the tenth trial?

[hot_mess_express]

Who: everybody
When: Day 22, starting bright and early
Where: the jackal zone


[What was it...ah, yes. Come hither, Heroes, prove thy worth.

The familiar tremor of a trial comes with a voice that's probably familiar to a lot of train denizens. Entering the door to the trial reveals that somehow, yes, it is in fact Naeva who's done this.

The game room is a beautiful tea garden with elegant, victorian-style tea tables set out throughout. Naturally, the tables all have tea, a variety of snacks, and flower arrangements featuring the herbs from each team. The garden is also full of crystalline jonquil, though they can't seem to be picked up normally.

There are baskets set out for everyone who arrives, and a sign explaining the rules of the game. Across the top it reads Bonding Game.

Cardamom, you've made a huge mistake.]

Comments

[desirestruth]

Someone I know had a similar problem.

[She takes his hand. Bows her head over it, as though to kiss it, though she stops short of actually doing so...look. The court manners never leave.]

Naeva dos Martos. The pleasure's all mine.

[crimeson]

[kind of. blinks. then grins. holy shit.]

Naeva, then? At least share some of the pleasure. It's always great to meet a lovely lady.

[desirestruth]

[She doesn't even know she's doing it, Randy.]

Oh, no need to flatter this old lady. I'm sure you'll find me an unholy terror soon enough.

[Because, you know. she's literally undead.]

[crimeson]

Probably! Pretty much every lady I know is an unholy terror in one way or another, so that won't be a surprise.

[desirestruth]

You must only know the best ladies, then.

[crimeson]

Exactly! Safe to say you'll be joining their number.

[desirestruth]

So quickly? I'm flattered, truly.

[...Something about this is reminding her of someone else, but who...?]

[crimeson]

I can be much more flattering~

[desirestruth]

[Oh.

He reminds her of Crow. This is flirting! That's what's happening right now!

Oh right she should probably say something. That's what you do about flirting.]

To an engaged woman?

[Nailed it.]

[crimeson]

Doesn't have to be any intent behind it! I can stop if you don't like it, but flirting itself isn't bad, right?

[desirestruth]

...You really are exactly as incorrigible as he is...

[She didn't even mean to say that out loud, she's just. Impressed.]

As long as you understand the line you musn't cross, I don't see a reason to stop you. It's just the way you are, I'm guessing?

[crimeson]

[Randy huffs a laugh.]

Lemme guess-- Crow? But, yeah. I flirt as easy as breathing, but I won't misbehave too badly.

[desirestruth]

Oh, what gave it away, the fact I clarified he can't touch butts for points?

[She kind of laughs, though.]

I'm not really used to this kind of thing. But the way I see it...no matter how much any of you flirt, I'm not going to stray, so it doesn't really matter if you do or not.

[crimeson]

It's a comparison I've gotten used to! We're from the same place.

[he grins though]

That's the right attitude. I won't be talking you into anything, either, just being properly appreciative of a pretty lady~

[desirestruth]

From the same place, huh...?

[Well, she's not going to demand to know why Crow is Like This, because really she doubts he knows, but that does give her reason to consider.]

Well, then. Sounds like we're both on the same page.

[crimeson]

[he at least kind of knows, but he's sure not telling anyone.]

It's a good page, right?

[desirestruth]

It's a friendly one, certainly.

[crimeson]

Then a good start!