<div class="floatright">(http://i.imgur.com/4IltC5z.jpg)</div><br/>Zerxel wanted to scoff in derision when she saw her counterpart, making it quite plain she had no shame in putting the worst of their people's traits on prominent display.  The outfit itself was attractive sure, but the leather and the way she flaunted her body about pretty much said only one thing, Xara's presence was a gift to the sponsors, not the other way around.  Sure the display of supposed superiority might work for some, but Zerxel still wanted to slap that smug look off Xara's beautifully sculpted face.  For all intents and purposes, they were two sides of the same coin, and to make matters worse, the 'true' Drow had her eyes set on the same woman.  Well, she'd have to move faster if she wanted to beat this rogue to her prize.<br/><br/>Gliding across the floor, or near enough that it didn't matter in the end, Xerxel soundly beat her darker counterpart and stood proudly beside the Lady they had both set their eyes on.  Smiling politely forwards Xara as she turned tail and coolly left, since smiling was the only polite way to bare one's teeth, Zerxel turned to the redhead only to note the fangs.  That was unexpected, but not entirely unwelcome since she knew better than anyone not to judge by appearances alone.  Besides, Lulia had been invited, which meant she wasn't evil, at least not out and out without morality if nothing else. They allowed corrupted counselors after all, a vampire that bordered on decent wasn't so far a stretch.  So Zerxel remained calm and smiled before leaving a kiss on the back of Lady Lulia's pale hand, her red eyes gleaming in mischievous delight upon hearing she had wanted her over Xara.  Sure Lulia said she might still talk to Xara if things didn't go as planned, but the ego stroke was still well received.<br/><br/>But letting her hand gently fall from her own, Zerxel nodded and placed her hand back on her hip, having known well in advance these questions were expected, and she had a ready answer.<strong>"First let me say that while I'm surprised to see a vampire here, it's a pleasant one, and that it's a honor and true <em>pleasure</em> to meet you Lady Lulia."</strong>The sincerity was unmistakable, but Zerxel had only gotten started as she took a step closer, subtly letting the vampire know she wasn't afraid for her safety but still keeping a respectable distance should Lulia wish as much.<strong>"As you're well aware, I am Zerxel, of House Zaknefien, nobles in our own right, but I willingly gave that up to be here.  Few sacrifices are more noble than trying to end the Dungeon, and by conjunction, end Pandora's reign for good.  And so to answer your question as to my strategy to hopefully see this goal accomplished, I've ingratiated myself with two of my fellows, a dwarf and an elf from the surface.  We hope to delve as deep as we can into the Dungeon, together, but I plan to go all the way, alone, if I must.  Unlike Xara, I do not see seeking allies outside my species as a weakness, even though I'm fully aware that this could very well start off as a competition between the contestants, making our alliance a moot point.  Even then, past Contests have had a way around such restrictions more times than not.  It's just a matter of keeping a cool head to find the loopholes."</strong><br/><br/>Several things could be taken away from Zerxel's speech, the least of which being she had only revealed the bare minimum about her two friends, both to protect them from immediate discovery should unfriendly ears be listening in, and that she didn't immediately trust Lulia with that same information since she hadn't heard her stipulations.  It wasn't meant as an insult since no insult had been given, but she was being cautious out of necessity if nothing else.