The Thirteenth Trial

[catcophonous]

Who: trialgoers
When: Day 27 all day
Where: The Cat's Zone

[Once again the Trial time has come. Just like the Eleventh, it's the Cat's bar that's appeared in the clearing, and just like then, he's not here for formalities.]

Can you believe you've been dumped on me again already? Lame, I know. But come on in and let's get going.

[But he's not the only voice! The booming, cheerful tone of the Hermit can be heard as well.]

Right, right, come along! This one should be fun for you and us.

[Once you enter the bar, you'll find... it's just a bar. In fact, you are free to come and go from it. The inside, though, has been dolled up -- there are swaths of colourful fabric above the windows, jingly dangly crystal decorations hanging down over tables, and patterned tablecloths. It's the kind of cheesy fortuneteller decor you've seen in the Hermit's tent before!

Otherwise, though, there's nothing strange. There are plenty of tables and an open dancefloor. The cabinets behind the bar are sturdily locked, but there are pitchers of non-alcoholic punch on every table, and on the bar is a jar of paper slips and a laminated instructions sheet.

The name of this game is: Fortune and Lies.]

RULES ☆ TURN-IN ☆ WINNERS & ENDGAME

Comments

[bad_crowmance]

Yes?

[ How is this a question? ]

[desirestruth]

You're a mean one, Mr. Armbrust.

[bad_crowmance]

It's just a little bit of fighting.

[ He literally does not see the problem here? ]

[desirestruth]

Take a moment to consider Eliza and then tell me if you think she's combat-trained.

[bad_crowmance]

[ He has two words in response to that-- ]

Skeleton familiars.

[desirestruth]

Do you have any idea how easy it is to break bones?

[Most people can't crush them with their bare hands, Naeva. But she is considering this.]

I hadn't considered they'd be valid, but I suppose it makes sense...

[bad_crowmance]

Yeah, but Eliza is smart. I'm willing to bet she could strategize, work around the limitations. I wouldn't count her out on being a contender.

[desirestruth]

It's entirely fair, I'd just feel bad if I hurt her on accident. Anybody, really.

[bad_crowmance]

Well, I haven't even started planning that idea yet so it's not something you need to worry about anytime soon.

[desirestruth]

It's something I'm worried about all the time, forever, but I appreciate the hustle.

[...She has to stand on her toes to ruffle his hair but if she sidles over slowly, maybe he won't guess what she's up to...]

Gambling isn't really a bad idea, either.

[bad_crowmance]

Gambling's usually a good idea. You got physical affection didn't you?

[desirestruth]

[BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUZZZZZ.]

...I'm doing my best, here.

[She just keeps getting fortunes she's ill-suited for.]

[bad_crowmance]

[ Crow laughs like the jerkbird he is. ]

It's okay, you've got your strong points. This trial just isn't playing up to 'em.

[desirestruth]

Oh? Going to admit that for once, Crow?

[She's giving the fortune she pulled a flat look.]

...This Cat's fuckin' with me.

[bad_crowmance]

Sure, why not? It doesn't hurt to admit it once in a while. You're a pretty capable person.

[desirestruth]

I should really hope so, or I'm in a lot of trouble when this is over.

[...He doesn't look embarrassed...]

[bad_crowmance]

Trying to take care of your kingdom, right? It's in good hands, at least.

[desirestruth]

[She's not even responding, just staring at him because. What? What??? Open compliments from crow?

it's gotta be a fortune.]

[bad_crowmance]

You don't need to look so shocked, you know. It's not as though I'm oblivious to your good qualities.

[desirestruth]

You just don't like to talk about them, is all.

[Staring at him, and tilting her head.] You're pretty private, when it's not physical.

[bad_crowmance]

I'm turning over a new leaf! We've got to put ourselves out there to save the universe, right? Might as well start with friendship.

[desirestruth]

[...Yep, that's a blue fortune. But, if he's going to go that route...]

Well...I am glad to be your friend, in any case, Crow.

[Just going to go ahead and murder the man.]

[bad_crowmance]

[ THIS IS WHY HE THINKS YOU'RE A BRAT, NAEVA. But his expression doesn't flicker from that easy-looking, cheerful grin. ] Mmm! I'm really lucky to have a friend like you.

[desirestruth]

...Alright, alright, I'll have mercy.

It's a blue fortune, isn't it?

[bad_crowmance]

[ BUUUUUUUZZZZZ!! He immediately slumps over. ] Oh, thank Aidios. You're an evil woman, you know that? [ He was DYING. ]