Kristine
Nestled amidst the tranquil woods stands a wooden cabin, its stone chimney puffing gentle smoke into the crisp air. Towering trees encircle the cabin like protective sentinels, while nearby, a serene lake reflects the beauty of the surrounding landscape. A clear path leads from the cabin to a sturdy dock, where a bright brown rowboat awaits its next voyage.

Next to the cabin, a cozy fire pit offers warmth, with logs neatly arranged for seating on either side. A sturdy fence enclosure houses a horse, exuding a sense of strength and majesty.

Connected to the cabin's left side, an open doorway reveals a hay storage area, filled with provisions of wheat and hay to sustain both the person and their animal companion.
Pamela
**A man wearing a traditional Cossack uniform sits on a log, polishing his Shashka with a cloth. He hums a tune, a traditional song known only to himself, with his eyes closed, lost in the melody.**
Susan
I travelled the shifting forest all the way to meet a strange, unfamilliar wooden cabin. It wasn't my intentions to meet a cabin, but I knew my legs couldn't keep up and I'm exhausted. I then notice the other room, connected to the cabin's left side— there, an animal— a horse, to be exact, was resting with hay and wheat to sustain the horse's health. *Someone must've live here then,* I thought. Emitting the smoke from the fireplace, I noticed its cabin is active.
Pamela
**The man heard footsteps near the hay storage and opened his eyes, glancing over his shoulder to catch a glimpse of the person. He finished polishing his Shashka and returned it to its scabbard.**
Susan
He also noticed the man who just finished his polishing his Shashka and returning to the scabbard. I grunted— and decided to seek his attention. "Hey- Wait up." I trot in front of the stranger that was going to return to the scabbard.
Pamela
"Oh, were you the one making those footsteps?" **The man's voice was gruff, though he didn't intend to sound intimidating. He stood up from the log and faced the person, not recognizing them, but sensing they were friendly enough.**
Susan
He stood, silent as he mentioned me. He didn't look intimidatkng, so I just nodded, shortly grinning. "That- That's me," Hunter stammmered. His oufit didn't look apporpiate for a sunny day to walk around the shifting forest.
Pamela
**The man squinted his eyes and raised an eyebrow, noticing that the person looked a bit tired and might need some rest.** "You don't seem right. Are you okay?" **He asked in his normal husky voice.**
Susan
"I'm exhausted," He explained. "I was wondering if you'd let me stay in your house for awhile— if I'm not a bother," Hunter added. He fiddled his fingers, thinking he's just embarrassing himself. No worries, he won't be overthinking anyway.
Pamela
**The man tilted his head and crossed his arms over his chest, caressing his beard as he continued to gaze at the person, squinting slightly.** "Alright then, let's get you some rest," **He said, ceasing his beard-stroking and guiding the person toward the cabin.**
Susan
"Thank you."

He got in the cabin with the stranger, welcoming him inside the cozy cabin which looked large for him to rest— well, for his thought. His mind is now as clear as a sheet of paper, feeling calmer.
Kristine
**Inside the cabin, the atmosphere was rustic yet welcoming. The fairly large space was adorned with basic necessities for a comfortable living. Wooden and stone materials dominated the furniture, lending a natural and sturdy feel to the interior. 

In the center of the room stood a square wooden table crafted from sturdy logs, accompanied by chairs made of the same material. The cup and plate resting atop the table were also carved from wood.

To the left of the dining area, the living room beckoned with a wide wooden couch, providing a comfortable spot to relax. A coffee-like table sat in the middle, perfect for placing drinks or snacks. Adjacent to the couch, a fireplace radiated warmth, its stone surroundings ensuring the safety of the wooden cabin while adding to its cozy ambiance. Mounted above the fireplace, a majestic deer head served as a focal point.

In the corner of the room, the kitchen boasted a mix of stone and wooden furnishings. Complete with stoves and essential cooking equipment.

Next to the kitchen, the bedroom provided a cozy retreat for rest and relaxation. Meanwhile, on the right side of the room, the bathroom awaited, offering modern amenities within the rustic confines of the cabin.**
Pamela
**The man made his way to the kitchen, feeling the warmth and comfort envelop him. Steadying himself, he began rummaging through the storage shelves just above the kitchen, searching for something specific. After a moment of searching, he eventually found it, holding a classic kettle teapot in his hands.** "Do you want some tea?" **The man asked as he puts the kettle teapot on the stove.**
Susan
Hunter notices the hot atmosphere, yet the cabin was comfortable only for th stranger to live in. It was slightly large enough to provide the stranger's needs, and old interior that fit its cabin's aesthetic. I sit on one of the chairs that is the center of the cabin, with finished cups and cleaned plates. Once the stranger asked, I quickly nodded. "I'd love to," I added. I then fiddled my fingers once more, feeling his kind pressence and this cabin's aura tingling.
Pamela
**The man glanced over his shoulder at the person, nodding slightly as he lifted the kettlepot. He then moved to a bucket of water stored on the shelves, carefully filling a pot with a fraction of water before transferring it to the kettlepot. With precision, he placed the kettlepot on the stove, lighting it up, and patiently waited for it to boil.**

