[ The scoff he lets out practically sends him into a coughing fit, but he manages to settle down after a cough or two. He'll grumble a response under his breath instead, something that sounds an awful lot like 'stupid idiot' before focusing on the question. ]

They made us fight in a tournament as a team of four. If we didn't cooperate, the people closest to us would be in danger.

[ The arms around Nehan loosen a bit, no longer squeezing as they come down to a relaxed hold instead. Aventurine's reluctant to speak about this to Nehan of all people, tone strained, but they're not exactly in the habit of hiding things from each other. Especially not at this point. ]

We fought in two rounds. They resurrected my sister for the first one, [ he says this with gritted teeth. ] Maybe it's because she's been gone for so long, but... I wouldn't let myself believe it was her.