Red could smell the fabulous aromas drifting into the tavern proper from the kitchen. Didn't smell like roast hippo? "What manner of treat does MMario have for us this year?" she thought. "Last year's hippo lasted until Easter..."

She watched from her booth as the shy blonde creature struck up with the barbarians and the monkey danced to their fife and drum. She also saw the handsome dreadnoughted stranger use the revelry as an excuse to quietly tuck a small piece of paper emblazoned with 'Clean Bill of Health' in between the branches of the tree.