Chapter 14: Volunteer From The Audience 1

"Did you finish the paper for Chevreuse? I'm stuck on the…"

"… prefer the one from southern Romalia. The quality simply is…"

"… know it, and you know it, but if you expect she's going to admit to it then you're…"

"Hey, who is that? I don't…"

Nimble Rabbit paid only minor attention to the various students in the courtyard as he sat on a fairly out of the way bench. Most of them were doing the same towards him anyway, and what few did show any curiosity were quickly deterred by a classmate's mention of "Zero" or the like.

He yawned briefly as he considered things. Valliere was busy with class work or similar at the moment, so he was on his own at the moment, and to be honest he had had his fill from the past few days to just wander around the Academy whether on his own or even if he found a guide other than the pink-haired girl. He'd already seen all the places of interest that he'd be allowed into anyway, so, he was just relaxing as much as he could for the time being.

If it weren't for the fact that he didn't know what kind of schedule she was under, he might have suggested seeing whatever nearby town there was. The school couldn't be too isolated, and Rabbit remembered briefly seeing one on one of the maps the teachers he had spoken with had brought out the first day he had been pulled there.

Then again, even if time was available it may not work out. Here he was viewed as either a magical curiosity/fluke, typically associated with Valliere. Somewhere else, where her reputation didn't make people want to distance themselves, he'd probably attract a fair amount of unwanted attention unless he managed to hide his eyes and ears…

Rabbit chuckled at that. For all that he had seen that she despised being called "Zero" and the reasons behind it, it was managing to keep him from being confronted with anything more than casual scrutiny. Plus, now that he considered it being seen in town probably wouldn't be a problem, so long as he was with one of the Nobles. Dragonbloods got away with a fair amount due to their status that even otherwise prominent mortals couldn't get away with. Things were probably similar here, at least in that regard.

Of course, Rabbit realized, slumping, now that it came to it he had no idea what he'd actually do if he went into town, since he had no idea what the place was like beyond being near the Academy. He didn't have any money on him, let alone whatever local sort. He certainly couldn't ask Valliere for any… well, ok, maybe he could, but it would leave a bad taste in his mouth. And it would likely just be for a meal while they were there anyway.

Ok, this was getting silly. He needed to do something with his time. Maybe head back to the greenhouse, or seeing the dueling classroom Valliere had mentioned…

Getting up, he started off. It was by the… well, one of the southern towers, wasn't it? Well, there were only five. He'd find it sooner or later.

"You there! Na… um… Rabbit! Rabbit!"

He blinked, turning to the direction the call had come from. Approaching him at a brisk pace was the blonde girl from the day before, 'Mont'-something.

"Yes, miss?" he said, stopping and waiting for her to reach him.

Her curls bobbed as she stopped in front of him. "Rabbit. Are you currently on any errands?"

"Not at the moment, no. Miss Valliere is in class or somesuch, so I'm at loose ends," Nimble Rabbit replied, shaking his head.

"Good. Come with me," she stated, grabbing his shirt sleeve and pulling him along.

"Er… alright?"

#

Nimble Rabbit soon enough found himself seated at one of the garden tables across from Montmorency, bewildered as he glanced between the cup of tea in front of him and the girl who had literally dragged him across the campus. The Noble girl was currently fuming silently as she stared into her own cup, and the small spotted frog she was petting with a soft but focused intensity. The sudden hijacking, and the following silence, left him unsure what she actually wanted him there for. However, considering her expression, he certainly wasn't going to just ask.

Finally, he just shrugged and began to sip from his own cup. Might as well before it went cold.

It was after he had drunk roughly half the liquid that Montmorency finally spoke up. "Medicine."

Rabbit put down the cup. "Hmm?"

She shook her head briefly. "You had mentioned the other day that you were a healer. So your knowledge of potions is for medicine, correct?"

"Ah, yes, more or less," Rabbit confirmed, nodding. "I know a few others, though, and have heard of a number more."

"I see. Such as?"

"Well…" he started, leaning back in his chair as he thought. "Fox's Ear is a popular enough one. A few of the lumberjacks swear by it."

"What does it do? Something with one's hearing I assume."

"Got it right. Sharpens the hearing for a good part of the day. Better use than vision in their line; can better hear the crack of a trunk or heavy branch about to give, or someone walking up or around the other side of a tree when swinging an axe and they forget to announce." Rabbit grinned. "I know the other's for the style, too, though it's mostly Eagle's Eye getting used by those on watch duty, particularly on nights with a heavy fog or mist setting in."

"One for each of the senses, then?" Montmorency asked, and received confirmation. "I might want to test with it, if the formula can be made with local reagents."

"Shouldn't be too hard, though I've not been through the whole stock of what the school here has."

"If not, I have a personal supply which may contain anything you're missing."

"Right. There's a decent chance, then. Let's see… well, not quite as impressive, but I do a number of strong dyes for a few people when they're making new clothes and such for a festival or such." Rabbit shrugged. "Also, some incense or perfumes for the same. A number of the berries found around Leaning Hill make very good components for any of those. Then there's always my little 'courage' draughts."

The blonde girl tilted her head. "'Courage'?"

Nimble Rabbit smirked. "Occasionally a lad can't bring himself to ask a girl he's interested in. So I get something hard from the tavern, mix in some bitter but otherwise harmless powder, and tout it up a bit for show. The boy downs a shot, probably coughs a bit, then full of 'courage' finally manages to say his mind to the girl. Good record for those, too, for what they actually are," he said proudly.

Montmorency's mood, which had been improving during their talk, sank once again. "Hmph… like I'd care for that, even if it was a true potion rather than placebo. If you had something to remove similar audacity…"

"Ah… erm… I've a feeling this is a matter I shouldn't intrude on," he said cautiously.

