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

[saddleclub]

I simply didn't expect you to go so.... fast. I suppose I should have.

[He's ignoring the obvious unsaid part because it's embarrassing.]

I suppose that covers a compliment too. Very well. I find your company agreeable enough.

[That's a compliment and he's trying to change the subject with the game, dropping his hands from Crow's chest.]

[bad_crowmance]

Even though I'm a shameless playboy? Aw, I'm flattered!

[ His tone's teasing and he's smiling. ]

[saddleclub]

[Ugh Crow.]

As you should be.

[He can keep his composure and be cool and snooty!]

[bad_crowmance]

Anyway, if diagonals count, I've got "pretend to be your favourite animal" as the last thing I need to get a bingo.

[saddleclub]

Be my guest.

[bad_crowmance]

[ He lifts a hand like a paw, grinning at Jusis. ]

Nyaaa~?

[saddleclub]

....Should I clap?

[bad_crowmance]

Nya!

[ He mimicks batting at a cat toy with his hands. ]

[saddleclub]

[He claps once, dryly.]

Very impressive.

[bad_crowmance]

Thanks, I thought so too.

[saddleclub]

...

Neigh. I suppose.

[bad_crowmance]

[ He tries to keep a straight face, he really does-- but he can't, he can't, he breaks and he's laughing. ]

You suppose!

[ He's delighted. ]

[saddleclub]

[This faint blush is just never going away.]

That's all you're getting.

[Don't make riding jokes.]

[bad_crowmance]

I had no idea! Are you an experienced rider?

[saddleclub]

Naturally. I'm good enough.

[bad_crowmance]

In that case, I'd love to go riding with you sometime.

[saddleclub]

Really? That's a surprise. But I'm not against it.

[bad_crowmance]

Later, then! For now we've still got a trial to continue. Wanna race?

[saddleclub]

Race. Very well, if you're ready to lose.

[bad_crowmance]

No way! But I am ready to kick your ass!

[ He pounds his fist into his palm and grins. ]

[saddleclub]

You wish. See you at the end of the train.

[Time to fucking race a Crow.]

[bad_crowmance]

[ He's taking off with those words, focusing not on Jusis' progress but on getting there as fast as possible. His legs are long and he is very determined. ]

[saddleclub]

[He'll lose this race too though not as badly as he loses to Rufus.]

[bad_crowmance]

[ He turns to grin at Jusis after he wins. ]

Nice race! You really kept me on my toes.

[saddleclub]

Hmph.

[He won't be a sore loser by saying Crow got lucky or anything.]

You're still ridiculously athletic I see.