Elfier City, festival night.
The center of one of the city squares had been converted into an arena. A circle of packed earth was now surrounded by newly erected, tiered wooden stands.
The stands were packed. Elfier's citizens, families, and merchants crowded together, seeking festival entertainment. The night air was warm, mixing with the smell of arena dust and sweat.
Light from large torches and hanging magical lanterns illuminated the arena, making the spectators' faces look gleeful in the golden light. Music from distant performers blended faintly with the rhythm of clapping and shouting.
In the center of the arena, a fight was underway.
Rasie, with her red hair tied back, stood in a balanced stance. Across from her, a city adventurer eyed her with a dismissive look.
"It's not too late to give up, pretty lady," the man said. "I hate holding back against women. So, how about you surrender? Heh, it'd be a shame if that pretty face of yours got bruised and ugly!"