"It will take a while, just wait for a few minutes," **He informed the person before retrieving a wooden cup and placing a coffee filter paper on it in preparation.**
Susan
He tilt his head, nodding again. While he waits, Hunter removes his black longcoat and places it behind the chair's shelves, then rolling up his sleeves— slightly sweating from its hot atmosphere. Still, he still like how the cabin is well organized and fit for the shifting forest. Hunter stared at the stranger, working hard on his tea. "What's your name, stranger?" Hunter asked curiously.
Pamela
**The man paused for a moment, his gaze lingering on the person before he introduced himself,** "Tolmachyov, Tolmachyov Aleksander." **With a swift turn back to the almost-boiling kettlepot, he added,** "Call me Tolma for short." 

**Returning his attention to the kettlepot, he reached for a pot storage nearby, retrieving a handful of leaves. After inspecting them for a moment, he placed them back in the pot, continuing with his task.**
Susan
He nodded. *Tolma,* He repeated the name in his thought. "I'm Hunter Fernandez," I also introduced to myself. "Just... Hunter, for short." I then darted my eyes to my fingers, wiggling them until the tea is ready, prepared by Tolma. I knew he wanted to return working for the tea; though, I'm fascinated that he's usually calm to everything. I decided to roam around the cabin, looking around for familliar things that can caught my interest— though, there are just a few agriculture furniture that are beautiful. I was distracted by the fireplace as well— where it emit black smoke outside. The deer head that was placed above the fireplace— I keep pondering how he can find a lot of things like this.
Pamela
"Get yourself comfortable, Hunter; you might see some weird things, but it might not be once you get used to it," **Tolma remarked casually as he poured hot water from the kettlepot into the wooden cup. 

With practiced precision, he passed the hot water through the coffee filter to eliminate any paper-like tastes, discarding the water afterward. Carefully opening the coffee filter along the rim of the cup, he reached for the pot storage containing the tea leaves. Selecting the required amount of loose leaf tea, he added it to the filter and poured hot water in circular motions over the tea, allowing it to brew to perfection. 

After the brewing process was complete, he removed the filter and added some sugar, stirring it in with a spoon in gentle circular motions. This was repeated for another cup, ensuring both were prepared with equal care.**
Susan
Hunter suddenly stopped moving as Tolma spoke. He darted his eyes to him, then noticed he said somethin about 'weird things'— it's not the bedt way to describe it for him. "*Weird things*?" Hunter chuckled as Tolma assumed. "No, no— I'm just amazed on how you have these old stuff," He complimented with his thick American accent, finally speaking occasionally. "This is a nice cabin you have here— the accessories, the colors itself..." He muttered the last part, speaking to himself. He then spotted the cul that had tea leaves floating. After Tolma brewed his tea, he then sat down to his original seat and carefully sips the tea while it's hot.
Pamela
**Tolmachyov settled into a chair opposite Hunter, observing as Hunter took a sip of his still-hot tea. He then directed his gaze to his own cup, taking a sip and enduring the heat. After a few moments, he set down his cup and posed a question to Hunter, his curiosity piqued.**

"How did you get here? What were you doing in the forest?" **Tolmachyov inquired, intrigued by Hunter's presence in the woods, a young man seemingly lost without explanation.**
Susan
He locks his stare on Tolmo. "I was just walkin' 'round the forest... There are a lot of things I haven't discover yet. The city outside is tough and... Rather ruthless, from my experience. This is where I decided to explore some places instead of Celestia City." As Hunter explained calmly, he continued to sip his tea, waiting for Tolmo's response to his answer.
Scott
Also i gtg in 11 so if i dont respond i gotta sleep
George
All good we can finish later
Pamela
**Tolmachyov listened attentively to Hunter's response, his confusion easing slightly as he nodded in understanding. However, a particular phrase caught his attention, one he had never heard before. With genuine curiosity, he asked Hunter,** "What is Celestia City? Where is it located?" **It was clear that Tolmachyov had never come across such a place in all his travels, and he was genuinely intrigued by Hunter's mention of it.**
Susan
He raises his eyebrows, wanting to ask first. "Never went to the city before? It's popular. The Celestia City is behind me, from where I came to walk 'round this shiftin' forest," Hunter explained. "Y'sure y'didn't meet this familliar city, Tolma?" He asked again, trying to assuring him.
Pamela
**Tolmachyov assured Hunter that he was unfamiliar with any place called Celestia City or similar names with a slight shake of his head. He had lived in the forest for several years, moving from place to place as needed. Casting a brief glance at Hunter, he then focused his attention back on his cup.**

