In the following morning your wife wakes you up giving you a cup of coffee, at some point last night you must have fallen asleep because of exhaustion but fortunately nothing happened. Sitting by your side she begins:
- I've never told you but in the weeks after the fire, when people begin to act crazy, I would hear rumours about a demon of fur black as coal and eyes yellow like amber, in some nights I even heard weird noises coming from the streets but never believed that such thing could possibly exist... What is it?!
- I don't know but I'm here now and no matter what that shadow is, I won't let it harm you or the baby, I promise. (You swear with all your heart).
She smiles and gives you a kiss, although you are a mere hunter, she knows you are true in your words.
Before being able to enjoy this moment any longer, a silhouette at the distance comes your way rather quickly, upon taking your bow and aim at its direction, the silhouette becomes detailed: A person riding a horse. Can it be the same person that saved your life?
The horse stops only a few steps from the porch and from atop it descends a cloaked figure, upon moving closer her face brings you memories, as you lower your bow in disbelief she greets you:
- I was told I would find you here, although I wasn't sure if they knew who I was looking for...
- Diana?!
- It's good to see you too Orion.
Noticing the expression on Irene's face, you quickly present them to each other:
- Irene, this is Diana, we served together at the war against the Golden Empire. Diana, this is Irene, my wife.
The two greet each other and then Diana quickly turns to you, now in a more serious tone:
- There's something important that I need to discuss with you, privately....
Irene looks at you in a worried way as if, somehow, she already knows what Diana has to say. You think for a moment and then proceeds:
- About?
- Last night's attack... More precisely, the “shadow”.
Before your brain can process what was said, Irene turns at you and says:
- It's alright, I'll go check on the baby.
As Irene goes back inside, Diana looks at you waiting for you to say something, your mind threatens to drift away again but you quickly speak, pointing to a trail that leads through the perimeter of the farm:
- Over here.
You two begin walking, it doesn't take long and Diana starts:
- I heard you've stopped hunting after the war...
- Until yesterday, yes... But somehow I have a feeling you intend on changing this.
- What attacked the village yesterday was not a “shadow” or even a demon, it was a beast, a wild animal if you prefer... I though your help would be useful.
- No, no. There's a big difference between a wild animal and whatever attacked last night.
- True, but you're Orion the great hunter! Beast or not, if there is someone who can track it down, that is you.
- And you are one of the greatest warriors I've ever met, your place is in wars not hunting whatever in the underworld is this beast... (You protest).
- Exactly! What I need is not someone with experience in combat, but someone experienced in hunting, someone capable of hunting anything anywhere... someone like you.
Whilst your mind begins to drift in thoughts, Diana adds:
- I know you have a family now, and that their lives are top priority. But imagine what will happen if the beast comes back, who will protect the many families that live here, who will ensure that they don't get brutally slaughtered like the ones from last night?!
- And what about the other two that were with you, aren't they be capable of tracking the beast?
- It's a long story, I'll tell you all if you come with us.
You begin to think how the beast would have killed you if it wasn't for Diana showing up in time, and how desperate you've felt upon seeing Irene passed out.
- Give me one day, one day and I'll bring you an answer.
- Ok, chéri. Tomorrow, at noon, come meet me in front of the tavern should you choose to help.
Whilst she prepares to leave, your mind can't stop remembering the events of last night. Cluttered by your thoughts you enter home, where Irene, closing the door of the baby's room, says:
- Why do I have the impression you're about to leave?
- No... I mean, I promised to never leave again, and I'm intent on keeping this promise.
You two sit at the dining table and begin to discuss Diana's proposition, throughout the whole conversation, you can see worry in Irene's eyes, once done talking a brief moment of silence follows and then she begins:
- I understand the risks but if they really need you, wouldn't it be, to the very least, a good idea to consider it?
- But what about you and the baby?
- Don't worry with us, we'll be alright. Just promise me you'll be back soon...
Before she can finish her sentence, flashbacks of the day you've returned from the war run through your mind. Instinctively you respond:
- No. I won't go, indeed it is too dangerous and now that our family grows I cannot take such risks. Tomorrow morning I'll tell them about my decision.
With a look of whom is not content with your words, Irene kisses you on the cheek and says:
- I have no doubt you are capable of protecting us... But what about the villagers, what will happen to them if Diana and the others fail?
Upon leaving the room, her words echo through your mind. Although you've made your decision, the possibility of Diana and the others failing is high especially given that,as far as you can tell, the two that were with her at the night of the fair weren't hunters either. Yet, the fear of what could happen during your absence is more concerning.
During the remainder of the day there is an odd serenity on the air, the baby won't cry not even half as much as usual, Irene, as much as she continues being a beacon of light in your world, now is uncommonly quiet and even you feel uneasy. As if all of this isn't enough, oddly enough – at least at this season –, snow begins falling at sunset.
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