Frances
Sitting beside a river, the little Bea was looking a little defeated. She kept casting her fishing line into the water and slowly brought it back with not a nibble on the hook. 

She'd been traveling for a week or two and she was dirty, tired.. Hungry. She had prepared for this, or so she thought. Her brown hair, once naturally curly and shined with health was now dull and matted against her head, try as she might to smooth it down with her fingers, they would just get stuck and she'd have to pull apart the strands that had knotted at the back of her neck. She had bought herself appropriate clothing to wear for traveling - some trousers and a nice warm coat, hat and gloves. She had packed food, waterskin, extra socks and a knife. Things the books said would be necessary for long trips. And she was young and in great shape - for a waitress. Walking in a warm tavern day after day had not prepared the little human for the cold, rocky, uneven, dirt earthen floor. 

She had made it south past the Aismir woods and kept to the roads as much as possible, a few times she'd see caravans and travelers, but she had been wary of asking for a ride or any help. Bea heard some horror stories about slavers, monsters, goblins.. All sorts of things that could happen. It didn't help that she read a lot of books and had a wild imagination. While she rested by the river trying to catch some sorely needed lunch, she considered returning to her home in the mountains to the north. Bea could see the damn fish swimming under the water, but none seemed interested in the bugs she was using at the end of the hook. 

Sighing, the girl set the stick and line aside and stood up, stretching her achy legs then stomped some mud from her boots which she was glad she spent the extra coin on. 

"Maybe they're just not hungry.." She looked up at the sun and loosened her heavy coat up. It was much warmer here and the coat was not only thick, made for much colder weather, but way too war

M now that she had cleared the woods. 
 "Not in the mood for beetles? Fine, let's find something you do like.. "

 Beatrice dug into the soil with her knife and snatched up a worm that was unlucky to be squirming it's way in the rich land, then attached it to the hook and tossed the line out into the water. The stick she was using for a pole was shoved into the dirt, standing it up, where she could keep an eye on it. Removing her coat, she dropped it on the ground next to her pack and other belongings while she gathered up some kindling and wood for a fire.
Tawnya
Chuckles had left behind the city not too long ago, although he did lose count of the days since he got busy. And lost, he also got kind of lost on the way out of the woods. He could have asked for directions, but he certainly wouldn't step so low with the added danger of meeting some less than friendly traveler. So instead he kept busy hunting and collecting pelts to have something to trade for coin once he reached civilization again. Or as luck had it, some traveling merchant that braved the roads and was also brave enough, or scared enough of the gnoll, to indulge him in trading.

When he was about ready to pack up and move on from the area after getting acquainted enough with it, a surprisingly familiar scent carried by the wind left him confused and made him stop and actually make sure he wasn't just imagining it. *Cake and tea comes to mind, curious.* He thought as he considered the scent, eyes lighting up as his mind finally connected the dots and linked a person to that sensation. Hastily finishing to pack his things, he followed the trail carried by the wind to its source. 

Still wearing his heavy cape despite the higher temperatures here compared to the colder north of the earlier weeks, Chuckles stalked the tall grass and shrubs with practiced movements while following his nose. Eventually he came across a river and what did he know, he was actually right. He watched curiously with his head tilted to the right in both confusion and amusement as the young woman he... *Barely.* ... Recognized was digging the ground with a knife, attempting to fish with a pole and then proceeded to gather some wooden sticks, presumably for a fire.

Finding the scene rather surreal, he chuckled quietly to himself when she left her spot to go gather more wood, quietly taking her place by the river to check how her attempt at fishing was going. At first glance, not good, he was actually tempted to grab a pointy stick and just get fish as his tribe did, but first he wanted to s

Ee the shock of the misplaced waitress coming back to find him sitting on her spot.
Frances
Gathering the little sticks and branches she picked up got her mind off the stubborn fish she couldn't catch and started humming an engaging tune to herself, the kind where the melody repeats itself over and over until she started to sing.. 

"There was a young woman called Sally,
 Who loved an occasional dally
She sat on the lap
 Of a well endowed chap
And said 'You're right up my alley."

Bea was chuckling out loud when she started back to make up her camp when she suddenly stopped and tightened her grip on the wood in her arms, tensing at the sight of someone where she had been fishing. 
 "Yo there! My husband is twenty feet tall and will chew through that cow net you call armor in no time if you don't get out of here.." Her voice had dropped an octave to try and sound older, intimidating. 
Lies!

She dropped the bits and pieces of tree branches and grabbed one to use as a club. "Just keep moving down the river, Mister.. " She started to approach very cautiously, not having the extraordinary sense of smell or sight other races had, Bea wasn't able to sniff at the air and notice much more than the fresh air and the musty dry wood she held in her hands. 

Only when she got near enough to clearly see the intruder did she pause, keeping the club raised. 

"Chuckles?"
Tawnya
Chuckles suppressed a chuckle when his round ears overheard the curious song she chanted, seeming completely relaxed even when upon returning she threatened him with a 'husband' and a stick. Turning his head slightly in her direction, he showed an unrestrained fanged grin and lazily waved a hand at her.

"Hi Bea, it's been a while. You look terrible, what are you doing out here?" He asked casually while giving her a side glance, his nose twitching slightly as he sniffed the air to double check in case he missed some 'husband' smell in the area. Although it would be hard to miss something twenty feet tall, he assumed.

"I also didn't know you had a husband, if I remember what that means. What does 'being up someone's alley' mean, by the way?" He added with an amused tone, finally standing up and dusting off his heavy cape a little. Exactly as she probably remembered, he still wore stitched leathers under his cape, trying to at least give a reasonable doubt to whoever watched about his race. Not that it would fool anyone who had seen a gnoll before, but not everyone had.

He casually took a few steps towards her, seeming to not care about the club she still held. He carried several weapons around his belt, sharp and blunt, but his clawed hands stood clear of them. The biggest threat was the fangs shown by his grin, and the only target so far had been her choice of words.
Frances
Her apprehension turned into relief at the sight of the beast - who seemed to have faired much better than she has in the wilderness. He was in his element now, and Bea was - not lost - but her acclamation was still in the learning process. 

"I decided it was time to stop living my life through books and actually see it for myself. There's more dirt and trees, mud... Bugs.. Animals.. " She trailed off into several other mumbled pests she's run into before piping up again. ".. Much more than expected. The storybooks don't go into all that." 

"Oh, my husband..." She grinned. "He's around.. " Her eyes darted around as if she might have misplaced the imaginary man. "For some reason... If people think you 'belong' to someone already they leave you along. And it helps if they're big and scary. You ought to know that - Not that YOU are scary! I mean, you could be if you wanted to be. I don't think you are and .. " She was just going to stop there before her very muddy boot ended up in her mouth. 

She breathed and finally smiled. "I am happy to see you!" She dropped the club and just ran up and hugged him, no doubt surprising the beast!
Tawnya
The gnoll quietly listened to her talk with his head slightly tilted to the right. He had the impression she hadn't talked much lately and was just letting the words out all at once. What he wasn't prepared for was she lunging for a hug, eyes opening wide once she clung to his chest. The height difference was obvious, but he was unprepared regardless and just remained still for a few seconds only to tentatively reach down with an arm to pat her back.

"I am also happy to see you? Especially alive and well. *Are* You well?" His hand remained on her back and he also added after a brief pause. "Is this what being 'up someone's alley' means?" He looked down at the girl with the same grin as before, waiting for her to detach first. If she did, by looking at her now it really looked like she needed the hug. And help, lots of help.

"I don't think books, for all they can tell you, can prepare anyone for the rough reality of surviving." *Nor can they teach you magic just by reading, apparently.* "I'm surprised you didn't return back home after the first night outside the walls, beds are that more comfortable, yes?" He let out a hyaenish chuckle, glancing briefly back at her temporary camp.
Frances
"I'm much better now!" She wasn't lying, she was so happy to see someone she knew AND could trust. In her mind anyway. He'd never done anything to prove otherwise. 

She finally released the beast-man and backed off. It was hard to tell under the clothing she wore but she had lost a little weight, the cute full cheeks she had before had thinned a bit, matured into a more defined jawline. Not that they could be seen as she wore trousers now, but she had built up a bit of muscle in her legs and arms with all the walking and work while traveling. 

"I'm good.. Just hungry. I have a few rations left but was looking forward to some fresh fish for lunch.." She eyed her fishing line that remained slack in the water. 

"And I brought a few books that tells you how to do stuff..." She grinned and moved past him to where her pack on the ground and grabbed two books from it. "They tell you how to survive in the wilderness. See.. " She showed him one that was page after page of what plants and berries and edible roots and bugs. The other book had several ways to find shelter, set traps, gather rain water, mix healing herbs if the need be. She thought she had it all figured out.

As he spoke of the lazy way to catch prey in the water, it was also the best way to stay dry. "I was going to try and make a net.. " She flipped through pages in one of the books, wetting her thumbs as she did so to better catch hold and unstick the used parchment, clearly having read them over and over. "It's a simple instruction of using reeds and long grass.. " She was about to start reading directly from the book but as Chuckles began gathering his own tools she silenced herself and watched him instead. 

She didn't need to be told she needed 'practice' - she wasn't even at apprentice level at this point, but she had the want and the heart to learn. And she had her books. 

Her heavy coat had finally gotten to be too much for her, the sun overhead was bright, warm. She shrugged off the thick frock and laid it on the ground by her pack, her tunic looked a bit cleaner - the coat having taken n most of the road and grime she ran into. The sensitive snout of the gnoll might (definitely) pick up that the little woman hadn't seen a hot bath in a while. It seemed to had grown immune to her own 'aroma'. 

She watched in silence, not wanting to interrupt or scare any of the fish away.
Tawnya
The gnoll looked back at her one last time as she took off her coat, watching briefly before returning his attention to the river. If he noticed her less than ideal level of hygiene he didn't show it at all. He was no flower himself after all.

Spotting a suitable target not too far from the river bank, he grabbed some rope from his new backpack and tied it to the blunt end of the sharpened stick. "This way we don't have to get in the water to pull the fish out." He commented idly, assuming a position ready to throw the stick as he took aim. "If you're fishing in the sea, you can find some rocky ridge to throw from, or just stand in the low water and wait." He continued, sharpening his gaze on the fish. "Right now I don't feel like getting my paws wet."

He waited until the perfect moment the fish seemed to still in the water, then he threw the spear with a quick movement. The wooden stick, while not exactly refined to be the perfect tool, flew into the water and its tip disappeared under the surface, causing ripples all around. Chuckles grinned as he held on to the rope and pulled it back, the stick resurfacing with a fish skewered on its end. "Hah! Not bad for a first throw." He complimented himself, the grin on his muzzle wide and predatory. As the stick reached the ground he pulled it up and held it towards Bea. "You know how to cook, right?"
Frances
His way seemed similar to her own except his was more of the hunters way, hers was more.. Practical. And while Chuckles was reeling in his kill, Bea's 'fishing pole' started to wiggle, the string growing taut and the stick started to bend. 

"Look!" She squeeled and quickly moving around him to grab at the stick before it was pulled into the water. She held it tight and pulled it left and right putting up a good fight with whatever was on the other end of that line. She had to back up slowly, doing her best not to get pulled into the water or slip on a muddy patch of dirt. Reaching out, the wound the string around her hand, finally pulling the flopping fish out of the water. It was quiet big, fat and had little whisker-like tentacles on the cheeks of it's face. 

