Valdheim

"Johan Zolar, I'm here regarding the beast."

The middle-aged man scratched at his beard as a matron of the house walked toward the back of the manor. Adjusting his knapsack, he took in the foyer around him as he waited for someone to return.

"Hasn't changed much..." Johan remarked softly, "Though I think that chronometer used to be on the landing..."

"Aye you'd be correct, Herr Zolar, and a good morning to you!"

The elderly gentleman's sudden presence startled Johan.

"Ah! Oh, my apologies, er, Herr...?" Johan asked sheepishly.

"Bauer, Herr Zolar," The Mayor replied, holding out an inviting hand, "Hans Bauer, thirtyseventh mayor of Valdheim. But, and I must make this clear, yours truly stripped and revarnished every wooden beam, frame, and panel personally!"

Johan had not been able to return to Valdheim since the latest mayor had taken residence, and couldn't stop the embarrassment flowing over him from being overheard critiquing their home.

"My sincerest apologies for my comments, I meant nothing by it." Johan said as he accepted Hans' hand in a firm handshake, "But I must insist I am no Herr, at least while on business."

"If you save this town from further despair," Hans said, a wave of seriousness filled the foyer, "You shall be Herr, perhaps even a Heiliger, evermore for your deeds. For as long as Valdheim still stands."

____________________________________

Hans led Johan out of the manor and through the Valdheim main street; A neat, maintained dirt path splitting the village. He stopped at the edge of the manor property and with an outstretched arm pointed to the far end of the street.

"Over there," He started, "Lies my old farmstead. A young man by the name of Iori has taken residence following my taking over as Mayor. He has... witnessed the evidence firsthand..."

Hans' voiced trailed off, and Johan saw him retreat into himself. No other words needed to be shared, and Johan nodded solemnly before excusing himself to walk down the street.

As Johan walked, he cast glances toward the various buildings that lined the street. While he was not a resident of Valdheim, present or former, he grew up on the northern edge of the Goldvine Forest and the the iconic steep roofs of the forest settlements brought about fond memories. The atmosphere was noticeably depressed as Johan continued his journey to the farmstead. Most windows were boarded up and residents were walking directly between buildings, rarely stopping to talk to each other in the open. What conversations were had were whispered behind cupped hands.

"Another one came by?"
...
"The mayor must be desperate, third hunter brought in this month."
...
"I think I've seen him before..."
...
"Gertrude's child went missing two months ago, do you think she was the first?"

The comments continued as Johan walked down the main street, and after a half hour's walk he found himself on the outskirts of Valdheim and the beginnings of an overgrown pasture. A lone housebarn stood out among the tall grass in the distance, and after a final few minutes venture Johan knocked on the door.

"Oi!" A shrill voice called out from inside, "What business you got?"

"Herr Bauer sent me," Johan answered, "I'm to ask Iori about the beast."

Johan stood at the door in silence for a full minute before hearing the dull click of a lock.

"...Alright, open the door."

Johan paused for a moment, before putting his hand on the brass handle and pushing. The door swung open effortlessly, the hinges clearly well-maintained. The interior of the farmhouse surprised him, everything fell below his line of site and there was nobody greeting him.

"Come in, hurry!" The same voice as before yelled out, "And shut the door while you're at it!"

Johan stepped into the entrance, and as he turned to close the door the source of the voice revealed himself. A bearded Braeling was standing on a custom footing built into the door.

"Well?" The Braeling looked up to Johan, gesturing between him and the door.

"Oh! My apologies!" Johan said as he closed the door. "Iori, I presume?"

"Yes, yes." Iori said as he hopped down, "I used to live in the town proper, but when Hans -er, Herr Bauer, took over as mayor he asked I look after the farmlands

"My wife is preparing breakfast right now," Iori said, "Nia, dear, we have a guest of the mayor's over. Please set a pot."

"Already set one, love!" a soft voice cried out from the rear of the house.

Iori led Johan to a study to discuss the beast, who noticed Hans must've left one of his personal chairs as a housewarming gift. Nia entered the study with a tea set and two cups.

"Don't let him keep you too long." She said to Johan, "Thing's have been getting much scarier compared to before. We need someone to find what's out there and deal with it."

"Wait..." Johan stared toward Nia, "What do you mean...compared to before?"

"Well..." Iori gripped his cup with both hands, "First it was just the cries. Then, the children started disappearing..."