Neither.

Clearing my throat loudly, I spoke to them sternly. "Howard, please inform the Coopers that I will be returning here once my business with them is concluded. Gloria, I will be having my midday meal elsewhere today. That will be all."

If they had taken any offense to my sudden dismissal, I did not care. The insult upon my character was not to be tolerated. Standing up, Howard draped my jacket over his sleeve. "Of course, sir. I shall send them a message immediately." With his nod and a curtsy from Gloria, they left me alone at the table.

I took a walk soon after to clear my head, but as I meandered through the streets of the commune, I looked upon the faces of everyone who passed me by, I could not but wonder what kinds of relationships they had with each other. What sordid secrets they hide away behind closed doors. Stopping at the local tavern for a respite and a bite, I chatted with the barman while the boisterous songs and laughter of the local docks-men rang out merrily all around.

It was then that I learned that modesty had no meaning in this place. Whilst I was having my meal, one of the docks-men simply stood up, spun their barmaid around, dropped his trousers, hiked up her skirts and had his way with her, in plain view of all the other patrons. Mouth agape, I turned to the barman, who was just shaking his head. Pointing to me and then to the stairs with his thumb, he merely said, "Oi! We've got a guest. Upstairs, will you?" The docks-man protested and some patrons began to boo, but a stern look from the barman and threat to double their bill was enough to silence them. Shifting sharpish, the docks-man fixed his trousers and led the barmaid away, all the while giving me a dirty look.

The barman apologized to me, saying that it had been some time since any outsiders had stayed in Madosin, and that everyone here had become accustomed to such sights, and for the disturbance, that my meal would be his pleasure, not his service. Feeling the annoyed eyes of the other patrons on me, I finished my meal and exited the tavern in haste.