"Ugh.. Catfish. I'll trade you." She chuckled and held up her own prize. "It seems both ways work well." And grinned proudly. "And yes, I can cook them.. You clean and gut them, I'll cook.." And handed it over to the gnoll. 

"I just need to get the wood I dropped and get the fire started." Which she did. 
It wasn't long before she had the kindling aflame and was throwing larger sticks to catch the fire and grow. From her pack she removed an all-purpose stewpot that was made for cooking outdoors. Chuckles had plenty of time to work on the fish while the wood burned into hot coals. Bea would go around and gather some herbs and roots - with her book - to feast on with the meat.
Tawnya
Observing Bea actually catch a fish using the pole left him pleasantly surprised, so he grinned at her when she showed him the catfish she caught. "Not bad, you could yet survive out here huh?" He joked and approached her while holding up his pointy stick. "You want to... Clean the fish? You just caught it from the river, it doesn't get cleaner than-" He interrupted his words to narrow his gaze thoughtfully. *They don't eat it raw, so they likely remove the worst parts.* Shrugging he grabbed his knife in the other hand, the same knife used to sharpen the stick, and nodded at her. "Fine, I'll give it a try."

As Bea went to grab the wood to start the fire, he squatted by the river and did his best to 'clean' the fishes, gutting them first and then calling her several times to ask what humans considered 'clean', eventually ending up with something she could at least agree with. "You're leaving out a lot of stuff, you sure you don't eat those?" He remarked, seeming uncertain about wasting any part of potential food. Obviously gnolls had a different diet, not even needing the food cooked. This turned out to be a learning experience for the both of them, after all.

The gnoll sat by the fire as Bea worked the 'cooking magic', observing how she prepared the fish and which herbs she added. Herbs he would likely leave aside. "So where did you plan to go, after leaving so suddenly?" He asked idly as their meal cooked. "Did you think to live as I do? Was it something I said?"
Frances
Bea would cast glances to see what parts of the fish were getting removed, once in a while she'd make a face at the innards being pulled from the underbelly and wave them away to be tossed out. She had cleaned fish before - and chickens as well as other fowl, not to mention pigs, goats, etc etc.. But she was doing her part in making the meal. 

 "You don't actually eat that part? It.. It's poo." She grinned and just started laughing. "I'm good with the meat itself.. Thanks." She was still chuckling when she diced up the herbs and handed a particular long green leafy plant to him, offering a taste. "Wild onion.. " 

Having placed a few thick stones to sit the pot on and added some water, the fish and what edible foods she could find, were all being cooked up. 

"It wasn't a sudden decision to leave.. " She got comfortable as the fish stewed on the fire. Her brow had become damp under the warm sun and so near the fire, she used the sleeve of her tunic to pat away the beads of sweat that formed and pushed back a bit of matted curls from her eyes, only then realizing what a mess she must appear. 'bah' she shrugged off any cares about her looks. She was doing what she had set out to do. Live. 

"I'd always thought about traveling since I've read so many books about it. From mountain climbers to pirates.. Do you know people actually DO live under the sea? And yes.. " She chuckled. "Reading books about magic when you were living there made me want to learn more. I didn't actually think I'd ever see you again, however. I figured you were long gone and changing rocks into chocolate cake somewhere.." Teasing tone about his love for such foods. 

"And even if I don't become a magic user, I heard there is the world's biggest library there! I'll find a job.. Learn history or something." She paused and took a moment to think on her words, but shrugged. "I haven't figured it all out yet.. " 

"What about you? Did you run into trouble or som
Tawnya
The gnoll listened quietly to her words as he sat by the fire, the smell of fish being cooked filling his nose and making it just slightly harder to focus on the conversation, but he appeared attentive enough. He turned his head slightly to the right at the mention of pirates, and nodded slowly at the idea of 'people' living underwater. Sporting a wide grin when she mentioned him trading for cake, he idly licked his lips as his mind wandered to that incredible discovery that was chocolate, fortunately he got back on track without losing much of what was said after.

"I didn't run into trouble, or at least... Not much." He shrugged slightly, looking towards the sky briefly. *If only you could follow any given direction.* He grunted lightly and waved a hand dismissively. "I just wasn't used to the snowy forest, got lost for a bit, learned some new things and traded pelts with some merchant." He motioned briefly towards his backpack with a clawed finger, on top of it a neat bear pelt was rolled and tied. "They're worth quite a bit in winter, so that was easy coin for other things."

Looking at her up and down with an appraising gaze, he shook his head and grinned again. "You did good so far, at least you survived, yes?" Letting out a brief hyaenish chuckle, he continued. "There's plenty of things out there that books can't prepare you for." He raised a hand, counting on his fingers as he began listing the possible ways she could have died. "You really can't outrun an angry, or hungry, bear or wolves. You could get ambushed by bandits, attacked in your sleep... Hunter's fangs, you could even meet a gnoll. What would you do then?"

Barking out another short laugh, he slapped his leg and leaned back, shaking his head with evident amusement. "I like that you're doing all this for the sake of living, and yet you've probably never been this close to mortal danger. It's funny, isn't it? All for the sake of books!" With a wide grin still present on his muzzle, showing his shar

P fangs, he turned to her once more with a glint in his red eyes. "Tell you what, if you're certain you want to continue this journey instead of returning home to your comfortable bed and warm house, we can try to go to that great library together. Or at least until some place where you can get a safe passage there. What do you say?"
Frances
"I have survived and .. Probably would have still even if you didn't come along." She grinned but there may be more than a hint of doubt behind her brown eyes. In truth she had been questioning her plan as well as her sanity some days while on the road. She then sighed and admitted while she leaned towards him as if speaking a secret. 

"I miss bread SO much.." She laughed! Also admitting (to herself) she was glad for the company. Bea didn't know how lonely it could be. She had grown up with seven brothers and sisters and working at the Three Cups, she didn't know what silence was until she in the middle of no where - alone. 

He listed off the many things that could have killed her, aye. But her luck had remained. "It sounds like you're trying to talk me into going back.." Her reply sounded more suspicious, as if he was trying to scare her. "I've thought about all that.. " Her last word sort of trailed off. *She lied* "I would have figured something out.. " What else could she say?

"Yes, I want to go.. " She sounded firm on this decision and used a spoon she had removed from her pack to stir the fish stew. Looking into the pot, she grimaced at the fish she had caught. ".. Should have just fried them." Fortunately she was getting used to eating a number of things she didn't like - or was finding out she didn't like.
Tawnya
With his head tilted slightly to the right and a less than convinced expression on his muzzle, if she could tell at all, he listened with some skepticism to her explanations and plans. It sounded more like she was convincing herself rather than him, that she had it all figured out. "Fine then, miss I-thought-about-it. If you're convinced you don't want to go back, at least not yet, I guess you'll have to stick with me if you want to survive much longer."

With a quiet sigh he turned his head to the fish stew-soup thingie, wondering if it wouldn't have been better to eat his share raw instead. "There's worse ways to start a journey, I guess." He grinned and looked back at Bea. "And also better ways, you're lucky I showed up before some animal did. I don't think they'd be afraid of a giant invisible husband."

He watched her stir the stew with a glint in his eyes, finding the contrast between the waitress he met in town and the one out here quite amusing. *What a few days without their comforts do to people. At least the company will be nice.* "You know, they make some good bread in Miller Dale. They've got those big wheels that turn using water, to make... Flour, was it?" He let out a chuckle, unable to resist the urge to tease her for missing such a basic, and meatless, food. "That's where I tried chocolate first, have I told you?"

The gnoll seemed to be considerably more chatty as he waited to have his share of stew, maybe not the best meal to look forward to, but at least still food. *Expressing poor judgement on someone's cooking could be considered offensive, so better show some restraints with comments.* "So are you completely sure you can't eat raw meat and fish?"
Frances
Miller Dale. This was on the map she had in her pack. "That's where I was planning to go and stay a few days." Bea nodded while she cooled off a spoonful of the stew by blowing on it before taking a sip to taste-test the food. She just shrugged, it wasn't anything to brag about - for sure - but it wouldn't kill them either. 

"I've never eaten anything raw that I can't remember. I'm not sure why you'd want to. There's diseases in raw food you know.. " She nodded towards him as if she 'knew' better. But then a grin formed as she recalled a memory. "I did dare my brother to eat a raw egg once.. He did it! He ate it, but then we both got yelled at when he thought he was going to die and went crying to mum." Smirking. 

"I did not know about the chocolate. You didn't seem to share very much about yourself even though I asked - many times." He had been very, no secretive, but avoided questions and information about himself. To be fair, it made sense since he didn't know her and had no reason to trust anyone. 

A few more stirs and she filled the one bowl she brought for herself, then just gestured to the pot. "We can share my bowl or you can just eat it from the pot." She'd let him decide. 

"So, do you just.. Catch the fish and eat it as is? Right out of the water? Do you do the same with rabbits and other stuff? Oh! What gross things have you eaten? Do you ever get sick from it? Are they still wiggling?" She shuddered and made a few grimacing faces after eat question she asked. And the more she asked, the less appetizing her bowl of fish stew looked. She remained holding the bowl in her hands - letting it cool off. Mhm.
Tawnya
"That's where I first landed, it was strange to see proper 'civilization' for the first time, if we want to call it that." He commented idly while peering curiously into the stew. *Better wait until she had enough, then scoop up the rest.* "It's been a while since I've had eggs, too... Any big birds around these parts?" He asked with a mischievous grin, looking back at her and her bowl. "The last thing you want are details about a gnoll's diet right now, trust me on this one. It will probably ruin your appetite for the rest of the... Week."

*Well you just said it, I guess that's one less thing to mind our tongue about.* He halted and stared at her, measuring her reaction, if any, at his admission. *Not like she can call the guards here, at least.* "Ever heard the saying 'whatever doesn't choke you, makes you fatter'? Because that about sums it up." He continued casually, letting out another hyaenish chuckle. "Now you'd better eat that stew, and then get some more. You'll need the energy for the road, yes? I'll finish what remains."

Seeming content to just sit and wait for her to eat, he looked around casually, ears twitching ever so often or turning towards the source of some distant noise. It seemed like he tried to be as inconspicuous and casual as possible, just in case she thought she was in danger. For whatever reason. He'd seen that reaction before.
Frances
Bea sipped from the bowl of stew rather than use her spoon, listening as Chuckles talk of his arrival from home. "I still don't know where you come from. You always seemed to change the subject whenever I asked before.." She interrupted as he spoke, her eyes scanned the area for birds when asked. 

"I've seen plenty of birds.. But unless you like climbing trees I don't think we'll have eggs any time soon.. " They could search the bush for quail of other small fowl. Chicken sounded good right now. Fried chicken, Roast chicken with stuffing! Rabbit would even be good. She lowered her eyes to the soupy stew and wrinkled her nose. It was food and she reminded herself - again - she can't be picky anymore. 

"I think this fish has ruined my appetite.. " And chuckled. ".. For the day anyway. Here, eat." She found her glove and wrapped it around the handle of the pot so her could lift it without burning himself. ".. And that's a phrase I have never heard. Speaking of which, there's bones in that fish.. So don't choke." 

 His laughter made her smile every time she heard it. Yes, he was.. Ferocious looking. And yes, his teeth were quite sharp, and she'll rightly admit she was afraid of him when she had met the beast. Tall, hairy, carrying the giant crossbow, who wouldn't be scared? Right now he just put her at ease, even if he enjoyed trying to put the fear of gnolls into her. 

