<br/><div class="floatright">(https://i.imgur.com/XopnDVT.jpg)</div><br/>Cass'andra let out a sigh, "well at least wash up then" she called to Valna. If she was going to wear the same thing every day she should at least keep it clean. And if her report of last night was anything to go off, that thing was probably filthy, "and no fucking! we really don't have time" she added.<br/><br/>A short while later Cass would emerge in a surprisingly cute and elegant dress, a sharp contrast to her usual dark and somewhat provocative robe (if it could even be called that). The pale elf looked rather uncomfortable in it though, or perhaps she was just uncomfortable with the idea of going out in the middle of the day to a huge crowd of people, "Hrmm...alright, let's just get through this..." she muttered to herself as the fixed herself up in the mirror, fidgeting all the while.<br/><br/>"Alright everyone, let's...errmm...let's head out...outside...to the arena...." she murmured, grabbing her shawl and draping it over her head, providing the shut-in sorceress some small shielding against the searing sun.<br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 13pt;">Location: The Grand Arena</span></div><div align="center">(https://i.imgur.com/SlzgzZl.jpg)</div><div class="floatright">(https://i.imgur.com/54HhFiQ.jpg)</div><br/>Once everyone had gotten properly prepared, they made the short trek through the city to the the Grand Arena, the figurative, and literal, center of the city of Wyrmfell<div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spout Lore 7-9</div><div class="spoiler_body">The Grand Arena lies on the spot upon which Flaxum the Viledrake was slain, the event that marked the founding of Wyrmfell itself (thus the name). It was built using the dragon's corpse (https://i.imgur.com/rRrhJoK.jpg) as the foundation, and to this day it's skeleton, the ribs in particular, wraps encase it's walls </div></div><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spout Lore 10+</div><div class="spoiler_body">It is believed that pieces of Flaxum's body were harvested to help create the arena. His scales ground down to make the bricks, and the dust from his bones mixed into the mortar, making the arena structure itself nearly indestructible, an impenetrable fortress should the city ever come under siege. Not only that, but it is said that other parts of him were reserved for other purposes, such as to make weapons and armor, and that his blood was reserved to make powerful elixirs that grant those who imbibe them strength and youth, perhaps even immortality. Some rumor that arena champions are allowed to taste a diluted version of this elixir, granting them a boon in combat, though obviously this is denied by official sources due to the controversy it might stir.</div></div>. It was the proving ground of it's champions, and favorite past time of it's citizens. It was massive both in it's cultural importance, and in it's sheer size, easily the largest structure in the whole kingdom, perhaps the entire continent. It could host tens of thousands of spectators, and today it's seats were jam packed.<br/><br/>And why wouldn't they? For today was a most special occasion, a match card that saw not just one, but both arena champions defending their titles. Not to mention the alluring drama of the special grudge match, a proxy duel between two famous nobles over the fate of his young daughter. It was such a draw that even<div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Queen Hildur</div><div class="spoiler_body">(https://i.imgur.com/vSe9WVm.jpg?1)</div></div>herself was in attendance, her massive form lounging on the highest perch of the arena, which was an event in of itself<div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spout Lore 7-9</div><div class="spoiler_body">Queen Hildur, also known as the "Tower Maiden" due to her <div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">giant stature</div><div class="spoiler_body">(https://i.imgur.com/giQavSI.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/Pnxt8e4.jpg)</div></div>, is Queen of the Queendom of Lyse. She was one of the heroes who fought against Flaxum the Viledrake 200 years ago, and is credited as the one who delivered the final blow against the dragon. Because of this Hildur won massive favor with the populace, and with the support of the people and the wealth gained from harvesting the dragon's body she would go on to establish the Queendom of Lyse, with Wyrmfell as it's capital. It was under her decree that both the Grand Arena and Adventurer's Guild were established, believing that creating strong heroes and champions would be vital in securing the realm and facing against massive threats like Flaxum in the future. <br/><br/>Queen Hildur is also a revered paladin of Sol, goddess of the sun, and considered a living saint. It is for that reason that worship of Sol is considered the central religion of Lyse, even though it is not officially established as such by law.</div></div><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spout Lore 10+</div><div class="spoiler_body">Having ruled over Lyse since it's inception, the subject of Queen Hildur's lifespan is a matter of some debate. Some believe her race is just naturally long lived, others believe it is a blessing bestowed upon her by Sol, while still others think it is a result of consuming Flaxum's flesh and blood. All that is known is that Hildur has not visibly aged since establishing the Queendom of Lyse.<br/><br/>Since most of the city's day to day affairs are run by a council of nobles, it is relatively rare to gain an audience with the Queen directly. However it is said that affluential nobles, high ranking members of the adventurer's guild, and champions of the arena are capable of arranging meetings with her. If one were to seek an audience with the Queen for any reason, those would be the avenues to pursue. </div></div>.<br/><br/>When the group arrived there were still several matches left to go before their own, so they would have a bit of time to make arrangements. However before they could try to find seats in the crowd, a pair of guards would approach them, redirecting them down a side hallway to the backstage area. There Lord Blackcrest would be waiting for them, looking understandable terse and high strung, "Ah, there you are..." he muttered, casting a stern look at them, especially Katra, judging her up and down, "Well you managed to show up at least. That's the first of my worries assuaged" he said, clearly not pleased about the clause that had forced him to pick one of them as his champion, "I assume you are properly prepared? I shouldn't have to reiterate just how high the stakes are here. This is my daughter's life on the line. If she were to remain trapped in that bloodsucker's clutches because of your failure..." he trailed off, allowing their minds to fill in the gaps of what the consequences might be, "Anyways, we just need to focus on the match. The agreement narrowed down my selection of champions, but that schemer put no such limitations on herself. Her champion could be anyone, or anything, and I've no doubt she'll attempt to some foul play. You need to be prepared for anything." he told her, having no idea that Carmilla had chosen his own daughter to fight for her or that his own champion would be working against him, "A-ah, have no worries Lord Blackcrest...I-I assure you that Katra is more than capable of handling this..." Cass'andra awkwardly stammered, half intimidated by the lord's stern demeanor, and half nervous about having their ruse discovered.