[open] two birds of a feather, say that they're always gonna stay together

[phoenixdominant]

Who: Joshua Rosfield & You
Status: Open
Where: Nogard, Eltrut, Elah Conservatory
What: A catch-all log for the month of October, quest board prompts and closed threads.
Warnings: Tba. Potential spoilers for Final Fantasy XVI.


[🐦 a. spirited by spirits; nogard]

[While Joshua wouldn't call himself a particularly superstitious kind of person there is something about ghosts and spirits that picks his interest. Having spent much of his younger life with his nose buried in books he finds the tales and stories fascinating. So, seeing the ghosts real as day in front of him is almost a ... delight.

One of the roly-poly ghosts seems to have picked Joshua as a target today. Instead of sneaking up on him, Joshua has the small round ghost following him around like some sort of inflated balloon.]

Well. Hello, little one. Curious, aren't we?

[He reaches up to almost touch the ghost but he doesn’t quite do so. Something about how it peers at him so readily is a bit peculiar too.

Care to play with ghosts with him?]

[🐦 b. even woodier rarities; eltrut island]

[There's something a bit relaxing about simply planting trees. He's planted about a row of three saplings so far and he’s sure that he will be able to plant more. It somehow relaxes Joshua to do so even if he has no power over how fast or well they might grow. He might be able to warm the soil so the autumn's chill doesn't hurt them? He’s not sure.

Joshua is busy crouching down to plant another lemon tree sapling with a small wistful smile on his face.]

If it weren’t for the direction of my life, I might have enjoyed being a part-time botanist.

[He will be happy to have someone join him for tree planting. And maybe sharing the wine as a reward as well.]

[🐦 c. fowl language; elah conservatory]

[Now here is a quest that Joshua is very interested in. Ever since hearing word that the paladins have an entire conservatory full of creatures, relics, artifacts and more... He's wanted to see it. But being on the Stormbringer has made that difficult. Once he hears of the dare to sneak into the conservatory Joshua takes it upon himself to try just that. If only to see the creatures inside. And surely not tell his brother about this...

He can be found on the outskirts of the building, having snuck in with a blue cloak around his shoulders and the hood up. He tries to appear like a paladin scholar who might be travelling from far away. He just hopes his acting skills are up to par.

Joshua would be happy for any other corsairs to join him in sneaking in. Any paladins are more than welcome to catch him in the act.]

[🐦 d. wildcard]

[Feel free to toss anything else you might need with Joshua down here. He can often be found browsing shops in Nogard or reading books on docks or on the Stormbringer. I am also open to any bounties or bottle messages. Yo can find my ooc plotting post here for more or find me at michrure!]

Comments

B

[dragoonoflight]

[ Dion probably looks out of place as much as he always does in full armor when everyone else seems to be far more relaxed, but he hasn't dressed down any, not even for the matter of tree planting.

He's doing it for something to do, something helpful to do - although he's not terribly sure he's particularly skilled at it. It's a calm, sedate thing to do, at least it feels like it.

The voice makes him look up, his gauntlets still in the dirt. ]

I will admit, I could see you in that role. [ A quirk of his lips, as though that's mildly amusing. Would that life had gone another way. ]

[phoenixdominant]

You could?

[Joshua quirks an eyebrow at that. Imagine, Joshua with a wide-brimmed hat, a tiny shovel, planting sunflowers and daisies... Yeah.

He appreciates that they have run into each other again. Here on Eltrut- it seems like a random happenstance that has worked out for both. However short their stay might be again.]

It certainly is a far cry from the work I'm normally used to. But it is not unwelcome work.

[This entire job is a far cry. For the both of them.]

[dragoonoflight]

It's not unpleasant to be worth complaining about. [ Dion finds it to be somewhat relaxing too, even though it's manual labour. It makes a lot more sense than some of the other things of this world. ]

Then again, perhaps I could envision you as a scholar primarily. [ He has great respect for Joshua's research capabilities. ]

Although this would certainly be a respite from that.

[ He doesn't think he's suited to either task, he's doing it because, well, there's no harm in trying to give something to the environment. Greagor knows he's committed enough sins. ]

[phoenixdominant]

[They are already working on trying to revitalize one world- why not plant some trees in another? At least that's how Joshua sees it too.

