cogitationbox | Test Me Out: Frederick Edition

[When she decided to team with this guy, she never thought he'd turn out to be so dedicated to the cause. No, it's more like, she didn't expect him to be so worried about her. It's natural for partners to look out for each other in battle, but after that, it's every man for himself.

She thinks on that as she uses the moment of downtime to inspect the injury she received during that last battle due to her own carelessness. A gash on her forearm, deeper than she'd initially thought. Normally she'd just use magic to heal it, but wouldn't that look pretty suspicious? Either way, this guy seems like the type to get all worked up about something minor like this, so she tries to speak up before he can--]

Aahh, I can't believe it. Even as rookie I never screwed up like that, y'know.

[She rolls her shoulders.]

Well, it's not like anything actually happened 'cause of it.

(ooc: hope this is okay for a start! c: if there's anything you want me to change just let me know.)

[While her fighting style - and certainly her combat attire - were both relatively new to Frederick, there were a few things he could tell off the bat. First, whomever was in charge of maintenance of her battle outfit did quite the job. Second, and far more importantly, there was simply no way she was any manner of novice. Though he lacks the discerning eye of a true strategist, years of practice on and off the battlefield are more than enough to let him know that she's more than just some big-headed rookie waltzing onto the battlefield for the first time, despite her apparent age]

[Then again, in a world where tiny girls can turn into powerful dragons, he'd long since become careful about judging by appearances]

[Nevertheless, he's aware of the skills she possesses - which makes him doubly aware of the fact that she took quite the nasty hit due to carelessness. No matter how skilled, one should never take their eye off the battle. Still, her injury has put him into a minor inner conflict. On the one hand, no wound should go untreated, and regardless of the cause her health is paramount. On the other hand, a brief lecture about the perils of losing focus is in order]

[After the briefest internal debate, he splits the difference between worry and lecture]

Still, any wound is cause for concern, regardless of cause or severity. Are there any healers in the area you know of? I myself lack proficiency with the healing arts, and I'd rather not give it time to get any worse.

[This guy is more serious than she initially thought he would be. Well, he's a military guy or whatever, so maybe it's only natural for him to take this sort of thing seriously. To his response, she merely shrugs. As far as healing goes, Sayaka ranks up there with the best of them, but...]

Only one I know of's busy playing hero a few towns over. If you leave something like this alone, it'll heal up on it's own, y'know.

[She offers a dismissive wave of her hand before she locks her hands behind her head.]

[It's only natural for him to take a wound seriously - after all, he's from a land where, though magic is real, no one is invulnerable and death is horribly permanent. However, after a few moments of thinking, Frederick mistakes her Kyoko-ness as an act of kindness. After all, too many of his compatriots would try to hide or downplay a wound to prevent their fellows from both worrying and feeling guilt over it]

[So after a moment, he nods and finally sheathes his sword]

I suppose it will. My apologies, I had thought you the impatient sort who would not wish to a wait for a wound to take care of itself. Clearly, I was mistaken.

[He bows his head slightly with his apology - yet another serious if sincere gesture from the serious if sincere knight]

[Coming from anyone else, Kyoko certainly would have taken that for an insult, but this guy is just too earnest for her to mistake it as anything but a sincere apology. She shakes her head, chuckling as she dismisses his concerns.]

Jeez. You don't have to be serious all the time, y'know.

[And it's back to that disarming smile, one that's really almost too happy for someone so serious]

I'm familiar with levity, it's just not something I engage in personally.

[That draws another laugh out of her, a casual grin spreading across her face.]

Yeah, but like, isn't it about time you started? It's not like it's gonna kill you to lighten up, y'know.

[He starts to wipe off his armor as best he can as they talk, unwilling to walk back into town covered in dirt and gore]

It's not as though I'm unhappy. I truly enjoy all of my duties as a knight. With that as the case, why change anything?

You say that now, but if If you don't mix things up and break the serious act, you're gonna be bored out of your mind before long.

[She stretches out, closing one eye as she stares at him.]

Getting so comfortable that you don't wanna change anything is a mistake too, y'know.

Bored? Hardly! Every day I find new ways I can contribute to those around me. Between that and training, who has time to get bored?

Besides, I wouldn't say my life has been completely devoid of change.

[For a brief moment he turns his attention from his armor right at her]

For example, we've been teaming together frequently as of late. That's a change.

[Ah. She hates to admit it, but he's got her there.]

Hah, I'd say that's not much of a change, but no matter where you are, it's almost impossible to find a competent partner.

[It's a show of her self-confidence and a compliment all in one.]

Most of them can't even figure out what teaming up with somebody means, y'know.

Really? That's quite a shame.

[If he feels a swell of pride from the compliment he doesn't show it, instead nodding to her to lead the way once he's satisfied with the state of his armor]

I'm afraid we don't share a similar burden there - those in the Shepherds all understand what it means to fight with a partner at your side. Perhaps your friends here simply need more training? I would be happy to assist, of course.

[She offers a slight shrug and starts walking, biting down on a piece of pocky as she considers his proposal.]

There's no cure for that kind of incompetence, y'know. 'Sides, it's not like I need a partner, y'know...working alone suits me just fine.

[Hello Fredrick. There is a very confused little boy at your side, clutching a piece of paper in his hands.]

Um... excuse me? Mr. Fredrick, sir?

[No Knight of Ylisse is too busy to help out the people, no matter how big or small they might be! He takes a moment to put down the stack of firewood he'd been carrying to who knows where, then takes a knee to give his undivided attention]

Yes, Benjamin? What seems to be the matter?

[It turns out that the paper is one the tasteful nude posters he'd put up like... everywhere.]

I...

[Jesus how is he even supposed to breach this sort of topic? This is utterly ridiculous...]

I found this in my room.

[And there's that famously disarming smile on his face as he looks at the poster]

Ah, fantastic! Did you find yourself inspired by milord's glorious visage and his entreatment to service?

[...............................

Wat.]

... W-What?

[He's just going to pretend he doesn't know what half of those words mean.]

[Hmm. Not the reaction he had hoped for]

Hmm, was it perhaps too potent a message? You've been stricken with silence from awe?

Awe of what, Mr. Fredrick? I... I don't think I understand.

[Except that you're batshit. He's got that much.]

[Oh wait, right! Little Benjamin is hardly a fighter. He simply doesn't have the warrior's spirit to alight yet]

It's okay, Benjamin. When you get older and should you gain a warrior's spirit, you'll understand better.

Suffice it to say the poster is a call to arms and action for all able bodied warriors of the realm!

[Sure, buddy. You just keep telling yourself that's what the problem here is. Still, he'll leave it there for now. Change the subject to something that has nothing to do with finding a poster of a nude man in his quarters.]

Do you think I'll be able to be a knight like you one day?

[Subject successfully changed, Benjamin! Well done]

But of course! I firmly believe that given the time and effort required, anyone can make themselves into the image of a fine knight.

Yourself included, Benjamin.

[Oh thank god.

He grins.]

Really? You think so?

Of course! And a good first step would be attending Frederick's Fanatical Fitness Hour, when you feel up to it.

[ITS A TRAP]

[Frederick's. Fanatical. Fitness. Hour.

W O W.]

That sounds kind of scary.

The only thing you have to fear is an unfit self!

I guess that's one way of looking at it.

[You crazy, crazy bastard...]

Of course, don't feel obligated. I merely suggested it if you seriously consider the path to knighthood.

Test Me Out: Frederick Edition

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