The Unicorn Tavern adventures

Descending a hill following the contours of a small river which seemed to flow down into large, shimmering lake. The surface of which glitters like quicksilver in the sunlight. To the West of it on the edge is a large village or small town.

This is Swansmeade.

The gates through the walls are open and a gradual flow of people moving in and out are watched diligently by two alert guards, attired in light armour and wearing Swansmeade city watch colours, both are holding vicious looking Halberds. Some of the people carry wares or lead beasts of burden with small carts. Everyone seems to be in good cheer as the weather is nice, the sun beating down on the assembled press of humanity.

It must be market day.

Once in the town the streets lead to a large market place, the streets are cobbled and quite steep up the side of a hill and down to the large body of water "Swansmeade Lake" from which the Town takes its name. The main street has several business, and a blacksmith can be heard shaping Iron down by the market. An apothecary, cobbler, even a clothes shop. At the top of the hill was a large fortress like building which was well known as the Jarl's mead hall.

Footsore and thirsty though most travellers look for a place to stay and the only place to drink and eat in the small town is the Unicorn Tavern.

The Unicorn Tavern is a medium sized building, about the size of two houses, a white structure with visible black painted beams. It's in good repair with a recently thatched roof and fresh paint, covered in window boxes full of brightly coloured flowers. An archway leads through the centre of the facia of the building to a stable block and a cobbled courtyard.

Pushing through the double doors the interior is nice and cosy. A large bar area was scattered with wine and spirits bottles and a large hearth dominated the room. Around a dozen tables were scattered around and despite it being the middle of the afternoon the place was busy, laughter music and the hubbub of daily life flows over any newcomer. A pretty blonde girl dashes between tables taking orders and waves to any newcomers with a warm smile.

"Take a seat, I'll be with you shortly."

The room is smoky and full of the hubbub or laughter and business talk. As well as the blonde girl tending tables occasionally a petite redhead pops out from a kitchen and call out a meal, leaving a tray with a delicious smelling dish on the bar.

Pepper.

The whole place seems alive and between the scents of people, food, drink and woodsmoke it is a heady assault on the senses.