Open The Trenches Trembling Treble

[Berchar Fleetfoot]

Sandy fur and large ears do little to mask pink tinges, and Berchar positively flushed red at the compliments on both sides. He couldn’t remember the last time beasts had been so encouraging, and knowing that he was blushing at the praise simply made the matter worse. He coughed, adjusting his spectacles, and didn’t really realise how much he had unconsciously leaned towards the red panda’s affectionate gesture. Had he done so he’d have gone scarlet indeed.

As he settled back a little and looked to Whisper he noticed they seemed suddenly anxious again; it was difficult not to worry if it had been a faux pas of his own making before they clarified. Oh. He blinked. “Ah yes, of course-” he began digging through his pockets. “How much was it, again?”

 

[Pomodu lu Modokunomulo]

At the mention of payment, Pomodu brightened, immediately reaching into her bag and pulling out a pawful of golden hundred-gilder coins, then stopped. "Oh." The lessons of their last encounter could almost be seen playing behind her eyes as she slowly put them back. She cleared her throat, remarking, "I no a'm payi'ngu foh Behcha'ru u'nlessu he a'suku. I'su how mu'ch?" she inquired.

 

[Marie "Whisper" Deftclaw]

The issue with the questions the two had asked was obvious. Whisper didn't know the answer. Living as a child from quite wealthy family, even nowadays getting a generous stipend from them each month that allowed them to exist well, Whisper had horrible insight into the things like salaries. They curled into themselves, thinking as hard as possible about how much they have paid for things. a gilder for a pitcher of water at a bar. They needed two pitchers a day. So, if they were giving a lesson once per week, they should be able to pay for enough pitchers for a week. Adding extra coin for their effort and voilá, that sounded reasonable... to the little fox that had all the idea how money worked, but little idea about earning money itself.

FInally they have blurted out their conclusion. "Th-tha-a-at would b-be fi-fifteen gi-gilders e-each..."

 

[Berchar Fleetfoot]

Though he knew well that Pomodu would be able to foot just about any bill in the Harbour save perhaps kitting the entire fleet and army out for war (but even then…) Berchar’s pride would not allow him to ask her to pay.

He continued gathering coins as the fox seemed to dither on a price, recognising the quick calculations from those early weeks trying to sell sketches and, when he could afford the materials, paintings. The price they settled on was no small amount for his budget but well within reason for a lesson: he nodded. “Fifteen it is.” Handing over the coins, the jerboa smiled. “Thank you, by the way. Both of you. I was very small last time I sat at a piano with my mother and today has been….really lovely.” Well, that was the short version at least: he was certain neither wanted to hear him chitter on about the bittersweet of childhood.

 

[Pomodu lu Modokunomulo]

Pomodu was so eager to pay that she accidentally gave Whisper 150 gilders, which led to a review of the decimal system and a partial refund. When they finally had the payment sorted out, Pomodu picked up Berchar and Whisper each in a one-armed, enthusiastic hug. "You ah my be'sutu fue'n'dusu," she proclaimed. "Danuku foh he'pu mi so mu'ch."