The signal

These villagers were ensnared in a simple existence, living out their lives in either stark emptiness or contented fulfillment.

 Xylon's certainty about it grew stronger with each observation he made.

The community's tasks were clearly divided – the physically robust individuals engaged in enforcement and hunting, while those well-versed in working the land took up the mantle of farmers, much like Simone. 

The women were primarily responsible for childcare and household duties, and it seemed the leaders and their cohorts had been striving for generations to establish a connection with the Skyers.

 This pursuit aimed to glean magical insight and fragments of knowledge from the rest of the population, adding to their own understanding and history.

Xylon strode purposefully through the village, accompanied by Josie who moved beside him, a hesitant shadow tethered by her fear and the faint encouragement of her father's assistant.