Post by Flame on Jan 23, 2017 2:23:01 GMT -5
"Why is it so damned cold." The complaint elicited laughter from those surrounding the shivering man. Glancing from side to side at the surrounding civilians his frowning face silenced them. With those surrounding him quieted he gave himself a great hug. Hands rubbed vigorously against opposite arms in an effort to create any more warmth. An action that was all for naught as he found the chills continuing to run down his body, shaking his spine to his skin.
The unforgiving weather of the North Blue was so unlike that beautiful warmth of the south. He didn't know he would miss that warmth so much until he had gotten here. Standing between the great red stone buildings which towered upwards with terrible awe he felt lonely, cold and lonely. Not that he was alone upon the street, there were many people walking about. Bundled up in burgeoning fur coats they huddled in groups of two or three strolling casually about. They were the residents of Ice Nine, so far as he could tell, and they seemed social with each other. Mars however was pointedly ignored, having donned a thin black jacket over his usual clothing and with only slacks to protect his lower regions he was freezing.
Pulling his fedora down tighter upon his head he snuggled cherry red ears as deep as they could go. The icy winds that slid through the town's alleys and walkways was unbearable for his unprepared extremities. Stalking his way down the street Mars' light green eyes scanned the storefronts looking for a tavern, or a pub or the like where he could sit down and rewarm himself. Not that I've been warm for a while ... he joked to himself, he had entered the North Blue a while ago, but travelling farther and farther north it had only gotten worse.
Finally his meandering paid off, The Belowing Hearth, the sign upon the red brick structure stated. An arrow lay upon it pointing to a a stairwell of bricks descending from street level to a thick brown door of what looked to be wood. Unable or unwilling to worry about what the odd name might mean Mars hurried down the stairs. An accidental misstep almost sent him tumbling down but instead caused his stiff legs to circle hurriedly into motion. Taking far too many steps far too quickly he crashed into the brick wall opposite of the stairwell. Rigid cheek skin slammed incongruously into the rough surface of the cut stone. If he had had an itch to scratch perhaps it would have been a small comfort, but instead the freezing stone and rough surface only managed to bruise him. A soft wound which would have bothered him much less in the semi-tropical climates the cold amplified the pain giving him an intensely pink mark across his right cheek.
Gently he pressed against the wall detaching himself from it and turned to face the door. A moist breath upon his red hands was momentarily soothing before he reached forward and pressed open the door. Warm air poured out of the establishment and delighted Mars shuffled in. A hearty welcome from the barman at the far left end of room was a wonderfully compelling greeting. Waving his arm in miniature movements at the man Mars was suddenly aware of how cold he had been. All across his body he could feel the sudden change in temperature. It was uncomfortable for the moment but largely able to be overlooked as he scanned the room.
The dimly lit room was large and wide and yet small. Wooden walls separated sections of open area covered in dark wooden tables ensconced in chattering people. Looking about he noted many brick fireplaces which strangely seemed to be blowing air out of them and into the room. The talking was all about the tavern it was an awfully lovely place. It had that warm, homey, lived in sort of feeling that ones local pub might have. The mood which seemed to coat the air was lively and friendly, two things that Mars could get down with. Unsure where to start he simply stood there watching and gazing. Unable to decide he headed for the bar, from their he could scope out the place and choose options from there.