"So, you guys've been having issues with Huldah too?" Reach offered awkwardly. Bani had run into Reckon, Reach and Owe on the coast of Mireh- they had reached some tidepools, and were wading trough the shallow water. and seemed to have a similair mission, based on her apparel.

Bani chuckled awkwardly in reply. "I think everyone is, around this time of year."

Reckon nodded sagely. "She's got a point. With the cold weather they try to hide wherever is warm, which is often in houses and such."

Owe gasped in surprise. "Is that why we're tracking them? So we don't have to remove them from our houses?"

Reach nodded, proud of how far the whelp had come. Owe had shown an interest in hunting lately, and Reach and Reckon had decided to take him with them to track some Huldah colonies. It hopefully wouldn't be anything dangerous, mostly just finding out where the creatures were hiding away in order to keep an eye on them. They had already found a fair few nests when they stumbled upon Bani, who claimed to be from one of the colonies they were friendly with.

Bani adjusted her pack, glancing at Owe with a small smile. "Exactly. If we find the nests now, we can deal with them before they get too comfortable- or too numerous for us to deal with. Trust me, it's better than waking up to a nest of them in your food stores."

Owe shuddered at the thought, clutching his small bow a bit tighter. "I don't think I'd like that very much. They'd eat all my snacks!"

Reckon chuckled. "No one does, kid. That's why we're out here."

The group continued along the rugged coastline, the salty breeze carrying the faintest hint of chill. The landscape was dotted with jagged rocks and sparse vegetation, perfect hiding spots for Huldah colonies.

Bani took the lead, her sharp eyes scanning for signs of activity. "I spotted a few tracks further up the coast earlier," she said, gesturing ahead. "They looked fresh. Could be worth checking out."

Reach nodded, motioning for Owe to stick close. "Stay alert, but don't worry too much. Hulda are more annoying than dangerous. Just keep your eyes open."

Owe nodded earnestly, his steps careful as they made their way toward the area Bani had showed them. The tracks were easy to spot once they got closer- small, clawed prints weaving through the sand and up toward a rocky ledge. The group slowed, their movements quiet.

"Looks like a nest nearby," Bani murmured, crouching to examine the ground. She looked at Owe. "You see how these tracks crisscross? They're ferrying food back and forth. There's a colony here, no doubt about it."

Reckon crouched beside her, frowning. "It's bigger than I expected. Could be more Huldah than we planned for."

Reach glanced at Owe, whose eyes were wide with a mix of excitement and nerves. "Alright, here's the plan," Reach said, keeping his voice low. "We mark the location and head back to the colonies. This is more than we can handle alone, and we'll need backup to deal with them properly."

Bani hesitated, then nodded. "Smart. No point in getting swarmed."

Owe looked disappointed. "We're not going to take any of them out now?"

Reckon ruffled his hair with a grin. "Not today, whelp. But don't worry—you'll get your chance soon enough."

Owe huffed. "I'm sure I could help!" he said, looking at Reach for support, but even the older Tsabhua shrugged. "Maybe when you're older. We promised we'd bring you back without a scratch, and Huldah can put up quite a fight sometimes."

Owe raised an eyebrow, not quite believing such a small creature could do any meaningful damage.

"It's true!" Reckon added. "One got on Rose's face and she had to get stitches." At this Owe grimaced. The whelp had seen Rose walking around with her injuries, and it sure didn't look pleasant.

"To be honest, I wasn't really prepared either. Sometimes patience is key, Owe." Bani added. "We'll do a lot better and risk less injuries if we go in prepared, alright? Remember that for when you're grown."

Owe nodded. To be honest, he was a bit too scared of the Huldah to argue with the adults anyways.