Cain beams at Frederick, his cheer entirely unscratched by any bit of miffed feelings. Just because there's no real offense doesn't mean he's not going to take the opportunity to have a friendly, exciting duel! Just like a real knight from out of a story!
[ Cain sets the tray down on the empty chair beside him. He pulls the jiggly corgie latte closer to him. He puts his fingers around the handle of the mug, preparing to lift it, and looks at Frederick expectantly. ]
Well? We can't have our drinking contest if you're not ready to drink.
[ In the name of the gods, what is this man speaking about? Even after he (poorly) explains the challenge, Fred's left sitting there, blinking owlishly as his gaze flits from the drinks to Cain. ]
I'm afraid I don't understand your meaning. Is the challenge to see who can drink this the fastest?
Not the fastest. That's no way to properly enjoy the flavor.
[ Then how, you may wonder, are you to properly judge a latte drinking contest? Have no fear, Cain's here to explain. He holds up a finger to make sure Frederick's paying proper attention. ]
It's whoever can hold the most dragons while drinking their coffee without spilling!
For the most part, Fred likes to think of himself as a sensible man. Not easily shaken, steadfast in his beliefs and his actions. This suggestion, however, defies every expectation he's had until now, and Fred honestly has to wonder if Cain is fully right in the head. ]
Are you certain that's a good idea? Surely the dragons themselves would not consent to such a thing.
[ Also: aren't dragons supposed to be big creatures? He really doesn't like big creatures, don't do this to him. ]
[ Grandly, Cain gestures around. Take it in, Frederick, there's a reason he'd asked to meet at his place of employment!
Miniature-sized dragons flit about, eating treats from patrons' hands. One is even nestled in a customer's lap, its tail flicking as it dreams a dragony dream of fiery destruction rained from above.
And Cain proclaims: ]
We're in the only place in Olympia where we can have such a fantastic duel!
[ Fantastic sure is one word for it. Not one he agrees with, mind, but....it sure is one word. And while he still doesn't think this is a particularly good idea, it would be ill-mannered of him to refuse.
Especially when Clair's honor is at stake. ]
Very well. [ With a DEEP INTERNAL SIGH. ] If this is the duel you wish for, then I accept.
[ Straightening in his chair, he looks directly at Cain. ]
The small dragons zoom, mouths all watering at the prospect of delicious goodies, and Frederick can't help but flinch as they zoom over his shoulder, crawl up the table legs, plop themselves on the flat surface and send the lattes shaking.
(Around them, the patrons titter and gasp among themselves, oh so curious as to what might be happening. Surely it'll be a good show, whatever it is!)
Once all the dragons arrive, he shakes his head in preparation, then attempts to gather them into his arms one by one. It proves very quickly to be a difficult process, the small dragons quickly slithering out of his grasp as soon as he gets one in his arms.
Obviously someone hasn't mastered the art of dragon collecting yet. ]
[ Cain, who's worked at the cafe for months, is not having nearly so many difficulties. He laughs as he scoops dragons up by the armful, depositing them in his lap. A few of them climb up onto his shoulders and he ignores them, lets them make their way up to his head and perch in his hair, ignoring them.
One drapes around his neck, sniffs, then flops down, evidently content to go right to sleep.
This may have been a bit of a loaded contest from the start... but at least he's willing to offer his opponent some tips. ]
They're not that delicate. You can treat them like cats.
[ If Frederick's learned anything from his adventures today, it's that he's never participating in a contest against Cain ever again. He frowns even deeper, looking almost offended as Cain offers a piece of useful advice. ]
I've never worked with either cats or dragons before.
[ Excuses. But the tip does help, and after another minute, he's actually a got a few dragons situated on his lap, with another curled around his neck and a fifth hanging off his left arm. There's still a few swarming around; presumably with enough time, he'll accumulate a few more.
Really? [ There's genuine surprise in Cain's voice. The dragons are unusual, sure, but... Cats. They get everywhere. Frederick's never even stopped to pet a stray? ] Ah... Then next time, we'll pick something a bit more fair.
[ That's right. Next time. Be afraid, Fred. Be very afraid.
