Marius gradually relaxes as they begin to head out into the countryside in earnest. Courfeyrac's whistling lends a sense of whimsy to the blue sky above and the clear air around them. Marius feels his shoulders sink as the tension and fear of a few moments earlier finally begin to leave him. He even manages to pet Pikachu without offending the creature; indeed, the horse snorts and tosses his head back in what Marius assumes is a gesture of thanks.

Marius blushes at Courfeyrac's remark, but the pink on his cheeks is decidedly less vibrant than it was before, and he manages to meet Courfeyrac's gaze head on. "I don't suppose I get any say in this new nom de guerre, do I?"

Marius is in the midst of rolling his eyes at his friend's antics when Paladin suddenly bucks and Courfeyrac is tumbling to the ground.

"Mon dieu, Courfeyrac!" Marius pales, moving in a hurry to get out of his saddle to check on his friend.

Naturally, he trips over his own ankle and winds up face first on the ground himself.

"Jesus," Violet says, shaking her head as she comes to both of their aid. "I did warn you."