Year 0002, The Imperium
---
They were already in the third month of the winter season...
Currently there was a somber mood that has taken hold of the village.
It was even more depressing to think about it, they knew the risks of the previous battle.
But if they did not take it, the consequences would have been immense.
So those who were not too badly injured and could still move, were busy trying to occupy their thoughts, with other meaningful things.
---
On the second day, after the intense battle had concluded.
One of the critically injured person, has woken up already and began moving around the house.
It was August himself that has risen from his deep slumber.
He was a lot studier now, than when he was back then, after he almost died from his battle with the Boarat Commander.
His external wounds have sealed up nicely, but it still had some lingering scars on it.
But he did not worry about that, he knew it would get healed in time, thanks to his System.
He also did not suffer that much thanks to his equipment, although currently his gears had been thoroughly battered and is barely usable.
But hey at least it served its intended purpose, it had kept him alive throughout that intense battle.
After their fight with the Grimfangs had concluded, he also have gained another level, he was now [Lvl. 13].
But he did not get to appreciate it then, as he collapsed from exhaustion and blood loss.
---
Right now he could already move around the village, although rather slowly, as there was still some lingering pain from his injuries.
He went out of the village walls and dragged every single wolf that they have killed outside.
It took him half a day or so to bring all of it inside the village walls.
As he had to make frequent stops to rest and go back inside, since the others got worried for him if he stayed out for too long, specially when it was this cold.
---
Uncle Jonathan was still in a state of coma, he did not wake up from his wounds.
But he also did not die from it, he was truly very sturdy, resilient, has a lot of vigor and has a very strong willpower.
A very admirable man, is now sleeping, left half-dead.
Gel was with him all throughout the day, taking care of her fathers wounds, cleaning it and replacing the old dressing with a new one, to avoid any infection.
She was sad, but she knew that her father would get through it and return to her.
---
August returned home, clearly he has already finished his work.
He also patrolled the outer perimeter of the walls, to see if there was other sustained damages to it that they did not manage to see.
But it all looks alright, except for the gatehouse.
It has some parts that were destroyed, by the Grimfang that forcefully slammed his body on the peole defending it.
They would need to repair it by spring and they have to add an allure (wall-walk) to the walls.
The previous battle taught them a lesson, they need to see what is beyond the wall and the single lookout tower near the gate is no longer enough, they would need to add 4 more, covering the entire stretch of the wall.
He would have to discuss it with the others, and propose to halt their current construction project.
It could be halted for sometime, since they have already added the extra bedrooms.
They have a leeway to do other things.
---
During dinner time, they all have gathered around the hearth, they talked about the events that have occured this past few days.
August proposed the plan to them, which was one of the main topics that they have to discuss.
It was the the much needed improvement of the village defenses.
And some form of training to improve their defending forces capabilities, in order to deal with future threats.
August was sure that it wasn't the end of those Grimfangs who had invaded them.
And next time, they wouldn't be so lucky, it was even a miracle that they all got out from it alive, with just injuries to worry about.
Except that right now they have someone who is still on a precarious life and death situation himself.
With no apparent indications, of when he was going to wake up.
---
After the wonderful dinner that Theressa had prepared.
They all went to their respective corners and find some comfort there.
They had a lot to ponder and think about, as to their future roles in the village.
Their current manpower right now is just too lacking for the village to function like proper village.
They thought about how to get additional manpower around here.
But the nearest place they knew of, is Kirka Village with some 450 or so kilometers away from here.
They were pretty sure that the villagers there wouldn't even bother considering to leave that place behind, even if it was a frontier village.
The dangers in the forest outweighs their current safety in Kirka Village.
And most importantly, the people who escaped from Kirka Village, have a blood feud with the current acting chief.
They sure as hell wouldn't return to the place, they had already escaped from.
And Pipik Village which was at least a 1,000 kilometers or more, is also not a viable option.
As the Trio who left that place were already expelled from the village and it was being raided when they left.
They really only have two choices for now, and both options are extremely hard to achieve.
i. They could leave it to chance and maybe some unfortunate soul like them would stumble on this place.
ii. Or they could go out as what they had recently thought of.
And search for other people, who are willing to relocate and settle here.
In this very dangerous place, where a single misstep would potentially cause them a delibitating injury, or even an untimely death.
But who amongst them would ege go out of his way and search for these, hypothetical people?
Every person who is currently living here, in this village is already a vital cog.
That is needed for it to function well enough, without over exerting themselves.
It was a lot to think about, but they will manage, whatever is thrown at them.
The others are already sleeping, while some of them were still awake, with wandering gaze into the cold dark.
---
Currently Aetherwing and his mate are flying through the cold dark skies.
They are being protected by his magic, so they could technically fly night and day.
They really didn't need to stop even if the winter winds would get harsh.
The only time they would have to rest is if they have to go and take a shit.
And they would arrive at the village the following day...