The atmosphere inside the tavern could easily be summed up by some as warm and friendly, with a few exceptions of some rather shady-looking individuals off in the corners. The fireplace was roaring and filling the room with warmth, the tables were full of people in varying states of merriment and sobriety, and in general it seemed like quite the happy place. The girl tending the bar was a slight blonde, appearing to be no older then around seventeen.

One particular patron, however, disapproved of just about everything around her. Tanya Palayan, her armor currently stored elsewhere, sat with her arms folded tightly across her chest. So many drunks. Certainly, her religion did not have anything against the consumption of alcohol, but Tanya definitely did. The taste, the state it left people in, she had nothing but disapproval for those around her. She did in fact radiate a strong field of irritation as she sat upon. Currently, the small paladin was not wearing her armor, instead only carrying her bastard sword, Repharion. The sizable blade was sheathed on her hip, or rather slightly higher in order to ensure it wouldn’t drag upon the ground.
In normal circumstances, Tanya would never be found in a place like this. It was too loud, too full of alcohol. To put it simply, she absolutely hated being in taverns and quite truthfully wished she was almost anywhere else. But the Paladin of Reon had an assignment, and it was an important one at that. And one of the … recommendations from the priestesses was that she seek further assistance in this task. As confident in her abilities as Tanya was, she eventually begrudgingly agreed that it would be for the best to have allies for this mission. With many of Reon’s loyal paladins aboard, Tanya had been instructed to seek those who may be willing to help her closer to her destination. 

That is what lead the purple-haired girl here. The town of Balendale was not far from the ruin she intended to reach. It was a simple place, defended by a simple wooden wall surrounding it. She had heard many adventurers stopped at the place, for whatever reason.

Tanya had little excuse to put it off any longer. She had drained her mug of milk completely dry at this point.

Signing to herself, she got to her feet and climbed onto the bench, as to make herself more noticeable. Well, at least this would get potential applicants’ attention more quickly.

“I am a warrior, seeking to reach the deepest level of the Prison-Castle!” she declared. Indeed, there were few who did not know of what some people called King Haldric’s tomb. Indeed, the allure of the treasure that was rumored to litter it was something she was counting on. “If any wish to join me in this quest, speak now!”

Tanya paused. Now there were so many people looking at her… Grumbling under her breath, she looked away.

“… Or something.”

With that, she sat back down, arms folded firmly across her chest.

She knew it could only get more irritating from here. And yet… her duty was crucial. The thing that lurked deep within the Prison-Castle…

It had to be destroyed.