It was the Haldeel’s version of gambling, only instead of luck, you used talent and skill to win.
Kira paused as she watched a Haldeel ascend the stage to her right. He crossed to the center and the waist-high column waiting there. After a second of perusal he pressed his hand onto it.
Four pillars of light rose around him, forming a square as the solid column in front of him dissolved into the floor. Transparent armor formed over his chest and arms.
His gaze was calculating as he stared at the pillars.
Lightning arced from them. The Haldeel evaded, dancing between the pillars as he tried to dodge the unpredictable bolts.
Noticing where Kira’s attention had gone, Graydon paused. “Ever tried?”
Kira started after Devon and Joule. "Once or twice."
Jin referred to that part of her life as her dark period.
She’d found it too painful to be around humans and had landed on the edge of Haldeel territory as a result.
In those days, she’d been on edge. Vicious some might say, hitting back at the least provocation.
That was when she first encountered the stratagem. It filled Kira’s need for distraction.
Popular among all ranks of the Haldeel, the stratagem allowed her to lose herself in its world. For a brief time, she’d earned quite the reputation while playing.
"Not going to watch?" Graydon asked, studying her.
Kira glanced over her shoulder, casually assessing the player. "No need. He won't advance to the next level."
As if to prove her right, there was a low hum from behind them as the holographic scene dissolved around the player.
"Good eye.” Graydon nodded at a stage set for dual play. "I don't suppose you'd fancy a match?"
"Aren't we here to watch Joule participate in Castles?"
Graydon lifted an eyebrow. "Why can't we do both?"
Kira hesitated, feeling torn.
It had been a long time since she’d played.
Calling her competitive was kind. She’d never been good at turning the other cheek and Graydon was one of those rare individuals who could give her a real challenge.
The unmistakable provocation in his expression made resisting even more difficult.
“Unless you're afraid,” Graydon taunted.
He was just asking to have the arrogance wiped off his face. Kira had time in her schedule.
Kira was careful not to let herself appear too eager. "Fine. One match."
Solal and Amila exchanged a look as if they knew something Kira didn't. Finn, on the other hand, seemed worried as Kira and Graydon stepped onto the stage.
"Do you have a preference?" Graydon asked, raising his hand.
The act triggered the menu screen. Several Haldeel icons in the midst of various actions appeared in front of him.
"This was your idea. Your choice."
It made no difference to Kira. She'd played most of them at one point or another.
