"That's correct," said one of the villagers. "We've managed to coexist with the spirits for generations by following these strict rules and respecting their boundaries. But let me ask you a question, if you'll indulge me."
The mage nodded, willing to listen. "Of course, go ahead," he said.
The villager leaned in closer, his expression serious.
"We appreciate that you're only here to investigate and not cause harm. But I have to ask, what are your intentions now that you've confirmed the rumors about the ice spirits to be true? Will you tell others about our village and the spirits?"
The mage shook his head vehemently.
"No, no, absolutely not," he ensured the villager. "We're not here to expose your village or the spirits to the wider world. We're simply here to confirm the rumors and gather information. We have no intention of causing any harm or disrupting your community."
The villagers relaxed slightly, reassured by the mage's words.
"Thank you for understanding," said the first villager. "We appreciate your discretion. We've worked hard to keep our village and the spirits a secret, and we don't want that to change."
The mage nodded, understanding the villagers' need for secrecy.
"I understand completely," he said. "We will not disclose the location of your village or anything we've learned about the spirits. You have our word."
The villagers looked relieved and grateful.
"Thank you," said one of them. "We appreciate your cooperation. As long as you keep our secret, you're welcome to stay and explore the woods for a little while longer."
The mage nodded again, grateful for the villagers' hospitality.
"Thank you, we appreciate that."
The villagers began to disperse, returning to their homes deeper in the woods. The mage and his fellow mages remained standing at the edge of the clearing, quietly discussing their next move.
The mages kept their voices low, mindful of the nearby village.
"I had no idea the villagers were so protective of their secret," said one of the mages, his voice hushed.
"Yeah, they're really serious about keeping their community hidden," another mage chimed in.
The first mage nodded, his expression thoughtful. "It makes sense, though. If word got out about the ice spirits, there could be a lot of unwanted attention and disturbance."