Chapter 15: The Clumsy Shark
The Tavern they just built had taken a lot of real estate, so Coop was surprised when it was also three stories tall. It was a solid wood and stone structure with thick glass windows on the second and third floor. The wooden sign that hung on a pair of chains above the heavy wooden door had the image of a shark drinking a beer with the words The Clumsy Shark etched across it in a curved font. Coop and Jones headed inside.
The scent of something delicious immediately assaulted Coop’s senses. He felt his mouth watering. The main room was large and open, with booths lining the walls, and a long bar that extended across the entire left wall and was only stopped by a wide wooden staircase. The staircase led to a balcony that overlooked the main room from the back. A large fireplace with stools that indicated it could be used for bands or bards was in the center of the wall on their right. A bartender was wiping the bar with a white towel and he called out to the new arrivals as they stepped foot inside.
“Welcome! Welcome to The Clumsy Shark! Just sit anywhere.” The bartender invited. Coop thought he looked like a human until he noticed the two horns poking through his black hair. He had dark eyes underneath a thick brow and a black mustache. Despite being slender, he was a solid looking man with arms thick enough to indicate to Coop that he could throw unruly patrons out if he needed to. The only other oddity was that his ears were pointy and when taken with the horns made him look a bit like a devil. He wore a black leather vest over a white long sleeve shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows showing defined forearms.
Coop and Jones sat at the spotless bar and Coop introduced them. “Hey there, I’m Coop and this is Jones.”
“Greetings, I am Desmond. Thank you for selecting our service.” He gave a mostly friendly smile, though he revealed sharp teeth reminiscent of a shark. “You would be the Champion then, yes?”
“Yep, that’s me.” Coop confirmed.
“Excellent.” Desmond smiled wider. “Maeve! Bring two bowls and come meet the Champion!” Desmond yelled over his shoulder, still smiling. “Would you two like anything to drink?” He asked as he returned his focus to Coop and Jones.
They both accepted when the doors to the kitchen swung open. Coop didn’t know what to do with his eyes. The girl that came out was beautiful. She had medium length blonde hair with thick bangs that bounced to her eyes with each step. Her large brown eyes were half-lidded and she had an easy smile directed at Coop. She wore a stereotypical medieval waitress outfit with puffy white shoulders and a mostly white apron, but the skirt was short and the neckline was dangerous. A large gold crystal that glittered in the firelight sat just below her collar bone accentuating the low cut. The only unusual feature other than her beauty was that she also had pointed ears that extended through her wavy blonde hair. Unlike Desmond she looked like an elf.
Coop ended up watching his drink intently as she leaned over the counter to serve both of them bowls of stew. “How are you two doing? I’m Maeve. If you need anything just holler for me!” She greeted with a casual cheer that all waitresses master.
Suddenly, the front door swung open with unnecessary force, and Balor appeared. He yelled, “Ale!” and Desmond had a mug filled and served before Balor even sat down. Balor put his finger on the bar and a number floated to which Desmond nodded.
“What was that?” Coop asked, indicating Balor's finger.
Maeve was the first to respond, “That’s how you transfer credits.” She giggled. “You just do some motion and concentrate on the transfer and the system takes care of it.”