Mariana had no idea what a cigar was. Daniel explained the matter; the recent discovery of the tobacco plant that had technically been known to tribal people since the dawn of man had prompted southern producers to imitate a product enjoyed by many primitive chiefs. Even though the process was distinctly different from the way cigars had originally been made, it was still called a cigar, that earthy roll of brown, dried leaves wrapped into a larger leaf.
The room was designed for smoking indoors. There were plenty of windows that had hatches that could be partially closed so that the wind would not disturb those inside the room and so that there was still a way for the smoke to get out. There were comfortable armchairs, and so many ashtrays that someone probably had to clean the room regularly - there was no distinct smell of ash lingering in the air, quite the opposite, as the room smelled very good.