"Tell me about your home.. " They had plenty of time to kill. "Do you have brothers and sisters? Oh! Were you born in a litter?" The last question made her pause, unsure if they may have offended him in some way, she quickly looked apologetic and backed off from the rest of the questions that rolled around in her head. ".. Sorry... I'll let you talk.." Sheepish grin.
Tawnya
Seeing Bea leave her meal unfinished would have left a frown on his face, if he could frown at all. Since he couldn't, he clenched his jaw and stared at her appearing slightly disappointed. Not being one to leave leftovers, he accepted the pot with a nod and gave the stew a few tries, slowly to avoid getting burnt.

"I won't hear complaints if you feel hungry later, alright?" With a faint grunt he settled back, a thoughtful expression on his muzzle as he considered her questions. "Since we're here, and I already told you who, or what, I am... I might as well tell you a bit of the rest." He glanced sideways at her, appearing dubious. "But first, you don't know much about gnolls, do you?" He let out another chuckle and shook his head, raising a hand before she could answer.

"I don't know if you've heard stories, since there aren't many of my kind on this continent." He paused a moment. "As far as I know, at least. But if you've heard stories they'll all say that we're dangerous, vicious, ruthless killers who will hunt and eat about anything, or anyone." He slowly turned to her with a grin. "They're mostly true, of course. It's a well deserved reputation. The clans that worship the Devourer are exactly like that." He resisted the urge to spit and instead drank some more stew directly from the pot.

"We come from the continent to the east of this, and if you land there you'll find plenty of them. Especially in the southern part, the desert, badlands... Life is overall terrible there." He glanced up to the sky briefly, seemingly lost in thought. "Some clans however moved away from those lands several generations ago, and also from the worship of that... Fiend, not sure how else to call it." He turned back to her, then pointed at the pot. "Mine in particular settled on the coast, so we're familiar with fishing."

Taking a breather from his explanation, he idly swirled the little stew left in the pot, then finally continued to address the last questions. "Yes, I have some

Half-siblings. No we're not born in litters... Although most of the time it's in pairs. If you're not attentive enough usually only one survives though, the competition between cubs is naturally extreme." He shrugged, finally settling his gaze back on her. "Anything else?"
Frances
There was still some food left in her bowl, she'd eat it.. Reluctantly, but she'd finish what was left and show him the empty container. See? - her look spoke for her. 

If Bea had heard of Gnolls she probably skimmed over the word in a book somewhere and didn't give it another thought. And let's face it, there aren't very many gnolls in the Fairy tales she read growing up. She shook her head but didn't interrupt while he explain where he was from - that part of the world. The land very foreign to her having grown up in the exact opposite of how he did. Her world had been cold, surrounded by snow covered mountains and forests. 

She looked over at the gnoll and the fur that covered him. "You'd think it would be the other way around. You were born with a warm coat already. You should have been born to the cold, and I should have been in the deserts.." It made sense in her mind. 

"You took a big chance coming to this part of the world, then." Absorbing all his information and could only imaging what sort of treatment he'd gotten by the people he's met but didn't want to go down that road with him right now. They were having a nice afternoon, no need to ruin it by bringing up bad memories. Besides, by the sounds of it she'd be killed by his kind of she went to his homeland, likely for food. 

"Many.." As if she needed to speak her answer but settled on one. "Why did you come to learn magic?" He had told her this before, that's why she borrowed all the books on magic back at the Three Cups.
Tawnya
Letting out another short chuckle, he shook his head and scratched the fur around his neck. "You'd think so, it's strange. I've seen many others with fur shorter than mine, even in my clan. I guess we're leaving behind our badlands roots?" He shrugged, seeming to mull it over. His fur wasn't nearly warm or thick enough to handle the cold he felt in the snow a few weeks back, in fact he dreaded it. It still helped a bit though.

Cleaning the pot of any remaining stew with his tongue, forget manners, he set it back down and looked back at Bea, considering her. "It has been a risk coming here, yes. I didn't think I'd survive the first month, many back home probably think me dead already." He grinned widely, finding the idea amusing. "That will make for a better return one day, no? So far I've been lucky to have avoided most confrontations and met some... Tolerant people. Like you, it seems." He nodded towards her in acknowledgement, the fact that she was still here talking to him was proof enough.

"Maybe one day you'll come visit the continent I'm from? I promise we're not all savages." He paused briefly, narrowing his gaze seeming to doubt his own words. "Fine, most are, but my clan is fine. It took a lot of time and effort to learn common and how to sail, you know?" Another pause, continuing after a few seconds. "Maybe don't come on your own... We'll get back to that one day, yes?" He barked out another chuckle, sounding more mirthful than before.

"There's many more things to learn out here, magic is one of them. Of course we have magic home too, but it's... A strict business. It's the shamans who pass down this knowledge, and chose who to teach." He pulled up a leather half-sleeve to expose some red markings on his fur, looking a mix between glyphs of a strange language and just plain decorations. "They use marks like this one to cast magic, I only copied their patterns just to I could find something similar and learn someplace here." He scooted closer, so she cou

Ld inspect his arm if she wanted to. "So that's why the books and all that. Do you want to learn as well now? Did I infect you with curiosity?" He said with a wide grin, a playful glint in his eyes.
Frances
"I was always curious.." Bea began. "It just never occurred to me to do anything about it. I just figured my life was to be normal.. Get married, have kids.. The usual route." She shrugged, not having dared to have bigger dream, not for REAL anyway. 

Curiously, she looked over his etchings on his arm, "I read a lot about runes and glyphs in the books I borrowed but I'm not sure I have seen these specifically. It may be similar, but just written in your language.. " She honestly didn't know, and was comparing it only from what she had seen in the books. 

"So they didn't choose you, you just copied them? How do you know they don't work?" The young woman was unable to read such things, let alone detect any sort of magic, so she would have to rely on what he knew about it. "Do they spell out magic words?"
Tawnya
"At least you accomplished one of those things, since you're married now." Yet another chuckle and he grinned at the woman, pretending to look around searching for someone, or something, quite up high. "But really, life is lived through dumb, reckless decisions like those." *And aren't we experts about such things.* He shrugged lightly, turning his arm towards him to inspect the markings again. Not that he needed to, he'd learned by memory how to replicate them.

"But returning to the matter at... Hand..." And once again he laughed. "Or arm, anyway, no I wasn't chosen of course, I wouldn't be here otherwise. Let's just say I observed the markings until I memorized them." He idly scratched his arm, as if dealing with an invisible itch. "What they use to make them is likely different though, maybe they add something more to the poultice, ink, dirt... Whatever you want to call it." With a pensive expression he passed a finger over one red line along his bicep. "I don't know what they say, and they're probably not magic at all, at least on me. A good start is to get someone to figure out the meaning, and proceed from there."

Pulling down his sleeve again, he stretched both his arms forward and yawned, his mouth opening wide to display his full set of sharp teeth briefly. "Should we get moving? If I stay here much longer I'll get sleepy, I think. The weather seems nice enough today to allow a nap... And we can't afford it." He suggested without standing up, yet, but the intention seemed to be there. "We can talk and walk, as I'm sure you wouldn't allow a quiet travel, hmm?" He grinned teasingly at Bea, even if he didn't know her for long he figured out that much about her at least.
Frances
"If you didn't KNOW me you might have believed me about having a husband - despite how I look right now. Maybe he's an orc or a giant of some kind, you never know. Some men might like a short girl.." She chuckled, gathering up her items and headed towards the edge of the river, finding a few sturdy rocks to wade out onto so she could kneel down and wash out the stew pot. 

She didn't ask further about his tattoo, although she remembered reading a few things about magic runes or placing tattoos on people, normally chanting words or even prayers while writing them onto the skin. There were a number of different ways.. Perhaps Miller Dale will have a library of some sort where they could find the language or meaning behind the glyphs. 

"You make it sound like I'm annoying.. " She glanced back over her shoulder, facetiously narrowing her eyes. "The silent treatment is far worse.. " Bea warned. "That comes with a lot of snarky under-the-breath comments and dirty looks, and well as rock kicking and stomping of boots." She stood after filling the pot full of water and returned to the small fire, then poured the water over the smoldering remains, then began kicking dirt over it all. 



"Your choice. I'd suggest a happy, chatty Bea."
Tawnya
The gnoll quietly stared at Bea for several seconds that seemed to stretch much longer than that, before finally answering her. "Why would this 'silent treatment' include hushed comments? If you speak you're not silent, so you should be quiet instead. As for the dirty looks, well... Looks like you really, what's the expression... 'Nailed it'?" He motioned towards her with a clawed hand, a grin quickly spreading on his muzzle until he began laughing with honest amusement.

"Sounds like this silent treatment is anything but silent, so I don't see it as a winning strategy. I can teach you to be quiet if you want, but maybe later." He went to gather this things, putting back on his concealing cape and picking up his new backpack and crossbow from the ground. "But seriously, happy chatty Bea is fine. Wouldn't want to start this journey the wrong way, no? Well, more like re-start, but maybe you should forget about the trip that got you out here first."

Straightening his back and stretching his limbs, Chuckles looked around trying to orient himself, figuring out the cardinal points by the sun's position. "Miller Dale is to the east, yes? It would really help to have a map... I don't suppose you..." He glanced hopefully at the waitress turned traveler.
Frances
"It's meant to annoy, not give you peace..." And while she was getting her things ready to go, she pulled out a rolled parchment and gave it a little wave. "Map!" 

"Miller Dale was in my plan.. But we've got a couple days travel and I don't want to get too close to the mountains to the south.. I was told they were dangerous." She also looked up at the sky and tried to gage how much sunlight they had left in the day. They'd get a few miles in if they didn't make too many rest stops. 

Her belongings were safely packed away, her coat over over the pack rather than worn, it was still too hot out to put it on. It'll come in handy at night. Map in hand, she found her bearings and the direction in which they wished to go, then just started walking.. Her steps a lot quicker and small compared to the gnoll's long easy strides.
Tawnya
Falling in beside her, perhaps too close for comfort since he tried to peek at the map as she held it, Chuckles matched her pace and with a curious tone he asked. "Are you sure you know how to read this?" He didn't sound accusatory or mocking, but a hint a doubt creeped into his tone. "I'm pretty sure that unless you sprout wings and fly the rest of the way, we've got much more than a couple of days of walking." He chuckled and shook his head, appearing amused by the thought.

"In fact, I think this might be your last chance to turn back and head home, else you're in for a few weeks' worth of my presence." *And us of hers, apparently.* He sniffed once, looking ahead in the direction they were headed. His ears seemed to twitch and turn, scanning the surrounding noises. "Better adapt to camp life quickly, in that case. I'll try to be... Uh... 'civil', but don't frown if I ditch *Etiquette* At some point, deal?"

Focusing once again on the path ahead, a thought occurred to him and he addressed it before he somehow forgot. "Also, if we meet anyone, don't say I'm a gnoll. Is there, I don't know, some sort of wolf-people thing that would be more accepted around these parts? If not, just make something up and try to be convincing, so we have less trouble, yes?"
Frances
"Alright.. Give or take a couple days." So she wasn't an expert at reading a map - Yet!. It was a learning process and she was determined so 'figure it all out'. 

