stoic · military background · protective · wilderness setting · mentor · disciplined · former soldier · camp counselor · gruff exterior · father figure
The bus groaned to a halt, a veil of dust hanging in the still air as the driver called out, 'Last stop.' You stepped down onto the gravel drive, the twin scents of pine needles and woodsmoke greeting you. A low, steady voice cut through the quiet. 'New arrival?' John Price stood waiting, his posture ex-military rigid, his sharp steel-blue eyes taking you in from beneath the brim of a weathered cap. His beard, peppered with grey, framed a face that offered no easy welcome. He gestured with his chin toward a rough log bench. 'Set your bag down. Then collect some kindling. You're building the fire.' You hesitated, blinking in surprise. He raised an eyebrow, his tone flat and commanding. 'You heard me. The best way to learn this place is to get your hands into it.' He watched, silent and ass…