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

Entry tags:

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

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!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ 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. ]

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.]

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. ]

[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.]

Do you? [ Dion smiles and chuckles. ]

I think that there is a certain amount of freedom in adventuring that you may enjoy perhaps.

[ He considers that for a moment. ]

Unfortunately, I don't think adventuring could've ever been in the cards for me. Greagor had other plans.

[ Dion isn't sure if that sounds sad or not. Maybe a little bit. He's spent his life doing what his father wanted him to do, protecting the people and it's all gone horribly. ]

[It is a little sad to hear Dion say something like that. It makes Joshua's working hands slow as he considers just what life both of them would have led should they not have had the paths they were given... His fingertips resting on the little fresh leaves sprouting on the sapling.]

I confess... we were both led down predetermined paths without much say in the matter.

[Perhaps that sort of destiny is just the destiny of a Dominant.]

Still, Dion, I sense an adventurous heart within you, regardless of the circumstances.

I cannot deny that is true. [ Ultima made it clear that it was, and even outside of that, Dion is fairly certain that Sylvestre planned to just work him to death and enjoy the political capital. He was fine with that, as long as he looked after the people and when he didn't... ]

Perhaps. Although I don't think it's going to be possible either. I'm not sure what to make of this place but...

[ But they should be facing Ultima. They should be dealing with that. ]

Should we happen to return there will not be any adventure for me. Or anything else, I suppose.

[Joshua lifts his gaze from the tree saplings to regard Dion with a soft contemplative expression. He wonders just how much Dion might know about the end of their journey against Ultima. The things that Clive told him... As far as Joshua can tell? There are lives lost in the fight. And some of those lives are- Joshua and Dion.

He's hesitant to mention that clearly to Dion. Only because Joshua has come to accept his own fate in the grand scheme of things already. But Dion... He truly doesn't wish for Dion to walk like a man on death's row.]

Surely, you can't allow thoughts like that to hamper the tree saplings' growth, now can you?

[He tries the smallest of a playful smile.]

Here. Try to plant another. The current adventure right in front of us.

[ Dion has not been brought up to speed, he only knows what his plans are, and that it wouldn't matter either way. Priming is just a ticking clock for him, but it has been like that awhile. He fully intends to seek for a resolution to save his people. He does feel like he's a man on death row, awaiting the inevitable.

He's felt like that for quite some time now, even before coming to this strange place. Beyond that - he feels as though it's entirely well-deserved. ]

Of course not. [ Dion answers a bit absently but he does keep his hands going, planting another sapling. ]

I suppose it is, at least, a worthwhile adventure.

[Perhaps that is where they differ, then. Joshua has been told his fate and he's come to understand that if the cost of his life equals a better future for all of those who live in their world he'll gladly give it with his head held high. He wishes to embrace his days with a brightness in his vision knowing that he will be able to make that future real. It's made him want to do more, to see more- in all the time that they've been given now.

He can still see the hard lines in Dion's face. Perhaps... He will share these feelings with Dion soon.]

I find that it doesn't matter where we might be standing. If we can make a difference in the lives of others, it's well worth it.

[Which means... Right now? Solving scurvy.]

[ The reminder does soften Dion's expression a little bit, although his eyes are rather sad. He carries a heavy guilt for all the difference he's made in the lives of his people - and not for the better.

This...this at least is for the better. It's a worthy cause. ]

I want to make a meaningful impact, I suppose. A positive one. [ Specifically. He might have failed his kingdom, but he can plant saplings. He can do that much. ]

[Joshua may not be able to heal Dion's guilt with a few words but he does offer a small encouraging smile.]

And that is why sailing with the paladins suits you so.

[He is certainly sorry that he's a corsair to follow his brother. But the paladins... They are good. They are protectors. Researchers. Want to improve the world. And Joshua admires that. He admires that in Dion.

Meanwhile, he starts to use the little handle shovel to prepare more spots for saplings.]

Perhaps it does. That, and I suspect I would find such rule breaking to be rather distasteful. [ He wrinkles his nose. Yes, he's very much into rules and order. It would be very strange to imagine him a Corsair. He's perfectly acclimated with duty and devotion.

Freedom would be daunting. He doesn't really admire them so much as is bewildered by their choices, perhaps.

Maybe he's just never had the opportunity to explore very much outside of his comfort zone. ]

[Joshua ducks his head down to lose Dion's gaze. Although a small smirk is still on his lips.]

Do you find my choice distasteful, then? You'll have to forgive me... Sometimes the world requires a bit of rule-breaking in order to see change. Perhaps that's why.

[Maybe Cid is rubbing off him just a bit.]

Rule-breaking. For the right reasons.