"I haven't heard of Celestia City or any other unfamiliar cities," **Tolmachyov stated calmly.** "I only know a few villages and towns I've visited in the past for supplies and other necessities. As for the forest I call home, I'm not even sure of its name." **His words carried a sense of simplicity and honesty, reflecting his modest lifestyle.**
Susan
"Really? Your lfiestyle must be old..." He muttered the last part— thouh, he didn't sound rude. He continued, "Well, you're in the east of Ambrosia, and there's a city nearby the forest. The buildings are larger than houses with tatchered roofs, and there are the latest expensive things in the city." He fiddled his fingers as he explained, still locking his stare to Tolma's eyes. "The city can be crowded, noisy, and busy— but it's worth to live."

He then sip his tea, which it is now warm. Hunter looked surprised when Tolma haven't traveled the city for years; only villages and towns.
Pamela
"I don't seek bustling sounds; I prefer the tranquility of where I reside," **Tolmachyov remarked, his hand caressing his beard once more as he gazed out the window. His eyes took in the serene landscape and the tall trees with the warm glow of the sun. **

"The forest always has intrigued me, especially coming from a small village with a small community," **He continued, turning his attention back to Hunter.** "My village was focused in traditions and cultures, which is what I appreciate about the forest environment. It reminds me of those simpler times."

**With a thoughtful expression, Tolmachyov lifted his cup and took another sip, savoring the warmth of the tea.**
Susan
"Oh. I see."

Quietly surprised by his answer, he also sipped his tea until he was almost done with his tea. Hunter thought for his answer; *A small community*, *The forest*, and the *Traditions and cultures* He wanted to travel; it gives him happiness to the enviroment and the current situation he lives in. Talmo is calm, and he liked that.

"How long have you been traveling?" He asked an another question.
Pamela
"Let me calculate the years; I'm not one to easily recall my own memories," **Tolmachyov remarked, raising his head and tilting it slightly as he pondered. His hand continued to stroke his beard as he reflected on the passage of time and the reasons behind his travels.**

**After a brief moment of contemplation, Tolmachyov turned his gaze back to Hunter, ceasing his beard-stroking and resting both arms on the table.** "I began my travels at the age of 23, and as of now, I am either 35 or 36 years old," **He explained calmly.** "I've been journeying for more than 10 years, moving from place to place and discovering something new every week."

**His words were delivered with a sense of calm assurance, but for anyone listening, it was indeed surprising to hear of someone dedicating a decade to traversing the forest and other environments. Such dedication to exploration was rare and admirable.**
Susan
"Ten years? What are the rarest things you found during exploration?" I asked again, as curioser gets bigger, and bigger. I think it was the moose hanging above the fireplace, or maybe something small— like an obisdian or a re mineral to be collected. I waitied for his answer.
Pamela
"I don't believe I've come across anything particularly rare thus far,"** Tolmachyov remarked, lifting his cup for another sip as the tea neared its end. While savoring the tea, he pondered for a moment, reflecting on his 10 years of travels and the discoveries he had made.**

**After a brief pause, he recalled one item that stood out in his memory, though he wasn't entirely certain of its rarity.** "I think I may have something," **Tolmachyov stated, setting his cup down gently and rising from his chair, his hands slamming onto the table with determination. He then made his way to a storage barrel near the living room, rummaging through it until he found what he was searching for.**

**With a sense of anticipation, Tolmachyov returned to the table, holding something close between his hands.** "This," **He announced as he was in the side of table just next to Hunter and slowly opening his hands to reveal a necklace. The necklace featured a wooden-like chain adorned with a shining green rock, its beauty catching the light as Tolmachyov presented it to Hunter.** "This might be rare, I don't know yet."
Susan
There was a hint if dissapointment when he stated that he didn't across anything rare, nor far; though, when tbe silence was just temporarily, he recalled and spoke again— which made Hunter get back to being curious. When he stood up, he darted his eyes to Tolmo, making his way to the living room; then rummaging through the storagr barrels. He waiting on the table until he found what he was searching for.

