Don't believe in no-win scenarios

While the two of them are busy discussing the rules of the game - and Jim is waiting for an open spot - there's a soft clunk as a bottle is set on the table between them. A chuckle and an easy voice: "With compliments to the lucky groom."

To Jim it almost sounds murmured into his ear, yet the voice's owner is long gone when he turns. Either way, the bottle is the proper stuff: an expensive whiskey that's smooth when it goes down and smells potent enough it might even have an effect on the Thunder God beside him.