The snow grains lifted by the wind drifted past the arched windows inlaid with crystal glass, ice crystals pattered against the panes with fine, brittle sounds, and the thick walls and Magic circulation fields blocked the cold from outside the castle, keeping the room at a warm temperature.
A bright fireplace was burning not far away, the light of the flames cast upon several brass ornaments, reflecting hazy, flickering shadows, and the warm firelight made the dust‑covered High-Ranked Ranger relax inwardly—this cold winter suddenly seemed not quite so cold.
"Tell me about the situation over in Bitter Winter Castle," Gawain walked into the room, casually unfastened his cloak and hung it on a nearby hook, "how many people do we still have operating over there now?"
