Zenos, likewise, is there... not exactly on sufferance, this is far more to his taste than the party had been, but it's clear he has little interest in the Games beyond what observing can tell him of others' worth; he, as usual, does not intend wasting time on anyone incapable of keeping up with him, and right now 'him' includes all his frustration at the Venera situation and his desire to see what regenerated flesh is capable of, so it's doubly important the first fight be a good one. So he waits, and watches, and makes a mental list of those that might be worth bothering later.

Speaking of the Venera situation...

He has not been avoiding Howl, exactly, but neither has he sought the other man out. He tells himself this is because he's been busy (as if recuperation has been an active endeavor, not a passive one) and not because this conversation is one he very much would rather not have, and that being the case it is definitely camaraderie (whatever that means), and not the desire to prove how little the prospect has him phased (except in all the ways it's definitely the second thing) that has him offer a lightly amused "That was certainly unconventional." as their paths cross - Howl on his way from watercooler to tree, perhaps, and Zenos headed back towards whatever duel is currently in progress.