Emma
Nautilus->Varangian->SleepDeprived.
Joyce
"I wouldn't bother, my good doctor! Without a horse it's useless... Hmm, unless..." The man's lone eye drifted to the cat folk and for a brief moment he imagined the tabaxi lashed to his cart, careening down the mountain. "No, no. That would never work. There would far too much frantic *Meowing*." He told himself.

"I was trying to cut through the pass and make my way east! I heard this shortcut was usually quite fair but here we are! What say you both? What finds a doctor and a tabaxi out in such a vexing gale? Building snow men? Hmm?" 

The wind howled and freezing ice blew down the path, the feathered tips of the man's cloak lined with frost, his already pale lips grey and chapped.

"I daresay we should find shelter, chaps! Perhaps we continue along these trail markers up the path, savvy?"
Regina
*He holds down his hat to keep it from flying off* "I believe that be best!"

*He starts to trudge towards to first marker. Taking into account if he has anything for frostbite... Or spare feet*
James
*He bristles at the strange man's comment.*

"Sorry? What was that about meowing? I don't 'meow.' I'm not a cat. I'm a *Tabaxi.*"

*He shakes his head and tries to dismiss his comments as simple ignorance, instead of rudeness.*

"Anyway. I'm here out looking for something interesting. I've been following a path on my map for a while, seeing where it leads. Haven't found much of note yet."
Joyce
The man turned and pulled his cloak in front of his face, shielding his already frozen lips from the bitter frost as he trudged behind the good doctor. The tabaxi's comment tickled his fancy and he quirked a brow beneath the brim of his own hat.

"Something INTERESTING, you say my dear fellow? You're out in a cold more frigid than my third wife's nethers hunting for treasure? Bold!" The snow was thick and knee high as they trotted up the path, the painted markers barely visible through the gray veil that swept through the pass.

Suddenly the trail markers were no longer visible and the man's head swiveled left and right. "Damn it all, look!" 

There, partially covered in snow stood the long frozen corpse of some mountaineering globetrotter, his boney hand wrapped tight around the remaining painted markers. "Damnit man, you had ONE JOB!" He shouted at the guilt stricken corpse.

"Very well. Options chaps? Up there, perhaps? Is that a cave?"
Regina
"Aw such a waste!" *He looks around but it's barely visible through the blizzard*

"Do you guys see anything?! I was just traveling through to get more business on the other side! I was told this was a quick shortcut! Mein ass!" *He squints his eyes and points*

"Hey! Over there! I see something! Unless I'm sucoming to hypothermia!"
James
*The ~~Cat~~ Tabaxi blinked , not quite comprehending. Looking between the cloaked fellow and the frozen corpse. Then back up at the cave.*

"Sorry, do you know this dead guy?"

*He then looked up at the cave. Seeing as he's the only person here not affected by the freezing cold, he felt the need to confirm that the cave did in fact exist.*

"Uh... Yeah. There's a cave. It's within walking distance. You two should probably head inside. You'll probably die if you don't. Not me though. I won't die."

*He added on the not-so-subtle brag on at the end.*
Joyce
"We'll follow your lead, good doctor! To the cave!" The man shouted as he unceremoniously shoved the frozen corpse of the trail marker out of his way, the icebound skeleton snapping off at the knees and tumbling into the snow.

"Perhaps the snow won't kill you, my fortuitous feline... But you would make a fine scarf!" The man teased, his near blue lips pulled into a smirk beneath a thin, frost addled moustache.

Through the near blinding snow they could see a large, dark shadow just up the hill in the center of the blizzard... The shadow belonged to the mouth of a massive cave punched through the icy escarpment and flanked by frozen rock spires. To the man it seemed the only escape from the biting winds.
Regina
"Have no fear my feline friend I'm sure he is only joking!" *He chuckles to himself as he walks into the cave and sighs sitting down on a rock*

"Few! What weather we have in the mountains! Anyone frostbitten?" *He reaches into his magical satchel taking out a few fials and a few very large canisters with well preserved limbs incase of serious frostbite. Human and feline*
James
"I could leave you here to die of frostbite you mustachioed weirdo. You're lucky I'm so nice. Follow me, I'll lead you to the cave. I may be able to start a fire in there as well."

*He trudges through the snow before looking incredulously at Wilhelm.*

"Are those **Limbs**? You know what? Never mind. I don't think I want to know."
Joyce
With a quick hop in his step, the man in black trudged through the snow behind his companions as they crossed the threshold of the cave, quickly falling to a knee as his hands clutched his shoulders, teeth chattering beneath his pale lips.

Lone eye snapped to the doctor as the tabaxi shouted the word 'limb'. "Dear gods! You're not a cannibal, are you?! Just what kind of a doctor... Look, I'm naught but stringy meat and bones, sir! Eat him first, if you must, he looks far more plump and tender!" The man exclaimed, shaking finger extended towards Tuck.
Regina
"What are you mad?! These aren't for consumption! They are for transplants! Incase you got frostbite! I even have ones for our Tabaxi friend here!" *He takes out a jar of finger, toes, and he takes out more arms and legs. Enough for two people*

"There that should be plenty! Now come here let me examine your limbs!
James
*Tuck cringes at the sight and steps back away from the two freaks.*

"Yeah uhh. Two things. One: No. Two: Where did you get those?"

*He shakes his head and genuinely ponders whether or not he should leave these two weirdos to die in the cold. After some serious consideration, he decides to be a good person.*

"Look, I'm gonna be really nice here. And I'll make a fire for the two of you. That way you won't get frostbite."

*He moves his hands in a wide arc and creates a flame on his paws. He then lights a few twigs and sticks on fire, gathering them up into a small fire.*

"Abracadabra...?"

*He sits down near the fire and tosses another stick into it.*
Joyce
The man's shoulders relax upon the doctor's explanation, a brow quirking over his singular eye. "Hmm. I suppose that makes sense. Though I must admit I've naught ever met a doctor who travels with a bag of *Severed limbs.* Your bedside manner leaves much to be desired, I must say." He said, in a posh voice, quickly shuffling closer to the fire and plucking the dark leather gloves from his fingers. "My digits seem in tact... For now, at least. I've no notion how long this storm might last."

Fingers splayed towards the fire the man remained crouched, sour look on his face. "Gods be damned, my nipples could cut dragons-glass! Damnable luck, I tell you chaps. I had quite the assortment of wares on that cart." He nodded towards the tabaxi. "And you said you were looking for something, hmm? Something interesting?"
Regina
*He swiftly puts back the limbs since it's clear that nobody needs it* I am a traveling surgeon! And traveling surgeons run into bandits. And bandits. Are spare parts!"

*He chuckles as he checks himself for frostbite* "Now then! We all seem in good health!"
James
*Tuck begins questioning if he is the weird one here, but quickly dismisses the thought. He turns to the cloaked fellow in order to answer the question.*

"Yep. Something interesting. Treasure, a town, nice scenery... Anything really. I guess that includes you two, whether I like it or not. You two definitely are interesting, in your own... Special way."

