{"id":22806,"date":"2025-07-21T01:14:52","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T05:14:52","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2025-07-21T01:14:52","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T05:14:52","slug":"event-773","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/havenrpg.net\/newsite\/2025\/07\/21\/event-773\/","title":{"rendered":"Dovie&#8217;s Blackjack &#038; Brunch"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\n    .edgt-post-text-inner p {\n        margin-bottom: 35px !important;\n    }\n    <\/style>\n<p><strong>Date:<\/strong> 2025-07-20 13:02<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p><span style=\"color:#008000\">               (<\/span>Dovie&#8217;s Blackjack &amp; Brunch<span style=\"color:#008000\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#008080\">        [<\/span>Sun Jul 20 2025<span style=\"color:#008080\">]<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i>12in<i>19 B<b>83ub<b>47bl<b>59e <b>58Te<b>57as<b>93e <i>30Bu<i>29bb<i>23le<i>17 T<i>18ea<span style=\"color:#c0c0c0\"><br \/><i>12 A pastel-fronted counter anchors the back of the shop, crowded wi<i>19th tubs of toppings, pumps of syrup, and laminated flavor charts sm<b>83udged at the corners. A fat glass tip jar sits beside the sleek car<b>47d reader, half-full of crumpled bills and pink coins. Stools in mis<b>59matched shades cluster at the counter&#8217;s edge, their seats worn smoo<b>58th from regular use. The chalkboard menu above runs nearly the full<b>57 width of the wall, its looping script announcing specials, add-ons<b>93, and cheeky staff favorites. Nestled between prices and playful dr<i>30awings, the store&#8217;s logo appears again: a busty girl in a pastel ap<i>29ron pressing a clear boba tea cup between her bare chest, straw rai<i>23sed to parted lips as a single pearl hovers near her tongue. A plai<i>17n staff door leads into the back, and just beyond the counter space<i>18, low tables dot the floor in easy reach of those lingering nearby.<span style=\"color:#c0c0c0\"><\/p>\n<p>It is about <span style=\"color:#00ff00\">60\/b<\/span\/i>\/span\/iF(<span style=\"color:#00ff00\">15<\/span>C) degrees.  The mist is heaviest <span style=\"color:#c1f9fe\">A<span style=\"color:#c5f6f7\">t<span style=\"color:#c7f4ef\"> <span style=\"color:#caf2e7\">M<span style=\"color:#ccefdf\">a<span style=\"color:#ceedd7\">p<span style=\"color:#d0ebcf\">l<span style=\"color:#d2e9c7\">e<span style=\"color:#d4e6bf\"> <span style=\"color:#d5e4b8\">a<span style=\"color:#d6e2b0\">n<span style=\"color:#d7e0a8\">d<span style=\"color:#d8dea0\"> <span style=\"color:#d9db98\">F<span style=\"color:#d9d990\">r<span style=\"color:#dad788\">a<span style=\"color:#dad580\">n<span style=\"color:#dad378\">k<span style=\"color:#dbd170\">l<span style=\"color:#dbcf68\">i<span style=\"color:#dacd5f\">n\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Esme winks to Hester and nods. &#8220;Course ya can. I think ya friended me on MyHaven already too. Feel free t&#8217; reach out there.&#8221; But she does go ahead right now and fish something out of her purse to pass to the woman. <\/p>\n<p>Dropping herself into a seat at a table, <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> waves in greeting. &#8220;Afternoon.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> waves to Gail and Alice, and smiles at all gathered. &#8220;Thank you everyone for coming to Blackjack and Brunch! If you intend on playing, please come take a seat here at the low tables.&#8221; She gestures to the two chefs manning the crepe cart. &#8220;We have fresh made crepes over here, and please support our wonderful local business here, Bubble Tease, by getting a drink too!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> waves to Aeryn also! <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> seems to finish up applying her mascara as she steps inside, closing her makeup mirror with a <i>clack<\/i> and pushing it into her handbag with a smile as she heads toward the cafe tables, lingering near the sign that lays out Blackjack rules first and tapping on her painted lips with a lone digit. Glancing to the side at Dovie, she wiggles her fingers in greeting with a faint grin. <\/p>\n<p>Alice slips in and heads for a table, stopping briefly at the main counter to order her usual: strawberry matcha latte, the nectar of the gods. Once she finds a seat, she gives a little wave to Dovie, fingers wiggling, and settles in for fun. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;5 in the afternoon, right?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Hester<\/span> squints one eye at Jenny, lifting the sliding hood of bandages up to keep being able to see. Catching a cylindrical shape being passed by Esme, it takes both her eyes now to panic. The cigarette is hastily palmed and hid behind her crepe wrapper, a pale-faced smile traded. &#8220;Oh, I did? Maybe I did. I&#8217;ll check..&#8221; A polite smile is shot to Alice and Aeryn in the growing crowd, recognizing the faces. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> tells those gathered. &#8220;This morning, the focus of our betting is on favors! Everyone sitting at the low table will be considered as playing. Before we start, each of us will take a turn spinning the wheel to see what we will wager.&#8221; She points to the Wheel of Fate and Favors. &#8220;Then, we&#8217;ll play successive rounds of Blackjack until there is only one player left standing. That player will be the winner! Everyone will owe their favors to them.&#8221; She looks around the room. &#8220;But of course, if you prefer not to perform your favor, you have the option of simply paying the winner $25. Any questions? I&#8217;ll be assigning a turn order for spinning and for Blackjack just to keep things moving.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jenny gives a nod over to Hester &#8220;Yeah, in the afternoon.&#8221; before turning over to Dovie as she starts to speak <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> grins at Esme. &#8220;Wonderful!&#8221; She looks up at Hester. &#8220;Hester, did you want to join the first round or were you looking to spectate first?&#8221; She points a finger towards the sign. &#8220;If anyone forgets the rules, they&#8217;re all listed here.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> sits with her legs crossed in one of the seats, arms folded against her ribs as she watches Dovie with an earnest smile, &#8220;Mh-mh. No questions at all.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;A-ah, I&#8217;ll watch first! I&#8217;ll ehm, give it a shot at the next one, to see how it goes,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Hester<\/span> awkwardly grins at Dovie, taking a big bite of her crepe then just to have an excuse to stop talking. But she nods, cooperative and all. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;No questions,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> notes, nodding to Dovie. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods at Hester, &#8220;No problem at all.&#8221; She turns and grins at everyone at the table. &#8220;Alright then! Let&#8217;s get this party started! The turn order will be Arachne, Aeryn, Gail, Esme, Alice, and Jenny. I&#8217;m sitting out this first round, but I&#8217;ll join in the next.&#8221; She gestures to Arachne and the Wheel. &#8220;Please start us off, darling cousin!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Alice claps her hands for Arachne, sipping on her latte all the while. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Flawless as always,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Arachne<\/span> compliments Aeryn afte ra passing study of her sculpted pearl corset. &#8220;My assistant has been hovering around yours for a week now, trying to get an appointment.&#8221; As she&#8217;s called to lead the flock, she humbly rises to sashay toward the wheel, reaching out a hand to give it a spin. <\/p>\n<p>Arachne uses a <span style=\"color:#c89b18\">W<span style=\"color:#ca9e20\">h<span style=\"color:#cca228\">e<span style=\"color:#cea630\">e<span style=\"color:#d0a938\">l <span style=\"color:#d3ad40\">o<span style=\"color:#d5b148\">f<span style=\"color:#d7b551\"> <span style=\"color:#d9b859\">F<span style=\"color:#dbbc61\">a<span style=\"color:#dec069\">te<span style=\"color:#e0c471\"> <span style=\"color:#e2c779\">a<span style=\"color:#e4cb82\">n<span style=\"color:#e6cf8a\">d<span style=\"color:#e9d392\"> F<span style=\"color:#ebd69a\">a<span style=\"color:#eddaa2\">v<span style=\"color:#efdeaa\">o<span style=\"color:#f2e2b3\">rs\/span>\/span<\/span: <i>08Buy food for the Winner.<\/i><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Easy enough,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Arachne<\/span> says of the wheel when she&#8217;s to buy a meal. &#8220;I&#8217;ll make sure it&#8217;s one of the four star restaurants, too.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> quirks a brow at Dovie with a smirk, glancing to Arachne afterward and then to Aeryn. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> waves to Seraphina. &#8220;Welcome, welcome! I just explained the rules, but essentially it&#8217;s all encapsulated in that sign over there. Right now, everyone is spinning the wheel. The turn order is Arachne, Aeryn, Gail, Esme, Alice, and Jenny. If you&#8217;d like to play, you can spin after Jenny!&#8221; she tells Seraphina with a smile. <\/p>\n<p>Pearl tilts her head subtle to give Oberon more access to her neck, her own lips trailing along his jaw. There&#8217;s a low chuckle at his words, moving her hands to slide down lower and start untucking his shirt so she can explore what&#8217;s underneath. &#8220;Lets just hope you live up to yours.&#8221; A teasing challenge in her tone. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You can have an appointment whenever you&#8217;d like, of course,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> nods to Arachne, rising to spin. &#8220;You&#8217;re quite flawless yourself.&#8221; Her fingertips reach to flick the wheel, glancing over it. <\/p>\n<p>Aeryn uses a <span style=\"color:#c89b18\">W<span style=\"color:#ca9e20\">h<span style=\"color:#cca228\">e<span style=\"color:#cea630\">e<span style=\"color:#d0a938\">l <span style=\"color:#d3ad40\">o<span style=\"color:#d5b148\">f<span style=\"color:#d7b551\"> <span style=\"color:#d9b859\">F<span style=\"color:#dbbc61\">a<span style=\"color:#dec069\">te<span style=\"color:#e0c471\"> <span style=\"color:#e2c779\">a<span style=\"color:#e4cb82\">n<span style=\"color:#e6cf8a\">d<span style=\"color:#e9d392\"> F<span style=\"color:#ebd69a\">a<span style=\"color:#eddaa2\">v<span style=\"color:#efdeaa\">o<span style=\"color:#f2e2b3\">rs\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#ff0000\">Answer any single question truthfully from the Winner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> writes out the turn order on a nearby chalkboard. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Now that, if used correctly, could be quite dangerous,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Arachne<\/span> posits in aside to Aeryn when she sees the favor her cousin is to give. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;No risk, no reward,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> tells Arachne with a wink. <\/p>\n<p>Quiet on her feet, <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Seraphina<\/span> enters, and soon enfolds herself with the growing crowd. When waved to, <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Seraphina<\/span> returns it to Dovie. &#8220;I&#8217;m sorry I am late.&#8221; She looks at the wheel and shrugs, a smile creeping onto her lips, broader than before. &#8220;Certainly, I&#8217;ll play. I&#8217;ll need to review the rules though. Last time I came late to a game day, I was not versed enough to play it properly.&#8221; Womp! <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> reaches over the table with a gentle hum and a smirk, stretching a bit to touch the tips of her fingers to one of those pegs on the wheel and sending it spinning, &#8220;Let&#8217;s see&#8230;&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It could be,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> agrees. &#8220;It interests me, though.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Gail uses a <span style=\"color:#c89b18\">W<span style=\"color:#ca9e20\">h<span style=\"color:#cca228\">e<span style=\"color:#cea630\">e<span style=\"color:#d0a938\">l <span style=\"color:#d3ad40\">o<span style=\"color:#d5b148\">f<span style=\"color:#d7b551\"> <span style=\"color:#d9b859\">F<span style=\"color:#dbbc61\">a<span style=\"color:#dec069\">te<span style=\"color:#e0c471\"> <span style=\"color:#e2c779\">a<span style=\"color:#e4cb82\">n<span style=\"color:#e6cf8a\">d<span style=\"color:#e9d392\"> F<span style=\"color:#ebd69a\">a<span style=\"color:#eddaa2\">v<span style=\"color:#efdeaa\">o<span style=\"color:#f2e2b3\">rs\/span>\/span<\/span: <i>02Buy a drink for the Winner.<\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> grins a bit as she leans back, &#8220;Oh I&#8217;d say that&#8217;s pretty easy. Might be the first time <i>I&#8217;ll<\/i> be the one buyin&#8217; the drink, though&#8230;&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Oh no, it&#8217;s like level 2.0 of spin the bottle,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Hester<\/span> murmurs, intrigued, after Arachne points that out. <\/p>\n<p>Esme gives the wheel a spin when it&#8217;s her turn! <\/p>\n<p>Esme uses a <span style=\"color:#c89b18\">W<span style=\"color:#ca9e20\">h<span style=\"color:#cca228\">e<span style=\"color:#cea630\">e<span style=\"color:#d0a938\">l <span style=\"color:#d3ad40\">o<span style=\"color:#d5b148\">f<span style=\"color:#d7b551\"> <span style=\"color:#d9b859\">F<span style=\"color:#dbbc61\">a<span style=\"color:#dec069\">te<span style=\"color:#e0c471\"> <span style=\"color:#e2c779\">a<span style=\"color:#e4cb82\">n<span style=\"color:#e6cf8a\">d<span style=\"color:#e9d392\"> F<span style=\"color:#ebd69a\">a<span style=\"color:#eddaa2\">v<span style=\"color:#efdeaa\">o<span style=\"color:#f2e2b3\">rs\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#ff0000\">Answer any single question truthfully from the Winner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Alice hops up to spin the wheel! <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods at Gail, &#8220;Yes, some are easier than others. There&#8217;s a few unique ones that I&#8217;m rather a fan of, but they haven&#8217;t come up yet.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Alice uses a <span style=\"color:#c89b18\">W<span style=\"color:#ca9e20\">h<span style=\"color:#cca228\">e<span style=\"color:#cea630\">e<span style=\"color:#d0a938\">l <span style=\"color:#d3ad40\">o<span style=\"color:#d5b148\">f<span style=\"color:#d7b551\"> <span style=\"color:#d9b859\">F<span style=\"color:#dbbc61\">a<span style=\"color:#dec069\">te<span style=\"color:#e0c471\"> <span style=\"color:#e2c779\">a<span style=\"color:#e4cb82\">n<span style=\"color:#e6cf8a\">d<span style=\"color:#e9d392\"> F<span style=\"color:#ebd69a\">a<span style=\"color:#eddaa2\">v<span style=\"color:#efdeaa\">o<span style=\"color:#f2e2b3\">rs\/span>\/span<\/span: <i>12Let the Winner draw on you with a marker.<\/i><\/p>\n<p>Esme offers a high-five to Aeryn, &#8220;Wager twins.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> purses her lips, whistling at that one. <\/p>\n<p>Aeryn laughs after Alice&#8217;s spin. &#8220;That could get amusing.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jenny stands up as her turn comes up moving to spin the wheel after Alice &#8220;Lets see what I get then.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jenny uses a <span style=\"color:#c89b18\">W<span style=\"color:#ca9e20\">h<span style=\"color:#cca228\">e<span style=\"color:#cea630\">e<span style=\"color:#d0a938\">l <span style=\"color:#d3ad40\">o<span style=\"color:#d5b148\">f<span style=\"color:#d7b551\"> <span style=\"color:#d9b859\">F<span style=\"color:#dbbc61\">a<span style=\"color:#dec069\">te<span style=\"color:#e0c471\"> <span style=\"color:#e2c779\">a<span style=\"color:#e4cb82\">n<span style=\"color:#e6cf8a\">d<span style=\"color:#e9d392\"> F<span style=\"color:#ebd69a\">a<span style=\"color:#eddaa2\">v<span style=\"color:#efdeaa\">o<span style=\"color:#f2e2b3\">rs\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#ff0000\">Answer any single question truthfully from the Winner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> claps and turns to Seraphina. &#8220;Ready to spin the wheel? Any questions so far?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Once Jenny has spun the wheel, <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Seraphina<\/span> approaches it and gives it good spin. There is a light bounce on her heels as the wheel goes &#8217;round, hands clasping together as it begins to slow to reveal what Fate fortunes her. &#8220;No whammies!