Marshall had come far from the west traveling for little more purpose than to help others in need. Though Marshall was never truly known by anyone excluding those who had been with him at the college, he had gained a little fame for himself from his fellow classmates as a knowledgeable physician, skilled alchemist, fantastic cook, but mostly as the finest homemade brewer if he had the equipment on hand. Marshall often spent his time with potions but once in a while he liked to cook a meal or go to the dinning hall kitchen in the college and assist the cooks in brewing a great barrel of whatever they had been requested to make. Hard alcohol was restricted. However Marshall had a bit of a rebellious side in him and made various types for a few friends in exchange for a generous amount of gold. But in all seriousness, his alchemy was of top skill. Each recipe he ever learned was known by heart. This had included poisons of course. Though he rarely made them. But what had truly defined him? What had he done that everyone in the college knew his name? What was his defining trait that was above his skills in alchemy, cooking, brewing, or treating? Well...he was clumsy. As some would say, he wasn't the most graceful of creatures. But he was very kind, admirable, and persevering from his mistakes.

Marshall had been resting in town inside an inn. He had just finished his morning routine and started eating so he had strength for the road. It was quiet in the mornings. Not many would come inn for drinking since it was working hours. However there was an occasional visitor that would come in for some food. One such man had come in. Marshall had first noticed the wound on his arm that was poorly wrapped. The inn keeper greeted him, and he greeted back.

"Good morning Mr. Portsmouth."

"Ah, Good morning, Mr. Baleck. The usual?"

Mr. Baleck nodded and applied pressure on his wound. "Yes please. And a wash cloth and hot water. It's getting worse since last week."

The inn keeper eyed it with a wince. "Mr. Baleck, perhaps you should take into consideration of seeing a physician. Or maybe a healer in the temples?"

"Both charge expensive fees," replied Mr Baleck. "My family can not afford either."

The inn keeper brought both and Marshall just stared. It sounded like another patient to him. He finished his food as the man still tried to tend his wound. Marshall sat next to him and removed his leather gauntlets and gloves. "Let me see it."

"I'm sorry, sir?" Asked the man.

Marshall gave him a smile. "It's alright, I am a physician."

"Oh, I see." Said the man uncomfortably. He reluctantly held out his wrist.

Marshall looked it over and hummed solemnly and looked back up. "This should not have waited. It's infected. What happened?" Marshall took off his bag and laid it out as the man started to explain.

"Well, I work in the lumber mill not far from here. I was caught by the blade. It wasn't deep, but the bleeding was hard to control. It got better after a while, but... it started looking like this at the same time."

Marshall nodded in understanding and finished his set up. The counter they had been sitting at became a small alchemy lab. Marshall took a few bottles from the belt across his chest and from his waist as well as a few from his satchel and began his work. He requested some water from the inn keeper and the whole inn watched in fascination as Marshall worked. He mixed and crushed ingredient. Put liquids through a alembic and mixed it those. His measurement were precise. But all the while kept asking questions about his wound. Finally Marshall had finished. His work turned into a powder. "Here we are." He put it in a bottle and shook it. Once it satisfied him he took a pouch from the back of his waist belt and slid it forward in front of him. He unlatched it from his belt and placed it in the counter then laid it out. Inside was a strange instrument that had never been seen before. It looked like a vial with a stick in it almost. But it was metal. There were various sizes as well as different pointed metal barbs.

"What is that for?" Asked the man.

"This is a revolution in medicine," Marshall replied. "It's called an 'injection'."

"'Injection?' What is that?" The man asked, even more puzzled.

Marshall picked a medium sized instrument and a small barb. "It's for the medicine. This particular instrument is called a syringe. This tip is called a needle. Like that of a sewing needle. This will only slightly penetrate your skin and enter your blood stream. From there the medicine I have made for you will work quickly and the results immediate."

"Penetrate my skin? You going to... stab me?" Asked the Mr Baleck.

