The night is dark and rain pours down your cloak.
Ruefully, you recall that it was supposed to be waterproof, but the soaking
rain has proved otherwise. Onward you trudge, slogging down the muddy
road. As the damp chills creeps further into your bones, you wish
for a fire. As if conjured by your thought, you see a light up ahead.
Encouraged and hoping for a place to warm up, you pick up your pace a little
and hurry towards it.
As you reach the light, you see that this is the intersection
of your road with another. A weathered building stands in a corner
of the junction. A worn plaque hanging in front announces your destination.
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As you walk in the door, a wave of warmth greets you. A huge fireplace takes up half of one wall, providing heat and most of the light. Lanterns hang from the open rafters. Many tables are spread through the room, with patrons eating dinner or talking around them. By the fireplace is a more comfortable area, where chairs and benches are strewn with cushions. As you step closer to the fire to warm up, you realize that there is a storyteller. An unseen waiter places a mug of mulled wine in your hand as you settle down to warm up and listen to the tales.