The last cards were cleared from the table, chips pushed forward with practiced motions as the dealer announced the result. Trafalgar rose from his seat without ceremony, calm and unhurried, as if winning had been the most natural outcome in the world.
"Well," he said, adjusting his coat slightly, eyes flicking toward Borin, "a promise is a promise."
Borin looked up at him, thick brows lifting before he broke into a wide grin, beard shifting with the motion. "Ha! I was wondering if you'd remember that."
Trafalgar smiled faintly. "Wanna drink, then?"
The dwarf's laughter was immediate, deep and pleased. "Now you're speaking my language."
As they stepped away from the poker table, Trafalgar's expression remained relaxed, almost casual. Inside, however, his thoughts were already moving several steps ahead.
'Information,' he reminded himself. 'That's the real prize here.'
