"I'm very easy to please, at least on a personal level. Amiable company and a good challenge now and then are all I need." He's relaxed and chattier than usual in setting up the game. He's looking forward to it. It has been far too long since he's had a chance to indulge this passion.

He glances up and shoots him a half smile. "I always want to win. If you ever do get the pieces and want to teach me, you won't find a more dedicated pupil." It's a competitive drive nothing has ever quashed, and it might be part of the reason he's still standing when so many of his fellows in Ferelden fell.

"Here, we're set up now. Would you like black or white?" He's host enough to give his guest the choice.