"I say there's little point to drinking unless you're really drinking, but...fine, fine," grouses Alistair, good-naturedly.

After another swig of his drink, he helps Cullen set up the board. (This involves a lot of surreptitious glances to Cullen's half to make sure he's got the order of the back row right. Alistair can never remember which piece goes closest to the king and queen.)