"Maybe we'll find a ride, or maybe I will sprout wings.. You don't know. Maybe I'm hiding a pair of fae wings under my shirt..." Her eyes narrowed when she peered up at him, one thin eyebrow raised as if she knew something he didn't and then sang a little mysterious sounding tune, her lips turning into a grin. 

"I'm not turning back.. " Repeating herself at the mention of going home again. "Alone, I thought about it. I did. But you're here now.. " As if that was all that was needed to say. As for his etiquette.. "I have four brothers. I changed diapers, put up with snot fights, fart battles, and I try to never think about what they do in the dark alone." She appeared to shiver in the warm sun, then shook to wipe away any disgusting thoughts that formed. 

"There's not much.. " She glanced up at the gnoll, perhaps rethinking her words while imagining him ripping apart some animal with his teeth. ".. Maybe a few things. But I've seen some nasty stuff." 

"I've heard of werewolves and some mixed hybrids. That's what I thought you might have been. So we'll just tell people that if they ask. No sense offering information if we don't need to."
Tawnya
Chuckles looked skeptically at the woman at the mention of her supposed 'hidden fae wings', leaning the closer just enough to look closely at her back. Not that he could see much with all the stuff she was carrying. "You'd better not fly away and leave me behind." He shook his head with a grin and continued onward.

"Well, it's good to see you're convinced at least. Just keep that answer in mind in a few days." He said and chuckled, unable to keep a serious expression at the mention of fart battles. *Unconventional weapons, indeed, but still deadly.* For all he tried to act serious, he was still a male. And males laughed at farts, obviously. "So if there is anything you need on the road, it's fair for you to ask. I owe you that much."

"The less questions asked, the smoother the trip will be. I think your answer will be close enough to convince most casual travelers, at least." He scratched his chin distractedly, looking ahead with a distant expression. "I just want to say that it's not the first time I ask someone to cover for me this way, or to guarantee for me. Well, I appreciate it." He finally turned again to her, nodding almost solemnly.
Frances
Bea gave a little shake of her shoulders when he tried to get a peek at her back then shifted her back away from him and if to keep up the secret ruse. 

"The only thing we'd need is food. And since you're the expert hunter - I'll leave that to you." She'd make sure to watch and learn. "I'm sure more things will be needed as days pass.. " She was happy to have a companion for now and to hear something other than her own voice. 

"Of course I'd cover for you." She glanced up at Chuckles a little concerned for his welfare and curious as to whether someone else had done things scrupulous to him, or worse.. Hunted the gnoll. "I'd never do something like that.. "
Tawnya
"So I guess you do the talking with people while I do the 'talking' with nature, sounds good yes?" He chuckled, stretching his arms forward and then rolling his shoulders. "If we're lucky we won't encounter anything too dangerous. If not, let's hope I hear them before they hear us."

Keeping quiet for a while, he seemed thoughtful until he asked her about his evident doubt. "Would you rather stick to the road or keep a distance from it?" He turned to Bea as if considering her. "Road is more comfortable, but we'll meet more people and possibly bandits. If we stay away, we'll be slower but avoid most people. We're also more likely to get lost... And find animals. That means easy food, unless it's something really dangerous."

The question itself made him halt briefly. "Do you know how to get back to the main road?" He asked with a hint of doubt, looking around they area they were walking. One thing was having a map, another was knowing where you are.
Frances
"What would you do?" She asked back about sticking to the road or not. "We can hear if horses are riding along the road or wagons. I've been avoiding people by myself just because.. " She waved in a gesture to herself, as if that was all that was needed said. She didn't want to die. 

"The map has markers.. " She went a little ways off the road and sat on a fallen tree, long dead from probably when the road was made. Unrolling the parchment she placed it on her lap to run her finger along the trail she's been following. 

"Here is where we were just at.. By the river here. There are the mountains here to the south, we need to stay north of those and head east to get to Miller Dale. I've heard there's a lot of bad things in the hills and was warned to stay out of them." 

Curiously, she glanced up at the gnoll. "You haven't been there have you? Did you see anything? I'd love to see a giant.. From afar.." She chuckled and let him examine the map if he wanted to. 

"If we follow along the river, it's easier to see on the map where we are. Otherwise it's kind of a guess depending on how far we think we've traveled." 

"Once we get to Miller Dale we can get another map to the south, one that's a bit more detailed. This is just most o the north." Bea opened her waterskin and took a drink, the water trickling out empty. "I hope there's no hole in this.. " She dropped her pack and belongings on the ground and headed towards the river's edge to fill it back up.
Tawnya
Reaching out to take her map as she went to refill her waterskin, Chuckles looked closely at it as he followed her. He recognized the general layout on it, remembering what he saw previously on other maps. "I haven't been to those mountains south of here, no... You said giants live there?" He asked curiously without raising his gaze from the piece of parchment. "Probably best to avoid them, I don't think they are friendly to outsiders. Then we would *Both* Be unwelcome."

He scoffed and shook his head, not that he had any plans to go that far out to begin with. Hovering a clawed finger above the map to follow the drawn line of the river, he pictured a possible path in his mind. *Follow the river upstream to the east, when it turns towards it source, proceed instead further east to the mountain pass and reach the coast, then go south.* He slowly nodded in understanding, a grin slowly spreading on his muzzle.

"I'm not sure about roads, but if we follow the river we won't need water at least. We might encounter some travelers who had the same idea though... Have you ever seen animals drink from rivers?" He casually asked, looking over to Bea. "They seem to be at peace, predator and prey, when drinking. It's a strange sight. Maybe the same is true for people?" He chuckled slightly, neatly folding the map and handing it back. "We could do as you say and follow the river, then proceed further east beyond the mountain pass and reach the coast. How does it sound?" As he asked that, he proceeded to refill his waterskin as well, while they were there.
Frances
"I can't believe they'd all be bad..." Speaking of the giants still. "I'd still like to see one.. That and the other things living on the mountains. Supposedly there's goblins and - what are earth elementals? Are they just piles of mud or rocks?" She continued to fill her water skin while looking over at Chuckles with her questions. He could probably tell her curiosity may possibly lead them on a trek through the mountains, even if she didn't speak the words - yet. 

"Following the river sounds like a good idea." She fell quiet after that, glancing down at her reflection in the more still waters at the edge of the river with a small grimace. Once her skin had been filled she capped it off and set to the side. Cupping her hands she dipped them into the water and splashed her face, giving her cheeks a good scrubbing. "You could have told me I had dirt all over my face.." 

Off-handedly she murmured. "... I wonder if the giants could see us from the mountains."
Tawnya
"And not *All* Gnolls are bad, as I hope I'm proving now. Still, if you were to take your chances in our land to find others not bad, you'd likely end up as a tasty snack." He sniffed once, hoping to have made a point. "I wouldn't stand within rock throwing distance from a giant, and they can throw them pretty far I'm sure. What's your fixation with them, looking for a real twenty feet husband?" He looked back at her with a suspicious gaze, standing up after having filled his waterskin.

As he prepared to continue the journey along the river, he grinned and glanced her way with the corner if his eye. "I did say you had perfected your dirty looks, didn't I? I'm sure you wouldn't mind the water at hand for more than just drinking. We're lucky there are no *Hidden-jaws* In these waters. As far as I can tell, anyway." He turned to the river as if to again make sure they were safe, nodding to himself.
Frances
"I didn't plan on getting that close to a giant.. But come on, aren't you a little curious about them? Don't you want to go back home one day and say "I saw giants as big as a three-story house!" 

"Assuming you live in big houses. You may have to explain what that is also.." She grinned, for some reason it entered her mind that they might all live in dens in a cave or something. 

Bea rolled up her sleeves and washed some water over her arms, scrubbing off her skin. The water was cold, causing a growth of goosebumps over the areas the chilled water touched. She tried to run her fingers through the mass of curls on her crown, the didgits getting tangled and stuck when she tried to pull them free.. 

"I'm going to have to hire someone to cut thi— .." 

Her words stopped there, a splash followed instead. What could only be described as a long stick arm wrapped around Bea's wrist and yanked her down under the water. Ripples stirred and made waves in the water which became murky from the mud being kicked up from the bottom.
Tawnya
The gnoll kept looking at the water as she spoke, still wondering if the same large reptiles from his home also dwelled here. "I'm not curious, I'm not sure what seeing a giant would give me. I've seen ogres already, they can't be that much different." *Another needless danger, no doubt.*

As she continued complaining, his round ears twitched sensing something was wrong, just in time for him to turn and look where Bea was just a moment earlier only to notice the splash of water. "Bea?!" He called out in alarm, his right hand instinctively grabbing one of his axes from his belt as he dashed where she disappeared.

He looked where the water seemed more chaotic, trying to see where Bea was and to fish her out with his left hand, the right one kept the axe held up ready to strike down whatever beast had dragged her down. "This better not be a hidden-jaw or she'll be gone already." He hissed, hoping to be still in time.
Frances
From under the water several very smooth, greenish-brown heads pop up, eyes raising almost in unison eerily from the now muddy waters. 

Giant frogs! Three long, sticky tongues shoot from the mouths of the amphibians at the gnolls, one managed to swipe his arm but couldn't get a hold of the limb and was sucked back into the wide opened mouth. 

The other two missed, one flicking just above his head as he leaned to look into the water for the missing waitress, the other just way off the mark. 

Bea had somehow got her feet to floor of the river and pushed herself to break the surface of the water, gasping for air, her hand was in the mouth of the frog attached to that tongue that took her under. Once she got a chance to SEE what was happening and what had a hold of her, she let out a loud scream! 

All together there are four (from what can be seen, maybe more could be under the water). 
Luckily for the young woman, she was a little too big to be eaten in one bite, but it still had a hold of her wrist and wasn't letting go. 

The three others were headed to shore quickly, their legs kicking under the water towards the gnoll!
Tawnya
The gnoll's eyes widened in alarm when the beasts emerged from the water attempting to drag him in as well, his axe coming down just a little too late to sever the sticky tongue that lashed at his arm. Cursing in his native tongue with a snarl, he stepped back from the bank as they approached him to avoid any further attempts to drag him in into a disadvantageous terrain.

As the beasts stepped on solid ground, he narrowed his eyes studying them briefly and testing their defenses by throwing his axe at one of them, aiming for the exposed belly. The bladed weapon whirled in the air and lodged itself in the soft flesh of the giant frog, who shook in pain until the weapon fell on the muddy terrain. *Cut through it like tender meat, little protection against slashing attacks. Axes are not necessary, better use swords for extra maneuver and reach.*

Chuckles unsheathed his sabers with a single motion, the blades with a slightly curved tip looked solid, well refined and definitely not of gnoll craft, more fitting for some rich ship or mercenary captain instead. Letting out a short cackle he dashed forward, anticipating another attack from the frogs, and sure enough two more tongues from the uninjured beasts lashed out towards him. He quickly side-stepped the first one while he seemed to deliberately put his left arm in the way of the second one, at the same time his right saber cut downward at the attacking appendage to sever it completely before it could pull him back.

Another mad cackle and he closed in the distanced between him and the previously injured frog who still seemed undecided if fleeing or continuing the fight. He took the initiative of that decision by lunging with the razor sharp tip of his blade, piercing its torso one more where the axe previously cut. With unnecessary force his arm tore the blade out from the beast sideways, that one was definitely dead. With a predatory grin he set his gaze on the other two beasts, now within his reach and ready to be
Frances
The gnoll would know that hungry look in the reptilians eyes, they were just looking for food, not a fight - however they were determined to have the extra large fuzzy snack that stood at the edge of the river. 

