Head towards Althudiyu.

It'll still be a bit before you arrive at the town in the distance. For now, you and Niki step through the soft sandy ground, and it's rather exhausting. Even Niki hasn't been back here since she was younger, though you imagine she's at least more used to it than you are, as it's in her blood. Sunhearts may look human but they are usually considered a different race just like elves or dwarves. They're far more resilient against **** temperatures, especially the heat. You have water in your bag thankfully, so you don't feel like you're going to die out here.

"I wonder what we should do when we get there," you think out loud. "You were banished, right? I guess you're not really expected back."

"Yeah. We might have a fight on our hands. We'll see," she replies.

That probably bummed her out a bit. I can't imagine she's happy about being banished, though she did also break the rules of her culture just for more power. It's hard to say something about that. I'm not from here. Still, it's her family. Surely they want her back.

"Can I ask you something?" Niki turns an eye back to you as the walk continues.

"Of course." The town is getting closer. You're not certain what you'll face when you get there, but you're going to have to deal with it sooner than later. It's probably best to chat in the meantime to loosen up your nerves.

"When we played that Truth or Dare game, you said something."

"What was it?"

"You said... I was the hottest in the room." She turns her gaze forwards again. "Were you just messing with me? If I had to pick one of the girls, I'd expect Amara. I personally think a tough chick is hotter, but most guys I meet--"

"I agree. And you're tough as nails, Niki."

She chuckles. "You're right." After taking a deep breath, she turns back to you again. "Thank you for doing this, Kyle. You have no idea how much this means to me. We're going to keep my family safe, and we'll do it together."