*He stretches and yawns, tossing another stick on the fire.*
Joyce
As the doctor sets the menagerie of limbs back in his bag, the man's face gawks and his nose scrunches. "Bandits, did you say? Bandits?! Dear gods imagine..." He mutters, wiggling his long fingers, imagining some fat rogue's stubby digits in place of his own. "They don't even *Trim their nails,* Sir! Bandits. I can't even fathom..." Shaking the thought from his head his attention turns back to the tabaxi, his face skewering from disgust to disappointment.

"Mmm. So no REAL treasure, is what your telling us? Yes. Yes, I suppose the real treasure is the friendships we've made along the way? Delightful. Well. I'm not sure that will cover the cost of my lost wares." The man mused, sarcastically. Fingers warm, he collapsed back on his flat posterior, removing a black boot from his foot and holding it close the flames.

"Well, since it seems we're stuck here for the moment, chaps, I suppose introductions are in order. Falion d'Erenian, at your service!" His bare, nearly gray-blue toes wiggling in the orange firelight.
Regina
"Not just bandits sir! I have stock of all kinds of people! Dead nobels. Dead soldiers. Heck I even have a dog or two! My name is Willhelm Faraday at your service!" *He quirks an eyebrow at the look of Falion's Toes seeing the discoloration*

"Are you sure you dont need... Treatment?" *He asks as he reaches in his bag and takes out a rolled up cloth. He opens it to reveal various surgical tools*
James
*Tuck grimaces, hoping that he won't have to witness an impromptu amputation. He clears his throat.*

"I'm sure it's fine. No amputation needed. Probably. Anyway, I'm Tuck Wix. Star pupil of The Order of The Rising sun!"

*He says this with confidence, despite it being likely no one here has heard of them before.*
Joyce
Falion's head twerked as he tosses aside his own plumed cavalier hat, his wavy brown hair still dusted with frost. "The Order of the Rising Sun? Is that a performance troupe? Ah! Where you the fellows who performed that nude cabaret back in Aismir? I think I saw that one!"

A black patch sat snug over his right eye, his left a brilliant green orb twinkling in the fire light as he eyed his own wiggling foot, attention turning to Willhelm. "Hmm? Oh no, sir. I assure you, it's quite fine. See?" His toes wiggled one by one before he quickly wagged his foot back and forth in front of the fire. When it came still again, it had shifted from the odd looking blue-grey hue to a healthy peach.

"See?" He waggled his foot again. This time when his limb came to a stop he wiggled his toes again... Only this time he had seven digits on the foot. He waggled it again. The foot was gone, in it's place, a waving hand. He waggled it one more time and it returned to a normal human foot. 

"And if you find THAT impressive, sirs, you should see what I can do with my coc... What in the nine-hells is that?" Scrambling to his feet, Falion's lone eye squinting, and a long finger stabbing at the darkness. There are the back of the cave, the companions might make out a large, pale shape barely visible in the dim light.
Regina
*He didnt notice either and he stands up when he notices* "Ah! A newcomer! From the storm I assume! Come warm yourself by the fire that our lovely rising sun cat man has made! And by the way sir."

*He goes up to falion and examines his hair* "You need a haircut! When was the last time you saw a barber?!" *He reaches back into his satchel taking out a large pair of scissors*
Joyce
The flickering light from the small fire was the only movement the trio could see, the soft orange flames casting dancing shadows along the cave wall. Towards the back of dark cave, a large pale mass could barely be seen peaking from the darkness. The movement of the light could indeed cause one to think the mass was animated, perhaps even alive... But upon closer inspection the men (and cat-men) would see it was something akin to a great bleached, perhaps misshapen rock. And anyone with any proclivity to see in the dim light would immediately recognize the shape as a large, hulking skull with two sharp tusks protruding from it's motionless form.
James
*Tuck was just about to offer a rebuttal to Falion's claim about the "Nude cabaret" But decided against it as he stood and pointed into the darkness.*

*Cat-like eyes immediately dilated, taking in more light, allowing him to see clearly in the darkness.*

*He said nothing, he simply crouched low, and extended sharp claws from his paw-like hands and feet. He instinctively growled and hissed, putting aside all doubt that he was, in fact, a cat. Additionally, small sparks of flame seemed to gather around his hands and feet.*

"Stay back, unless you're ready to ripped to sizzles chunks!"

*He shouted at the hulking, horrific figure.*
Joyce
Hopping on a single foot, Falion quickly scooted away from Tuck, the flames from the tabaxi's hands bathing the cave further in light, revealing the hulking skull in the corner.

"Why, it's a mammoth skull, I believe." Falion muttered, scratching his head. "Yes, see the tusks? Look there, it's lashed to something. A sled of some kind?" The odd man's eyes scanned the tunnel as he continued to hop on the single foot, his bare toes wiggling over the fire. 

"Look, there's more. Is that a pot? It's huge! And just over there. Some bits of wood and a... And a... What is that?" Against the wall leaned a giant stone club, at least 8 feet in length. Falion shot a look to the tabaxi then back to the doctor. Suddenly the flames danced wildly as a gust of wind blew through the cave. In the darkness, a shape much larger than any mammoth skull shifted.

**SNOOOOOOOOOORRREEEEEE!**

"My good lad... Please tell me that's your stomach growling." Falion hissed in a squeaked whisper.
Regina
*He slowly puts his scissors back and instead takes out his sheathed sabre buckling it to his waist before drawing the sword with an audible 'shing!' The well oiled blade gleaming in the fire light.* 

"It appears we have wandered into someone else's home." *He says. Staring in the direction of the noise with unblinking eyes. Looking for any sign of movement*
James
*Tuck sniffed the air and his hackles raised, his tail grew all poofy as he slowly got into a battle stance. Flames burst into existence on his hands and feet, flickering in the cold air. He tensed and looked ready to leap at any threat, coiled like a spring.*

"I regret to inform you, but that was not my stomach... I think we may have something in here with us. I hope you two are ready for a fight, because I highly doubt it will be very friendly."
Joyce
Fear gripped Falion as he stood frozen on a single foot, arms stretched from his side as he balanced, precariously. The large shape in the corner of the cave rose, slowly. It was massive in size, draped in a odd patchwork of rags, leather, fur and hair. The increased light from Tuck's fingers now casting the full length of the cave in a gentle glow revealing the odd, rustic decor that littered the tunnel floor. Skulls, carcasses, clubs, stone axes, pots and pans were strewn about the place haphazardley.

The looming shape deflated, slightly. **SNOOOOOOORRREEEE!**

"Wait wait wait..." Falion pleaded in a voice barely above silence. "It's sleeeeeeeeping. Shuuuush shush shush shush." The man urged as his bare foot slowly balanced on a single toe as he tried to tip toe backwards out of the cavern, eye darting to his companions.

