Belmont was the first to approach the pedestal. He examined the stone for a few moments, then shrugged.

“They’re pretty basic rules,” Belmont said. “Nothing too special. Don’t rob, don’t kill, that kind of thing. I’m not sure what they’re gunning for, but this place really does seem like some sort of floating vacation city.”

“That sounds too good to be true,” Malissa muttered. “It’s probably controlled by the Howlers or something. Maybe we should leave.”

“The food is free,” Ming said. “That means they can’t be too bad.”

“That is wrong in more ways than one,” Belmont said. “But… would it really hurt to relax? That doesn’t mean we should let our guard down, but this is a rare opportunity to just enjoy ourselves. The rules of this city were very strict on fighting, so we should just be able to destress.”

Everyone blinked. They turned to stare at Belmont. He reddened and shrugged his shoulders. “What?”

“I never expected you to be the one to say that,” Malissa said. “Are you sure you didn’t get hit on the head during the fight?”

“I’m fine,” Belmont grumbled. “Just because the world is out to get me doesn’t mean I can’t recognize when we get a chance to let our hair down.”

“Your hair is too short to let down,” Ming said, frowning. “All you can do is take off your helmet.”

“It’s a figure of speech,” Belmont sighed. “Look, I think we can trust Rovin, and he gave us the passage to the city. If Malissa is getting as paranoid as I am, there’s a serious problem. It’s my job to worry about the party, not hers.”

“I think he might have a point,” Arek said, adjusting his hat. “I think this will be good for all of us. That being said… we can keep an eye out. It does seem strange that this place is so idyllic.”

“Does that mean you’re going to get ingredients and make us something to eat?” Ming asked eagerly. “Or are we going to eat at a restaurant?”

“We could drop by the Singing Swallow,” Arek offered. “I’d like to see what their chefs can do. If their food is free, we might as well try it. After that, I’d love to get some ingredients and make something. Is that good with everyone else?”

“Fine with me,” Malissa said, and Belmont nodded in agreement.

Their path decided, the four set out in search of the Singing Swallow. They wandered through the town, marveling at the beautiful sights and keeping one eye on Ming so that she didn’t rescue any more mangos.

It took them a short while to locate the tavern in question. It was a four story building, with a giant marble statue of a bird with its wings extended protruding from the roof. They probably could have found it a lot faster had they not been so enamored with their surroundings.

Windows covered the first floor of the building, providing easy sight into the main room of the inn. Dozens of large wooden tables had been set up throughout the room. A fair number of people sat at the tables, eating and laughing. Waitresses and waiters danced between the table, delivering dishes and occasionally stopping to chat with the patrons.

Ming impatiently tugged on Arek’s shirt. “Come on! Food is for eating, not for looking at.”

Arek chuckled and pushed the door open. The four of them stepped inside the building. The smell of freshly cooked bread and cinnamon hit Arek instantly. A waitress darted towards them, a smile on her round face.

“Welcome to the Singing Swan!” she said. “Do you already have a room with us?”

“I don’t think so,” Arek said. “We just arrived and were told to come here when we were ready.”

“Of course,” the waitress said. “I’ll talk to the manager and get you all situated. I don’t think we’ve quite got your rooms ready yet, but the food is complementary. Please sit down wherever you’d like and another waitress will be with you shortly.”

She shot off towards the left side of the room. The Happy Sunflowers exchanged a glance. All of the tables had at least one person sitting at them. After a few moments of silent debate, Ming settled the issue for them.

The small mage darted over to a table near the center of the room and hopped onto a chair beside a hulking man in platinum armor. The helm covered much of his face, casting everything but his scarred mouth in shadow. A huge bowl of stew sat on the table before him, mostly finished aside from the remains of a bread loaf.

“Hello!” Ming said cheerfully.

The man slowly turned to look down at Ming. Belmont sighed and moved a hand to the staff at his side. “Do you think we’re about to set a record for the fastest group booted off the islands?”

“Hello yourself,” the man rumbled. “Do I know you?”

“Nope,” Ming replied. “I’m just here to eat food.”

“There are a lot of seats,” he pointed out. “Why right next to me?”

“I’d have to be next to someone. Why not you?” Ming countered. Her face scrunched up in worry. “You aren’t going to eat my food, are you?”

The man burst into laughter. “No, I’m not planning on it.”

“Ah. Then it’s fine, then,” Ming said, relaxing. She glanced over at the rest of the Happy Sunflowers and squinted at them. “What are you guys waiting for?”

“Well, I suppose that’s one way to get a table,” Arek said, chuckling as they made their way over to the table and sat down. The armored man looked up, meeting Belmont’s gaze for a brief instant. Arek caught a flash of blood red eyes before shadows obscured the man’s face again.

“An adventuring group, are you?” the man asked.

“We’re the Happy Sunflowers,” Ming said proudly.

“And something tells me you came up with that name.”

“Nope!” Ming said, pointing at Belmont. “Belmont did.”

Belmont flushed as the man looked back over at him. Then he let out a chuckle. “I see. I apologize for assuming. I’ll admit that my social skills are a little rusty. It’s been a long time since I’ve spoken to anyone other than the waiters and waitresses.”

“Why?” Ming asked. “You should give people food. That would make them more willing to speak with you.”

“Ming,” Malissa said, shooting her a glare. Ming stuck her tongue out at the taller woman.

“Sage advice,” the man said. “I’ll keep it in mind. What brings the four of you to the Floating Cities?”