A Maiden's Tears

4C4P No tavern in this ward competes in prices with those elsewhere— drink is dear, and rowdiness strongly discouraged. Nobles with a taste for brawling, color, or danger walk to more southerly wards for their fun. This place, named for the old Sword Coast legend that the best wine is the tears of a maiden whose suitor turns away (or is slain), is quieter than most. Soft lighting, deftly quiet service, and curtained booths make this a perfect and popular place for meetings—both for private intrigue, and encounters with ladies of the evening. Once you're seated, it is rare to even see other patrons, and the snoring betrays just how many unhappy nobles come here to drink zzar until they fall asleep. The Tears is rated highly for its privacy and quiet. Some will find it a excrutiatingly boring place to lift a cup. Zzar is 4 cp/jack. Wines go up from there to 20 gp/glass for Tashlutan dragonstongue. No menu is offered, but all drink orders include complimentary salted crackers, garlic-and-cheese- melt breads, and celery. Proprietress: Zobia Shrinsha is the proprietress. She is quiet, watchful, and shy—like a little girl speaking to strangers.