The one closest to Chuckles vaulted up into the air as if to take the gnoll down, using it's weighty slick belly to bounce into the beast, it's long hind legs would try and wrap it's sticky toes around gnoll's arm. 

The other giant frog was quickly making it way out of the water, it's tongue shot out at gnolls left leg but missed! The tongue darted right in between the gnoll's ankles and slapped back into the frogs maws which then presented a loud CROAK, it's throat bubbling up into a large bladder then deflated with the throaty call! 

Bea was in a tangle with the last frog that still hand her arm, up to her elbow, in it's mouth. Her fight or flight was kicked into high gear, and she was trying her best to flee! When she found screams and her boots feet would only dig further into the mud and slip on the bottom of the river, the waitress gained some semblance of sense and started punching at the amphibian! 

"GET OFF OF ME!" She yelled, the frog opening it's mouth as it to take a bite of Bea, but she yanked herself back before it could close it's maw around her shoulder, her wrist, unfortunately, was still being held tightly by the tongue. With her free hand she reached down into the water, digging into the mud with her fingers she grasped onto the first rock she could gather up and brought it down on the frog's head!
Tawnya
Chuckles watched warily the frog as it considered its next move, and as it leaped towards him he grinned and braced himself. *Exposing your belly to the enemy, wrong move.* He thrust both his sabers forward towards the beast as it all but met them belly first, impaling itself on his blades. The weight of it was still enough to knock him down, but as he thrust his blades wide outwards he practically cut the frog in half, a rather gruesome and messy business but then he was quickly on his feet again.

As the last visible foe jumped out of the water to make its move, the gnoll decided he had enough and charged it head first. The giant frog lashed out with its tongue again and this time it grabbed his arm, pulling Chuckles back towards it, but that's exactly where he wanted to go anyway. Preparing to meet the beast with the blade held in his free arm, before he got close to its maw he struck out and pierced its head between the eyes, the remaining momentum making him bodily bash against the frog as they both tumbled in the mud.

It took him a moment to regain his bearings, but soon Chuckles extracted the blade from the last lifeless giant frog and looked around. Breathing heavily with a mad grin and his hackles raised, he took notice of the tree fallen and torn beasts but Bea was still missing. That is, until he focused on her screams and ran towards her. "Hit its eyes, or keep it there and I'll finish it!" He raised his voice, stepping into the water to help her out of that sticky situation.
Kristen
/bea 


While Chuckles dispatched of the two other frogs Bea was still working on the one that refused to let go of her arm! 

She was trying to stay on her feet in the murky water, the frog kept trying to pull her out into the water where it was deeper and was much more adept! 

She had almost forgotten about the gnoll while she was being dragged into the deeper waters when she heard him yell. She immediately took his advice and aimed the rock at the frog's eyes, bashing it first on the nose and then swung herself upwards to reach it's unblinking eye! The orb POPPED and a watery ooze splat out, blood began draining from around the now empty opening! 

The frog was stunned and while it stopped pulling Bea, it still had it's viscid tongue wrapped around her wrist. She bashed it again with the rock but couldn't reach the other eye. It was another hit to the nose, which caused it to try and jump backwards - it's tongue stretched out like a umbilical cord between Bea and the amphibian, keeping them connected!
Tawnya
Assessing the scene to find the best wat to act, the gnoll paused briefly. *The easiest move would be to sever the tongue and pull her back. The optimal way would be to finish off the last one so it's not a future threat.* Sheathing his left saber, he already made up his mind as he sprinted towards the edge of the water. Leaping in the air at the last moment, he descended on the last giant frog with his blade held downward and used both hands to drive it into the beast's head.

A large splash of water followed as he fell into the river beside the most likely dead assailant, but soon he reappeared above the surface to tear away his blade and reach for Bea with his free hand. He didn't say a word as he attempted to pull up the panicking woman under his arm and bring her back to shore, only then he'd put her back on her feet. Still breathing heavily from the adrenaline rush of the fight, he looked around to make sure there were no other foes waiting to ambush.

"That was unexpected, are you alright?" He finally asked once reasonably sure the fight was really over. Despite the impromptu bath, he still had some rather gross frog remains stuck on his leathers and parts of his fur. At that moment he looked like the part of a savage fighter, uncaring about his appearance but only about the results, and said results splattered and torn around the river bank where rather telling.
Frances
Bea was still thrashing the giant frog with the rock as Chuckles leaped over her and the amphibian, the blade cracked easily through the skull of the frog and slid through the grey matter that made up the small brain. It shuddered, it's tongue that still held the waitress tenced, now almost pushing her away before it all went limp, the frog slipping into the cold cloudy water. A bubble popped the surface of the river before the current dragged the corpse away. 

Maybe it was shock or she was simply still trying to comprehend what was happening when the gnoll stood her on her feet, hand still clutching the rock as if for dear life - luckily for Chuckles she had stopped trying to hit anything. 

She stood on land dripping, breathing heavily and staring up at the gnoll, her normally bronzed skin now pale and devoid of color. Her legs wavered under the heavy weight of wet clothing and her mop of hair was plastered to her head and down her back. 

It took a few moments, and likely felt even longer, before Bea finally looked from the gnoll and to the waters. "Is it dead?" And then saw the three other giant frogs that lay lifeless on the ground nearby. "Why would the Gods make things like this!?"
Tawnya
The gnoll looked around as if to confirm that the frogs were indeed dead. He'd be surprised if they weren't, given the state of a couple of them. "Very much dead, yes. I'm not sure what your gods have to do with them, but the Hunter allowed me to grant them a swift end." He finally took a long satisfied breath, seeming to relax a little now that the danger seemed to be gone.

Seeming at a loss for what to do next, he simply stared at the river in contemplation. "You didn't know about those things? I'm sure you'd have heard of them, we're still pretty close to your home aren't we?" He asked distractedly, his mind seemingly focused on something else. *Now we know the river isn't as safe as we thought. Perhaps it would be best to rethink our course.* Sighing lightly, he turned back to Bea and looked her up and down to ensure she was still in one piece. Something he probably should've done earlier.

As soaked as they both were, it probably wasn't ideal to get back on the move, but perhaps it wasn't wise to remain either. Soon scavengers or predators might sniff out the free meal left on the bank and come get a bite. "Maybe we should get some distance from the river and start another fire, yes?"
Frances
"No, I didn't know.. I have never seen these - i mean not this big.. Tiny, yes.. But who knew? Why are they this big? Do the giants eat them? What the hell?" She was rambling and obviously just as surprised, probably way more surprised, that such things existed - oh and it almost ATE her. And yes, she cussed too. 

She was definitely rethinking the whole 'I'd like to see a giant' talk. As to where they were going to travel now, the road was looking better and better - bandits or not. 

As far as Chuckles could see, the waitress appeared unharmed physically, her mental state was in question. She was shivering from the cold water and the afternoon was growing late. "Let's just get moving, away from these.. Things." Her eyes glanced down at the dead frogs that the gnoll had sliced up, blood and innards being soaked into the dirt. Flies had already started gathering on the feast left for them. Soon the buzzards and other scavengers will be entering the area for their fill. 

Bea dropped the rock she had been still holding and went to gather her belongings from where she left them, now thankful for that heavy coat that she wrapped around her, though she remained shivering. Unconsciously, she rubbed at the wrist that the frog had grabbed her on, it was red but didn't look broken or anything. It was likely she just remembered the gross touch from the sticky tongue.. 

Again. "Let's just go..."
Tawnya
The gnoll nodded in agreement and picked up his backpack, ready to get moving and leave that shore behind. While he normally didn't mind being wet, having lived by the coast and on the sea for most of his life, walking around with wet leather was very much uncomfortable for him. Still he endured it, dripping water all the way as they began walking the opposite direction of the river. Hopefully they'll find the main road in that direction, eventually.

He occasionally glanced towards Bea with a hint of concern in his expression, appearing unsure on what to do. *Perhaps some manner of comfort could help.* Sniffing once, he said with a low tone. "Cheer up, we survived. That will make for an interesting story, yes?" He placed his left hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Soon we'll get a nice fire going and dry the cold out, have a bite and sleep it off." Having said that he tried to pull her closer to him. Not too close though, else he'd wet her cloak too, and it looked like she didn't need that.

Looking around warily after a fair bit of walking, his ears turned in the direction of any noise around. It would get dark soon, not that it made any difference for him, but it was probably best to not travel at night when only he could see. Appearing satisfied by the lack of suspicious sounds or scents in the air, he remained on the lookout for potential good spots to rest for the evening. "How far do you think the main road is? Maybe we should stop here and continue tomorrow." He asked distractedly, his eyes focused on a small clearing ahead who looked ideal for a camp.
Frances
Bea answered Chuckles by dropping her belongings there where she stood. ".. Perfect spot." She was tired, wet disheartened by the attack. Her feet both hurt and had swollen while walking around in the soaking wet boots, the sound of them sloshing around were a constant reminder of how miserable she felt. 

She had appreciated the gnoll's attempts at consolation, she had even given him a meager smile at his trying. "A story.. Yes.. " She gave his words some thought as then wandered on, both seemed rather lost when they reached that clearing. 

"So, you'd be the hero of that story." She finally responded out of no where. "You did kill them all.. We should have taken some sort of souvenir to show when you go back home. Do they have overgrown frogs there?" 

She dropped to the ground, so relieved to get off her feet and kick off her boots. She looked around at the area, making sure they had a safe distance from the river, and not too far in the thicker parts of the forest. Her drenched socks soon followed the boots, her poor feet were wrinkled and red. She wrapped her hands around her right foot, sighing as the warmth traveled through her fingers and palms into the sad shriveled limb. 

They'll need sticks, a rope.. Something to hang the wet clothing on to dry it out. "I'm just going to sit here a few moments, then I'll help with the fire.. "
Tawnya
Seeing how Bea had decided he likely had enough for the day, Chuckles shrugged and also dropped his heavy backpack on the ground near her, followed soon by his crossbow and cape. "Never before have I been called a hero, how curious." He chuckled and shook his head, proceeding then to stretch his back. The previous fight sure helped reactivate his body and instincts, he felt more alive than he'd been in the last... Few days.

"I can't say I've ever seen such things... Frogs, were they? Our waters have small ones, venomous but small." He made a rather disgusted sound and continued. "You should be more concerned by the hidden-jaws. Very large lizards, hiding just below the water ready to bite and drag down any animal going to drink. They have similar tactics, now that I think about it."

Looking around the small clearing, he inspected the ground and made a dissatisfied grunt. "No wood here, I'll go fetch some nearby and be back, yes?" He told her and squatted near his things. "I'll load the crossbow for you in case something approaches, just point and pull the small lever-thing under it." He loaded his weapon with a bolt taken from a small quiver at his side, then left it next to Bea. "Just make sure it's not me you're aiming at." Despite how heavy it looked, it was still a weapon designed for human hands. He reckoned she could lift it just fine. Better than being unarmed anyway.

