I pulled a stone out of the bowl, and rubbed it between my thumb and forefinger contemplatively. Internalizing the idea that every stone was meant to serve as representation of an army, a long time ago. Every stone, thousands of men.

My opponent, opposite side of the board, sat motionless. Waiting.

I asked another question.
"Do you think religion--?"

The stone-masked figure interrupted me, much to my surprise.
"I think you already asked me a similar question. When you asked me if I thought you were trying to humanize me."

My lips pressed together slowly in acknowledgment. I tried to stifle a smile.
And failed.

My company stood up, suddenly but without haste. With no words, they turned to leave.

"Are you going?"

I asked, rather obviously.

The blurry figure gave no pause, but responded in a familiar breathy whisper.
"We'll talk again. When you have enough questions to last us a few matches. Keep practicing."

And that was that.

10:25 p.m. - 2015-01-08