[closed] 🔥 under your scars, I pray

[phoenixdominant]

Who: Joshua Rosfield & Dion Lesage
Status: Closed.
Where: The Roost.
What: Dion finally agrees to move onto The Roost and Joshua and him have a few things they need to talk about. Maybe other stuff later.
Warnings: Tba.

Comments

[phoenixdominant]

[It took a little bit of time but Dion has finally agreed to move back onto The Roost and to take a room in The Hideaway. Joshua didn't push him with the idea, of course, knowing that Dion's return has been quite the upheaval for him. Although, when Dion mentioned that it might be better that he did, Joshua was honestly relieved.

Joshua has to wonder what stars he prayed to to have both Dion and Clive return in the same month. It's quite... a feeling.

The two of them are walking up the mountain path towards the main area now with Torgal walking leisurely behind them.]

It must be quite the day if even Torgal is tagging along. I thought he would be glued to Clive's side as usual.

[Joshua gives the wolf a pat.]

Thank you for the escort today, Torgal. [Then he glances at Dion.] There are... no shortage of rooms. You do not need to stay in the same one, unless you would prefer to.

[haveaflare]

[Strange as it is to be ascending this path, Joshua to one side and a fine hound to the other, it also feels strangely, almost hauntingly, like a homecoming, and it was. He'd lived here before, he understands, but has no memory of it. These people had built a ramshackle home for themselves in the mountains of a secluded island and it is not unlike the downed airship they called home on Valisthea. That place, too, had felt both like a refuge and a visitation. He'd felt something there akin to belonging, though he hadn't been in a place then to properly appreciate it.

Here, the air feels free, it smells of honeysuckle and fertile earth.

It feels like he could belong here, one day.]

Mayhap he intends to assure I don't change my mind. [He has no intention of doing so, this does feel that right.]

I... [He hasn't thought of that, not until this very moment. He scoffs after a pause.] It's odd, thinking of taking a stranger's room when that stranger was yourself.

[phoenixdominant]

Then I'll have to thank Torgal if he does have to chase you down by your britches.

[He laughs softly and nods.]

And please... Do not dwell on it too deeply. This journey is uniquely yours, whether it is newly begun or not.

[The Hideaway was Dion's home once before, that so much is true. But it will be Dion's home again through a new perspective. The mountains, the earth, the grass. It's all new for Dion to call his, just like the rest of them did all those months ago.

And home it is. The Hideaway is made out of a carved mountain filled with thick old roots that hold the walls and the structures they've built into them. Kaveh has done a spectacular job using his skill as an architect alongside Cid and Midadol's engineering genius to build glass windows, libraries, kitchens, and study rooms. There are hidden step ways and paths up to the top of the mountain plateau where the chocobo stables and gardens are. And so much more. It's a whole community.]

[haveaflare]

[A raised eyebrow and he looks over his shoulder to the hound.] I can assure you that will be unnecessary.

[As strange as this homecoming was, it felt as though it should be, and so he walked with confidence as they continued. As parts of the Hideaway come into view, he pauses, though, reaching into the small back in which he carries all his meager belongings, including the Kamera he received from Kaveh, and pulls out the device.]

To new beginnings.

[phoenixdominant]

[Torgal woofs to agree!

And Joshua smiles...]

To new beginnings.

[He'll lead Dion into the main area, which is a lot like the old main area in The Hideaway back home. A collection of tables, a homey fire place, open air and sunlight.]

Would you care to take up some reading? I will have to show you the libraries after we settle you in a room. Between all of us we've amassed quite the collection...

[There are so many book nerds on this crew.]

[haveaflare]

[He glances down at the small pack he's carrying.]

I've actually acquired a few tomes of my own, but I would be honored to see the libraries here. And the stables. Everything, really. It is to be my home, after all.

[phoenixdominant]

Then I believe a tour is in order.

[He nods, opening his arms as if he's going to be a tour guide...!]

This is our main mess hall. Although, we do tend to have our main celebrations on the ship.