"I won't be long, take a break." He then stood back up and, still dripping, headed where the trees were more dense, still within sight if she squinted. At least as long as there was some light left. There he began gathering some proper wood to start a fire, as well as fallen leaves and a few long branches. Fortunately he had his axes to help with the task.
Frances
Looking over the crossbow before picking it up and testing out the weight, Bea nodded. "I'll be fine.. " 

She held the crossbow in her lap for a some time while Chuckles went to gathered wood for a fire, but sitting there just made her paranoid. She kept looking over her shoulder - and maybe she should be scared - but she had to shake off this feeling otherwise she'll drive herself crazy. 

She set the crossbow down and opened her pack while remaining on the ground removing the extra shirt she brought with her as well as socks. She was letting her feet dry out before putting anything on them. 

Bea sat up on her knees and peered off to where Chuckles had wandered off, making sure he was out of sight, she crawled behind a tree and quickly switched her clothing for the dry shirt, the wet garments were draped over a branch as a make-shift clothesline. She used the blanket she brought as a skirt, wrapping it around her waist and knotting the edges to keep it in place. Her boots were turned upside-down and placed on two sticks she stabbed into the ground so they'd drip-dry. 

Despite being almost eaten, she looked cleaner. The road had been washed from her bronzed skin, her hair was still a brown curly mop but it had a little more shine than earlier. She placed her coat on the ground and rested ntil the gnoll returned with wood for the fire.
Tawnya
It took a while for the gnoll to return, holding in his arms a good bunch of branches and cut wood, as well as a layer of fallen leaves on top. He made his way in the middle of the clearing and unceremoniously dropped everything on the ground. Only then he looked around to find Bea looking slightly different than before, making him briefly squint and tilt his head in confusion, but ultimately dismissing the change with a shrug.

"Nice clothes." He idly commented with a grin, leaning down to pick up the two longer branches he carried over. They looked straight enough and already cleared from other side branches with visible cutting marks. Grabbing one of his axes, he hacked away a small 'V' shaped piece from the top of both, then planted them on the ground at some distance from one another. 

Next, he looked for two large enough rocks, grabbed a rope from his backpack and tied one end around one of them. He put the rock down a few feet away from the first planted branch, set the rope on top of it so it was lodged in the V shaped cut he previously made, and then did the same for the second branch as well. Tying another knot on the second rock he placed at the opposite end of the second branch, he looked at the final result. The rope was in perfect tension as it passed from rock to branch to branch to rock, he folded his arms and admired his handiwork with a wide satisfied grin. "I would make a great engi-niir, don't you think?"

Testing the new and improved clothesline, he took off and hanged his heavy cape, leather vest and arm wraps. His clothes were still dripping, not to mention the fur they uncovered as he stripped. But other than his spotted brown fur, he also revealed the strange red tribal markings drawn along his arms and part of his chest. Only when he unbuckled and tossed aside the belt holding his many weapons, and was about to take off his leather trousers too, he remembered he wasn't alone and suddenly stopped.

Glancing at Bea with wide red eyes, hoping

That she was otherwise busy to notice his faux pas, he cleared his throat and motioned to the rope where he hanged his clothes. "Feel free to use this too..."
Frances
Tired and sore, Bea just laid there and watched the gnoll hang his wet clothing and armor. "That's a better idea.. Can make the fire closer to dry everything." She nodded to his offer and if she did notice his oversight - she would not be so rude to make him feel bad. He'd been nothing but respectful, and even cautious, about his words and actions since shed met him. 

It took her a try or two to get back to her feet and shuffled over to where her clothes were hanging on the tree and gathered them up, shambled back to his drying line and draped the clothing over them. She left her boots where they had been, hanging from the sticks. 

"I have some berries and seeds I've gathered along the way.. " She didn't see either of them offering to go kill some food at this point, so she was digging out what rations she had been able to gather on her way through the world by herself. 

Sitting back down on her coat that was on the ground, she grabbed a pouch from her pack and opened it. A few of the berries had gotten mushed, but they were still edible - kind of. Her hand came out of the cloth bag purple and dripped with juice and pieces of the fruit. 

"I probably should have left the bag on my belt.." But rather than waste it, she licked her fingers.. Seemed to shrug .. And then ate some more of the berry and seed mash. 

"Do you want some?" She seemed a little more back to herself, chuckling quietly as she offered to pour him a handful of fruity goop.
Tawnya
Chuckles looked skeptically at the offered berry mush-thing, unconsciously leaning away from the hand with a small grimace. "Not unless I'm starving... But thanks." Focusing his attention elsewhere, he stood up to gather some stones to set up a campfire. It didn't take long to make a small circle of them in proximity of the hanged clothes, then he put some wood and fallen leaves in the middle and went to work to start a fire using flint and tinder he produced from his backpack.

"If you want I have some dried meat in my bag, got it from a trader on the road. We'll save the bear flank for another time, yes?" As he said that, he rapidly struck the flint on the metal piece to rain sparks on the pile of fallen leaves and dried grass, and soon he had a small fire going. Satisfied with his work, once again, he grabbed his bedroll tied to the bottom of his backpack and laid it down near the fire. Just as he sat on it, enjoying the first waves of warmth from the flames, he watched the last rays of light die down.

"I'd say we made it just in time, huh? Not that the dark bothers me too much..." He let out a satisfied sigh, distending his arms towards the fire. Finally he could dry his fur, which right now looked almost glued to him in a slightly comical way that felt rather uncomfortable. Although the way it clung to him outlined the real shape of the toned body underneath. *Unprompted baths, not an experience to repeat anytime soon.* He grunted in approval for no apparent reason.

"So, having second thoughts already? Still want to see the giants?" He asked and turned to her, rubbing his clawed hands together. "Or was this enough adventure for a while?" His tone was playful, a grin still splitting his muzzle. As if remembering something, he then dug into his backpack and fished out a piece of folded cloth containing several strips of dried meat. He took one, and offered another to Bea.
Kristen
Going through her pack while the gnoll warmed himself, she finally found what she was looking for. A comb! "I knew I bought one.. " Speaking to herself. 

She extended her legs so her feet were near the fire to warm them, not yet having pulled her socks on. The flames felt so good, she just sighed contentedly and soaked up the warmth for now. 

"Oh, yes.. Thank you!" She didn't want to admit she was hungry, even after finishing the berry and seed medley, her fingers still stained a berry reddish-blue-violet. She took the offered dried meat and tore off a bite with her teeth. "I hope we get the Miller Dale soon.. I anticipated eating off the land and all that, but in all honestly - it's not very filling." And chuckled. "We will feast on cake!" 

While chewing and chewing, and chewing.. Jerky is chewy, she combed out bits of matted hair, trying to smooth out the tangles that have formed over the days of traveling. As night crept over the sky, she'd get closer and closer to the light of the fire. More for the heat than the darkness. The moon was rather bright and lit up the stars above. 

She glanced over at Chuckles as he asked her again about going home. "I'm starting to think you don't want me around. Yes, we have a fallback.. We got attacked .. But that's not going to change my mind. We will go back to the river and fish again. I'm not letting a couple frogs scare me away.." Hmph! That's how she felt about that.
Tawnya
The gnoll glanced sideways at her, then blew air out of his nose, which was the equivalent of an eye roll in his body language. To let the message through though, he *Also* Rolled his eyes. *Communication is key.* "We're still a long way to Miller Dale, you're not gonna ask how far are we every day, are you?" He stared at her for a few long seconds, evaluating her to consider if that was beyond her or not. *I hope it is.*

"And let's not mention cake until we're very close to our destination, else we only get hungrier." He idly licked his lips as he turned his gaze to the fore. *And now we're doing it too.* Shaking his head, he continued. "And if I didn't want you around I would have left you to that thing earlier, no?" He barked out a short chuckle, then motioned towards her with an open hand. "Yet you're still here, dry, warm, fed... Apparently still in one piece, too!" Grinning widely, he concluded. "But I wanted to make sure, now that you got a real taste of outdoor life."

He offered her another piece of jerky before putting the rest back into his backpack. His fur felt a bit drier already, but still damp in some places, so he turned around on his bedroll to dry his back as well. His blood red markings on his arms seemed to shiny slightly in the light produced by the fire, a stark contrast against the rest of his natural colour.

"We got lucky back there, but that won't stop us, yes? Next time we'll be more careful. Maybe also take some frog piece for dinner..." He added that last part with a lower tone, as if speaking mostly to himself. Reaching for the belt he left next to the bedroll, he unsheathed one of his swords and began idly cleaning it on the nearby grass to remove the dried blood and stuff from the blade. "You don't regret leaving? I thought you might miss your family. Maybe even they would miss you, who knows. That inn back in town felt really cozy..."
Frances
"I might ask you every five minutes - I may wake you up and ask you when we'll get to Miller Dale. I may beat you there.." Bea chuckled, knowing he was teasing her. 

"I wasn't asking how long, just what I want to do when we do get there. I just need to get my mind off food.. " She took another bite of the dried beef then accepted the extra piece he offered. 

She corrected him. "... Partially dry." Her hair would take a while to dry out - not as long as his fur - but those curls were heavy and thick. 

"I miss my mom, sure.. And my brothers and sisters, but.. " Bea shrugged, unsure how to explain how she felt without sounding heartless or spoiled." I needed to be out, away from them. Even if only for a while.. If I stayed I'd either be stuck in a marriage I didn't want, or worse.. " 

"She said she understood.. Or maybe she thought I would chicken out and not go, or else run back when I was getting homesick. Who knows?" She got her water skin and took a few swallows of water, washing down the dried meat. 

"I wish I had a better reason for leaving other than 'i just wanted to'" She grinned, making a gesture towards his tattoos. "Maybe I'll find something new about myself along the way.."
Tawnya
"You sure talk about marriage a lot, don't you? Is it such an important thing?" He asked, reaching behind his back with a clawed hand to scratch a spot of damp fur. "And, well, honestly 'I just wanted to' is a perfectly fine reason to leave, and I'm not saying it just because it's also why I left my home. Definitely not." He sniffed once, maintaining a serious expression for just about a couple of seconds before laughing.

"And I'm pretty sure you already found something new about yourself today. You don't like frogs." He closed his eyes nodded sagely, he really did have a dangerous poker face if he could keep from laughing at his own words. He failed again and chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "The road is long enough that you'll have plenty of time to learn new things, about yourself or not. Depends on what you want to focus on, I suppose I could teach you a few things too if you wanted, yes?"

The gnoll leaned back on his elbows, getting his back closer to the fire and soaking in the warmth. His eyes idly scanned the small clearing, and sometimes the sky as well. The stars were shining brightly, only occasionally being covered by a stray cloud. All things considered it was a pretty night, if a bit chilly. "It's strange how no matter how far from home, the stars always look the same..." He muttered in a low tone, almost to himself but the lack of other noises made it clear to hear nonetheless.
Frances
Bea's head tilted when she thought about his question. Did she talk about marriage? She'd make a point not to mention it again, as it was something she avoided anyway. "You're right.. I will only talk about things we need to do." 

She grinned as he laughed at his own little jests. The gnoll hadn't been this talkative before, perhaps he felt out of his element back in town, and he was more comfortable out in the wilds. She laughed along with him, even if he teased her. Luckily she learned not to take herself overly seriously and how to take a joke. 

"It never hurts to learn new things." She canted her head at his offer to learn more about surviving in the forests and whatever else he show her. Bea chewed more of the jerky he had given her, her brown eyes drifting from him to the sky above, hearing him put his thoughts into words. She formed a little smile, nodding to his expression. "It does look like home.. " 

 Not wanting the fire to die down too soon, she placed a few more pieces of wood that Chuckles had piled up onto the flames then tried to get comfortable. She used her pack as a pillow and wrapped her heavy coat around her shoulders, then laid down on the ground, as close as the blaze would allow without burning herself. 