"Not even, sir," Marshall chuckled. "I would give this to you by mouth but it would work too slowly and you could make it worse between then and now. Then the medicine would be worthless."

"Will this...hurt?" Baleck shuffled uncomfortably as he kept his arm still.

"This only hurts if I penetrate too far. I have done this many times and never failed this. You are in good hands, sir." Marshall assures. He took the mans arm and tapped it a few times. "I am just looking for a good vessel. The arms is the best."

The man shifted uncomfortably and swallowed hard as Marshall continued. Marshall frowned a favorable spot and took the instrument then slowly inserted it. Baleck tensed and shut his eyes tightly and Mr Portsmouth winced. They continued to watch as the potion Marshall had made mixed with Baleck's blood. Once Marshall had finished, he took a rag from one of his pouches and smiled. "There. Let's see that wound now."

The three watched as the wounds began to heal and shrink. The arm looked as if it had not been harmed. "Amazing!" Baleck examined his arm carefully. "I have never seen a potion work so quickly!"

Marshall cleaned his instrument and chuckled. "That is because it's always been taken orally. If the potion is taken through the blood stream it is much faster and absorbed by the body quickly. It also makes up for lack of stronger healing potions or potions for fatigue or battle. Though it would be highly advised to use injections only when time permits. I hope you will be able to return to work soon."

"I will thanks to you. Thank you so much," Baleck stood and shook his hand.

Marshall nodded and finished packing his equipment. "I bid you both good day then. Thank you for the meal. And good luck to you sir." Marshall stepped out of the inn and took a deep breath. "I should inventory my supplies soon. I think I am running low." He looked at some of the bottles attached to the various belts and shook a few to get a good estimate. "Well, a quick stop then." Marshall took time to stock up on ingredients then left for his journey north to the mountains. Unlike most who liked to travel by horse, Marshall traveled on foot. He often took half a lifetime to travel far distances since he stopped to examine plants and bugs. His extensive knowledge was able to create many potions through those he could collect. Some required different maturities. So he would grab a full bloomed flower there, a forming leaf here, and maybe just part of the root of a plant there. Then he would try and catch an insect he recognized to be quite essential to a certain portion he would be excited to make. Eventually, after many days of walking and collecting, he had reached the base of the Jinx Mountains. In the next coming day he would cling the mountain and see to the village there. It was said that that village lacked any healer of sorts with the exclusion of a shaman. It was cold that night. Even the base of the mountains became frigid. Marshall had built a warm fire and set up his tent. He had a very small cooking pot that he used to make all sorts of things. Today it was making a stew. It was nearly done now. Marshall stirred the pot and stared at the flame. His mind had raced with ideas and anticipations on what he may face in the mountains.

"It's cold there...I might find some inflicted with frostbite...maybe some will have fevers too. I should ensure I have some medicine for the..." a twig snapped. He gasped and looked around. The night was silent except a few creatures of night that whispered to each other in the wind. Marshall hummed and relaxed. "I thought I heard something but... I suppose not." Another snapped. He stood at the ready with his hand in his long sword. "No, I did hear something." He looked around but could not see what had lurked behind him. "Hello? Is there someone there? Do you need something? If...you need treatment I can help...or..."

"Treatment?" Asked a voice behind him.

Marshall jumped and drew his blade but the one behind him had already had an edge over him with their bow drawn and ready to strike him. Marshall tried regaining his breath from the scare.

"I'm sorry, I did not mean to scare you," Said the bow wielded. "How about we put out weapons down and talk...peacefully." By the sounds of it the bowman was a female. Her fur and hood gave away that she was someone from the mountains.

Marshall's blade slowly returned to its sheath. "I do think that would be in our...best interest." The blade was fully sheathed and Marshall offered a seat across from him beside the fire. "Please...sit."

The huntress slowly took her seat and continued to stare at him. The fire revealed only part of the huntress's face. She was pale. It wasn't sickly but it was obvious she had spent all her time in the mountain. "If I may, I'd like some if your food. I haven't eaten anything for at least three days."

