge of a vast field, its expanse stretching towards the imposing silhouette of a snow-capped mountain. The village's food source, carefully planted crops, lay nestled within the field."The creatures haven't touched the crops or caused any damage there," Mai explained. "However, the workers here feel a constant unease knowing those… things… are lurking nearby."They finally reached the section of fence that bore the brunt of the Pertinger attacks. The wooden barrier was marred with deep claw marks, gouged and splintered from repeated assaults. It looked like a single, strong blow could bring the entire structure down.Orano crouched beside the damaged fence, his eyes scanning the shredded wood for any clues. "Have they been here recently?" he asked, his voice low.Mai shook her head. "No, Mr. Orano. In fact, none of the villagers have seen them in the past few days."Disappointment flickered across Caitrin's face. "So we don't have any tracks or traces to follow?" she asked.Orano straightened, a determined glint in his eyes. "Unfortunately not," he admitted.Frustration etched itself onto Orano's features as he surveyed the ravaged fence. "It seems we'll have to employ a waiting game," he announced, his voice tinged with a hint of defeat. "Unless these creatures return soon, we'll have no way of determining their origin or purpose."A heavy silence descended upon the group. Caitrin's shoulders slumped in disappointment. The lack of immediate answers felt like a physical weight pressing down on them."If you wouldn't mind," Mai interjected, her voice laced with a newfound warmth, "you both are welcome to stay at my house until the creatures appear again."Caitrin's eyes widened in surprise. "Stay at your house, Miss Mai?" she echoed, incredulous. "But wouldn't that be…inconvenient? We are outsiders, after all."Mai chuckled, a melody that chased away the gloom. "Nonsense! It's my house, and I decide who crosses its threshold. Besides," she added with a knowing wink, "they might grumble about outsiders entering the village, but they can't dictate whom I invite in."With limited options and gratitude blooming in their hearts, Caitrin and Orano readily accepted Mai's offer. They retraced their steps through the village, the setting sun casting an orange glow on the snow-laden landscape.As they walked, Caitrin seized the opportunity to learn more about their temporary haven. "How long has Frostford Village existed, Miss Mai?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.A smile tugged at Mai's lips. "Our village was born from the ashes of the Great War," she explained, a touch of pride coloring her voice. "We established ourselves here a decade ago, seeking solace and a fresh start. While this place holds a special place in my heart," she continued, her voice softening, "living in Aetas during the winter months is no easy feat. We spend our summers diligently preparing for the harsh winters, but this year's brutality has surpassed all expectations."Ten minutes later, they found themselves back at Mai's humble dwelling. Stepping inside, a wave of warmth washed over them, chasing away the lingering chill of the evening. Mai led them to a modest room, its simplicity offset by the genuine care it exuded."This will be your haven for the night," Mai announced, gesturing towards the room. "Rest and recharge. We have a challenging task ahead of us tomorrow."Two jumpsuits lay neatly folded on the floor – not the most luxurious attire, but a welcome refuge from the elements nonetheless."It might not be the most comfortable, but it's the best I can offer," Mai apologized.Caitrin's heart swelled with gratitude. "No apologies necessary, Miss Mai," she replied with a genuine smile. "We're only here for a brief stay."Mai returned the smile, its warmth radiating outwards. "Thank you for your understanding. Sleep well, and don't hesitate to ask if you need anything."With a gentle nod, Mai closed the door behind her, leaving Orano and Caitrin alone in their temporary sanctuary. Orano placed his bag beside the bed and drifted towards the window, his gaze fixed on the moon hanging heavy in the inky sky."Aren't you going to sleep?" Caitrin inquired, her voice laced with concern."Rest assured, I will slumber when the opportunity arises," Orano replied, his voice quiet yet resolute. "But you, Caitrin, need your sleep. Tomorrow will bring new challenges, and we'll need all our strength."Caitrin sighed, a mixture of exhaustion and curiosity swirling within her. "Alright, alright," she conceded, slipping into the jumpsuit. As she lay down, her mind buzzed with unanswered questions. Aetas, this strange and harsh land, unfolded before her like a map waiting to be explored.She stole a glance at Orano, his silhouette bathed in the soft moonlight filtering through the window. His brow was furrowed in concentration, his mind clearly preoccupied. Whatever thoughts plagued him, Caitrin knew better than to intrude. His silence held a weight, a sense of purpose that she respected.With a final sigh, she surrendered to the gentle embrace of sleep, the mysteries of Frostford Village and the creatures that lurked within its borders swirling in her dreams.