My Life with Naari: Cabin Fire

Cabin Fire

The journey from Chestnut Valley to the secluded cabin in the midst of a birch forest had been quite the road trip. Twisted and winding paths, along with fallen trees blocking the way, made for a challenging drive. Despite these obstacles, the picturesque landscape more than compensated for it all.

What Sven and Naari slowly braked to was a small, simple, cozy cottage. A few dust-covered windows needing care; a strong cobblestone chimney poking the sky; a neglected porch with a welcoming air; a leave-covered generator ready to roar; a purring creek carrying leaves to an unknown destination.

Naari jumped out of the dirty jeep she and Sven rented, filled with excitement. "It's amazingly gorgeous. A quaint little cabin surrounded by white bark." She turned her sunlit orange eyes to Sven. "I've perused many romance stories and grasped that such seclusion strengthens relationships."

Sven hauled several bags on his shoulders. "If you say so," he replied with his low voice, scanning everything with his yellow eyes with white, star-shaped pupils. "Looks a bit overgrown and needs a bit of work."

Naari removed her shoes and tickled her bare caramel feet in the grass. "We are unable to complain," she replied in her sultry voice with an odd speech pattern. "My boss allowed our romantic getaway here absent of cost."

"This isn't for free," Sven clarified as he brought the heavy bags to the cabin and set them down on the creaking porch. "It was for my services in redoing all the signs at the library."

"But you offered to do it without charge for the city," Naari interjected with a smile, her full lips curving up. "You're equivalent to sugar."

"I did it for publicity and exposure, nothing else," Sven explained unconvincingly, quickly grabbing more bags.

"Let me assist you," Naari offered, effortlessly hoisting the massive ten-gallon kerosine container in her delicate arms. Her strength was unnatural, contradicting her seemingly girly appearance. "It's so light. Did we forget to fill this?" she asked, carrying it like Styrofoam.

"I filled it to the brim," Sven answered, eyes wide. "You're just a freak."

After they plopped the remainder of their belongings on the porch, they eagerly cracked open the door to be welcomed by a dim, warm, and inviting wooden interior. Colorful wool carpets hugged the floors, each one intricately woven with sharp patterns and rippled with reserved colors. The walls were lined with hand-carved wooden creatures, their details so intricate that they seemed almost alive. Oak furniture filled the space, crafted with care and adding to the mature atmosphere inside. As they stepped further into the space, the scent of pine and cedar filled their nostrils, as if they had truly entered a magical woodland realm.

"How elegant," Naari exclaimed brightly, ivory ponytail swaying.

"I think this is the opposite of elegant. More earthy and rustic," Sven corrected, hand on chin.

"It's also unfit for living with all the filth. I'm going to air out and clean the innards before we bring our luggage in." Naari peeked into the bedroom to see a bare bed. "We shouldn't slumber on that."

"Good thing we brought the bedroll. We'll sleep on the floor, just like at the spa," Sven said, winking at Naari.

Naari quickly became red. "Anyway, I'll get to it."

"I'll grab some firewood then. Should be something dead and dry out there." Sven rubbed his thumb on Naari's hot brown cheek. "Put on shoes, dork. Might be sharp debris around the floor."

"My shoes!" She dashed back outside, scouring the grass.

***

Sven's eyes scanned the clearing, searching for the perfect dead tree to take down. His fingers wrapped around the sturdy ax, feeling its potential power. With a deep breath, he swung with all his might, driving the blade deep into the wood until the thick birch came crashing down.