[color=Firebrick][u][h2]Virgal Calistar[/h2][/u][/COLOR][hr][COLOR=#C0C0C0]The Barn[/COLOR]
[hr]

[quote=@Qia]
Before she could choose, the heavy barn door groaned open behind her.
[/quote]

Entering the barn first, before the snow, before the cold, before even the icy wind or groaning sounds from outside, was a light. 
It was not the dancing light of a flickering flame but something else. Something more solid, more pure. Something Thalia wouldn't of seen or [i]felt[/i] in quite a time. It was unmistakable. Sun light. 

...

Having kicked open the barn door, Virgal Calistar now had his back to it as he hunch over, tugging on a rope, cursing and groaning as he wrestle with a big, fat, stubborn, grumpy, boar. Trying to guide it into the barn.

"[b][color=firebrick]C'mon Dinner. Get yer big ass in there.[/color][/b]"

 It didn't help his cause that the noble Aurelian wore so many layers of clothing that he could barely move his limbs. The compilation of fine silken and coloured fabrics heaped upon him, detailed and inlaid with intricate patterns and jewels, worth more than a house in Dawnhaven. Right now, however their value and craftsmanship did little to protect him from the cold or help move the animal.
Despite his best cursing and groaning, pushing and pulling, slipping and sprawling, Dinner, the prized plump Aurelian boar, wasn't having any of it. Dropped down on its haunches the big pig just wasn't going anywhere. 

Beside their squabble, stuck deep in the snow, standing vertical, was a sleek metallic staff and at its peak, the source of the unexpected light. The magical white light didn't extend far beyond that of a normal torch, but it's reach oddly enough did seem to end more abruptly. The line between light and dark being more clearly drawn. The exact source, mechanism or cause of such magic remain hidden in its own center, concealed away behind its own brightness. But in its glow was a warmth not like that of a fire, but the radiating penetrating warmth that tanned the skin, gave life to plants and replenished Aurelian magic.

Acting as if there wasn't a miracle mere feet from him, the Aurelian noble had had enough. He flung back his heavy furred hood revealing wild dark brown hair with a mid length unkempt beard to match, reflecting his long travel to get here. Beneath the hair his features were strong, skin smooth except for the early hints of age in the corner of his eyes and a recent -still stitched- scar running down his left brow and cheek. 

With a bit of fumbling he pulled his hands free from his restrictive gloves and clenched and released his nimble fingers in the cold air. 

"[b][color=firebrick]Alright pig, you asked for it.[/color][/b]"

Flexing his fingers one last time, he swung his arm out before him. His mumbled words were lost to a loud '[b]WHOOSH[/b]' as a wave of heat ripples through distorting the air, melting snow and turning it to steam instantly. There was no flame but it bore the same intensity of fire. 
And with the passing of his hand it was gone, so too was the big boar, charging into the stables panicked desperate to escape the sudden heat.

Following his display of raw Aurelian power, the darkness encroached in further on his artificial light. It was dimmer, didn't reach as far and held less warmth to the skin. Yet, the Aurelian nobleman didn't seem to notice or care. With a proud accomplished grin he grabbed his metal staff, pulled it from the snow, and followed Dinner inside. Bringing his light with him.
Unaware there was already anyone in there.