but this ... this was what ragnar had expected to see all along : mountain walls plastered in pure gold , the history of the fire breathers etched into each section ; chalices , made of gold , crystal , or ivory , held by dragons of noble birth , some of them wearing items made of the finest metals and gems ; the floors lined with furs so the nobles ' precious talons would n't be forced to touch actual stone ; fresh meats turning on spits over big fire pits while uncooked and unseasoned meats rested a few feet away so the royals had their choice of meals .