But for now, Cain's satisfied enough, and he lifts his latte. With the heat of the coffee having melted it, the corgi butt jiggles even more wildly. ]
But let's get going. Three... two... one... start!
[ Ah, but Cain's already counting down and reaching for his mug, and Frederick, while hardly one to engage impulsively in every activity he passes by, still has something of a competitive streak in him. Dislodging a few dragons in his panic, he grabs his corgi latte and immediately attempts to down it—only to spit half of it out as the extremely hot liquid scalds his entire tongue.
A few more dragons flutter away, alarmed by the sudden spewing of coffee into the air.
He's definitely losing this duel, no doubt about it. ]
[ Ah, yes. Cain... may be cheating a little. A little more. That's what happens when you're pacted to the Emperor of Flames and have been practicing how to apply his handy fire powers. Such as how to suck some of the heat out of a latte to make it a drinkable temperature.
While Frederick's busy spitting half the latte out over the table and the dragons (some of whom just flap their wings and bathe in the heat of the liquid quite happily), Cain swallows his not-as-hot beverage down.
One swallow, two swallows, three swallows—
A few more, his throat working, and he slams the empty mug down onto the table. A ring of foam, all that's left of the corgi's wiggly butt, rings his mouth triumphantly. ]
[ Frederick doesn't even hear Cain's shout of victory, still too engrossed in trying to return the feeling back to his tongue to even notice that he's lost in a terrible fashion. Now that he's not violently flailing around, the dragons slowly return, some of them alighting on the table to lap up the spilled coffee droplets. (Hey, free food, why not?)
It takes him another handful of seconds to regain his composure, though he is by no means pleased by the outcome. ]
This hardly seemed like a fair fight to begin with...
[ But he keeps his pettiness to himself, for the most part, and utters the words in hushed tones before clearing his throat and speaking for Cain to hear this time. ]
Very well, I concede defeat. What would you ask of me?
[ Cain, on the other hand, regards Frederick with undisguised interest. Now that he's won... well, he hadn't actually considered what to ask for. Winning hadn't been the point, just the excitement of having the duel. ]
Hmm... I suppose that depends entirely on what your skills are. Tell me, what are you good at?
[ A reasonable enough question to ask, and Frederick replies to the best of his ability, omitting no detail. ]
I can wield lance, axe, and sword with ease, but I'm afraid my services are contracted to Lord Chrom for the time being. Anything you require of me could not go against his wishes.
[ Never mind that Chrom is asleep in a pod. ]
I can also cook and sew and knit passably well, though if you desire the finest quality work, a visit to the local tailor might be more beneficial.
[ Cain lets out a low whistle, duly impressed by the capability of the man sitting in front of him. Who knew that he'd be facing off against such an accomplished man! Or that a peeper would be so accomplished...? But no, he truly does believe that Frederick is telling the truth about it being an accident.
Not that that'll stop Cain from teasing. ]
So long as your Lord Chrom is honorable and noble, I wouldn't want to go against his wishes, have no fear. [ But that still leaves plenty of room for mischief. ] The cooking and sewing will do. [ Cain pauses, eyes lighting up as an idea strikes him. ] And how are you at housework?
[ Please, between exercise, housework, and the various other duties assigned himself by himself, there isn't even any time for peeping. Speaking of housework— ]
Passably fair. I've taken up most of the household chores since arriving in Nysa, though I firmly believe that a man - or woman - ought to be able to be held responsible for their own messes.
[ Read: he's still determined to make Cam and JJ and Clair follow some sort of chores schedule at home. ]
Well, Vane takes care of all that, anyway, so I wouldn't want you doing chores... But I was just thinking, if I need someone to do an odd job or two...?
[ His smile is far too innocent for the question he's asking. Far, far too innocent. ]
For a moment, instead of Cain, Frederick sees Henry across the table, his too-wide smile always indicative of a plan in motion. A plan that Frederick has never ever liked. But he's agreed to this, and Frederick is nothing if not a man of his word.
[ In victory, Cain can be generous. Plus, he's not sure that Frederick can manage to dislodge his dragons enough to actually get to any money to pay with... They seem to have taken up roosts. ]
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winterfish
no subject
Date: 2018-04-07 01:48 am (UTC)Because we have to have our duel, of course.