She finally finished the jerky and while curling up on her side to face the fire, she innocently asked. ".. Are we there yet?"
Tawnya
The gnoll let out a quiet sigh and shook his head, turning then to look at Bea with a neutral expression. "Yes, we're there already." He grinned lightly and stood up, grabbing a bunch of dried leaves. He walked in a wide circle around the camp and spread the leaves on the ground, going then to look for more to continue until he completed the round as if doing some mystical ritual. "There, just in case something or someone tries to sneak on us tonight. Crunchy leaves to alert us. Or me, at least." He dusted off his hands and looked around, nodding satisfied. *Better than nothing, at least.*

With that done, he returned to his bedroll and sat down, placing his crossbow next to it. "For the most time I always traveled alone... But it's nice to have someone else along. Not just because there's safety in numbers, as your saying goes, but having someone else to talk to, no?" He said as he glanced back to her. "Besides, if we're attacked, they might find you as a better first target and give me time to react." He let out a hyaenish laughter, a wide grin on his muzzle. He was joking, probably.

He patted his chest and arms tentatively to figure out how much he had dried, finding his fur still a bit damp in places but much more comfortable than he was earlier. Maybe a few more minutes by the fire. Reaching for his discarded belt he unsheathed a small dagger, then rummaged briefly in his backpack and took out what seemed to be an unfinished carving of some sort. "So what do you expect from this travel? Anything in particular you'd like to learn?" He idly asked, scratching the fur under his neck before returning his attention to the wooden piece, bringing the knife closer to continue the carving.
Frances
She watched him with the leaves curiously, then as he explained, she nodded in understanding. "That's a good idea. I'm not sure how much sleep I'll get after today's excitement.." She finished her words with a yawn she tried to hide behind her hand. 

"I'll trip you." She chuckled, retorting words for his comments. "They'd come for your hide rather than my skin. " She grinned and waved her hand over his fuzzy chest and back. "No one will make money off me.." 

Sleep or not, she's going to be sore from the fight with the frog over her arm. Bea sat up again and fished around in her bag for the books she brought with her, and quickly started going through them. "There's some roots that are good for aches and pains.. Some flowers also... " She hummed as she tried to recall if they had passed any of these plants and herbs already. Some of them looked so much like any other weed. 

"Well.. " She started. "I'd like to learn about these plants. I know a good bit of the ones you can eat. But there's a whole section on medicines as well. Do you think they teach alchemy?" Duh, of course they did. She felt silly even asking such an obvious question. "Maybe I'll get into something like that. You'll need someone to heal you when that big foot gets stuck in your mouth." 

She glanced up from her book with a large shit-eating grin.
Tawnya
The gnoll stopped carving the piece of wood and slowly turned his head to Bea with a deadpan expression. "It's physically impossible to get my paw stuck in my mouth, how would I even do that?" He glanced briefly at his leg with an appraising look. "I'd have to cut it off first, but then it would probably be too late to heal it." He shook his head and grinned, turning back to her. "But I appreciate the thought of healing me should I need it, this 'alchemy' is something like cooking isn't it?" He focused again on his carving activity, hand moving the knife with deft motions. "You'd get a head start at it, no?"

As if remembering something, he raised again his head and turned once again to Bea. "Oh and speaking of skinning and hides, not mine this time, if you're cold come closer and I'll share this one." He said as he reached for the rich rolled pelt strapped on top of his backpack, brown and warm looking that belonged to a large bear no doubt. He unfurled it and draped it over his shoulders with room to spare, letting out an approving grunt at the warm addition. "It's not so freezing anymore, but I'm still not used to this... Climate."

Once again he returned his attention to the wooden piece he wanted to carve, but he seemed lost as to what he was doing with it after the last interruption. "And bring the book, maybe I've seen some of the herbs around. 'Medicine' is to make you feel better, yes? We'll see tomorrow if we can do something about it if you're hurt... Not much to do about it now." He said as he brought the wood closer to his muzzle to inspect it, nodding once he found where he left off and resumed the cutting and carving process.
Frances
There was a single nod to his question on alchemy, having read about it in a few of the many books she had borrowed from their library when Chuckles had come to town. "Mhm. You use different herbs, plants, natural ingredients to make.. Unnatural? Magic is natural, isn't it? The way I read it, it comes from the land.. Everything living. Including the sun, moon.. Everything.." She looked around for a few long moments, not having given it all much thought before until just now. That it all was all some form of magic. 

The offering to share the bear hide was inviting. It would get colder as the night went on, and even though she grew up in a much colder atmosphere, she wasn't going to turn down a fur blanket. 

Bea brought her coat to sit on as well as the books she was looking through and sat down next to the gnoll, her skin feeling the light brush of his fur against her. A little shiver tickled it's way up her spine, the feel of his pelt was warm from the fire - or maybe it was just his body temperature. She rolled her shoulders slightly and gave her neck a turn to the side, as if trying to shrug away the tingle. 

"I'll be fine .. We can look around for the flowers and stuff tomorrow.. " She opened the book on her lap and found the section on medicines again, lifting the manual so they both could read it.
Tawnya
One of the gnoll's ears twitched and turned to Bea as she had her epiphany about the nature of magic, making him raise his gaze and listen quietly with a faint grin. *Quite the interesting conclusion.* With a slow nod he waited for her to move closer, then as she sat next to him he casually moved his arm around her so that the bear pelt worn around his shoulders covered her as well. Getting comfortable again, he considered resuming his carving activity but since his arm now circled around her waist it wasn't particularly comfortable to do.

"You at least seem to have the right... What's the word... Aptitude for this kind of stuff. That thought there was rather interesting." He once again nodded his approval, then lowered his gaze to the book to take a good look at the plants depicted. "We'll keep our eyes open if we see some along the way, yes? I think some of those look familiar..." *They should be useful anyway, maybe even valuable.* "It's not good to travel if you're not feeling too well, even if sometimes necessary. You'll feel better tomorrow, you'll see."

Trying for the umpteenth time to make some progress with his carving, accidentally causing his arm to pull her closer as he stretched it, he quietly asked her. "Would you mind reading me about those herbs? It could be useful. If you're not tired, that is." *Or uncomfortable in this position.* He turned his head curiously towards her if only for a moment, then focused again on what a closer glance appeared to be a small block of wood with a vaguely animal shape. It at least seemed to have four legs. It was still a long way to go to be a proper sculpture.
Frances
"I like to think I'm able to create potions, healing or otherwise, but.. " She shrugged, her silence indicated she wasn't as confident in herself as he may be. In all honesty, she wasn't sure what she wanted to do. When she had borrowed the books before and read something new, that's what she wanted to do. Right now it was medicines, healing.. Last month it was flying and shapeshifting. Before THAT it was becoming invisible or enchanting people. 

For now, she would settle for the herbs and other plants she and the gnoll may need in the coming days. 

She answered Chuckles with a little nod when he asked her to read, and started quietly reciting the written words. 

"Small white blooms that grow normally in fields such as prairies are call Bonesets, their tiny flowers can be crushed and boiled into teas and oils for fevers and what are you making?" 

She kept watching while he whittled away, her curiosity getting the better of her, distracting her from the book. Her eyes were getting tired anyway.. 
Bea curled her legs up, the blanket she was using for a skirt was tucked in around her waist and made sure she was covered where she needed to be covered. The warmth emanating from him drew her in, leaning against him and trying to figure out which animal he was whittling.
Tawnya
Listening quietly to Bea's reading for him, it took Chuckles a few seconds to realize she had stopped and instead asked him a question, at which he turned his head down to her. "Huh? What am I making?" Another second of processing and then he finally figured it out, with a grin he held the small but relatively bulky piece of wood. "It's a bear!"

It took a lot of fantasy to call it a bear at that point, so far it looked like a fat animal with four legs one could easily mistake it for a dog overfed by some old woman. He saw one such before. Not that he was envious right then, having to ration the food, there was really nothing to be envious about.

He'd been busy engraving some details on one of its legs, tiny claws and all. "I had never seen a bear before coming here, you know? I don't think they live anywhere close to my home." He leaned his head closer to the work-in-progress statuette. "That way I have something to show what I saw when I return. Make stories more interesting, no?" 

He stared at his work a little bit longer with a hint of longing in his crimson eyes, then he sniffed once and snapped out of it. Turning his attention back to Bea, he appraised her and asked. "Are you tired? If you want to lie down I can stop. It has been a... Busy day." He reached for his belt and re-sheathed the knife, using then his free hand to idly rub her shoulder. He didn't appear to mind at all the way she leaned against him, warmth was a two way exchange after all, and she'd been nothing but helpful since she met her.
Frances
"Oooohhh... " She could see the bear now taking shape as he carved the piece of wood, nodding. "It looked like a camel with the big hump there.." She grinned and reached over to motion to the area he hadn't gotten to shaving down yet. 

"I think that's a good idea. You'll have to make a frog next..." She chuckled and closed the book up, she was tired, her eyes were tired, her mind was tired. She would just end up reading it all again tomorrow when she needed to search for the plants needed. No reason to try and read now when her brain couldn't retain any further information tonight. 

"I have seen a few bears, yes.. Lots of them living up in the woods and forests near home. We've had them come into town many times looking for food, especially little ones that lost a mother to hunters.. The poor things haven't been taught to feed themselves..." Her words ended in a long yawn, she tried to cover it, but and sat up a little as if she was fine. Nope, she's awake.. 

 He'd feel her weight leaning back at his side again after a few moments of silence. She gave up the fight and dozed her head had fallen against his furry ribcage under his arm. It wasn't long before all her muscles relaxed and she was draped against the gnoll.
Tawnya
The gnoll looked skeptically at the wood as she pointed out how it looked like some other animal he thought he already heard of, or at least it didn't sound new to him. "It's a bear... I guess I could do a frog next." He said with a sniff, feeling like his skill had been somewhat slighted. Not that he was actually good at it, it was just a pastime.

He was about to put his work-in-progress back into his backpack when he witnessed her descent into rest mode, phase by phase. First the mumbling, then the denial, then at last the surrender. It was rather amusing, but that left him in the position of having to be careful about every movement.

It reminded him of one time when he saw an old woman in a tavern with one of those cat creatures asleep on her lap, and how she didn't want to stand up to avoid disturbing its sleep. He found the idea baffling, and now he was in a similar predicament. The irony amused him but he obviously wouldn't tell her how he accidentally compared her to some sort of pet.

He moved carefully when he tossed the remaining wood on the fire, stowed the statuette away and dusted off his bedroll. He slowly rubbed her shoulder and whispered. "Time to sleep, yes?" And then it was about the hardest part, not disturbing the pet- *PeRson* As he laid down on his side and pulled her in front of him, one arm draped over her and the bear pelt as a large blanket.

He wouldn't sleep yet, remaining alert a while longer instead as his ears scanned every sound around, but it was still a cozy moment.
Frances
Bea stirred as she was disturbed and removed gently from gnoll's side and visibly shivered once the cold touched her skin, only settling again when she was covered with the pelt and Chuckle's arm. 

The night left them undisturbed for the most part. Chuckles would likely hear the nocturnal animals passing through the woods nearby, owls and other avians flew overhead in search of prey. The fire drew in several curious cayotes but the gnoll's scent kept them from wandering too near. 

