[ Lyney would be right: the adrenaline of a fight puts something different to him, lifts him up in a way little else does, win or lose. He's not saying anyone should mess with the authorization on a Gardemek again anytime soon, but... ]

We'll see who the cards favor when we play, then.

[ 'When'. What can he say? He likes a challenge in the ring or out of it. A round of cards or two sounds good to him, even if the kid probably is the type to play dirty. ]

You wound me. The pankration ring holds a duty to be seen to like any other, and besides... [ Little smirk. He really is in a good mood. ] If I want company, I know someone who will have a cup of tea with me if I ask.