It didn't take them long before they made it to the common area where the group could relax and enjoy some food and drink.

Five adventurers were sitting in the middle of the room. Three humans and two dwarves.

"Hello! Grab any seat you want, and I'll be there in a moment," The barkeep said to Quinus and the group.

The group of adventurers stopped talking when they heard the barkeep addressing someone else. They looked towards Quinus and his group as they entered the tavern.

Quinus and the others found an empty table, sat down, and waited for the barkeep to come and take their orders.

The adventurers started to whisper among themselves, before they turned to Quinus and one of the dwarves asked, "Haven't seen you guys before? Are you a new adventurer's party that's come into town?"

"We're not really an adventure party, but we were hired to deal with the Goblins... I'm Quin Valen... And the rest of my group is George, Dalia, Rya, and Percy," Quinus answered with a half-truth.

"Oh? You come in to help cull the goblins?" Another dwarf asked.

"Yes, but we are in need of another recruit... Sadly, it seems like a bunch of adventurers have gone through the ringer. They don't seem too enthusiastic to go back to hunting the Goblins," Quinus said out loud as he was making up a believable story, just in case one of his uncle's spies were around.

"You're preaching to the choir," One of the human adventurers replied. "We've been stuck doing small jobs around the city ever since they showed up... Anyways, good luck with finding a sixth member. We always seem to fail to keep members in our party," The human warrior said.

Quinus looks at the five adventurers and notices how worn they look.

"Looks like you have gone through a lot yourselves," Quinus mentioned.

"We've been fighting goblins ever since the horde started spawning from the Tomb of the Horde. We lost a few friends along the way... Once we lost Gray... We haven't gone goblin hunting ever since," The human warrior said with a sad tone.

"Sorry to hear that... We too have gone through our fair share of casualties. It seems the more we kill the more they spawned. But at least it seems they are slowing down," Quinus said with a solemn tone.

"Yeah, it seems their numbers have dropped about five days ago. I wonder if Prince Quinus pulled it off and stopped the Labyrinth," The dwarf wondered out loud.

"Yeah, I thought the kingdom was throwing away the future ruler. Who would have thought he could stop the Goblin hordes and find the Dungeon Core... Maybe he is worthy of the throne? That's if he's alive," The human archer said.

"Aye! And you thought it was going to be easy to find the dungeon core! Hah! How many times did we go into the labyrinth hoping to find fame and fortune only to get some of our party slaughtered because the army of goblins came at us like a wave of water... We didn't stand a chance," The Dwarf swordsman muttered.

The archer just sighed and said, "I didn't think they would spawn that fast and that many. I'm surprised we're still alive after all this time."

"It's not fair to blame him, Grim... The goblins used to be weaker before the Dungeon Core awoke. I would have never imagined being driven back every time we tried to go deeper into the labyrinth... No matter how many times we tried, they never lessened in number," The Human Warrior mentioned.

"That's true, Jax. But it doesn't mean I'm not scared to go back there... I'm just happy the goblins are not coming into the city as often anymore. But if you want to go goblin hunting again, then count me out," Grim said.

"Well, I'm sure things should go back to normal soon. My condolences to your fallen comrades," Quinus said while bowing his head to the adventurers.

"There's no need to apologize, Sir... We were all in the wrong place at the wrong time... It's the life of an Adventurer... We take risks and hope that we can live to see another day," The human Archer said.

The barkeep walked over to Quinus' group and asked, "Alright, what can I get for you all?"

"What's the house special? And do you have any cold beer or ale?" Quinus asked.

"The special is roast pork and root vegetables. We also have Dwarven Ale on tap and a selection of wines. We also have some local mead if you want something a little sweeter," The barkeep answered.

"We'll take the special," Quinus said.

"Alright! I'll be back in a second," The barkeep replied and walked away.

The adventurer's party returns to talking with themselves leaving Quinus' party alone as the barkeep comes back with a tray of roast pork and vegetables.

"Here's dinner for five. Now can I get you all something to drink with that?" The dwarf bartender asked.

'God the food looks so good right now!? I hope it tastes even better than it looks.' Rya thought as she wanted to drool.

"Can I get a beer, please? Thanks," Dalia says.

"Sure thing. What would you like to drink, sir?" The bartender asked the ranger.

"I'll have water, please," Percy replied.

"Got it... And what will the rest of you be drinking?" The dwarf asked as he looked at Rya.

