"That I did ser. Commander Varrsk was more than willingly to lend us the use of one of his finest fighters." Melanos gives a small grunt.

"I'm sure he did," Torgal agrees with a feeling of doubt that this fighter isn't one of the finest. He is most likely an expendable troublemaker, but then again isn't his entire race. "Well Flor, let's see if your fighter is worth the gold."

Torgal stands and approaches the balcony so that the packed chamber can view him. "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight I bring you yet another exhibition match." The chamber is filled with both cheers and boos. "I know, I know, you are tired of exhibition matches, but it seems that many are afraid of their abilities and unwillingly to step forward and take the glory that could be theirs. But this exhibition match is a little different than the wholesale slaughter that was last time. I bring you Gratth. An elite warrior in the Hand of Blood mercenary troop ruled by the feared Commander Varrsk. And his opponent, a newcomer and resident gladiator, Valorien BloodSteel." The crowd cheers loudly as they realize that they will see a fighter that will fight more than once. "Now let the fun and blood begin!!" The crowd again erupts into deafening roars and this time there are no boos.

The western gate slowly opens and a large humanoid strides confidently forward. The Bugbear unstraps a warhammer and loosens his sword in its scabbard. He takes a wide stance and stares viciously at the opposite gate. The crowd seems to move away from him as his entire demeanor exudes hate and violence. Torgal thinks to himself that maybe he really is one of Varrsk's finest.

The crowd looks to the eastern gate to see what the unfortunate competitor looks like. From the darkness of the gate a shadow moves forward. The dark cloak swirls around the fighter seeming to suck the light into it. The combatant takes up his place and then in a flourish removes his cloak allowing it to settle to the ground behind him. The crowd stares in awe at the drow. His dark gray hair and purple red eyes seem to emit the same hate as his larger opponent. The bright torchlight reflects off the polished chain mail shirt, contrasting sharply with the blackness of his pants and boots. Valorien pulls forth his weapons, two long blades, which he drives into the ground in front of him. The crowd is caught up in his ritual and they watch as he strings his bow and nocks an arrow all in a long fluid motion. Torgal shakes his head, mesmerized by the display. "It seems your fighter has a knack for theatrics Flor."

The two individuals start into motion with practiced grace. Realizing that he has to close the distance Gratth begins a charge and raises his warhammer for a toss. Before Valorien can release his first shot tons of rock crash to the floor from the ceiling above. His attention distracted the first arrow flies wide and into the crowd.

"Melanos, have the dwarves look at the ceiling. We can't have that happening often." Torgal demands as he wonders about the soundness of the cavern.

Valorien quickly recovers from the collapse and lets fly his second arrow. This time the aim is much better but still the arrow misses its mark as the bugbear sidesteps with unpredicted agility. The bugbear Gratth continues to bear down on Valorien preparing his arm for the toss of his hammer. Valorien drops his bow and lowers himself into a crouch, his eyes locked on the bugbear. In a sudden flurry of movement Valorien launches himself over his blades an in mid-flip grabs the hilts of both weapons. Landing on his feet with both blades in his hands he rushes towards the oncoming bugbear. As the two close the distance Gratth snaps his arm forward and releases the weapon. Valorien ducks under the hammer and brings his weapons in front of him. Both combatants slow as they approach each other and begin a slow circle. Valorien moves first and brings his weapon around in a low swing. Gratth steps back and brings his own weapon, a viciously serrated blade down across Valorien's outstretched shoulder drawing first blood. The drow reels backward and waves his sword making sure another strike doesn't come in before he thrusts forward with his other sword and connects with the gloating bugbears midsection. Gratth snarls and backs away cautiously appraising his opponent. Valorien carefully assesses the bugbear as he favors his shoulder.

Gratth swings his blade across in front of Valorien's face and it is all the drow can do to avoid the lethal blade. Bringing his own two blades up into a lethal dance, Valorien makes several thrusts and strikes only to nick armor and cause a few shallow wounds. Gratth laughs at the drow's attempts and brings yet another mighty swing within inches of Valorien's neck. Valorien just manages to step back and avoid losing his head. With blades again dancing Valorien steps into meet the bugbear's attacks with some of his own. This time two blades connect solidly with the bugbear drawing large amounts of blood The bugbear, infuriated by this little elf, growls and steps back, eyes burning death into the elf. In a movement that is unbelievably fast the bugbear Gratth brings his blade down upon the elf. Valorien raises his blade to fend off the attack but the blade just comes down, forcing the elf's blade aside. The serrated edge tears through the chain mail shirt and bites deep into Valorien's gray flesh. The elf collapses facedown into the dirt. The crowd, stunned, stares down at the victor. The Bugbear just looks up at Torgal and then turns and heads back to his temporary quarters.

"Well Melanos, I guess you had better give him the gold we promised him. And thank Commander Varrsk for his fine selection. Something tells me that he doesn't realize the talent that his soldier has. And as for you mister Stone. It seems your fighter could use some more hours in the practice room. But overall I think he may have earned himself some fans, despite the loss. He is very talented. I think we have a money maker in that fighter. Anyway Flor, goodnight and see you soon." Torgal rises and departs for his room.