Noxx had noticed the shift in banter dim in the wake of the Alpha's entry. His pack trailing close behind with weapons ready on the crowd. The Alpha was a turian, Gavin, he heard the name blurted at the moment of his entrance. The chatter trickled down to low murmur as Gavin announced himself to the stilled crowd.<br/><br/>"'I am Gavin Akraeus"<br/><br/>The Krogan gave a lazy blink as the turian confirmed his identity and hushed whispers followed. The name obviously carried weight within this place. Noxx did his best to listen intently. Picking out the keywords in the address, like, 'expanding', 'omega', 'competition', 'fierce', 'kill', 'credits', and a number:<i> A million</i>, with a name, Ren Kalga, attached to it, both of which meant nothing to the massive Krogan. He gave his head a frustrated shake. Was this the fight? Was Ren Kalga champion here? Why was he not here to meet his challengers?<br/><br/>The Turian finished, advising only five would be paid. It sounded like he had placed a bounty upon this 'Ren Kalga'. If the target was not here it would be a hunt then.<br/><br/>On the sands of the arena's or in the depths of the fighting pit there was one only one rule: survive. This new place was so vastly different from anything Noxx had ever known. The enemies here weren't going to announce themselves to the blare of a roaring crowd. These creatures knew no masters whip. The sting that drove them was their greed, or lust, or want for power. Smiles with daggers for teeth and promises as empty as the air that carried them. But it was still a game and the one rule still applied. Noxx folded his thick arms across his chest and gave thought. Thought that was quickly shattered by cutting laughter. The thick chains of metal jewelry around Noxx's neck chinked as he turned to face the interruption.<br/><br/>Another Krogan. A short one but broad of shoulder and built like the rest of his species, a tank amongst teapots. The laughter was quickly followed by a ridiculing tirade. Again, Noxx glazed over much of it picking out the specifics, 'a clue,' 'shaky asari', a 'female of my kind'. Noxx stopped himself and straightened. A female? He had seen the second Krogan enter, accompanied by an Asari, near the end of the Alpha's speech but had taken it for a male. Noxx lifted his nostrils and sniffed, he had never seen a female of his kind before. The towering Krogan arched a curious eyeridge at 'her' clearly in disbelief that she was indeed, a 'she' and quickly came to the conclusion that the loud one must be mistaken.<br/><br/>Cod pieces? Noxx furrowed a brow not familiar with the word. Yet understood the point the other Krogan was trying to make. Does he not know the game? It was a lesson the Gladiator Krogan had learned long ago. Combatants entered the arena with arms raised, boasting of themselves or praising their patrons while others would try to stare you down, or beat their chests. It was a show. A distraction for themselves as much as was to their opponents to take their mind of the fear of what may come. When blood was finally shed, or in those last savored moments when an opponents knew the end was coming would you see their true selves and what they were made from. This was a lesson Noxx had well learned.<br/><br/>Noxx gave the loud Krogan a look. The littlest Varren often howls the loudest it seems. Noxx's long stride quickly brought him to the side of the other Krogan. His height cleared the smaller one by an easy two feet while their width was comparable if not for the extra girth provided by the loud one's worn armor. "Come brother. Let's not show our hand to soon."<br/><br/>Another scent swarmed Noxx's senses. The crowd was nervous and swelling with aggression. His loud brother would quickly become a target if not ushered away.<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>