"Pity? Don't you dare." He's all mock outrage, and once Dorian is settled and has chosen his side, he gets more down to business. "We could cut paper pieces for the rudiments of learning the rules." He's willing to try if it comes to that.

Since he has been given white, he makes the first move. It's always exciting starting a game with someone who's an unknown factor. He has conversed with him enough to know he's intelligent, but that tells him little of his tactics or strategies.

Leaning to the side, he refills his tea cup and stirs in more honey. "More for you?" he asks.