#gardon

With each passing second the once steaming pot upon his tea trolly was losing warmth, its cooling due to the lid being set just slightly askew. A brown sugar cube was slothfully basking in a small bowl, the only other occupant being an errant teaspoon. The mugs were clean, but not pristine- a small rim of brown from their prior use was present in their bottom, the handle of the milk jug was even chipped! Yes, the bait was all set, the trap was prepared... he just had to push it into the beast's territory.

Finally, the guard captain dared to draw the watch from his blue waistcoat and glance the time. Sixteen going seventeen minutes past three in the afternoon, almost unfathomably late for lunch. Eating more than a snack would be frankly wasteful, it'd only serve to ruin one's dinner or push it back- resulting in a fitful night of sleep. Yes, it was time to act- it was time to test this rapscallion the princess seemed to think so highly of! 

A creak reminded him to oil the hinges as he backed into the ancient door, something he could have done with that wasted time. As the guardsman turned he laid eyes on the fellow for the first time, and his first impression was... lacking? Could this truly be the otherworldly warrior he had heard so much about? This fluffy thing sat halfway up the grand dining table?

"Good afternoon, I'm so sorry for the delay! An urgent matter required my immanent attention, hopefully we shan't be interrupted any once more," The koala quickly called out, rushing to arrive at the opposite edge of the table from Silver.

Based on Blaze's descriptions, Gardon had expected the hedgehog to be a hulking mass of scar tissue and blinding tattoos with radiant eyes that could burn away a man's soul. In reality, the fella wasn't exactly tough looking. There was something admittedly otherworldly about him, that much matched his claim of coming not just from another world, but that world's future. Almost everyone the swordsman encountered was taller than himself (and this traveller was no exception), but he looked to be more fur than flesh. The glowing sigils she'd mentioned were mere marks on his hands: one of many poor fashion choices the young man had made.

A troubled look claimed the fellow's face before the koala could make further introductions, "Oh no, is everything okay?"

"Erm, indeed," All that time stood standing around and he hadn't thought up a half decent lie! "There was an electrical issue, the wiring in the castle is rather finicky and required some attention," He quickly lied, "Nothing to fuss over. It is so nice to finally make your acquaintance- Shiver the hedgehog."

A second test of etiquette had just been launched, how would this supposed hero respond to being incorrectly named?! The first of many trials had already concluded- the white figure had selected not to sit at the head or foot of the table, instead a sort of central right position near a window out onto the garden. It was a very demure choice, it suggested some care for tact and manners, but he had been given so much time to select his seating! This was going to-

Without blinking the hedgehog responded, "It's nice to meet you Gardon," Had he not even noticed?! "Blaze has told me so much about you!"

"H-Has she? Well, hopefully all good things, she was very set on us meeting for this luncheon on quite short notice..." Gardon mused, beginning to transfer goods to the table.

"Oh, feel free to just sit down. I can set things up," The hedgehog offered, though remained seated, "It sounds like you've been running around all day." 

Light flashed in the hedgehog's palm, a glow that was soon flowed across the tea trolly. Before the koala could protest, thesilverware and ceramics had taken flight. With no more than a handful of gestures and the pointing of some fingers the telekinetic set plates, positioned cups, planted the sandwich serving stand, and placed all the guard had brought symmetrically between the two of them.

The final cutlery arrangement was neatly placed but incorrect... although, perhaps the layout of fork on the right with knife and spoon on the left was standard in his pocket of space-time? There didn't seem to be many differences between this world's people and those from over there, beyond their rampant adventurousness. Even then, Marine's demeanour suggested that alone was not a tell. Perhaps it would be wise to start a list of cultural deviations to prepare for future visitations...

"Thank you, that was most gracious of you, Shiver," Gardon made a subtle attempt to exaggerate the misspoken syllable as he took his seat, "Would you care for some tea?"

This time the hedgehog did hesitate, Gardon was certain he could see gears turning behind his-

"Yeah, that sounds great," Again, the hedgehog had completely blanked the mispronunciation, "That's what's in the pot, right?"

"...Indeed," Gardon hummed, "How do you take it?"

Now this test the hedgehog truly couldn't avoid. He had lifted out the sugar bowl himself and should have noticed it was near empty! To ask for the only lump would be rude, but to ask for more would suggest either a foolish unobservant nature or be the height of bad manners. Yes, he could ignore slips of the tongue but-

"However's best," The fellow said, as if it were a normal answer. 

