When the need became too great, Viktor stopped by a creek to refill his waterskin. He could see the grey clouds hanging in the sky, promising— or threatening— a storm. Just perfect. Exactly what he needed after several days of hiking through this seemingly never ending forest. He definitely needed to find shelter soon but this far into the woods, he would be lucky to find a cave.

But as he brought a handful of water to his lips, Viktor saw it… smoke billowing steadily on the breeze. A cottage!

“How curious,” Viktor murmurs to himself, pushing his aching knee to keep walking as he leaned heavily against his cane to make his way towards the smoke and what he hoped would be a kind enough stranger to give him refuge for the night.