"Defense team—victory."
The moderator's declaration rang across the arena.
Rapheldor found Vencian near the sidepassage of his marker and launched himself forward with a shout of triumph.
"We won!" He clapped Vencian's shoulder hard enough to jar bone. "We actually won!"
Vencian steadied himself, smiling faintly. "You sound surprised."
"I am surprised. I was ready to lose gracefully and then you showed up acting like five attackers was a reasonable challenge."
"It worked."
"Barely." Rapheldor shook his head, still grinning. "You realize Pereneth almost skewered you twice?"
"Three times."
"Three?" Rapheldor laughed. "And you're still standing here smirking like you planned the whole thing."
"I did plan it."
"Your plan was insane."
"My plan won."
Rapheldor opened his mouth to argue, then laughed again instead. "Fair point."
