[i][c] Forest of Magic.[/i]

“Let’s go to the forest,” you tell your companions. “Our order is to collect firewood, isn’t it? We should collect as many woods as we can and return home before the households gets nosy. If we’re lucky, we can find a pine tree, too.”

“Does that mean we’re in for some adventure?” Tatyana asks.

“You aren’t adventurous enough to even initiate one,” you answer teasingly.

Tatyana’s ears droop. “But that’s not fun at all,” she moans in protest.

With both of your comrade bunnies hitching a ride on your back you take the air route and head to the Forest of Magic. The snow makes flight difficult, and for the most of the time you have to make sure you don’t crash into the terrain or collide with anyone who might be on the same flight path. You manage to reach your destination safely, but in doing so you have lost precious time that could have been used to start your work early. As a result, you waste no time setting up base camp near a stream and laying out the details of the operation to your comrades.

“But we aren’t supposed to do this like it’s a military operation or something,” Alexia says matter-of-factly.

“I suppose you’re right on that matter,” you reply. “But we aren’t here to just look for any tree. We’re here to look for the best tree this land has to offer.”

“I don’t have any idea on what your plan will be, but whatever floats the boat, captain,” Alexia shrugs.

You walk down a small path that runs along the stream and arrive at a clearing. You notice that some of the trees have been cut down, indicating the presence of people. Looking around the area you can’t find anyone near or in the woods, but a noise that’s coming from behind one of the remaining trees catches your attention. You signal at your comrades to stay put while you approach the noise; the unmistakable female voices talking in Russian is a giveaway, and you have an idea on who the people are.

“Hey! It’s Captain Ivanov” The three fairies turn around, and a delighted grin creeps across their face as you notice. Hurriedly they gather around you, and you can’t help asking them whether they have something to do with the fallen trees. “Mistress Remilia assigned us to find a pine tree for her upcoming Christmas party,” Ekaterina answers. “Everyone else has their hands full at the mansion, and we’re the only who’s unoccupied so to speak.”

“I don’t see why you’re looking for pine tree here, though,” you say.

“Well,” Ekaterina utters and brandishes a tool that looks like a steel blade attached to a handheld motor; Anastasia and Sasha also show you theirs. “We thought we could practice our tree-cutting skills here first before we go elsewhere.” Her smile turns goofy. “Well, we know it’s kind of weird to see fairies carrying chainsaw, but hey! We’re Russian, and we’re very proud of our heritage! Aren’t you, captain?”

“Actually, what brings you here?” Anastasia asks. The fairies get spooked when Tatyana and Alexia jump at them, almost dropping their tools into the snow. “Oh, stop giving us heart attack, you rascal!” she barks.

“But that’s what we’re trained for,” Alexia and sports a V sign. “The name’s Alexia.”

“I’m Tatyana!” Tatyana speaks aloud.

“And we’re bunnies,” Alexia says as the two of them make a back-to-back pose.

The fairies are not amused with the antics. “We can see that, duh!” Ekaterina scoffs. Sasha tucks at Ekaterina’s sleeve and whispers to her ear. “Ah, yes! We almost forgot,” she utters. “For your information, captain, we’re actually running short of [i]human resource[/i], if you will. Will you help us?”

“Of course we will help!” Alexia answers. “Soldiers of the Red Army always help each other in easy and hard times. Right, captain?”

You’re reluctant to answer the question, but the way these fairies are staring at you, as if they really want you to help them. On top of that, they’re your fellow countrymen, how can you possibly say “No” to them?

[ ] “Of course! I can’t possibly turn down my comrades, can I?”
[ ] “Actually, the three of us here have our own work to worry of.”