He then opened his hands, revealing a wooden-matieral chakn with a shining green rock; like a clean emerald found in the seas. It slightly shooked Hunter for awhile before coming back to its resting face. He asked again, "Is this one of your foundings you have when you came in a town?" Then, he stared at Tolmo's face.
Pamela
"Yes, it was. Surprisingly affordable," **Tolmachyov remarked, lifting the necklace slightly and examining it with curiosity, still unsure of its true value or significance.** "I thought it looked good, so I decided to purchase it."

**He lowered the necklace and nodded slightly before turning his attention back to Hunter. With a gesture of generosity, Tolmachyov extended the necklace toward Hunter, offering him the opportunity to inspect it more closely.** "Here, if you'd like to take a closer look," **He offered.**
Susan
"No thanks." He decided to decline the offer. "Though, it does look good and it is quite affordable to you," He complimented. He then sipped his tea and now it's all finished. He smiled once more, givin a sign of trust.
Pamela
**Tolmachyov's expression remained neutral but disapointed a bit but he then shrugs it off him. He returned the necklace to his left pocket, ensuring its safety.** "Do you need anything else or have any other questions?" He inquired, his tone calm and curious. Despite his willingness to assist, Tolmachyov seemed uncertain about what else to offer Hunter at the moment.**
Susan
Hunter simply shook his head. "I'll just rest while I can." He then sat on a chair, actually resting. He enjoyed the tea Tolma boiled and the cabin's atmosphere; it was lively for him. After resting, he will go back shortly to Celestia City. Looking around the cabin, he noticed the house outside, resting on the left side of the cabin— resting.
Pamela
**Tolmachyov nodded at Hunter before casting a brief glance toward the kitchen over his shoulder. Returning his gaze to Hunter, he let out a sigh.** "I'm just glad I could help someone," **He said, his smile gentle yet fleeting. Tolmachyov had never played host to a guest like Hunter before, and he felt genuinely grateful for the opportunity to assist.**

**With a swift change in demeanor, Tolmachyov wiped the smile from his face, adopting a colder expression as he headed toward the kitchen to prepare something. Glancing back at Hunter over his shoulder, he remarked,** "You can rest on the couch there or in the guest bedroom over there," **His tone calm yet gruff.**
Susan
"I'll go outside later; maybe when I my legs have some rest. I'll shortly sleep on the couch," Hunter stated. He then asked, "By the way, you never get that much visitors?" While he walks his way to the couch.
Pamela
"I usually don't have many guests; just one or two people each week, mostly on Sundays or Fridays," **Tolmachyov explained as he retrieved a chopping wooden board from the storage and placed it near the kitchen table. Grabbing a carrot from a storage pot, he held it steady on the board and began cutting it into small pieces with a knife.**

"Most of them... Well, let's just say they aren't the best company," **Tolmachyov continued, his tone tinged with a hint of disappointment.** "They often ignore any assistance offered and sometimes even damage or steal my belongings. Despite this, I try to keep my temper in check, seeing each encounter as a test. I believe that someone better will come along eventually." **As he spoke, Tolmachyov deftly sliced the carrots, setting some pieces aside on the cutting board.**
Susan
"Oh. I see. Well, I thank the assistence you gave me," He smiler, then laying down on the couch; eyes still on Tolma until it reached to the wooden celling. Staring blankly at it, it felt like as if Hunter was about to fully shut his eyes down. "Ah. By the way, how are you calm in this situations?" He wondered, wanting an answer; which looked like it was important to him.
Pamela
"Traditions," **Tolmachyov replied simply.** "In my village, there was a strong emphasis on maintaining calmness and composure, regardless of the circumstances."

**As he finished cutting the carrots and set the cutting board aside, Tolmachyov cleaned the knife and returned it to its storage. Then, he retrieved a butcher knife and a piece of meat from the lower storage of the kitchen. Placing the meat on the cutting board, he began chopping it with practiced precision.**

"My ancestors believed that those who didn't adhere to the principles of calmness would never find true peace or happiness," **Tolmachyov explained, his movements steady as he continued to chop the meat.**
Susan
Hunter darted his eyes to Tolmo once more, feeling like he got inspired. "Even if it's a bad situation?" He asked again, looking like he was downing himself— since Hunter usually isn't calm and reacts aggresively in worse situations like getting stressed out.
Pamela
"As I mentioned, it applies to any circumstances, whether good or bad," **Tolmachyov reiterated as he continued to chop the meat into small pieces, setting them aside on the cutting board. Once finished, he stored the meat in a barrel for later use, placing it in a storage area near the kitchen.**

"Trust and speak up," **Tolmachyov added, providing further context to his previous statement.** "To enact change, one must first acknowledge their actions. If they refuse to do so, they will suffer the consequences of their action."

**His tone carried a weight of authority and wisdom as he continued,** "If you play with fire but fear the flames, you are not yet prepared for the consequences."