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Post by Robshi on Apr 22, 2024 21:18:39 GMT
Hearing Killy yell at him to keep quiet made the hybrid look rather unimpressed, particularly as it caused her two drinking companions to groan.
"Don't go punishing me for your loud mouth. Besides, it should be Mortimmer's job to look after his pet and clean up after it." Frato replied, keeping his voice down for the sake of the other two. He then raised an eyebrow as he heard where Ditz had gone. Hrm? Have they gone to do some more training? They really are a diligent student if that is the case.
"Alright, I'll go ask one of the servants to fetch you some." Frato nodded to the moogle. "Then I'm going to go and see what Ditz is up to."
The dragoon then went searching for a servant to ask about coffee before then making his way to the garden to find his shy student.
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Post by M&M&M on Apr 23, 2024 9:59:54 GMT
"Thanks Boss, you're the best.." Jack chuckled and continued laying still while Killy continued her super hangover healing powers.
Upon leaving his quarters, the hybrid happens to see a pair of servants, a male and female Cleyran, having a small chat. They dutifuly put their full attention on their guest when they saw they were coming up to them.
"Good morning Master Dragoon. We trust you had good rest?"
"How was the feast we prepared? Was it to your liking?"
Then they heard his request for coffee and began to speak to themselves once more, in a way that's sure to put the poor Hybrid in a conundrum.
"Ah. Coffee for your guests, well, that can be arranged. We know what's best suited for Miss Killy, but as for your companions, we'll be needing more information to what they prefer? We have Birman, Kirman, and Moccha varieties and additionally we have them in light, medium, dark, extra dark, and raw forms.
"Plus we'll need to figure out HOW they like their coffee. Do they wish to to enjoy it with chocolate? Ice cream? Perhaps some rum mixed in? Maybe even milk. With that said, where would you like the milk? We have chocobo, cow, oat, gyshal..."
"Not to mention how you wish to coffee to be ground. Mortar and pestle? Fire? Pot? Slow drip? Good sir, I hope you know what the other guests prefer."
"As you can see, our masters love their coffee, hence why we often have guests just so they can get a cup where no one else has. A work of pride and obsession, you might say."
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Post by Robshi on Apr 23, 2024 22:13:37 GMT
"Yeah, I slept well. You guys did a good job preparing that dinner last night." Frato replied with a smile. His brow then furrowed as he saw the two servants talking amongst themselves for a moment, wondering just what was the difficulty with his request. His eyes then widened as they then reeled off the vast array of options on offer. Yeesh... what is the place, a barista? I'm gonna throttle that moogle for putting me on the spot like this!
"Uh... I'm sure whatever style Killy prefers will be fine for them." Frato answered, holding his hands up defensively. "Just be sure to not mix any rum in. Those three have had enough alcohol as it is. Oh, and if you really must know how exactly they want it, go and ask Jack. I'm sure such a complicated decision won't make his hangover any worse."
The dragoon then quickly walked on before he could be dragged into any more discussion about coffee. He instead headed straight for the garden to look for Ditz.
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Post by M&M&M on Apr 24, 2024 10:02:13 GMT
Both of the servants bowed and acquiesced to the Dragoon's request and began moving to their tasks while Frato heads down to the gardens located in the back of the mansion. The place was as beautiful in greenery as he left it, tho the mess he and his student made seemed to have been cleaned up, most likely the work of the servants. Notably Frato's student is no where to be found despite looking around, he does however hear the sounds of snoring coming from ahead.
Walking towards the source, the Dragoon found a suspicious fort-like building made of plant pots and bricks tall enough to reach the hybrid's chest level. Looking inside, Frato found his student Ditz laying down on the ground dozing off with staff in hand and a bag of fertilizer as a pillow. It's possible Ditz was taking a nap after a long morning of training, or it just wanted a nice private place to sleep away from being bothered. All would be known if the Teacher decided there and now to wake the student up.
