It took several hours, but he was eventually waved over by the bar-maid. Walking over she gestured at a corner. “There’s a team waiting for a fourth over there. If you’re a good fit they’ll let you work with them.” She smiled softly, it was odd that Coney could see a twinkle in her eyes that screamed of mischief.

Walking into the corner booth he realized that the area didn’t have sound coming through it, even though he could see them talking. Walking across the line he suddenly realized that all sound from the bar had been removed. His ears, as sensitive as they were, throbbed in appreciation of the unexpected quiet.

“Uh, hi.” He said, cautiously waving a paw at the others. There were three, they were all human, and each one looked at him differently.

The one on the far left was a girl in armor. Her hair was bowl cut and brown, but she somehow wore it really well. She looked rather stoic, not bothering to say anything but simply nodding to him. Coney wasn’t sure whether she was acting tough or just didn’t like him. Either way was possible though.

The middle person was a young man, around his own age. He was tall, handsome, and wore an odd set of robes. They were blue with gold trim, and seemed to be cut in a way designed to accentuate his svelte figure. It was clear he put a lot of effort into himself, and Coney wondered if he was an NPC or another player.

The third had bubblegum pink hair and was wearing a dark brown set of clothes, which somehow seemed both tight fitting and flowing. It was clear to him that she was excited to see him arrive, and her happy little squeak certainly made him aware. Picking Coney up she hugged him aggressively, rubbing her cheek against his. “Oh, aren't you so cute!”

“A-ah, you're choking me!” He said, his vision getting a little bit blurry. “I d-don’t wanna die!” She laughed at his declaration, though she did let him go partially, though still holding him.

“Carrie, you don’t have to be so exuberant all the time.” The boy said. “I mean, come on, it’s not like it’s gonna run away.” Coney’s heart stopped a little at the use of it, but he decided not to argue about it. “Anyway, I assume you’re one of the so-called adventurers this shithole has to offer? What makes you think we’ll take you?”

“I’m a healer…” Coney said, wiggling a little and trying to get out of Carrie’s grasp. “I work for the church, I’m sure my background can help in the dungeon.

“Oh, a healer.” The stoic woman said. “I accept this one. I believe I shall be sufficient for protecting your body Eric but I am unable to tank solely without any backup. Yet.”

“I’m sure you are far more than sufficient my dear Briana.” The guy said. “But your notes are certainly appreciated. I will definitely listen to them.”

“She’s so cute!” Carrie said, squeezing again. Her big pigtails bounced as she did, seeming to show off her internal exuberance.

“Uh, actually-” Coney started, but he was cut off.

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“I was hoping we’d find someone whose outfit was a little less drab.” Eric said, tapping his chin. “No matter, I’m sure the dungeon will have loot. We’ll just have to clothe it out of our pockets then.”

“So she’s coming?”

“Provisionally…”

“Wait just a minute, don’t I get a say?” Coney asked.

“Of course.” Eric said with a smarmy grin. “I’m not a monster. I don’t go in on forcing anyone.” He seemed a bit confident. “However, I do know that a beastkin like you doesn’t exactly have all the choices in the world. So, are you coming or not?”

The bunny tried to come up with something, but nothing went through his little bunny brain. “Fine, I guess I’m gonna come with. What’s the plan?” As hesitant as he’d been, he was already excited, practically vibrating. He looked up at Carrie, who nodded at him and set him down, a bit of non-verbal communication passing between them.

“Alright, since you're a healer you should know our roles. Carrie is our rogue, she goes first.” Coney looked up at Carrie’s bright pink hair. “Don’t worry, she can be totally silent when she wants to be. She just doesn’t decide to be anywhere near when we’re out here. It’s fine.”

“Alright.” Coney said, biting his lip. “I might be able to look up prayers to help with that. It’s hard to say for now, but still, I’ll keep my mind on it.” He patted Carrie’s knee before turning back to Eric. “And you two?”

“Tank and damage dealer.” Eric said, pointing at Briana and himself. “Bri defends me. She’s currently able to specialize either in damage or defense, but as a defender she can do better as the latter.” Coney again wondered whether they were NPCs or other players. He supposed from the language they were using players made the most sense.

“Okay, so some kind of knight build.”

“I want to. But I don’t have the noble title.” Briana said, still not seeming too emotional about it, despite an underlying longing.

“It’s one of the things we’re looking for. There are things in the dungeons that one can use for all sorts of quests. I’m going to help Briana get a noble title, which is the reward for some quests.” Eric said confidently.

“You don’t want that for yourself?”

“Oh, I’ve already got one.” Eric said with a wide cheshire grin. “I chose the Noble background, and started off as the scion of a minor noble family.”

“Oh wow, okay.” Coney said, a bit of excitement in his eyes. These were other players. “I live at the abbey, this’ll be my first real dungeon.” His eyes glittered a little in the light as he held his small furry fist up. “But I’ll be ready.”

“Simmer down little one.” Eric said, patting Coney’s head. “Now, I’m DPS, like I said. I’m a mage, and I’m planning to specialize in destructive magic.” Coney frowned, wondering if that would be all that useful in the end, but it wasn’t his build. “For now, I just know a few lightning spells.”

“Okay so… You and me in the middle? Briana protecting our flanks while Carrie scouts ahead?” He hummed a little bit of an old dnd song to himself.

“That’s about right.” Eric said, nodding.

“And do we have a map?” Coney asked.

“No. They do sell maps, it’s a local dungeon and has been explored before, but I plan on training my cartography skills.” Surprisingly this was Carrie, who had taken out a piece of paper and crayons. With the crayons she quickly sketched the tavern. It wouldn’t win any prizes for beauty, but in only a minute and a half coney admired how tight her lines were, even if there weren't many fine details.

“Let's get going.” Briana said. “I have packed rations.” She stood up, Coney could see that she was in fact wearing armor, it just wasn't plate. It was closer to the armor of conquistadors in a lot of art. It covered her chest and hips, but she was clearly able to get taken out should it come to that.

Coney followed, getting up, and walking with the rest of the group to the dungeon entrance.