Freezing winds slammed against a cashel far removed from other hubs of life. Near its stone heart, smoke hung low in a hut inhabited by three seated figures.

"Should we not be worried? Call me mad, but it seems like matters are growing worse by the day," the first speaker began, idly wiping the sweat off his forehead while he spoke.

"Still your tongue, Bohan. We have been through trials like these before."

"But not of this severity!" he snapped back, slamming his fist into the earthen ground, "Ten Sealgairí (hunters) have gone missing this week alone, and we have been informed of several unnatural events from the hunters that still remain: Pookas that devour any who cross their paths, Banshees traveling aimlessly through the Northern regions, and Dullahans appearing at random to claim the souls of whoever they please. We grow weaker by the day, and our enemy grows stronger. Let us not forget that some of our fellow hunters are walking a fine line as it is."

"We are well aware of that fact, Bohan. You have brought this up every time we have met, so do not bore us with the same speech." the other elder remarked, her voice calmer than expected.

"Don't give me that, Carys! If we do not worry, then we are failing as elders."

"Yes, but I am aware of your distrust toward some of our more...unique hunters," the other elder remarked, cocking an eyebrow in response.

"You are speaking of Saoirse, aren't you?" Bohan breathed.

"Of course I am. She is one of the only hunters in our ranks who have done the impossible, and yet you still see it fit to target her. Why is that?"

"No one should hold the power she does. With time, even the strongest souls break under pressure."

"Be that as it may," the third elder cut in, tired of their colleagues' ceaseless banter, "Let us not ostracize the few able bodies we have left. Getting beyond that, who are you to question one of the few hunters who have put their lives on the line time and time again, only to return to us unscathed."

"She may prove to be a useful asset, but even then, I can hardly trust her to control the dark spirit housed in her heart."

"You know that line of thinking is flawed, Bohan. We learned the hard way that no matter the spirit, it must be housed in a trinket or relic. That is beyond the point, though. Saoirse has been fighting beside her siblings to protect the inhabitants of Cathair Mac Carthaigh, and she should be honored for the sacrifices she has made throughout her life. We have served our people, so now we should thank the generations who have to step up and face the problems we failed to solve."

With a sigh, Elder Bohan conceded and resolved to idly poke at the firepit he sat before with a stick. "Very well, Riona. Is there anything else left to discuss?"

When no one answered, he cleared his throat. "Then this meeting is adjourned. Carys, make sure Nessa can supply us with another batch of druids. I know we are asking a lot from her grove, but our brothers and sisters deserve the best care."

"I will see to it."

With a shared nod, the three elders rose as one and breathed out an airy chant, wishing the best for the hunters who still fought for their cause. When they were finished, they each took off a piece of jewelry and cast it into the ravenous flames.

While two of the wizened elders had left after leaving their offering, Bohan looked down at the fire that burned before him with a thoughtful frown on his face.

"Tell me, o' flame: is it your goal to burn all in your path, or to merely fool those into accepting your warmth?"