[Joshua and Benedikta like to sit on top of the mast like birds.]

[haveaflare]

Is there a reason for the preference? There seems to be much more room to be had here.

[His gaze is quietly amused, though. This almost whimsical side of Joshua is not one he's had occasion to see before, and he likes it.]

[phoenixdominant]

[He does feel a bit light-hearted right now. It's nice to be able to show Dion around the place that he's called home for the last year and a bit. He still has a few heavier thought on his mind but... Right now, he wants to focus on this.]

There is undoubtedly something about the open water and the fresh air. [He smiles, the hint of a memory flickering across his face.] The ship was the first place we could call home until we arrived here. Perhaps, then, a measure of sentimentality plays a part as well.

[...]

And it is amusing to watch the festivities from atop the mast.

[haveaflare]

Forgive my saying so, Joshua, but this lot does not seem a sentimental one. Mayhap I simply do not know them.

[He raises an eyebrow.]

Atop the mast? Not with the crew?

[phoenixdominant]

[Joshua lets out a small puff of laughter.]

Lady Benedikta and I share a thing or two in common. We both enjoy heights and people watching.

[Hahah! He's only partially joking, Joshua goes to join the others to celebrate, too. Of course!]

[haveaflare]

[He chuckles as they finish their walk to the main complex, looking around, noting buildings, or the hints of buildings, as well as stairs and the like.]

Is that a bird reference?

[phoenixdominant]

[Joshua chuckles softly.]

That it might be.

[As they tour, Joshua will take Dion around and show him all the other amenities. Then it's towards the halls with the rooms and other quarters. They do pass Dion's old room but Joshua tries to pay it no mind. Instead, the soft and undescribable expression on his face comes and goes.

He puts a gentle hand on Dion's upper arm before he can help himself.]

Come with me now, pick a room for yourself. Perhaps something with a cliffside view.

[phoenixdominant]

[Since their last conversation, Joshua has sensed a subtle distance in Dion. Not cold, never cold, but distant in a way that Joshua can feel in the quiet spaces between words and glances. He understands the reasons behind it, understands why Dion would want the space. And he wants to respect that. But understanding doesn't stop the wondering.

Weeks later, Joshua musters up the courage to simply ask,]

Dion, if you are not otherwise engaged, would you accompany me on a walk to the chocobo stables? They can get rather picky with me and I believe a second hand might prove useful.

[haveaflare]

[Dion's weeks have been spent running bounties and other jobs, usually guard work or the like, and acquiring furniture, but also doing his best to live not just as a civilian, but also as a commoner. It's not been without its challenges, but at present, Joshua finds him finishing organizing what meager wardrobe he possesses in his newly acquired armoire.

He welcomes the distraction. He's in darker trousers today, and a light tunic, loose and rolled to the elbows to afford for his work this afternoon, the bandage on his right arm not hidden for once, but if the Curse pains him, he doesn't show it.

Instead, he smiles at his visitor. The sight of Joshua's face has brought that same smile since the Dominant first reentered his life.]

A stable hand now, am I? [But he closes the doors to his armoire all the same, no malice in his voice; only amusement.] Very well. Lead on.

[phoenixdominant]

[Joshua cannot help peeking into the room to see how Dion's been progressing. He's surprised and happy to see the few choice items that Dion has picked. It's coming along very nicely. Alongside Dion's choices when it comes to clothing...

And Joshua comes to the conclusion that Dion is settling in well. Even finding things that he likes for himself. A sense of freedom and self, he hopes. He's proud to see it.

He quirks a smile.]

That is right, although we'll see about a payable wage, this time. [He won't be paying Dion, he only hopes to pay him in time together!

He'll lead the way towards the upper pathways that lead to the chocobo stables up on the top plateau.]

[haveaflare]

Oh? Am I the only resident not on the payroll, then?

