Larten really had no idea why on earth he had agreed to come out tonight. Actually, that was a lie. He was convinced that he had to meet this Arra Sails. Something in his gut told him to go. But he had no idea at all as to who she even was. Tanish had told him more as he had struggled to dress for the evening, still terribly hung over. He now knew that Arra Sails was a cub, a few years younger than himself and Wester, but she in no way lacked in training. Oh no, she was an up and coming champion at Vampire mountain. Even at this most recent meet, she took down two men who were twice her age and three times her size. And how had she done this? On the bars. Arra had incredible balance combined with enough strength to take down her enemies. And now she had come to this town to show off her skills for money.

The streets were just as alive as the previous nights, many people shoving past the trio of vampires. Tanish led them, eager to get to the place where this new cub was showing off. He thought a woman would be good for the quiet, nervous Larten Crepsley, and he also thought that Arra would be a good match for him. If only Tanish Eul knew how right he would be in the many years to come.

Wester watched the crowds with bright eyes, he loved all the excitement and wonder of the festival. Things had never been like this at his home and he always ended up battered and bruised when celebrating at Vampire Mountain, still not strong enough to deal any real damage. He blushed when he caught the eye of a young lady who's company he had been in the previous night, nervously glancing at Larten in the hopes that he didn't notice it.

The orange haired man hadn't noticed, he was looking straight ahead, carefully weaving through drunkards and tramps. This festival attracted all sorts of people, good and bad. He frowned momentarily when he spotted the corwd up ahead. They were huddled around the area where he had stumbled across Tanish, who was now smirking to himself.

The more confident vampire gestured for them to move forwards and have a look. Larten stepped up to the edge of the ring, Wester following close behind. A pit had been dug into the ground about twenty feet deep. When had that been done? Ignoring this sudden change in scenery he concentrated on examining the area. Planks of wood jutted out at several different levels into the pit, different lengths and thicknesses. Leaping gracefully from plank to plank was a young woman. Splattered ungracefully on the ground at the bottom of the pit was a large man, picking himself up after his humiliating defeat.

The men around the circle were laughing, obviously they were enjoying themselves. Wester started to laugh with them and nudged Larten when he noticed he wasn't joining in. His attention was elsewhere. He was watching the woman who effortlessly climbed out of the top of the pit. Any would say that she was plain looking, but not ot Larten. To him, she was stunningly beautiful, he truly couldn't keep his eyes off her.

"Larten, you're staring." Wester hissed to his best friend. He looked between Larten and the woman then noticed she was staring back at Larten. "And she's staring at you.."

Wester's words caused Larten's lips to curl into a ghost of a smile, but it turned into a full smile when the woman approached him. He saw her eyes flicker to his scars, confirming that he was just like her. Once she was stood before him he politely dipped his head, causing her to smile.

"Another cub. I have been looking for a fairer fight since I got here. My name is Arra Sails." She offered her hand to him for him to shake. She was used to being one of the boys. Much to her surprise, he took her hand and placed a light kiss on the back of it.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Sails." He said with a smile, holding onto her hand for longer than necessary. Despite her tough life, her hand was still soft against his own rough one.

She continued to smile at him as she withdrew her hand from his. No man ever kissed her hand anymore, treated her like a lady. Not since she was changed into a vampire. This was a pleasant change. "What about it then, Larten? Want to face me on the bars?"

Larten smirked at her words, he had no intentions of turning her down. Wester pleaded beside him, he wanted to have a laugh at his friend's expense. The older vampire laughed and nodded. "You're on."

Enjoy :)

Doggie