At the head of the Avenue of Trade in King's Court overlooking a small plaza of cobbled stone sat the Laughing King's Tavern. It was a large inn, as large as any rural coaching inn, and would feature a small, enclosed coach way along with three full stories with a regally steeped rooftop, at least when it was complete. While construction of the Laughing King's Tavern had left two floors complete and largely functional, the top level with it's steep rafters and sturdy walls remained a skeletal frame awaiting completion.
Due to this incomplete appearance, it was with some relief that the weary traveller found the taproom of the inn complete and still the regulars were found beyond the large, thick door through which they would gain entry. The room was low and hazy with the smoke of burning wood and pipe smoke, air that both obscured one's sight yet left behind a pleasant scent to mix with the rich, earthy smells of the dusted floor. To the right was a grand staircase of carved wood leading up to the floors above, and beyond this was the long, broad bar of newly-polished wood. To the left stretched the commons itself, with several small, round tables filling the expanse and several private snugs lining two of the walls, each spilling out more of the soft, golden light that filled the cavernous interior from countless lanterns and sconces. It had been a rough time of rebuilding, but regular patrons of the inn were set upon making sure their second home stayed. Mostly wayward warriors, rugged veterans, and the occasional regular merchant from the Avenue of Trade could be found here. The tavern was ran with exceptional care by the proprietor and with many loyal regulars and seasoned veterans it was no place to look for trouble.
It was something of a longshot, but Sebastian figured his day had been blessed so far and that he might as well ride it out as long as possible. Word had come back a few marks ago from his contacts within the Vanguard and Kingsguard that the man he sought, Leonius' old aide Travis, was now in the employ of the DeRohm family. Wary of his rivalry with DeRohm the Younger, Sebastian had chosen not to seek out Travis at the DeRohm residence. Too many things could go awry in such an unfriendly setting as that. Instead the young baron opted for another approach, to try and catch the man at his favourite watering hole, the Laughing King's Tavern.
Pushing his way through the heavy door, Sebastian entered the tavern and walked slowly to the bar. As he went he refreshed his memory of the place, having only visited sporadically during his time in the city. His roving eyes took in the clientele, not only with the hope that Travis was immediately obvious but also to gauge whether the tavern's reputation as a serious place was deserved or not. Upon reaching the bar, Sebastian placed an elbow on the polished wood and leaned sideways to keep himself open to the room while still being able to converse with the barkeep.
He was dressed in simple clothes of plain material, akin to what he might have been wearing when he first arrived in the city as a fresh-faced country lad. He couldn't suppress a smile when he recalled the confused and curious look on the tailor's face as he purchased the outfit not a mark ago, but Sebastian had remained tight-lipped and paid well for the clothier to do the same. Stripped of his fine tailored clothes and dirtied up just a touch, it was doubtful even casual acquaintances would now recognize him at first glance, so out of context he appeared. Or at least, that was Sebastian's hope.
Catching the barkeep's eyes, Sebastian waited calmly for service. He needed an ale for starters, and perhaps the proprietor could help him find the man he sought.