A small laugh erupts from his lips as he places another lemon tree sapling into the ground.]

As much as I like putting my nose into books and things... I wonder if I've come to like adventures much more.

[Being on the road with Clive and Jill so much has said so.]

c

[afflatusexarch]

[ G'raha has... A much different means of getting by unnoticed. All it takes is a quick spell and he vanishes from view. Suffice to say this is becoming quite the habit, finding Joshua of all people - even though this time he doesn't know it. All he can see is a body in a blue cape looking like they are trying to fit in.

It's only after he ducks around a little bit that he can see a familiar face. And then G'raha chuckles to himself. Mayhap he should have some fun? ]

My... We don't look suspicious at all, do we?

[ Let the record show that he hasn't dropped his vanishing spell either. So there's no one "there" so to speak. ]

[phoenixdominant]

...?

[And because Joshua can't see a thing he looks over his shoulder as if he's trying to see who is speaking to him. A spike of anxiety that sparks through him makes him reach up to tug the edge of his hood down further.]

... Is there something wrong?

[Act act act... Nothing's wrong here!]

[afflatusexarch]

Pulling down the hood is only going to make it worse, my friend.

[ Though it is sort of entertaining. Amusing in its own way. G'raha is entertained and is going to keep this up for as long as possible. ]

You are looking in the wrong direction, by the by.

[phoenixdominant]

I-

[He turns the correct way with a flare of warmth appearing across his cheeks. He tries to keep himself together. But clearly, he's being played with.]

If you have already seen through my guise then make your own known.

A

[notmymother]

[Ashi isn't sure what to make of the ghosts at all. What she knows for ghosts are a lot less friendly than many of these floating around. Particularly the roly poly one seemingly following after one of her shipmates. Not that she knows his name but after being on board a boat for a while it's sort of hard not to recognize the others on there with you day after day.

She tilts her head some as he speaks to the spirit.]

Are you used to seeing them like this?

[phoenixdominant]

[The one that's been following him seems to roll up into the air when she speaks. It rolls up and floats upside down with a smile on its face. It's almost ... cute.

He turns to her and offers a small shrug.]

This is the first time I've seen spirits like this of any kind. I've not thought myself to be one to believe in ghosts. Until now, I supposed. Seeing them like this was a bit of a surprise.

[Because he was expecting ghost to be scary- not cute.]

[notmymother]

[Ashi's lips curve into a ready smile.]

I was thinking the same thing. I've seen spirits before but they weren't quite this cute. That was very surprising.

[She reaches out now to try to pet the ghost's little upside down head. Rounded end? No, it's head. But it doesn't have a neck so ... hm.]

[phoenixdominant]

Truly? Have you encountered other spirits in the past? How do they compare to the ones we're dealing with now?

[He's very much a nerd who is interested in the lore and meaning behind all of this.

Meanwhile, the little round ghost will be happy to float into her hand almost like it's demanding pets. Like a puppy...]

b!!

[starshower]

[Meanwhile... only a few feet away...]

Well, that makes one of us, at least.

[Tifa's poor little planted tree is crooked in the dirt. For someone who can do plenty of fixer-uppers, and has in the past, and who uses her hands for all sorts of things, the one thing that she doesn't have is a green thumb, and she can thank Midgar for that. As much as she would have loved to keep flowers and plant trees all around the bar, the soils of the city would never allow for that.

So here she is, and she's trying her best, but at the moment, her best just isn't enough for this little sapling.]

... Think I did something wrong.

[phoenixdominant]

[Joshua looks up from his own work where he's planted a little lemon tree sapling. It seems to be sitting well and even looks a little greener if he squints. Perhaps he did something right although he wouldn't call himself an expert at all. Perhaps he's just got a gentle touch?]

It certainly isn't easy on the first try. Plants are ... finicky.

[He stands and brush his hands off and comes to her and he offers her a friendly smile.]

May I assist you, my lady?

[starshower]

[All is good and well, and Tifa turns around to greet the stranger, offering her best, if not a bit crooked, smile...

...

....

And then he goes and calls her that, and she doesn't mean for the sudden, confused look or the equally confused flush in her cheeks.]