"It hasn't even been a day since I caught him with that first year, and he still comes to me spouting how it was all just a 'mistake' and that she was seeing an interest that he didn't actually have!" she continued without pause. "'I would never have let it continue if I had but realized, dear Monmon.' 'You are always first before all others to me, my dear.' I wonder how many times he had to rehearse that line!"

Nimble Rabbit sunk down in his chair, glancing around at the various students staring in their direction (in addition to those who had already been doing so from the oddity of their earlier arrival). "Afraid I wouldn't know, Miss."

"And the sheer nerve of it all! Just strolling up as if there had never been even a hint of offence! Simply approaching with-"

"Dearest Montmorency!"

"Exactly! And then going on… to… oh Brimir, not again," she finished, turning in her seat to spot the approaching boy.

Guiche hastened as he saw that Montmorency had heard him. On reaching the table he knelt next to her, presenting a bouquet of roses. "Montmorency, darling, if you would just hear me out…"

"I've already told you earlier, Guiche. If you really lack someone to hang on your arm, then go find that first year," she replied, pushing away the offered flowers. "Or whomever else you've set your eyes on now, so long as it is not me."

"Monmon, my beautiful flower, I would never intend offence! Tell me, what I can do to reassure you of my sincerity. A task? A token? For you, I would do-"

Nimble Rabbit, having been listening since Guiche's arrival, slowly stood up. "Your pardon, but I've the sense that Miss Montmorency would rather do this some other time… if at all. Might be better to leave her be until she's not quite as cross at you."

Guiche's head snapped around as Rabbit spoke. "This is no concern of yours… commoner?" The young man paused for a moment as he tried to reconcile the god-blood's outlandish features and rustic clothes. "Ah, yes. Louise the Zero's commoner familiar. Hurry back to her, rather than intruding in the affairs of nobles."

Rather than respond immediately, Rabbit just gave Guiche a bemused shake of the head. "As a point of fact, Miss Montmorency invited me to a chat which we were in just now. Not that I don't mind putting it off myself if need be, but it's a touch rude to just come up as you did and not even check if she was occupied."

"If you're willing to step aside, commoner, then do so and-"

Rabbit's expression darkened slightly. "'If need be' I had said. And in this case, that would be whether the young lady wants such. You might do to consider that before you try to come up with any presents or token you want to give."

A crowd had gathered some distance around the three of them, whispering among themselves as they watched. Guiche spared a quick look at the surrounding students before turning to Montmorency. "Surely you can discuss whatever trifles with the… familiar some other time? I must prove myself to you once more, darling. Would you deny me that?"

Montmorency sent a level glare at Guiche. "'Trifles'? All right, Guiche," she said, crossing her arms. "I'll listen to you if you still have one of those 'trifles.' My perfume. If you still carry the bottle I gave you as a token of my favor before, then I would be willing to believe you really mean your promises."

Guiche paled. "Of… course, my dearest. I will just go retrieve it… from…"

"Oh? But when I gave it to you, didn't you say that you would carry it with you always, night and day?" Montmorency asked, pouting exaggeratedly. "After all, it is my personal fragrance. No other like, unable to be copied or counterfeited. You must have it with you, don't you, darling?"

"I…"

"I thought not." Montmorency stood up, and faced Nimble Rabbit. "You'll have to excuse me. I would just love to continue our discussion later, and for you to demonstrate your skill with 'trifles,' but I fear I've become somewhat wearied and wish to relax without any further unimportant interruptions. Good day, Rabbit."

"Of course, Miss," he replied, bowing. "Have a pleasant rest."

"Thank you." With that, Montmorency strode away, the crowd parting for her.

As she left, the students quickly began to talk now that the show had ended. Guiche could only stare helplessly, while Nimble Rabbit just stretched, shaking his head.

"A word of advice, young sir," the god-blood said. "It really does help to… well… listen before trying to convince someone in a mood like she was of anything. If just to know what not to say. Something to keep in mind for your next paramour, should you find one. Good day, then."

A fair number of the students chuckled, remarking to each other on the blonde young man's failure as Rabbit began to leave himself.

"How dare you speak in such a way to a noble, familiar."

The gathering quieted down as Guiche snarled, standing. Rabbit slowed his pace for a moment before shaking his head and continuing to walk away.

"Did you not hear me, familiar?"

Now he did stop. "Oh, I heard you. I just don't care to stay now that Miss Montmorency has left. I was only here as she brought me along. Now if you'll pardon, I'd like to go see where Miss Valliere is since I've no more business here."

"And just what are your intentions, familiar? Even if Montmorency is… upset, she stands far above someone of your petty standing. Better to stay with the Zero and keep out of the way of proper Nobles."

"If Miss Montmorency wants to speak with me, it's her right. Would be her request, after all, and I don't see what concern it is of yours at this point, young sir."

Guiche bristled. "You think to tell me my place, familiar?" He only received a sigh and a slight grimace in response.

"The name is Nimble Rabbit, from Leaning Hill. And no, I don't expect you to have heard of it, but all the same." Rabbit shook his head at the younger boy. "To add, I'm not… as you keep calling me… a familiar. As to your tone there, I've done nothing today but give you advice, which for better or worse you did not take. Any differences you have with the Miss was your own making, young sir, not mine. As far as I can see she wants nothing of your company, though if any of these worthies think elsewise I'm willing to defer to their judgment." He gestured to the people around them, all of whom looked away from Guiche at the comment.

"How… dare you cast such slander upon Guiche de Gramont! I challenge you to a duel, cur! In the Vestri Court!" He turned with a flair of his cape to begin marching off.

"No."

Guiche nearly stumbled before whirling back around. "What?"

Nimble Rabbit just glared back, frowning. "I said 'no,' boy."

R&R, C&C, and so forth. Thank you.