The next day...

[cooking_squire]

[A hungover Louis can be seen dragging himself across the grounds, carrying feed for the horses. He obviously does not have his usual spring in his step, but is managing to go about his duties.]

Ugh…

Never again.

This is all Borus' fault.

Comments

[esteems]

"All" Borus' fault?

[cooking_squire]

Okay, twenty-five percent

[esteems]

Knights make mistakes, Louis, however shifting blame and not taking responsibility is unbecoming. No doubt, Borus got carried away, but let this be a lesson to you, too.

[cooking_squire]

[nods his head]

I'm sorry Lady Chris. I was attempting to make a joke, and it came out as if I was whining.

[esteems]

It's of no consequence, you're only a boy. Perhaps you can pay Borus back on his own birthday. [ Although, she knows how much Borus loves wine. ]

[cooking_squire]

Something tells me that would only backfire.

[esteems]

If we make him drink enough, he might get sick of it altogether. [ Now she's the one attempting humor. ]

[cooking_squire]

[gives a small chuckle] I'm afraid the world might end if Sir Borus gives up his drink.

[belfar_agent]

[ Has been dragging her own feet all morning, too. ]

You, too?

[cooking_squire]

Yeah… Still, duties to attend to.

[belfar_agent]

I like your attitude, child. [ Is genuinely impressed with such devotion! ]

Some coffee should help with that.

[cooking_squire]

I already had one cup this morning, and I don't want to stunt my growth.

Perhaps I'll have some tea at Mamie's after I'm done feeding the horses.

[belfar_agent]

Coffee can stunt your growth?! Where did you hear that?

[cooking_squire]

One of my brothers told me.

[belfar_agent]

Are you sure your siblings aren't just making a joke out of you? You look like the gullible type.

[cooking_squire]

It's quite possible. As the youngest of seven brothers I was often subject to much teasing.

[belfar_agent]

[ Sighs, can't help but be sympathetic. ] Brothers, you say? How unfortunate that you couldn't get at least one older sister.

[cooking_squire]

I'm not sure that would have made things better. My girl cousins liked to kidnap me and dress me like a doll.

[belfar_agent]

How foolish... [ Even though she's totally picturing him like a doll, too. ]

[cooking_squire]

And humiliating. But that's what happens when you're the youngest of your entire family.

[armis]

My fault?

[ Maybe a little. ]

Drink as much water as you can, Louis. It only gets better from here.

[cooking_squire]

Okay, maybe not entirely your fault. Like, fifty-persent.

[Is trying to joke, but it may come out more whiny than intended]

[armis]

Just be glad Percival was occupied.

I'm sure Lady Chris will understand if you take it easy on your duties today. The less pressing ones, anyway.

[cooking_squire]

[groans at the thought, and nods] Thank the goddess for small blessings.

She might, but I don't know if I would. [shifts the feed bag so that the weight is more evenly distributed.]

[armis]

[ He smiles, looking sympathetic. ]

Do you need a hand with that?

[cooking_squire]

Thank you Borus, but I'm fine.

[what_a_pain]

That sure looks heavy. Why don't you simply take a break if you're tired?

[cooking_squire]

It's not that heavy. I'm simply not feeling well.

[what_a_pain]

Hm. It ain't cold enough to get sick.

What were you doing?

[cooking_squire]

I partook too much wine last night.

[what_a_pain]

Aaah, I get it now. You like that stuff?

[cooking_squire]

I do every once in awhile.

I tend to over do it when Sir Borus and-or Sir Percival are involved.

[what_a_pain]

With that shindig in the tavern last night, I guess it's easy to get away with yourself.

Is it like hazing or something?

[cooking_squire]

No, nothing like that...

Well, maybe.

[what_a_pain]

Heheh. Eh, I'm sure you'll do fine. If a kid like you is tough enough to survive last night, you're already on your way.

[cooking_squire]

I don't know if I'll ever drink that heavily again.

[charming_chiketsu]

Did you have a little too much fun?

[cooking_squire]

Way too much fun. Now I pay the consequences.

[charming_chiketsu]

It was your birthday. Nothing wrong with splurging that day. Tee hee.

You didn't get in any trouble though, right?

[cooking_squire]

I think ended up petting a squirrel all night, so I don't think I got into too much trouble.

At least, I hope I didn't.

[charming_chiketsu]

[Chuckles hearing that!] Oh my. I don't think there's much harm in that. [Is curious if it was Mukumuku since he appears often during parties to get food.]

[cooking_squire]

Weird thing, I think the squirrel was wearing a cape.

He was really cute though.

[charming_chiketsu]

Really? A cape? How odd. [Knowing giggle.]

I hope it didn't try begging you for food.

[cooking_squire]

I don't know… I think I blacked out after I started petting him.