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"Dear and powerful Ra'lys. Why are you bothering yourself with such trifles as a simple competition? Your skills and beauty are wasted here in the muck with mere mortals."

"Polite Skerev, you flatter me. Your chivalry is appreciated, but I am a woman of my own means and desires, as I'm sure you understand."

The two combatants, the silver-tongued Skerev and the enchanting Ra'lys, stand opposite one another as Champions in the Tournament of Pleasure. Both of them are overdressed for such an occasion. The kobold wears a suit of imported fabrics from various kingdoms he has made alliances with. The serpent is draped in a glimmering gown of a magical weave.

"I understand, m'lady," the kobold responds, bowing to her with a flourishing bow. "But I also understand that it is important that I make it through this Tournament. What possible reason would one as influential as yourself have to go further into this competition? Is this not a mere distraction for you and your great duties and privileges?"

"Oh, dear sir," she retorts, "My duties are my own, but you have more important matters to attend to, I'm sure. Are you not the ambassador of a burgeoning kingdom? Are you not responsible for the well-being of all of your people in the eyes of your potential enemies and uneasy allies?"

"That... might be true," Skerev says, swallowing his doubts. "But it does not mean I cannot serve my people by winning this competition and showing that we can provide the world with eloquent speakers, skilled warriors, and passionate lovers."

"You hardly need a Tournament title to win that," Ra'lys says. "And we are so in the thick of things here in the loser's bracket, do you not agree?"

"It does make it difficult to see the ending, yes, But I would hope that would make the struggle to achieve that much more meaningful!" He says.

She takes a step further. "But why fight so hard? You've made it all the way to the third round, conquering over a dozen others directly and non. You've met with royalty from across time and space and forged new connections just from being here. Have you not already done what you've set out to do? Has not the world, nay, the cosmos, come to learn more about your people than you would have been capable of had you not been chosen?"

"You speak truthfully, lady Ra'lys. I must say that I agree with what you have to say, and yet, I must also say that there is no end to the heights one can achieve in this life. One must not work beneath them when they are seeking to benefit themselves."

She scratches her chin, standing just in front of him now, towering high over his kobold body. "And, do you believe, dear ambassador, that this Tournament is beneath me? Are you not worried that perhaps some of the challenges here are above you in ways that endanger your reputation? Do you not feel every eye upon you, seeking here and now to cheer your success, while just as many, if not more, crowd together to boast at your failure?"

Skerev stands his ground, his toes scratching through his boots, a rumbling brewing in the back of his throat. His eyes strain to match those of the seductress to search for any tell-tale sign of her hypnotic influence.

All that stares back at him are her eyes' natural hues, looking with a concerning warmth.

"Of course I'm worried," he responds. "There are many here who have little to lose, but those of us here have our reputations on the line. To be defeated and humiliated is a terrible thing in and of itself.

"And you were defeated, yes? By that dashing lizard Auhrul, if I'm not mistaken. Yes, he's quite the powerful foe, indeed, but I can see through his weakness quite clearly. You, however, fell for him without a moment's hesitation."

"He knows special techniques, yes, and-"

"And you wanted to be manhandled by a big strong brute like him. No shame in that, is there? But really, is that the mindset of a proud ambassador working to help his people? Or is it the desire of a single kobold, participating for his own selfish gain?"

Skerev licks at his maw. "Perhaps you're right."

"Oh?" Ra'lys coos, leaning down closer towards the kobold. "I'm right about what? I didn't state anything. I was merely asking a question. Is there something on your mind, dear Skerev?"

Skerev clenches his fist, his arm shaking. "I've been away from my duties," he says. "I've squandered them after I've established diplomacy with a good number of people already, all for my own personal enjoyment."

"Well now, there's nothing wrong with doing something for yourself once in a while, is there?"

"No, but I need to return to my home. I need to tell everyone all that I've learned here. I need to work to maintain the new relationships I've fostered already. To tarry too long in this competition will be self-indulgent... I see that now. Lady Ra'lys, obviously, you have much more to gain from participating here than I have to lose." He places a hand over his heart and bows. "I do hope that my performance here has been satisfactory and that you consider further liaisons with my people in the future."

"Oh, if the rest of your tribe is as polite as you, I would be simply compelled to speak more with you."

Skerev nods, walking away from the sorceress without another word.

Ra'lys chuckles to herself, running a finger down her cheek. "Yes," she hisses. "Leave the Tournament, just as I want you to do..." she whispers to herself. "And now, time to claim my victory...."