[He falls in line with Joshua, that light smile on his face that seems to find its way there whenever the other is present. The weeks here have alleviated his loneliness somewhat, and he's starting to feel as though he's finding his place among the Hideaway crew as well, which is giving him some stability.

And now maybe he can start to think of what these feelings here might mean.]

[phoenixdominant]

I'm afraid that's correct. Luckily, only when it comes to helping me with the chocobos.

[He promises that Dion will probably get paid for other jobs!! But today, Joshua is commandeering his help with feeding the chocobos and he will not be paying.

Up towards the stables they go. The stables have been recently patched back together (although they could probably still use some work) and the chocobos are mulling around happily on the grass. It's a bright, breezy and sunny day so the birds seem to be enjoying it way up here. Ambrosia can also be found in the distance and she lifts her head to coo softly when she sees the two men.]

I see that Ambrosia is in good spirits today as well.

[haveaflare]

Well, then, if it be for you, I suppose I can forego a wage.

[Not that he really cares either way. Once they've crested the rise to the chocobo stalls, he pauses, having a look around, hands on his hips. He hasn't taken the opportunity yet to appreciate the stables, and while they do seem to be in a state of repair, or perhaps upgrade, they are well-kept and clean.

Dion smiles in appreciation as he follows Joshua's gaze to Ambrosia.]

A chocobo could hope for no finer range. She has much cause to celebrate.

[phoenixdominant]

She's been happy since Clive's return, as well. It's amazing how sensetive the creature is.

[Joshua smiles softly. He's obviously very happy that his brother has returned as well. Never did he think he could relate to a happy chocobo. But he does.

He moves towards the stables and from a wooden crate nearby he collects a basket of... plain fresh radishes. He returns to Dion and offers it to him to take.]

Shall we give them a treat, to start?

[Time to feed some picky chocobos!!]

[haveaflare]

All find steeds are sensitive to the needs of their masters. I wager she would have made a fine war bird, if that had been her destiny.

[And he can tell Joshua is gladdened by his brother's return. He recalls that first meeting, when he'd been told Ifrit had parted and the sadness he'd seen there.

He takes the basket he's offered without complaint. He's given treats to chocobos before. How difficult can this be?]

If that is where we're to start, then we shall. I'll yield to your experience.

[...to start?}

[phoenixdominant]

[To start. Joshua won't spoil all the fun, yet.

Meanwhile, the chocobos seem to have caught wind of Dion's help and have slowly started to lift their heads and kweh softly in curiosity.]

Many of these birds were born right here, beneath Ambrosia's feathers, in fact. Clive was quite taken aback by the surprise when he discovered the eggs.

[Joshua chuckles. While they are young birds, they are growing quickly. And are at the age where they're unafraid to snap at Dion's basket to demand a fresh radish. Which one does! They're a bit plucky!! Watch your fingers, Dion.]

[haveaflare]

These are Ambrosia's brood, then? She must be proud.

[Dion's quick reflexes are all that save his fingers from needing a healer's attention and he takes a half-step back.]

Here, now, manners! [Yes, he's addressing the birds. One doesn't learn to tame wyverns without being good with animals.] If you dream of being fine steeds one day, you shall need to learn restraint and patience.

[phoenixdominant]

[Joshua watches with a flicker of gentle amusement in his eyes. He can't stop the little chuckle on his lips as he watches Dion work so expertly.]

I see your talent for command holds no bounds.

[Meanwhile, Ambrosia trots over and coos softly at Joshua, who turns to her to give her an affectionate pat.]

We’ll offer them a few treats to soothe their spirits, then see to their feathers with a proper brushing.

[haveaflare]

[A proper brushing. Ah, so it is that Joshua intends to put him to work. He isn't opposed, of course.]

I see. I confess, while I have tended to birds, I have never joined the stable hands for a shift. I may require guidance, but I am at your disposal.

[There's a quiet amusement in his voice as he speaks. Honestly, he's simply glad for the companionship. When one is so accustomed to be always surrounded, the level of privacy afforded by the Hideaway can feel isolating.]