Hang with Hedi.

You follow Hedi down the sandy streets of the desert town. It must be near lunch, and your stomach is already rumbling. The noise it makes is quite audible. As you continue to walk, he looks to you with a smirk, and then turns his eyes forwards again.

"Hungry, huh?" he asks. "That's perfect, because we're going somewhere with some tasty food. I'm hungry too. I was too focused on practising for the Golden Sword that I forgot to have breakfast."

"You're really friendly. I appreciate it. Not gonna lie, I haven't had the best luck with that. Thankfully I've met people like Niki who are supportive. Usually."

"I'm not gonna lie either. I really did want to hang out with you, but there's another reason too."

"You want to make sure you can trust me?"

He nods. "I get it."

"But don't get me wrong, Kyle. Like I said, that isn't the only reason. You seem like a good man so far, and if you really have been the reason my dear sister is even still alive right now, I need to reward you somehow."

It looks like Hedi is walking straight towards some sort of inn up ahead. You've travelled practically out of town to get here, so it must be worth it. He seems excited, anyway. The building is large, and there's a sign nailed over the front double doors. It's a flower below the words, "Desert Lily". You can hear laughter and music before you even open the door. The windows, however, are all closed.

"Here," he says with a jerk of his thumb. "They only open when it's time for the Golden Sword. Some who work here are from Althudiyu, though most of them come from one of the larger cities, and set up specifically to take advantage of all the tourists. But damn, it's worth it. I hope you're ready for the best lunch of your life, Kyle, because here we are. The Des--"

"Well this has to be the work of Goa," a voice comes from behind. "Because this is one hell of a coincidence."

You turn to see a young human man--brown ponytail tied up with yellow beads, leather armour, a bow and quiver slung over his back, and two daggers sheathed at his hip. Once again, it's Thomas Whitham. You first rescued him and Rinlin from a lich, and then he fed you rumours of a dungeon as a thank you. He's definitely one of the last people you expected to see here.

"A friend?" Hedi asks.

"Hey, Tom," you say. "What the hell are you doing all the way out here?"

"You could probably guess. I fought at the Golden Sword once a couple years ago, and now I'm back to try again. The whole thing is really exciting to me. And if I can go home with that kind of fame..."

"The more the merrier!" Hedi shouts. "Let's all head inside then. I assume that's all right."

"I came for the Lily. Nothing wrong with seeing an old friend," Tom replies.

"A friend, huh?" you ask.

He scratches the back of his head. "Yeah, well... I know you just saved my life, but I don't know many other guys around my age, especially humans. And you seem trustworthy."

"I can't wait any longer. I can smell the food from here~," Hedi says and pulls the doors open.

The scent of lunch wafts out as the double doors open outwards. The sound of a piano across the room creates a positive, relaxing atmosphere. Dozens of people are inside, and they're chatting, laughing, eating, and drinking. You follow him inside, and Tom proceeds behind you. It's a little overwhelming at first, but there's something friendly about this place. The waitresses that spot your group offer a warm smile in return, and your stomach grumbles again, trying to tell you to order some food already.