Bea slept through it all. How the young woman made it as far as she did by herself was a miracle. Maybe she just got lucky. She barely moved most of the night, but every so often she would mumble a word or chuckle in her sleep.. She absently slapped at her leg, but it was probably just a bug crawling on her and she'd soon fall motionless again. Despite what had happened earlier, she didn't seem to be having any bad dreams of the attack. 

The fire was now just a pile of hot, smoldering coals that could easily be stirred into a roaring blaze again if the proper wood was fed to it. 

The birds were singing before the sun made it above the horizon. She sounded as if she was growing irritable while she lay there still, as if she didn't want to wake. "... Sssshhh!" 
Perhaps she forgot where she was. 
It was still dark but the rays of the sun were lighting the sky to the east. She rolled over and pulled the bear pelt over her head, yanking a good portion from off the gnoll. She felt his arm that had kept her safe and warm through the night, the heaviness of the limb was distinct and while she should have been more uncomfortable in their close quarters under the bear pelt, she simply felt protected. Facing him now, her eyes flickered and then blinked open. 

"Could you turn the sun off? I need another hour to sleep.."
Tawnya
Despite the apparently quiet night, Chuckles still woke up and raised his head to check whatever noise got too close for comfort, the long time he spent traveling alone gave him the habit of a light sleep. Useful most of the time, except when the noises came from right beside him, more than once he opened one eye to figure what was up with Bea. Eventually he just managed to tune her out, even if her sleep-talk was amusing at first.

He already came close to losing the woman to giant frogs of all things, if something were to happen to her at night it would be unfortunate, so much for him being a good guide. And so the night passed with him spending it in half sleep, but the warm presence was at least appreciated. Despite their 'reputation' gnolls were still sociable beings, usually only with their own kind though.

That same warm presence became much less welcome the moment the bear pelt was yanked from him. He let out an annoyed low growl and quickly repossessed the blanket, but a cold chill still creeped up his spine from the momentary exposition to the morning air. With a great yawn that stretched his jaws open wide, he peered around with half open red eyes and settled his gaze on Bea.

"If I knew how to do that I wouldn't need any magic school thing..." He answered blearily before settling back down with a deep breath. He didn't need any invitation to keep resting, he was already lazy enough. "But steal the pelt again and I'll toss you out." He snorted and enjoyed the lingering warmth of the pelt while considering what to do that morning. He certainly didn't appear to make the first move to get up.
Frances
Yesterday had been stressful and had a few ups and downs. Reconnecting with the gnoll and then being attacked. Normally she was a morning person, one of those upbeat, get moving, cheerful people that others would get quickly irritated with. To be honest, she was usually this way all day. Today she was the other people. 

She had laid on her sore arm most of the night, and now that she had rolled onto her other side, she could feel the swelling, and when she moved her hand to grab at the pelt Chuckles had stolen back, she winced. Her wrist was red and it went all the way up her arm, under the sleeve of her shirt. She stretched out her fingers and tried to turn her hand to get a feel for the stiffness of her wrist. It was red and purple, but there had been no broken skin. 

She just made a face and scooted herself closer to the gnoll until she could feel the fur on his chest then let her eyes close again, blocking the slowly rising sun. 

"If you knew magic you could have created a bed, blankets, fireplace.. Food." One eye peeked open. "Cake." It closed again quickly and she drew a grin on her lips. 
Bea tried her best to look indignant about his threat and looked about to threaten him back - but with what? "I.. I'll... " She looked over at him and tried to think of something that would really bug him. He was used to being outside in the wilderness.. What could possibly bother him. 
"I'll cover you in tree sap. That's hard for furless people - imagine what it would do to you.."
Tawnya
The gnoll grunted in annoyance, first the thought of food making him hungry and then the rather empty thread of tree sap of all things. Not that it stopped him from enjoying the remaining time to rest he got, there were few things that could. "You won't do anything like that, just be thankful you get to share the pelt." He answered, peering down at her as she got closer. He noticed her wince and figured she must be feeling the strain from the previous day, he couldn't fault her that. He slowly moved an arm behind her back and sniffed once, forget about boundaries or anything of the sort.

"How are you feeling now? Should we get up and find some of those herbs you mentioned last night?" He asked as he failed to stifle another yawn, his bleary eyes looked around again before he laid down his head. "Might as well look for a snack to start the day. Breakfast, was it? With so many annoying birds there should be at least some nests I'm sure." And that was something worth getting up for right now, her fault for making him think about food.

He afforded a glance towards the clothes and leather they hanged to dry the previous night, wondering if they were finally dry enough to wear comfortably or if the morning's humidity had a say in that. *Still better than drenched clothing.* He sighed, resigned to the prospect of abandoning the warm bear pelt and eventually getting up and clothed again. "Just let me know when you want to get up, I'll fetch your clothes..." A silver lining as they called it, the harshest decision of the morning was now out of his hands and he could remain still a while longer, guilt free. He was truly a master at manipulating his own mind. *Lazy as usual.*
Kristen
/bea She did her best to look worried about being shoved aside from the warm bear skin, but had the feeling he'd never be that cruel - unless she did something to actually hurt the gnoll. 

"You're going to be a bully now, are ya? Just push the girl around and leave her out in the cold. Heartless, Chuckles... Just heartless.." She 'tssked' with her tongue as if scolding him but then chuckled herself. The arm in question was at her side, and it did hurt. It was bruised and swollen, and while she could move it, and did wiggle her fingers a bit, she choose not to move it much more. 

"It's not broken or anything. It'll just be sore for a few days but it still works." She did give her shoulder a roll on that side, a slow stretch to test it out and see what sort of motion she'll have with it. 

She followed his gave with her own eyes to where the clothing had been hung by the fire. They were wrinkled and well worn down - his more than hers - but looked dry except for a thin layer of mist that hung in the air. The sun would soon evaporate the dampness from the air and a few pieces of wood on the fire would take care of their clothing - again. 

It looked as if neither of them cared to move. There was still a chill in the early morning air and she was comfortable - except for her arm. 

"How about if I go throw some wood on the fire and you get the waterskins and some more jerky from your pack.. And meet right back here?"
Tawnya
The gnoll grumbled something, his disappointment vibrating through his chest. "Heartless you say, when you're so close you could heart the heart beating yourself." He answered and sniffed heavily, but then let out a sigh and shook his head. "Just don't strain the arm, but don't use it as an excuse to not pull your weight either." As much as he was comfortable under the second pelt, considering his own too, he decided it was about time to get out from under it, if only briefly. A very sad event.

Even though his backpack was well within arm's reach, he stretched all his limbs one more time and rolled out of the bedroll, then pulled the bear pelt above Bea's head. "Stay there, I'll get the fire but don't get used to it. And don't expect to have 'breakfast' every day." With that said he did fetch a couple of jerky pieces and after a second of consideration he decided not to toss them at the woman, offering them instead. Checking her belongings he also offered her waterskin, then got to work to fetch some more wood to restart the fire.

As a cold shiver run down his spine, he regretted not putting on his remaining clothes but he didn't particularly care to get his fur humid again. Hurrying with his task he returned after a few minutes to revive the fire, shivering slightly until the first licks of flame began spreading their warmth. The sun was just beginning to rise and shed more light to the calm clearing, it looked like a nice start for the day as far as he was concerned. Sitting back down on the bear pelt, and mercifully minding not to sit on Bea or touching her arm, he took a deep breath and got himself some jerky to eat too. "I have to say I miss that little oven thing you had in the rooms back there."
Frances
"I can get the wood.. " But Chuckles was already on his feet and then sat up when the water skin was handed to her using her good arm. 

"No breakfast? I can't imagine you doing anything without breakfast.. " Examining her other arm under the new days sun, trying to make a fist with swollen fingers. She managed to open the pouch and drink some water, then set it to the side and pick up the book they were looking over last night. If she was lucky, she could find some of the flowers she needed nearby. 

"Don't get me started on things from home that I miss. The list is as long as the day.. I did bring tea leaves so I can make some hot tea .. In a bit.." She would kill for a cup of the hot drink now, but she was easily swayed to remain by the warmth of the bear pelt.. And the gnoll's. 

She gave a nod of thanks for the jerky, biting into a strip and tearing off a bite to chew. "Maybe if we pretend this is steak.. Or.. Filet of elk. Oh, Lamb.. It'll start tasting like it." But it was dry. The light seasoning and smokiness helped.. A little.. To give it some flavor. But it was always washed down with a swallow of water. 

"Waffles would be really good right now." She recalled what he said about gathering some eggs and started to look up and into the trees, unsure if there would be any. Normally birds didn't lay eggs this time of year, not wild ones anyway. 

"We'll keep an eye out for something.. " She leaned on him while she looked over at the fire that regained it's strength after it had been fed more wood and ate the jerky they shared.
Tawnya
Chuckles sighed lightly and closed his eyes as she went on and on listing foods, making his stomach grumble in protest. "You're not really helping, it's already hard getting up as it is without adding more reasons to be grumpy." He said while scratching his forehead, eyes half closed. "I remember telling you something like that back in town, having three meals a day was a luxury I didn't want to get used to. When you're on the road, you can hardly afford such." He motioned towards the fire, waving a stick of jerky before biting it. "If you have to find food every day it's already a waste of time, without even considering your need to cook it."

With a large bite he finished his meager morning meal, then looked east in the direction of the rising sun. "If we want to reach Miller Dale faster we have to renounce something, or we can take it easy and be there in a few months. A few months on the road, living like we did yesterday. Is the trade-off worth it?" He asked her with a skeptical glance, he was the first one who didn't fancy repeating the previous day. Still, he felt like he'd been perhaps too direct to expose the facts, so he placed a large clawed hand on her shoulder rubbing it slowly.

"It doesn't mean we can't take it easy every once in a while, your arm needs tending after all so let's see to that first, yes?" He looked down at her with a playful grin, continuing. "Just don't expect to be spoiled any more than you already are, 'princess'. Breakfast and a fire? You're already pushing your luck." He barked out a chuckle, something he felt like he hadn't done in a while. "You're just lucky I found you out there when I did, but I can at least leave to you if you want to take it easy today. So, you tell me." He nodded, patting her shoulder.
Frances
She agreed with Chuckles, talking about all the delicious mouth-watering foods that were aplenty back home was not helping them look forward to the day where they were now. She sighed, nodding and relented speaking about things they couldn't have any further. 

"You're right. I thought it might be easier than it really is when I set off. But it sucks.." That's probably one of the few times Bea has ever made this exclamation. Miss Cheerful and Upbeat was out of her element and she was learning this the hard way.. Or rather.. The hungry way. At least she was lucky enough to have the gnoll with her - show her how life in the wilds and on their own could survive. 

"I can't eat meat raw.. My stomach isn't made for this. I've learned what foods I can eat plant-wise so I'll make sure to get plenty as we walk to Miller Dale. 

"We'll finish this lovely pre-breakfast, I'll start some tea as soon we the clothes dry then I'll go find some of those flowers." 

"I'm if a princess - what does that make you?" She grinned "Prince Chuckles..?" She gave him a playful nudging with her elbow causing her to lean in against him. She felt better, if not physically - at least mentally. She was determined again to make sure she (they) made it to the city. For now she stayed warm snuggled at the gnolls side, under the bear pelt. 

"We'll start as soon as it warms up a little more."