René returned the handshake just as firmly. It was yet another clue that Rictor was probably from the Fighters' Guild, given his general disposition and the way he carried himself. Though—he sent a sidelong glance to Drake, with the remnants of a cupcake on his chest and making grabby hands for some pizza—never judge a book by his cover, he thought with another friendly grin that he directed to Rictor. "Thanks," he said once he had a drink in his hands, lifting and tipping it toward Ari for added emphasis.
"Hey," he feigned outrage at her comment, its edge taken away by his laugh, "this isn't a test of wills, it's a show of solidarity." And with that, he clinked his glass against Drake's. Too sweet for his liking, René confirmed after taking a gulp, but he had the rest of the night to sip from it. "How about a card game?" he proposed, setting down his drink on the coffee table, and grabbed a slice of pizza. "There a deck?"