"H-h-hush little giant, don't say a word. Papa Falion's going to buy you a big fat bird..." He sung, quietly.
Regina
*Looks at falion* "I dont think a lullaby is gonna keep it asleep." *He says also not above a whisper*

"I think we should find another cave." *He whispers as he gets his sword ready for possible conflict*
James
*Tuck nods silently and slowly begins to back away, motioning for the others to follow.*

"I don't think we'll be able to kill that if we have too... Leaving would definitely be smart."
Joyce
Falion's lullaby slowly abated as he backed away from the snoring hulk, eyes darting to the two at his sides. "Gentlemen. I entirely agree. Now. Let. Us. Quietly. Make. Our. Exit-YEEEEEOOOWAARGGH!" Bare foot fell squarely in the dwindling fire as Falion tried to back pedal out of the cave, the searing smell of flesh piercing the air along with his deafening holler.

**SNOOOOOOORR—UGH?!** The creature's once steady breathing halted immediately, startled by the cry, an ice blue eye flashed open directly in front of Tuck the tabaxi. There were few things in the world as unsettling as the war cry of an ice giant, it's mouth gaped as an intense wail echoed off the cold walls of the cavern. Blue fists pounded the rocky ground and it struggled to gain its footing, the giant's wayward hand darting directly towards Tuck as it scrambled to find the club at its side.

"Beshaba's bouncing tits!!" Falion exclaimed. "LOOK OUT!"
Regina
*In a swift blur of motion willhelm tries to slash a cut into the arm of the giant reaching for Tuck. The blade bounces off. Not a scratch* "Blade proof? What an interesting change in eve-"

*Mid sentence and his excitement of such an interesting specimen he didnt notice the arm stops reaching for tuck and swipes into willhelm slamming him into the cave wall* "ACK!" 

*Something audibly cracks as he's slammed into the wall. Falling to the ground*
James
*Tuck springs backwards, and gets ready to attack. However, he has second thoughts on seeing Willhelm's blade get deflected. His claws wouldn't even leave a scratch on him.*

"Time to go! Time to go! Time to go, go, go!"

*He springs to action extremely quickly. He leaps over to Willhelm's body and strains to pick him up, princess style.*

"Urrghhh... You are... Heavy..."

*Tuck is quick, acrobatic, skilled, but absolutely not Superman. He carries Willhelm out of the cave, sprinting along, accidentally leaving Falion behind.*
Joyce
Falion stumbles backwards, attempting to put weight on his charred foot. No good. The man slips and falls on his rump as the ice giant stumbles fully to his feet, its massive frame nearly filling the inside of the cavern. As Tuck snags Willhelm, the beast's gaze falls to the flailing man in black. 

"Uh-uh-uh! AH!" Falion quips, lone eye set on the fire. He quickly staggers to one knee and folds his fingers on top of one another using the fire to cast a long shadow along the far wall. At first, it only looks like a set of shaking figures, but in a snap the shadow suddenly forms, massive wings spilling out along the walls and at its center a serpentine neck complete with fangs and terrible claws. He clears his throat and throws his voice, mouth opening to let spill a terrifying cry that sounds remarkably close to that of an angry fire drake.

The intricate shadow puppet is not nearly enough to scare the ice giant, but enough to distract it for a mere moment, the behemoth grabbing his club and slamming it against the silhouette before reeling back and knocking the huge mammoth skull right at Falion... 

...Outside the cave the storm continues to rage, Tuck and Willhelm finding themselves once again in heavy snow. A loud roar bellows behind them and suddenly the mammoth skull tied to the makeshift sled careens out of the tunnel's mouth. Falion is sprawled across the skull, a hand wrapped right around a tusk as he screams at the doctor and tabaxi.

"GET ON! GET ON! QUICK! QUICK!" He yells frantically at the two.
Regina
*He shakily and slowly gets on. Coughing up blood. He looks at the blood* "Thats unfortunate.*

*He tumbles onto the slay*
James
*Tuck leaps behind the sled. Pushing a few paces to build up some more speed before leaping on.*

"WOOOOO!!!"

*He looks ecstatic. This is the most fun he's had in days. He lights some fire on his hands and throw some inaccurate motes of fire at the ice giant.*
Joyce
The mouth of the cave rumbles, heaps of snow failing from its gaping maw as the ice giant BURSTS into the open, cold eyes quickly locking on the trio as they begin to hurtle down the mountain on the skull of some long dead beast. 

Tuck's first flare of fire shoots wide, streaking by the giant's shoulder as it begins sprinting through the snow, sending huge waves of ice and cold powder over the trio. The tabaxi's second wild shot finds its mark, hitting the giant straight in the face and scorching it's beard. An angry bellow shakes the mountain pass.

A wild eyed Falion quick glances to the doctor, attempting to grab Willhelm by the hem of his sleeve and trying to keep him steady on the sled. "Stay with us, doctor! We'll have no one to patch us up if you DIE on the way down!" 

Behind them, the angry giant is running at full stride quickly closing on the sliding skull.
Regina
"I'm fiiine it's just a ruptured kidney!" 

*He slugishly brushes of Falions hand and picks his satchel and pulls out a round red jar about hand sized and he leans it over to tucks burning hand and the jar glows red and he slugishly throws it at the giant. Missing entirely. A massive plume of snow rockets into the sky as the vial goes off. Covering the giant in snow... And causing an avalanche*
James
*Tuck stops throwing fireballs for a second just to process how stupid of an idea that was.*

"What the hell!? Are you trying to get us all killed!?"

*He quickly tries to think of something to do. Suddenly an idea pops into his head. He leaps to the front of the sled and grabs the massive mammoth tusks. He then begins to run. Pulling the sled like a sled dog (cat?). His feet are a blur as he pulls the sled. Adding a great big burst of speed.*
Joyce
"Of course! Just a kidney! I'm sure you have a few spares in your bag th... What are you doing?" Falion quirks a brow as Willhelm leans to use Tuck's paw to light the jar of what he could only assume was stuffed full of ripe orphan kidneys. 

**BOOM!** The massive pillar of snow fell hard on the giant, the packed powder and ice giving way in huge sheets as the heavy waves of the avalanche began to cascade towards them.

"Hells teeth!" Falion exclaimed, "Faster! We must go faster!" He urged as Tuck jumped off the front of the sled, pulling it behind him. Falion gasped! It was just like he imagined earlier. "Yes! That's it! Onwards our noble steed! To glory! And to... Cliff. Cliff! Cliff! Watch out for the cliff!!" Falion shouted as loud as he could over the raging snow and bellowing giant, his green eye wide as he frantically motioned towards the approaching drop.
Regina
"Hold on hold on! I can help!" *He coughs more blood and takes out a syringe and injects it into tucks neck. It is full of pure bull adrenaline*
James
"Wha? What the hell did you jus- wooooOOOOAAAAAHHHHhhhh!"

*Tuck's entire body catches fire, and his speed is doubled. He barrels directly for the cliff, laughing manically.*

"Hold on!"