[ Yep.
Cain beams at Frederick, his cheer entirely unscratched by any bit of miffed feelings. Just because there's no real offense doesn't mean he's not going to take the opportunity to have a friendly, exciting duel! Just like a real knight from out of a story!
Even if the weapon of choice is... lattes. ]
no subject
Date: 2018-04-07 10:14 pm (UTC)In here? Surely we cannot hold a duel in here?
[ What of the people? It's dangerous! It never hits him that their weapons of choice might be non-lethal. ]
no subject
Date: 2018-04-08 03:45 am (UTC)[ Cain sets the tray down on the empty chair beside him. He pulls the jiggly corgie latte closer to him. He puts his fingers around the handle of the mug, preparing to lift it, and looks at Frederick expectantly. ]
Well? We can't have our drinking contest if you're not ready to drink.
no subject
Date: 2018-04-09 01:22 am (UTC)[ In the name of the gods, what is this man speaking about? Even after he (poorly) explains the challenge, Fred's left sitting there, blinking owlishly as his gaze flits from the drinks to Cain. ]
I'm afraid I don't understand your meaning. Is the challenge to see who can drink this the fastest?
[ Please enlighten him. ]
no subject
Date: 2018-04-10 04:23 am (UTC)[ Then how, you may wonder, are you to properly judge a latte drinking contest? Have no fear, Cain's here to explain. He holds up a finger to make sure Frederick's paying proper attention. ]
It's whoever can hold the most dragons while drinking their coffee without spilling!
[ Congrats. ]
no subject
Date: 2018-04-10 03:08 pm (UTC)...............................................
...........................................................................
For the most part, Fred likes to think of himself as a sensible man. Not easily shaken, steadfast in his beliefs and his actions. This suggestion, however, defies every expectation he's had until now, and Fred honestly has to wonder if Cain is fully right in the head. ]
Are you certain that's a good idea? Surely the dragons themselves would not consent to such a thing.
[ Also: aren't dragons supposed to be big creatures? He really doesn't like big creatures, don't do this to him. ]
no subject
Date: 2018-04-11 02:34 am (UTC)Miniature-sized dragons flit about, eating treats from patrons' hands. One is even nestled in a customer's lap, its tail flicking as it dreams a dragony dream of fiery destruction rained from above.
And Cain proclaims: ]
We're in the only place in Olympia where we can have such a fantastic duel!
no subject
Date: 2018-04-11 07:11 pm (UTC)Especially when Clair's honor is at stake. ]
Very well. [ With a DEEP INTERNAL SIGH. ] If this is the duel you wish for, then I accept.
[ Straightening in his chair, he looks directly at Cain. ]
From where shall I get the dragons?
[ He already regrets this so much. ]
no subject
Date: 2018-04-12 01:50 am (UTC)[ Don't worry, Fred, he's got everything covered!
Which is why he slams a handful of... dragon treats down onto the table!
Immediately, a dozen of the tiny dragons meandering about in the cafe lift their heads. They sniff at the air.
And then... they swarm. ]
no subject
Date: 2018-04-12 05:55 pm (UTC)The small dragons zoom, mouths all watering at the prospect of delicious goodies, and Frederick can't help but flinch as they zoom over his shoulder, crawl up the table legs, plop themselves on the flat surface and send the lattes shaking.
(Around them, the patrons titter and gasp among themselves, oh so curious as to what might be happening. Surely it'll be a good show, whatever it is!)
Once all the dragons arrive, he shakes his head in preparation, then attempts to gather them into his arms one by one. It proves very quickly to be a difficult process, the small dragons quickly slithering out of his grasp as soon as he gets one in his arms.
Obviously someone hasn't mastered the art of dragon collecting yet. ]
no subject
Date: 2018-04-15 02:10 am (UTC)One drapes around his neck, sniffs, then flops down, evidently content to go right to sleep.
This may have been a bit of a loaded contest from the start... but at least he's willing to offer his opponent some tips. ]
They're not that delicate. You can treat them like cats.
no subject
Date: 2018-04-15 02:30 am (UTC)I've never worked with either cats or dragons before.
