Enjoy the festivities.

As you converse, you notice some of the women dance. One makes her way past your table--long dark brown hair tied back, a white belly dancer's outfit with ribbons that binds her top to her arms, and a beautiful pearl necklace hangs down over her cleavage. She swings her sexy hips left and right, and rolls her slim, cute stomach as she dances--pure white skirt cut up the side flutters like a cloud. They're all very talented. Most of them are sunhearts, though you do see a bunnyfolk farther in dancing for another table, and a regular human not far away.

"So what are you guys hoping to get from the Golden Sword?" asks Tom. "I'd love a magic bow if that's possible. That would be amazing. Even some magic arrows would be cool."

"I'm just here for the fighting!" Bek says with a snort. "Though some sort of magic armour would be great. Or maybe a hammer."

"What about you, Kyle?" Hedi asks as he turns to you.

"Oh. How does the reward work?" you reply.

"Ah right. You're new around here, aren't you? Some of the most talented craftsmen around venture here to peddle their wares, but they also provide the prize. Whoever wins the Golden Sword can acquisition a free item. Sometimes it really is a sword, but other times, it's anything from shields to helmets."

Huh. Well, I already have a magic sword. I don't know if I really want a suit of armour, but maybe...

"What about you?" Tom turns to Hedi.

"I don't really use weapons," Hedi replies. "But I'm sure I could figure out something. Maybe an awesome pair of gauntlets."

I wonder if he's a monk then.

Hedi then turns to the woman dancing nearby and gestures a hand. "Pardon me, miss. Mind coming over here?" he asks.

The woman with the pearl necklace sashays her way closer to the table. With a brush of her hand through her long, silken hair, she casts a beautiful red gaze down to your group. "And what can I do for this table of cuties?" she flirts.

He withdraws a shiny gold coin from his pocket. "Fancy a dance, Kyle? These women are so amazing... I've also heard that if you have enough coin, they'll do more for you than a dance, in the back rooms."

"That's a naughty thought to be having~," speaks the woman. "Don't get too excited now."

Hedi snickers. "Oh I'm just joking, miss." Then he turns back to you. "It's on me. Enjoy yourself! The tournament won't be easy, so let loose while you can."

Is this some kind of test? No. That would be silly. He just seems like he enjoys a good time, especially with the ladies. Though if this is some kind of test, maybe he wants to see if I'm loyal--wait a minute. I'm not even dating Niki in the first place. We already told him that. Also, we're supposed to be on the look out for danger. This is a weird situation to be in.

Tom sips his drink. "Someone could buy me a dance, you know, if they wanted..." he mutters.