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The digging was furious. We desperately dug out the chamber in which we planned to store our food. Outside it could spoil, and it would surely be our only rations for sometime.
Surprisingly, it was easy going. Beneath the snow, mere clay. Who would have imagined, beneath the frozen exterior, the land was literally begging for plants to be growing in it.
I was sure Xotes would be pleased, she could plant some crops... when we had some seeds. I commented as such to BurnedToast, who agreed.
Her ears must have been burning, because she came running down into the shafts as we spoke. She was clearly anxious.
"We're nearly there, Xotes. No need to worry about the food. It will store well here." I said cheerfully, misunderstanding her worry.
"No, sir! There's a problem!" she blustered.
"Another one? In the same day?" BurnedToast asked grimly. As the others continued to work, we leaned on our picks, to listen to Xotes.
"Elk." she said simply.
"Elk? Isn't that good news? Something to eat. It's not a lifeless wasteland after all!" I said.
"Skeletal Elk." she continued.
"Ah." I breathed with BurnedToast in unison.
Dire news indeed.
Xotes told us there were two males and a female. I don't know how she could tell from this distance. I suspect her of lying. I must keep an eye on her!