"Of course, what kind of host does not feed his guests?" Marshall smiled. He made a bowl for himself and then for her. To make things less tense for her, he took the first bite after s good long whiff and sigh of content. "This is my favorite stew. A bit of rabbit meat, potatoes, carrots, some spices mixed in and only a touch of rock salt. It makes for a fine meal." He took a bite and hummed satisfied with his work. "Please, eat. Don't be shy."

She hesitantly smelled the stew with trembling hands. She must have been cold or so hungry she had to contain herself from eating so desperately. By the look of what he could see if her she was hypnotized by the smell of his stew. She took a bite and the she lost herself. She started eating quickly and meaning in the same satisfaction Marshall had. Needless to say, Marshall was complimented by it. He smiled and dig into his bag to take some bread he had blacked for the journey. He broke it in half and gave her the larger portion. She swiped it almost rudely and indulged herself. Marshall concentrated less on his food and more on this poor thing before him. She was so starved she barely gave herself time to breath. Finally she caught him staring and stopped. She slowed her chewing and brought the stew to her lap looking down in shame.

"...I-I... Thank you... I was just so hungry I... I'm sorry." She sighed and slowed her eating.

"No need to apologize," Marshall assures. "You must have come a long way down the mountains. What brings you here? We're the conditions to harsh this season? What happened that you have not eaten for so long?"

She became reluctant again. She stared at the stew on her lap and the bred on her left hand. The huntress had not answered for some time.

"My lady?" He asked getting her attention once more. He gave her a look of concern to show he cared. If he needed to help, he would.

"It's my grandmother." The huntress looked almost disappointed in herself.

"You grandmother? Is she sick?" He asked.

"No, far more than that. She is deathly ill. If she does not get treated soon she may not survive. The shaman cannot heal her and medicine I the mountains is very high. Anything to stop her ailment are either along the lines of expensive or...not even in stock. I...I'm trying to find help."

Marshall looked Down at the fire. He remembered when his family had died. All of them had died from something. His father from an infection, mother from terminal illness, Grandfather from an avoidable sickness, and grandmother from the same illness as his mother. His brother had died from a terrible injury and his sister died from the cold because he was unable to help the both of them when they hade become all that was left. He was alone in the streets but refused to give up. With his determination never to let another person feel the way he had, he raised enough money to enter the college. He had to fast a few meals and even go without a place to love, but eventually he had worked up enough and here he was. Fulfilling his dream.

"I had a family once. A father, a mother, even grandparents. I also had a brother and a sister. I lost all of them to things a healer could have done for them but..."

She looked up at him. "You lost them? I...I'm sorry...It must have been hard."

Marshall shrugged. "At first. Eventually I had found a place of strength and moved on but...The pain did not leave without a scar. That day on...I vowed to never let another person live the way I had." She scanned him up and down. She had a look of hope in her left eye, the only one he could see. "I can go with you and see your grandmother." He extended a hand. "Marshall, I am a physician and alchemist. A pleasure to meet you, my lady."

She smiled and removed her hood. She was indeed a pale skinned figure, but also a brown barred and blue eyed one. She was quite fair in the eyes of Marshall but in a way many would not find her looks to be an acquired taste. She extended her hand and said confidently, "Everest, I am a huntress in the mountains. I live in the village of Jerl. I am glad to meet you."

Marshall smiled as they shook and stood to his feet. "Well, tomorrow will be a long journey I imagine. If we are to make it in a day, we will have to be at our full strength. Finish eating and get some rest. Do you have a tent?"

"I can make shelter," she replied confidently. She wore a pose that told Marshall she was proud of her skills.

Still he shook his head. "No time, you'd best share my tent. The morning will come early and your building will take too long. There's space, don't worry."

Everest thought about this the replied, "Very well. Thank you again."

