Chilling Adventures in the North

Qinfaren pushes open the doors to Green Hall and takes a look around.

"Beer and ale would be good," he starts, "but in this cold, hmm. Maybe a hot spiced wine."

Arogna steps eagerly past the firbolg and through the doors. "Finally. Thank the gods we still got our gold. Come on." 

Shad will indicate his friends to the bartender and let them know he is picking  up the tab. "I'd like heat," he says. "A stew or broth if you've got it. Hot toddy if not." He will wipe his whiskers back from his mouth in anticipation. 

“Ah!” Jumps Muharg at Qinfaren’s words of hot spiced wine “That’s what I’m having today! A glühwein and a ham hock if they have some!”

He then looks for a free table for the group.

"I for one am happy that we are done with that. Elders did say to never get involved in a lover's tryst. Ale for me as well please," Bjorn would make his order.

Shad is charged three silver pieces for the drinks, to enjoy whilst you sit near the warm fire. The first real source of heat you have encountered since you left Luskar.

Arogna has a mug of ale and another of mead in front of her. "So as I don't have to get up for a while," she explains, leaning back on the bench, which creaks a little in protest, and stretching out her boots towards the fire. "This is proper nice. I ain't even gonna get up if somebody starts a fight. So don't none of you try that."

Like Arogna, Shad leans back with his feet up. He opens his coats, leaving them draped over his chair, sipping hot broth. "There is no finer life," he says. He slurps broth. "Arogna, how did you find yourself in Luskan? And Bjorn? You've always lived there?"

"I grew up in a tribe in the mountains," Arogna replies. "Left to make something of myself, you know? I've worked in a lotta places. Dock work, guarding stuff, that sorta thing. Got laid off in a lotta places, too, though. People get nervous around a mountain orc. Too much of the orc ways, like the captain said." She swigs from her mug of ale. "But I'm tryin'. This here is the best job I got yet. A uniform and everything. Mr. Bassk give me a chance, and I hope I don't blow it. I want to go back home being a somebody. Make them proud of me."

Muharg sits leaning towards the table, resting his elbows on it and enjoying his spiced wine and pork. He nods as he listens to Arogna’s story “I’m sure you will buddy. I’ll try my best to help you on that. I very much respect your goal.” Gives her a repectful nod followed by a warm smile.

”Aaaah! Feels good doesn’t it? The warmth of a fire after fulfilling one’s duty.”

Qinfaren takes a deep breath of the mulled wine and smiles at everyone else. He raises it to the others in a toast. "Here's to all of you," Qinfaren begins. "You've made my first trip away from home much better than I thought it would be."

He looks around at the patrons in the tavern.

'Will be nice not to worry about anyone sneaking around on the ship tonight. Any idea where we're off to next? As much as I hate the idea of things getting even colder, I'm hoping we end up getting further north. I'm curious what it's like up there. Bjorn, have you been north?"

As you continue to relax in Green Hall, more and more patrons continue to arrive making the place busier as they look for drink and conversation. Somewhere, on the other side of the room, someone starts playing music.

Bjorn would take a long swig from his tankard before replying, "I'm from the north actually. My tribe lives in Skytower Shelter of the Spine of the world. Perhaps we will be able to make a visit if we are close enough."

"A visit could be good," Shad says. "What is Skytower Shelter like? Does it include shelter from the cold? What is close to it?" He takes another sip of his broth. "I wonder if Lannart has a delivery he needs made there."

Bjorn would grin and shake his head, "Skytower Shelter is a mountain. Part of the Spine of the World. My tribe's village is on it though. It's pretty much mountains and valleys all around. Breathtaking views but best of all it's home."

Qinfaren smiles as Bjorn describes his village and Shad’s questions about shelter.

”I suspect any shelter will only be against the worst of the elements. I’ve noticed our friend Bjorn here doesn’t seem to mind the cold too much.” Qinfaren says. “When will the armor be ready? And does anyone know when we’re supposed to be back at the Icebreaker?”

"Dunno," says Arogna helpfully. "We left too quick to ask anyone. Was it tomorrow for the armor? Me, I could sit here all day, but I guess we oughta go ask Mr.Bassk what we gotta do next. Maybe he'll just say we can come back."

After an hour or two in the heat of the fire,  Shad signs deeply. "Maybe it is time to head back. Check on the armor. Check in with the boss." Shad finishes his room-temperature broth. If the others begin to pack up for the weather, he will as well, moving toward the door after they do.

Arogna finishes her drink and grabs her coat. "You're right, Shad. But maybe he'll let us come back."

Qinfaren rises as the others start getting ready to leave.

"As nice as it would be to stay here, we all know we can't," he says. "But we'll find another fire soon enough."