Cromerth, boy what a beautiful city it had become over the past years. Tirian did not see the beginnings of this wonderful destination but he had surely seen the end result. The smells of fresh delicacies brought forth with a gentle breeze set the mood just right. Tirian drew in a long breath of appetizing aromas and quickly found serenity in this place. Orcs and goblins quickly became a nightmare of the past and the only thing mattering in this very moment was that of peace. Blue eyes looked back towards the entourage of battered travelers with a warm smile. It was the first time since their departure that Tirian spoke with joy and a sign of humanity.

“I can say without a doubt we’ve all earned the right to treat ourselves today. If you’ll excuse me I have somewhere I need to visit first!”

Tirian waved to the band of traveling companions and quickly disappeared into the bustling city. Cromerth was a center for warriors to gather and display their skills, especially with the tournaments that are held daily. Tirian made it a personal goal to never miss a tournament when he was in the beautiful city of Cromerth. This goal didn’t come from the want of money nor the arrogance of pride. This goal was more oriented towards finding the right philosophy of war and proper treatment of a worthy opponent. The soldier would never openly admit it, but even he felt anguish with the sheer brutality of his actions and the merciless way he slaughters anyone who opposes his blade. 

“Tirian!”

The sound of a gruff male boomed in the distance from a gathered crowd that ultimately led to a coliseum. Tirian slowed his pace in anticipation of the massive orc that cleared the crowd. Tirian quickly held his hand out to meet that of a much respected orc, a quick and powerful handshake ensued for no more than five seconds.

“Broxigar, it’s good to see you again.”

The orc nodded and turned to walk with the red-haired human towards the registration. Tirian felt pride in his chest walking with the respected warrior Broxigar as he entered the arena’s waiting area.
“Going to win this time Tirian? Or am I going to have to beat you again!”

Tirian cracked a quick smile of smugness at the orc, opting to ignore the obvious taunting. Blue eyes scanned over the registry with a slight hint of amazement. The same person had won the last five tournaments in a row; a feat not accomplished by very many. Hearthstone, was all that the paper would give this red-haired warrior. And wouldn’t you know it, Tirian would be going against this very Hearthstone in no more than ten minutes time. 

“Good luck Tirian, your first match is going to be tough. Lok’tar Ogar.”

Tirian nodded to the muscle-bound orc once and then disappeared into a room meant for gladiators to mentally prepare themselves. Time continued to tick away until Tirian heard his name bellowed out. The soldier felt prepared, without the single hint of nervousness. He was a warrior after all, a monster that had killed hundreds of men. The soldier broke free of the darkness into an open field of dust and packed dirt. Across the way was the champion named Hearthstone. The blinding light settled and what stood before Tirian’s blue eyes was a shocking revelation. A petite female, no more than twenty with long pinkish hair stood before Tirian.

“BEGIN!”

The crowd roared to life with incredible passion. This petite frame exploded forward much faster than Tirian had expected, making a rookie mistake of underestimating an opponent based on looks. Hearthstone drew a slender blade colored red as blood and quickly lashed out with a forward thrust. Tirian drew his own blade and parried the thrust with a quick step backwards. The female quickly adjusted and continue forward without slowing down. A slash here, followed by a precise thrust there. The opponent wasn’t strong, no she was fast. Just as fast as Tirian and even more precise with her meticulous movements.

Tirian slashed down fiercly, knocking the blade away and continuing with an assault of his own. Once Tirian had broken the pace, and made Hearthstone fight his battle it was all over from there. Tirian struck down with fast slices and quick moves with spinning velocity. Tirian stopped in his tracks, then jumped with a rising slash that knocked away the red colored blade. The fight was over and Tirian stood a victor, but only but a small margin. Tirian held out a hand to the girl with a smile on his face.

“I’m impressed. Not many women can fight with such intensity. Tirian Pherae.”

The petite female took the hand and quickly sighed to herself.

“Lucille Hearthstone. Call me Lucy.”

The handshake was quick and precise. Lucille stood before Tirian with a happy smile, but her eyes said something completely different. They held a fire of unhappiness. It was obvious this girl did not like to lose and maybe, just maybe this was going to present some sort of rivalry.

“I’m not one to usually ask this but, I’m traveling with a group of people to the new continent. Would you be inter-“

The pink-haired girl perked up faster than anything in the world.

“YES! Could I? How many people are there? What are they like? Are the fun? Or mean? OR sad? Do you have pets? What’s the reward? Oh my god!”

Tirian quickly stepped backwards with a complete look of disbelief. What had he just done…