Following that other one... [video]

[runs_on_batteries]

If there are any kids- both big and small- who don't want to be alone right now, I'm making hot chocolate and blanket forts in the dining room.

Also, bring a blanket.

Comments

[madcuriosity]

[Maru you are not her first, and likely will not be her last, talking cat. At least Maru introduced himself.] Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Maru Puss, I hope you didn't mind my kissing you.

[sobothersome]

[Did he mind? Not particularly, it was just strange. So he shook his head. He didn't want her to feel embarrassed for doing it at all.

He gave a little purr.]

It's alright. I don't mind.

Are you okay though?

[madcuriosity]

[Alice will never feel embarrassed about kissing kitties. Kitties always deserve kisses.]

I... I'm not sure... I'm scared of the shadow man. He could be anywhere and decide I'm terribly naughty and need to be punished too.

[sobothersome]

I don't think it will. I don't think you're naughty enough for it to notice.

[He could have been wrong, of course, but he didn't think this girl had committed any crimes or murdered anyone. Looks could deceive though, so maybe?]

Besides, they'll find them soon.

No one's happy with the shadow guy. He's the naughty one who needs to be punished.

[madcuriosity]

[Alice lightly scratched behind Maru's ears, and then under his chin, looking off towards the door.]

I do try to do my best, but who is to say what this creature considers naughty... I mean... murder IS terribly naughty, to be sure. But he may think leaving the table before dessert may be just as terrible!

I do suppose that is the one good thing about this place, can't run or hide when there's only a train.

[sobothersome]

[His head tilted and then lifted, enjoying those little fingers petting him. It was so strange. So many years of none and now, here, almost everyone wanted to pet him.]

Before dessert...?

What about having dessert before a meal? That makes me more naughty than you.

[madcuriosity]

[Alice gasped.]

Kitty! What an absolutely brilliant idea! We can have dessert first together!

[sobothersome]

Dessert is the best part of a meal. [Maru said with a nod]

Sometimes that's my whole meal.

[madcuriosity]

It's certainly one of my favorites. [She giggled.]

How terribly clever of you, kitty.

[sobothersome]

What kind do you like best?

[Maru didn't think he was good at chit-chat, but he could talk about snacks all day and night if allowed to.]

[madcuriosity]

I like cakes and things with in fruit in them. My favorite fruits are cherries and pineapples! What about you, kitty?

[sobothersome]

I like cookies and cream ice cream. And ice cream cake. [Simple and delicious.] Cherries are good though. Cherry tarts are nice.

[madcuriosity]

Ice cream cake?! You can put ice cream in a cake? How! What does it taste like? I've never had ice cream cake before! I've had ice cream but never, not in a cake!

[sobothersome]

It tastes like cake, but without cream... it's ice cream. [He wondered if there was anyone on the train that could make one? It'd be nice if they could.] I don't know if we have something to make ice cream though...

[madcuriosity]

Do you think someone could make it? Do you think the train could get it in some way?

[sobothersome]

[Maru tilted his head and thought about that for a second.]

I could probably make some... if I had an ice cream maker. But there's a train shop you could buy it from as well.

[madcuriosity]

Really? Well, I would like to try some, is it better homemade or bought?

[sobothersome]

Uhh... Guess it depends. On who makes it. I'm not a good cook.

Maybe we could ask someone who is?