"I can go for an ale, as well?" Rya asked, causing Quinus to look at her with surprise.

"I didn't know you liked ale. I thought dark el- I mean I thought you were a wine fan," Quinus asked with a hint of amusement.

"Hmm? Well, I do enjoy wine from time to time... But I prefer a quality beer... Is there a problem with that?" Rya asked while tilting her head.

"No... But be careful with dwarven ale... It's usually stronger than other races beers," Quinus warned her.

"Pfft... I think I can handle one mug of ale, Quin. Besides, I don't plan on getting drunk or anything. I'll just have one drink and stick to water the rest of the night," Rya said, trying not to sound offended.

"Hahaha, she's a keeper if you ask me? Got to love a woman who's not afraid of a proper ale! And you got two of them! Now do you two want water or ale?" The barkeep asked.

"Ale, please. Thank you," Sir George said.

"Yeah, I'll grab one as well," Quinus said with a smirk.

'Really Quin? Does he think I can't handle a bit of beer? Come on man! It's just an ale... He's acting like this is my first time or something... But I do wish it was an IPA... God... I miss IPAs!... Whatever! It's a beer and that's all that matters,' Rya thought to herself.

They all started digging into their meals except for Sir George, who was savoring his food.

"Mmmm! This is amazing!" Rya said.

"You got that right! I never had meat this good before," Dalia said as her cheeks were full of roasted pork.

"It's been a while since I've eaten anything besides rations for most of the week. I can't remember the last time I had a real meal," Sir George said.

"You know we had a good meal at the mansion in Kishin, right?" Quinus said with an amused look.

"Fine! It was a week ago!... I don't know why His High- I mean... I don't know why... Q-Quin... takes things so literally," Sir George corrected himself, "And you too shouldn't stuff your faces like that... It's undignified," said the Retainer, who glared at Rya and Dalia.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

"Aww come on. We're not barbarians, you know?" Rya said with a chuckle.

"Yeah! I'm keeping my mouth closed while I'm chewing," said the wolfkin as she stuffed her mouth.

Sir George could only sigh and shake his head.

With that, the barkeep came by with the drinks.

"Well, here you go. I hope you like it!" The barkeep said as he placed the mugs in the middle of the table.

'About time! I'm so thirsty!' Rya thought while she grabbed a big stein that had some foam dripping down the sides.

She lifted the mug to her lips and took a quick sip.

Rya never was the biggest ale fan back on Earth but she did enjoy it from time to time. And with not having any beer in over a few weeks. She found herself enjoying the taste more than she usually did.

'Mmmm! This is the best-tasting beer I've ever had in my life! I can feel my stomach getting warm.' Rya thought to herself as she had a smile on her face.

Quinus glanced over at Rya and saw her smiling from ear to ear.

"What's gotten into you? You seem pretty happy about something?" Quinus asked as he took a swig of his beer.

"Ugh! Mmmmmmm! This is some damn good beer!" Rya said with a grin as she took another gulp of her ale.

"Just pace yourself, Okay? I don't need you puking all over the tavern." Quinus warned.

"Don't worry, Quin. I'm full of food now so I shouldn't feel buzzed anytime soon... And this stuff is making my belly feel nice and warm!" Rya told him as she started taking a bigger gulp of her beer.

As soon as Rya took the third gulp of her ale, she felt a warm sensation flow through her body. It was so pleasant and it made her lightheaded.

'Oh shit! What in the world?! I think I'm getting buzzed!? But my stomach should be full and the beer is not that strong!... I think?... Agh! I haven't drunk half my glass and I'm feeling drunk! Hold on!... Is it because my body's smaller?... Yeah, that's gotta be it. I should probably slow down. I don't wanna get shitfaced, 'Rya thought as she stopped drinking and placed the mug down.

"Hey! Why is Alpha smiling so much?" Dalia asked with a raised eyebrow.

"What? Oh! Nothing really... I just feel relaxed! *Hic* Oh!? Hehe!... Guys, I think I might be a bit tipsy, hehe! *Hic*" Rya said as she started giggling out of nowhere.

The alcohol was starting to hit her hard and her worries about drinking too much were quickly replaced with a giddy feeling. She looked at her mug and began to drink more.

'Hehe!... This ale is amazing!... I feel like I'm floating... Everything is spinning. Hehe! *Hic* Aw!... I don't have any more beer!... Did someone drink from my glass?' Rya thought as her face started turning red.