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Seraphina uses a <span style=\"color:#c89b18\">W<span style=\"color:#ca9e20\">h<span style=\"color:#cca228\">e<span style=\"color:#cea630\">e<span style=\"color:#d0a938\">l <span style=\"color:#d3ad40\">o<span style=\"color:#d5b148\">f<span style=\"color:#d7b551\"> <span style=\"color:#d9b859\">F<span style=\"color:#dbbc61\">a<span style=\"color:#dec069\">te<span style=\"color:#e0c471\"> <span style=\"color:#e2c779\">a<span style=\"color:#e4cb82\">n<span style=\"color:#e6cf8a\">d<span style=\"color:#e9d392\"> F<span style=\"color:#ebd69a\">a<span style=\"color:#eddaa2\">v<span style=\"color:#efdeaa\">o<span style=\"color:#f2e2b3\">rs\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#00ffff\">Be the Winner&#8217;s hype person for the next fifteen minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Awh, that&#8217;s a pretty good one,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Hester<\/span> mouthbreathes from her table when Seraphina&#8217;s lands on that. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> grins and claps. &#8220;There we go, that and another were one of my favorites.&#8221; She pats the top of the automated playing card shuffler. &#8220;Okay, so on your turn, you&#8217;ll be dealt two cards (ooc: &#8216;use card&#8217; twice). You may choose to HIT (ooc: use card again as necessary) or STAY. Remember, you want to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. We&#8217;ll keep playing rounds of blackjack until there&#8217;s one person standing.&#8221; She gestures to Arachne, the first one up again. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> covers her lips with her fingers to giggle at what&#8217;s been selected on the wheel, smirking afterward with a pleasant sigh out through her nose. Leaning back, she steps out of her chair for a moment to head toward the cafe&#8217;s counter, leaning against it with her palms and murmuring her order. After a short delay, she returns to the table with a drink in tow, holding it by the lid and nursing on the straw as she glances sidelong to Arachne to see how she plays. <\/p>\n<p>Alice quietly declares, &#8220;Always hit on seventeen or lower.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In the bag!&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Seraphina<\/span> says, cheerily. She heads over to where Hester sits, and wiggles into a spot at thier table. &#8220;Hester, right?&#8221; she asks. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> glances to Alice, quietly replying, &#8220;I&#8217;m not sure if it matters in this match. The rules don&#8217;t mention it.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Arachne uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">7<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Arachne uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">King<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods at Gail. &#8220;Yes, we don&#8217;t have a dealer playing, so you don&#8217;t need to hit on 17, per se.&#8221; She glances at Arachne&#8217;s card and grins at Alice. &#8220;Psychic!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Hester ponders Alice&#8217;s suggestion with a few owlish blinks behind her glasses. As Seraphina approaches, she does at least try to give some space at the table &#8211; for as much of that as she can do. She bashfully shrinks as her name is recognized. &#8220;Ehm, hi, yes. I&#8217;m Hester. Miss Hawke, right?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Arachne glances over her cards briefly as the automatic dealer hands them out to her, then tells Dovie and the group, &#8220;I&#8217;m going to stay.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> nods curtly to Arachne, <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> glancing over to the deck of cards and then to Aeryn with a slight smile, waiting patiently. <\/p>\n<p>Aeryn uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">9<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Aeryn uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#1effb2\"><span style=\"color:#24fbb5\">t<span style=\"color:#2bf7b8\">h<span style=\"color:#32f3bb\"><span style=\"color:#39efbf\">e<span style=\"color:#40ebc2\"> <span style=\"color:#47e7c5\"><span style=\"color:#4ee4c8\">3<span style=\"color:#55e0cc\"> <span style=\"color:#5cdccf\"><span style=\"color:#63d8d2\">o<span style=\"color:#6ad4d5\">f<span style=\"color:#71d0d9\"> <span style=\"color:#78cddc\"><span style=\"color:#7fc9df\">C<span style=\"color:#86c5e2\">l<span style=\"color:#8dc1e6\"><span style=\"color:#94bde9\">u<span style=\"color:#9bb9ec\">b<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods at Arachne and turns to Aeryn. &#8220;Your turn!&#8221; She nods to August. &#8220;Would you like to join, August? Not too late. I can explain quickly what you need to do.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;So you have 12, Aeryn. Would you like to hit? If so, take another card.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> tells her. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Why not?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> shrugs. <\/p>\n<p>Aeryn uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fff61e\"><span style=\"color:#faf229\">t<span style=\"color:#f5ef34\">h<span style=\"color:#f0eb3f\">e<span style=\"color:#ebe84a\"> <span style=\"color:#e6e555\">9<span style=\"color:#e1e160\"><span style=\"color:#dcde6b\"> <span style=\"color:#d7db76\">o<span style=\"color:#d2d781\">f<span style=\"color:#ced48c\"> <span style=\"color:#c9d097\">D<span style=\"color:#c4cda2\">i<span style=\"color:#bfcaad\"><span style=\"color:#bac6b8\">a<span style=\"color:#b5c3c3\">m<span style=\"color:#b0c0ce\">o<span style=\"color:#abbcd9\">n<span style=\"color:#a6b9e4\">d<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> claps for Aeryn. &#8220;Twenty one!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> blinks. &#8220;Suffice to say I&#8217;ll stay here.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Hester joins in the clapping with a mouthful of egg-chive crepe, just because. <\/p>\n<p>Settling on a seat among the crowd, <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> draws his seat aside, a respectable distance from the games, and closer to the crepe cart, instead. &#8220;Hey,&#8221; Though, his hand is quickly lifted in a small wave towards Dovie, &#8220;I know how to play blackjack. I was lulled by the promise of gambling, but free food calls to me more right now.&#8221; And truly, he looks like he&#8217;s had a massive hangover from his brief, one-day absence. His sunglasses are unfolded, and slipped over his eyes, with a casual flick of two fingers over his shoulder at the chefs for, naturally, food. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> raises her brows with a grin, &#8220;Twen-ty one&#8230; I have a feelin&#8217; this&#8217;ll be just one round.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Gail uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">4<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> waves to Derek. &#8220;Hello Derek! We just started the game. It&#8217;s not too late for you to join as we&#8217;re just on the first round, or you can help yourself to food and wait for the next game!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Gail uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">8<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Arachne scrunches her nose at Aeryn when she manages a perfect score, legs rearranged with a harmlessly scoffed breath at her cousin. &#8220;If I find out you&#8217;ve fed from a bunch of fae before this, I&#8217;m going to make sure your name goes down as a cheater permanently like Obie,&#8221; she threatens irelessly, turning her head to see Gail now. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August&#8217;s<\/span> crepe is rolled up into a burrito of chive and eggs, and with his legs crossed, he even slides a little forward &#8211; practically moans with a mouthful of food at the first bite. &#8220;Holy shit,&#8221; And as if he&#8217;s eating for the first time- wait, where did the crepe go? Why is there a second in his hands already? Vacuum cleaner. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;So if there is a tie, I imagine the two, or three, will draw again?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Seraphina<\/span> asks Dovie. She nods to Hester, &#8220;Yes, but you can call me Sera if you like.&#8221; She looks to the newcomers, fingers wiggling in greeting to August and Derek. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> keeps one leg crossed over the other, bouncing one foot with a slight hum. Glancing up to Dovie, she gently taps her fingertips on the table, &#8220;Oh Dovie dear? Does this mean that unless I match or beat Aeryn&#8217;s number, that I&#8217;m out of the game?&#8221; She tilts her head slightly, lips curling at the corners, &#8220;Or do I get t&#8217; advance, because&#8230; as Alice mentioned, I&#8217;m above a seventeen?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I would never,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> shifts her eyes to Arachne with a look of mock-horror, hand to her chest. &#8220;Too many of them ink.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I wasn&#8217;t saying you have to hit on seventeen, I was saying you should or you&#8217;re a coward,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Alice<\/span> says happily, sipping at her latte. &#8220;It&#8217;s strategy, not rule.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Derek lifts a hand to wave to Dovie once or twice. &#8220;Hey, Dovie-dove.&#8221; he greets softly, probably looking as if he&#8217;d just rolled off a midday nap &#8211; or maybe he just slept in. Lazy Sunday. &#8220;I think I&#8217;ll grab one of those strawberry crepes, though, for good measure.&#8221; Promptly he retrieves a serving, poking delicately at it wit a fork before sampling a bite. <\/p>\n<p>Arachne twists in her seat to watch August gorging himself on crepes, shaking her head once with quiet exasperation. &#8220;It&#8217;s like he&#8217;s never had before,&#8221; she murmurs beneath her breath to Aeryn. At the sight of Derek, she wiggles her fingers and adjusts her cards in her hand. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> snickers to Alice, sipping from her drink and raising her brows, &#8220;Oh? My mistake.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> tells Gail, &#8220;So far Aeryn is winning. But if you get a 21 and tie her, you can go to the next round, if there is a tie,&#8221; she nods to Hester, having answered two in one. &#8220;Do you want to roll the dice, Gail?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Maybe he hasn&#8217;t,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> lifts a brow toward August, nodding aside at Arachne. &#8220;I&#8217;ve had that reaction to food, but it&#8217;s rare.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Closest to twenty-one wins.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> lazily adds, behind his food, and &#8211; Damn, it&#8217;s already gone again. The chefs are agast, they&#8217;re pulling up another and trying to cook in haste to fill the unfillable pit of <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August&#8217;s<\/span> stomach, but it doesn&#8217;t look like it&#8217;ll ever be enough, because <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> speaks hushedly. Something that urges them to move faster. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> looks to Dovie, &#8220;So it seems I&#8217;m losin&#8217; no matter what if I don&#8217;t draw an Ace, yes? I&#8217;ll just hit, then.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Gail uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fff61e\"><span style=\"color:#faf229\">t<span style=\"color:#f5ef34\">h<span style=\"color:#f0eb3f\">e<span style=\"color:#ebe84a\"> <span style=\"color:#e6e555\">2<span style=\"color:#e1e160\"><span style=\"color:#dcde6b\"> <span style=\"color:#d7db76\">o<span style=\"color:#d2d781\">f<span style=\"color:#ced48c\"> <span style=\"color:#c9d097\">D<span style=\"color:#c4cda2\">i<span style=\"color:#bfcaad\"><span style=\"color:#bac6b8\">a<span style=\"color:#b5c3c3\">m<span style=\"color:#b0c0ce\">o<span style=\"color:#abbcd9\">n<span style=\"color:#a6b9e4\">d<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> tsks, &#8220;So close&#8230;&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Alice says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Bust! <\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> gestures to Esme, &#8220;Your turn!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> grins to Alice, snickering and sitting back in her chair with her arms folded across her midsection. <\/p>\n<p>Esme peers at the shuffler machine, &#8220;Alright. Let&#8217;s see if some ah Obie&#8217;s luck&#8217;s with me today&#8230;&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> crosses one leg over the other, leaning back in her chair as she watches the drawing of cards. <\/p>\n<p>Esme uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">4<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Esme uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">King<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Did <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> forget? He probably forget. He&#8217;s barely paying attention after his brief request. His last crepe is folded into four, made a stack unto its own, full of its usual filling &#8211; and he- oh, it&#8217;s already gone by the time you finished reading this. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Awh, you&#8217;re nice. Thanks, mis&#8211; I mean Sera. I recently met your friend again, I hope she&#8217;s doing alright,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Hester<\/span> dips her head towards Seraphina, wiping at some crepe butter off her mouth. A natural roam of her glasses hastens past Derek, but the eyes within narrow as if not quite recognizing August. She really can&#8217;t be one to judge how much the man eats, but.. here she is. &#8220;.. oh, August Pierce.&#8221; Always the full name. &#8220;That was you after all. Ehm, okay..&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Fourteen&#8230;not horrible.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Esme<\/span> lightly scratches at her jaw in thought. &#8220;Alright, I&#8217;ll hit.&#8221; She goes for another card. <\/p>\n<p>Esme uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fff61e\"><span style=\"color:#faf229\">t<span style=\"color:#f5ef34\">h<span style=\"color:#f0eb3f\">e<span style=\"color:#ebe84a\"> <span style=\"color:#e6e555\">6<span style=\"color:#e1e160\"><span style=\"color:#dcde6b\"> <span style=\"color:#d7db76\">o<span style=\"color:#d2d781\">f<span style=\"color:#ced48c\"> <span style=\"color:#c9d097\">D<span style=\"color:#c4cda2\">i<span style=\"color:#bfcaad\"><span style=\"color:#bac6b8\">a<span style=\"color:#b5c3c3\">m<span style=\"color:#b0c0ce\">o<span style=\"color:#abbcd9\">n<span style=\"color:#a6b9e4\">d<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> sighs, glancing to Esme, &#8220;Same spot I was in, hun.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Esme laughs and nods to Gail, &#8220;Apparently so.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Will she or won&#8217;t she?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Seraphina<\/span> asks, watching Esme. <\/p>\n<p>Esme says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">I don&#8217;t think I&#8217;m gonna get an ace&#8230;but no point in staying right? &#8230;I&#8217;ll try<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>Esme uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">6<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> grins, &#8220;Bust.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Esme grimace as she pulls the heart and laughs again. &#8220;Expected as much.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Alice reaches over to get her own cards, now, saying, &#8220;Okay! I&#8217;ll pull the twenty one of hearts in the first go!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek&#8217;s<\/span> gaze drifts languidly over to August, blinking slowly, before he rubs at his eyes sleepily, then mumbling, &#8220;I think you already have my number, then&#8230;? I can DM you it if not.