Upon entering, the inside was bigger than the outside. Tables and chairs spread out across the floor on either side of the front door. A second tier with more tables and chairs faced towards what looked like a stage at the back of the tavern. A large bar filled with patrons and servers was to the left of the front. To the right was a stairway leading up to the second and third floor of the tavern. The place was filled with elves, half-elves, humans, and a handful of half giants standing to either side of a well dressed man in elegant attire.
"I guess he's the Dandy Muse," Serna whispered over to Caliaphy, "He may look like a dandy but I doubt he's a real Muse."
"Nice place!" Irzen looked around, "I wonder who's the proprietor?"
Madeous turned to see a young man approaching them. "We'd like a large table or two smaller ones if you please."
"My name is Ingnatio," The young human bowed slightly, "If you please follow me, we have a table suitable for your company sir. We have drinks both hearty and mellow for children. Although, I confess we generally don't get many children here since this place caters to...adults mostly. As for our fine foods, they range from deer, beef and fish with assorted vegetables."
"Thank you! By all means, please lead on." Irzen added as his stomach grumbled.
Caliaphy wrinkled her nose and realized the young man was referring to both her and Serna.
"So, what kind of mellow drinks do you have, sir?"
"A variety of fruit drinks." He replied not blinking.
"Oh, okay. I would like to have a fruit punch please." The kurori said climbing up on the chair next to Serna.
"I'll have a tankard of good old fashioned rainwater." Serna beamed from ear to ear as she sat down next to the Fairy, "Caliaphy, why do you always appear as a child or a fairy and never in your true form in public?"
"Cuz' I can't. Loooong story and the Sidhe King wouldn't be pleased if I did that. Cuz' I would be too bright in a place like this. I am one of a kind." Caliaphy answered truthfully.
"Let me ask you another question, Caliaphy, have you ever been on a Wild Hunt?" Serna asked curiously, "And what happens during a Wild Hunt anyway?"
The kurori choked on her fruit drink went it down the wrong way. After a few minutes she grabbed a napkin and said, "Seeing the Wild Hunt was thought to presage some catastrophe such as war or plague, or at best the death of the one who witnessed it. People encountering the Hunt might also be abducted to the underworld or the fairy kingdom. In some instances, it was also believed that people's spirits could be pulled away during their sleep to join the cavalcade. So in words you can understand, the people in Asylum who failed to remain within their homes during a Wild Hunt, were never seen again. It is not for mortal eyes to witness. Is that what you want to see, Serna? Do you want to die, or worse be taken away? And no I have not been on a Wild Hunt."
"No, I don't want to die nor do I want to be taken away," Serna grinned from ear to ear, "I'm just curious. I'm a kid. Asking questions and being curious is what I do. And speaking of doing things, what is the single greatest act of mischief that you ever did commit, Caliaphy?"
Lazheros listened quietly observing the shield maiden's response.
"What about lodging?" The elementalist inquired.
"Ah, yes. If you so choose to stay here, please make an inquiry at the bar. Ask for, Peppi. She handles all the room and board." Ingnatio said placing down a wooden plank with all the styles of food for them look at. "Anyone else for libations, or shall I take your order?"
"I'll have a tankard of Cannard if you have any!" Irzen added, "And I'm ready to order. I would like roasted mutton along with a side of mixed vegetables and rice. Out of curiosity, what kind of desserts do you have?"
Quake glanced over at the Swordsman, "The three of us bought an apple pie earlier. Homemade style. I'd like a stein of mead and the largest plate of filet minon, er rack of ribs."
"We have an assortment of pies ranging from a glazed apple pie to tiramisu and bread pudding." Ignatio replied as he took down the Swordsman order.
"I'll take a glazed apple pie!" The Swordsman beamed from ear to ear, "And a nice tankard of hot coffee to go with it. Also, I would like my apple pie and coffee to be brought at the end of my meal. Thank you!"
Madeous and Alyson both ordered filet minon with the exception of her ordering a glass of red wine and him with a large stein of dragon's breath.
Lazheros ordered a plate of tuna, a side of oysters, and vegetables and tea.
The waiter took down everyone's order and left them alone only to come back with a tray of drinks. Up on the stage, a pair of bards came out, one with a mandolin and the other clapping his hands to rouse the patrons of the Dandy Muse.
"It looks like we're going to get a show with our meal," The Swordsman laughed as he turned his attention to the stage, "This should be a good one."
Fifteen minutes later Ignatio and another server approached with two platters of food, dispersing them to everyone. He nodded and left with the other server as music erupted from mandolin.
"Good food, good company and good entertainment," The Swordsman mused as he began to eat his meal, "What more can a Drow ask for?"
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