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Post by Robshi on Apr 24, 2024 22:06:03 GMT
The dragoon was glad to be free from the overcomplicated coffee discussion, and quickly entered the garden. He wasn't too surprised to notice that the maids had appeared to clean up after them, but he raised an eyebrow at seeing no sign of his student. He did notice the sound of snoring though, and after following his ears he quickly found Ditz sleeping in what appeared to be a makeshift fort.
Ah, so much for some diligent training. I bet they came out here to get away from the moaning and groaning from those three hungover drinkers. I wonder if I should disturb them after all that training yesterday? Then again, this is after plenty of sleeping time, and who knows when Ditz will decide to wake up. I wouldn't put it past this sleepyhead to hibernate or something.
"Hey, Ditz! Wake up!" Frato yelled. "Just what are you doing out here!?"
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Post by M&M&M on Apr 25, 2024 9:36:02 GMT
"GAH!" Poor Ditz practically leapt in the air, flailing it's limbs until the student fell to the ground. Releasing a loud gasp upon impact, the student quickly got up from the ground and stood at attention.
"R-R-Recruit Ditz Falmer reporting for d-duty sir!" The Burmecian stammered while saluting. "I-I was just testing my hearing by closing my ears and waiting...oh, who am I kidding, I was sleeping. Sorry sir." Ditz held down it's head in slight shame. "I just wanted a place to practice...but ended up taking a longer nap than I needed, I guess. Plus I didn't want to Miss Violet to wake up and ask me for her 'morning check-up'. I don't hate her or anything, I'm just very...uncomfortable when people get close to me. And she likes to get as close as possible."
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Post by Robshi on Apr 25, 2024 21:52:36 GMT
Seeing his student flail in the air for a moment made the dragoon smirk to himself. It's rather funny seeing how Ditz panics sometimes. I'm somewhat tempting to tease them. Oh, so that's their surname? Interesting, although I don't recognise the name. Then again, I'd have probably guessed already if Ditz was related to someone I knew.
"I did find it odd that you of all people had got up early to train. I'm not surprised to find you taking a nap in the middle of it." Frato remarked, his smile then looking a little awkward as his pupil mentioned a certain Cleyran. "Ah... yeah, I don't blame you for wanting to keep your distance from her. She can be very overbearing. Still, just what kind of training were you doing? Anything I can help with?"
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Post by M&M&M on Apr 26, 2024 10:08:49 GMT
"Heh, overbearing. Yea, that's the uh...appropriate word for her.." Ditz rubbed the back of it's head while laughing nervously. "Hmm...well I was just practicing the technique you taught me a while ago; Reis's Wind. I wanted to keep doing it repeatedly so I don't forget it in the heat of battle. But um...I over did it and ran out of mana and ended up tired so I took a nap. Umm...Unless you know any other way to make the technique stronger, I don't think I require any other help for the time being. I would love to learn more skills but...from what I overheard Duchess Gardenia telling Firebrand; it's better to wait and hone the skill you learned until you mastered it, then learn another. Fine by me, more rest for me, aheh..."
The student started playing with it's fingers nervously as the conversation came up to a dry spell and now it appears to be it's turn to take a stab at keeping the talk going lest it diverts to a dreaded awkward silence. "Um...so uh...Sir Frato. About last night with the uh...fight. Are you...ok? Is there anything I can do to make things better?"
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Post by Robshi on Apr 26, 2024 21:29:29 GMT
Ah, maybe he is more diligent than I gave him credit for if they were trying to master their latest technique.
"Yeah, the Duchess does make a good point. You don't want have an array of new techniques that you'll fail to pull off in the heat of battle. Reliability is key." Frato nodded in agreement, before also noticing the silence falling between them and thinking on how to break it. Ah... I wonder if now is a good time to ask Ditz about their- oh? He was surprised to hear his student actually try to continue the conversation. An awkward expression then filled his face, and he scratched the back of his head before answering.