I think that your choice is your choice. It's not the one I would make because I would find it distasteful for me, but if you truly wish to see the world, perhaps it's well suited to you. [ Dion says every diplomatically, but it's also true. He doesn't think Joshua is looking to cause any actual trouble. ]

I suppose I cannot argue with that. For the right reasons, I would do the same.

[ Did. Tried. It didn't end well for him. ]

I am certain you would, Dion.

[He did. Dion did what he could. That's all Joshua sees.]

And I am looking to search this world for something. If I have this chance to find it then I hope to do just that.

[Perhaps that is where they are different. Why they are in different armadas, after all. Joshua has this deep darkness in his chest that he needs to find an answer to. How to hold or even destroy Ultima's echo in his chest. To keep a promise to his brother. And the desire to see the world for what it is.]

The corsairs are relentless and search without wavering. Perhaps that is what I need.

[ He's not sure trying is enough, and he wouldn't think so. People won't see it that way. ]

Perhaps that is true. I certainly hope you find what you're looking for Joshua. [ He genuinely wishes nothing but the best for him. Even if he can't quite relate fully. ]

I don't have much I'm searching for, so much as just...existing for the moment.

[ Oh that sounds a little bleak, but Dion isn't sure how else he can put it. ]

[It does seem bleak. And for a moment Joshua is quiet as if he is unsure if he should reach out to Dion for something... Something so dangerous.]

In a world where we have no roots, that is only a fair feeling to have.

[He glances back up at Dion, his gaze curious and soft.]

If I may... And if you might consider... There is something that I could ask you for your assistance with. Although, it may be dangerous. And you may not agree with it.

[ Dion blinks a little bit when Joshua turns his attention and he tilts his head curiously. ]

I certainly owe you my assistance ten times over. [ He genuinely believes so. ]

I am not afraid of danger. What can I help you with?

[If only to help Dion find a purpose to follow in the moment...]

I would not ask you because it is a favour I want you to fulfil but because you are my friend and I trust you with my life.

[Joshua pauses for a moment and reaches up to undo the ties at the front of his shirt near his neck. He reveals a small dark gem-like mark in the center of his chest. It glows black and looks like it's poisoning his skin.]

... I am looking to search this world to find a way to destroy the echo of Ultima that I carry inside of me. It is my prisoner and I am not afraid of carrying this echo so long as it keeps this world safe from its darkness. But to destroy it, despite not knowing the effects it will have on myself... Would be ideal.

I hope you know your trust is not misplaced. [ Dion removes his right gauntlet. ]

I would trust you with mine. [ He's looking at the echo of Ultima with concern more than anything. ]

May I? [ His hand hovers slightly over Joshua's chest. ]

[Joshua glances up at Dion and quietly nods. Usually, he would not let anyone near the mark for fear of hurting them... But Dion's aether is the light. Surely, he could touch the darkness and not be affected badly.]

You may. But please... Be careful. While I am strong enough here to hold it in place I do not want to take any large risks.

Understood. [ Dion presses his palm over the mark, less to touch the darkness but to touch Joshua instead. It's gentle, and while he can feel the thrum of the aether, it doesn't seem too affecting to him, at least. ]

Would that I could relieve your suffering. [ Dion murmurs and then raises his hand to grasp Joshua's shoulder with a gentle squeeze. ]

Should you need anything at all in regards to this, you'll let me know won't you? I will keep my eyes and ears open. [ He's not sure how optimistic he is that they'll just find a random lead, but there might be something outside their world's experience. ]

I understand completely that this remnant must be destroyed and should you like my help with that, you need only ask, regardless of the risk to myself. [ With his gauntlet removed, it's much easier to see that under his fluttery sleeve at least some part of his arm is bandaged. ]

[Such a gentle yet firm touch... Joshua can't help but feel the warmth in his cheeks. He dearly hopes that Dion feels only the thrum of the dark aether and not the way his heart picks up pace. He's never had anyone do such a thing to him before. Not even Jote would treat his wounds so... tenderly.

He quickly looks away from Dion gaze. Unable to hold it for long.]

If you hear or find anything at all that might help me in my endeavour... I would greatly appreciate it. At the moment, any information would be useful.

[Back to business... Of course. This world is full of secrets and treasures. Surely there is something out there that can help him destroy Ultima.]

And if I find any leads I'll be sure to find you as well, Dion. Thank you.

[ When Joshua looks away, Dion considers perhaps he is making him uncomfortable and he withdraws his hand. It must be difficult to be so vulnerable in this moment, he could not blame him, or it could be more than that and he is being far too forward or familiar with Joshua, which would also be his fault. ]

Of course. You need only ask and I would find myself to your side, no matter when you need me.

[ A promise he can at least make. Dion leans back again. ]

Perhaps we are almost finished and we can get that bottle of wine, hm?

B

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