"H-However's best?" Gardon stammered back to him.

"Blaze says you always make it perfect for her, so I think it makes sense to try it your way?" He stated as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Not only was this hedgehog willing to take tea in mugs cleaned to a substandard finish, he was willing to so freely surrender the choice of sugar to another? Was that polite? A compliment had certainly been launched. Gardon had never experienced an attack like this before, he didn't know how to parry the kindness. Instead, he felt he had no choice but to reach across and take the pot- as if pouring it would somehow allow him to retake the advantage in this sparring match.

"Very well. I shall serve it to Blaze's particular specifications then," The gentleman affirmed, filling the other man's cup first.

Thankfully, Gardon's waiting beyond the door had resulted in the intended effect. As the brown liquid filled the first mug not only was it unsuitably dark- by its splash and the temperature of the porcelain, the drink was surely no hotter than lukewarm. Yes, the hedgehog would notice no steam was rising from either mug, not to mention how minute the impact of milk would be on the well brewed dark liquid.

The koala's eyes flickered up to the hedgehog as he poured, only to find his gaze shining with curiosity. He was staring intently as the tea was poured into each of their mugs, that conviction didn't fade as Gardon went on to pour the milk. It was as if he was expecting to observe some hidden secret; if so, he was truly missing the forest for the trees. There wasn't a hint of trepidation or concern about his personage...

Aha! But there was still the sugar, even further proof that the drink was cold- yes! By plunging that cube to sit undissolved in the depths, regardless of ferocious stirring attempts, surely the psychic would come to understand how cold the tea was before it could reach his lips. All it would take was some extreme stirring!

Harnessing the small silver tongs, he dropped the singular brown cube into the dark liquid before taking up the spoon. To say his mixing was wild would be an understatement, returning the cube to breach the surface time and time again looked anything but casual. Still, when older man's wrist cramped and he conceded, the hedgehog still looked excited.

"Thanks," The hedgehog picked up his mug without blinking.

He gave a sniff. Raised the rim to his lips. Took a small sip, then gulped the whole thing down. With a single crunch the unmelted sugar cube was consumed.

"Oh wow, that really is great!" He cheered, "I can see why it's Blaze's favourite."

"Would you like some more?" Gardon bleated, entirely on autopilot.

"There's more?" Why was the hedgehog so surprised?! "Then yes, absolutely!"

Gardon poured the young man another cup, this time unable to provide sugar due to his own prior trap. The telekinetic didn't seem to notice however, again raising the cup to his mouth. He didn't gulp it down in a single swallow this time at least. Had he always known the tea was cold? Was the hedgehog truly just a step ahead- had he noticed Gardon waiting outside the door? Perhaps it was time to try a different tactic, one not of confusion but of disgust. It was time for the luncheon to truly begin!

"Would you care for a sandwich, Shiver?" Again he stressed that first sound.

Gardon's initial idea had been to use bread that had gone slightly stale, but that seemed too rude and cruel- not to mention perhaps unnoticeable until a sandwich was bitten, making it useless for assessing Silver. Instead, the koala had devised some fillings that no person could possibly enjoy. Marmalade and green beans on peppered sourdough was just the start, ham on rye would be fine if he could ignore the chocolate spread and lemon zest, some truly unfortunate slices of ciabatta had been glued together with wasabi paste and soft cheese, and he'd even grated down peppermint candies to serve with olives and peanut butter on seeded bread. 

It would be impolite to not at least sample the delicacies, but even more improper to spit them out or pull a face. This was a true test of character, how he responded when presented with such putrid but edible foodstuffs would surely speak to the quality of his character. The aroma alone was all frankly debilitating... but the hedgehog hadn't yet flinched! 

Surely he'd noticed the scent? His eyes had drifted to the platter now but...was that hunger in his expression? Could he not clearly see the strange mixture of colours between the breads?

Again the hedgehog didn't blinked, but what he said was even more bewildering, "Oh, they're for me too?" 

"...Indeed?" Gardon managed to squeak, "Feel free to help yourself."

A cyan glow engulfed a finger sandwich, raising it into the air ahead of Silver. Was that polite? The hedgehog wasn't exactly at risk of dropping crumbs, his power didn't seem to allow for such a possibility, but he wasn't exactly using the tableware. Yes the forks, spoons, and knives were largely ceremonial but the plates had a use. There wasn't so much as a crack in his demeanour either, he seemed genuinely happy with-

The crunch of teeth splitting green beans echoed through the dining hall, "Wow, I've never tried anything like this. It's really good!"

