[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]

[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.