*Tusk leaps off the cliff, taking the entire massive sled with him. They soar in the air like a very large, very misshapen pheonix*

"WOOOO!!"
Joyce
Behind the trio the enraged giant bellows, unable to stop as the avalanche engulfs his monstrous form and sweeps him into the chasm below.

**YAAAAARRRRRRUUuuuooooo...!** The beast yells, limbs flailing, his cries slowly fading as he vanishes into the abyss.

Meanwhile, the mammoth skull soars majestically over the gorge, the companions atop its pearly visage like proud riders glowing in the midday sun. 

...Perhaps 'majestic' is too strong a word: The mammoth skull hurtles uncontrollably through the sky with the flailing, bleeding, burning and drugged companions flapping like headless chickens trying desperately to hold onto the wayward projectile.

Through tears, Falion spots the opposing cliff on the other side of the canyon.

"We're... We're going to make it! Yes! Yes just a little further! We're going to make it, chaps!" His face droops suddenly. "Oh, bollocks, chaps! We're not going to make it. JUMP!" Foot still burned Falion dug his good heel into the mammoth skull and pressed with all his might trying to leap to the other side of the gorge,
Regina
*He latches onto Tusk using his boosted stregth to have him haul them both to the other side. He tumbles on the other side with tucks* "Woohoo! Ouch! I'm in pain!"

*He opens his shirt revealing a large gash in his side*
James
*Tuck lands on his feet, stumbling a few paces before maintain his balance. It seems cats do always land on their feet. He places his hands on his knees and sucks down a few breaths of air. While he is no longer literally on fire, the adrenaline is still coursing through his veins. He looks up to make sure everyone is accounted for before letting out a shaky laugh and promptly falling on his back in the snow. He takes a few more steadying breaths before letting out a small "Woo!"*

"I. Am never. EVER. Doing that again. But hey, at least we are all alive."
Joyce
A burned, bare foot could be seen jutting from the snow, the limb wiggling slightly before Falion pries his head from the ground, his wavy hair matted and wet against his pale skin. He offered a glance towards the panting Tuck, nodding in agreement before clambering out of the powder towards the *Slightly* Eviscerated doctor.

"Indeed. But we won't all be alive for long if we don't do something for this poor chap. Ooo. Ahh... Hmmm." Falion mutters as he stares down at the gaping wound in Willhelm's side, gingerly poking at it with a long finger. "Uh. Do you have any 'ice-giant-wound' ointment in that bag of yours, old chap? Perhaps a 'gaping-hole-in-my-side' tincture?"
Regina
*Seems totally unfazed* "No no! I got it!" 

*He reaches into his wound and screams as he rips out the damaged kidney tossing it in the cliff* "Wo! So reguvinating!"

*He takes a jar of kidneys from his satchel as well as ball of yarn and needle and his tongue is slightly out in concentration as he blindly performs kidney surgery on himself. Without anesthetic*
James
*Tuck stares in silence as this process occurs before chiming in with some helpful advice.*

"What the fuck?"

*...Well, not exactly advice.*
Joyce
Falion's face twists in disgust as his gaze follows the bloody mass as it vanishes into the abyss below, his attention snapping to Tuck as if to wordlessly ask 'are you seeing this madness?' 

With the 'new' kidney now being stitched into place, Falion shakes his head and shrugs "Well, my good doctor, I'm not exactly sure where you studied medicine but I'd say you're due for a refresher course!" Slowly he pulls himself to his feet, testing his weight on his charred foot, head swiveling as he tries to regain his bearings.

The whipping winds had slowed significantly and the raging blizzards seemed to be waning. "Well, chaps, we're alive for now... But still stuck on the side of this gods forsaken icicle! What now?"
Regina
"Nonsense I'm a professional!" *He says as he stitches up the wound and he gets back up as though nothing occurred cleaning his tools and hands in the snow*

"Now! I think we should continue down the mountain! I believe it is our only chance of survival!"
James
*Tuck shakes his head in disbelief and pulls a map out of a pocket in his robe. He frowns at it then puts it away. He points in a direction.*

"There's a path down there. Paths usually lead towards something, right? If we follow it, we'll probably find civilization. Hopefully. Maybe. Come on, follow me."

*He sets off in the direction he pointed, right about north.*
Joyce
"Oh, indeed. A consummate professional, no doubt! A professional *What* ...Well, that is the question my good man." Falion teased. He reached up beneath his chin and plucked the scarf from his neck, gingerly wrapping his burned and bare foot in the garment before placing his weight on it. "Ah! Oooo! Ssssss... That smarts!" Scouring the ground he finds a gnarled branch and leans on it, letting the makeshift cane take the weight as he pressed on after the tabaxi ahead of them.

"Well lucky for us you kept your wits about you, friend! I dare say we almost bought the proverbial farm back there." Falion took a step to his right, putting a thin pine tree between himself as his two companions. 

He crossed behind the pine bedraggled, dirty, snow ridden and dressed in black from head to toe... When he emerged on the other side of the narrow trunk his ebony attire had completely shifted to snow white. The raven feathers about his shoulders now the color of an ivory dove. His singular black leather boot now matched the white powder at their feet... Even the gnarled knotted branch he was using as a cane had shifted to a straight, carved birch branch that blended in perfectly with their surroundings.

"By all means. Lead the way! Perhaps when we reach the next town you can reglae us with a performance of your Order of the Rising Song... Song? Sock! No. What was it again?"
Regina
*Raises an eyebrow* "Not sure. I think it was salmon. Do you need something for that foot? I can get you a brand new one!"

*He grins as he follows tuck putting his sabre back into his satchel*
James
"If you're going to do some impromptu surgery, you should probably wait until we get to somewhere populated. Not that I'm doubting your... Skill as a surgeon."

*He cleared his throat.*

"Anyway. I'm from the Order of the Rising **Sun**. It's a group of monks. They teach martial arts and how to manipulate Ki. Specifically light Ki. But that was boring. So I learned how to manipulate fire. Fire is much more interesting that being able to make a flashlight. I'm basically the best thing to ever come out of that stupid Order."
Joyce
"...Or your skill as a salmon, apparently!" Falion chimed in with a smirk, trudging through the cold powder in his now stark white attire. 

He turned his attention back to the tabaxi leading them through the snow.

"Hmm. I see. So NOT the same Order of the Rising Sun that does the all nude cabaret down in Aismir. Well. That's a shame. They're certainly elevating your Order's name though, I assure you." The man formerly dressed in black quirked a brow over the pale eyepatch set over his right socket. "I take it you've had a bit of a falling out from said Order? ...Ah. Doctor? Your *Spleen* Is showing. Just... Just right there. Poking out of your shirt, old boy." Falion whispered, briefly turning attention from Tuck to Willhelm.
Regina
"Eh? Aw blaze it!" *He slowly pushes it back into place* "So difficult to stitch myself up in such horrid weather! Ah well I'll just finish it when we return! And I believe the salmon order to be a much more tasteful order" 

*He grins* "I myself am freelance now. Had a bit of a run out with a group of river pirates and well! Here I am! Willhelm the traveling surgeon!"
James
"Freelance traveling surgeon? That's a... Novel concept. Good luck with that."