Despite what he had said the night was long for Marshall. In some way he had regretted ever offering to share his tent with her. She had fallen asleep faster and he dared to look once at her. Now he could not pull away. She breathed softly and hugged herself on her bedroll and fur cloak. He tried so hard to sleep but she was so distracting. It was as if her image gave him energy to remain awake. With great effort, Marshall finally looked away at the roof of his tent.

"To think I know an salve to rid myself of this restlessness and yet I haven't one ingredient with me. Note time in that manner." Marshall sighed and closed his eyes. He thought about the girl beside him and, before he knew it, fell asleep.

In the morning, Marshall was woken up by hands shaking him gently. He stirred and looked up at her as she whispered. "Marshall? Marshall. Marshall, it's time to get up. My grandmother is waiting."

Marshall groaned and sat up. The temptation to lay back down was strong. He had taken too much time thinking of her last night than he had sleeping. Now he was paying for it. "What time is it?"

"Nearly dawn." She whispered. "The sun's light isn't yet in sight. We need to hurry if we are to get up the mountain in a single day."

"Yes... of course," Marshall sighed. "I had trouble sleeping last night."

Everest blushed. Marshall noticed but the way he could interpret was she was embarrassed. "Was I...snoring again?"

"Snoring?" Marshall chuckled.

"I snore usually. I sleep on my side to avoid it. Was I on my back last night?" She asked. She thought to herself a while as Marshall stared.

"I don't recall, no. I was nearly deep in thought. Too much to worry about in a night." Marshall slide out of his bedroll. "I have many patients my mind tends to wander through each of them in hopes they have still kept to their medicine I've left for them. I'm hoping to return to them and see them recovered."

Everest crossed her arms. "You as caring as you promised. At least, assuming you are not lying to me."

Marshall laughed as he rolled his bedroll. "Hah! Nonsense. If I lied to anyone I wouldn't be credible as a physician then more so to be a conman. Help me with my fire and I'll collapse the tent. That way we can take off."

Everest nodded, "Very good. Be hasty."

She exited to tent and took the light source, being a lamp, with her. Marshall followed her out. She was already despising if the ashes and charcoal. Marshall got to work on the tent and packed it up. They finished around the same time and left the camp sight. Everest was leading the way. Along the journey, the two spoke about each other. Everest had told Marshall about her family and about her grandmother's illness. Marshall in turn mostly talked about his education since she was so curious. He taught her a few easily made remedies for everyday needs when living on a mountain. He had continued to ask about her family. Though the trip was tough the conversations they had made the climb easier. It took their minds off the pain and chill in their muscles and bones. Near the end of the day, just after dusk's eve, they could see the lamps and lodges of the small village. Jerl was not quite small enough to be called a village in some accounts, but it was not big enough to be called a town, most definitely. There were a few streets and alley ways but none were private enough to be like a town.

The streets, if not covered in snow, were made of cobblestone from below the mountain. Street lamps hung over to guide travelers and villagers at night or during thick snow. Tonight was clear though and the sky had many colors. The houses were all one or two stories high but not very wide. They were all made of stone and wood with some glass windows. Everest's home was one of the smaller buildings. She unlocked the door with her key and let Marshall in first.

"Everest?" A woman asked as she was stirring a fire. "Everest!"

The woman came to Everest and hugged her. "I am back mother. I found a physician who can help us."

"Everest, my dear, you know we can't lay much." She said sadly.

"I know mother, but he's willing to help. He won't charge much." Everest assured. She looked back at him. "You won't, yes?"

Marshall smiled. "I'm sure I said that this was not for a charge, Everest. Madam, I believe in pay by results. I will ask for nothing."

"Fraida, who are you talking to?" Asked a man. He walked into the living room with them and widened his eyes. "Bless my soul, Everest. Why...is that you?" He quickly came tocher side to hug her. "My dear girl...it is good to see you again. You've been gone for so long."

Everest shook her head as she pulled back enough to look at her father. "No, not too long I think four suns is quite short to a week like I promised."

"Aye, there's no arguing that," he agreed. "Now, who is this with you?"

