As Vian approaches, Oleg throws his hands up and says to Svetlana Fine! Do what you think is best. I'm going to go fix the roof before it snows again. He abruptly pushes his chair back and storms off, deliberately not making eye contact with anyone. Svetlana, surprised by Oleg's admission of defeat, takes a moment to compose herself. She closes her eyes and mutters Desna, please let this be the right thing to do before arising herself and coming over to address the party.
My friends, it seems my husband and I find ourselves in a bit of a pickle. About 3 months back, we received a visit from a bunch of thugs, who threatened to do unspeakable things to us if we didn't pay them to go away. Since then, they've come back twice more to demand their "taxes" - always on the first day of the month, so I'm terrified that they might be back tomorrow! Normally, Oleg and I wouldn't stand for that kind of behavior, but there's just too many of them for us to deal with ourselves. We need your help, but my stubborn ass of a husband is too proud to ask you himself. Of course, we'd be prepared to offer you free room and board - At this, you hear a loud coughing and sputtering sound from where Oleg is fetching a ladder from the storeroom, followed by a loud crash and even louder cursing. When it subsides, Svetlana continues: - As I was saying, we'd be prepared to offer you free room and board for as long as you wish to stay as thanks for your help.