However, the woman was not unharmed by the confrontation. Many cruel gashes crisscrossed her body, and the red and angry wounds forced her to remain within the village's boundaries.
Nonetheless, the woman refused to be idle in such a dire situation, and she was relegated, at least for the time being, to duties within the village borders, ensuring the safety of their home from within.
Her eyes betrayed her heart's longing to return to the woods, but she was supposed to rest and get better first. Her typically robust and resilient figure was noticeably hunched over as she moved around due to the pain.
Vanessa called out, "Erik," huffing slightly as she approached him. "Amos needs to talk to you." His heart gave a slight jump. The name of the village leader carried weight, and if he wanted to discuss something, it was rarely trivial, especially if it was about the situation at the cave.
"Did he mention what it's about?" Erik inquired, his brow furrowed in concern. Vanessa shook her head, her hair swaying with the motion. "He didn't say much other than that it was about yesterday's... events at the cave. Samuel had explained everything to him, but there are some things that only you can help with." Erik nodded, his eyes narrowing as he processed the news.
He had a hazy idea of what this was about. "Alright, I'll go now. Please, tell the others at the fields I will come later." Erik turned on his heel and walked towards the village's hall, his journey to the farm temporarily postponed.
His mind raced with possibilities, but he maintained a steady stride, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
After all, the battle from yesterday may have been over, but its echoes continued to be heard today. Erik inhaled deeply as he made his way lightly along the winding network of wooden walkways that connected the treetop homes. The aroma of fresh dew and moss filled his lungs simultaneously.
The distant hammering of the local blacksmith or the sharp clang of pots from the open-air kitchen occasionally reached his ears, providing a symphony of the beginning of a new day's activities.
The village had a long-standing relationship with the surrounding forest, as evidenced by the massive tree trunks that towered all around them, with their gnarled roots reaching down into the ground below and their great arms reaching up into the heavens.
The homes, tethered to the trees like watchful offspring, exuded a calm allure thanks to their weathered but sturdy wooden facades and the windows, which provided a glimpse into the residents' day-to-day activities.
Erik admired the vibrant murals splashed across various walls as he navigated the labyrinthine paths of the village. The intricate details of the murals told stories of bravery, love, and survival. Erik admired the murals. He could hear his stomach rumbling in anticipation as the delicious scent of freshly baked bread drifted from a nearby house.
At last, the imposing silhouette of the great hall emerged on the ground in the middle of the village. They used the hall, which was an architectural triumph, as a representation of their cohesion and their power. Erik descended quickly from the treetops via a ladder he had brought to enter the building.
He found himself walking into a heated debate as the meeting hall's tall, sturdy wooden doors creaked open. Amos was conversing with a group of people Erik didn't know.
They gathered around the grand table in the hall's center, carved from one of the massive trees that supported their village.
Maps, scrolls, and various strategy tools were scattered across its surface, each marking a section of their village or the surrounding areas. Their expressions were solemn, and their voices were low but purposeful.
Amos' hardened gaze swept across the parchment in front of him, his fingers tracing the familiar lines of their territory. His graying hair fell across his brow, and his lips moved slightly, muttering to himself as he considered the task.
When he noticed Erik's arrival, his face softened slightly, and he motioned for the young man to approach. Despite the circumstances, the meeting hall retained its imposing grandeur. Light poured through the tall windows, highlighting the intricately carved pillars supporting the roof.
The scent of ancient wood mingled with the fresh ink on the scrolls, creating a heady combination that hinted at the importance of the discussions taking place.
Erik, a little intimidated by the intense atmosphere, had no idea what Amos would ask him, but he knew the significance of this meeting.
With the previous day's events still fresh in his mind, he braced himself for the upcoming conversation. Amos turned his gaze toward Erik as he approached. The young man was put at ease by his eyes, which were as clear and sharp as they had been in his youth.
He walked the remaining distance, his footsteps softly echoing against the wooden floor until he came to a halt in front of the elder. Erik saluted Amos with a respectful dip of his head.
"Good morning, Amos," he said, his voice steady but deferential. When the older man's gaze met his, the conversation with the others stopped.
Erik straightened his back, mentally preparing himself for the upcoming discussion. "Erik, I called you here because I talked to Samuel," Amos began, his voice resonating with a deep, grave undertone that demanded respect.
The hall became even quieter as all eyes were drawn to them. "He told me about the situation in the ancient city. He killed the humanoid thaid."
"He did…" Erik responded.
"That is good to hear, but it is not because of the thaids that I called you here," Amos explained.
"Samuel already mentioned that we can easily manage the Acidspitter Arthropods with more people, but he also hinted at some form of technology left behind. Especially a greenhouse, Is that correct?" Erik nodded in response to the elder's inquiry.
"Yes. We saw a giant glass dome inside the underground city, but honestly, I don't know if it will work again. Too much time has passed since they were made and used."
"I see." As he considered the information, the elder looked thoughtful and distant. "So, what do you think we should do?" Amos inquired.
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