Lyil looked around at the people as she and Tam sat down in the box seats.
The arena was a little more than half full with a few spectators hurrying through the gates. Most of the crowd was made up of Tarmorians, but there were some off-worlders, and Lyil even saw some G-staff.
It was five minutes before start time.
Lyil sat back in her chair. "Looks like a big turn out," she said.
Tam looked at her with a smile on her face. Her dark-brown eyes sparkled portraying delight as she shifted in her seat to get a better view of the audience. Tam was a typical Tarmorian—a race that had no variance in color from one person to the next. Her hair was black, eyes brown, and she had light brown skin. All the Tarmorians had this look. Their features had a rugged exterior, and, indeed, the Tarmorians had had fierce battles and bloody wars throughout their history on their home planet, and because of that they were a people no one would want to fight in a war, especially hand to hand combat. Another quality of note, was their ability to make money. Their history showed that they were good in business, crafty in their business sense, and smart in finding a good deal.
"Isn't this great?" Tam said in her husky, Tarmorian voice. "Doog has a big following; especially since he won the third tournament last year—the first Tarmorian to win a tournament in five years. And to do it he had to beat the swordsman who placed eleventh in the Galactic Games. It was the biggest upset in twenty-three years."
Not only had Lyil heard this story many times, she had seen the highlights on the viewer. Still, she didn't say anything. She knew the Tarmorians loved to retell stories, especially swording stories. They eagerly anticipated their tournaments, and they had great respect and admiration for the Tarmorian swordsmen. Actually they showed great sportsmanship and gave credit to all the swordsmen of the Galaxy.
Tam was watching the tunnel, where Rand would be making his entrance. She kept looking, but sat back and asked, "Did you check the board to see where your boyfriend's match is going to be?"
Lyil always spoke in a reserved and dignified manner. Calmly she said, "Ben? Ben's not my boyfriend."
"Oh, I just thought . . . "
"It's okay. It seems Mandril has the same misconception, but the truth is I've only known him for three days."
"But you've been out with him twice in those three days, and I get the impression it would have been three times if you hadn't already had plans to come to the matches with me."
"Probably, but when I think about it there are too many reasons why we shouldn't get involved, the main one being that we live so far apart."
"Why is that a problem? I've known a number of Tarmorians who married off-worlders and then one of them would relocate. Zord, the top matre de at the Gala hotel met a tourist, fell in love, and got married. This just happened two months ago. Before they got married they decided that he made more money in his job, and she could get a job working in one of the hotels, so, she relocated to Galactus. And I've know a couple of Tarmorians who relocated to another planet for the same reason." She paused, and then said, "Hey, if you like this guy, and I think you do, then don't worry about it. Just let it happen."
"But that's the problem. I don't think he'd be willing to give up his job, and I know I wouldn't. And even if he were willing to give up his profession, there are other reasons."
Lyil was about to give the reasons, but at that moment Rand walked out of the tunnel.
The audience cheered and clapped, and stomped their feet. Tam stood up and waved.
It took her a minute to catch his attention, but finally Rand saw her and gave her a slow bow of acknowledgement—with his right hand in front of his stomach (holding his sword case) and the left hand behind his back, he then bowed his head slowly toward his knees. As he straightened, he blew her a kiss, and walked to the swording mat.
Lyil had always been impressed with Rand. He was not the typical Tarmorian male with the gruff exterior, crude manners, and grumbling voice, instead his personality and characteristics portrayed a natural charm, elegance, and touch of class.
Tam was smiling as she sat down. "With the money from this tournament we'll be able to pay off our apartment and most of our bills."
Rand opened his sword case and took out his sword. The blue sheen color of the sword flashed in the air as he whipped it back and forth. He pretended a mock adversary and did a few feints, a few parries, a few thrusts, and then, with his sword by his side, he stood waiting for Doog to come out of the tunnel.