Dandelion Tavern
There exist many taverns on Fairy Island. A few of these are made by the Big Folk, but most are created by both Small People and Fairies alike. Many are well-known and see many patrons, however, the most prestigious of these is Dandelion Tavern, created and still operated by Frambalda of the Small People. His beard, brows, and hair are long, his deep purple hat is pointy with a star standing at its end, and his coat is rich with embroideries and many singing bells. His laughter is well heard and recognised, and all manner of magical creatures loves him for his jovial nature. The old fellow never stops smiling, but if he does, then silence falls upon the tavern, and you ought to amend your mistake before a curse is set upon your person.
The tavern itself is nestled right on the border to Nightmare and Ink’s domain, hanging tall above the river’s edge where pink and purple tree leaves often fall.
── ⋆⋅𖤓⋅⋆ ──
“Ye fairies and yer silly little games. Bring me one of yer renowned crafts, and I shall give ye a drink you've never had before!” said Frambalda with a booming voice.
“Unlikely but bring it on!” said Ink with a broad smile, and he tossed a coin of pressed leaf, flower, and unicorn’s hair. It shimmered through the air and landed upon Frambalda’s hand with a twinkle and a song. The little man hummed before he tossed back a goblet that seemed ready to spill, but despite hurling down and sideways, its content never spilled. Ink caught it with ease, and without missing a beat, gulped the whole thing down.
“Well?” asked Frambalda after a moment’s silence.
Ink stood motionless, the spring fairies within the tavern watching in silence from their tables and booths, but all jumped in surprise as the firstborn fairy of spring hooted and smashed the goblet’s foot down onto the bar with a grin and a twirling of shaped eyelights. The goblet did not break, nor even as much as bend from the impact.
“You never fail at surprising me, Balda!” Ink laughed and his wings fluttered with excitement. “Give me another one, but this one should be spicier; just like the Big Folk’s blood after a long, starving winter.”
The little man laughed and smacked his belly with a wide smile.
“Anythin’ for my most exciting patron!”
── ⋆⋅𖤓⋅⋆ ──
Frambalda is a friend to all, enemy to none. Even those coming into the tavern with bad intent shall soon find themselves feeling relaxed and easy-going; at the ready to spend their crafts and their coins in hopes of drinking and eating something new and exciting. And there is always something new to appreciate within the Dandelion Tavern, but only for those who seeks it. Those who wishes for familiarity and comfort will find the tavern unchanged, their favourite meals and drinks the same, and the jolly Innkeeper friendly and welcoming, his loud laugh and kind smile a homely sight to behold.
Artwork: Dandelion Time by Anton Seder