As Shin and Laverna departed from the Guild, they made their way toward the Eastern border of Laginaple. Their destination was the humble town of Valdorne, a quiet settlement nestled between rolling green hills and dense forests.
The journey took them through winding dirt roads flanked by vast stretches of farmland, where workers toiled under the sun, harvesting golden wheat and tending to their livestock. Occasionally, a passing farmer would offer a nod of acknowledgment, their faces lined with years of hard work.
The town, though small, thrived on its modest but hardworking population, consisting of farmers, hunters, and merchants who made a living off the land. The buildings were primarily made of sturdy timber and stone, exuding an old-world charm that spoke of generations past.
Despite its peaceful exterior, there was an air of tension that clung to the streets, as if the townspeople were bracing themselves for something unseen.
Upon arrival, they found the streets lively yet peaceful, with townsfolk going about their daily routines. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted from a nearby bakery, mingling with the crisp air of the countryside.
Merchants called out their wares, selling everything from fresh produce to handcrafted tools and jewelry. Children played in the town square, their laughter ringing through the air, though some of the older ones shot wary glances toward the surrounding forest.
Shin and Laverna took in their surroundings, sensing the weight of responsibility that came with protecting such a place. Even amid normalcy, there were signs of unease.
Men sharpening weapons that looked like they hadn't been used in years, whispers exchanged between merchants about strange happenings. Doors that creaked shut just a little too quickly when strangers passed by.
As they walked through the marketplace, a group of villagers gathered around an elderly woman who was handing out small loaves of bread to those in need. "We've all got to look out for each other," she said, her voice warm despite the tension in the air.
Nearby, a carpenter was busy reinforcing window shutters, hammering away as though expecting a storm. A burly blacksmith offered free repairs for farming tools, his muscular arms glistening with sweat as he worked tirelessly.
A young boy raced through the streets, delivering messages between neighbors, organizing watch shifts for the night. Even in the face of fear, the people of Valdorne stood together.
They did not cower but prepared, their resilience shining through in their quiet determination.
"It's quiet here," Laverna murmured, her gaze scanning the town square where vendors sold their wares under colorful awnings. Yet, as she spoke, she noticed something, a presence of absence. No birds chirped from the rooftops, and the wind carried a stillness that made the hairs on her arms rise.
It was the kind of quiet that came before disaster, a silence too unnatural to ignore.
Shin nodded. "Too quiet, considering there's supposed to be a dangerous beast nearby."
A passing merchant paused, lowering his voice. "Some say the earth trembled last night. Just for a moment. I thought it was my imagination, but..." He trailed off, shaking his head before moving along.
The mayor of Valdorne, a middle-aged man with graying hair and a worried expression, soon approached them as they arrived at the Mayor's Office, a sturdy stone structure situated in the middle of town. The building also served as a fortress and an evacuation center in case of an attack.
Despite his composed demeanor, the lines on his forehead betrayed his anxiety. "Thank you for coming, dear Hunters. I am Mayor Edmund, and this is my secretary and wife, Miss Coraline."
The mayor extended his hand toward Shin. Laverna gave a small nod, and Shin clasped the man's hand in a firm shake, acknowledging everyone in the room. "What's the situation?" Shin asked.
"We've had sightings of something unnatural in the woods," he said, his voice laced with concern. "It moves too fast to be a regular predator. Some say it's a monster, others whisper about an old legend coming back to haunt us."
Shin exchanged a glance with Laverna before speaking. "Have there been any attacks? Any casualties?"
Mayor Edmund sighed, rubbing his temple. "Not yet, but livestock has gone missing. A few hunters who ventured too deep into the forest returned pale as ghosts, refusing to speak of what they saw. One even abandoned his trade altogether."
"You mean he quit hunting?" Laverna asked, raising an eyebrow.
The mayor nodded solemnly. "A man who had hunted for over twenty years suddenly sold all his gear and left town the very next morning. Whatever he saw out there... it broke him."
Laverna crossed her arms. "Whatever it is, we'll handle it."
The mayor studied them both, then nodded slowly. "I hope so. We can't afford any more losses. The people here have suffered enough."
After their brief meeting, Shin glanced at Laverna, a smirk tugging at his lips. "I'm gonna have a look around. You, on the other hand, patrol the area and head to the inn where all our things are."
Laverna rolled her eyes. "Splitting up already? And here I thought we made a good team."
Shin chuckled. "We do. But covering more ground is the smart move. Besides, I trust you to handle things on your end."
She scoffed lightly, adjusting the daggers at her belt. "Damn right you do."
As she turned to leave, Shin's voice softened. "Be careful, Laverna."
She hesitated, then met his gaze, her amber eyes glinting in the afternoon light. "You too."
For a moment, the noise of the town seemed distant. A silent understanding passed between them, a flicker of something unspoken, an invisible thread pulling them together. Then, with a final nod, they parted ways, each heading toward the unknown that awaited them.
As news spread that Shin and Laverna were the Hunters sent by the guild to protect Valdorne, townsfolk began to take notice. Some whispered their names with awe, while others watched them with cautious hope.
Laverna exchanged words with some of the town's younger residents. A freckled girl admired the daggers on her belt, eyes wide with admiration. "Are you really a rogue?" she asked breathlessly.
Laverna smirked and ruffled the girl's hair. "Something like that. Stay safe, alright?"
The girl hesitated, then blurted out, "I want to be like you when I grow up! A strong rogue who's not afraid of anything!"
Laverna blinked, momentarily taken aback. She crouched down to the girl's level, her smirk softening into something more thoughtful. "Being strong isn't about not being afraid. It's about facing your fears and standing up for yourself. Think you can do that?"
The freckled girl nodded eagerly. "I can!"
Laverna chuckled and tapped the girl's nose. "Then you're already on the right path."
The girl beamed. "Then I'll practice every day! Maybe one day, I'll be a rogue just like you!"
Laverna tilted her head, amusement flickering in her gaze. "If you work hard, maybe you'll even surpass me."
The girl gasped. "Really?!"
"Really," Laverna said with a wink before standing up. "But for now, listen to your elders and keep out of trouble, alright?"
"Yes, ma'am!" the girl chirped, giving her a mock salute before scampering off, leaving Laverna shaking her head with a quiet chuckle.
Shin, meanwhile, took a moment to survey the outskirts of the town. In the distance, beyond the fields and pastures, the tree line of the Eastern Woodlands loomed like a darkened threshold. Even in broad daylight, it seemed to stretch into a void of uncertainty.
The two of them knew they had little time to prepare. Whatever lurked beyond those trees was watching, waiting. With their mission clear and a town depending on them, Shin and Laverna steeled themselves. The unknown threat lurking in the Eastern Woodlands awaited them, and they had no choice but to face it head-on.