&#8221; He stifles a yawn, then goes back to nibbling from his strawberry crepe, a slight smile crossing his expression as he tastes it. <\/p>\n<p>Alice uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">8<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Alice uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fff61e\"><span style=\"color:#faf229\">t<span style=\"color:#f5ef34\">h<span style=\"color:#f0eb3f\">e<span style=\"color:#ebe84a\"> <span style=\"color:#e6e555\">6<span style=\"color:#e1e160\"><span style=\"color:#dcde6b\"> <span style=\"color:#d7db76\">o<span style=\"color:#d2d781\">f<span style=\"color:#ced48c\"> <span style=\"color:#c9d097\">D<span style=\"color:#c4cda2\">i<span style=\"color:#bfcaad\"><span style=\"color:#bac6b8\">a<span style=\"color:#b5c3c3\">m<span style=\"color:#b0c0ce\">o<span style=\"color:#abbcd9\">n<span style=\"color:#a6b9e4\">d<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Alice uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#1effb2\"><span style=\"color:#24fbb5\">t<span style=\"color:#2bf7b8\">h<span style=\"color:#32f3bb\"><span style=\"color:#39efbf\">e<span style=\"color:#40ebc2\"><span style=\"color:#47e7c5\"> <span style=\"color:#4ee4c8\">9<span style=\"color:#55e0cc\"> <span style=\"color:#5cdccf\"><span style=\"color:#63d8d2\">o<span style=\"color:#6ad4d5\">f<span style=\"color:#71d0d9\"> <span style=\"color:#78cddc\"><span style=\"color:#7fc9df\">C<span style=\"color:#86c5e2\">l<span style=\"color:#8dc1e6\"><span style=\"color:#94bde9\">u<span style=\"color:#9bb9ec\">b<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Hester tries to flag Jenny&#8217;s attention, &#8220;Hey, Jenny. What&#8217;s your number?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Alice slumps, snapping her fingers. &#8220;Dang.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek&#8217;s<\/span> brow quirks slightly to August, before he just gives a dip of his chin, his eyes drifting down to his phone momentarily. <\/p>\n<p>Jenny looks down at her phone as her phone does not seem to be working &#8220;I think my phone is broken&#8230;&#8221; she calls over to Hester <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I need a funny, gimmicky name for a groupchat.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> tells everyone at the table, while he&#8217;s half-turned away from it on the side. Then, searching, he pulls out a ten dollar bill out of his pocket to lay it out. &#8220;Someone come up with something funny and,&#8221; It&#8217;s nudged, he wags the bill around on the table with his finger on it. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Awh, did you drop it in the boba?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Hester<\/span> cranes her head at Jenny to try and get a look. <\/p>\n<p>Jenny says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Test. <\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Well atleast my radio still works&#8230;&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Jenny<\/span> looks down at her phone suspiciously before drawing her hand <\/p>\n<p>Jenny uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">7<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Jenny uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">4<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Jenny uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">10<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> claps for Jenny. &#8220;21!! Tied with Aeryn!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>August glances at Jenny&#8217;s cards, and nods. &#8220;Nice.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> claps, &#8220;There we are. Twenty-one.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Esme says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Nice one!<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> grins and looks over to Seraphina. &#8220;Will we make it a threeway tie?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jenny grins looking down at her card as she fiddles with her phone trying to get it working <\/p>\n<p>Derek provides a polite golf-clap after Jenny. &#8220;Well done, then.&#8221; he intones softly. <\/p>\n<p>Hester makes a raisiny face at August, somewhat less intimidated by the senior while they&#8217;re in a cozy, colourful space. &#8220;We&#8217;re the student union government, why not just a groupchat that kinda reflects that?&#8221; the nerd tuts quietly, pushing her glasses up her nose. &#8220;Oh, your phone&#8217;s working now, Jenny. Thanks!&#8221; she waggles hers at Jenny. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Lucky,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Seraphina<\/span> says to Jenny as she makes her way past the woman to the dealer. She winks at Dovie, &#8220;We&#8217;re going to try.&#8221; She raps her knuckles on the table. <\/p>\n<p>Seraphina uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">8<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Seraphina uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#1effb2\"><span style=\"color:#24fbb5\">t<span style=\"color:#2bf7b8\">h<span style=\"color:#32f3bb\"><span style=\"color:#39efbf\">e<span style=\"color:#40ebc2\"><span style=\"color:#47e7c5\"> <span style=\"color:#4ee4c8\">8<span style=\"color:#55e0cc\"> <span style=\"color:#5cdccf\"><span style=\"color:#63d8d2\">o<span style=\"color:#6ad4d5\">f<span style=\"color:#71d0d9\"> <span style=\"color:#78cddc\"><span style=\"color:#7fc9df\">C<span style=\"color:#86c5e2\">l<span style=\"color:#8dc1e6\"><span style=\"color:#94bde9\">u<span style=\"color:#9bb9ec\">b<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>&#8220;Hit, of course!&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Seraphina<\/span> says, eyeing the two cards. <\/p>\n<p>Seraphina uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">9<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>&#8220;Very nice,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> nods her head to Jenny, attempting to take a drink of tea. She gives a smile as the liquid is drawn through the straw, completely ignoring the fang puncturing the plastic. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> tells Seraphina. &#8220;Nice try!&#8221; She chuckles and announces. &#8220;Aeryn and Jenny are going into the finals! Aeryn, will you start us off?&#8221; The automated shuffler reshuffles all the cards. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> drums her fingers on her elbows, tilting her head, &#8220;There we have it&#8230;&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Aeryn uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">9<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Aeryn uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#1effb2\"><span style=\"color:#24fbb5\">t<span style=\"color:#2bf7b8\">h<span style=\"color:#32f3bb\"><span style=\"color:#39efbf\">e<span style=\"color:#40ebc2\"><span style=\"color:#47e7c5\"> <span style=\"color:#4ee4c8\">2<span style=\"color:#55e0cc\"> <span style=\"color:#5cdccf\"><span style=\"color:#63d8d2\">o<span style=\"color:#6ad4d5\">f<span style=\"color:#71d0d9\"> <span style=\"color:#78cddc\"><span style=\"color:#7fc9df\">C<span style=\"color:#86c5e2\">l<span style=\"color:#8dc1e6\"><span style=\"color:#94bde9\">u<span style=\"color:#9bb9ec\">b<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Seraphina lays that last card down and stares at it like it has betrayed her, but then she turns them upside down and puts them on the spent pile. &#8220;Oh well.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Aeryn uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#1effb2\"><span style=\"color:#24fbb5\">t<span style=\"color:#2bf7b8\">h<span style=\"color:#32f3bb\"><span style=\"color:#39efbf\">e<span style=\"color:#40ebc2\"><span style=\"color:#47e7c5\"> <span style=\"color:#4ee4c8\">4<span style=\"color:#55e0cc\"> <span style=\"color:#5cdccf\"><span style=\"color:#63d8d2\">o<span style=\"color:#6ad4d5\">f<span style=\"color:#71d0d9\"> <span style=\"color:#78cddc\"><span style=\"color:#7fc9df\">C<span style=\"color:#86c5e2\">l<span style=\"color:#8dc1e6\"><span style=\"color:#94bde9\">u<span style=\"color:#9bb9ec\">b<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Aeryn frowns slightly. &#8220;Decisions, decisions.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Aeryn uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">Queen<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Gailsomeone, &#8220;Oh dear&#8230;&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> winces, &#8220;Oh dear&#8230;&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jenny winces as the queen of spades comes up &#8220;Does that mean I still need to draw?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Going to end the tie,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> notes. &#8220;But, I think I just solved it.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> leans in and winces as well. &#8220;Ooooh, good try, Aeryn! Jenny still needs to go. She may bust out in which case we have no winner.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jenny uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">6<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Jenny uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">Ace<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Jenny says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Yeah.. i&#8217;m stayin&#8217;.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Nicely done,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> concedes to Jenny with a grin. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> gestures to Jenny. &#8220;The winner for this round is Jenny! Jenny, I have a list of favors owed to you, do you want to get the truths done now? You can also use these for IOUs for later if you wish.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jenny gives a shake of her head thinking &#8220;I&#8217;ll have to think on those. Maybe later in the game I might.&#8221; she says opening the note app onher phone and writing down things. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> reads off from the notes on her phone. &#8220;Seraphina owes you being your hype person for the next fifteen minutes. You can draw on Alice with a marker. Esme and Aeryn owe you an answer to a question. Gail owes you a drink, and Arachne owes you food. If anyone wants to opt out of their favors, please pay Jenny $25.&#8221;  <\/p>\n<p>She looks over to August, Hester and Derek. &#8220;Joining this round?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Esme pulls some cash out of her purse and passes it to Jenny with a grin. &#8220;Good game.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Alice grimaces a little, looking askance. <\/p>\n<p>Hester covers her mouth to stifle the hideous snort-chuckle that dares to be expelled. Dovie startles her out of it, the wide-set woman straightening up. &#8220;Ah! Yes. Yeah. I was totally paying attention to the rules.&#8221; She was not. <\/p>\n<p>August flashes a short-lived, small smirk at the corner of his mouth before taking the straw of his boba in his mouth and drinking. A look is cast out towards Derek, too sly &#8211; and wait, when did he get that crepe? Why is it already half-way eat- it&#8217;s gone. He makes a thumbs up towards Dovie, &#8220;I&#8217;ll participate. Let me know if there are different stakes than blackjack.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> smiles kindly and shakes her chin left and right, &#8220;I haven&#8217;t had to chance t&#8217;speak with Jenny all proper. I&#8217;d gladly buy you a drink sometime.&#8221; Her gaxe travels to Alice, whom she can&#8217;t help but snicker at, covering her lips with her wrist before bringing her strawberry match latte close for a sip. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I need to see the rest of these favors on the wheel,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> decides, another literal stab made at taking a drink of tea. &#8220;Why are these straws like this&#8230;.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Esme waves to everyone as she heads out. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Would like my plate too,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Arachne<\/span> lifts her plate, offering it over toward August when she notices him still eating. <\/p>\n<p>Jenny grins back to Esme &#8220;Thanks! Always love a game of blackjack. And i&#8217;m lovin&#8217; the stakes for this one.&#8221; as she gives a wave to Esme <\/p>\n<p>August wags a finger at Arachne, that yes, he would. <\/p>\n<p>As <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> waits for Derek&#8217;s response, she explains for August and Hester&#8217;s benefit. &#8220;So, I&#8217;m going to decide a turn order. Then everyone who is playing is going to spin the Wheel of Fate and Favors. Whatever you get is what you&#8217;re wagering for the game. Once everyone has spun the wheel, we&#8217;ll start the blackjack game. If you all aren&#8217;t opposed, I&#8217;d like to modify the rules this round so that as long as you don&#8217;t bust, you can continue to the next round.&#8221; She looks around. &#8220;We good with that?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Derek is looking down at his phone, tippity-tapping a text message right as August probably snags his crepe; he looks up to Dovie to respond. &#8220;Sure-&#8221; and his crepe&#8217;s gone. &#8220;Did I-&#8230; Hey.&#8221; he states, staring at August. &#8220;Surely you wouldn&#8217;t have something to do with this?&#8221; he states dubiously. <\/p>\n<p>Derek&#8217;s crepe is already half-gone, and when <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> is noticed, he only continues. Levels a deadpan stare at the Fairchild while eating the rest slower. On purpose. Bite by bite. Savoring each and every one. Whatever kind of sick powerplay this is, it lasts until he&#8217;s finished the whole thing, and then he lies, blatantly. &#8220;No, I don&#8217;t know what you&#8217;re talking about.&#8221; But Dovie gets a nod, at what she&#8217;s suggested, too. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Alright, yes.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Hester<\/span> finally says, after a few minutes staring right at Dovie, or through her. Once her mind snaps back to reality, ope there goes gravity, she claps once. &#8220;Let&#8217;s do it. Ehm, who else is playing too? Who goes first?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> writes out a new turn order on the chalkboard: &#8220;New order is Arachne, Aeryn, Gail, August, Seraphina Alice, Jenny, Hester and <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> writes out a new turn order on the chalkboard: &#8220;New orderr is Arachne, Aeryn, Gail, August, Seraphina Alice, Jenny, Hester and <\/p>\n<p>Hester waits at the edge of her seat. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> hums, glancing sidelong to Arachne, a slight smirk on her lips, &#8220;Poor Arachne&#8230; she just has to hope everyone gets lower than she does.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Turn order is Arachne, Aeryn, Gail, August, Seraphina, Alice, Jenny, Hester, and Dovie.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> tries again. <\/p>\n<p>Derek crosses his arms, levying a highly skeptic look at August. &#8220;I&#8217;m sure you don&#8217;t.&#8221; he remarks dryly, lifting a hand to run a hand through his hair as if trying to sort it out. He looks over to Dovie, anticipating the order, though he does glance back to August with a narrowed gaze for a moment, then looking back to Dovie. &#8220;You missed me!&#8221; he states. <\/p>\n<p>Arachne glances up from her phone to review the new order of turns, nodding once toward Dovie. &#8220;Well going first is a blessing and a curse,&#8221; she muses, echoing Gail&#8217;s sentiments. &#8220;Will we be spinning again each round too?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Remember that if you don&#8217;t bust, you&#8217;ll qualify for the next round and I appreciate you all bearing with as we test out which one works better!&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> calls out, looking apologetically to Derek. &#8220;Sorry! You&#8217;ll go before me, I&#8217;ll adjust the list!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Malin stands beside the group, watching and commenting, &#8220;Oh, Obie isn&#8217;t here, so I&#8217;m assuming no one is cheating.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> waves to Malin. &#8220;Hello! Are you joining? We&#8217;re just about to start a new round if so.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> winks at Derek, but leaves his seat for now &#8211; stands at the edge of the table to reach for the wheel, and spin it before anyone else. &#8220;Lady luck, don&#8217;t make me look bad in front of the Fairchild&#8217;s.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>August uses a <span style=\"color:#c89b18\">W<span style=\"color:#ca9e20\">h<span style=\"color:#cca228\">e<span style=\"color:#cea630\">e<span style=\"color:#d0a938\">l <span style=\"color:#d3ad40\">o<span style=\"color:#d5b148\">f<span style=\"color:#d7b551\"> <span style=\"color:#d9b859\">F<span style=\"color:#dbbc61\">a<span style=\"color:#dec069\">te<span style=\"color:#e0c471\"> <span style=\"color:#e2c779\">a<span style=\"color:#e4cb82\">n<span style=\"color:#e6cf8a\">d<span style=\"color:#e9d392\"> F<span style=\"color:#ebd69a\">a<span style=\"color:#eddaa2\">v<span style=\"color:#efdeaa\">o<span style=\"color:#f2e2b3\">rs\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#5fafff\">Give the Winner a 10 minute hand or shoulder massage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Arachne uses a <span style=\"color:#c89b18\">W<span style=\"color:#ca9e20\">h<span style=\"color:#cca228\">e<span style=\"color:#cea630\">e<span style=\"color:#d0a938\">l <span style=\"color:#d3ad40\">o<span style=\"color:#d5b148\">f<span style=\"color:#d7b551\"> <span style=\"color:#d9b859\">F<span style=\"color:#dbbc61\">a<span style=\"color:#dec069\">te<span style=\"color:#e0c471\"> <span style=\"color:#e2c779\">a<span style=\"color:#e4cb82\">n<span style=\"color:#e6cf8a\">d<span style=\"color:#e9d392\"> F<span style=\"color:#ebd69a\">a<span style=\"color:#eddaa2\">v<span style=\"color:#efdeaa\">o<span style=\"color:#f2e2b3\">rs\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#0087ff\">Give the Winner a gift.