The inn and pub were well-known institutions within the Mouth, and only its long history within the city itself accounted for its oddly placed foundation. Nestled among the noble, towering spires of the great architectural achievements of the city's public center, the large inn seemed almost... squat and primitive. But the interior was anything but: dark mahogany wood lined the walls giving The Flying Dortman Tavern a dim but cozy atmosphere. The thick leaded glass filtered what sun made it past the heavy red brocaded curtains, now faded with age but not threadbare. A large ornately carved bar ran nearly the length of one wall, worn with handling but still kept highly polished. Behind the bar a soft colourful fresco depicting Pecunia and her followers had been painted, a sharp contrast with the deep rich wood that dominated the rest of the room.
It was very early morningtide when Fredric entered the Dortman. He had been awake all night. His meditation exercises had lessened his need for sleep while his nervous excitement had made sleep an unlikely visitor,anyway. Instead, he had filled the night with making copies of his writings, praying for guidance and imagining the conversation with his Eminence. The night over, he walked into the Dortman confident though a bit fatigued.
He bowed slightly to the barkeep,in the monkish manner, and flashed him a friendly smile. Finding a booth at the back of the pub, the young Oneist sat and waited for his order to be taken.
"Good day to you, traveller. How may I help?"
“And a good day to you, friend. It been almost ten years since I’ve visited your fine establishement and all that time I’ve been dreaming of your ‘Surprise Eggs’.†The young man said excitedly.
“You know with the cheese and the beans and the …surprising good taste. Could I get an order of that?†His eyes grew larger and his smile wider as he described the delacacy.
“Oh, yes. And a cup of coffee…..No, tea….No, Coffee…No.†He struggled but early morning was not the time for deep moral questions. “Yes. Bring me a coffee and make it a strong one. It will be my last. I recently read a book that has convinced me to give up the black liquid….after this last cup.â€