As Irzen, Neven, Willow and Serna walked the streets of Asylum they were able to take in their surroundings. The place seemed quiet enough, no more and no less activity than one would normally find within a city its size. However, Irzen and Willow noticed that at least one representative of every race in the Realm was walking the streets of the city. From Humans to Drow to Bugbears to Orcs, Asylum was a cosmopolitan mix of peoples that reminded Irzen of the diversity of New York City or London. For Willow, the fact that all of these races were here and not trying to kill each other on sight was what impressed him most of all.

The Neverending Story tavern had a surreal affect on anyone who came near it. It was certainly one of the largest buildings on the street. Three stories tall with wooden beams visibly shown on the outer walls similar to that of old English style cottage mixed with the feel of early nineteenth century night club.

One might say that it was a crossroads between the worlds. Still it attracted all folks from anywhere and everywhere to come eat, drink, and be merry without the threat of being killed or worse. When the party entered they were greeted by one of the bar maids. A stout dwarf woman with long brown side burns down her face braided trails down the past her chest. "Welcome! Welcome, wary friends. My name is Mertul and I'll with you in a bit. There's a large booth with extra tables to the left. Take your time if you like. Food and drinks are available when you're ready to order."

"Thank you, Mertul," Irzen smiled, "A tankard of ale and a platter full of roasted mutton would hit the spot right about now."

"Venison and green beans would suit me well," Willow added, "Plus a bottle of your finest red wine would do."

"I'll take a glass of water, some mixed vegetables and fish if you have it," Serna offered, "I'm really hungry!"

"Me too!" Neven moved towards their recommended table, "A tankard of mead, dragon steaks and baked potatoes would fill me up."

The dwarf woman eyed the kid up and down, "Dragon steaks? How about I give you the mid size portion and then we'll see if you can actually finish the remaining half, kid."

"Deal!" Neven's stomach rumbled audibly, "Although I must admit that I'm hungry enough to eat a whole dragon."

"Your stomach sounds like it, that's for sure," Serna giggled as she entered the tavern.

Roberts surveyed the place - it was not unlike a few other taverns he had been to, or had seen on TV before coming to this realm. He made his way to the offered table and took a seat where he could observe as much of the room as possible. Too many times he had been caught unaware by a simple poor choice of seating arrangements.

"What say you, Alyson and Quake?" The Swordsman turned towards the pair, "What would you two like to eat and drink?"

"Huh?" Alyson blinked for a moment. It had been awhile since she had eaten anything. Was it a day? She couldn't remember. Everything went blank in Venger's dungeon. "Wine and a plate of beef with potatoes will do for me."

"Get me the entire platter of food with the works! The party size platter!" Quake smiled ear to ear eyeing the the larger chair on the end of the booth, "Just my size! Ha!"

Mertul laughed, "Now you're the type that could eat two whole platters than the boy! It's been awhile since I've seen a half dragon here. Used to be lots of them big scaly folks here but they're few and far these days."

"I'll have the dragon steak, as well, if you please." Roberts placed his order. As an afterthought, "And a nice pitcher of ale."

Irzen looked around the room, "This is a nice place you have here, Mertul. Friendly, cozy and comfortable like a well-used bed. Who's the proprietor? I like to pay them my compliments on the pleasantness of this establishment."

"Let me get your orders in and I'll be back to answer your question." Mertul said whirling around heading to the kitchen at the back of the tavern.

Up above the bar keep on a balcony, music from a all human band of men and women set the mood with their medieval melodies that echoed throughout the place. Some of the patrons stood up and began dancing. This was what The Neverending Story tavern was really known for, the music could be heard from the street and often drew in people to either listen or dance.

About five minutes later Mertul came back with a tray of drinks that the party ordered. Eyeing the drow swordsman, "To answer your question master drow. There is no "one" owner of the Neverending Story tavern. It's a shared establishment since it doesn't just apply to those here in Asylum. This is city is what some would call a 'nexus.' a place between worlds. The tavern itself is really a door. A Big door. Most people who come here or end up here having drunk themselves into a stupor not realizing that they're no longer home, or are they. It's all in your head. Your imagining things. I've heard them all and this place is neutral ground. So, enjoy yourselves. Eat, drink, and be among-st friends. Stay and rest."

The elementalist reached into a small pouch on her belt and produced a single platinum coin and handed it to Mertul. "This should cover all my friends and I. Food, drink, and lodging."

Mertul about dropped to her knees when Alyson caught her and pulled her back to her feet, "Umm. Umm."

Alyson's gaze assured the dwarf woman, "Don't do that. I am equal here. I am no one special. Just a mage traveling with her friends, okay? And keep the change."

"Okay." Mertul nodded in agreement, "Thank you very much. I, ah, need to put this a place for safe keeping. Be right back." She turned back to the bar and disappeared once more.

Quake downed the first gallon stein of beer with no problem, "BBAARRPPHH! Excuse me!" Her belch caused Serna and Neven to jump at the sound.