Rereading this dang book is making me wish their bars were real. Here.
A Laughhouse was a world of banter, debate, cheer and liquid laughter. Those who served the drinks were known as Jesters, masters of talk and mediation. Jesters worked beneath the Minstrel, the owner of a Laughhouse. Pouring drinks was but the surface of a Jester’s duties, for they were also charged with maintenance, and the hosting of witty duels. “Step up, step up!” one Jester hailed as Lucy, Ludwig and Shale approached Tickletwine, which lay across the street from Browbeater Bookburrow. “We’ve a fresh stock of grin, even a smirk of smile tucked away!”
“Any pucker?” Shale asked as she passed the Jester.
“Plenty, miss Inker, plenty!” The Jester laughed and welcomed the trio inside.
Tickletwine was a warm building of soft golden light, high spirits and merriment held within dark wooden walls. There were three floors held aloft by oakish pillars, each accessible via the carpeted staircase, fenced by finely carved banisters. Below was the islanded bar top where the Jesters served customers at every angle. Behind them was a tall tower that touched the ceiling, jewelled with stock; multicoloured bottles, containing various tinctures, were displayed lovingly upon the high shelves, sheathed by metal gates for which only the Jesters had keys. In the corner, a small group of Dollies plucked a range of string instruments, providing service on behalf of their Dollhouse… and for a little extra bite in their drinks, to be sure.
Lil bit of translation. Their drinks are named after how it usually makes you feel. Grin, pucker, etc
Dollies are entertainers. They can be artists, musicians, a certain type of company
Inkers are folks that work in the news industry. Going out, getting information, writing news.