The Tumbling Feather: Better than a bird in hand, or two in the bush!

Dear Reader,

Should you find yourself on the road to Luneden, passing the King's wood near Darescut, I implore you to take the time to visit The Tumbling Feather. I'd offer directions, but one cannot miss it, as it perches in the trees as cloud around a mountain top, and bridges across the road itself! Whilst perhaps not uncommon in the larger, more densely packed towns, it is an unusual sight in such remote woodlands.
You could be forgiven for thinking this alehouse an impenetrable fortress, for there are no obvious entrances at ground level, and from this vantage point only a few to be seen higher up. As I have been led to believe by the current landlord, an exuberant crow by the name of Artur Serle, it once was! Originally made by and exclusively for the avian folk, The Tumbling Feather was constructed on high, with the only doorways open to the most frail looking branches. This prevented access to non-avians (though I am sure a squirrel or two managed to find their way in, as they always seem to be able to do) and provided sanctuary for some of Northymbra's smaller and more fragile folk, particularly at night. One can't help but wonder whether the high perches may have also provided a concealed vantage to ambush the unwary walking the road beneath...*

Well, the world has changed greatly since it was first open for business in 512, and The Tumbling Feather has been handed down and handed over to new owners an uncountable number of times (uncountable because many of the records of it changing hands have been lost, if ever they were recorded in the first place!) More than that, it has been renovated and extended to meet the needs of the day, and now does welcome beasts of all races. Though "welcome" may be a strong word; the majority of entrances are still high, with the largest tree trunk supporting the sprawling structure harbouring a secretive door amongst its root ball and a spiralling staircase through its core. My fellow mice, shrews, ferrets, rats, cats and other smaller beasts should be able to navigate this with ease, but anyone of a larger frame (particularly should they wish to keep their armour on) will find they have to climb a nearby tree or a rope ladder to reach the larger entryways. Of course, one must remember that one does not just need to be nimble to get in, but also to make one's exit, which may be trickier after a few rounds of Darescut Old, the proffered local tipple. Those with an especially keen sense of smell may also find some discomfort, as the drops from the latrines do not always reach the curve of the nearby river as intended. I apologise for being indelicate on this matter, but it can be of the utmost importance for some.
With that warning ringing in the ears of many a badger and hound, they must be wondering whether the climb would be worth it? If one enjoys fine food and finer beers, then the answer is a definite yes! The aforementioned Darescut Old is a pleasingly smooth and deceptively strong brew, accompanied by an array of locals, all of equal pedigree. Whilst the wine selection is somewhat lacking, consisting of only a zinging pea-pod white and two unidentifiable barrels of "Red" covered by an impressive layer of dust (apparently left over from the previous owner more than a decade ago), the quintet of meads would not disappoint any but the most snobbish of connoisseurs. The only cider available is from a nearby orchard, just visible from the highest window in the main bar, and has a delectable crispness that more than makes up for a lack of variety. I imagine that on a hot summer's day, the bar staff could scarcely keep pace with the orders for it. Mr. Serle is an avid and very vocal supporter of the B.O.G., and offers the B.O.G. standard discount on all drinks, when you produce your membership card, naturally. Stay late enough past last orders, and you may even find a surreptitious pint appear at your side, with Serle refusing payment. Beer is clearly something to be taken seriously at The Tumbling Feather; through Serle's influence, every member of staff are uncommonly knowledgable about those they offer. Of course, that could be because Serle himself is not especially softly spoken, and regularly eschews the virtues to anyone who will listen, or whom cannot escape quickly enough!

The menu speaks to the history of The Tumbling Feather, featuring avian cuisine centred around a handful of seed and nut based dishes. If this is not usually your sort of thing, I would strongly recommend trying the holly berry pie, as it is among the best I have tasted. Of course, the highlight is the Sunnandaeg grub roast! Portions are impressive for the price, with a generous serving of vegetables that will be readily topped up if you ask nicely.

The locals are unflinchingly affable, and will welcome the weary traveller to their tables with open arms. Whilst it would appear most would consider themselves Freebeasts, all can find a warm hearth, a filling meal and a satiating pint, so long as they don't cause trouble. At least, no trouble for the Feather; it is not unheard of for those wishing to partake in illicit activities to use it as a staging post (or even act on incautious patrons...) So long as The Tumbling Feather and its staff are not targeted, or implicated in any way, Serle is willing to turn a blind eye it seems. I suggest keeping your purse strings tightly closed, and your coin close to your chest!
As an alehouse rather than an inn, there is no accommodation at The Tumbling Feather. However, you can often find the surrounding trees used as roosts, even the roof of the Feather itself. Aside from the obvious risks of travelling through woods late at night (particularly when one has had more than their share of the Darescut Old), the Feather maintains a guard watch through the night. The trio of owls, Mr. Kelsey, Ms. Athelis, and young Mr. Hoot, are more than happy to alert anyone sheltering within the vicinity to any approaching dangers. Mr. Kelsey in particular projects an air of security, as a veteran of the War of Storms, but all seem exceptionally well prepared for a fight they hope never comes to them.

To conclude; The Tumbling Feather is a uniquely built and long running establishment, providing some of the best local beers any B.O.G. member could ask for. The avian cuisine is as delectable as the discourse with the regulars and staff. However, it may not be the most accessible for larger, less nimble beasts, and has been known to harbour those who have questionable morals. I strongly recommend a cautious visit if you are passing by Darescut.

Your faithful servant,

Madam E.d.A-M

*It is at this point I must apologies for not providing a picture of this impressive establishment. Unfortunately those that I had made before publication were lost to the wind by my former assistant; Never trust a sparrow to do a mouse's job!