"Your party has been on the road from the trade fair for several days. The path has wound through mountain passes and thick evergreen forests. It was cold when you started out, but now a sudden snowfall has blocked the highest pass – which is the one you're planning on using. It's getting colder, and you're beginning to think that maybe a warm sandy beach somewhere would have been a better destination…"

Peter rolled his eyes, amused at the gentle jab that he knew wasn't serious, and looked over at Ned, who grinned. They all recognized the scenario Tony was drawing on for the campaign they were going to be doing.

Stark winked at the boy, and glanced down at the notes he had written, which were hidden behind a cardboard barrier that he was doing his DMing behind, before continuing.

"Suddenly the smell of wood smoke wafts through early evening air, even through the steadily building snow fall and you notice a side road off to your right. A small road that seems to lead off into an even thicker area of forest. Your party stops to confer. Keep going? Or see if you can find shelter along the unknown path?"

He looked at the group, expectantly, and everyone but Elmer understood that they were supposed to decide what to do next – just as if they were actually the group of travelers in Tony's story. Immediately Ned started going over the pros and the cons of both, haggling with Natasha, whose character was on horseback and didn't care how deep the snow was. Since her character was a rogue and not as kind hearted as a Paladin it was well within the character to not be concerned about the rest of the party, beyond making sure they made it because there was safety in numbers.

Stark watched the entire group allow themselves to get into the role play game, and watched as Ned reminded Elmer that his fighter was supposed to be blunt spoken so it was okay to say what he was thinking – and to scowl. Eventually the group made the choice he'd expected – especially with reckless teenagers playing – and they took the small road rather than stay on the beaten path.

What followed was a long story, filled with perils and tribulations of all sorts. Bandits – which the large group handled with only minimal injuries. There was also a pack of mutant direcats that killed Clint's character – only to have a lucky roll from Bruce's druid heal him and a cabin that looked like an innocent sanctuary but turned out to be a magical trap designed by a trio of evil sorcerers bent on trapping travelers and using their life forces to keep themselves young and powerful.

Strange rolled his eyes at that – especially the descriptions that Stark gave the wizards who all seemed to look like him – but he had to admit that the sorcerers were powerful and dangerous and it was a pretty good portrayal of what kind of power that they could bring to bear down on the unsuspecting group. Stark was in his element, creativity and mayhem and led the story along, giving everyone a chance to participate – and only Clint's character had died by the time the story was completed with a furious battle between the sorcerers and the group of fighters, druids, archer, wizard, rangers and paladin.

In the end, the bad guys were vanquished, a secret hoard of gold and other treasure had been discovered and divided among most members of the party and Bruce's druid healer found a handy new crystal ball.

"That was awesome, Mr. Stark," Ned said, putting his dice back into the little velvet bag that he used to carry his gear. "Great story line."

"Thank you, Ned."

MJ added her agreement, along with Peter. They were the experts, after all, and had played a million campaigns and knew quality when they experienced it. Tony had enjoyed coming up with the story, and had enjoyed watching the others – especially Peter, of course – have a good time with it.

"You're welcome." The boy gathered his things, and Peter's. "I'm going to bed. I'll put yours away, too."

"Thanks."

Peter wasn't tired. He hadn't built an igloo, or gone snowshoeing to find bison to take photos of. The others were ready to wind down, and drifted off into small groups, which eventually turned into singles that finally headed up the stairs – or into the living room in Elmer's case – but Peter wasn't ready to go to bed, and realized that maybe he was a little restless. From being confined for a couple of days because of his injury, or for some other reason, he wasn't sure – and wasn't quite willing to bring it up.

Stark sat at the table with Pepper and Peter, sipping a final cup of coffee, watching as Steve took Jack outside for a final chance to do his business before bed. He enjoyed the quiet times like this. Whether they were in a snowbound cabin or at the compound.

"Did you have fun?" Peter asked Pepper.

"I did. Don't tell him, but Tony is very creative."

"He already knows," Stark told her with a self-satisfied smirk, leaning back into his chair. "It went well, though, I think."

"Yeah," Peter agreed. "It was great. Thanks."

"You're welcome. How do you feel?"

"I'm okay."

"Ready for bed?"

Which Peter understood meant that Tony wanted to know if he needed help up the stairs. He shook his head, though.

"I'm not tired, and I don't want to keep Ned up. I'm going to hang out down here for a while."

"Want company?" Pepper offered.

"I'm going to read that Avenger book," he told her. "Maybe find out how Ironman and Pepper Potts met."

She rolled her eyes with an amused smile.

"I hope that isn't in the book."

"I'll let you know."

"You're okay?" Tony asked him. "You looked a little restless, earlier."

"Probably from being stuck inside so long when everyone else isn't."

"Or something else? Maybe another Elmer stuck out in the woods in the snow?"

Peter shrugged, ruefully.

"You mind looking? Just in case?"

"No."

If that was what it took to make Peter feel better. He got up and headed for the door, silently moving through the living room to avoid waking Elmer, who was wrapped in a blanket and already snoring, softly. He didn't bother with a coat; instead he stepped out onto the porch, closing the door behind him. Steve looked up from watching Jack run around his little snow enclave.

"What's up?"

"Peter's restless," Stark said. "I'm just going to make sure we don't have someone stuck in the snow out there."

"Good idea."

Rogers watched Tony activate the suit and was quiet while he interfaced with his AI.

"Anything, Friday?"

"Nope. Not within five miles – and even further. Some wildlife – mostly holed up in their own snow forts, or huddled together in herds – like the elk, deer and bison."

Satisfied, Stark deactivated his suit and shrugged when Steve gave him a questioning look.

"Nothing."

"Maybe it's just cabin fever," Steve said, calling Jack to him. "We'll try to get him outside tomorrow."

"Yeah. No sledding, though. He isn't ready for that, yet."

"We'll find something."

They went inside, and Steve took off his jacket and told Tony goodnight, taking his puppy and heading up the staircase. Tony went back into the dining room and sat in the chair he'd vacated and took hold of his nearly empty coffee cup.

"I didn't see anything," he told them both. "If it keeps bothering you, though, come find me, okay?"

"It's probably nothing," Peter said, feeling a little foolish.

"But it might be. You know those feelings better than anyone. Pay attention to what they're telling you, okay?"

"Okay."

"You're going to read your book?"

"Yeah."

"You're okay?"

"I'm fine, Tony."

Stark got up and brushed his hand along Peter's shoulder, taking his cup and Pepper's into the kitchen to rinse them out.

"I could stay up and keep you company," Pepper offered.

"I'm just going to read for a while," he pointed out. "It's okay. Really."

She got up when Tony returned and both told him good night. Peter watched them disappear into the living room, got up and collected the Avenger book before turning off the dining room light and sitting at the table, reading by the faint glow of the kitchen safety light.

He still felt restless, though, and unconsciously kept looking toward the door between sentences.