Ah—no... [Wait, that isn't what she meant.] I mean, you can just call me Tifa?

[It's not every day—actually, it's never that someone calls her "my lady". So proper???]

[phoenixdominant]

[For an awkward moment, Joshua is just as confused at her confusion! It isn't uncommon to politely address a woman in the way that he did as he doesn't know her name yet! ... Isn't that normal?]

Tifa. If that's the case, I'm Joshua. I meant no offence.

[He gives a friendly little smile.]

Perhaps I am still catching my bearings in this new world.

C

[feralhumanity]

[Joshua's trick might actually be convincing enough to some of the other Paladin guards, and his acting skills might successfully get him into the Conservatory. However, there is one guard who Joshua will have a lot harder of a time sneaking past.]

[Nanaki has taken a liking to the Conservatory; it's quieter than the main town, full of natural smells and sounds, and full of many good places to nap. He'd been having a nap under one of the trees when his ears flick, and he opens his good eye to spot the cloaked figure making his way through the Conservatory. Since he spends a lot of time here, he's gotten used to the scents that are abound, as well as the scents of his fellow Paladins who come in and help patrol the grounds. So when a newcomer comes in, Nanaki is instantly thrown off by the man's scent.]

[He rises to his paws and quietly stalks after Joshua, sticking to the underbrush and leaves rather than making his presence known upfront. He's trying to discern what it is the man is trying to do before striking.]

[phoenixdominant]

[Meanwhile, Joshua is carefully and quietly trying to make his way through the conservatory without anyone paying him much attention. He's trying not to talk to any of the other walkers in the area and very much is trying to avoid any... human-shaped... paladins. He has no idea that an animal-shaped one is stalking him instead.

But unlike a lot of the other corsairs that might try to break into this place, Joshua seems rather respectful of the area. He isn't trampling the plants or flowers, isn't stuffing samples or things into his pockets. He's merely walking quietly and marvelling at the view of beautiful gardens and stone structures...]

[feralhumanity]

[This guy is definitely suspicious, given how he avoids all of the human-shaped paladins. But as Nanaki follows the young man, he also notices that he's not skulking around stealing things or disrupting any of the plants or animals. He's trying to be cautious, and he's taking time to examine the sights within. Did he really sneak in just to observe the flora and fauna?]

[Nanaki follows him for a little while longer, and waits for Joshua to come to a halt before one of the ancient-looking trees. Figuring that this kid isn't an overt threat, it's then that Nanaki steps out from his cover, lifting his head up to speak.]

If you wanted to view the plants, you could have come during the Observatory's open hours.

B

[ramuhs]

[Hello, Younger Rosfield, been a while since they last met. Cid will have a shovel to help dig up the ground and bury soil.]

Is that so? Might as well dabble in it while you have the chance here.

[Other circumstances aside.]

[phoenixdominant]

[It has been a few weeks now. Joshua has been able to touch base with Clive and a few others which has been good. He has yet to run into Odin's Dominant. Luckily...

He eyes that shovel with a small smile.]

It seems you've grown fond of a small chance to garden as well.

[Since he's sure Cid's been dealing with his own circumstances.]

[ramuhs]

[Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha—]

Well when you've been "gifted" with a "second chance at life," might as well take the advantages, aye? A worthwhile reward helps.

C

[ricebird]

[Very thankfully, Kotori does not have an encyclopedic list of everyone who's a Corsair, and she and Josh have only spoken anonymously through bottle messages chucked into the ocean. So when she sees an unfamiliar face ambling through the Conservatory as she's refilling the bird feeders, it's with a smile and a light bow and without a shred of suspicion.]

Ah, hi there. Welcome to the Conservatory, how can I help you?

[phoenixdominant]

[At first, Joshua thinks the girl might only be an attendant here at the conservatory. He doesn't usually make assumptions but she doesn't look like a paladin that could arrest him, certainly.]

Hello, I think I may have gotten turned around once or twice if I'm perfectly honest.

[Pretending to be lost.]

I'm looking for a specific type of bird...

[ricebird]

Oh, uh, sure! Can I see your research permit real quick?

[Because Joshua absolutely has one of those, right? They can't just let ANYONE look in on their precious specimens.]