[ Excuses. But the tip does help, and after another minute, he's actually a got a few dragons situated on his lap, with another curled around his neck and a fifth hanging off his left arm. There's still a few swarming around; presumably with enough time, he'll accumulate a few more.
Good enough. ]
Shall we get started then?
no subject
Date: 2018-04-15 10:16 pm (UTC)[ That's right. Next time. Be afraid, Fred. Be very afraid.
But for now, Cain's satisfied enough, and he lifts his latte. With the heat of the coffee having melted it, the corgi butt jiggles even more wildly. ]
But let's get going. Three... two... one... start!
[ Bottoms up! ]
no subject
Date: 2018-04-17 12:27 am (UTC)Next time? I bet your par—
[ Ah, but Cain's already counting down and reaching for his mug, and Frederick, while hardly one to engage impulsively in every activity he passes by, still has something of a competitive streak in him. Dislodging a few dragons in his panic, he grabs his corgi latte and immediately attempts to down it—only to spit half of it out as the extremely hot liquid scalds his entire tongue.
A few more dragons flutter away, alarmed by the sudden spewing of coffee into the air.
He's definitely losing this duel, no doubt about it. ]
no subject
Date: 2018-04-19 03:58 am (UTC)While Frederick's busy spitting half the latte out over the table and the dragons (some of whom just flap their wings and bathe in the heat of the liquid quite happily), Cain swallows his not-as-hot beverage down.
One swallow, two swallows, three swallows—
A few more, his throat working, and he slams the empty mug down onto the table. A ring of foam, all that's left of the corgi's wiggly butt, rings his mouth triumphantly. ]
Ha! That's my victory, sir!
bet your pardon.....why must typos be the bane of my existence
Date: 2018-04-23 08:01 pm (UTC)It takes him another handful of seconds to regain his composure, though he is by no means pleased by the outcome. ]
This hardly seemed like a fair fight to begin with...
[ But he keeps his pettiness to himself, for the most part, and utters the words in hushed tones before clearing his throat and speaking for Cain to hear this time. ]
Very well, I concede defeat. What would you ask of me?
[ Because that's how all duels go, right? ]
shhh... i saw nothing
Date: 2018-04-25 07:55 pm (UTC)Hmm... I suppose that depends entirely on what your skills are. Tell me, what are you good at?
no subject
Date: 2018-04-26 11:59 pm (UTC)I can wield lance, axe, and sword with ease, but I'm afraid my services are contracted to Lord Chrom for the time being. Anything you require of me could not go against his wishes.
[ Never mind that Chrom is asleep in a pod. ]
I can also cook and sew and knit passably well, though if you desire the finest quality work, a visit to the local tailor might be more beneficial.
no subject
Date: 2018-04-29 08:45 pm (UTC)Not that that'll stop Cain from teasing. ]
So long as your Lord Chrom is honorable and noble, I wouldn't want to go against his wishes, have no fear. [ But that still leaves plenty of room for mischief. ] The cooking and sewing will do. [ Cain pauses, eyes lighting up as an idea strikes him. ] And how are you at housework?
no subject
Date: 2018-04-30 07:11 pm (UTC)Passably fair. I've taken up most of the household chores since arriving in Nysa, though I firmly believe that a man - or woman - ought to be able to be held responsible for their own messes.
[ Read: he's still determined to make Cam and JJ and Clair follow some sort of chores schedule at home. ]
no subject
Date: 2018-05-04 03:03 am (UTC)[ His smile is far too innocent for the question he's asking. Far, far too innocent. ]
no subject
Date: 2018-05-04 01:29 pm (UTC)For a moment, instead of Cain, Frederick sees Henry across the table, his too-wide smile always indicative of a plan in motion. A plan that Frederick has never ever liked. But he's agreed to this, and Frederick is nothing if not a man of his word.
And so he sighs, defeated. ]
You may call on me whenever you wish.
[ Don't make him regret this. ]
no subject
Date: 2018-05-07 01:13 am (UTC)Great! In that case, the drink's on me.
[ In victory, Cain can be generous. Plus, he's not sure that Frederick can manage to dislodge his dragons enough to actually get to any money to pay with... They seem to have taken up roosts. ]