From his place at the table, Dedue has a decent line of sight into the kitchen; he can watch Ashe bustle about in his preparations. He seems to be quite familiar with these strange new devices that people cook with in this world, and it's helpful to be able to watch Ashe operate them. At some point, when he hasn't just gotten in from a cross-country walk, Dedue will have to ask for a proper lesson in their use.

The creature that trails along behind Ashe seems to have gotten used to his presence, which is something of a relief. Animals have never taken particularly well to Dedue, even when he tries to get along with them, but these creatures get over their fear of him more quickly than the horses at Garreg Mach ever did. Or the cats.

"I did arrive with one of these creatures," he replies. "He is similar to a tortoise, and is remarkably well disposed towards me."

Which is a surprise, because of the whole animals hate his face thing.

"When you first arrived, were you also in a small town called New Bark?"