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Malin gives a shake of her head, telling Dovie, &#8220;I just planned on being a Blackjack Voyeur for now.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>August drops into his seat with another crepe- Where the hell is he getting all these? Whose plate is this from? It&#8217;s too late, he&#8217;s already finished it, and he&#8217;s licking the chocolate off of his fingers. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> stares at August. &#8220;How many crepes have you eaten today?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Arachne rises from her seat, approaching the wheel to give it a good spin. &#8220;That&#8217;s the antthesis of the qualities anyone wants to see in the President of the Student Council,&#8221; she chastises him on her way back to her chair, deciding, &#8220;Giving a gift is certainly the easiest thing I can do.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We know.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> states dryly after August, before he simply signals for another crepe to be brought to him &#8211; this one raspberry nutella. He looks to Dovie curiously after her question. &#8220;He&#8217;s had quite a few.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Is it me?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> wonders, standing to spin the wheel. <\/p>\n<p>Aeryn uses a <span style=\"color:#c89b18\">W<span style=\"color:#ca9e20\">h<span style=\"color:#cca228\">e<span style=\"color:#cea630\">e<span style=\"color:#d0a938\">l <span style=\"color:#d3ad40\">o<span style=\"color:#d5b148\">f<span style=\"color:#d7b551\"> <span style=\"color:#d9b859\">F<span style=\"color:#dbbc61\">a<span style=\"color:#dec069\">te<span style=\"color:#e0c471\"> <span style=\"color:#e2c779\">a<span style=\"color:#e4cb82\">n<span style=\"color:#e6cf8a\">d<span style=\"color:#e9d392\"> F<span style=\"color:#ebd69a\">a<span style=\"color:#eddaa2\">v<span style=\"color:#efdeaa\">o<span style=\"color:#f2e2b3\">rs\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#5fafff\">Give the Winner a 10 minute hand or shoulder massage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn&#8217;s<\/span> eye starts to twitch. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;He&#8217;s just saying that &#8217;cause he&#8217;s ehm, off-duty. Right?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Hester<\/span> anxiously raises her voice from her own seat, silent judgment and envy for the nth crepe August has now. <\/p>\n<p>Gail uses a <span style=\"color:#c89b18\">W<span style=\"color:#ca9e20\">h<span style=\"color:#cca228\">e<span style=\"color:#cea630\">e<span style=\"color:#d0a938\">l <span style=\"color:#d3ad40\">o<span style=\"color:#d5b148\">f<span style=\"color:#d7b551\"> <span style=\"color:#d9b859\">F<span style=\"color:#dbbc61\">a<span style=\"color:#dec069\">te<span style=\"color:#e0c471\"> <span style=\"color:#e2c779\">a<span style=\"color:#e4cb82\">n<span style=\"color:#e6cf8a\">d<span style=\"color:#e9d392\"> F<span style=\"color:#ebd69a\">a<span style=\"color:#eddaa2\">v<span style=\"color:#efdeaa\">o<span style=\"color:#f2e2b3\">rs\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#ff0000\">Answer any single question truthfully from the Winner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Malin glances between the crepes, Dovie, and August, commenting, &#8220;But maybe August is a growing boy.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Ooooh, that&#8217;d be lovely!&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Seraphina<\/span> says of Aeryn&#8217;s spin. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> comments. &#8220;Lots of massages this time,&#8221; she nods to Seraphina. &#8220;Your turn!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> smirks slightly, tilting her head, &#8220;Not so awful.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Largely depends on the person,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> supposes to Seraphina. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> takes notes on everyone&#8217;s wagers. &#8220;You can always pay the winner $25 if you don&#8217;t want to do the favor!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>August affirms, &#8220;I&#8217;m a growing boy.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Seraphina rises once more, and approaches the wheel. She gives a good solid spin and waits for the fast spinning thing to slow, and then stop. She nods and concedes to Aeryn, &#8220;True!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Seraphina uses a <span style=\"color:#c89b18\">W<span style=\"color:#ca9e20\">h<span style=\"color:#cca228\">e<span style=\"color:#cea630\">e<span style=\"color:#d0a938\">l <span style=\"color:#d3ad40\">o<span style=\"color:#d5b148\">f<span style=\"color:#d7b551\"> <span style=\"color:#d9b859\">F<span style=\"color:#dbbc61\">a<span style=\"color:#dec069\">te<span style=\"color:#e0c471\"> <span style=\"color:#e2c779\">a<span style=\"color:#e4cb82\">n<span style=\"color:#e6cf8a\">d<span style=\"color:#e9d392\"> F<span style=\"color:#ebd69a\">a<span style=\"color:#eddaa2\">v<span style=\"color:#efdeaa\">o<span style=\"color:#f2e2b3\">rs\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#00ffff\">Be the Winner&#8217;s hype person for the next fifteen minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Alice uses a <span style=\"color:#c89b18\">W<span style=\"color:#ca9e20\">h<span style=\"color:#cca228\">e<span style=\"color:#cea630\">e<span style=\"color:#d0a938\">l <span style=\"color:#d3ad40\">o<span style=\"color:#d5b148\">f<span style=\"color:#d7b551\"> <span style=\"color:#d9b859\">F<span style=\"color:#dbbc61\">a<span style=\"color:#dec069\">te<span style=\"color:#e0c471\"> <span style=\"color:#e2c779\">a<span style=\"color:#e4cb82\">n<span style=\"color:#e6cf8a\">d<span style=\"color:#e9d392\"> F<span style=\"color:#ebd69a\">a<span style=\"color:#eddaa2\">v<span style=\"color:#efdeaa\">o<span style=\"color:#f2e2b3\">rs\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#00875f\">Give the Winner a ride (can be a future IOU).<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Aeryn snorts softly in August&#8217;s direction. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Aww..&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Seraphina<\/span> says when it lands on what he had last time. <\/p>\n<p>Malin lets August have her chance at a crepe, nodding in understanding. <\/p>\n<p>Alice claps at that pull, saying, &#8220;Oh, yay! More people can meet Sunday Brunch!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jenny uses a <span style=\"color:#c89b18\">W<span style=\"color:#ca9e20\">h<span style=\"color:#cca228\">e<span style=\"color:#cea630\">e<span style=\"color:#d0a938\">l <span style=\"color:#d3ad40\">o<span style=\"color:#d5b148\">f<span style=\"color:#d7b551\"> <span style=\"color:#d9b859\">F<span style=\"color:#dbbc61\">a<span style=\"color:#dec069\">te<span style=\"color:#e0c471\"> <span style=\"color:#e2c779\">a<span style=\"color:#e4cb82\">n<span style=\"color:#e6cf8a\">d<span style=\"color:#e9d392\"> F<span style=\"color:#ebd69a\">a<span style=\"color:#eddaa2\">v<span style=\"color:#efdeaa\">o<span style=\"color:#f2e2b3\">rs\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#5f00ff\">Be the Winner&#8217;s assistant for the next game or a future event (IOU).<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Derek uses a <span style=\"color:#c89b18\">W<span style=\"color:#ca9e20\">h<span style=\"color:#cca228\">e<span style=\"color:#cea630\">e<span style=\"color:#d0a938\">l <span style=\"color:#d3ad40\">o<span style=\"color:#d5b148\">f<span style=\"color:#d7b551\"> <span style=\"color:#d9b859\">F<span style=\"color:#dbbc61\">a<span style=\"color:#dec069\">te<span style=\"color:#e0c471\"> <span style=\"color:#e2c779\">a<span style=\"color:#e4cb82\">n<span style=\"color:#e6cf8a\">d<span style=\"color:#e9d392\"> F<span style=\"color:#ebd69a\">a<span style=\"color:#eddaa2\">v<span style=\"color:#efdeaa\">o<span style=\"color:#f2e2b3\">rs\/span>\/span<\/span: <i>04Execute a dare issued by the Winner.<\/i><\/p>\n<p>Hester rises from her seat with a creak and a grunt, padding to the wheel and giving it a spin on her way to the crepe station. Surely if August can eat that many and not look like her, she can have a second? <\/p>\n<p>Aeryn says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Now that one I like.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>Meandering back to her seat, <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Seraphina<\/span> finds her plate of crepe, and takes a nibble from it. <\/p>\n<p>August drawls on, chewing on the straw of his boba, &#8220;I already forgot my favor &#8211; did it say give a handy to someone?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Hester uses a <span style=\"color:#c89b18\">W<span style=\"color:#ca9e20\">h<span style=\"color:#cca228\">e<span style=\"color:#cea630\">e<span style=\"color:#d0a938\">l <span style=\"color:#d3ad40\">o<span style=\"color:#d5b148\">f<span style=\"color:#d7b551\"> <span style=\"color:#d9b859\">F<span style=\"color:#dbbc61\">a<span style=\"color:#dec069\">te<span style=\"color:#e0c471\"> <span style=\"color:#e2c779\">a<span style=\"color:#e4cb82\">n<span style=\"color:#e6cf8a\">d<span style=\"color:#e9d392\"> F<span style=\"color:#ebd69a\">a<span style=\"color:#eddaa2\">v<span style=\"color:#efdeaa\">o<span style=\"color:#f2e2b3\">rs\/span>\/span<\/span: <i>04Execute a dare issued by the Winner.<\/i><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Daring Derek!&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> giggles as she spins the wheel.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jenny raises her eyebrows &#8220;Getting myself one of the good ones.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Hester says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">.. awh fudge.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> tsks, &#8220;How risky&#8230;&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Derek clears his throat after his result, humming. &#8220;So it seems.&#8221; he muses after Dovie. <\/p>\n<p>Dovie uses a <span style=\"color:#c89b18\">W<span style=\"color:#ca9e20\">h<span style=\"color:#cca228\">e<span style=\"color:#cea630\">e<span style=\"color:#d0a938\">l <span style=\"color:#d3ad40\">o<span style=\"color:#d5b148\">f<span style=\"color:#d7b551\"> <span style=\"color:#d9b859\">F<span style=\"color:#dbbc61\">a<span style=\"color:#dec069\">te<span style=\"color:#e0c471\"> <span style=\"color:#e2c779\">a<span style=\"color:#e4cb82\">n<span style=\"color:#e6cf8a\">d<span style=\"color:#e9d392\"> F<span style=\"color:#ebd69a\">a<span style=\"color:#eddaa2\">v<span style=\"color:#efdeaa\">o<span style=\"color:#f2e2b3\">rs\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#00875f\">Give the Winner a ride (can be a future IOU).<\/span><\/p>\n<p>With the wagers all set, <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> gestures to Arachne to kick off blackjack. <\/p>\n<p>August pokes his tongue at Dovie, but lazily, remains in his seat. It&#8217;s all the carbs, weighing him down, and he&#8217;s had enough for at least five people. His head hangs from the back of his seat while he&#8217;s slouching, legs cross, handso n his boba that seems threateningly low. Sugar-high and carb-sleep, which culminate into a yawn. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> adds with a sigh, &#8220;No one has hit my favorite wager yet.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Arachne threads her arm companionably through Aeryn&#8217;s own when her turn comes due to draw cards. &#8220;Here we go. Wish me all the luck in the world so I can win a round without having to influence the luck today,&#8221; she urges her cousin, reaching for the automated dealer. <\/p>\n<p>Arachne uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">Jack<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Arachne uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#1effb2\"><span style=\"color:#24fbb5\">t<span style=\"color:#2bf7b8\">h<span style=\"color:#32f3bb\"><span style=\"color:#39efbf\">e<span style=\"color:#40ebc2\"><span style=\"color:#47e7c5\"> <span style=\"color:#4ee4c8\">7<span style=\"color:#55e0cc\"> <span style=\"color:#5cdccf\"><span style=\"color:#63d8d2\">o<span style=\"color:#6ad4d5\">f<span style=\"color:#71d0d9\"> <span style=\"color:#78cddc\"><span style=\"color:#7fc9df\">C<span style=\"color:#86c5e2\">l<span style=\"color:#8dc1e6\"><span style=\"color:#94bde9\">u<span style=\"color:#9bb9ec\">b<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> looks to Dovie with a humorous smirk and a quirk of one brow, &#8220;Work for you at Wild Bloom for a day?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> leans in curiously to see what Arachne might decide this time. &#8220;We&#8217;re adjusting the rules this round so that as long as you don&#8217;t bust, you can move forward to the next round.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Holding up two crossed fingers for Arachne, <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> watches the cards play. &#8220;Look at you,&#8221; she notes. &#8220;Luck for two rounds.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> laughs in Gail&#8217;s direction. &#8220;I <i>hope<\/i> you are. Successively.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This must be some sort of cosmic sign. That&#8217;s the second time I&#8217;ve gotten this number,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Arachne<\/span> squints lightly at her cards, flicking her wrist to show them to Aeryn and Derek before choosing, &#8220;I&#8217;ll do one more.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>August clicks his tongue. <\/p>\n<p>Arachne uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">3<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Hester wiggles fingers to select another egg and&#8211; but they&#8217;re all gone now. Wonder why that is. Frowning near as wide as she is, she looks to Kayla and around, in case anybody might be coming to refill. She settles for the last savoury crepe in the mix, pilfering a mushroom one. Hunching low on her way back to her seat, Malin is noticed out the corner of her eye. Her round features brighten and she gives the Swede a little wave. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> gasps, and looks on in relief. &#8220;Bold!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Twenty. I stand,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Arachne<\/span> declares. <\/p>\n<p>August says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Very bold, you don&#8217;t hit at seventeen.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> snickers, nodding her head slowly up and down, &#8220;Good number, Arachne.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;And worthwhile,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> nods to Dovie when Arachne&#8217;s score goes up just enough. &#8220;Not sure I&#8217;ll be able to pull that off to match it.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> claps for Arachne and chuckles at Aeryn. &#8220;One way to find out!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Licking a bit of nutella from her thumb, <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Seraphina<\/span> says to Arachne, &#8220;All the luck, Arachne.&#8221; She whistles at the hand, and the woman&#8217;s choice to stay. &#8220;Luck is fickle enough. So good call!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But I thought you were supposed to hit at seventeen,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Hester<\/span> murmurs to herself all quiet, peering Alice&#8217;s way as she sits back down. Carefully. <\/p>\n<p>Huffing an unnecessary breath, <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> goes for the cards. <\/p>\n<p>Aeryn uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">5<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Aeryn uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">King<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Aeryn uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fff61e\"><span style=\"color:#faf229\">t<span style=\"color:#f5ef34\">h<span style=\"color:#f0eb3f\">e<span style=\"color:#ebe84a\"> <span style=\"color:#e6e555\">King<span style=\"color:#e1e160\"><span style=\"color:#dcde6b\"> <span style=\"color:#d7db76\">o<span style=\"color:#d2d781\">f<span style=\"color:#ced48c\"> <span style=\"color:#c9d097\">D<span style=\"color:#c4cda2\">i<span style=\"color:#bfcaad\"><span style=\"color:#bac6b8\">a<span style=\"color:#b5c3c3\">m<span style=\"color:#b0c0ce\">o<span style=\"color:#abbcd9\">n<span style=\"color:#a6b9e4\">d<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>&#8220;You totally are,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Alice<\/span> promises Hester with a wink. <\/p>\n<p>August lifts his hands defensively, then takes a long swig of his boba. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> clucks her tongue, &#8220;<i>Bust.<\/i>&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Sometimes it favors the bold,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> grins to Arachne, settling back in her seat with another attempt to figure out her boba. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I would hit at seventeen.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> murmurs after August with a shrug, then digging into his raspberry crepe &#8211; evidently with more haste to avoid it being stolen. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Bust,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Arachne<\/span> frowns sympathetically at Aeryn, rubbing her arm soothingly. &#8220;It&#8217;s alright. I&#8217;ll share some of my favors with you as consolation for this round.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> leans over to take her cards from the shuffler with an excited smirk and a lid of her eyes. <\/p>\n<p>Gail uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#1effb2\"><span style=\"color:#24fbb5\">t<span style=\"color:#2bf7b8\">h<span style=\"color:#32f3bb\"><span style=\"color:#39efbf\">e<span style=\"color:#40ebc2\"><span style=\"color:#47e7c5\"> <span style=\"color:#4ee4c8\">4<span style=\"color:#55e0cc\"> <span style=\"color:#5cdccf\"><span style=\"color:#63d8d2\">o<span style=\"color:#6ad4d5\">f<span style=\"color:#71d0d9\"> <span style=\"color:#78cddc\"><span style=\"color:#7fc9df\">C<span style=\"color:#86c5e2\">l<span style=\"color:#8dc1e6\"><span style=\"color:#94bde9\">u<span style=\"color:#9bb9ec\">b<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Gail uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">10<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Gail uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">4<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> tsks, &#8220;Well&#8230; I lose anyway if I don&#8217;t be Arachne&#8217;s twenty&#8230;&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> glances to Dovie, &#8220;No?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Seraphina cheers for Gail, &#8220;Do it, do it&#8230;&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;d still do it,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> decides, nodding. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> grins, &#8220;Oh. In that case&#8230; yes. I stay, hun.&#8221; She shakes her head to Seraphina, &#8220;I&#8217;m not foolish, I&#8217;ve already made it in.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;August, you&#8217;re up,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> tells him. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Alright,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> straightens up and scoots his seat closer, but stays sidelong against the table. His boba switches hands so he can bring the other over the table and.. <\/p>\n<p>Arachne fans her trio of cards with her face, eyes upon August when his turn comes due. &#8220;No pressure, Pierce.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Twenty six crepes might have him out of energy for cards,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> murmurs. <\/p>\n<p>August uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#1effb2\"><span style=\"color:#24fbb5\">t<span style=\"color:#2bf7b8\">h<span style=\"color:#32f3bb\"><span style=\"color:#39efbf\">e<span style=\"color:#40ebc2\"> <span style=\"color:#47e7c5\"><span style=\"color:#4ee4c8\">3<span style=\"color:#55e0cc\"> <span style=\"color:#5cdccf\"><span style=\"color:#63d8d2\">o<span style=\"color:#6ad4d5\">f<span style=\"color:#71d0d9\"> <span style=\"color:#78cddc\"><span style=\"color:#7fc9df\">C<span style=\"color:#86c5e2\">l<span style=\"color:#8dc1e6\"><span style=\"color:#94bde9\">u<span style=\"color:#9bb9ec\">b<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>August uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">4<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>August uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fff61e\"><span style=\"color:#faf229\">t<span style=\"color:#f5ef34\">h<span style=\"color:#f0eb3f\">e<span style=\"color:#ebe84a\"> <span style=\"color:#e6e555\">4<span style=\"color:#e1e160\"><span style=\"color:#dcde6b\"> <span style=\"color:#d7db76\">o<span style=\"color:#d2d781\">f<span style=\"color:#ced48c\"> <span style=\"color:#c9d097\">D<span style=\"color:#c4cda2\">i<span style=\"color:#bfcaad\"><span style=\"color:#bac6b8\">a<span style=\"color:#b5c3c3\">m<span style=\"color:#b0c0ce\">o<span style=\"color:#abbcd9\">n<span style=\"color:#a6b9e4\">d<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>August uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">Jack<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>&#8220;God damnit,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> sighs and flicks the last card into the pile, and sinks into his chair. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The dangers of too many crepes. I meant- too many cards!&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> chuckles. &#8220;Looks like you&#8217;re owning someone a hand or shoulder massage.&#8221; She waves at Stelle. &#8220;Welcome! Please help yourself to some crepes.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Next time,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Seraphina<\/span> assures August at the man&#8217;s flicking of the cards, humor poking a dimple in a cheek as she smiles. &#8220;My turn?&#8221; she asks Dovie, getting up to take her two cards. <\/p>\n<p>Arachne turns her head to give Ambrose and Stelle a gentle wiggle of her cards, &#8220;Welcome. There&#8217;s still some delicious crepes left, if you&#8217;re hungry.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Derek snickers after Aeryn&#8217;s comment, giving August a look-over in his crepe-laden state, his eyes flitting to the card shuffler with mute curiosity. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> bobs her head! <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Stelle<\/span> pops a peace sign towards Dovie in greeting, shaded eyes looking over the crowd of people. There&#8217;s a pause at someone in particular but it&#8217;s not entirely clear before she comments towards Dovie, &#8220;Afternoon, and thank you, no?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Seraphina uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">9<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> waves to Ambrose as well. <\/p>\n<p>Seraphina uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">8<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>&#8220;Diet,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Ambrose<\/span> reminds Arachne placidly, unbothered and watching the game. Not that her words were intended for him. A waggle of fingers for her and Dovie, unlooking. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Admittedly I didn&#8217;t count, exactly,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> shrugs a shoulder to Derek with a tiny grin. <\/p>\n<p>Seraphina twitches her fingers, debating. &#8220;I coooould stay but, lets give chance a go.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Hi Mr. Vasquez! And Miss Stelle!&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Hester<\/span> chirrups through a mouthful of mushroom crepe mush, waving her partially chomped food in the air at Ambrose and Stelle. <\/p>\n<p>Seraphina uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">Jack<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>August grabs a napkin off the table and pulls it close. His boba is set aside so he can pull out a marker and twirl a little &#8216;I.O.U&#8217; on it in red, then shove the napkin back to the center. Marker in pocket, his boba back in hand, he sinks into his chair to nurse his crepe-high. &#8220;I might disappear for a council meeting in a little, so whoever wins, I&#8217;ll do their massage later.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Stelle<\/span> wanders over to the crepe stand, a wave given to Hester in turn. &#8220;Hey, feeling better?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Alice claps her hands together once, announcing, &#8220;My turn!&#8221; before reaching forth to, well, take that turn. <\/p>\n<p>Alice uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">3<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Alice uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fff61e\"><span style=\"color:#faf229\">t<span style=\"color:#f5ef34\">h<span style=\"color:#f0eb3f\">e<span style=\"color:#ebe84a\"> <span style=\"color:#e6e555\">10<span style=\"color:#e1e160\"><span style=\"color:#dcde6b\"> <span style=\"color:#d7db76\">o<span style=\"color:#d2d781\">f<span style=\"color:#ced48c\"> <span style=\"color:#c9d097\">D<span style=\"color:#c4cda2\">i<span style=\"color:#bfcaad\"><span style=\"color:#bac6b8\">a<span style=\"color:#b5c3c3\">m<span style=\"color:#b0c0ce\">o<span style=\"color:#abbcd9\">n<span style=\"color:#a6b9e4\">d<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Alice uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">6<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>&#8220;Stay!&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Alice<\/span> announces happily. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Who won that whole student council thing, anyway? Has that election happened?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> wonders. <\/p>\n<p>August points at his face, and flashes a sly smirk at Aeryn. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods at Alice and looks to Jenny. &#8220;Your turn, Jenny!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jenny uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#1effb2\"><span style=\"color:#24fbb5\">t<span style=\"color:#2bf7b8\">h<span style=\"color:#32f3bb\"><span style=\"color:#39efbf\">e<span style=\"color:#40ebc2\"><span style=\"color:#47e7c5\"> <span style=\"color:#4ee4c8\">10<span style=\"color:#55e0cc\"> <span style=\"color:#5cdccf\"><span style=\"color:#63d8d2\">o<span style=\"color:#6ad4d5\">f<span style=\"color:#71d0d9\"> <span style=\"color:#78cddc\"><span style=\"color:#7fc9df\">C<span style=\"color:#86c5e2\">l<span style=\"color:#8dc1e6\"><span style=\"color:#94bde9\">u<span style=\"color:#9bb9ec\">b<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Jenny uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">Queen<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>&#8220;Miss Flanagan,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Ambrose<\/span> greets Hester alike, a bare glance before it&#8217;s back to the cards. &#8220;Mmm.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jenny raises her eyebrows at the twenty that is handed to her &#8220;I should really go to an actual casino at this point&#8230;&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Congratulations. Shall we call you Mister President?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> nods to August. &#8220;I look forward to that party, in that case.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m Treasurer.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> fills Aeryn in casually, then nibbling some more at his raspberry crepe. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> chuckles at Jenny. &#8220;Staying? Or pressing that luck more?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I had no doubts you would be,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> smiles to Derek. &#8220;I feel you are the only logical choice.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Jenny says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Hm.. fuck it. Sure why not?<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>Jenny uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#1effb2\"><span style=\"color:#24fbb5\">t<span style=\"color:#2bf7b8\">h<span style=\"color:#32f3bb\"><span style=\"color:#39efbf\">e<span style=\"color:#40ebc2\"><span style=\"color:#47e7c5\"> <span style=\"color:#4ee4c8\">7<span style=\"color:#55e0cc\"> <span style=\"color:#5cdccf\"><span style=\"color:#63d8d2\">o<span style=\"color:#6ad4d5\">f<span style=\"color:#71d0d9\"> <span style=\"color:#78cddc\"><span style=\"color:#7fc9df\">C<span style=\"color:#86c5e2\">l<span style=\"color:#8dc1e6\"><span style=\"color:#94bde9\">u<span style=\"color:#9bb9ec\">b<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>&#8220;I shouldn&#8217;t&#8230;&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Seraphina<\/span> says to Jenny, a laugh on her words. She returns to her seat, and leans in onto Ambrose a moment. &#8220;Mister Vasquez. Always a pleasure.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;My thoughts exactly.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> adds to Aeryn with a brief grin, dipping his chin to Dovie thereafter. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> blinks in surprise at Jenny. &#8220;I admire the boldness,&#8221; she chuckles again and nods to Hester. &#8220;Your turn!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Seraphina places a placid kiss onto Ambrose&#8217;s cheek. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Ahh, yeah, Dr. Lin is asking to see me again this week for some more chelation therapy but.. my stitches are fine now, at least,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Hester<\/span> affords Stelle some fair enough news, a self-conscious chuckle to match. &#8220;Good you could come, Alice has been giving -great- Blackjack advice&#8211; oh!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Hester uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#1effb2\"><span style=\"color:#24fbb5\">t<span style=\"color:#2bf7b8\">h<span style=\"color:#32f3bb\"><span style=\"color:#39efbf\">e<span style=\"color:#40ebc2\"><span style=\"color:#47e7c5\"> <span style=\"color:#4ee4c8\">2<span style=\"color:#55e0cc\"> <span style=\"color:#5cdccf\"><span style=\"color:#63d8d2\">o<span style=\"color:#6ad4d5\">f<span style=\"color:#71d0d9\"> <span style=\"color:#78cddc\"><span style=\"color:#7fc9df\">C<span style=\"color:#86c5e2\">l<span style=\"color:#8dc1e6\"><span style=\"color:#94bde9\">u<span style=\"color:#9bb9ec\">b<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Hester uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#1effb2\"><span style=\"color:#24fbb5\">t<span style=\"color:#2bf7b8\">h<span style=\"color:#32f3bb\"><span style=\"color:#39efbf\">e<span style=\"color:#40ebc2\"><span style=\"color:#47e7c5\"> <span style=\"color:#4ee4c8\">Jack<span style=\"color:#55e0cc\"> <span style=\"color:#5cdccf\"><span style=\"color:#63d8d2\">o<span style=\"color:#6ad4d5\">f<span style=\"color:#71d0d9\"> <span style=\"color:#78cddc\"><span style=\"color:#7fc9df\">C<span style=\"color:#86c5e2\">l<span style=\"color:#8dc1e6\"><span style=\"color:#94bde9\">u<span style=\"color:#9bb9ec\">b<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>&#8220;I like the sound of that.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> wonders, much to himself, while tilting his head to stare away. Something regal in his poise, in the lift of his chin and reflection of his aviators. His cap is tucked up with the flick of a digit, &#8220;Mister President August Pierce.&#8221; It&#8217;s like he&#8217;s mouthing the word, perhaps for future reference. &#8220;Yes, yes I think I like that. Do call me President Pierce.&#8221; When he looks back, it is as severely deadpan as ever. &#8220;I will issue my own candidacy for the presidency of United States of Pierc- America.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Hester steals a look at the rules sign again and bobs her head at Dovie. <\/p>\n<p>Hester uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">6<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Ambrose drifts an arm up and around Seraphina reflexively at the lean-in, a belated attempt at a return cheek kiss on his end catching mostly air. The man&#8217;s attention is mostly on the cards, and the sun&#8217;s got him moving a little molasses-like. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Stelle<\/span> nods at Hester though whether or not the blonde has the slightest clue about chelation is left ambiguous as she drifts over to Gail and comments, &#8220;Haven&#8217;t seen you in a while.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Hester sucks in a sharp breath. &#8220;That&#8217;s eighteen&#8230;&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods at Hester. &#8220;Indeed, what are you thinking now?