[This time there's a soft chuckle.]

Funny how those people get attached to us whether we want them to or not. But the world needs people like them to help protect everyone else.

...but that ideal world sounds nice. [They ponder that.] I'd like to make something like that happen.

You want my stance on the killing thing. [Unsurprising, yeah.] I haven't figured out if it's against the rules or not, but if it came down to it I'd step in myself. You don't think I'm keeping an eye on the others?

Easy there. I never said it was a bad thing. [Especially because, well:] I'd rather not have you guys knocking out the competition in a bloodsport, but if push comes to shove I'll take care of things myself somehow.

[That's maybe a little fucked up for the god of Merriment, but.] I don't believe in murder, especially when so many of you have barely even started living. But I'm pretty protective of what's mine.

That just means it'll be interesting. Shoot. [But good, at least they...can...agree on that? Great.]

Mm...I might be able to help you out if you were aligned with me. Might. Or I might be able to help you out if you did something for me.

[There's a pause.] ...but just because I can't help you doesn't mean I don't know who can. Try talking to Justice. He should be able to figure out an override if you ask him real nice. Tell him I sent you if that helps.

[...okay, he's gotta ask.] Do you know why I'm sending you to Justice?

No, that's...well, you can confirm that with Justice, I'm not sure. [A huff of laughter follows that.] So you've read up on all of the powers?

Thaaat may have just been because you're hers. Our power over this game is more effective for our own followers than for other people. But just like people, we all have our own traits and strategies that'll help us in the game, yeah.

Love knowing how to undo curses isn't that surprising either.

Just trust me? [It's one of those "I cannot say because of these goddamn rules" things, Ray.] Justice...is a really good kid. He'll be happy to find a loophole for you to that particular rule. That's all I'm saying.

Talking to him and giving him something to do is one of the best offerings you can give him. Kids close to his age to play with and spend time with. You don't have to offer much but just make sure you mean it instead of using him.

[Or Merriment will absolutely smite you, thanks.]

Oh I don't either. [Factually. Calmly. They examine the board in front of them instead.] Eager kid, great kid...but it's a lot of responsibility that I'm not sure he could handle.

[There's a snort though.] And I suppose you're gonna say you're closer to my age instead?

And yet you want to take a console out of this room...why? [Don't go play video games by yourself you weirdo.]