Inn at the Crossroad Continued.
The Cold together with the Warm
Once Aldrakar had settled into the large and comfortable chair with his right leg supported on a stool it became clear that the inn was more crowded than he initially had thought. A cheerful murmur droned through the establishment, a chuckle here and the occasional laugh there. Some men off in a corner were rolling bone dice and each pretended they were not nervous as silver coins changed hands as often as the cat under their table swiped at the tatters of their trousers.
A welcoming warmth emanated from the fireplace close to Aldrakar, just to the left of him. It was a large stone and mortar construction that sported enough space to spit-roast a small pig, not that it was used for that purpose currently though. No, its flames were unbridled and engulfed the entirety of the hearth. Sipping the cool wine Aldrakar enjoy the radiance of the flames on his face. ''Here you go..'' A soft voice spoke to him.
Aldrakar looked up from his seat and saw that same serving maid. His recognition must've shown as the girl's face shifted from slight unease to offering an awkward smile as she handed Aldrakar a new goblet of wine. This one felt warm to his touch and the aroma promised it to be rich in spices, proper mulled wine. ''On the house!'' The serving maid said cheerfully.
Both eyebrows raised Aldrakar nodded at her a couple of time. ''Thanks.'' The serving maid beamed shortly before she noticed the bartender motioning for her and darted off again. Aldrakar let out a small sigh as he now held a goblet of wine in either hand, both resting on the armrests of the large pinewood chair. ''I suppose I better get to it.'' Aldrakar said to himself with a hint of humor, he shook his head.
Preferring the mulled and warm wine he placed the other, cold goblet on the table in front of him. The feat was simple enough but he couldn't manage to keep a small line from creasing his forehead as the small-ish but inflamed cut on his leg protested to the movement. Enjoying the wine Aldrakar let his eyes roam the room trying to spy out interesting figures or make eye contact with anyone that looked like a good conversational partner.
The weather outside demanded a moment of everyone's time as the wind howled outside. The night was starting to truly set in and drove off the natural light of day. The shutters were being closed by the Inn personnel and the entrances were swept clean from most of the muck and melting snow that had been brought in by newcomers. It was a well oiled machine this inn but Aldrakar hardly noticed it, he was looking for people to have a chat with.
