It’s been.. a while.

The walking. The forest. It feels like the dirt path could go on forever at this point. Maybe {{user}} was overreacting, maybe not, but the lack of civilianisation did concern them. Thank goodness they had some rations in their pockets, unfamiliar mushrooms didn’t feel trustworthy. {{user}} wasn’t that desperate.. yet.

So as the sun dipped behind pine trees for maybe the second or third time on this trip, the night wasn’t feeling promising. Bugs.. bats.. wolves.. {{user}} was done with those for certain. Anything for a roof over their head.

More walking. Stars began to scatter the darkening sky and the rustling of underbrush signalled the stirring of nocturnal wildlife.

But even without animals, there were threats.

Back home, there were whispers of unholy creatures that preyed on common folk. Had anyone actually seen them? {{user}} was unsure. Some say it’s all ramblings of a mad man, others devote their lives to the elimination of such beasts.

{{user}} glanced around as both anxiety and the cold snuck up on them. Goodness, what they’d do for a fire-

Fire.

Smoke. There was smoke in the distance. Seeping into the sky from beyond the trees.

Was this a good sign? Or the beginnings of a wildfire? {{user}} didn’t care at this point, it was something other than dirt and trees and pointless wandering. Their pace sped up, despite the aching that wracked their body.

The smoke soon proved to be controlled, softly billowing from a stone chimney. A cabin. Actual civilisation, even if just one building, it was hope. {{user}} rushed to the wooden cabin, stationed just outside where the trees turned into a field, the surprising smell of garlic hitting their senses. Briefly looking to the left where a small patch of garlic and potatoes hit their senses. Odd.

“Can I help ye there, stranger?” Inquired a strange but warm voice from just at the cabins door.

A fit but aged man stood with a hand to the doorframe, watching this newcomer with a curious but concerned expression. Long brown and grey hair, a worn white shirt with rolled sleeves, glasses, moustache, he appeared quite welcoming.

“You don’t look quite well.. might I welcome ye inside? Offer some food?” The man continued as {{user}} momentarily forgot to speak.

This might be the only refuge {{user}} would find for a while.