*Tuck turns to face the other eccentric fellow following him.*

"I wouldn't say a falling out. It's just everyone else there is extremely jealous. I mean, do I blame them? Nah. I would be too if I was them. But I just couldn't be around that mentality anymore. Such a drag. So I went off on my own the minute I graduated. I figure I'll rack up some cool loot, spread my reputation, maybe get a few ladies, and then I'll return and rub their noses in it!"

*He laughs as he pictures this. You could swear you hear him mutter 'that'll teach em' under his breath.*
Joyce
"River pirates, you say? That must be quite the tale!" Falion queried, eye darting quickly to Willhelm. "And hopefully no one I know." The man muttered under his breath, leaning on the carved birch cane as he stepped over a snow trodden log. 

Attention slid back to Tuck. "Well it certainly sounds like you've got a scheme to prove your merit! And ladies, hmm? Hah! That reminds me of a joke! What kind of partner does a tabaxi take to bed...?" His grin was wide beneath his thin moustache, his free hand stroking the short beard on his chin. "...A *Pussycat*. Hahah!" Far too pleased with his own jest, Falion carried on for a long moment before wiping a tear from his lone eye and craning his neck to look at Tuck's map.

"Are you quite sure we're headed the right way. *This* Way is north." He said, motioning with a pointed finger. "South is that way." Falion jabbed in a direction with his cane. "*East* Should be that-a-way." Strangely, a third hand poked from between the folds of his clock, quickly stabbing in a direction before retreating back under his mantle.
Regina
"I dont think it matters as long as we go down hill! The farther down the warmer! Yes the uh river pirates."

*His face goes deadpan* "I went into a psychosis and murdered the first lieutenant and was chased off to this far off land." *His face goes back to optimistic* "But that was forever ago I'm a changed man now!"
James
*Tuck gives Falion a completely deadpan look in response to his joke. He is projecting an overwhelming aura of disappointment. For a short moment he appears far older and far more tired then he actually is.*

"Firstly, fuck that joke. It sucked. Completely awful. Secondly, I know how to read a map. I know where I'm going, this isn't my first time doing this."

*Then he turns to Willhelm.*

"That's pretty impressive. Did they deserve it? Or was it just the psychosis speaking... Or acting, in this case."
Joyce
Falion's attention bounced between the two and the man turned his chin towards the sky, taking a deep breath. "So now... To recap: I'm currently travelling with a slightly narcissistic-pyrokinetic-moggy-monk hell bent on achieving fame with no sense of humor and a confirmed formerly psychotic-surgeon with hobbies that include collecting wayward limbs and performing surgery on his own person?" 

He exhaled after the long, analyzing speech and smiled, clapping his two companions on the back with a hearty grin. "*You* Lads are my kind of people! Honestly! It's refreshing, really it is, to finally run into some *Proper* Folk in this land." With a laugh, Falion clapped his hands, cane set firmly beneath his arm as his lone eye settled on the path ahead.

"Say gents. Is that a wagon, I see?"
Regina
"Hm?" *He squints in the distance* "It certainly is!" *He begins to head towards the wagon*

"And to answer your question tuck. No they didnt. I dont even remember doing it till someone told me after the fact."
James
*Tuck mutters something under his breath about non being a narcissist, but offers no rebuttal to the rest of the claims. Instead, he looks to where they see the wagon.*

"Huh. There is a wagon over there! Maybe there's someone there who'll be able to take us to civilization?"
Joyce
Falion bounced his closed hand off Tuck's feline shoulder and nodded in agreement. "Indeed, I'd say our luck has turned, my friends." Pushing ahead, he popped a gloved hand into the air, waving towards the wagon as the trio bounded towards it.

"Ah, good day, fellow travelers, good day! My friends and I we've run into a bit of a *Cold weather conundrum* And, well, we could use some assistance and uh... That is to say we uh... Oh. Oh dear..." Falion's words trailed as a crew of hardened men pushed out from behind the wagon, their grizzled faces devoid of any amiability, cold hands clutched at hilts and crossbows.

"Well well well..." The gravely voice belonged to a particularly scarred and disagreeable looking bald man. "If it in't the man who took off with our other cart. How's things, Falion? Eh?" Dark eyes fell to Willhelm and Tuck.

"An' who the fuck are you two?"
Regina
"Willhelm faraday at your service!" *He seems totally oblivious to the tention in the air* "And this is our friend tuck of the rising salmon order! Who are these guys Falion? Friends of yours?! Oh good we can all travel together how glorious!"

*He clasps his hands together practically bouncing in excitement*
James
*Tuck levies a suspicious look at Falion, but answers nonetheless. He rolls his shoulders and pops his neck. He's internally debating whether or not he should leave Falion and Willhelm to these goons.*

"Tuck Wix. Graduate Monk of The Order of The Rising Sun. Now who the hell are you?"

*He squints his eyes and frowns, trying to look serious and threatening... Which is pretty hard to do when you look like a large kitty cat.*
Joyce
The bald man's nostrils flare, his dark eyes fixed on the three travelers. 

**HYYYUUKKK. PTOOOO!** 

Spitting into the snow, he turns a sharp gaze on Tuck. "Name's Lars. An' you betta watch your damned tone with me, kitten." Sensing the building tension Falion quickly intercedes, stepping between the tabaxi and the group of rogues, turning slightly to mutter. 

"Friends, allow me to defuse this situation." Falion said to Tuck and Willhelm. Snapping back to Lars, Falion raises to his full height, staring down the band of thugs with his singular gaze. Calmly, he removes a glove, finger by finger, as casually and lazily as one would sip their afternoon tea.

**SMACK!** Falion's glove flies across Lars' cheek. 

"SIR! You have offended me as have you offended the Order of the Rising *Nun* As have you offended the medical practice of Doctor Willhelm Faraday Incorporated! I challenge you to a duel. I choose sabers at dawn! ...And since dawn is some eighteen hours away, naturally I assume you forfeit! So if you gentlemen would kindly step out of the way we will leave you to stew in your own miserable defeat!" Falion prattled, his silver tongue wagging faster than a dog's tail.

Lars eyes were wide. He had never been slapped before. He had never been challenged to a duel before. Mouth agape, he glanced awkwardly at his mates before gritting his teeth and drawing his sword. "**KILL THEM!**"
Regina
"...Incorporated?" *He says as he draws his sword as a screaming rough charges at him with an axe to which Willhelm takes a slide step back. The rough missing completely*

"Hey tuck! Get this I own a company now! I can maybe do actual surgeon work for the order of the rising Bun!" *The rogue charges forward slashing down on willhelm's head to which he promptly with both hands raises his sabre above his head swiping away the axe before swiftly stabbing the arm that held the axe*

*The rogue roars in anger dropping his axe and holding his arm* "You bastard! I'll remove your head and use it as a drinking vessel!: *He draws a dagger from his wasteband and slashes at willhelm*

*Willhelm once again slide steps backwards causing the man to miss entirely* "What an interesting concept! Ha! I never thought of such a thing! Oh you must give me a tutorial on how to make one!"

