<div class="floatleft">(http://i68.tinypic.com/2hx8301.jpg)</div><br/>As the Arena came into distant view, Annette stepped to the edge of the deck, hands placed on the railing as she leaned forward, her eyes narrowing.  She'd fought for the privilege of being the one to fight there.  In a way, it felt like her destiny, more than the endless parties, the wine, the duels to first blood over various slights, real or invented.  Not that all of that wasn't<em>fun</em>, of course.  Annette smirked to herself.<br/><br/>Fashion was one thing, and certainly important, but not when it came at the expense of safety.  Her fancy dresses were packed away in her luggage.  She had little doubt that if she went overboard wearing one, she'd become waterlogged and drown almost instantly.  Instead, she wore her fencing leathers.  They were as stylish as such garments could be, tailored closely to her impressive figure, with high boots and lacing.  She was fit but feminine, with years of fencing toning her long shapely, and giving her a flat stomach, but doing nothing to reduce her curving hips, or her full breasts, firm and high on her chest.<br/><br/>With a sigh, she shot Radek a quick glance.  The 'why' of him was a question that she very much hoped had a simple answer, like that he had nothing better to do.  After a moment's consideration, she schooled her features to an innocent expression as she strolled over to him, not quite able to keep the confident sway in her hips under control, the usual swagger with which she walked.  "My my, Radek.  You look like you were born to this."  Her tone was admiring, but she wondered if he'd be clever enough to catch the implied insult to his lineage.  Hopefully not at least until he gave her what she wanted.  "Might I borrow your telescope?  I'd like to take a closer look at the Arena, if you please."