Party hardy!

After your discussion with the mysterious and mighty Vazeela Sulta, a high level transmuter wizard of the Circle, you and Niki (and technically Jelly) proceed back onto the streets of Althudiyu. People are buying snacks and drinks from various stalls set up all around the area of the city that housed the tournament. The bleachers are empty now, and people have flooded out to celebrate their annual festival of the Golden Sword. Though often spicy, the food is delicious, and the drinks are flavourful and fruity.

You party along side Hedi, Tom, and Bek. Though none of you were winners, you fought well, and everyone just seems content with having a good time now. Niki is the true champion this time. People cheer her name, and at least for today, she's the strongest warrior around.

Hours pass, though it hardly feels like it.

As things slow down, you're met with a real buzz-kill. The guard you first encountered in the city--with the Rite of the Sun mark around his eye--makes his way over to you with two other guards behind him. You're licking your fingers clean of some spicy chips when he clears his throat in an attempt to get your attention. Niki turns as well, and as you look over to her, you notice her mouth is completely covered in crumbs.

"I need to speak with you, Niki Vakila," speaks the guardsman.

Suddenly Niki's mom and dad make another appearance. Her mother hurries up to her with a napkin, grabs her by the cheeks, and begins to clean her face much to Niki's distress. The poor warrior blushes as she's embarrassed by her parents in front of everyone.

"M-Mom!" she groans.

Again, the guard clears his throat. "This is important business, I'm afraid. The Golden Sword has nearly concluded. You found a loop hole to make your way back into the city, but as you're well aware, you were banished from this land for making a mockery of our ancient tradition. You will be escorted out once your celebration has ended."

"My baby..." her mother mutters as she wraps her arms around Niki from behind.

"C'mon, sir. You're going to bring this up now?" Hedi asks. "Talk about bad timing. What has she really done wrong?"

"That opponent you faced in the final battle," the guard continues. "I don't know her, but I did notice she had two marks as well. A mortal doesn't deserve to take such power. It's pure greed, as made apparent by this Falcon girl."

"Hey, man! This chick is amazing!" a random man shouts from the crowd. "Leave her alone. That was like, so long ago."

Another speaks up. "She's so hot! Let her stay a bit longer!"

The guard grumbles. "It isn't up to me. The law is very specific--"

One of his own guards behind him talks next. "Can't we at least do this tomorrow? Surely leaving her for this evening won't cause any harm."

A woman shouts from the crowd. "Leave her! Leave that badass hottie alone!"

"Fine." The guard starts to turn. "But a fan club won't protect you from the law of our land. Enjoy your time while you can. Do me a favour and depart by tomorrow morning, please." With that, he and his men depart.

When you look back at Niki, she's looking the other direction. You peer over, and notice her arm wiping her eyes dry. You hear sniffling as well. Gently, you place a hand on her shoulder. She turns to you, but you're surprised to see a smile on her face instead of a frown.

"Are you all right?" you ask. "I know you don't want to leave again."

"No. It isn't that. I broke the rules, and I get that." She casts her gaze all around her. "They love me though. And I saved my parents. I proved that I'm strong enough. This is the greatest day of my life! Well, maybe not literally... there were a couple times, when you and I--"

"My sister is so popular!" Hedi interrupts.

She chuckles. "I guess I am. And you know what? Next year, I'll just come back again. I'll visit with every loop hole I can find. And maybe one day, they'll forget about the banishment all together, especially if I win enough times!"

"I'm so proud of you," says her father. "You've grown up more than I could have hoped for, so far from home."

Her mother looks to you. "And thank you, Kyle, for taking care of her." She leans in close for a whisper. "Such a strong, brave man would make a wonderful son-in-law one day."

The festivities begin to die down. People start tidying up, and preparations are made to one again dismantle the arena. The sun starts to set, but before you decide on where to stay, the old shieldsmith from earlier makes his appearance once again. He appears with a big grin on his face, and he gestures with his hand for Niki to follow him.