The Setup

Having finished breakfast, we left the inn.

Our breath turned white, slowly dissolving into the chilly early-morning air.

Dry footsteps echoed over the cobblestones, which had soaked up the night's cold.

We crossed the nearly deserted plaza and headed for the Heavenly Reversal Tower.

"Brr, it's cold."

Lyle pulled his cloak tighter around himself.

"Come to think of it, the New Year is almost here. No wonder it's so cold."

Elena breathed on her fingertips. Her reddened fingers trembled faintly.

"I'm glad we came to the dungeon. It's not cold inside."

Lyle glanced back as he walked ahead. There was a spring to his voice...