From Ars Magica

A map of the Three Lions Inn

1		1	1			1	1			1	1
1	<m>Innkeeper's</m> <m>Room</m>			1	<m>Store</m> <m>Room</m>			1	<m>Kitchen</m>						1
1		1	1			1	1			1	1
1	<m>Corridor</m>											1	<m>Stairs</m>		1
1		1	1			1	1			1	1			1	1
1	<m>West</m> <m>Room</m>							1	<m>Main</m> <m>Room</m>						1
1								1							1
1								1							1
1										1	1

A map of the ground floor of the main building. None of the parts are to scale. Brown squares are doors, and the stairs begin at the right, and go up to the left.

The Company of Strangers, or the Convivium Sodalum?

The wooden shutters had been closed and latched as dusk fell, and like the patrons in the main room, the magi had almost unconsciously rearranged themselves according to the availability of light in the room. A large fireplace occupied the center of one wall, and a number of logs were well ablaze within creating a tempting semi-circle of warmth and light.

Shortly before the main course was to be served, Roan entered the room with a bowl of freshly chopped herbs, which she began to strew up and down the long table. The flickering flames of two candlesticks illuminated the table, but little else.

Not long after the scent of cooking food began wafting through the whole building, a large, silent man entered and placed a hand protectively on Eirlys' shoulder. "Ah, sodales, I'd like for you to meet Sandor. He can't speak, but I'm sure he's very pleased to meet your acquaintances." Eirlys smiled warmly, though Sandor maintained a facial expression which was as brooding as his companion's was inviting.

When Roan next disturbed the assembled strangers a few minutes later, she was carrying a large, heavy looking pot. Behind her stood Lucia, who bore a tray stacked with bowls and a large ladle. "If you could all kindly be seated, I'd like to serve this while it's good'n'hot." As she waited for them all to take places, or not, at the table, Lucia timidly emerged from the relative safety of Roan's shadow, and began to place finger bowls along the table.

Longinus rose, moved to the table and claimed the place reserved for him by his knife. Carefuly staying clear of the serving girls bustling work, he nonetheless smiled his thanks.

A moment later, Alicia rejoined the party, stopping short at the door when she saw that several more magi had arrived, then moving quickly over to Ambrosius.

After supper in the West Room

Once everyone had eaten and drunk their fill of the rather tasty food the innkeeper had provided there was a general feeling of relaxation which usually went with a good meal after a long journey. It was well after sundown now and the lights were beginning to burn down low giving the room a more intimate feeling.

Mnemosyne suggested that those who not members of the Order should be free to retire to the common room, bed or whatever took their fancy. Her tone made it clear it was more of a directive than a suggestion. It was time for the magi to discuss their plans for the all important days ahead which could in turn affect all of their futures for many years to come.