"I'm fine Ditz, really." Frato answered quickly. "Anyway, it seems like Daisy has decided not to get mad at me for it, particularly after what happened with her and Gabriel. If you have any good advice I'm all ears, but..." He then trailed off, not sure how to finish that thought.
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Post by M&M&M on Apr 27, 2024 10:03:55 GMT
"Oh...well um...I can't...that is to say...uh..." Ditz flustered on how to handle it's mentor's question. Judging by the fidgeting displayed, the query caught the pupil off-guard. "I-I-I...don't have an answer. Sorry sir. I'm uh not experienced with this kind of thing, honestly sounds like a no win situation...OH! I mean! I didn't mean it to sound so depressing! Things could get better! R-really! You've had battles that were tougher than this, Sir! I'm sure you'll make it through this...well alive anyways. Ugh me and my big mouth.."
Ditz looked around, desperately searching for a reason to change the subject or something to talk about. Finding none, the burmecian fidgeted with it's fingers once again. "Um...so uh....h-have you had breakfast yet? I bet you must be craving eggs right about now, right? Ha ha ha...ah..."
Frato could accept the socially awkward gesture and continue getting to know his student or move forward to meet back at the guest room.
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Post by Robshi on Apr 27, 2024 20:25:01 GMT
Yeesh Ditz, if you're going to offer to help, you should at least be able to help. At least the situation seems to have simmered down a little, and I can talk to Daisy now at least.
"Forgive me for thinking you actually had something to aid me in my love affairs, Ditz. Were you just going to offer me a hug out of pity?" Frato asked, not really meaning it, but curious to see how his student would react to that idea. "Anyway, enough about me. I'm rather curious about you, since you are a bit of an enigma. Do you mind telling me why you hide your face?"
My guess is they are that shy they can't function socially if they know others can see them. Maybe it ties in with their gender too? I can't help but suspect that Ditz is a lady trying to pass as a male.
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Post by M&M&M on Apr 28, 2024 10:15:53 GMT
"I-I-I-I'm soooooorrrrrryyyyyy!" The hapless white mage seemed to take the hybrid's first comment almost dramatically too far; with hands up to it's face and almost at the verge of crying. "I-I-I was just worried and thought I could help in some way but it turns out I messed it up and made everything worse. How can I call myself your pupil if I can't even help you in such a situation and bring your spirits up..."
Completely forgetting Sir Frato's other questions, Ditz proceeded to bend down and groan as if the whole world is ending for the poor student. It appears the Dragoon's tease opened up a can of worm hydras. "Please send me to someone that can teach me to be more socially helpful or bring a book to read on how to be more diplomatic so this doesn't happen again, sir...."
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Post by Robshi on Apr 28, 2024 22:31:14 GMT
Seeing his student react so drastically to his snarky remark made him look alarmed, and he quickly held out his hands to try and appease the very down looking Ditz.
"Eh? Wait a second Ditz, you're taking my words a bit too seriously here. I didn't honestly expect you to have the answers to all my problems." Frato tried to reassure his pupil. "It's only natural you wouldn't be an expert on romantic relationships when you find social encounters rather scary. Ah, even if there is a book on being social and diplomatic, reading it back to front won't make you an expert. You need to practice social situations to get better at them. That means not beating yourself up over every awkward moment. You only learn by making mistakes and realising how to avoid them. So take it easy, will you? Burmece knows I've made enough blunt remarks and made a bad impression with my words countless times."
The hybrid then took a breath and paused to see if his words were really resonating with the white mage. I hope this isn't enough to shut them down in conversation. Me and my big mouth.
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Post by M&M&M on Apr 29, 2024 10:14:47 GMT
The mentally abused white mage sniffed and wiped it's nose, it is unclear if Ditz was really crying or not from the ordeal. Nevertheless, Frato's words seemed to have an effect as the pupil managed to stand upright and began to breathe deeply to calm itself.
