[Ax falls silent for a moment, thankfully having stopped prodding at the ball before he could force it open or something. He moves to put it back in the bag as he replies.]

< I can understand fighting for measuring strength or preserving honor. That is, only when both sides have come to an agreement to do combat in the first place. >

[There's a note of disdain in his thought-speech as he takes a slow step back, one hoof pawing the ground. Clearly he is still a bit miffed at having balls lobbed at him.]

< Perhaps some other time. Right now I want to know what happened. I was just speaking to you at my scoop approximately an hour ago, and you speak as if I have not seen you for days. >