9th of Winter, 513 AV
The stars began to fade from the sky, and the sun reaching over the horizon to touch the peaks of Avanthal. The ice glittered in a way that seemed to be laughing, happiness ringing through the corridors as young children awoke at their early hours. It promised to be a bright day, this ninth of Winter, and a touch warmer than usual. The Vantha would wear a few less layers, and the foreigners would stare in wonderment as their frozen skin felt little difference. It was going to be beautiful.
Una decided to take advantage of the quiet dawning, and slipped out of her home for a stroll. Wearing warm layers, and kept decently wet, Una appreciated the sight that Avanthal had to offer doused in hues of pink, and orange. Keeping to her own thoughts, and thinking this a great start to a day, she almost missed the rumble of voices down the lane.
It wasn't especially loud, the voices. More a murmur that filtered through the air and whispered just out of reach. Turning her head, Una noticed people milling about outside of a store, hands waving and lots of quiet distress. It didn't take much to turn her feet towards the crowd, little as it was, and venture closer in a mix of worry and curiosity.
As she drew closer a rank stench became stronger and stronger, sharp cider, but too much of it. It didn't wander through the air as the voices did, it was very strong, and very present. It's cloying smell was almost tangible on her tongue. Una tried not to make a face as she approached. As bodies moved out of the way, she was able to see what was going on. "I can't believe it!"
"Completely destroyed!"
"You're so dramatic, we can clean it up ..."
"This happened last Winter too!"
The Drunken Apple had be broken into during the night. Glass shattered, and barrels tipped out, cider ran out onto the snow. It was a sight of splintered wood, and warping floors. Two men were on their hands and knees trying to soak up the cider to prevent the floors from damaging, as a woman carefully picked up the splintered pieces and placed them in a waste bin. One other was picking up glass outside. They all stopped and looked up to hear Una's feet crunch on the snow.
"We're not open," the man outside snapped, scowling at Una.
"Do not be so harsh, Marc," the woman called as she peered out of the window at the woman. Una watched the two for a moment before offering a smile, and surprising them all,
"Would you like any help?" The woman, startled, took a second to collect herself before she nodded vigorously.
"Would we ever!"
