[ Shen is in the process of picking out his victim volunteer from the audience when one very eagerly presents himself, jumping into the ring. A part of him appreciates the enthusiasm while another is disappointed that he's lost the opportunity to summon forth someone much more reluctant. Of course, his greeting is nothing but genial. ]

Ah, but it is a pleasure to meet such courage! I am Lord Shen.

[ The peacock fans his wings, bending slightly at the knees to give the semblance of a bow even if his neck remains perfectly straight and his eyes continue to meet Kerubim's. That bit of showmanship done, he tucks one wing behind his back and opens the other in a beckoning gesture. Should the other come close enough, Shen will favor him with its weight, smiling as well as a beak can. ]

Now Master Crepin, you have my curiosity. A master adventurer such as yourself surely has many experiences to share, after all.

[ In the shadows behind them, there is the sound of movement, of footsteps and the rolling of something heavy. ]

Unfortunately, time is not our own right now, so I'll have to limit myself to one question. What's the most you've ever lost on a wager?