((Note: Anything written in red is essential to the plot. I'll be the only one to use this, please and thanks. Watch for it! :) ))

One month ago

The building was small, but well-kept and brightly lit on the inside. It wasn't the grandest or most upscale drinking hole in town, but it was certainly one of the most popular. Knowledge of it passed through word of mouth, from person to person. It's name - the Dark Moon Taverna - made it sound threatening, but anyone who knew the owner knew it was only an attempt at mystique.

The owner, a pudgy, jovial man was always happy to assist his customers, in whatever way he could. He was also quite loyal to the government . . . but that didn't stop him protesting when they posted a wanted flyer for mission volunteers on the notice board. He could do nothing; the governor's order kept the notice up, and the owner couldn't stop volunteers from risking their lives.

Present day

Rain poured down in the early evening dimness, soaking the city streets and the people roaming them. Pushing through the door of the Dark Moon, the young woman pushed her cloak hood back, sending water droplets scattering down to the wooden floor. Brushing dark bangs away from her eyes, she glanced around the tavern's common room as she moved toward a seat at the long bar.

The owner came puffing over, red in the face from exertion as he dealt with the patrons in his establishment. "Evenin', miss. What can I be doin' for you?"

The girl - by the name of Nikalah Menedet - smiled as she nodded politely. The motion caused the hair covering her ears to shift; she stopped moving almost immediately. It wouldn't do for her to be exposed as Hanai at this point - she had no idea how the local population would react.

"Mulled cider, please," she said, folding her arms on the bartop. "As well as a room, if you have one available."

The tavern owner smiled in response. "Of course, miss. I'll return in a moment with the ledger." He moved off, tending to a another couple customers as he pulled her drink. He placed it before her before bustling off to the back room to fetch the book used for signing guests in.

As she waited, Nikalah surveyed the barroom. Hmm . . . quite the place.