[center][h1][color=ff5000][b]Renar Hagen[/b][/color][/h1][/center]

[color=ff5000][b]"So, allow me to get this straight,"[/b][/color] Renar started incredulously while pouring himself some more wine. [color=ff5000][b]"You're more angry about being physically thrown around by your opponent than losing to them? That's the same thing as being outmatched, you dolt."[/b][/color]

Outmatched was a term that brought some recent connotations with it. Renar's mind briefly flashed back to that dream he'd had. Certainly, some of those losses he could have accepted. But others? Not a chance in hell. Steelfang's outline remained in his thoughts for a moment, his brow furrowing. At least Gerard had one thing right in what he'd said though.

[color=ff5000][b]"You aren't incorrect in that regard, though. We need to get stronger, more skilled, [i]better[/i]. All of us. A more foolish man would be more content with humiliating their half-brother in public before Thaln's nobility. I, however, fully intend on not resting on my laurels. Technique is one thing, but if there's anything I've gathered from your tale of the catacombs, we've a significant amount of physical conditioning to go through. Skillful tricks won't help us close the gap in direct combat against a mage."[/b][/color]

The lightning mage that they'd mentioned had been...concerning. Especially considering the fact that they hadn't just killed her the moment they had the chance. Soft-hearted fools. And Serenity, he supposed. 

[color=ff5000][b]"Next time, if I'm not there, do us all a favor and ignore the ones who called for not killing the dangerous, hostile mage. Unless it's a demand from the Knight-Captain or Paladin Tyaethe, the rest have no greater authority than you."[/b][/color] He shook his head with a sigh. [color=ff5000][b]"If that loose end doesn't come back to haunt us, well. Care to stake some gold on it?"[/b][/color]

[@HereComesTheSnow]