The warmth of the fire flickered, lighting the faces of three men gathered around it. The harsh winter air slamming against their bodies, and their tired eyes showing the men's weariness, their energy spent from months in the unforgiving wilderness.
They sat in a circle, holding their hands against their last fire before the journey home.
"I can't wait to see my wife again," Midok said with excitement in his voice. "She's going to make the best soup with this game!"
His enthusiasm was infectious, but the other two men weren't as cheerful. "We know, Midok, you've been talking about it non-stop for the last week!" Qui groaned, clearly irritated.
It was no secret that their trip had been longer than any of them expected. They had left their families behind for over two months, and the loneliness was settling in. The excitement of returning home mixed with the tension of the endless hunt made them more antsy with each passing day.
"Take it easy, Qui," Erwin said, his voice steady and calming. "We're all just a little anxious to get back to our families. It's been a long road."
Erwin was a hulk of a man, standing at 6'2" with the build of a strongman. His forearms were thick, the size of a regular man's thigh, his legs the size of a tree trunk, and his presence commanded respect.
As the leader of their hunting party, his skill with weapons was unparalleled, and it was that strength that had earned him the respect and trust of his companions.
Qui crossed his arms, staring into the fire. "I know, Erwin. It's just that... it's all Midok talks about! My wife...my soup... my bed" he said, waving his hands, mocking Midok.
Erwin chuckled softly, his voice low but filled with understanding. "It's been a difficult journey for all of us, Qui. But we'll be home soon enough."
The men fell silent for a moment, they had all expected to return much earlier, but the game had been scarce, and to make matters worse, a group of dangerous beings had killed their close friend, Rippan.
A seasoned hunter who had often saved them from ferocious animals they crossed. The loss was a blow to the groups moral and weren't sure how to recover.
"If it wasn't for those damn things killing Rippan, we'd already be home," Qui muttered, his voice clearly displaying his frustration.
Erwin nodded, his stoic face unwavering. "Yes, but we're close now. The weather's turning colder, and we'll make it back before the snow blocks the paths. The worst is over."
The men were only half a day's hike from their separate camps, and in the morning, they would part ways, each heading home to their families.
"I don't know if those things will be lurking along the path," Erwin continued, his tone serious. "So be careful tomorrow. Stay aware of your surroundings."
They talked for a while longer, swapping stories of their travels and reflecting on the long months spent in the wild.
Eventually, the three men clamored into their makeshift tents and settled down to sleep under the starry night.
As Erwin lay there, staring up at the dancing Aurora Borealis, a single thought crossed his mind repeatedly, "I hope my boys are alright. This world… it's changing. And it's getting more dangerous every day".