It was the morning of the opening matches of the big tournament and everything was a flurry of activity.  With as much drinking, eating, and celebrating that was done at the bonfire last night, Nick was surprised at how alert and ready everyone was.  He was impressed.  Mara was off by herself, so Nick decided to chat with her again.

“Hey, Nick.  How are you doing?”

“Better.”  Nick left it at that, not feeling the need to tell her about all the work he did last night to clean the cabin.

“Good.”  Mara smiled.  “Everyone is talking about Izi.  We’ve had Andorians before, but no one like her.”

When Nick was sure Izi would be okay, he left the bonfire early.  He was afraid to ask what she did.

“It usually takes only one bite of the grax beast liver to make someone throw up, but she had three and held it down.  I heard from Tork the betting has been shifting in her favor.  Your friend could advance far in the tournament.”

Before Nick could respond, the loud blare of a horn spread through the area.

“That means the first match is beginning in fifteen minutes,” said Mara.  “We should go into the arena now if we want good seats.  Kloka is fighting first, so Izi will have the chance to scout her.”

Speaking of Izi, Nick didn’t know where she was.  When he got up in the morning, she was already gone.

“I saw her with one of the Andorian men she met last night,” said Mara.

Nick frowned.  The last thing Izi needed was a distraction.  “I guess I’ll go inside and find a seat.”

“I don’t fight until later this afternoon, so I’ll sit with you,” said Mara.

Gesturing for Mara to lead the way, Nick couldn’t help smiling.