Quinus watched her for a bit until he noticed she had a weird expression on her face.

"Well looks like you might be a lightweight," Quinus told her as he laughed a little.

"Ha! Ha! *Hic* You have no idea how long it's been since I've had a drink! *Hic* And I would like another one, p-please?" Rya said as she pointed at the bar.

"I think one is good enough for now Rya. That's quite a lot of ale to drink in just a matter of minutes," Quinus told her.

Rya looked at Quinus with a confused look.

"I-I didn't d-down that ale-e that f-fast *hic*," Rya said as she struggled to talk.

Quinus could tell by looking at her face she was drunk.

"Rya, I think you're done. Here let me help you back to the room?" Quinus said as he offered his hand to help her out of her chair.

"N-No. I-I want t-to hang-out w-with you guy-s! *hic*" Rya said as she stumbled a little.

"Well? How about this... I'll let you stay... if you can stand up on your own... Does that sound good to you, Rya?" Quinus asked with a smile.

"Y-Yeah! I-I can... li-ke total-l-l-y stand up... n-no problem! *Hic*" Rya said as she started to stand up.

Rya thought this challenge would be a piece of cake. But once she stood up, she realized that she couldn't even hold her own weight. She fell right back down onto the chair with a thud.

'Come on Ryan. You can do this~' Rya thought to herself as she tried again and almost fell out of her seat.

"Eck! Ugh! That was a close c-call! I almost tum-bled out of the seat!" Rya said in a high-pitched voice.

"Here. Grab my hand. We're going to get some rest. I'm sure you need your beauty sleep." Quinus told Rya as he helped her up. She was wobbly as she used Quinus as her support.

"B-But I don't wan... Wow? Quin, were you always this strong? Hehehe..." Rya said with a smile. In her drunken state, she thought Quinus was very cute and she wanted to flirt with him.

'Mmmm, Quin always looked handsome, but when did he start looking better? Was he always this sexy? Hehe! He's a very good friend... I think I could l-love him... WHOA!? I-I can't fall in love with... Gah!... Quin's right, I'm drunk... After one beer, too... Ugh! I guess I really am a lightweight. Stupid female body!' Rya thought to herself as she pouted in Quin's arms.

"Hehe. L-Lead the wa-y, my prince! *hic*" Rya said as she kissed Quin on the cheek.

"Oh, you're playing with fire Rya. Haah... I wish you weren't drunk when you said that." Quinus said as he chuckled.

"Just g-go ahead and p-pick me up! *hic*" Rya giggled as she wrapped her arms around Quin's waist.

All he could do was smile and shake his head.

"I'll see you three later. Don't stay out too late." Quinus said to Percy, Dalia, and Sir George.

"We shouldn't be too long," Sir George said as he was still eating his meal.

Rya then turned and gave Dalia a wink, and she followed behind Quinus. The wolfkin gave Rya a thumbs up.

Quinus and Rya left the tavern and were in the lobby and just as they were about to head into the hallway to where their room was Quinus realized he had forgotten something.

"Dammit... Rya wait here for a second... I'll be back," Quinus said to her before he turned back to the tavern looking for Sir George.

"Hey. George, I forgot the key. Do you, have it?" Quinus asked Sir George.

"Oh yeah. Sorry, Quin. Here you go." Sir George said as he opened his bag and pulled out the key.

"Thanks," Quinus said as he took the key.

While Quin and the group got distracted trying to find the key, Rya was walking around the lobby in her drunken state.

Rya wasn't paying attention to her surroundings when she bumped into another person in a cloak as she rounded the corner.

"OOPH!" Rya said as her hood fell, displaying her Dark Elven ears and white hair to the world. She somehow didn't fall over but the cloaked figure she ran into took a tumble to the ground as she landed on her butt, causing her hood to drop down as well. Revealing her golden blonde hair, green eyes, and a pair of elven ears.

"OW!... Bloody drunk! Watch where yo~" The Elf was in panic or shock when she looked up and realized she bumped into a Dark Elf. She was told at a young age that Dark Elves were creatures to be feared in all the lands. They were evil and dangerous beings who showed no mercy to anyone, especially the Wood Elves.

"N-N-No please d-don't-" The Wood Elf was struggling to find her dagger as she saw Rya coming closer to her. She closed her eyes thinking this was the end. 'Mother was right! I should have never become an adventurer! How were you cursed with such rotten luck Nieren!'

But instead of death, Nieren felt her hood getting pulled up and over her head again.

