[Viktor's concession of the 'battle' elicits a further gentling of Ortus' demeanour. He does not quite look comfortable, but he looks much more at ease than he did, and when he raises his glass in reciprocation he might even look like a person who could belong in a place like this - if not for the skull.]

I will continue, yes. [The affirmation doubled, as close to emphatic as he gets.] I have found new inspiration for my work, and a greater appreciation of the value of overcoming procrastination while one has the time to do so.

[New inspiration is said reverentially, with a faint bloom of awe in his earth-dark eyes, but he collects himself to turn to the next subject at hand. It reminds him, to his surprise, of the first time he 'talked shop' with another cavalier, although Viktor is anything but.]

Reticence is a trait typical to necromancers, you will find. I believe it, in part, stems from their mastery of magic. It is difficult to accept that one has limits when one is accustomed to being able to push past them through will and application of skill. It is even more true of the particularly talented.