Chopping another piece of log to throw into the growing pile of firewood at my side, I had to take a break. I have been at this for hours now chopping enough wood to make a sizable pile and after all that, there is still more. I really should have started sooner with this. Looking at what's left I won't be finished before sunset.

Viewing the pile of firewood I have cut, I reason that it will be enough for tonight at least and if it isn't I can always go back out again. That is, of course after my clothes dry out. Me getting into a snowball fight with the kids wasn't the best decision when we arrived at the cabin this late. 

Loading the wood up in the sled, making sure it's not too heavy, I make my way back to the cabin. Pushing the load forward, feeling the weight, makes me glad that I stopped now rather than later.

It took a minute or two to make it to the cabin with only a few minutes extra to deposit all the wood next to the fireplace. With that task done I now had to find out where everyone else is.

Looking around the cabin one could notice that the lights weren't on yet, meaning that I need to find out why a certain someone hasn't done that yet.

Walking further inside to the back of the cabin, I could hear sounds of effort and the sounds of tools being used.

It was Lyssandra that told me that it would be no trouble turning the power on, though turns out it was more trouble than I thought. I stood in the doorframe for a moment to see if she would notice me. When she did not, I had no choice but to call out to her. I try calling low at first, but there is no reaction at the attempt.

"Lyssandra?" I try again, saying it louder this time going higher in volume each time, but her instruments are still too loud compared to me.

"Lyssandra!" I finally shout.

At my final attempt, she heard me. A light I first notice now, turns in different directions inside the room, lighting up various part but moves too quickly for me to really see anything. It doesn't take long before it finally centers on me, specifically my face and blinding me in the process.

"Oops, sorry about that." Was the first thing Lyssandra says to me. "Are you done already with the firewood?"

Blinking my eyes to make sure I can properly see first I answer.

"Yes, I finished just now. It took a few hours." Putting on a smirk I continue. "Sure makes me wonder why you're not done when you said it just one button."

Giving her own smirk right back, she showed a remote in her hand and pressed one of the buttons. The action causing the room and probably the entire house to light up.

"When I said that it was with the expectation that nothing was broken. Instead, I am met with multiple wires needing replacing and a few pests that did not belong there." She showed a triumphant look. "Now it's one button."

"So where are the kids?" I asked, changing the topic.

"They are outside, with Frederic watching over them, they got restless after the long ride here and needed to spend some energy." She pointed outside and asked. "You should probably check on them."

"Me?" It's not even five minutes since I got back.

"I can check on them instead of course, but someone" Her she points into the room she was just in. " has to clean up while I'm gone and I'm not sure I took out all of the pests."

Peering into the room she was just in I could see that in the process of fixing things, she had left a lot of stuff strewn around and to watch out for pests too while cleaning.

A quick tour out in the snow is much more preferable than cleaning up this mess.

"I'll go, but could you put on some hot drink while I'm out. I want something to warm me up when I come back." I answer in the end and start dressing up before a tug stops me.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" 

Not really knowing what it is, I give her a hug and quick kiss. That is usually the answer when she asks me that, but not this time with my actions being met with laughter.

"No, not that. Not that it wasn't appreciated, but I meant their backpacks, they forgot them and probably forgot to bring with them the snacks too." Pointing to three backpacks piled up near the kitchen. 

Feeling a bit embarrassed I make the rest of the preparations in silence before another tug stops me as I'm about to leave.

"I'm sur-" Is all I get to say before Lyssandra turns me around and kisses me.

The kiss was completely different from mine. I was a bit hesitant and careful when I went for my kiss. Lyssandra went on the offensive now that it was her turn, stealing my breath away and making me feel ready for something more with how passionate she's getting. When she was done, I had to steady myself with how out of breath I was.

"Something to keep you warm," She says innocently before she goes closer to my ear and whispers. "and an appetizer for later." 

With that, she closes the door on me and leaves me with only my imagination for what the rest of the menu will be.