Morning light had only just begun to settle across the land when Aragorn and Jessy stepped out from the thinning forest line and into open ground. The air felt different here, calmer, yet filled with a quiet strength. Before them, not too far away, stood a village resting gently between low hills and scattered trees. A wooden sign, slightly worn but still firm, marked its entrance.
Grimfang Village…..
Aragorn slowed his steps and looked ahead with a steady gaze. The village was neither grand nor broken. It stood in a strange balance, simple, yet alive. Wooden houses lined the paths in neat rows. Smoke rose from chimneys. Faint voices carried through the air. It was clear that life here moved with discipline, not luxury.
Jessy stepped beside him, her green attire blending naturally with the surroundings, "This place… it feels peaceful," she said softly.
Aragorn nodded, "Peaceful places often hide the strongest people."
They walked forward
As they entered the village, eyes turned toward them almost immediately. Not hostile, but alert, curious , watching…
This was not a human village.
Beastfolk filled the streets.
Wolf men with sharp eyes and grey fur stood tall near the entrance. Catfolk moved with quiet grace, their ears twitching slightly as they observed the newcomers. Dogfolk, broader and more grounded, carried tools and supplies, working steadily. Even a few rare chickenfolk could be seen feathered, light built, moving quickly with baskets in hand.
Jessy's eyes widened slightly at the sight, but she remained composed.
Aragorn simply observed
There was no fear in their gazes, only caution.
And respect, A few villagers whispered among themselves. Some nodded faintly, likely having heard about the serpent incident. Others simply watched.
As they moved deeper into the village, a young wolf beastman stepped forward. His presence was firm, his posture straight, and his eyes sharp with a protective instinct.
This was Kai, wolf beastman...
His gaze moved from Jessy to Aragorn, studying them carefully,
"You're the ones who fought the serpent," he said
Aragorn gave a small nod, "We helped "
Kai did not smile, "Helping outsiders is not common here."
Jessy folded her arms slightly, "We didn't come looking for trouble "
Kai looked at her for a moment, then turned his eyes back to Aragorn,
"Humans don't stay long in this village," he said quietly.
"And when they do… something always follows."
There was no threat in his voice. Only a warning.
Aragorn met his gaze calmly, "Then let's hope we leave before that happens."
For a moment, silence stood between them.
Then Kai turned, "Follow me..."
They were led toward the centre of the village, where a slightly larger hut stood. It was built from thick wood, reinforced with carved beams and decorated with simple tribal markings. Nothing excessive, but clearly important.
Inside, the air was warm.
Seated at the centre was an elderly wolf beastman, his fur now faded with age but his presence still strong and grounded.
This was Elder Varrok, the chief of Grimfang Village.
His eyes opened slowly as they entered.
Kai stepped forward, "Grandfather, they've arrived."
Varrok studied them quietly for a moment. His gaze lingered on Aragorn longer than expected, as if sensing something deeper.
Then he spoke.
"So… you are the ones who stood against the serpent."
Aragorn gave a respectful nod, "We did what we could."
Varrok exhaled softly, almost like a quiet laugh, "What you did… saved lives."
Jessy stepped forward slightly, "We didn't expect anything in return "
The old chief raised a hand gently, "And yet, it is our duty to give thanks."
There was a pause.Then his voice softened.
"You have done this village a great service. To let you leave without offering shelter… would be shameful."
Aragorn glanced at Jessy, then back at the chief.
"We are travellers," he said
"We only ask for a place to stay for a short time. A week… maybe two."
Varrok nodded slowly, "Then you shall have it."
He gestured lightly toward Kai,
"There is a house, near the hills beyond the village. It has not been used in some time, but it still stands strong. You may stay there."
Jessy gave a small nod, "That will be enough."
But as she said that, her eyes briefly shifted toward Aragorn, and something unspoken passed between them.
One house.
Kai noticed it…..a faint smirk appeared on his face for just a moment before disappearing.
The walk to the house was quiet.
They passed through the village once more, this time with less tension. A few villagers even nodded in respect. Children watched from a distance, whispering among themselves. The atmosphere, while still cautious, had softened.
As they moved further, the houses became fewer. The land opened slightly, and the hills rose gently ahead.
At the edge of one slope stood a small wooden house.
It was simple....
A little worn, but still firm. The door creaked slightly as Kai pushed it open.
Inside, dust rested on the surfaces, but the structure was intact. A table stood near the centre. A small hearth in one corner. And… one bed.
Jessy stopped at the entrance.
Her eyes slowly moved toward Aragorn.
Aragorn noticed
He paused for a second, then walked inside calmly as if nothing was unusual.
"It's usable," he said
Jessy stepped in, still looking around, "Yes… usable."
Her tone carried something else, but she did not say it.
Kai leaned against the doorframe,
"If you need anything, the village is below," he said. Then his eyes shifted to Aragorn once more, "Try not to bring trouble."
Aragorn met his gaze, "I don't chase trouble."
Kai replied quietly, "It usually comes on its own."
With that, he turned and left.
Silence filled the house.
Jessy placed her sword carefully near the wall and walked toward the small window. The wind outside moved gently through the trees.
Aragorn sat near the table, taking out a piece of bread from his pack.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Jessy turned slightly,
"So… we're staying here."
Aragorn nodded, "For now….."
She crossed her arms, a faint smile appearing, "One bed…."
Aragorn paused mid bite,
"…we'll manage "
Jessy laughed softly. Night came slowly. The village lights dimmed. Sounds faded. The wind grew colder.
Inside the house, Jessy rested, her breathing calm. But Aragorn remained awake.
Something felt… off.His eyes narrowed slightly.
Shadow Sense…..
It spread quietly and then he felt it.
Presence...
Not one...
Multiple....
Outside.....
Watching.....
Aragorn stood slowly and stepped outside the house. The night air was still, but the forest beyond the hills whispered faintly.
His eyes scanned the darkness. Nothing visible. But the feeling remained. He stepped forward slightly.
Then stopped. From deep within the trees…
Pairs of faint glowing eyes appeared.
Watching....
Not attacking...
Just waiting...
Aragorn's expression did not change.
But his voice lowered slightly,
"…so it begins "
The wind passed through the hills once more. And in the darkness beyond something had already started moving.....