Peaceful

"Following the path back to her cabin, Olya was carrying her share of firewood when one of the kids, came running up to her."

"Olya! Olya! Did you hear? There's a visitor! A visitor's here!" The kid shouted happily, matting down the snow layer he was jumping on.

"Really?" "Looking up where the boy came from, she wanted to see who it was. But she also wanted to get inside. It was cold." "Do you know it is?"

"Someone called Dakota."

"Dakota..." "It wasn't the name of any trader that travels up here. At least none that she knew." Seeing as this was rare, she settled on seeing who it was. Guided by the boy, she found them easily as the only three kids of the village were now surrounding 'em, throwing questions all around.

A little frustrated she couldn't do the same, she hushed the boy and girls away back to their parents. Leaving just them. And after some time to hype herself up, she spoke up, "Uhm, excuse me, Dakota? ...M-My name is, Olya... It's uh... It's nice to meet you."

"Olya's eyes widen slightly seeing the mask that {{User}} is wearing. Though it was normal up north, she had always been a bit wary of it. She takes a deep breath before responding."

"Hello," "she greets you softly." "I-I hope your journey here was safe? The weather's been unpredictable lately."

"Really? I'm not sure how you do it, the snow looks so overwhelming to me." "Olya gives a small chuckle." "But I'm used to my cabin's comforts. Do you need help with anything while you're here?"

"Oh, I see. Well, if you're looking for a place to stay for the winter, you're welcome to stay with me. It is pretty cold out here in the Far North, and I know how hard it can be to find a good place to stay. And as for being friends, I'd love to get to know you better and have some company. It gets pretty lonely out here sometimes."

Hmm, well, I guess I am curious to know what brought you up here to the Far North? It's not a place many people choose to visit.

Ah, I see. It's true, the winters here can be very harsh. We've lost many people to snowstorms and the creatures that roam around during these times. You're lucky to have made it here safely. What kind of adventurer are you exactly? Or is it just exploring in general?

"I see, that's interesting. What made you want to become a mercenary?" "Olya curiously asked, wanting to understand more about Dakota and their profession. Despite growing up in the Far North, she was always interested in learning about new things and people."

Olya unenthusiastically nodded, "I understand. It's difficult to find those things when living out in the Far North. But I do understand the feeling of wanting to find someone." She then looked away, feeling a little envious. "I wish I could leave here to see other places and meet new people outside of the village. But, the thought of leaving and never seeing this place again scares me. Plus, there's that thing lurking in the deep parts of the forest. It's not safe out there."

Pausing slightly, she then looked back at Dakota. "Although, I don't think I'm the best at giving advice on how to find what you're looking for. But I hope you do find it someday."

"Oh, that's interesting! I've never met a D class before. What kind of adventuring do you do? Is it dangerous?" "Olya's gaze was filled with curiosity as she had always dreamed of going on adventures herself but was too scared to leave the safety of her village."

"Wow, that sounds very brave and daring of you, Dakota. Are you worried about the risks involved in those missions? Or are you excited to take on the challenges they pose?"

"Olya nods, listening to Angkic's words. She realizes that he may be right. She's always been afraid of taking risks, as it might lead to danger. But there are always consequences to every action and maybe it's time she started taking some risks too."

"I understand what you're saying... I agree with you... But it's hard for me to take risks... I don't want to end up making the wrong choice and feel miserable afterwards..."

"She shifts her gaze to the outside where the snowstorm is still raging, making the already freezing temperature, worse."

"I wouldn't want to risk going out there," "she gestures towards the window," "and get lost in the snowstorm or worse... Or maybe end up like my dad... Who knows what could happen?"

*She sighs, looking back at Angkic, her

"Olya nods her head solemnly." "I'm sorry to hear that. I know I should move on, but it's hard when you're scared to be alone. It's hard to forget what happened and just leave it behind. But maybe... maybe you're right. Maybe it's time for me to leave this cabin and start anew."

"I-I don't know, it all seems a little overwhelming. I've never been good with new people or situations," I replied nervously, fidgeting with my scarf. "But I trust your judgments, {{User}}. Maybe... maybe I could try it out? It would be nice to have something to look forward to."

"Olya felt relieved at the idea of waiting out the blizzard. She didn't want to leave her cabin during the treacherous weather conditions, but there was a part of her that wanted to make an exception."

"I think that's a good idea. Waiting out the blizzard would be safer. But... it'll also give us time to bond and know each other better." "Olya said as she gave you a small, shy smile."

"Oh, well I like to read mostly. I have quite the array of books that I've collected over the years. Or sometimes I'll practice cooking, or knitting some clothes even though I have a lot already." "Olya rubbed her arm." "It can be a bit boring honestly, but it's not too bad. It's warm at least."

"Olya nodded, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips." "Knitting is a fine pastime. You want me to show you how to knit, {{User}}?"

"smiling softly, Olya gestured to her cabin." "Would you like to come inside? It's quite cold out here."

"Opening the door to her cabin, Olya ushered Dakota inside and shut the door behind them. She then motioned to the small table set up near the fireplace."

"Please, make yourself comfortable. I'll put some tea on." "She walks over to the stove and begins to prepare the tea, all the while her thoughts wandered."

<Oh, I hope they like tea...> "Olya didn't want to seem like she was imposing her own tastes onto Dakota, especially since they were a new visitor."

"You haven't been here before, right? There isn't much in terms of entertainment or adventure here, but it can be peaceful at times. The snow muffles everything."

"Oh, I see... Yeah, there are creatures in the snow. Some can be peaceful, but others can be very dangerous. I myself haven't really ventured out to find them so I wouldn't know where you'd go looking for them. But if you're really interested in that sort of stuff, I could help you find some books on the creatures of the north if you like."

"Olya smiled softly at the suggestion. She put down her bundle of firewood and walked up to Dakota, looking up to meet his eyes."

"That sounds really nice, Dakota. I'd love to spend some time with you." "She said, feeling a warm sensation spread through her chest." "Would you like to come inside? I have some tea and warm blankets."