Not only was sparing the dishes from needing cleaned, he was protecting the koala's feelings! This was more polite! Through this esper's efforts, an endeavour of otherworldly skill that surely required more energy than a humble sandwich could grant, the time traveller was endeavouring to save the palace staff from additional duties. He'd already swallowed one sandwich and was telekinetically reaching for another, was he intending to leave no waste at all?! How could he handle such discordant tastes and textures?!

"Did you make these?" He asked, having swallowed a mouthful of peppermint and olive.

"Indeed," Gardon whimpered, "Eat as many as you wish..."

With the third now taking to the air, he was on track to taste all the flavours of nonsense the older man had dared to dream. The entire plan to test this lad had been an abject failure with not a single piece of viable data generated besides the fact he had no sense of taste. All the ways he seemed mannerly could have been pure interdimensional coincidence or general strangeness rather than an intentional want to be polite. All that and Gardon had yet to begin to glean just what made the princess so infatuated with this rapscallion, besides perhaps his fluffiness.

An ask of something like "Are you feeling okay?" Freed the captain from his thoughts.

"Excuse me?" Gardon asked, rousing more fully."I just noticed you're not really eating, you haven't touched your tea either, and you seem pretty tense," He explained, "Are you feeling sick?"

Was the hedgehog responding in kind with a test of his own? Was this goading, mockery, jeering? Did he truly have a masterful pokerface? No, there was nothing but earnestness in his eyes, a heartfelt concern was radiating from the hedgehog. Still, Gardon felt he couldn't admit his folly.

"No, I'm just rather tired from duties already," More specifically the past twenty or so minutes, "My work sometimes requires strange and disparate things of me."

"That makes sense, given all Blaze has told me, it seems like you do a lot- especially for her," Another sandwich vanished, "You're kind of like her dad, right?"

That question was enough to return the guardsman to full attention, "What did you just ask me?" Finally, actual rudeness, bizarre bluntness!"The way she talks about you, it just sort of seems that way," The hedgehog elaborated rather than repeat himself, "It sounds like you've really looked after her, ever since she was little."

"I..." Images of a tiny kitten with fur stained by soot flashed in defender's mind, "Um..." Memories spun of long nights she'd spent in the library, of him urging her to bed and checking back to pull a blanket over her shoulders when his pleading failed, "Well," The way she would chastise him for using her official title rather than her true name rang in his ears, "Erm..."

"Maybe I've messed that up, used the wrong words," The young man interjected, finally perhaps a little flustered, "I just meant to say thank you for that, for all you do and have done for her," His hand was back at his chest fur, "She has looked out for me a lot and helped me in more ways than I can even think. I'm just so glad that you have been here to help her while I've been away," Gardon steepled his fingers, "I promise, I'll do all I can to help her. I'll stick by her side no matter what."

Something wasn't right. The koala consider himself to be a scrupulous judge of character, second only to the princess herself. He could see the sincerity in the hedgehog's eyes and hear the earnest truth in his tone. He seemed to care for Blaze in a way few others would dare to express, and that truth coupled with the prior mention of fatherhood brought Gardon to consider the truly improbable. Was this hedgehog a suitor, was that why Blaze had seemed so set on arranging this meeting?! Did she intend to wed this strange fluffy foreigner?!

"You're talking as though you've been here before, but to my understanding, she must have met you quite recently. I watched her grow myself," Gardon could hear the defensiveness in his tone, "Her majesty has only visited the other reality a handful of times. What do you mean that you've been away, and how could you possibly have such a connection with her?"

"It's complicated, I don't think I can explain it- not even with her help," His hand drifted to his quills, "In a time and place that no longer exists, we looked out for each other. We spent a lifetime together- well kind of a lifetime? It's not like we got old. I also don't know if we're the exact same people who spent that time together, versions of us certainly did, but we've sort of remembered it? She realised everything first, a little while ago, I'm surprised she didn't tell you," His hand stilled, "I only really put it all together last week, maybe ten days ago? That's when we properly reunited and renewed our vows to each other."

Renewed vows?! This was truly bizarre, if he was a suitor then he was using some truly poetic language- rambling about some kind of bond across space and time. The older man wanted to think it nonsense, but this self professed connection was plainly mutual- Gardon had heard so much about this strange fellow from Blaze. Less than a month ago she'd first mentioned him, and since then she'd scarcely stopped. Despite that being the case, a protective instinct- either paternal or born of duty- was welling within the koala. 