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I feel I created something unintentionally,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> blinks several times with deliberate motions of her eyelids as she speaks aside to Arachne. <\/p>\n<p>Rather than play it safe, <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Hester<\/span> opts to simply screw it and hit it again. &#8220;Hnf!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Hester uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">Ace<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> laughs. &#8220;19!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Hester says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">That&#8217;s&#8230; what is that.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> glances sidelong to Stelle with a raise of her brows and a slight smirk of her painted lips, &#8220;Oh I could say the same for you, hun. I s&#8217;pose our circles don&#8217;t intersect terribly often, now do they?&#8221; Her head tilts slightly, hair leaning enough to grant a peek of her normally-hidden ears, &#8220;Been doin&#8217; well for yourself?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Hester stares blankly for a minute. &#8220;Ehm.. someone already got more than 20 though, right?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;So, ah, does that mean if you don&#8217;t bust on your initial pair there&#8217;s no reason to hit again?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> wonders after Dovie. <\/p>\n<p>Hester backpedals back to her seat with her 19, slumping down again. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Options traders do lots of things &#8216;for the excitement&#8217;. I make a lot of money off them.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> supposes with dry amusement after Aeryn, before he nods once or twice to Dovie. &#8220;Got it. <\/p>\n<p>Derek uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">6<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Derek uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">3<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Derek uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fff61e\"><span style=\"color:#faf229\">t<span style=\"color:#f5ef34\">h<span style=\"color:#f0eb3f\">e<span style=\"color:#ebe84a\"> <span style=\"color:#e6e555\">4<span style=\"color:#e1e160\"><span style=\"color:#dcde6b\"> <span style=\"color:#d7db76\">o<span style=\"color:#d2d781\">f<span style=\"color:#ced48c\"> <span style=\"color:#c9d097\">D<span style=\"color:#c4cda2\">i<span style=\"color:#bfcaad\"><span style=\"color:#bac6b8\">a<span style=\"color:#b5c3c3\">m<span style=\"color:#b0c0ce\">o<span style=\"color:#abbcd9\">n<span style=\"color:#a6b9e4\">d<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Derek uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">6<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Derek says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">19. Stand.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods to Derek and starts to pull her cards. <\/p>\n<p>Dovie uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">6<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Dovie uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fff61e\"><span style=\"color:#faf229\">t<span style=\"color:#f5ef34\">h<span style=\"color:#f0eb3f\">e<span style=\"color:#ebe84a\"> <span style=\"color:#e6e555\">4<span style=\"color:#e1e160\"><span style=\"color:#dcde6b\"> <span style=\"color:#d7db76\">o<span style=\"color:#d2d781\">f<span style=\"color:#ced48c\"> <span style=\"color:#c9d097\">D<span style=\"color:#c4cda2\">i<span style=\"color:#bfcaad\"><span style=\"color:#bac6b8\">a<span style=\"color:#b5c3c3\">m<span style=\"color:#b0c0ce\">o<span style=\"color:#abbcd9\">n<span style=\"color:#a6b9e4\">d<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Dovie uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">7<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Dovie uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fff61e\"><span style=\"color:#faf229\">t<span style=\"color:#f5ef34\">h<span style=\"color:#f0eb3f\">e<span style=\"color:#ebe84a\"> <span style=\"color:#e6e555\">9<span style=\"color:#e1e160\"><span style=\"color:#dcde6b\"> <span style=\"color:#d7db76\">o<span style=\"color:#d2d781\">f<span style=\"color:#ced48c\"> <span style=\"color:#c9d097\">D<span style=\"color:#c4cda2\">i<span style=\"color:#bfcaad\"><span style=\"color:#bac6b8\">a<span style=\"color:#b5c3c3\">m<span style=\"color:#b0c0ce\">o<span style=\"color:#abbcd9\">n<span style=\"color:#a6b9e4\">d<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Stelle<\/span> bites down into her crepe and nods. Her response it simple and answers everything Gail&#8217;s said so far, &#8220;Yes.&#8221; There&#8217;s a little pause then, a swallow following before <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Stelle<\/span> adds, &#8220;How is your sickness? Better?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> sighs a moment and looks around the room. &#8220;Okay! So the next round finalists are: Arachne, Gail, Alice, Hester, and Derek!&#8221; She adjusts the board. &#8220;Arachne, please kick us off again?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Malin watches the game continue to unfold. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> smiles to Dovie, but then winces, &#8220;Oh dear&#8230;&#8221; Her eyes travel to Stelle, whom she watches pensively with a somewhat neutral expression before she smirks again and nods her head slowly, &#8220;Oh it&#8217;s been doin&#8217; much better lately. For about a week now, maybe a lil&#8217; longer, I&#8217;ve been feelin&#8217; better&#8217;n I ever have. Call it a miracle.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I will repay my hype to the winners at a later time,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Seraphina<\/span> says to Dovie, &#8220;I should be getting on with my day. But thank you so much for hosting this. It was worth rolling out of bed for. I was doing Sunday morning rot.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Arachne draws herself away from her work, gray eyes skimming over the faces of the gamblers around her with an apologetic curve of her lips. &#8220;Where are we now?&#8221; she asks of Aeryn aside, ever dependent on her cousin for a sense of direction while she juggles text messages and gambling. <\/p>\n<p>Derek sits back and nibbles at his raspberry crepe, seeming momentarily distracted, before blowing a puff of air out of his nose after Seraphina&#8217;s comment. &#8220;Lazy Sundays are the best.&#8221; he opines. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Stelle<\/span> hums and nods slowly, commenting towards Gail, &#8220;Good to hear, though I euh&#8230; have found that actual miracles tend to be rather rare.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> glances to Seraphina and smiles to her, lifting her right hand to wiggle her fingers in a wave, &#8220;Nice t&#8217;see you, Sera, even if we didn&#8217;t chat much. Take care, won&#8217;tcha?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Hester gives Arachne a polite clap when she&#8217;s set to kick off the new round. The rest of that time is spent in silent study of Ambrose, as if waiting for the man to blink. Even once. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> points out the new order of finalists on the chalkboard for Arachne. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I think it&#8217;s&#8230;yes,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> nods to Dovie. &#8220;Your turn.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Arachne uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#1effb2\"><span style=\"color:#24fbb5\">t<span style=\"color:#2bf7b8\">h<span style=\"color:#32f3bb\"><span style=\"color:#39efbf\">e<span style=\"color:#40ebc2\"><span style=\"color:#47e7c5\"> <span style=\"color:#4ee4c8\">4<span style=\"color:#55e0cc\"> <span style=\"color:#5cdccf\"><span style=\"color:#63d8d2\">o<span style=\"color:#6ad4d5\">f<span style=\"color:#71d0d9\"> <span style=\"color:#78cddc\"><span style=\"color:#7fc9df\">C<span style=\"color:#86c5e2\">l<span style=\"color:#8dc1e6\"><span style=\"color:#94bde9\">u<span style=\"color:#9bb9ec\">b<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Arachne uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fff61e\"><span style=\"color:#faf229\">t<span style=\"color:#f5ef34\">h<span style=\"color:#f0eb3f\">e<span style=\"color:#ebe84a\"> <span style=\"color:#e6e555\">2<span style=\"color:#e1e160\"><span style=\"color:#dcde6b\"> <span style=\"color:#d7db76\">o<span style=\"color:#d2d781\">f<span style=\"color:#ced48c\"> <span style=\"color:#c9d097\">D<span style=\"color:#c4cda2\">i<span style=\"color:#bfcaad\"><span style=\"color:#bac6b8\">a<span style=\"color:#b5c3c3\">m<span style=\"color:#b0c0ce\">o<span style=\"color:#abbcd9\">n<span style=\"color:#a6b9e4\">d<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Aeryn entirely nodded to Arachne. <\/p>\n<p>Arachne uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#1effb2\"><span style=\"color:#24fbb5\">t<span style=\"color:#2bf7b8\">h<span style=\"color:#32f3bb\"><span style=\"color:#39efbf\">e<span style=\"color:#40ebc2\"><span style=\"color:#47e7c5\"> <span style=\"color:#4ee4c8\">Ace<span style=\"color:#55e0cc\"> <span style=\"color:#5cdccf\"><span style=\"color:#63d8d2\">o<span style=\"color:#6ad4d5\">f<span style=\"color:#71d0d9\"> <span style=\"color:#78cddc\"><span style=\"color:#7fc9df\">C<span style=\"color:#86c5e2\">l<span style=\"color:#8dc1e6\"><span style=\"color:#94bde9\">u<span style=\"color:#9bb9ec\">b<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> eyes Stelle with a quirk of one brow, &#8220;They wouldn&#8217;t quite be miracles if they weren&#8217;t, now would, they? I think it was the town anyhow&#8230; this place has a way of makin&#8217; strange things happen, now don&#8217;t it?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> glances to Arachne, smirking, &#8220;Seventeen&#8230;&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Derek says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Or seven.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>Arachne nibbles delicately upon her bottom lip as she draws seventeen, a long moment ensuing before she decides, &#8220;Stand,&#8221; to Dovie, then turns an expectant look to Gail. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods at Arachne. &#8220;She lives for another round!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> snickers to Arachne, &#8220;Your lucky number.&#8221; Turning her chin, she keeps it held high as she looks down at the automatic shuffler, reaching over to take her hits! <\/p>\n<p>Gail uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">5<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Gail uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">2<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Gail uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">Jack<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Hester had really angled herself some way to see sideways into Ambrose&#8217;s sunglasses there. She blinks first, alas. Spectacles up, the fat freshman rubs some moisture back into her eyes by the heel of each hand. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You know, Gail has a point,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> tells Arachne. &#8220;That&#8217;s three times now, on a seventeen.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> nods curtly, &#8220;Four times&#8230; Seventeen. Stay.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods in agreement with Aeryn. <\/p>\n<p>Seraphina nods to Dovie, extending an arm in order to try to give her a quick side hug, &#8220;Looking forward to it!&#8221; She offers another nod to Gail. &#8220;It has been a long time. I think the last time I saw you was when I was in the Supernatural History Museum.&#8221; She wiggles her phone at the woman. &#8220;I&#8217;ll text.&#8221; She walks past someone, exclaiming, &#8220;They are!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Alice uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">Queen<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Alice uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fff61e\"><span style=\"color:#faf229\">t<span style=\"color:#f5ef34\">h<span style=\"color:#f0eb3f\">e<span style=\"color:#ebe84a\"> <span style=\"color:#e6e555\">4<span style=\"color:#e1e160\"><span style=\"color:#dcde6b\"> <span style=\"color:#d7db76\">o<span style=\"color:#d2d781\">f<span style=\"color:#ced48c\"> <span style=\"color:#c9d097\">D<span style=\"color:#c4cda2\">i<span style=\"color:#bfcaad\"><span style=\"color:#bac6b8\">a<span style=\"color:#b5c3c3\">m<span style=\"color:#b0c0ce\">o<span style=\"color:#abbcd9\">n<span style=\"color:#a6b9e4\">d<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Seraphina nods to Dovie, extending an arm in order to try to give her a quick side hug, &#8220;Looking forward to it!&#8221; She offers another nod to Gail. &#8220;It has been a long time. I think the last time I saw you was when I was in the Supernatural History Museum.&#8221; She wiggles her phone at the woman. &#8220;I&#8217;ll text.&#8221; She walks past Derek, exclaiming, &#8220;They are!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Alice uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">4<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Alice loudly declares, &#8220;Eighteen! Stand!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I wondered the same last round,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Arachne<\/span> tells Aeryn and Dovie, sitting pretty in the seventeen club with Gail. And then, of course, Alice outdos them and the monarch is sighing delicately. &#8220;Well, even my luck runs out some time.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> taps on her lips with a knowing look as Seraphina mentions that and nods very slowly, &#8220;I do believe so, yes&#8230;&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Hester huffs and gathers all of herself, the lot of it, back up to take her turn. &#8220;So I just have to not bust.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> chuckles, nodding at Hester. &#8220;Yes though at some point the game has to end.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Hester thumbs her phone and twiddles the thumbs. <\/p>\n<p>Hester uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">Ace<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Hester uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fff61e\"><span style=\"color:#faf229\">t<span style=\"color:#f5ef34\">h<span style=\"color:#f0eb3f\">e<span style=\"color:#ebe84a\"> <span style=\"color:#e6e555\">7<span style=\"color:#e1e160\"><span style=\"color:#dcde6b\"> <span style=\"color:#d7db76\">o<span style=\"color:#d2d781\">f<span style=\"color:#ced48c\"> <span style=\"color:#c9d097\">D<span style=\"color:#c4cda2\">i<span style=\"color:#bfcaad\"><span style=\"color:#bac6b8\">a<span style=\"color:#b5c3c3\">m<span style=\"color:#b0c0ce\">o<span style=\"color:#abbcd9\">n<span style=\"color:#a6b9e4\">d<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>&#8220;Hasn&#8217;t yet,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> shakes her head in Arachne&#8217;s direction. &#8220;There&#8217;s another round.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Hester heaves a breathy, &#8220;Fffuuuudge- oh this isn&#8217;t 17?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Alice says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Aces are eleven or one.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>Hester chews on her bottom lip, and goes again. &#8220;Alright, let&#8217;s not be scared..&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Hester uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">5<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Ambrose watches on placidly, head tilting a bit to the side in silent consideration of the cards. <\/p>\n<p>Hester says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Again.. <\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>Hester uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">Queen<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Malin stresses to Hester, &#8220;You need to do a Britney Spears impression and yell, &#8216;Hit me, baby, one more time!'&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Seraphina pauses by Ambrose a moment and leans in to ask, &#8220;Come with me? I wanted to talk to you about something.&#8221; She does look back to the game, and then to Ambrose, &#8220;Unless you want to see who wins. We can always chat another time. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> chuckles at Malin. <\/p>\n<p>Hester gives a pinched look as the shuffler ultimately betrays her. A sullen look dims her face as she turns to Malin. &#8220;&#8230; Who&#8217;s Britney Spears?&#8221; And she leaves that hanging for a long while, before a cheeky, &#8220;Heh. Just kidding. That&#8217;s the Smurf lady, right?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Derek squints down at his phone for a beat, as if zoned in on something for a moment before he looks up cluelessly. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Huh? Oh.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> mumbles, before he goes to be dealt. <\/p>\n<p>Derek uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#1effb2\"><span style=\"color:#24fbb5\">t<span style=\"color:#2bf7b8\">h<span style=\"color:#32f3bb\"><span style=\"color:#39efbf\">e<span style=\"color:#40ebc2\"><span style=\"color:#47e7c5\"> <span style=\"color:#4ee4c8\">King<span style=\"color:#55e0cc\"> <span style=\"color:#5cdccf\"><span style=\"color:#63d8d2\">o<span style=\"color:#6ad4d5\">f<span style=\"color:#71d0d9\"> <span style=\"color:#78cddc\"><span style=\"color:#7fc9df\">C<span style=\"color:#86c5e2\">l<span style=\"color:#8dc1e6\"><span style=\"color:#94bde9\">u<span style=\"color:#9bb9ec\">b<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Derek uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fff61e\"><span style=\"color:#faf229\">t<span style=\"color:#f5ef34\">h<span style=\"color:#f0eb3f\">e<span style=\"color:#ebe84a\"> <span style=\"color:#e6e555\">10<span style=\"color:#e1e160\"><span style=\"color:#dcde6b\"> <span style=\"color:#d7db76\">o<span style=\"color:#d2d781\">f<span style=\"color:#ced48c\"> <span style=\"color:#c9d097\">D<span style=\"color:#c4cda2\">i<span style=\"color:#bfcaad\"><span style=\"color:#bac6b8\">a<span style=\"color:#b5c3c3\">m<span style=\"color:#b0c0ce\">o<span style=\"color:#abbcd9\">n<span style=\"color:#a6b9e4\">d<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Derek says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Stand. <\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods at Derek and announces. &#8220;The field is slightly smaller now, next round is Arachne, Gail, Alice, and Derek!&#8221; She goes to adjust the board. <\/p>\n<p>Belatedly, <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Ambrose&#8217;s<\/span> attention does peel off the cards to Seraphina after he&#8217;s addressed. &#8220;Mmnh?&#8221; Another beat of consideration, a look back toward the game, and back to her. &#8220;I can find out later. Too daytime regardless,&#8221; before he turns wholesale toward her to follow. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> looks to Arachne. &#8220;Your 17 awaits, methinks,&#8221; she chuckles. <\/p>\n<p>Malin forms a heart shape with both hands, positioning them before her modest chest as she rocks that choreography back and forth. &#8220;I have so much to teach you,&#8221; she says to Hester. <\/p>\n<p>Aeryn stares at her straw with the look of a woman betrayed. Clear holes mar the plastic, and her nose wrinkles with a frown. &#8220;Damn this&#8230;.&#8221; Still, she&#8217;s taking another drink, stabbing a boba on the tip of her fang. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> nudges the backs of her knuckles against her throat, smirking, &#8220;Indeed. I think. Five-Four-Eight this time? That&#8217;s my guess.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Arachne uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">4<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Arachne uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">7<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Alice says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Come on, six&#8230;<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>Malin eyes Hester for a few moments and then says, &#8220;We need to get you in a red, vinyl catsuit and we can re-film the Toxic music video.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Seraphina wanders out of the shop humming a familiar (to most) song. Thanks Malin. <\/p>\n<p>Derek says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Literally. <\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>Arachne uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">10<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> claps for Arachne as she hits 21! <\/p>\n<p>Alice says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">WOW. <\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>Aeryn claps her hands. &#8220;Hah. Very nice.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Hester dopily smiles at Malin, friendly as the Swede is to her. &#8220;I&#8217;d be open to lessons still!&#8221; she assures, except the next thing to come out of the other makes her look like she wanted to eat the words right back up. &#8220;.. ehm, m-maybe when I&#8217;m 3,000 pounds lighter..&#8221; she croaks. <\/p>\n<p>Alice laments, &#8220;The seventeen curse is broken!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> pouts her lips, eyelids lowered, &#8220;Awh&#8230; and here we&#8217;ve broken her streak.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>For his part, <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> doesn&#8217;t seem all that surprised, a slight smile crossing his expression as he presents a golf-clap for Arachne. &#8220;Well done, then.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t you dare talk shit about Britney, bitch.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> chastises Hester from where he was in a brief, crepe-induced coma. <\/p>\n<p>Gail uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#1effb2\"><span style=\"color:#24fbb5\">t<span style=\"color:#2bf7b8\">h<span style=\"color:#32f3bb\"><span style=\"color:#39efbf\">e<span style=\"color:#40ebc2\"><span style=\"color:#47e7c5\"> <span style=\"color:#4ee4c8\">10<span style=\"color:#55e0cc\"> <span style=\"color:#5cdccf\"><span style=\"color:#63d8d2\">o<span style=\"color:#6ad4d5\">f<span style=\"color:#71d0d9\"> <span style=\"color:#78cddc\"><span style=\"color:#7fc9df\">C<span style=\"color:#86c5e2\">l<span style=\"color:#8dc1e6\"><span style=\"color:#94bde9\">u<span style=\"color:#9bb9ec\">b<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Malin sings out loudly, right at Hester, &#8220;Don&#8217;t you know that I&#8217;m toxiiiic!&#8221; She shakes her head, though, insisting in a speaking voice, &#8220;It&#8217;ll help you lose weight. We can dance our arses off. Plus vinyl will make you sweat an ungodly amount and will help.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Gail uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">King<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> smiles to Dovie with one brow inclined, &#8220;Think I&#8217;ll stay on those two, hun. Do love my ten-king pair. Not a single blackjack tonight, though, hm?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Arachne melts back within her chair, one thigh draped over the other as she inspects her perfect manicure. &#8220;The Queen of the Illusium Court remains undefeated thus far,&#8221; she announces in feigned haughtiness toward Gail, barely suppressing her amusement at Derek&#8217;s golf-clap. &#8220;At least you benefit if I win, Derek.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Alice uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">4<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Alice uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">8<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Alice uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fff61e\"><span style=\"color:#faf229\">t<span style=\"color:#f5ef34\">h<span style=\"color:#f0eb3f\">e<span style=\"color:#ebe84a\"> <span style=\"color:#e6e555\">2<span style=\"color:#e1e160\"><span style=\"color:#dcde6b\"> <span style=\"color:#d7db76\">o<span style=\"color:#d2d781\">f<span style=\"color:#ced48c\"> <span style=\"color:#c9d097\">D<span style=\"color:#c4cda2\">i<span style=\"color:#bfcaad\"><span style=\"color:#bac6b8\">a<span style=\"color:#b5c3c3\">m<span style=\"color:#b0c0ce\">o<span style=\"color:#abbcd9\">n<span style=\"color:#a6b9e4\">d<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Alice uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fff61e\"><span style=\"color:#faf229\">t<span style=\"color:#f5ef34\">h<span style=\"color:#f0eb3f\">e<span style=\"color:#ebe84a\"> <span style=\"color:#e6e555\">King<span style=\"color:#e1e160\"><span style=\"color:#dcde6b\"> <span style=\"color:#d7db76\">o<span style=\"color:#d2d781\">f<span style=\"color:#ced48c\"> <span style=\"color:#c9d097\">D<span style=\"color:#c4cda2\">i<span style=\"color:#bfcaad\"><span style=\"color:#bac6b8\">a<span style=\"color:#b5c3c3\">m<span style=\"color:#b0c0ce\">o<span style=\"color:#abbcd9\">n<span style=\"color:#a6b9e4\">d<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Alice collapses onto the table. &#8220;Ugh.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> grins at Arachne, shoulders hunching as she snickers and covers her lips, &#8220;Undeposed&#8230; for now.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Derek tilts his head with mute curiosity to Arachne&#8217;s comment, seseming to think that one over for a moment, before he looks to Alice. &#8220;Ouch. Twenty-four.&#8221; he muses with a click of his tongue. <\/p>\n<p>Derek uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fff61e\"><span style=\"color:#faf229\">t<span style=\"color:#f5ef34\">h<span style=\"color:#f0eb3f\">e<span style=\"color:#ebe84a\"> <span style=\"color:#e6e555\">10<span style=\"color:#e1e160\"><span style=\"color:#dcde6b\"> <span style=\"color:#d7db76\">o<span style=\"color:#d2d781\">f<span style=\"color:#ced48c\"> <span style=\"color:#c9d097\">D<span style=\"color:#c4cda2\">i<span style=\"color:#bfcaad\"><span style=\"color:#bac6b8\">a<span style=\"color:#b5c3c3\">m<span style=\"color:#b0c0ce\">o<span style=\"color:#abbcd9\">n<span style=\"color:#a6b9e4\">d<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Derek uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">Queen<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Derek says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">20, stand.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>Hester drops her jaw when August calls her the B-word, the reference sadly flying riiight over this youth&#8217;s head. &#8220;What did you call me??&#8221; gasps the chunky one, aghast. &#8220;Wh-what is that, zumba lessons now, miss?&#8221; she nasally asks Malin, caution in her tone. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Alright, down to only three. Arachne, Gail, and Derek!!&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> announces. <\/p>\n<p>Malin looks up from her phone and gazes at Hester. &#8220;This is way better than Zumba! It&#8217;s like&#8230;&#8221; She begins to gesticulate wildly. &#8220;Hestlinoomba,&#8221; the woman pairs their names together and throws in the suffix. &#8220;And it&#8217;s going to be amazing.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Malin looks to Dovie, &#8220;You work with vinyl?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;August, dear, are you prepared to give a massage?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> muses to the crepe-laden Pierce, his attention drifting back to the cards and Dovie with mute interest. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods at Malin. &#8220;I can, yes.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>August purses his lips at Derek over his phone while texting, and makes a kissy-face at Derek. &#8220;Anytime for you, baby.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> adjusts the board. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> titters as she watches Derek and August, &#8220;Adorable&#8230;&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Oh my goodness,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Hester<\/span> woozily murmurs, forehead meeting her palm in the wake of Malin being Malin. <\/p>\n<p>Derek blinks once or twice, staring for a moment at August before he snorts, something of a goofy smile crossing his expression. <\/p>\n<p>Malin mmms softly, nodding at Hester. &#8220;This is going to be freaking fantastic,&#8221; she coos out. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;.. you&#8217;ve been watching too many replays of that chubby Chinese mermaid,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Hester<\/span> weakly shudders at Malin, gripping at her mushroom crepe. Her one small victory is forgetting she was eating. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> hums toward Arachne, sitting up in her chair a bit and drumming her sparkly nails against the tabletop, &#8220;Oh Queen of the Illusium Court? Contestors to your title are waiting to have their chance.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Alice leans back at her table, resting happily now that she&#8217;s out of the running, and she&#8217;ll only owe a couple favors&#8230; she sips her latte, watching the rest of the game continue. <\/p>\n<p>Malin gazes at Hester, trying to think, but then she gasps. &#8220;Oh! That guy who does the underwater show stuff?!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Derek says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Wait, so whose turn is it&#8230;?<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>Arachne uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">7<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Arachne uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#1effb2\"><span style=\"color:#24fbb5\">t<span style=\"color:#2bf7b8\">h<span style=\"color:#32f3bb\"><span style=\"color:#39efbf\">e<span style=\"color:#40ebc2\"><span style=\"color:#47e7c5\"> <span style=\"color:#4ee4c8\">Jack<span style=\"color:#55e0cc\"> <span style=\"color:#5cdccf\"><span style=\"color:#63d8d2\">o<span style=\"color:#6ad4d5\">f<span style=\"color:#71d0d9\"> <span style=\"color:#78cddc\"><span style=\"color:#7fc9df\">C<span style=\"color:#86c5e2\">l<span style=\"color:#8dc1e6\"><span style=\"color:#94bde9\">u<span style=\"color:#9bb9ec\">b<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> sighs, &#8220;The dreaded seventeen returns.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> gasps. &#8220;The 17 strikes again!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> eyes August, &#8220;I don&#8217;t think she stands anythin&#8217; to gain from it, hun&#8217;.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Malin starts swiping and tapping across the screen of her smartphone, pulling up a video of the overweight Chinese dude in his merman costume. She nods her approval. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Y.. yes,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Hester<\/span> reluctantly confirms for Malin, turning to the 17 that once again poses its threat. <\/p>\n<p>Malin points at Hester, not unlike an accusing lawyer. &#8220;You&#8217;re going to be famous!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Malin,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Arachne<\/span> calls upon Malin with just an edge of weight to her voice. &#8220;Focus. I&#8217;m phoning you in. Hit or stand?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Please no, I don&#8217;t like people looking at me,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Hester<\/span> groans at Malin, deflating in her table spot and seeking relief in her phone. To watch the same chubby merman on Youtube. <\/p>\n<p>Malin does have a terrible time trying to focus, but Arachne snaps her out of it for a moment. &#8220;Hmm? If you don&#8217;t want to stand, you have to say a Britney Spears lyric out loud!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> lowers her eyelids as she watches Arachne&#8217;s hand and then steals glances over at Dovie, &#8220;Hardly a reason to&#8230;&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> laughs at Malin&#8217;s ask. <\/p>\n<p>Malin wets her lips, peering over at Hester again. &#8220;Let&#8217;s have you hold some really distracting, like a sausage or something, and then people will be looking at that the whole time instead.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Arachne turns away from Malin, promptly ignoring her again. &#8220;I&#8217;ll stand,&#8221; she decides to Dovie, resting easy on her lucky number seventeen yet again. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August<\/span> relays to Arachne, but he&#8217;s soon standing up, &#8220;I&#8217;m gonna dip, there&#8217;s a meeting in five and that&#8217;s how long it&#8217;ll take me to drive.&#8221; A small wave at the table, and &#8211; wait, when did he get those two crepes in his other hand? They&#8217;re already a burrito, two-in-one! A crepe with a crepe filling! &#8220;Whoever wins,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">August&#8217;s<\/span> hand slips into his pocket to peel out a couple of bills to lay on the table and slide towards Dovie, &#8220;They can have my money instead of the massage, I change my mind about the IOU.