A round-bellied goblin in a skin vest stretched tight across his upper body and a pair of ill-fitting, worn human children's pants answered and sprang up from his chair.
Though on the chubby side, he moved through the crowded tavern like a nimble spinning top, quickly making his way to Belt's table.
"Oh! My dear old friend Belt! It's been a while. What'll it be?"
Goblin Patchy handed over a wooden board with the menu written on it.
"Haha, Patchy, still just as afraid of your wife as ever." Belt didn't take the menu. Instead, he pushed it toward He Xi. "Give it to my brother, Rose Town's rising star mage, Galen!"
"Start with the house specials! Goblin Foot Pale Ale and Flame Pheasant with Berry Sauce!"
"Iron Skewer Giant Strength Skewers... One, two, three, four, five. Let's start with five!"
"Woof!"
"Oh, right! Make that six!"
Only then did he turn to He Xi. "Brother Galen, see if there's anything else you want. Don't be shy!"
He Xi took the wooden board known as the menu:
[Oak Tavern Specialty Ales]
•Oak Barrel-Aged Ale (20 copper nails/glass)—Patchy's Pride, a dwarf's favorite!
•Blazing Fire Black Beer (15 copper nails/glass)—As heavy as an anvil, as heartwarming as a furnace!
•Goblin Foot Pale Ale (10 copper nails/glass)—Don't let the name scare you; it's much cleaner than the owner Patchy's feet!
[House Specials]
•Flame Pheasant with Berry Sauce (90 copper nails/bird)—A whole chicken roasted in flames. Not only delicious, but fun too! (Friendly reminder: protect your beard and eyebrows when lighting it!)
•Iron Skewer Giant Strength Skewers (1 silver scale/skewer)—Warning: Do not use utensils in a brawl. Damages will be charged at the price of a fine weapon!
•Patchy's Surprise Pie (40 copper nails/serving)—A true adventurer needs a little adventurous spirit!
•Delicious Creamy Mushroom