"I will if you. Fucking. Hold. ***STILL***"
James
*Tuck looks impressed at the doctors moves, he is much more skilled than he lets on. Though he is still visibly annoyed that no one is bothering to actually remember the name of his Order.*

"I guess that leaves you and me huh?"

*He gestures at one of the remaining brutes. This brute doesn't seem very chatty however. Rushing at Tuck, swinging a massive maul.*

*Tuck quickly sidesteps and lashes out with his claws. Raking them across the brutes arms, causing him to drop the maul.*

*Tuck leaps into the air, bringing down an axe kick to the unfortunate fellow's head. There is a sickening "Crunch!" As the man's skull is broken is about five places. The brute falls face first into the snow and does not get up.*
Joyce
As Willhelm and Tuck quickly dispatch the two thugs, two more take their place, circling around the wagon. A large, hulking mass of a man with a scar down his left cheek squares off against Willhelm. The man held a heavy rusted mace gripped in his fat, but probably very transplant-suitable, fist. "Die you sodding prick!" He yells, swinging the mace towards the doctor's head.

 "Gonna use your guts to string my lute, tabby!" **FLIIIITTT!** The second thug stops short around the side of the wagon, firing a short crossbow, the bolt hurling straight at Tuck. 

 Lars stares down Falion, teeth gritted as he draws a short sword. "Fuckin' wizard! Should never have trusted you."

A sly grin spreads to Falion's lips as he slides back, spinning the cane between his slender fingers... The length of the carved birch branch suddenly shifting size, elongating in the magician's hands. He brought the staff to rest on his shoulder then smoothly spun it round his neck, grabbing both ends in his hands and tossing it cleanly into the air. The stick multiplied into two, then three, Falion juggling each 'cane' easily in his hands. Lars' narrowed his eyes, struggling to keep track of the weapon as Falion weaved his magic. 

The three sticks instantaneously became one and the wizard caught it in mid air, slapping it across Lars stubbled jaw with a sickening **CRAAAACCCCK!**
Regina
*He ducks just a hair under the swing making the feathers in his hat ruffle from the sudden gust of wind the mace* "Ho ho! A large man with a bigger club how lovely!" *He dodges the other dagger wielding bandit and when the bigger one swings again he ducks down low the mace striking the dagger wielding bandit killing him instantly*

"Oh my! What a crunch!" *He swiftly turns and with a slice of the blade cuts the larger bandits neck. The larger bandit takes a moment to realize what just occurred before dropping the mace holding his now cut neck*

"How unfortunate. Such a talented fighter you are!" *With two long slashes he cleaves off the bandits head*
James
*Tuck sighs as another thug who's unable to tell when to back off charges headfirst at him brandishing a meat cleaver.*

*With a quick, fluid movement, he snatches the crossbow bolt fired at him from the air and throws it at the man rushing him. The arrow hits true, passing right through his eye and out the back of his skull.*

"How long do we have to do this? I'm getting tired."
Joyce
Falion swooped beneath Lars' fist as the rogue retaliated, twisting to jab the brute in the solar plexus with the butt of his cane. An appraising gaze falling over the brutality of his companions.

"You boys certainly play to win, don't you? My good doctor, I didn't know you did *Head transplants* As well! Yuck!" The bandit's leader caught his breath and came up quick on Falion, striking the wizard in the face and rearing his short sword back to thrust. Falion took the blow in stride with a soft grunt, watchful eye on Lars as he slammed the cane down on the man's foot, halting his thrust. **YEEEOOOWW** The brute hollared.

Another quick spin and the end of his cane found the man's chin, sending him stumbling back into the powder. Falion turned to Tuck. "Tired already? You'd think a monk of your caliber would have a bit more stamina! Perhaps they should rename it to the **Snore**Der of the Rising Sun." He teased with a chuckle, falling back to regroup with the trio.

The gang of brutes lay mostly dead at their feet, only Lars still breathing face up in the snow.
Regina
"Haha! Good one! Of course I perform head transplants what kind of doctor do you take me for?!" *He takes out a jar filled with a preserve solution before dropping the head into it and making a label for it before putting it in his bag*

"I was running short on heads anyways!"
James
*Tuck rolled his eyes and stepped over to where Lars lay, not addressing him yet. Instead he turned to face Falion, placing a foot on Lars's chest.*

"Not *Physically* Tired. More... Under stimulated. I can see these losers's attacks from a mile away. They telegraph so much you could call them... I don't know, the person who invented the telegraph or something."

*He looks back down at Lars and frowns.*

"So what, should we just kill him? That's more than fine with me."

*Tuck's claws on his feet extend, digging into Lars.*
Joyce
Lars nose scrunched in pain as tabaxi's claws dug into him, hands scrambling to grip Tuck's feet and pry the talons from his flesh.

Falion's face contorted in mock disgust, his tongue protruding from his mouth as he regarded Tuck and the doctor.

"Good gracious, kill him? You two are far too quick to spill blood. Don't doctors take some sort of Oath of Ethics? Don't monks pledge a vow of nonviolence?" The magician prattled. 

"No no no... I think Lars here has learned a lesson. A few knocks to the head... A, uh, pile of his best friend's dismembered corpses at his feet. Why I think he's suffered enough! I say we let bygones be bygones and send him on his way, what about you gents?"
Regina
"Hm..." *He looks back at the dead*

"Fine fine. But! I keep the bodies!"
James
*Tuck rolls his eyes and steps off of Lars. He shoots him an annoyed look but leaves him alone.*

"I used to abide by a oath of nonviolence. Not anymore, though. I decided that it was counter intuitive. Let's just take this guys cart and get out of here."
Joyce
"There! Wonderful!" Falion snapped, clapping Tuck on the shoulder, a hearty grin on his lips. The beaten and bloodied Lars slowly staggered to his feet, his breath heavy and an eye swollen shut. He clutched at the fresh scratches on his chest.

"You see! An *Eye* For an *Eye* Is an absolutely archaic way to live..." An ironic turn of phrase coming from a one-eyed man. "..And we four, are civilized men, are we not? We've no need to result to such savagery! Such barbarism! Wouldn't you agree, Lars, darling?"

Lars exploded. 

Like a distended pig stomach filled to the brim of blood and gristle the man burst outward painting the trio in ichor, brains and gore. Where Lars once stood now loomed a massive stone club covered in bandit chunks, a huge blue grey fist wrapped around the end of the cudgel. 

The battered ice giant towered next the wagon. It wavered, unsteady on its legs and its breath was rapid and forced. Somehow it had survived its fall down the chasm and clawed its way back to the snowy banks with naught but absolute murderous rage egging the it forward.

