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

[voreaciously]

If it's a gesture of gratitude or a gift, yes. People have to eat. Typically. And so I can continue to do it. I suppose this could count, as well.

[bad_crowmance]

[ Crow gives a low whistle. ]

Damn, you could really work this system if you wanted!

[ Does he want to? Of course he does. ]

[voreaciously]

I do want, and I already have.

[Delicate bite of food.]

My projects will not pay for themselves, unfortunately.

[bad_crowmance]

Oh? What kinds of projects are those?

[voreaciously]

[She won't mention the secret stuff.] The one we have discussed, naturally. Some improvements for Jasmine. A training area seems as though it may be forthcoming according to our last vote on the matter, but I would like one sooner, even if it were private. Better communal spaces. A studio. A bath. But, of paramount importance, I require my pods and all my weapons.

[bad_crowmance]

That's a lot of projects you've got going. No wonder you're hungry for more sparks.

[ He flashes a grin at her. ]

Of course if you ever need help getting more, you know I'm up for the task.

[voreaciously]

Thank you, Crow-san. That would be appreciated.

[You are like, the only person who can really stand her so.]

I will have to think of more ideas. I am rather useless most of the time, socially speaking. I defer to others.

[bad_crowmance]

[ At some point, he's bound to get frustrated with her but the great part is that they can still bang afterwards. ]

Try cooking for people and you'll have a bunch of people willing to pop up and talk to you. This food is amazing.

[voreaciously]

[Angry sex!]

...I did consider that, yes. It would not be the first time I planned such an endeavour.

[She sips her soup so she does not frown at the memory of a cafe. She could not do a maid one again, maybe. That would hurt too much.]

Although talking is not quite what I had in mind.

[bad_crowmance]

Do you have any ideas, then?

[ He nibbles on the bread thoughtfully. ]

[voreaciously]

Food. And fortune telling was about as far as I was able to generate in the way of ideas. [The bread is light and moist with a great exterior. Also very warm.

She sighs, lightly.]

I do not much care for divination at any rate, anyway. But the goal is to combine general bonds with my team bonds in as many combinations or iteration as possible. Perhaps I could teach something...but I am not certain what would garner interest.

[how do i figure out what people like.]

[bad_crowmance]

[ The bread is really good, but he hadn't expected any less considering the rest of the meal. ]

I bet cooking lessons would get at least some attention.

[voreaciously]

Do you think so?

[She ponders it seriously as she eats her salad.]

I am hardly a master of the craft, but if is for sparks....

[bad_crowmance]

Oh yeah, definitely.

[ He takes a bite of the rice and swallows before continuing. ]

Cooking's one of those skills you can bet not everyone has but they could definitely benefit from learning. And even if they do know how, there's always new shit to pick up on.

[voreaciously]

...You make a sound argument.

[It takes her a moment because most everyone in Chez Carrots could cook, actually, but she knows about the reality. Her eating slows, though does not stop s she mulls over his suggestion. Really, she meant it, it is a good one.

There's just one issue.

It would have to be her doing it. She is not lazy at all, she just...no, this is a failing attitude. She needs to get something done so she will do it. It is no different than a trial or any other pursuit.

With calm, but stronger conviction she speaks.]

You are right.

[bad_crowmance]

[ He gives a satisfied hum. ]

Those are some of my favourite words.

[voreaciously]

Truly, I count myself surprised to hear that.

[Her voice is Very Polite as she calmly eats more rice.


Dry wit, indeed.]

I also could not think of more words you might enjoy.

[She eats a berry.

Slowly.

To savour it, nothing more.]

[bad_crowmance]

[ He laughs at that. ]

I wouldn't object if you wanted to give it a try anyway.

[voreaciously]

"We have a casino."; "You are in charge."; "Yes, Crow-san, I will definitely wear that lingerie you picked out."

[bad_crowmance]

[ There's a startled moment before he laughs again, shaking his head. He looks delighted. ]

I'm feeling really called out all of a sudden!

[ SHE'S NOT WRONG, THOUGH. ]

[voreaciously]

[ABSOLUTELY 100% CORRECT.]

I would tell you to lie in the bed you've made, but I am reasonably certain you would ask me to come with you.

[bad_crowmance]

Haha, well of course I would. It's the best use for a bed.

[voreaciously]

Most would say beds are for sleeping, Crow-san.

[Man, her food is super good tho actually. She takes a bite o the tamagoyaki.]

[bad_crowmance]

[ It really is, he's already planning on crashing Jasmine at some point again to mooch off more food. ]

I didn't say that it was the only use, just the best one.

[voreaciously]

[some would still say sleeping but


she's not one of them. sleeping is eh to her most of the time.]

On that note, when your food has had a chance to settle, I can massage your shoulders, if not everything if you wish. I shall leave it to your discretion. You are due, anyway.