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[use_everything]

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[failureisntachoice]

[ She sits back in her seat, content to have won at least that bet. And she has a stronger profile on his playstyle, so she doesn't anticipate difficulties if they continue. ]

We can go again.

[use_everything]

Let me know when you've a taste for wine. Though there are tasting bars for a wider variety of spirits. Vodka, beers, any number of choices.

[He considers the board, and then Tex carefully. He clears it and starts setting it back up.]

[failureisntachoice]

Beer would be preferred. [ And likely easier on his wallet. ] You guys keep plenty of wine in the house for me to try.

[ He's already setting up the board, good. ] What's the bet this time?

[use_everything]

Hmm. Your turn to set it, I believe.

[failureisntachoice]

[ What does she want from him? She studies him carefully before finally deciding, ]

I want an upgrade to my current set weaponry. Or improvements made to my armor. I know there are techies here that can do it, sometimes for free, I just haven't done the legwork. You're going to have to pick what you want.

[use_everything]

[He considers, rubbing his chin. There really isn't much losing there. It would be good to test out any talent they get for the Dendarii and better outfitting their armswoman.

He nods.]

The highlights of the next mission free.

[failureisntachoice]

Good choice. I was thinking of doubling the fee next time.

[use_everything]

Consider me warned.

[If nothing else, he learned from her strategy last time, his opening moves are cautious.]

[failureisntachoice]

[ Hers are more aggressive, though not stupidly so. She has a better idea of his counter-maneuvers now and thinks she can reasonable guess his responses. ]

Good. I wasn't going to start giving you a discount because of the whole lord thing.

[use_everything]

[He's slower to move now, testing how quickly she counters... and finding her already blocking avenues he could use.]

Hm. Should I have Cordelia ask? [There's a bit of a half smile to that, though the delivery is deadpan.]

[failureisntachoice]

[ She doesn't even look up from the board as she replies. ] I'll make sure to charge her double, since you'll both be watching it.

[use_everything]

Ruthless, absolutely. [He doesn't make his move yet, just leans back studying the board.]

[failureisntachoice]

Are you complaining? [ She raises a brow as she watches him, rather than the board. He's got a good poker face, she'll give him that. ]

[use_everything]

Against good sense? Never.

[Only a Barrayaran equates ruthlessness to common sense. After another beat, he reengages the game... the strategy this time certainly holds the ghost of his previous one, alike enough to call them neighbors, but it's goals ran a bit different, chewing at Tex's lines in bites and retreats.]

[failureisntachoice]

[ So that's what he's planning. Hm. She takes a moment to consider the board, run through potential scenarios, before starting to rearrange her play to require him to take riskier maneuvers should he wish to continue that little game of his.

This round isn't over yet, but that doesn't stop her from teasing, ] Good. I have to say, you handle losing well.

[use_everything]

[He's holding out well, but the beginning of the end can be seen in his eroding defenses.]

A little early to call it, is it not?

[failureisntachoice]

Are you going to start throwing pieces soon? Or are you a flip the table kind of guy?

[use_everything]

Why stop there? Fire is a rather permanent solution.

[failureisntachoice]

I'd buy a replacement board game if you wanted to take it out back after this match.

[use_everything]

That willing to pay for a good spectacle?

[failureisntachoice]

I'd pay twice as much if you made it explode at the end.

[use_everything]

[Okay, but Aral is in fact 44 going on 13 on some subjects. Lightflyers and explosions being peak in those.]

That wouldn't be particularly hard, actually.

[failureisntachoice]

[ She looks down at the board, figures out the fastest solution to victory, and begins to put the plan into practice. ]

You better not be lying.

[use_everything]

I would never lie on such a matter.

[He hesitates seeing the shift in her strategy, watching the suddenly aggressive closing in. He COULD let it go, but... pride demands at least a damn good shot at a counter attack.]

[failureisntachoice]

[ There's a small grumble when he decides not to give up that easily. They could be that much closer to explosions, but she likes the fight. It takes her longer, but she manages to win. ]

Now can we take it out back and get rid of it?