"S-Sorry about t-that. I-I have to say you have c-cute ears like mine? *hic*" Rya said as she smiled at the Elf.

Nieren didn't know what to do or how to react in such a situation.

"Y-You're a Dark Elf? R-Right?" Nieren asked as her eyes widened in fear. "Yo-You're an evil creature... Aren't you?"

"Pfft! E-Evil? Maybe th-ose stupi-d goddesses are e-vil. *hic* But not me," Rya said triumphantly as she tried to get up.

The Wood Elf carefully watched Rya get up and struggle to keep her balance. Nieren wasn't sure if this Dark Elf would change her mind and kill her on the spot. She heard the stories from the elder about how barbaric the attacks by a Dark Elf were and she knew what was in store for her if things went south.

"W-Wait! Please don't hurt me!" Nieren begged.

"Hmm? W-Why wou-ld I hurt you?" The confused drunken Rya asked.

This only dumbfounded the Wood Elf more. This Dark Elf didn't show any hostility towards Nieren and all she did was sit there on the floor stunned by Rya's comment.

"Whoops!" Rya loses her balance and braces herself on the nearby wall. "God! Hehehe. Oh, I'm definitely tipsy... I must look like a fool... Hehe... Hey, watch ou-t for the dw-arven ale. It's a bit str-onger than I g-ave it credit..." Rya said as she smiled at the young lady sitting on the floor but then Rya's face morphed into a sad look when she had another thought go through her mind. "Or-r I'm a lightweight? *hic* N-No! That would suck! I li-ke beer."

The wood elf was having a hard time understanding the situation as she thought she knew how Dark Elves worked. All of her life she was taught that Dark Elves were bloodthirsty, savage, and heartless. She never heard of a Dark Elf acting friendly towards anyone, especially a Wood Elf.

"Wel-l... You have a good-nigh-t," Rya said as she tried to find her room.

Nieren was struggling to understand what just happened. The Dark Elf acted friendly and even tried to help her up. She thought this was some kind of sick joke the Dark Elf was playing.

"She has to be lying, right? D-Dark Elves aren't like that. They are evil... Were the Elders wrong? She doesn't seem evil to me..." Nieren whispered to herself as she finally stood up from the floor.

She feels bad for thinking the Dark Elves are evil creatures, but she can't help it. It was all she ever heard about them, and this was her first time encountering one. She watches Rya until she hears the sound of footsteps coming from the tavern and quickly finds cover to hide behind the counter wondering what will happen when the Dark Elf gets spotted by somebody else.

The footsteps were getting louder and a handsome young man with golden eyes and dark red hair came walking into the lobby and saw Rya struggling to find her way to the hallway.

"Rya? What are you doing over there?" Quinus asked with a smile on his face.

"Quin-n! I-I'm a lightwei-ght? Because I like be-er and I'll be s-ad if this is how I am aft-er one pint? I'm sorry I tripped. I'm so f-fatigued. I've been running th-this whole d-day." Rya stuttered out.

The young prince kneels down beside her and holds her hands.

"Well, Dwarves like their beer stronger than most races. I think you'll do better with human breweries." Quinus said as he walked over to her.

"A-Aw! You're the best Q-Quin! I want-ed to t-tell you that earlier but I f-forgot." Rya said with a blush as she looked away in embarrassment.

"Well, you better watch out, Rya. If you keep sweet-talking me like that. I may start to get ideas," Quinus said with a chuckle.

"C-Can you carry me? I-I feel useless right now." Rya said nervously.

Quinus smiles and picks her up with ease. He carries her princess-style as he walks down the hallway to find their room.

***

Nieren saw it but she still couldn't believe it. The Dark Elf wasn't evil. She was cute and innocent. She was weak. She needed protection, but she didn't know it yet. She always thought the Dark Elves were evil. They were supposed to be evil. That was why she hated and feared them. But now she was questioning what was real.

"M-Maybe she's not a Dark Elf? But her skin was so tan? Maybe she was a half-breed? N-No she was a full breed! I don't understand?" Nieren said to herself.

The Wood Elf was still having trouble believing that the Dark Elf she once hated and feared was nothing like what she thought they would be. Now she saw the Dark Elf, she wanted to know if Rya was playing a trick on everyone. So, she was going to observe this Dark Elf and see if she was truly evil or was a normal kind being.

"If you're evil, Rya? I'll have to stop you!" Nieren said to herself.