"He's a physician, Sven," answered Fraida, "he said he would see your mother for free."

Sven widened his eyes and looked at Marshall. "My god, is that true?"

"Yes, but of course," Marshall nodded. "I'm sure it will be beneficial to both of us to see you mother well again. Come now, don't waist time, let me see her."

"Of course, right this way." Sven motioned. "Ana, Sebastian, a physician is here to see grandmother. Get him what he needs so he may help her."

"Yes, papa," both of them replied.

"I'll need some warm water and a dry towel. I want to wash my hands before I begin." Marshall said.

They left to the stove and got what he requested. Marshall dipped his hands in warm water and wiped them with the towel. He had been examining the old lady barely staring back at him. He felt like he knew what it was just by the sight her. He had to be sure. He felt her head and checked her arm with his fingers. He also checked her eyes and her mouth then and made his decision. "I thought so. It's just the flue. She's hot and a tad weak. Her throat looks sore if her grimaced swallow doesn't give it away. Has she eaten much?"

"Some soup once a day. She refuses to eat any more than once a day." Answered Everest. "I've had to hunt for the past year since my percents and to take care of her. We've not had much money since."

"Yes, sickness effects us all, even if we remain unafflicted." Marshall hummed to himself. He shook his head. "This isn't good. But on the bright side, I have come just in time. If we were another day away, Everest, you would not have come back on the same terms as today. She would have been dead."

Everest turned pale. Fraida covered her mouth and Sven gripped her comfortingly. "Can you cure her?"

"But of course. It won't take long. But I cannot waist time. She may. It be able to swallow it. I will have to inject it."

"Inject?" Everest Asked. It was the first she had heard of this term.

"I mean, I will use a sharp point to pass her skin and insert the potion into her body that way. She will have to take it through her bloodstream to get the fastest result. I will have to aim carefully."

"You will stab her?" Asked Fraida.

"Not actually," Marshall replied laying out his alchemy set. "I call it pricking. It will not hurt. She may feel slight discomfort, if anything at all. Worry not, my dear friends, she is in good hands. I have yet to fail this treatment." Marshall's words assured the family. They watched as he fiddled with his ingredients. He used a mortar and pestle to make them into powder and distilled some fluids from a created through an alembic. He mixed both with bottle over a flame and then added a few more things through different processes. Some ingredients were crushed and grinned, others were simply added, and a few were distilled or boiled for a time. Finally, his product was done and he fit it into a bottle. He pulled his pouch from behind him to the front of his side and detached it from his belt. Inside was his instrument and barbs. He selected his appropriate sizes and drew up the medicine.

Marshall felt the arm for a favorable injection site and comforted the old woman. "You May feel a small pinch, miss. It won't hurt, I promise." Marshall slowly moved into position then poked through the skin. He took a piece of cloth as he injected and pit it just above his sight. When the tube was finished. He pulled out and placed the cloth in place then secured it by tying it in place. "There, just a few seconds should do." He cleaned his instrument and took it apart then began cleaning his gear.

Everest sat next to her grandmother and held her hand. "Grandmother?" She leaned in and examined for the poor load lady to move. Finally she began to stir.

Marshall was still putting things away when he heard a soft moan behind him. Everest gasped and hugged the old woman as she greeted the girl in front of her. He could nit hear it but he tell she was recovering rapidly. He smiled and finished packing.

"Grandmother, you are well again!" Everest exclaimed.

"Of course I am, dear. You put me in good hands, didn't you?" The old woman touched her cold hands to Everest's cheek. "It would be a shame if he left so soon."

Marshall froze as he was nearly to the door. He turned as the family looked at him. He cleared his throat. "My work here is done. I have to go south now. I am needed there."

"You won't at least let us say thank you?" Smiled the old woman.

Marshall cleared his throat again as he relaxed. He didn't know whether he should reply or put his things down. Sven answered for him. "Yes, please, stay a moment, sir. It would be cruel of us to let you go at this time. You would surly catch your death!"

