Well acquainted with Marius’ moods, Courfeyrac waits out his friend’s grumbling without ribbing or complaint. As they set out down the path, he begins to whistle quietly under his breath, tipping his head up slightly to enjoy the blue sky and bright sun. He might be a city boy at heart, but the unpredictable wildness of the countryside has an appeal to him, certainly. At least in small doses.

He raises his brows innocently at his companion. “Well, Monsieur le Abbe no longer suits you. I was in the market for a new nom de guerre.”

Much to Courfeyrac’s growing dismay, his horse appears to be much more poorly named. Where Pikachu is all nerves, Paladin plods sensibly along, head drooping slightly. “Le bon Dieu,” Courfeyac sighs, half laughing, “have you given me an old soldier, Violette? Our brave knight seems to have lost some of its vigor.”

As though aware he has been insulted, Paladin stops abruptly. Laughing again, Courfeyrac gives the horse a swift kick in the sides.

“Don’t-“ He barely hears Violet’s protest, for the horse bucks in response, sending Courfeyrac tumbling to the ground.