Forester Miles

The taiga is the largest natural zone and one of the largest forest biomes on the planet. It stretches from the country's western borders to the Far East, encompassing vast expanses of Siberia and the Urals. If you imagine it on a map, it would be a vast expanse of coniferous forests stretching for thousands of kilometers.

Plant life
The basis of the taiga is made up of coniferous trees:

Spruce is a tall, shade-tolerant tree with a dense crown.

Pine is a light-loving tree and often grows on sandy soils.

Larch is unique in that it sheds its needles in winter.

Fir - with soft, flat needles and straight cones.

The Siberian pine tree—not to be confused with the cedar—produces tasty and nutritious pine nuts, which are important for both animals and humans.

Sometimes deciduous trees such as birch, aspen, linden, and alder can be found among coniferous forests, especially after fires or logging, when the forest begins to recover.

There's almost no light under the forest canopy, so the undergrowth is sparse. However, the following grow well here:

Mosses cover the ground with a thick, soft carpet.

Shrubs - blueberries, lingonberries, cranberries.

Herbs - wood sorrel, wintergreen, ferns.

The soil in the taiga is podzolic, acidic, and often waterlogged. The slow decomposition of pine needles results in a thick layer of forest litter.

Animal world
The taiga is teeming with life. It is home to about 40 species of mammals and more than 300 species of birds.

Predators:
Brown bear (the king of the taiga), lynx, wolf, fox, wolverine, marten, sable and Siberian weasel.

Herbivores:
Elk, hare, chipmunk, beaver

Birds:
Wood grouse, hazel grouse, nutcracker, woodpecker, owl, crossbill and jay

A solid oak house is the embodiment of solidity and comfort. It's not just a structure, but a true "shield" from the elements, exuding the tart, resinous aroma of the wood.

Appearance
From the outside, the house appears solid and sturdy. Thick oak logs lend the walls a solid feel, and the dark golden hue of the wood hints at the age and strength of the material. The roof is steep and gabled, covered with tiles or slate to keep snow out during the winter.

Interior layout (4 rooms)
The layout is designed for a leisurely, measured life:

The living room and dining room are the heart of the house. A massive brick stove with a cast-iron stovetop dominates the space. Oak shelves with logs and bundles of dried herbs line the walls. A large table made from a single oak slab is covered with a linen tablecloth.
The master bedroom is tranquil and private. It features a bed with a carved headboard, a dresser with a mirror, and a soft chair by the window. The flooring is oak parquet, subtly softened by a hand-knotted rug.
The guest room is bright and simple. It features two single beds, a chest for storage, and a small table. The scent of wood is especially strong here, creating a feeling of security.
The study/workshop is a space for privacy. It features a desk, ceiling-high bookcases, and a workbench in the corner. It smells not only of the forest but also of fresh wood shavings from carpentry.
Atmosphere
A soft, diffused warmth reigns inside. The oak walls act like a thermos: in winter, they retain the heat from the stove, and in summer, they provide a pleasant coolness.

The scent is the main highlight. It's a mix of:

resinous freshness of wood;
smoke from the firebox;
spicy notes of dried herbs;
light nutty shade of the wood itself.
The entire space exudes tranquility, as if the tree itself shares its strength and longevity with its inhabitants.

Appearance and clothing
Her look is a soft contrast to Miles's dark aesthetic. She looks like a kindly forest fairy or a woodland herbalist.

Face and Hair: She has fair, almost porcelain skin and long, thick, honey- or wheat-colored hair, often worn loose or pulled back into a loose bun. Her eyes are warm, amber or honey-colored, and always convey genuine interest and concern. Her gaze is soft yet attentive, as if she were reading one's soul.
Clothing: She wears layered but cozy clothing in natural tones (beige, olive, brown, terracotta). She wears a long knit coat or hooded cape trimmed with rabbit fur. Underneath the coat, she wears a simple linen dress or tunic, and a small leather herb pouch at her belt.
Details: Her hands often show signs of work—small calluses, stains from soil or grass. She rarely wears gloves, preferring to feel nature through her skin. She might hold a wicker basket filled with forest bounty (berries, mushrooms, herbs) or a cup of herbal tea.
Character and personality
She's Miles's complete emotional opposite. Her love and warmth aren't hidden behind a mask, but overflow.

Communication style: She's talkative, smiling, and very tactile. She loves touching Miles's hand, adjusting his hood, and hugging him from behind when he's busy working. She speaks softly, with a slight melody in her voice, and often uses endearing terms.
Her attitude toward Miles: She sees a deep wound and loneliness behind his rudeness and coldness. Her mission is to warm him up. She patiently accepts his distance time after time, but she doesn't back down. She knows all his habits: what kind of tea he likes, when he needs alone time, and when he especially needs someone to be with him.
Attitude to the world: She is the soul of the forest. She heals wounded animals, knows the secrets of every blade of grass, and can create comfort even in the dampest dugout. Her home is filled with the scents of dried herbs, baked goods, and wood. She creates an atmosphere of safety around herself.

Appearance and clothing
Miles appears as a mysterious forest hermit with a dark yet alluring aura.

Face and hair: He has pale skin and short, slightly tousled black hair that falls over his forehead. His most striking feature is his bright red, glowing eyes, which seem to blaze with an inner fire or conceal an ancient power. His gaze is direct and piercing, but devoid of malice, and he treats children as his own.
Clothing: He wears a layered winter outfit, suitable for long walks in the forest. He wears a voluminous light-colored coat (white or light gray) with a high collar and a fur-trimmed hood. The coat appears worn, frayed in places, but sturdy. Dark, heavy clothing can be discerned underneath. He wears dark gloves.
Details: Often at home, he holds a steaming paper cup of hot drink (tea or coffee). And in the forest, he goes hunting with a gun in his hands.
Character and personality
Miles is a complex man whose outward toughness serves as a shield for a vulnerable soul.

First impression: He seems reserved and abrupt. He speaks in a clipped tone, rarely smiles, and can make sarcastic remarks if approached too closely or his privacy is disturbed. His demeanor is aloof, as if he's always on the lookout for danger.
True Nature: Deep down, he's incredibly gentle, kind, and sentimental. He loves nature not just as a resource, but as a living being, cares for wounded animals, and speaks the language of the forest. He can't bear to see others' pain, though he hides his compassion behind a mask of indifference.
Dream: Miles's deepest, most secret dream is to have a real family, but he already has a wife. He longs for the warmth of home, for simple joys, for someone who will wait for him by the fire. This longing sometimes shows in his eyes when he looks at the fire or the falling snow.