The Nineteenth Trial

[hot_mess_express]

Who: Everyone
When: Day 43, evening
Where: The Mermaid's Beach

Come on, come on heroes...! Come hither!

[ There's a playful giggle and the sound of splashing as the Mermaid's beach appears in the clearing. ]

Let's play a game...!

Comments

[malignstar]

We used to do more, before Fang went back to sleep.

[bluediligence]

Fang...?

[malignstar]

Yeah, he and Eliza were really close. They did a lot of things together.

[bluediligence]

Then I hope he comes back soon.

[malignstar]

Me too. For her sake especially.

[bluediligence]

Mmm ...

[ She wonders if there's any way to help people come back sooner ... it's something to think about, if nothing else. ]

... Do you think it's time to try another square?

[malignstar]

We could trade hand massages if you still need one.

[bluediligence]

I've got the cuddles square, too. We could knock those both out at once?

[malignstar]

Sounds like a plan!

[bluediligence]

[ OPENS HER ARMS ]

[ let's get this cuddle party started ]

[malignstar]

[ He is all about the cuddles ]

You know, I never thought I'd like people touching my wings. Birds don't seem to like it. But it actually feels really good.

[bluediligence]

Birds don't? I've never been that close to one ... [ As far as she knows, anyway. ]

What does it feel like?

[malignstar]

Nah, they always jerk away. And I don't know, it feels kind of heady. Leaves you a bit light-headed, I guess.

[bluediligence]

Huuuuuh ... that sounds like how cats look when you get the good spots.

[ cute ... ]

Can I borrow your hand?

[malignstar]

Yeah, maybe it's not that different.

[ Offers hand to her ]

[bluediligence]

[ Takes it gently, and apparently she's actually Pretty Decent at giving massages. ]

Does Thyme have any pets?

[malignstar]

Not yet. It's kind of weird when we're all wolves. Think we should get one?

You know, you're not bad at this.

[bluediligence]

You're ... all wolves? [ How does that even happen! ]

Oh, thanks! I'm just ... doing what feels like the right, I guess. Maybe I've done it before.

[malignstar]

Yeah, it's not just me who can do the change thing. We picked it up during a trial.

And you never know.

[bluediligence]

Huh ... And you didn't wanna get rid of it?

[ Ducks her head, smiling a bit. ]

Maybe. Guess I'll find out one day.

[malignstar]

Are you kidding? No way! It's awesome being able to turn fluffy when you're having a bad day. Or just to play around.

[bluediligence]

[ pffff ]

When you put it like that, it makes sense. What kind of trial was it?

[malignstar]

Child-rearing. We changed to help our daughter.

[ Holds out his free hand for hers ]

My turn?

[bluediligence]

E-Eh? There's trials like that?

[ ??? that sounds like a lot of responsibility!! ]

[ but she stops and offers him her hand ]

[malignstar]

[ He actually isn't bad either and has definitely done this before ]

Only one so far. Which is too bad because I'd love to see her again. She must be getting so big.