Pine Lodge - a Commoner Tavern
In an out-of-the-way corner of the quiet crossroad town of Floyd, Virginia, is a run-down old motorlodge, forgotten since the days when the interstates stole most of the traffic from the smaller, older highways. To the mortal eyes, the place looks seedy and possibly unsafe. In any case, the fitfully blinking neon sign reads "No Vacancy". Whatever sort of folks frequent this place, mundane passers-by dismiss it without a thought - there is nothing of interest here.
Kithain see a different sight - the neon sign by the roadside offers a cheerful "Welcome!" in front of a rustic hunting-lodge flanked by tall, stately pines and a neatly trimmed hedge. Above the broad double doors a simple hand-painted sign reads "Pine Lodge - Elmer Brickie, prop." To one side of the main structure stretches a long, low-eaved wing of guest rooms, each with its own entrance.
On the edge of the lot, a gypsy wagon rests, its door bearing the device of a sun in beaten brass, above which hangs a sign reading: Madame Polara - Fortunes Told. A glimmer of light from the vardo's window tells you that someone is within...
The public room inside the lodge is shared between bar and full-service dining room. The bar serving beer or wine, along with coffee, tea and soft-drinks. Should a patron inquire, the barkeep will regretfully inform them that no hard liquor is served here. The kitchen serves a variety of hearty meals, including numerous vegetarian selections. All of the Lodge's fare is first rate, and no one is left waiting very long.
The furnishings are durable, simple pieces of hand-carved wood, kept in fine condition by the Brickies, a childless middle-aged couple who run the establishment. Decor is sedate, mostly lanscapes painted by local kinain Bill Finney, or needlepoint samplers including one listing the six tenets of the Escheat. Above the broad fireplace with its cheerful balefire hangs a framed map of the county painted by the Countess' scribe, Lillian ap Liam. Walls and floors are bare wood, and the ceiling is plastered between its supporting rafters, from which hang three wagon-wheel chandeliers.
Elmer Brickie is a boggan, as is his wife Edna. They take more pride in offering fast, friendly service and a warm place to stay than they do in Elmer's recent ennoblement. In addition to being owner and operator of Pine Lodge, Elmer recently was chosen by Lottery to be Baron of Fair Oaks. He has taken this rise in station well in stride, refusing to allow his title to be used except when his weekly court is in session. In any event, the grump prefers to style himself Lord Mayor rather than Baron, and the local fae -- many of whom he's known since their childling days -- willingly comply with this eccentricity.
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