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caitrin bolted upright in bed, a gasp escaping her lips. Her heart hammered against her ribs, the echo of a terrifying dream clinging to the edges of her mind. Disoriented, she took a deep, shuddering breath, forcing her racing pulse to slow. Glancing across the room, she saw Orano, his silhouette a stoic sentinel against the moonlit window. He seemed to be asleep, his posture relaxed.Reassurance washed over her, dispelling the remnants of the nightmare. She settled back down, pulling the thin covers tighter around her. But just as sleep threatened to claim her again, a sound pierced the stillness of the night – a long, mournful howl that sent shivers down her spine.An unsettling mix of curiosity and trepidation warred within her. Sitting up, she cast a wary glance around the room. Everything appeared shrouded in peaceful darkness. Yet, the haunting cry echoed once more, pulling her towards the source.Unable to ignore the primal urge, Caitrin threw off the covers and tiptoed towards the door. The biting cold of the night air greeted her as she stepped outside, a stark contrast to the warmth of the room. The village slumbered peacefully beneath a sky dusted with a million twinkling stars. The only signs of life were the occasional wisps of smoke curling from chimneys and the gentle symphony of the falling snow.Ignoring the bone-chilling cold, Caitrin followed the sound, her boots crunching on the frosted ground. The howl, mournful and filled with an inexplicable sadness, seemed to beckon her forward. It led her deeper into the village, away from the houses and towards the fields bordering the snow-capped mountain.Minutes ticked by, each step a testament to her growing determination. The howl grew louder, closer, until finally, she emerged into a clearing overlooked by the imposing mountain peak. And there, bathed in the ethereal moonlight, stood a sight that sent a jolt of surprise through her – a Pertinger.The creature, unlike the monstrous image conjured by Mai's description, wasn't ferocious. It stood hunched over, its muscular frame shaking with each mournful howl. Its once proud antlers seemed to droop, and an aura of pain, rather than aggression, emanated from its form.Caitrin's initial fear morphed into a strange sense of empathy. This wasn't the fearsome beast wreaking havoc on the village fence – it was a creature in distress.Just as she contemplated approaching the Pertinger, its head snapped towards her, its eyes glowing with an eerie emerald light. The mournful howl died in its throat, replaced by a low, menacing growl. Fear flooded Caitrin's veins, the creature's size and unexpected aggression momentarily paralyzing her."But… Miss Mai said…" she stammered, her voice barely a whisper. "They don't attack humans…"As the Pertinger continued to growl, its menacing stance unwavering, another thought struck Caitrin. It wasn't attacking – it was guarding something. Then, two more howls pierced the night, echoing from behind the very mountain the Pertinger stood before.The creature's growl subsided as abruptly as it began. It turned its head towards the source of the howls, its posture relaxing slightly. Seizing the opportunity, Caitrin watched intently, hope flickering within her. Perhaps, she thought, this could be the answer they were looking for.The Pertinger started moving, following the unseen howls toward the mountain's base. Curiosity warring with caution, Caitrin decided to follow. But as she reached the spot where the Pertinger had disappeared just moments ago, she was met with a sight that defied logic. The creature was simply… gone. No footprints in the snow, no rustle in the bushes – just an empty space where it had stood moments before."Where… where did it go?" Caitrin whispered, her voice laced with disbelief. Panic threatened to rise, but she forced it down. There had to be an explanation.Suddenly, her gaze fell upon a faint indentation in the snow, a barely visible path leading behind the mountain. Realization dawned on her. This must be the creatures' secret passage, the way they were entering and exiting the village undetected.A surge of excitement coursed through her. This was a crucial discovery, a piece of the puzzle that could change everything. She had to find Orano and tell him about it. With newfound purpose, Caitrin turned on her heel and retraced her steps, the crisp night air carrying with it the promise of a new dawn, and a potential solution to the village's plight.