"And after you have done so much for us," added Fraida. "Please, just for a night, sir."

Marshall watched as the old woman whispered to Everest. She smiled shyly and looked at Marshall. He was still unsure of whether or not he should stay...but if he could remember correctly, he had run out of warming potions just a few hours ago. He ran out of the right ingredients too. He would be a fool to leave. Marshall sighed as he placed his bag down. "I suppose. If I'm not too much trouble."

Sven laughed and pat his back. "Of course not, healer! How could you be?"

Marshall missteped as the passed the table and brought the water bowl he used to clean his hands down over his head. The children laughed as did Fraida, Everest, and the old woman but the older were more stifled. Sven glared at the children and they stopped laughing. Marshall lifted the bowl out of his vision and looked up at Sven with a nervous chuckle. "I...have a reputation that not only includes my skillsI'm afraid."

Sven smiled and chuckled at Marshall. "All the more to make you memorable, my friend. Come this way, you will get cold as wet as you are now." Marshall was set by the fire and helped with his armor and equipment. They were hung to dry and Sven gave him an extra shirt and trousers from his bag to change into. They enjoyed dinner together and Marshall spent time brewing a few potions to amuse the two younger children. Everest had hovered close and grabbed some extra words from him when she could. Her grandmother had immediately started knitting again and moved around the house to regain her strength.

As the night made itself more apparent and dark took over the mountain, Marshall had been given extra blankets and pillows to rest on. He stepped on the bear rug that was in front of the fire. The children and parents slept down stairs. Everest slept near her grandmother on the rug Marshall was on usually, but tonight she slept with the children on their fur rug. Marshall was still late up at night his back against a chair and writing in a journal. He could hear the wood creak as someone was climbing the stairs. Marshall looked towards their direction and Everest was there, covering her body with a blanket.

"You are not sleeping?" She asked.

Marshall closed his journal and replied, "No, not yet. I'm just recording a few things is all. Can't seem to find it in me to rest yet." He scanned her up and down from her bare feet to her undone hair. What he wouldn't give to see what she hid under that blanket she wore over her shoulders. But he dinked himself the pleasure of wondering.

"It is late, you should rest, Marshall." She moved closer. So she could stand on the wood floor of rather than the stone.

"I will, I promise," He nodded with a smile. "Don't worry, Everest, I will rest soon. But why are you up and... so underdressed? Are you not cold?"

She blushed and chuckled softly. "I am cold, yes...I came to warm by the fire. I did not think you would still be up."

"Oh, I see," Marshall chuckled, "Please, don't let me stop you, warm yourself." He moved so she could have the fire to herself and he was sitting on the other side of the rug, near the head of the bear. She slowly made her way to the fire and sat on the warm fur rug. He continued to write in hopes of ignoring her. He looked up and the blanket was lazily sitting behind her, her nightgown slipping off her shoulder. She brushed her long hair and allowed the fire to silhouette her figure. The lighting was just enough for him to see her cool, pale skin her hair was draped over her other shoulder. "It is as if she is trying to tempt me," he whispered to himself.

"I used to sleep here, you know?" She said filling the silent.

Well now it was absolute to him, she was. "Robbed you of it did I?" He chuckled nervously.

"No, it's fine. I was willing to give it up. You had done so much for me, it is the least I could do...but I suppose that is why I hade come up as well."

"O-oh?" Marshall stuttered. He could feel his heart racing and throat run dry. He put his journal away, it no longer helping him now.

"I...just wanted to do more for you. She turned and faced him. If he was trying to hid anything it was too late. She had seen his face and his nervousness was apparent.

"Ah, well, I require noting in return for my services, really. I do this because I wish to, not for profit or gain, certainly not..."

Everest smiled and moved closer. "Not...not what?"

He swallowed hard before answering, "P-pleasure."

Everest giggled and moved closer still. "Yet...you have not rejected it when it had come, yes? Have you ever been pleased by a woman before?"

