Private Barracks/Imperial Condos The Trenches The Canon

[Caden S. Freemont]

Caden dropped his head in a small bow of gratitude. "Well, I appreciate your confidence in me, and thank you for your generosity in being willing to teach me." He seemed to be struggling with a consideration as he looked between the pair on the couch. "You say you've been playing for sixteen years. Do you mind if I ask how old you are? You must have started when you were quite young."

Against Whisper, Asta stiffened slightly, her arm around the fox pulling against them with the gentlest of tugs as though to hold them closer in a protective response.

 

[Marie "Whisper" Deftclaw]

This time assuring touch Asta gave wasn't enough, even if nice and much needed, Whisper felt that question as a bit too inquisitive. Being very sensitive about their age due to their horrible dysmorphia, they found themselves struggling with many past misconceptions. It broke their wonderfully blissful state and brought back the anxious, struggling Whisper that was afraid of everything again. Marten's presence was the only reason the little fox didn't start crying nor shut off completely, instead they took a second before replying, much much less confidently than before, in their mind expecting mockery and issues to come.

"I-I saw ni-nineteen winters Mi-mister... I-I k-know I may n-not look li-like b-but I si-simply am a r-runt I-I s-swear..." They managed before burying their snout into the marten by their side.

 

[Asta Dalgaard]

Asta looked pointedly at Caden over Whisper's head. He raised his shoulders in a defensive shrug, mouthing, What? She glanced down at Whisper, then back up at him. The jack rubbed the back of his neck, frowning.

"I'm sorry," he offered. "I didn't mean to cause offense. You have a couple years on Asta, then." There was a hint of relief in his voice.

Asta rubbed at Whisper's back, trying to encourage them. "Caden living with mercenaries for many years, doesn't always have the best manners."

Snorting back a laugh, Caden shook his head. "She's right. I do inadvertently step on footpaws at times, forgive me."

 

[Marie "Whisper" Deftclaw]

Whisper shook their head, they were soothed and at ease, but It would be impossible to return to the blissful state of joy of life from the moment ago. The little fox was now too self-conscious for it. Their age being such a sensitive topic that it was really driving them to the edge of despair. Again, it was Asta's sure touch and presence that held Whisper stable.

"N-no offence ta-taken. I-I kn-now I look like a ki-kit... I s-s-suppose I have t-to live with th-this."

Taking a sniff, Whisper moved to take more of Asta's scent for her own sanity. It was amazing how quickly they've associated it with safety, but at the same time, it was really a first time someone showed them unconditional care, acceptance and genuine, yet safe interest. It just made sense to Whisper.

"A-as for the le-lessons... Just t-tell me when d-do you have t-time. I-I will ad-adjust my s-schedule as needed..."

 

[Caden S. Freemont]

Caden lifted a tentative paw to the portion of the scar visible on his neck. "Since this will keep me off the training grounds for some time longer, I'm relegated to desk duty and assessing cadets, which has reduced my work hours significantly." He dropped his paw, sighing. "Getting more structure back in my life with lessons and practice will certainly help. If you're available late afternoons or early evening, that would be best for me."

Asta continued to rub Whisper's back. "Would I being in the way if I come, too? It okay if that would be too much," she added reassuringly.

 

[Marie "Whisper" Deftclaw]

Whisper did turn their head to Asta almost instantly to look at Asta with approving nod. "Yes! Y-yes! I wo-would l-love t-to b..." They shut off as they've realised how pathetically clingy they must look in eyes of Caden. Holding back the trembling of their body, Whisper turned to Caden again, trying to force appearing more professionally to him.

"I A-am s-sorry... O-of c-course I ha-have those fr-free! I c-could of-ffer you e-each other a-a-after...noon. If th-that is-s o-okay b-by you t-that is."