"Ahhh....alright. Um, sorry, I guess I got a little over emotional there. Um...I've always been a bit awkward in social situations, but um, you already knew that. So uh, to make up for my awkwardness, I try my best to be as helpful as I can. Chores, clean up, even help with some math. Of course everyone in my training class abused this by making me do their homework. Brandy did the same but at least she pays me back by helping me with things I have problems with like strength training and learning physical techniques..."
The conversation grew awkward again as Ditz finished and awkwardly fiddled fingers again. Surprisingly the white mage spoke again. "And uh...about hiding my face...well...um..." Ditz mumbled and thought deeply once again, thinking back on it's relationship and affinity to it's teacher before opening up again. "Mmmm...well, I can't tell you everything just yet, it's all part of my shyness I guess. I kept getting asked a certain question when I was growing up so I've decided that I'd rather just hide myself and accept whatever everyone wants to call me. That's all. Um...sorry I can't be more specific, It's not that I don't trust you, it's just well...it's a bit of a sensitive subject for me."
Then Ditz decided to keep the conversation going by getting to know it's trainer. "What about you sir? Did you have any trouble growing up? Do the kids pick on you for um...being different than the other kids and adults you train with? No offense, really! I um...just wanted to hear your experience and how you handled it."
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Post by Robshi on Apr 29, 2024 22:26:32 GMT
Whew... it looks like I've managed to snap Ditz out of it. Huh, so that's why they are so helpful. A shame others are so quick to exploit that. It's probably just as well I don't bother setting my students written homework, since it sounds like I'd just get Ditz's answers twice. The dragoon then looked surprised as the mage went on to answer his question about hiding their appearance. Ah, so my guess was close to the mark. I guess they got asked about their gender a lot? Urgh... I always knew it was going to be a touchy subject for Ditz. I'll have to really earn their trust if I want to learn everything.
"Ditz, after all the insults I've had flung at me, it's rather adorable to see you worried that an innocent question is going to hurt my feelings." Frato replied with a smile. "It wasn't just kids either, plenty of adults have sneered or acted cold around me. I guess that why I tend to be rather blunt or snarky with people. Anything to keep a tough front and not let them see that they're getting to me with their awful jibes. If I had thought of hiding my face like you had I'm sure that would've just made things worse. It would've made them feel justified in calling me a monster and the like."
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Post by M&M&M on Apr 30, 2024 9:56:21 GMT
"A-a-a-adorable!?" One can practically see the student give off a pink glow from it's hooded form when Frato uttered the compliment. Ditz had to take a step back and cover it's face to recover from the surprise compliment. "I-I-I am not worthy of such a compliment, but um, uh, thank y-you sir! Uh, but please, go on.."
The white mage continued to listen to the rest of Sir Frato's story and would only nod it's head quietly so as not to interrupt. Finished, Ditz merely sighed and bowed it's head slightly. "Yea...I guess that makes sense. I suppose hiding my face in the past really did screw myself up to the present me. I mean, look at how we both turned out. I wish we met when we were children and had you to look up to. Maybe I wouldn't have turned out as pathetic as I am now.."
The pupil seemed to be in a depressed state, specially given that Ditz gave another sigh in the end. Perhaps a motivational pep talk or story could liven it's spirits once more.
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Post by Robshi on Apr 30, 2024 21:35:28 GMT
Seeing Ditz practically blush from his compliment made an amused smirk form on the hybrid's face. If that's enough to fluster them like that, I can only imagine their reaction to some full on flirting. Ah, now I'm starting to think like Violet.
After telling his story and then hearing his student put themselves down, the dragoon couldn't let those negative thoughts slide. "Ditz, don't ever put yourself down for being so selfless. Especially when you haven't let the selfish indulgence of others put you off your charitable acts." Frato told the white mage firmly. "You've also got a wonderful attitude to your training, plus you're really respectful to your peers. So what if you're shy and like to hide your face? Now come on, let's go and get some breakfast. I'm sure some food in your belly will banish those self-degrading thoughts of yours."