"N-no," he replied blushing ever more fierce.

"A boy?"

Marshall shook his head, "Not at all!"

She gave another smile as she closed in. "I'm glad." Then closed in and touched his lips to hers.

His mind raced as a tingle shot up his spine and his eyes widened. He had never felt such contact from a girl, or boy on that matter, ever! Though it felt uncomfortable at first, he couldn't help but ease into it and adjust so he could enjoy it as much as she. She had her hands on his chest and he brought his hands to her shoulders as they deepened their kiss. Marshall had closed his eyes long ago. Everest began to unbutton his shirt as she let her gown drop lower and lower down her body.

Soon she parted and whispered, "Please, allow me to thank you this way. Specially, only for you." Marshall was unsure about her commitment, but he couldn't resist it. He slowed them to continue. "Let me return the kindness you had given me down the mountain." His shirt fell to the ground and they quietly centered themselves as Everest brought a blanket to cover them. "Let me share my bed with you..."

Marshall woke up with a startle and looked around him. He sighed and placed a hand over his forehead. He had fallen asleep as he was recording. He looked at his journal and found he had already finished his last passage. He put the book away and layer himself down all the while thinking of his dream. "You fool, to dream such a way as if you could be so privileged. You chose this life...now live with it's regrets."

He sighed again as he settled himself comfortably on the rug. Then he felt a warm hand slip over his chest and a head rest on his shoulders. "Are you so sure you must live alone that you consider your first bedding little more than a dream?"

Marshall turned red and froze. He didn't recall what had happened between her coming up and him suddenly waking up now. But somehow, he had managed to get between those points and manage to make it seem as if it were a dream...even if he didn't remember the rest of it.

"You talk rather sober for a man who had consumed two pints of bear with my father." She jested as she kissed his cheek. That would explain it. He was drunk and still somewhat aware enough to write and remain unslurred of speech.

"Two pints?" He asked her unsure what else to say.

"Mm hmm," She hummed with another kiss. She giggled as he looked away embarrassed of what he had now been stuck into. "Would you like to go again?"

Marshall couldn't fathoms the thought. Especially with her grandmother so close...he was drunk the first time but now? Now his shame was a companion to him...but she was so beautiful... "Would you be as quiet as you were the first?"

Everest giggled and sat up a little, just enough to look him in the eyes. "I have mastered the art of quiet, oh lover mine." She hovered close and kissed his caller bone. She must have found out how sensitive he was the first time. "How else would it be that I prowl so well against my pray?" He faced her and she lifted a hand to brush a small hair from his forehead. "Would you like to see?"

He was silent a moment. He couldn't help but stare at her and her beautiful, lust-filled smile. But, finally, he replied, "Yes, I would like that."

X X X

Morning had come and Marshall had risen early so he could leave just in time for the storm to settle and begin trekking down the mountain. "It was very kind of you to allow me to stay last night." Marshall bowed, "I will not forget the kindness you have given me. More the...hospitality." He quickly glanced at Everest.

"It was no trouble at all, friend." Sven laughed. "Please, remember us when you return to the mountain, will you? We would be honored to shelter you again."

"Yes, do come back," Everest smiled as she erected from leaning on her bow. "I...we would love to be of any assistance we can."

Marshall smiled brightly, "I will have to take you up on that offer some day." Marshall shook Sven's hand. "Good bye, my friend. And be well, all of you. I do not wish to learn you have become sick when I mad too far away from you."

"We will do well to be healthy, friend," Sven Sid letting go of Marshall's hand. "Good luck and may the Maker guid you."

"Thank you," Marshall stepped back and looked at Everest. They shared a stare then he nodded, "Goodbye," and left without another word. Marshall tried nit to look back at the family but he couldn't help but see her one last time. He turned and Everest, alone, was watching leave. She waved and he returned it. Then he turned around, this time leaving the mountain for the south. He had caught word of an old patient in need of help down south at the capital city. It was best not to keep them waiting. Time was never in the side of the physician.