Find a place to eat.

You hope Xiaoqing will be all right on her own, but she has been for a long time. She's a strong woman, and another Earthling at that. Either way, tomorrow you'll spoil her to make up for it. You're with Nyllia now, and you wouldn't want to disappoint her.

With a smile, you place a hand upon the lapel of your suit and bow your head to the woman at your right with the utmost charm. "Well, Lady Tesgella," you say to her. "Now that the evening approaches, may I treat you to a lovely dinner? You know Avana better than I, so I'm open to recommendations."

Her eyes lock to yours and she smiles. "How gentlemanly of you. But do you trust the taste of a hardened knight? Perhaps beneath the cold steel of what usually adorns my body, I am nothing more than a chaste and righteous templar, lawfully good and allergic to fun."

"I could go down the list of all that was wrong, like how intimately I know that body beneath the armour, but as a gentleman, I wouldn't dare question your claim of chastity. Either way, I do trust your taste, Lady Tesgella."

"I know you are being cheeky, but I much prefer you say my first name."

"Then lead the way, Nyllia."

She slightly lifts her dress and curtsies before you. Then she holds out her hand, which she promptly hooks beneath your arm, and the two of you begin your march together down the road as the sun gradually makes its way towards the horizon. Day at least ends a little later here than up in the mountains, but even looking to the dimming sky makes your stomach rumble--a reminder of the time. Though it doesn't matter how hungry you feel. The touch of Nyllia walking alongside you is more than enough to distract from even crippling pain. Her grip is firm, as if to not lose you, yet gentle and affectionate. And along with her gorgeous dress, she's sprinkled gently with a scent of floral notes, like freshly blossomed flowers.

It doesn't take long to reach a restaurant with a sign near the doorway reading, "Angel's Bosom", above a relief painting of winged woman bathed in gold with her arms extended for a welcoming embrace. By the exterior alone, it looks to be a nicer establishment than others you've seen, and that isn't to say that buildings in Avana are rundown. It's just fancier than something like the Party's Rest.

Mosaic windows are further decorated by flowerbeds, and when you pull open the front door, a cute series of bells ring above the door in a high pitched yet melodic chime, as if they're been set up in such a way to play a snippet of a song. Inside, the lights are dimmer, but every table has a lit candle, which also fills the air with a calming, fragrant scent. Between man, woman, and all else, those who work here seem to share one thing in common--suits, not dresses, regardless of gender. They aren't overly fancy or expensive, but compared to other places you've been to, this is closer to a black-tie affair. It's actually quite busy as well, perhaps given the fact that everybody knows tomorrow evening the queen will be giving a speech, and from what you can tell, effectively everybody here is on a romantic date with their partner, or partners.

One table, however, has more than just a few.

At the head is a catfolk. She has neck-length, vibrant purple hair, and her bangs parted and a large white hair clip thread above. Her long fluffy tail comes to a bright white tip to match. Whether you're right or wrong to think she's the one in charge, she certainly emanates the aura of a leader. Her garb is quite lovely, with a deep blue coat worn more like a cloak, around a breastplate from chest to just above her belly button. Beneath the piece of armour is a softer garment of black and white. Above a dark pair of shorts is a belt of many pouches, and she wears boots which reach above her knees. Leaning against the table at her side is one of the most stunning bows you've laid your eyes upon.

Upon closer inspection, the rest sitting with her are all catfolk as well--some armed like adventurers, others in finer, lighter garb with no weapons to be seen.

"You have a keen eye," says Nyllia.

"What do you mean?" you ask.

"I know her. The catfolk you have noticed. Kitty Sense aside, I believe you have gained a keen awareness for strength. Not only is she an important political figure, but she was a part of my last adventuring party. It is not a surprise to see her here, though it has been awhile since we have spoken."

"Did you leave on bad terms?"

"No. I have travelled with a handful of parties."

"She's looking this way," you say as you notice the catfolk's attention shift. Upon seeing you, her eyes linger. Then she returns to speak with one sitting at her left. "Anything weird I need to know?"

"Weird? I do not know. But most importantly, she became the new mayor of Avana after the battle with the Demon King. Her name is Mittens."

"Is that actually her name?"

"Yes. Why do you ask?"

"Nevermind... So, the new mayor? What happened to the old--"

"Good evening, sir and madame," speaks the maitre d'. As the others dress as well, this woman wears a white dress shirt, black coat and pants, as well as a tie. Her hair is such a pale shade of blonde that the gold is hardly seen. Poking out from the sides are two long, pointed ears--even moreso than Nyllia's. She places a gloved hand to her chest and bows politely before continuing. "A table for two?" she asks.

Nyllia smiles. "That would be perfect. Thank you."

The hostess looks her over for a moment before reality hits. Pink coats her nose. "Ah! Lady Tesgella. You look even more stunning than usual. Pardon me. I--" But she's cut short by a waiter whispering something into her ear. You can barely make it out, but it sounds like somebody may be looking for you.

You look to Nyllia, but she shrugs.

The woman continues. "It seems that our good mayor Lady Mittens has invited you to her table personally. May I escort you?"

"Yeah. I mean, that's fine, right?" you ask Nyllia.

"I am rather curious," she responds. "And it would be rude to turn down a request from the mayor, as well as an old friend."