Walk with Niki.

As nice as it would be to stroll down the streets in casual clothes without a care in the world, it would be foolish to walk around unarmed right now. You and Niki are both ready for combat, though you know you need to relax as well, or you'll just exhaust yourself before the tournament even begins. You both continue to walk down the street, passing by many people both locals and tourists, but Niki's head seems to be in the clouds. You look to her ruby gaze from the side, but she's too lost in thought to even notice.

"Hey," you say softly. "Are you all right?"

She suddenly snaps back into reality and turns to you. "Huh? Oh... Yeah."

"It's weird, isn't it? Finally being back home."

"That's an understatement. I don't really feel like I belong either. I've only been allowed in on a technicality."

"This all really bugs you, eh? You know, you're the strongest lady I know." Well, I do also know high succubi, vampire queens, and all sorts of other crazy women, but still.

She smiles. "Thanks. Though usually I can just fight my enemy with a mace. I don't really know what to do."

"I think that sometimes, there isn't really a lot you can do. You just gotta stay strong and eventually get through it. I imagine you have a lot of mixed feelings, so maybe it would be best to just try and relax. Why don't we find a place to sit down?"

"That sounds nice."

Seeing Niki soft-spoken and melancholy is strange. Usually she's gung-ho and optimistic. Though it is sad, it's also nice to see this softer side of her. I've seen it before, though usually it's when something lewd is going on.

"Know any nice places that aren't brothels?" you ask.

"I don't, honestly. I haven't been here for a long time."

"That's all right. We'll find a place together."

She's actually radiant under the sunlight. This is her natural element. The way the desert sands blow by, and the rays of the sun reflect off her shiny, dark skin. She has eyes like burning flames, but fire can also be warm and comforting. Her armour is by no means a work of beauty and grace like Nyllia's, but there's a charm to it regardless, and she has a smoking body under there. She doesn't show off her cleavage like Eva does. It's mostly her stomach and legs. But that sort of makes it hotter.

Plus, she's a reliable, kind person. Even though she teases me, she's actually really supportive. She might be reckless, and her thick skull seems to leave less room for brain, but she's definitely good at her job. She's protected us a number of times.

"How about over there?" she asks.

You look at head to see a lovely outdoor patio by a tavern nearing the edge of town. From it, you can look off towards the rolling sands, and the drinks others are sipping look tasty and fun.

As you step onto the tiled stone and make your way towards a table, an older man steps out to greet you.

"Welcome," he says. "Free drinks with the purchase of an appetizer for couples, in celebration of the Golden Sword. You both came at a wonderful time. Please, have a seat. What is it I can get for you?"

"Couples?" you ask.

"Hell yeah! What do you recommend? We're new here."

"I would say the Dragon Tail is our most popular drink around this time, and it goes well with our platter of assorted cheeses."

"Sold. Come on, Kyle. Let's sit."

You both pull up a chair and sit down to wait for your meal. Meanwhile, Niki seems to awkwardly glance away from you every time you make eye contact. Finally, you furl your brow and speak up.

"He said coup--"

"But Kyle! Free drinks!" Niki replies quickly. "And there are... a couple... of us?"

"So what you're saying is we're on a date now."

As she starts to get flustered, you can see colour filling her nose and cheeks. "I didn't say that!"

It isn't long before the man returns with a plate of numerous cheeses. After placing that down, he puts a small glass by each of you. They contain a cyan and purple liquid with what looks like a blue dragon's tail hanging off the side of the glass' rim into the drink. It looks delicious. You pinch the end of the tail and lift it up curiously, and it's squishy and wet.

The man chuckles. "It's a blue mango slice. They're a local fruit. Can I get this lovely couple anything else?"

"We're good!" Niki blurts out.

"Wonderful." After a bow, he walks off.