( He's been observing the games, not so much at the shark man's table as at others, learning the rules and finding it fun, not in spite of himself so much as in addition to knowing part of him will always like playing against chance. Defying odds. Attempting impossibilities.

There's something to be said in how one is raised.

So before he settles in at Aurelius Longus' table, looking more the light hearted, easy going man he once was in most truth, his smile is all good humour and sharp edges, he asks his companion conversationally: )

How directly do you think he claims his blood price?

( ooc note: Wei Wuxian will lose two hands before he wins one, so be forewarned about blood and also me remembering anything about poker — )

( He studies the stone gates when they reach them, irritation curled under his skin, creeping towards his shoulders, up his back. He breathes with it, blinks through the pressure building in his chest. Reads the inscription, and the instruction, and laughs, low and amused and then utterly without amusement, reaching out to tap one fingernail over the instructions. )

I'm told I excel at both. Should I test that?

( He cants his head, offers his companion an easier smile. There are jests buried within these kinds of stilted circumstances, and he's already sighing at the thought of them, as the irritation bubbles and boils and settles again poorly under his skin by force of habit and of will. When the paranoia tries to whisper about intended harm, he can only accept it. Has known it. Doesn't believe it. One doesn't need the trappings of chains and stone gateways and carved recesses like this to know that betrayal, that temporary truces, are as situational as the weather is willful in the summer seasons where he grew up.

He steps toward the shackles, the chains, and runs fingers over the metal links, considering. The ghost of a smile tugs at his lips as he muses: )

Poor craftsmanship. You'd think if they were going to have decorative chains, they'd bother making them look more impressive.

( ooc note ii: Wei Wuxian should be the one left outside, either because he'll sacrifice himself (chained to the door, his blood across the words) or your character beats him to his own worst tendencies! I'm happy for whatever amuses you.)