Peeking around the corner he shouted, "Galero! How's the kitchen coming?"
"Just fine. The grill is clean. The ice chest is stocked with food. We're just about ready to go." Galero had agreed to cook for Alethinos' Bar and Grill. A friendly gesture from a guy the big beer bear had hardly met. But nonetheless, Alethinos was extremely grateful for the help. A full service tavern would be impossible to run on his own.
"The tables are ready, too." A voice came from the other side of the main room. Kareena. Ever since she put on that crazy waitress outfit, there had been eager patrons waiting outside in the cold peering in through the windows. It was a good thing, too. Alethinos was worried that having a tavern out in a snowy and cold location would be bad for business. But he figured, with the right drinks, the right service, and a good atmosphere, the people will come.
They continued to get things ready inside the tavern. Alethinos made sure that all the taps were working. He checked the wine case and the liquor shelf. Galero could be heard humming to himself as he set out everything he needed. Kareena wiped down a few stools and put pictures and a dartboard on the wall. They kept at their tasks until they stood there with nothing more to do.
"Well," Alethinos said. "My hope is that this bar would become a place where people can come, share their stories, their pains and joys, have good drinks and good food... A place where people from all walks of life can enjoy each others company, relax, and have fun... A place to escape from the cruel world out there. Kareena, I think you were right when you said it might be slow at first. And I hope you are also right, that over time, this place will be hopping."
The three of them exchanged smiling glances as Alethinos walked toward the front door. Reaching out into the cold, he lit a match and brought light into the lantern above the door. Then he placed the tavern plaque under the lantern.
He said with a smile, "Open for business."
(This is an open roleplay story taking place entirely inside the tavern. Come on in and participate... bring your character into the bar... but leave poo throwing at the door.
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