The world was blue and white and raging outside, but inside the Great Hall the air was warm and
still. A fireplace tall enough for a man to stand in was filled with thick logs, the crackling of their
burning the only noise. Over the ornately decorated mantel, carved with images of fantastical creatures,
the giant antler of a shoveltusk was mounted. Carved dragon heads served as sconces, holding torches
with flames burning bright. Heavy beams supported the feast hall that could have housed dozens, the
warm orange hue of the fires chasing away the shadows to hide on the corners. The cold stone of the
floor was softened and warmed by thick pelts of polar bears, shoveltusk, and other creatures.