The Arena

{If Prisoner =1}Denaasi sat on a large golden throne in the pavilion overlooking the tournament ground with Negana kneeling at her feet. It seemed that everybody from this morning’s battle was already present. The Saviours and the Holy Order had formed a wide circle around the arena, the front rows of spectators sitting or laid on the grass, the rows behind on benches or picnic chairs, the remainder standing.

The crowd were clearly excited to witness the imminent contest, the Holy Order in particularly high spirits after their victory in battle this morning. For the Saviours, having their queen displayed in rags at Denaasi's feet was a bitter blow.

Denaasi leaned forward to talk to Negana. 'By the way,' she smiled. 'My name is Angela. I've got a bottle of gin back at the tent if you fancy it later?'

A loud fanfare sounded. The contest was about to begin. {else}When Queen Negana and her two bodyguards arrived at the tournament ground it seemed that everybody from this morning’s battle was already present. The Saviours and the Holy Order had formed a wide circle around the arena, the front rows of spectators sitting or laid on the grass, the rows behind on benches or picnic chairs, the remainder standing.

Onyx and Amber led their Queen to a wooden pavilion raised above the crowds where they met Ted and Denaasi, along with two of her guards dressed in golden armour. Denaasi wore a different white gown, and like Negana’s dress, it showed off her figure; tight around her curved hips and pushing her breasts together to form an impressive cleavage. Emily thought Denaasi was probably a similar shape to her, although a little shorter.

‘Hey,’ Denaasi greeted her with a smile. ‘I’m Angela, I’m pleased to meet you properly.’

‘Emily,’ said Emily. She felt a little wary of Denaasi, or Angela, after all the horrible things they had said to each other earlier. They made some small talk, and Emily quickly found herself warming to her arch-enemy. A fanfare sounded from the arena and Ted gestured to the two queens to head up the steps to the platform where they should take their seats.

‘Okay,’ sighed Denaasi, ‘time to get into character. Maybe we can chat later?’

Her face became stern as she sat in a golden throne facing the crowds. Negana assumed that the large black chair was for her and she took her seat, carefully adjusting her dress in order to avoid showing off too much flesh.{endif}

‘Ladies and gentlemen, orcs and elves, goblins and ogres,’ began a quite animated man dressed in a colourful costume, ‘welcome to the tournament ground! Today, for your viewing pleasure, we present a contest-at-arms between the Queens Denaasi and Negana!’ Cheers and clapping from the crowd in support of their leaders. ‘The prize for the winner – the legendary blade wielded by Azazoth of Aarden against the Ravenous Splatterbeast of Karelia: The Meat Cleaver!’ he held up a large curved weapon with a handle at one end and what looked like another handle half way along the back edge of the wide blade. Emily had no idea what kind of sword this was but it looked nasty. The crowd cheered and waved their swords in the air.

‘Without further ado, please welcome your champions.’ With a flourish he gestured to the left and right as Gerwald and the woman who had been with Denaasi earlier walked toward him. ‘Gerwald of Lyria for Queen Negana, and Lady Alexa for Queen Denaasi!’

The two champions met in the centre of the arena. Gerwald glowered at his opponent; he was considerably taller than the knight, this did look like it was going to be a one-sided fight. Dressed in his black leather outfit he did look very imposing. Alexa was in her silver armour, but without the helmet this time. Emily looked at her pretty oval face: her blonde hair was tied back in a pony tail, her big eyes looked quite worried. Although she was to be fighting her Gerwald, Emily felt a little sorry for this girl, finding herself sort of hoping she might even best him. As the two warriors prepared the announcer spoke again. ‘The first contest will be sword skills. The first fighter to lose five items of armour or clothing will be the loser.’

Did she hear that right? Emily thought. She turned to Denaasi, ‘Did he say lose items of clothing?’

‘He did,’ Denaasi chuckled, ‘I would really like to see your champion lose this one.’

Emily had to admit, a part of her also hoped Alexa was going to win.