The Ninth Trial

[advisories]

Who: everyone
When: Day 18, starting just after dawn
Where: The Hermit's Tent, and all around

[This morning as the sun begins to pour through the train's windows, there's the tremor that signals a Trial.]

Come hither, Heroes. Prove thy worth. Or something like that!

[It's the same older man's voice from the sixth trial, and outside is the same fortune teller's stall. Today the front flap is lifted to show a normal interior -- there's a wooden table, carved with geometric patterns and painted in bright colours, lit by teal-coloured carved candles.

At the table sits a man of indeterminate age, somewhere between 30 and 60. He's wearing what appear to be monk's robes, teal with patterned trimming. In front of him is a crystal ball and a stack of bingo cards, along with a stand-up sign bearing the rules of this Trial.

Across the top in large font, it says:

Icebreaker Bingo

Good luck and have fun!]

Comments

[desirestruth]

'Fun'?

[THIS FEELS AWFUL FOR HER FANGS, ELIZA, WHAT'S FUN ABOUT IT?]

[bowtiedbones]

[put a yellow straw in your blood bag]

The fun is in the novelty. Juice boxes are normal, but for a long time only capri suns were in pouches.

[desirestruth]

[She can't use straws with her fangs. :(]

I...suppose that makes sense.

[A pause.] Did you want to play?

[bowtiedbones]

Oh! Yes, sorry, I would!

[desirestruth]

No need to apologize. Where would you like to start?

[bowtiedbones]

Share something we'd change about ourselves? Since I already have one square in the bottom row done.

[desirestruth]

I'd like to not have to feed on others to survive.

[She says it pretty dryly, to be honest.]

[bowtiedbones]

Oh gosh, I don't think I have anything as serious as that...

[desirestruth]

Do you really need to? It's not really a competition.

[bowtiedbones]

I'm not competing, but it doesn't feel fair if all I have is just "I'd like not to throw tantrums when I'm overtired."

[desirestruth]

It's not as though my condition's secret. You don't need to feel bad about the differences in our lives.

[bowtiedbones]

If you don't mind, then I'll try not worrying.

Want to do another square?

[desirestruth]

Sure. [She's considering the card.]

What's a dream of yours, then?

[bowtiedbones]

I want to discover a new dragon species!

[desirestruth]

Oh, that's exciting. [She laughs a little, and then rubs at her cheek, while she thinks about it.]

...It's a little embarrassing, but I'd, ah...like to start a family, one day.

[bowtiedbones]

Aww! I can totally see you as a mom.

[desirestruth]

Well, I certainly hope so, anyway. Desires aside, there'd be problems if I didn't.

[bowtiedbones]

Like for an heir-to-the-throne thing?

[desirestruth]

I am a Queen, so exactly that.

[bowtiedbones]

That's some pressure.

[desirestruth]

[SHRUG.]

I've grown up with the weight. Better it be me than someone unprepared for it.

[bowtiedbones]

That's a good point! I don't know if I'll ever have kids... I spoil my nephews instead.

[desirestruth]

This is also a fine option, but I'd have to trust my twin to both find someone willing to bear his children and then trust him with any to achieve that.

[bowtiedbones]

Oh, ouch!

[desirestruth]

He'd say the same about me, it's all fair.