**YAAAAAARGGGHHHH!** The beast roared, eyes burning with the fury of a thousand suns.

"By Azuth's enchanted arsehole!! IT'S ALIVE!!" Falion exclaimed, stumbling backwards as he wiped lumps of Lars from his eye.
Regina
"Such resilience! I am suddenly enveloped in fear! What an interesting sensation!" *He swiftly jumps into the carriage making it nudge forward a bit causing it to begin slowly rolling*
James
"It survived that?! Impressive! I think it's earned my time!"

*Tuck springs into battle stance, hands and feet aflame. He seems ready to fight. His confidence no doubt a product of his massive ego.*

"No running this time! Let's kill it!"

*He gets into a reactive stance. Ready to leap out of the way of need be.*
Joyce
"Are you quite mad?!" Falion screams at Tuck, wide eye transfixed on the hulking ice giant as the beast pries its club free of Lars' entrails. "It probably uses tabaxi hide to floss its teeth!" 

The giant's club rose high into the air and slammed down towards the pair, the wizard quickly rolling away and stumbling towards Willhelm. "Doctor! Now would be an appropriate time for one of your signature, medicinal BOMBS if you have any!"

As soon as the club hits the ground, the giant rears its foot back, attempting to punt Tuck.
Regina
"Ah yes of course! Let's see..." *He starts rummaging though his bag* 

"Let's see... Giant giant... Aha!" *He takes out a small dosage bottle and tosses it to tuck* "Put that on your claws! It should let your claws melt right through his hide if he's like a regular giant!"
James
*Tuck grins as he catches the bottle, he hops out of the way of the giants kick and applies the liquid to his claws.*

"Finally, You speak sense! I'm starting to like you, Doctor!"

*Tuck sprints towards the giant, feinting left before dodging right, rolling behind the giant. He leaps onto his back and lets loose a torrent of slashes and punches. The stench of burning hair and meat fills the air. Tuck then somersaults onto the Giants head and forces a fist into its eye socket. Blinding one of its eyes.*

*The giant rages and throws tuck off and he lands face first in the snow, cackling like a madman.*

*The Frost Giant is now on fire. Oh no.*
Joyce
The fire, of course, drew the bane of the frost giant, the beast growling and stumbling backwards as Tuck clawed at its milk white eye. Large fists sought to snuff out the blaze, desperately trying to contain the flames before they could spread further.

Falion ducked as a wild fist blurred over his head, the magician quick to double back over the wagon and put some distance between himself and the creature... He saw an opportunity as the giant flailed.

"Such spark and guile, gentlemen," The wizard remarked. "Why it gives me such a *Warm* Feeling inside, as I'm sure it does our friend here!" 

He waved a hand in front of him, fingers quickly spelling a small pattern in the air before cupping his hands and blowing into them, much like one would to stoke an ember. The flames engulfing the giant seemed to glow white hot, the blaze seemingly spreading to every body part of the panicking beast. And although merely illusionary in nature, the giant would have a more difficult time snuffing out Tuck's fire.

Screaming, it threw itself to the ground and began to roll, desperately, its hulking form twisting straight at the good doctor...
Regina
"Oh my!" *He dives out of the way. Unintentionally rolling down the hill*

"Woah woah woah!" *He rolls all the way down now the center of a large snow ball hitting the bottom of the hill in a puff of fresh snow*
James
*Tuck lobs a few more motes of fire at the rolling giant as it rolls. The giant seems to be catching fire just as fast as it's putting it out.*

"If we could keep it still for a moment I could cut its throat! That'll kill it quick!"
Joyce
Falion glances over his shoulder as Willhelm tumbles down the hill. Would that they had the time the magician would have greatly enjoyed building the good doctor into a snowman. Hmm? Oh yes. The giant. Attention snapping back to Tuck, Falion clenched his jaw tight, shaking his head. "Keep it STILL? You'll forgive me, darling, I didn't bring my 'burning-ice-giant-restraints' with me today! We should run before it regains its bearings!"

The wizard stood at the far end of the wagon now, rummagining through the thugs belongings and looting anything that wasn't nailed down. 

Rolling now in the snow, the fire engulfing the giant waned. Even with the additional fecks of fire produced by Tuck, the thick blankets of snow proved quick efficient in squelching the inferno. **GRRRUUUUGGGGH** The beast groaned, grey-blue skin smoldering as it slowly staggered to its feet.

"C'MON! C'MON! You damned fool of a cat! You'll not find the glory or women you seek if you're splattered across the ice and snow like pudding!"
Regina
*He struggles in the compact snow* "Hey dont leave me here!" -he tries to reach for his satchel but his arms are too constricted and begins the process of wiggling out the ball of snow*
James
*Tuck hesitates. Halfway between pouncing on the giant or saving the doctor. One one hand killing the giant would be quite a feat, and it's fur would make a badass cape. On the other, saving the doctor is the right thing to do...*

"UuuuuUUUUG**GHHHHHHH**!! Fine!"

*Tuck turns to flee, pulling the doctor out from the snow.*

"Come on! Let's get out of here!"
Joyce
"Shit!" Falion spat as the giant slowly rolled to its feet, the wizard still stuffing his seemingly endless pockets before hightailing after Tuck's high tail. 

"No! Wait!" He hissed through his teeth as he trod down the snow to join the tabaxi and the doctor. "Quick! Quick! Cover yourselves in snow. Do it! You must trust me!" The magician passed his hands over themselves and produced three fat, orange carrots. Grabbing Willhelm by the collar, Falion attempted to stuff one between the good doctor's teeth, tossing another to Tuck. "Hurry! Hold these in your teeth and keep your maws SHUT tight!"

**ROOOOAAARGGGHH!!** The giant yelled from up the short hill, its angry gaze swiveling across the landscape as it searched for the trio, banging its club on the ground.

Falion quickly gathered as much snow around his feet before shoving the carrot in his own mouth, eye narrowed at his companions. "DO IT!" There was no flash or odd mystical lights surrounding the wizard's magic. His was a smooth, almost unnerving control over the Weave. In a blink, the slender raconteur was gone and its place stood a snowman, carrot for a nose and a single piece of coal for an eye.
Regina
*His eyes widen realizing what he's doing and follows the wizards lead covering himself in snow*
James
*After a half second of hesitation, Tuck follows suit, feeling relatively stupid.*
Joyce
Upon clenching the carrot in their mouths the two would see no difference in their appearance. Their clothes and fur still intact and unmarred when they looked down. Looking at each other, however. Tuck would see a snowman topped with a cavalier hat, its plume gently fluttering in the crisp breeze.

Willhelm would see a snowcat. Sculpted pointed ears poised over a tiny, carved carrot nose, slender branches forming whiskers beneath it.

**YAAARRGGHGGH!** The giant whips around, looking for any sign of the trio, its eyes momentarily falling to the odd gathering of snow sculptures. Its nose twitches as it seeks to catch the companion's scent, glossy and bleeding eyes narrowed; the three could feel its discerning, icy glare as the creature contemplated the illusion in front of it.

