[ They are, all of them, a bunch of self-sacrificing types. Joshua knows this. Or, at least, he knows it about himself, and Clive, and Dion. He doesn't know the details of Luca's death, only that it had something to do with the snakes... But, if he did know, he would understand. He would do much the same for Clive, even if Clive was angry with him for it later. Clive has already died once...

To Luca's comment, Joshua firmly nods, playing with the string on his bag of tea. He can hear the doubt in the words before it, but... he will refrain from commenting yet. ]

Indeed. We may suffer the forest's wrath, but that does not mean we must succumb to it. It is as I told Clive back at home - we fight for our right to deny this fate that is being forced upon us.

[ He, too, settles against the counter, but with his hip rather than his back. Wings, and all. ]

And I would gladly fight beside you in this. You are welcome to call upon me any time, for any reason.