A four-cornered glass was gently set on the corner of the table, the pale green liquor inside sloshing like the surface of the Endless Sea. Its base slid smoothly over the polished tabletop as it was pushed toward the customer, between two long ears. The customer abruptly threw his head back, flinging his ears behind him.
"Tell me, how many years have I lived? Hmm? Endless ages! How many years! And have I-have I really ever been born?"
Tuzel lay half-sprawled over the table, his eyes red, raising his head to mutter as he reached for the glass.
Serious Mouse merely glanced at the rabbit, then silently turned and waddled away, casually wiping the equally spotless, brand-new counter with a piece of canvas.
That was the scene Ruger saw when he walked into the Inn.
Clang-a-ling!
The bell beside the door was still swaying.
Ruger glanced back and up. The bell had come from the smithy where Lord Kurt had once been an apprentice. Ruger had suggested installing it, and Serious Mouse was very pleased with the results.
"Welcome."
Serious Mouse spoke earnestly.
The little Inn had begun its trial opening.
Yes, a trial opening, giving both sides-the customer and the proprietor-a chance to try things out. Serious Mouse could identify areas for improvement while serving the customer, and the customer, Tuzel, could point out the Inn's shortcomings as its sole guest.
Of course, Tuzel already seemed a little drunk.
As Ruger approached, he could already hear Tuzel snoring. The rabbit who had still been talking when Ruger entered was now asleep on the table.
Ruger sat down across from him, diagonally opposite Tuzel.
Serious Mouse immediately came to the table and handed him the menu, which was still undergoing constant revisions.
Ruger leafed through it with interest.
"Why haven't