&#8221; And off he goes, stuffing his face in his stride. <\/p>\n<p>Gail uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fff61e\"><span style=\"color:#faf229\">t<span style=\"color:#f5ef34\">h<span style=\"color:#f0eb3f\">e<span style=\"color:#ebe84a\"> <span style=\"color:#e6e555\">3<span style=\"color:#e1e160\"><span style=\"color:#dcde6b\"> <span style=\"color:#d7db76\">o<span style=\"color:#d2d781\">f<span style=\"color:#ced48c\"> <span style=\"color:#c9d097\">D<span style=\"color:#c4cda2\">i<span style=\"color:#bfcaad\"><span style=\"color:#bac6b8\">a<span style=\"color:#b5c3c3\">m<span style=\"color:#b0c0ce\">o<span style=\"color:#abbcd9\">n<span style=\"color:#a6b9e4\">d<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Gail uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">2<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Gail uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">9<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Gail uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">Queen<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Derek says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">The dreaded 24 returns.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>Derek uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#1effb2\"><span style=\"color:#24fbb5\">t<span style=\"color:#2bf7b8\">h<span style=\"color:#32f3bb\"><span style=\"color:#39efbf\">e<span style=\"color:#40ebc2\"><span style=\"color:#47e7c5\"> <span style=\"color:#4ee4c8\">5<span style=\"color:#55e0cc\"> <span style=\"color:#5cdccf\"><span style=\"color:#63d8d2\">o<span style=\"color:#6ad4d5\">f<span style=\"color:#71d0d9\"> <span style=\"color:#78cddc\"><span style=\"color:#7fc9df\">C<span style=\"color:#86c5e2\">l<span style=\"color:#8dc1e6\"><span style=\"color:#94bde9\">u<span style=\"color:#9bb9ec\">b<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Derek uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">Jack<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Derek says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Is this the last round, then? Or do we continue until someone busts?<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>Malin isn&#8217;t even on drugs this time around. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Ehm.. whoever wins, just text me. I&#8217;m alembic mind on MyHaven,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Hester<\/span> startles and stands when someone makes to go as well. She hurriedly pat-pat-pats Jenny on the head on her way out. And for some reason, forgets Derek. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Ehm.. whoever wins, just text me. I&#8217;m alembic mind on MyHaven,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Hester<\/span> startles and stands when the Pierce makes to go as well. She hurriedly pat-pat-pats Jenny on the head on her way out. And for some reason, forgets Derek. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> sighs deeply, &#8220;The dreaded twenty-four indeed.&#8221; She smiles sidelong to Derek with a low lid of her eyes, &#8220;Guess I owe someone a truth.&#8221; She gazes at Arachne after, sitting up prim and straight as she waits for the grudge match to reach its conclusion. <\/p>\n<p>Derek squints, before he decides, &#8220;Stand.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Malin smacks her lips together, raising both eyebrows and when Derek says &#8216;stand&#8217; she automatically straightens her posture, to stand a little taller, as if it was a command. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> stares at Derek, &#8220;You can&#8217;t stand on a fifteen, hun. That just means you lose&#8230;&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Derek says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Is that true. Hm.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>Derek uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">5<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Derek says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Okay, I&#8217;ll stand on 20. Again.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> giggles silently, sighing pleasantly after. <\/p>\n<p>Malin gasps, and she claps in a delighted manner for Derek. &#8220;Yay, the People&#8217;s Boyfriend!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> nods, looking between Arachne and Derek. &#8220;Fairchild versus Fairchild! Arachne versus Derek! First one to bust loses! I&#8217;m going to institute that you have to hit on a 16 or less since we&#8217;re getting towards the end!&#8221; She looks to Arachne, &#8220;Your turn, dear Summer Monarch!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I need to run, thank you so much Dovie. Whoever wins, text me for what I owe.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Aeryn<\/span> beams a smile to Arachne, &#8220;I&#8217;ll get in touch with you about a fitting,&#8221; she promises, and then stands to head out. <\/p>\n<p>Jenny stands up as the game starts, hanging around until the last cards are drawn but she starts giving a wave as she lingers near the door <\/p>\n<p>Derek smirks over at Gail, melting back into his seat as he looks over to Arachne, his gaze flitting to Aeryn as he lifts a hand to wave once or twice. &#8220;Bye, Aeryn. Nice seeing you &#8211; let me know when you have your new lineups ready to model.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Arachne uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">Queen<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Arachne uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">5<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Aeryn waves and out she goes. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> inclines her brow, &#8220;Oh? Could it be? The Queen of Seventeen is about to see her empire crumble?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Two.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> attempts to call the next card with dry amusement. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Stelle<\/span> rapid fires her thumbs across her phone, huffing. <\/p>\n<p>Arachne presses her mouth into a quiet line, an edgewise glance flung at Gail&#8217;s commentary. She lets no one pressure her, leaning forward to draw the next card. But before she does so, she calls back to Stelle, &#8220;This one is for you, American Barbie.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Now that <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Malin<\/span> has lost those she was terrorizing on a psychological level, just a little bit, she&#8217;s looking for her next victim, and spots Stelle. &#8220;Hey,&#8221; she interrupts. &#8220;How are you?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Arachne uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">4<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> tuts, &#8220;She never misses, does she?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> claps for Arachne. &#8220;Derek, you&#8217;re up!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Derek looks over to Arachne&#8217;s card, humming, before he goes to draw. <\/p>\n<p>Derek uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">Jack<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Derek uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fff61e\"><span style=\"color:#faf229\">t<span style=\"color:#f5ef34\">h<span style=\"color:#f0eb3f\">e<span style=\"color:#ebe84a\"> <span style=\"color:#e6e555\">Jack<span style=\"color:#e1e160\"><span style=\"color:#dcde6b\"> <span style=\"color:#d7db76\">o<span style=\"color:#d2d781\">f<span style=\"color:#ced48c\"> <span style=\"color:#c9d097\">D<span style=\"color:#c4cda2\">i<span style=\"color:#bfcaad\"><span style=\"color:#bac6b8\">a<span style=\"color:#b5c3c3\">m<span style=\"color:#b0c0ce\">o<span style=\"color:#abbcd9\">n<span style=\"color:#a6b9e4\">d<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Derek says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Two jacks; stand.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>Derek says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">On twenty. Again.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Stelle<\/span> might have been preparing a response but the two face cards shown gives her pause and she returns to her phone, smiling faintly. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> shakes her head. &#8220;You two&#8230; Alright, Arachne, your turn to draw a new hand.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Derek smirks over to Arachne. &#8220;The number twenty favors me.&#8221; he supposes with a vague little roll of his shoulders. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It favors you no more than it does me. I had it last round,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Arachne<\/span> muses toward Derek, reaching to draw again. <\/p>\n<p>Arachne uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">Jack<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Arachne uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">Queen<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Malin stares at Stelle very hard between each text she&#8217;s sending off. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve had it for four in a row.&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> muses as Arachne draws a twenty. &#8220;&#8230;Hm.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> leans her cheeks into her palms, elbows on the table. She gives Arachne a tired, but wry look, smirking slightly, &#8220;Don&#8217;t you two get tired of winning?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Derek uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">Queen<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Derek uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fff61e\"><span style=\"color:#faf229\">t<span style=\"color:#f5ef34\">h<span style=\"color:#f0eb3f\">e<span style=\"color:#ebe84a\"> <span style=\"color:#e6e555\">Jack<span style=\"color:#e1e160\"><span style=\"color:#dcde6b\"> <span style=\"color:#d7db76\">o<span style=\"color:#d2d781\">f<span style=\"color:#ced48c\"> <span style=\"color:#c9d097\">D<span style=\"color:#c4cda2\">i<span style=\"color:#bfcaad\"><span style=\"color:#bac6b8\">a<span style=\"color:#b5c3c3\">m<span style=\"color:#b0c0ce\">o<span style=\"color:#abbcd9\">n<span style=\"color:#a6b9e4\">d<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Derek says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Twenty, stand.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> simply stares. <\/p>\n<p>Derek says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">And mark five in a row.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> glances to the right at Derek. <\/p>\n<p>Jenny says &#8220;<span style=\"color:#00afff\">Lady luck is truly in this room.<\/span>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I will never tire of winning,&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Arachne<\/span> says in aside to Gail, eyes drifting back to Derek. &#8220;You may forfeit, Derek. None would fault you for bowing in deference to your liege and Queen.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> speaks in her breathy tone of voice, &#8220;I would fault him, but what good is an interloper&#8217;s opinion in royal affairs?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Arachne uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">King<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Arachne uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fff61e\"><span style=\"color:#faf229\">t<span style=\"color:#f5ef34\">h<span style=\"color:#f0eb3f\">e<span style=\"color:#ebe84a\"> <span style=\"color:#e6e555\">Ace<span style=\"color:#e1e160\"><span style=\"color:#dcde6b\"> <span style=\"color:#d7db76\">o<span style=\"color:#d2d781\">f<span style=\"color:#ced48c\"> <span style=\"color:#c9d097\">D<span style=\"color:#c4cda2\">i<span style=\"color:#bfcaad\"><span style=\"color:#bac6b8\">a<span style=\"color:#b5c3c3\">m<span style=\"color:#b0c0ce\">o<span style=\"color:#abbcd9\">n<span style=\"color:#a6b9e4\">d<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> gasps. <\/p>\n<p>Arachne smiles triumphantly at Derek. &#8220;You cannot say that I didn&#8217;t give you a chance to be spared from the sting of defeat, baby cousin.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Why would I forfeit when I&#8217;m doing so well?&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Derek<\/span> states with an amused glint in his eye, looking over to Arachne with curiosity, then adding, &#8220;Though of course, there is a massage at stake.&#8221; He lifts a brow at Arachne&#8217;s 21, then. &#8220;Mm.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Derek uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#fbb7ef\"><span style=\"color:#f6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#f1b6ef\">h<span style=\"color:#ecb6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#e8b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#e3b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#deb6ef\">Queen<span style=\"color:#dab6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#d5b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#d0b6ef\">o<span style=\"color:#ccb6ef\">f<span style=\"color:#c7b6ef\"> <span style=\"color:#c2b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#beb6ef\">H<span style=\"color:#b9b6ef\">e<span style=\"color:#b4b6ef\">a<span style=\"color:#b0b6ef\"><span style=\"color:#abb6ef\">r<span style=\"color:#a6b6ef\">t<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/>Derek uses a <span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">a<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">ut<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">ma<span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">t<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\">ed<span style=\"color:#85cae1\"> <span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">pl<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">yi<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">ng<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\"> <span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">ca<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">r<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">d <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">s<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\">hu<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">f<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">fl<span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">er\/span>\/span<\/span: <span style=\"color:#fffdd0\">T<span style=\"color:#f5f9d1\">h<span style=\"color:#ecf5d2\">e<span style=\"color:#e2f1d4\"> <span style=\"color:#d9edd5\">d<span style=\"color:#d0e9d6\">e<span style=\"color:#c6e5d8\">a<span style=\"color:#bde1d9\">l<span style=\"color:#b4ddda\">e<span style=\"color:#aad9dc\">r <span style=\"color:#a1d6dd\">l<span style=\"color:#97d2df\">a<span style=\"color:#8ecee0\">y<span style=\"color:#85cae1\">s<span style=\"color:#7bc6e3\"> <span style=\"color:#72c2e4\">o<span style=\"color:#69bee5\">u<span style=\"color:#5fbae7\">t<span style=\"color:#56b6e8\">.<span style=\"color:#4db3ea\">.. <span style=\"color:#4c58ea\"><span style=\"color:#505cea\">t<span style=\"color:#5561ea\">h<span style=\"color:#5966ea\">e<span style=\"color:#5e6beb\"><span style=\"color:#6270eb\"> <span style=\"color:#6775eb\">Jack<span style=\"color:#6b7aec\"> <span style=\"color:#707fec\"><span style=\"color:#7484ec\">o<span style=\"color:#7989ed\">f<span style=\"color:#7d8eed\"> <span style=\"color:#8293ed\"><span style=\"color:#8698ee\">S<span style=\"color:#8b9dee\">p<span style=\"color:#8fa2ee\">a<span style=\"color:#94a7ef\"><span style=\"color:#98acef\">d<span style=\"color:#9db1ef\">e<span style=\"color:#a2b6f0\">s\/span>\/span<\/span\n\n<br \/><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> gasps again. &#8220;Arachne wins!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Alice looks up from her phone, where she&#8217;s furiously typing, and sweetly says, &#8220;Good job, Miss Arachne,&#8221; putting on the charms a little heavy. &#8220;I owe you a ride on Sunday Brunch, whenever you&#8217;d like!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s a crackle of glass as <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Stelle&#8217;s<\/span> arm tenses, head shaking as she wanders off towards the exit rather abruptly. <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> tells the group. &#8220;Arachne is owed a hand or shoulder massage from Aeryn, an answer of a single question from Gail, 15 minutes of hype from Seraphina, a ride from myself and Alice both, an assistant for an event in Jenny, and dares with Derek and Hester!&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Gail<\/span> smirks sidelong to Arachne with a lid of her eyes, &#8220;And I a truth for you to tug on. You have my number, don&#8217;t you, Arachne?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Derek sighs. &#8220;Fiiiiine.&#8221; he draws out, before adding, &#8220;I was tired of winning anyway.&#8221; after losing, propping himself from his seat &#8211; but not before eating the rest of his crepe. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Thank you everyone for coming and bearing with testing out a slightly different mechanic too. I&#8217;m going to have to head off, but I appreciate you all, and will hold more gambling in the future!&#8221; <span style=\"color:#ffffff\">Dovie<\/span> calls out. <br 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