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[[ wc: 771 ]]

"It is abnormally cold out there today," said a tavern patron as they entered.

‘Yeah, I heard that this cold is coming down from Zena.’ said another.

‘Are you sure?’ asked the first as they both seated themselves at a table amongst many others.

From the barside, Owaen was listening to the talk. He had noticed that it was chilly inside when he rose that morning. Chilly enough that he had to light a fire in the mostly decorative fireplace that sat in the east wall. He had, of course, asked if it was usable and the owner had nodded. It was used mostly on cool nights when the dew could be seen on the sands. The welcomed heat made the chilly day more bearable to the Oban residents.

”Do these lands not get that cold? I know on Belrea it can get as chilly if not a little colder.” Owaen pondered as he spoke, had he seen snow there? Plenty of rain for the fields and water reserves.

‘It can get brisk in the evenings and night when the ever oppressing sun goes down. But never this cold.’ spoke one of the patrons of the tavern.

This caused Owaen to pause further and look around. Most of those here were regulars. Though some he knew to come in by this time weren’t around. He worried, worried that something might have happened to them. Taking off his apron and tossing it to one side he looked at the tender who was also on duty.

”I am going to go and check on those who haven’t shown up yet.” He says as he exits from behind the counter.

‘I am sure that they are fine. This sudden cold probably sent those who patron here to their own homes for the night.’ commented the tender as he was drying off a mug and setting it aside. ‘Take some of the spare blankets with you as well. Who knows who might have gotten caught out there.’

Owean looked at the tender a little confused before being pointed towards one of the closets in the back room. He grabbed three before pulling on one of his old shirts. One that was warmer than the ones he had purchased in these lands. Making sure the Averin was secured in his room, he didn’t want it getting outside in this cold. He gathered Mocki and exited out the back door. Here he pulled up the collar of his shirt before going out into the streets. There were still people milling about, going about their own business. A few were rubbing their arms against the cold, before moving into buildings that were strikingly warmer.

”Seems some people around here aren't used to this chilly weather. Huh Mocki.” Owaen said as he stopped and looked down at the Duruf at his side. The canine gave a bark before putting its nose to the ground sniffing. ”I do hope that everyone is faring well.”

As Owaen wandered the streets, he met a few who wore very little. He offered a blanket to these people who accepted them gratefully. Handing out his last blanket to someone in an alleyway, he looked around as the sun should have been reaching overhead. Just the clouds were blocking its light. By this time the cold had started to seep into even his warmer clothing. Making a circle of the block, Owean headed back for the tavern.

”I think we did well today. Everyone appears to be faring better than I am in this weather. Perhaps it was something I didn’t have to worry about?” He commented to Mocki who only ‘woofed’ at his feet.

‘Hey there Owaen.’ called one of his many regulars who was headed towards the Tavern. ‘Nippy weather we’re having.’

”It is. I didn’t think it could get this chilly. Belrea maybe, but here in Oba?”

‘It gets this way sometimes. Not very often, only when the weather mages pull that cold a little too far away from Zena. It can be refreshing, but a real shock as well.’ the oban said as they both continued towards the tavern. ‘But a warm building and an even warmer drink. It drives the chill right out and warms the soul.’

Owaen gave a laugh as he opened the tavern door to let the customer in first. ”That sounds much like home. Warm building, drinks and even warmer company.”