**GARGGH...** It snorted, disinterested, turning away from the three and racing off in the opposite direction where it hoped to find its revenge...
Regina
*Sighs in relief spitting out the carrot* "I'm starting to like you wizard!"
James
*Tuck gives Falion a rare approving look.*

"Quick thinking. Nice."
Joyce
As soon as the three begin to move, the illusion vanishes. There is no fade or even a shift in their perception, the snowmen visages are merely gone as though they never existed. Falion snapped off an end of the carrot in his teeth and crunched it loudly with a grin.

"Oh, don't thank me. These were meant for my horse! Had he not run off... Well, we'd most likely be tied to a spit and roasted over some giant's fire right now. Doctor, I imagine you'd be particularly tasty, what with all the preservatives coursing through your veins." He tossed the remainder of the carrot aside and put a thumb to his chin, surveying the shallow valley. Off some ways in the distance, a glint of green pastures caught the magician's eye.

"Hmm. Down there. A hamlet, perhaps? I suggest we strive to make it off this icicle before sundown and our *Balls* Freeze to our thighs." He caught himself for a moment and glanced sideways to Tuck. "Does... Your kind *Have* Balls?" Gaze slid back to the doctor. "Do... You have *Spare* Tabaxi balls in your bag?" Falion seemed to have a *Sack* Full of questions.
Regina
*He already has his hand in his bag* How many you need? *He peaks in his satchel* "I got a jar of assorted ones around here somewhere. Not many though I dont meet many cat men! Lets see here... I got...13 and a quarter." *He looks back up* 

"Why you missing a family jewel Tuck?"
James
*Tuck looks utterly unamused*

"No."

*He sets off to the hamlet, ahead of everyone else, shaking his head.*

"Sun above... Maybe I shouldn't have helped these cunts."
Joyce
"Ah, so your kind DOES have cunts?" Falion whipped back around to Willhelm as he followed behind the tabaxi. "Did you hear that doctor? No balls today! But keep your eyes peeled for a twat or two!" 

Looking down, Falion wrinkled his nose in disgust, his fine white cloak spattered with Lars' entrails. He plucked an eyelid from his collar and tossed it aside, sloughing off his dirtied mantle as he walked. "What do you suppose you'll do once you reach town? Does your map point to other treasures in this world?" He asked Tuck. 

The magician rolled the cape up tight in his hands, twisting it as one would wring out a wet rag. He let it loose into the wind, the once sullied white cloak once again clean and immaculate as he swung it back over his shoulder.
Regina
*He takes a wax tablet from his bag and swiftly notes in the tabaxi profile "Has twats. Side note. Find out what a twat is* "Duely noted!" *He says cheerfully as they near the hamlet*

"Say think there are any possible patients here magician man?!" 

*He suddenly looks to the right . While his companions see nothing. Walking beside him is a black formless figure. "Kill all the residents and steal their organs Willhelm. Think of all the wonderful things you could do with so much material." To this Willhelm laughs* 

"Such a silly idea you! I cant do that! I'll run out of patients!"
James
*Tuck turns and shouts over his shoulder*

"Stop talking about Tabaxi genitals! It's weird. As for the map, it just shows surrounding terrain. Nothing more."
Joyce
Turning to Willhelm, Falion shrugged and grinned. "If there are no townsfolk in need of medical care, my good doctor, I'm *Certain* You will make some." Brow quirked as the doctor proceeded to mumble something to himself, the wizard pretending not to have heard him. Attention flicked back to Tuck.

"Hmph," Falion retorts, lone eye glaring dismissively down his pointed nose. "You can't fault a little genuine curiosity, my dear boy. It's only *Natural.*"The magician continued, plucking a brightly colored kerchief from thin air and using it to whisk any remaining blood splatters from his hands and face. 

"That's a pity, I assumed you were in possession of some enchanted chart that illustrated the surrounding topography." As they approached the hamlet, Falion dug through the pouch at his side, taking inventory of the loot he had managed to lift from Lars' cart.
Regina
*Hums to himself as he too checks his inventory to make sure he has enough medicines and limbs for the type of townsfolk within the hamlet*
James
*As they neared the hamlet Tuck turned back to Falion.*

"It is magic, but it doesn't tell me where I can find treasure. But I don't need it too, that would take out all the fun from the hunt."
Joyce
"Oh, bollocks," Falion retorts, offering the tabaxi a dismissive gesture. "Keep chasing those rainbows, darling. I'll have already collected the gold at its end by the time you find your way there." The wizard mused.

With the hamlet in sight the trio approached a crossroad, a sturdy wooden sign marking the paths ahead: → EAST: Hobblebury Village | ← WEST: Elsir Vale | ↓ SOUTH: Voldur Peaks.

Poised at the crossing, Falion's eye swayed west as knocked his heels from the guidepost, sloughing off remnants of snow and mud from his boots. 

"Well my dear chaps, it's been quite the escapade to be certain. Tomorrow I make for the Elsir Vale. But before then I think we've earned a night of much needed rest and liquor! Courtesy of our dear departed Lars," His hands passed over one another and he produced a small brown pouch between his palms. The magician grinned and began juggling the singular bag, the purse quickly splitting into two, then three. He tossed a sack each to Willhelm and the Tabaxi...
Regina
"Ooo! Present!" *He opens his and as he does he reaches into his pouch taking out a large bottle named 'the doctor's medicine'*
James
*Tuck catches the pouch and nods.*

"I'll consider this as payment for saving your skin. I suppose I wouldn't... Hate traveling with you two some more. Just until we get out of the cold."
Joyce
Falion smirks, weaving the coin bag through his fingers for a few moments, the small pouch rolling under his pinky and vanishing from view. "Why my dear moggy, are you telling us you prefer our company? Hah! I knew I had tickled your whiskers!" The magician smirked, reaching out in an attempt to ruffle the prickly tabaxi's head.

"Sadly, my friends, I've *Errands* To attend to. Perhaps I will catch up with you later at the tavern."
Regina
"Oh goody! I can tend to some business of my own and meet you at the tavern! Hey tuck wanna join in? I could use a quarterizer!"
James
*Tuck grumbles are barely stops himself from slapping Falion. He turns towards Willhelm and frowns.*

"What the hell is a Quarterizer? I mean, sure I'll come with, but... Huh?"
Joyce
Falion was gone. 

As the two turned to regard one another the magician had vanished while their attention had been diverted. Again, no pomp or ostentatious glamour accompanied his 'magic'..It was as if he never existed to begin with. Even the boot prints on the ground gave no clue as to the direction he had headed and the oddness of his withdrawal might leave one to question whether the man was truly a practiced mage or simply a talented charlatan.
Regina
*He stares at where the magician was* "I gotta learn that trick." 

*He turns back towards Tuck* "You'll be burning my patients to stop bleeding of course! Besides I could use someone to get their opinion on my methods!"
James
*Tuck wrinkled his nose, but he had to admit. He was curious about the good doctor's methods. He decides to play along for now. It isn't like he had anything better to do.*

"Sure. I might as well. I'm not a doctor though, so don't expect much."