"You really think you know her so well?" For the first time in this luncheon, Gardon managed to steel his resolve, "Then prove it. Tell me about her, tell me the things that only her closest of companions would know."

"I know..." His boldness seemed to give the hedgehog pause, but a certain seriousness quickly claimed his expression- both his palms struck the table! "That she struggles with spicy food but really likes sweet stuff, even though she thinks it's childish. That whenever she thinks something is cute she feels a need to hit it or mess it up somehow. That she's nervous about being petite even though she's the strongest person I know. That her truest smile is small and wiry, the fake one is wide and toothy. That she used to worry so much about being left alone she pushed everyone away. That she is really upset about her cooking even though it's really good," He barked and barked, "That she falls asleep sitting up just as easily as lying down. That she'll only take one pillow for herself, but she really wants two. That her claws come out whenever she's dreaming. That she's had a reoccurring nightmare about a giant bird carrying her away ever since she was a child," Now he was starting to wheeze, "That she likes wearing dresses, but gets flustered when she's seen in them. That she feels too short if she's not in heels, even if they slow her down. That she tilts her head just a little to the left whenever she's confused. That her tail always betrays her attempts to remain stoic. That her shoulders go all stiff whenever she's stressed or in public. That she hunches over like a gargoyle if she likes what she's reading, but sits properly if it's boring her..."

The koala wasn't certain when he'd started smiling, but now he was struggling to contain laughter. Silver had gone red in the face, not pausing to breathe as he rattled off claim after claim about Blaze. All of them, well all that the koala could confirm based on his own experience, were true. Except that her cooking was good, of course. Embellishing was a most unbecoming habit, but one Gardon supposed he could look beyond on this occasion.

"That she'll stare at you from across the room and quickly look away when you catch her- refusing to admit that you've done something to annoy her," The knight hummed.

"Y-Yeah," Silver panted in agreement, "That too."

"So you do actually know her," Gardon acquiesced, "And care for her."

"More than anything!" The preternatural hedgehog proclaimed, "I'd give up my life a million- no, a billion times if it meant saving her!"

"In that much at least, we are aligned," His laughter settled in his gut, the smile on his face felt warm, "I would like to hear about your apparently secret lifetime with Blaze, if you don't mind sharing," Gardon requested, daring to sip his lukewarm tea, "She doesn't often consider her accomplishments worth discussing, and it is so very nice to hear from another who cares so much for her."

"She really doesn't like to take credit for anything..." Sternness had quickly faded the yellow eyed fellow's expressions, replaced with that warm honesty once again, "I've got tons of stories from that time, but the endings aren't always the happiest," The hedgehog had gone from silly to glum rather suddenly, "Would you rather I kept it all positive?"

"I know that she's here now and that she's safe, nothing you tell me will change that," He said, sounding far too fatherly in his own opinion, "But if you tell me anything she'd rather I not know, we both know what'll happen to you."

"I think I might've already done a bit of that, you should probably forget what I said about cute stuff and her cooking... and some other stuff," The esper's smile returned as he again began to tug at his chest fur, "Okay, I'll only tell tales of her glory from now on!"

---

Blaze was beginning worry, both her captain of the guard and time travelling companion seemed to have made themselves scarce. It was far past lunch, she hadn't expected to finish her duties and find them still waiting for her- but a report from Gardon had been expected. Neither he nor the hedgehog were in the banquet hall, kitchen, their lodgings, the library, or anywhere in-between. 

Finally, in the royal gardens, she had spotted a familiar looking white frond poking out from behind a tree. The psychic hedgehog was so deep in a daydream he didn't seem to notice the cat as she peered around the trunk- he was laid back against it, staring up at the canopy. She, perhaps impulsively, swatted an errant quill to take his attention.

"There you are," She could hear the frustration in her own voice,"I've been looking all over the grounds for you," That sounded slightly better, "How was lunch?"

"The food was great, it went pretty well I think, but he seems to really struggle with my name..." Silver answered, still somewhat in his own world judging by the fingers plucking at his chest fur, "When you told me your dad spoke a bit weirdly, I thought you just meant the posh stuff."

"M-My dad?!" Blaze spluttered, her tail straight and twice as concerned as she had been, "What in the world did you two get up to?"