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Post by M&M&M on May 1, 2024 10:24:37 GMT
Ditz, despite being crestfallen, continued to listen to it's teacher's speech. Right towards the end, the student began to raise it's head and actually looked...uplifted. Granted it's not the most grandest of speeches but it was enough to make the white mage seemingly feel better. "Oh. I...never thought about it that way. Um..uh, th-thank you Sir Frato. I...yes, thank you." Now slightly more invigorated, Ditz stood up straight and held it's staff with both hands.
"And yea, maybe some breakfast would be good right about now. I forgot I should eat first then train. I hope they give scrambled eggs again. I'd love to know how they make them so fluffy and where the eggs came from. Alright, let's go back." The white mage let it's master take the lead and followed closely behind where they entered the manor once again and found a servant walking towards their direction in a surprising circumstantial happenstance. Once the steward heard the two Burmecians request, he nodded.
"Very good, I shall inform the chefs to prepare your morning meal. In the meantime, I was looking for you and wish to inform you that you have a guest waiting outside the front door. Two actually, both claiming to be Dragoons. They said you may speak with them as well, Master Ditz."
The brown furry nezumi seemed surprised at this. "R-R-Really? Dragoons wishes to speak to Sir Frato AND me?"
"Quite so, and they said you may invite miss Firebrand as well, but you three only. That is their request."
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Post by Robshi on May 1, 2024 22:26:52 GMT
Given his student's tendency to hide their face, it was rather hard to tell if his words were having the desired effect. Thankfully Ditz sounded better when they started thanking him twice. The hybrid then lead his student back to the manor, starting to feel his own hunger after quite a deep conversation. He was glad to find a servant actually walking towards them so he could request breakfast promptly.
Hearing the request from the servant made the dragoon raise an eyebrow. Hrm? That has to be Gabriel and Derek. Don't tell me she wants another round of fighting. Is she just wanting to rally dragon knights and trainees against Carnicero?
"Very well, I'll be there shortly." Frato agreed with a nod. He then turned towards Ditz. "Let's go and see if Firebrand wants to join us. Hopefully she's feeling a little brighter now."
He then headed to the guest room to see what state the redhead was in.
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Post by M&M&M on May 2, 2024 9:35:31 GMT
"Yea, good idea sir." Ditz agreed. "Brandy would probably get a kick out of meeting the Dragoons. I just hope she doesn't bother them to train them, or worse, challenge them to a mock battle. There's nothing mocking about the way she battles..."
The two waltzed on inside back in the guest room and found their party members were up to their various deeds. Killy and Jack were sitting at the table, uplifted and no longer suffering from the dreaded hangover, playing cards with a cup of dark liquid near them. Daisy was still snoring in her bed with no one to disturb her. Violet was no where to be found, most likely gone to the bathroom to either scrub her body clean or to ambush the next unlucky prey willing to come in. Meanwhile, Firebrand and Mortimmer were up near the bed area having a small arguement.
"Hurry your fat furry butt, Doc! We gotta go down the tree and train those cats again!"
"Do not rush me, oaf, lest I drop a valuable trinket! Are you gonna help me carry them or not, hmm, yes?"
"Only if you promise that none of them are suppositories disguised as 'combat drugs', I don't want you ruining everything again."
"By Naranarkis's beard, how dare you! It was YOU who who precipitated that fiasco you clumsy nincompoop!"
"How about I precipitate a axe to your head, maybe losing a few IQ will set you straight..."
"Are you always so senseless that you'd just turn straight to violence at the drop of a pin? Hmm!? I should charm you with the help of the pink one and order you to read up a book of etiquette just to teach you some manners..."
The two are up to their old argument again. A good time for the Dragoon to intervene unless he wants to wait and see what happens.
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