Part 304: Frederick C

Great paladin's helm! What manner of beast is that! Ah, hold. It's only Panne. ...But why is she prowling about in beast form? And why is she charging me?! BACK, FOUL BEAST! BACK, LEST MY SWORD TASTE YOUR--

*Pant, pant* F-finally! You are a hard one to catch, man-spawn.

Why did you chase me down in beast form? I feared you were planning to eat me whole!

Running on four legs is much faster. ...Did I scare you?

A knight does not know fear. ...This was more like surprise. Or perhaps alarm.

Lies! I hear your heart race even now! You were scared as a newborn pup. It is all right. You do not need to pretend for my sake. I have grown used to fear and ignorance from your kind.

You mistake me, good lady. I hold no fear of the taguel. Behold what is in front of your eyes: are we not conversing as equals?

If this is true, then why were you scared?

When I was but a young boy, I lived in a small village in the hills. One day I wandered into the forest, where I was set upon by a mountain wolf. My wounds were most grievous...many in the village doubted I would survive. When you came running, you reminded me of the beast that attacked me and... I apologize, good lady. I did not mean to offend with my actions.

I'm sorry, Frederick. I had no intention to remind you of such things. Would you prefer if I avoided you on the field of battle?

That is unnecessary. When in combat--

The enemy is before you and you lose all fear, yes? Spoken like a warrior.

Yes. Although if you could avoid moving, that might help.

Yes, well I am sure I cou--wait, what?!