Arthur stepped up to the table, the soldiers' chatter immediately dissolving into cautious silence. The group parted slightly, letting him and Aleks into the loose circle with careful, assessing eyes. The air thickened briefly with hesitation, uncertainty flickering over the soldiers' faces like ripples in the harbor.
Aleks flashed them an easy grin, effortlessly warm, but Arthur merely watched, unmoving, until a soldier with thick fin-like growths along his forearm finally broke the stillness.
"You joining us for a hand, lords?" He asked slowly, half-question, half-invitation.
Aleks chuckled, nudging Arthur playfully in the ribs. "Don't call him lord, or he'll start believing it. I'm Aleks. This brooding stormcloud is White."
Arthur gave a small nod, eyes steady, the faintest hint of amusement softening his otherwise stern expression. The soldiers relaxed slightly, buoyed by the casual manner Aleks radiated.
