JK: Hello, sir, and welcome. Thanks for coming. *gestures to chairs* Have a seat.

Barkeep: Thanks... I think. *looks around room* Why couldn't we do this at my tavern?

JK: Well, you're not the only one I'm interviewing, good sir. And... your tavern tends to be a bit more... rowdy.

Barkeep: *nods* I understand. *waves away approaching bartender* No offense, but I'll forego drinking here. Don't need to start any rumors. My wife'll have my head if she hears of me drinkin' somewhere other than the Thankless.

JK: Quite all right, my friend. I'm glad you could spare some time to come chat. So, you just mentioned your tavern. You own the Thankless Tankard. Is that correct?

Barkeep: *nods* Yes. My wife and I run it.

JK: Yes. Nice, cozy place. Popular with the locals. Lots of... color. So. *consults notes* What made you decide to name the place the Thankless Tankard? That sounds mighty cynical.

Barkeep: Well... I let my wife pick the name. We'd just purchased the place, and had hired a fella to paint us a sign. I was in the cellar, arrangin' the stock. She was with the painter. She'd given him a full tankard of ale, both for inspiration for the sign, and as a bit of a bonus, since we'd already agreed on a price. He didn't even acknowledge she'd given it to him. When he asked for the name to put on the sign, she took his lack of gratitude as a sign of things to come, and declared our tavern the Thankless Tankard. He painted the words, and that was that.

JK: Ah, yes. *nodding while taking notes* I see how it was. *looks up from the parchment smiling* Well, thank you for your time. I certainly appreciate you coming all the way over here to The Olive and Vine, just to satisfy someone's curiosity.

Barkeep: Oh. That's all the questions you have? *stands*

JK: *sets quill and parchment aside and also stands* Yes. Thank you for your time. I will see you next week sometime—I believe the troupe is scheduled to play at your tavern then.

Barkeep: Ah, yes. And everyone's looking forward to it. My son's made me promise to let him listen—he's hoping you'll sing some of the tales of Kor d'Tellaine.

JK: *smiles* Maybe we will; I'll ask the others if they'd like to put a tale or two of Kor into the lineup. Have a nice evening. Be sure to give my greeting to your wife and son.