[video]

[70ftandcounting]

Oh--!

[Yep, guess who has tattoos.]

I forgot to write -- why does this happen, I wonder? [She holds an arm up and rotates it, peering at them.]

Well, it goes away, at least! [Smile.]

So, is everyone enjoying the tournament? It's such fun to watch! You're all doing so well!

Comments

[audio]

[likesfootnotes]

I agree! Watching people gallop about on horses and smash each other with lances has a certain medieval charm.

[Bartimaus could watch it alllll day.]

[audio]

[70ftandcounting]

I've never seen anything like it! They're not finished, are they? There's going to be more, right?

[audio]

[likesfootnotes]

[This is a surprisingly bloodthirsty side he's seeing, but every human has their flaws. Wanting to see other humans bash each other about is as good a strength as it is an oddity for her.]

Doubtless that it will go on for hours. If there's one thing that humans like, it's beating themselves until they are black, blue, and extinct.

[Wars, he's lookin' dryly your way.]

[audio]

[70ftandcounting]

[She smiles and it's audible through her tone, though her expression is strained.]

I've -- noticed.

[audio]

[likesfootnotes]

[Bartimaeus catches wind of that slight shift - he's very prideful about the little details, thanks.]

Where's the enthusiasm? Here I thought you were enjoying the inanity!

[audio]

[70ftandcounting]

Oh, I--I am!

It's just -- I wonder if all the violence is necessary...though I'm here if any help is needed!

[audio]

[likesfootnotes]

Where would the fun be without the violence? It's an ancient tradition that's taken countless forms across dozens of cultures.

[audio]

[70ftandcounting]

It...it is?

[audio]

[likesfootnotes]

Indeed! Every human game involves a good speckling of violence, otherwise it's not truly a contest to them. Have you ever heard of a trial or tournament that doesn't?

[audio]

[70ftandcounting]

Um. Well, no. [Pause.]

But...before this I hadn't heard of trials or tournaments at all.

[audio]

[likesfootnotes]

Then you'll just have to trust my experience. Think of Santa Claus: Would I lie to you?

[audio]

[70ftandcounting]

Well...

I suppose not.

[tomb_raiding]

What is the tattoo doing?

[70ftandcounting]

Oh, just -- kind of moving~ They do that, if you don't write in your journal enough.

[She doesn't look particularly worried about it, though.]

[tomb_raiding]

It...moves?

[This place is getting weirder and weirder.]

At least it doesn't hurt. [From the sounds of it, at least.]

[70ftandcounting]

Yes! Strange, isn't it?

[She pauses.]

No, it doesn't. But I don't know what happens if you don't write, though.

[tomb_raiding]

Another secret I see.

[This is said more to herself than at you, Rapunzel.]

Oh. Forgive my manners. My name is Lara. And you are?

[70ftandcounting]

I...suppose?

[Can't tell the difference, really.]

Oh, I'm Rapunzel. IT's very nice to meet you, Miss Lara.

[tomb_raiding]

I'm sorry. It's nothing.

[Lara is just linefacing at this.]

And you as well, Rapunzel.

[70ftandcounting]

If...if you're sure...

[Rapunzel doesn't sound convinced, but all right.]

You're -- new, aren't you?

[tomb_raiding]

I've only been here a few weeks, so I suppose I still qualify as new.

[70ftandcounting]

Oh, yes! Well, not completely new but -- still a bit fresh!

How do you like it here?