Winter brings a biting breeze out of the North, and snow covers the paths as high as one's knees. Through this bleak landscape you journey, as the wind claws at your cheeks and your breath freezes into clouds of white.

It is incredibly lucky that through this wretched weather, you come upon a village. Out in the wilderness, it seems almost lonely, an expanse of brown peeking out from a blanket of white. The townsfolk seem unwilling to open their doors. Perhaps they fear Orcs.

One household does so, and the warmth of the fire inside is a nice reprieve from the cold. You are greeted by the sight of a woman, her eyes filled with curiosity at the newcomer. A simple glance told her of your plight and she wasted no time. “Well, I cannot say I expected strangers, not in this weather. But I shouldn't tarry, come in.” Once you are, she closes the door, shutting out the cold.

Aerin hesitates and almost seems to say to herself. “It is folly that thy journey brought thee hither, for these lands are less welcoming as of late.” Her voice is lowered and her movement is wary as if there are invisible enemies inside her house. She is sure her husband will not appreciate your presence.

She leads you to a fireplace and presses a warm drink into your hands. "Nevertheless, I bid thee welcome."