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]

I am hardly a navigator of the ship called fate, but it only seems a reasonable conclusion. At any rate, the sabre tooth tigres are nimble and the geckos think themselves tricky. There are a variety of them, at any rate.

[She ponders. Oh right--]

The snakes may prove annoying, however. For most people.

[bad_crowmance]

Oh? Why do you say that?

[voreaciously]

Not everyone is immune to most venoms and poisons.

[bad_crowmance]

[ Crow grimaces at that. ]

Pretty sure I'm not immune, either.

[voreaciously]

If you get bitten, I can take care of that.

[Ah, but she is finished her food, now. Sadness.]

[bad_crowmance]

So you can heal that too?

[ He's finishing off the last bits of his own meal, looking at her in interest. ]

[voreaciously]

That is correct. I have confirmed that I can heal this poison so it is not an issue, though I have not been able to test all its effects, as yet.

[This whole not having pods, not having a studio, not being a scanner model is kind of butts, actually.]

I will be certain to rectify that, however.

[But she will start to gather and tidy up their dishes before moving them to the sink.]

[bad_crowmance]

Well, being able to heal it's the important part.

[ Poisons aren't of any particular interest to him, so he's less concerned about the effects of it. ]

[voreaciously]

I suppose, yes.

[like yeh BUT ALSO LISTEN!!! analysing things is important too. but she will wash those dishes.]

Ah, it would be best to wait some time before giving you a massage, which is just as well. We can do other squares, or you may return at your leisure, it is up to you.

[bad_crowmance]

[ He'll definitely need that massage when she gets around to it, he's still tense and mentally on alert almost constantly. ]

I'm up for other squares. Got one you wanna hit up next?

[voreaciously]

Perhaps the gift, but mine will take a little time. I can multitask.

[Once she is done with the dishes, she starts to wash the stones and shells she brought with her.]

[bad_crowmance]

Oh, I like presents!

[ He considers his options, what to give her so he gets the credit too. ]

A gift, a gift.... Hmm....

[voreaciously]

[He says he likes presents and her hands and shoulders tighten for a moment.

It's fine, he's sitting. He won't notice. It's fine. She simply needs to do it.

It is fine.]

Truly, you need not think so hard about it.

[bad_crowmance]

[ Honestly, his first thought was "does my dick count as a gift?" ]

Yeah, but I've gotta think of something. I told you, I'm interested in winning too.

[voreaciously]

[The d does, indeed, count.]

I know that. [Don't say you're worthless, DON'T SAY THAT.]

You could give me anything at all and it would satisfy the condition.

[She idly casts a minor soundproofing spell before turning the water in the sink to grains of very solid ice, buffeting the stones she's collected in total silence.]

[bad_crowmance]

Oh, I know that. I gave Naeva my gloves earlier. But I don't have too much else on me that I'd be willing to part with.

[ He snaps his fingers. ]

I know! How about my gift's an IOU-- one sex act of your choosing. Time, place, details. All of it.

[voreaciously]

Oh, is that where they went? I suppose you could get another pair, they looked nice on you.

[But ooooooh that's nice. Also Very Familiar, but you know, still great, she does not have complaints. It's pretty good.

Or it would be if she would let herself be the whole of herself. But bondage, yes, that should be fine enough after their discussion, she will not take it too far.

Despite her reservations and worries, she is prompt with her reply.]

Done.

[bad_crowmance]

I wouldn't complain about a new pair.

[ Especially if he doesn't have to pay for it himself. ]

Alright, that takes care of that then!

[ He's pretty satisfied with himself, honestly. ]

[voreaciously]

You may choose something else while I do this. Ah, would you excuse me for a few minutes, actually? I will not be long.

[bad_crowmance]

I'll pick when you get back then.

[ He's curious what she's up to, but he figures it can wait. ]

[voreaciously]

As you like, Crow-san. I will return presently.

[A sphere of what looks like compacted, glittering blue sand floats behind her as she disappears into a room.

Time passes, as it does.

...And a little more passes.

And a little--oh, 80H emerges from the room she was in, walking crisply, but hurriedly and immediately bows, apologetic.]

Ah, Crow-san, I am truly very sorry! That was longer than I meant.

[bad_crowmance]

[ He shrugs, looking pretty unbothered. ]

Nah, don't worry about it! .....Though I've gotta ask: What were you up to?

[voreaciously]

[But don't you understand she KEPT YOU WAITING!!!

End of the WORLD!!!

That is so rude.

But he asks her what she was doing and she looks...shy, all of a sudden. Nervous.]

Ah, I got caught up in my work--for the bond, of course. Um...

[Just


Just do it. She holds out her hand and in it is a bracelet of carved, polished stone beads with small shells interspersed at some intervals. But the decidedly main feature is the carving of a cat head. It is elegantly simple, but has some subtle embellishments.]

[bad_crowmance]

[ He takes the bracelet and turns it over, examining the skill and craftsmanship it had taken to make it. ]

This is seriously impressive.... You made this just now?

[voreaciously]

Ah yes, there is a working in it, actually. It is made to be spent in an emergency, if necessary. Like a trump no one expects--not that I presume that you cannot handle yourself, that is! Ah, I simply...

[She is babbling a bit.]