Main Dining Hall, Iron Hearth Castle – Northreach. 19:30 PM.
The atmosphere inside the grand dining hall of Iron Hearth Castle was a masterclass in domestic warmth, a stark defiance against the biting northern frost howling outside the thick granite walls. The rich, intoxicating aroma of slow-cooked beef stew, simmered for hours with Northreach's signature mountain herbs and red wine, hung heavy in the air. It mingled with the comforting, yeasty scent of roasted garlic bread freshly pulled from the stone ovens.
At the center of the long table, carved from an ancient blackened oak that had seen centuries of Sudrath history, crystal candles flickered with a warm, steady glow. Their light danced across the meticulously polished silver cutlery and fine porcelain plates, reflecting the flickering firelight from the massive hearth at the end of the room.
