"Yes, please join me, Elena." He gestures to the cushion opposite of him, watching her carefully. He hadn't been the only one who had survived what would have completely broken someone without their strength. Here they stood nonetheless, even if Rufus had to lean on a cane for now.

He can't fault her for watching him carefully and following closely behind him. It's a bit of normalcy in this strange world since he couldn't remember a part of his life when he was away from the Turks. And after everything the five of them had been through in the last two years alone, he can't fault her for wanting to be close to him.

"Here, you'll go first." He moves the board around so the white side was facing her. "Take your time before making your move. Consider your options." Veld had used the game to teach Rufus to think strategically, thinking things through several steps ahead while also being able to adapt when needed. He had thought it tedious then as a child but now he can't help but be grateful for those lessons.