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INVENTORY
· His canon clothing.
· His canon sword, The Burning Thorn.
· His half of The Founder's Grasp, a pair of bracelets of which Clive possesses the twin.
    NOTE: Ydalir has enchanted this bracelet, allowing Joshua to assume the form of a small,
    cockatiel-sized Phoenix.
· His copy of the Journal of Moss.
· A photographed family portrait of his own family, in fine (but not royal) clothing and
    appearing happy.
· A stock of medicine for his coughing, supplied by Pure Vanilla Cookie.
· An ear cuff, custom made by Sesa and gifted to him by Dion.
    NOTE: Ydalir has enchanted this ear cuff, allowing Joshua to create a small ball of light
    similar to Dion's that fires three quick laser blasts before disappearing.
· A small stolas, requested from home. Her name is Willowisp, and she coos a lot and
    accepts snacks.
    NOTE: Pure Vanilla Cookie has now linked her as Joshua's familiar.

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"I feel like I was going to die" could mean anything for us! I say as such hungover!

[ And he's pretty sure he did once he became coherent enough after the night with Will. Well, close enough, it was "leave me to die". He huffs heavily, scowling at his dark drink. ]

Jittery and your chest aching...

[ It sounds vaguely alcohol, but Joshua isn't mentioning any mental obstructions. He glances up again. ]

Were your thoughts normal?

I can assure you, it is quite different from what I've heard of hangovers.

[ Hangovers are painful things, to his knowledge. Aching head, sensitivity to light, that sort of thing. This was not at all like that. ]

No, they were fine. Clear as day, actually. I... felt as though I could do anything, at least for a short while. The exhaustion was gone entirely.

It sounds like a potion.

[ He studies the liquid then shrugs and goes back to drinking it, because it's good, his brother made it, and he's not going to let it go to waste.

A potion combined with the Lionheart tonic, maybe. ]

I'll tell you how I feel after a bit. Promise. If what you say is true, it should kick in when the potatoes are done.

... perhaps. In a sense.

[ Now that Clive says it, it does seem that way, doesn't it? But a bit more potent than just a normal potion. At least his brother still wants to drink it, so he won't press too much. It's... a compliment? ]

If you start feeling odd, I could try to heal you. Whether it will help or not remains to be seen, but it would be a good test just in case.

You will not.

[ He says it evenly but it's obvious he's not going to take arguments for this. It's not worth a healing, unless he truly does begin to die, then he will allow it. But otherwise he will take the chest pain and jitters.

He moves to sit at one of the chairs that grace the kitchen, mostly used as catches for produce but enough empty ones that cookers can rest. Which he does. Thoughtful. ]

I'm realizing I barely know you anymore.

[ That's about what he expected to hear. Still, he doesn't argue it - his brother has already allowed him to heal him once today, and he isn't going to push it. Not unless it's direly necessary.

So, he nods, sipping his tea and letting the air between them fall into a comfortable silence. Until Clive speaks up, at any rate, which makes Joshua lift his head, eyebrows raising. ]

... hmm? What do you mean?

[ He's not that different... is he? ]

[ The question makes him smile a little down into his cup, swirling the liquid around a bit. ]

The you I know is my baby brother of ten years old. You weren't interested in books then. You were interested in sticking frogs you caught into your pockets when you were allowed outside, and sneaking them over to the sparring pen to show me. Rodney always used my inevitable distraction to knock me flat.

[ His smile fades away a little, and he sips his coffee. ]

And before that, you were but a babe, toddling in my wake whenever you escaped Mother or her cavalcade of ladies.

[ He finally glances up to Joshua, his gaze a little distance, as if he's seeing the ten year old boy in front of him again. ]

I know a Joshua whose just a child, with all the hopes of our people weighing his small shoulders down. I don't know the adult, much beyond I know you still dislike carrots.

[ ... ah. It's a fact that hurts, just a little, but... Clive is right. Similarly, Joshua only knows the man that Clive has become from the short time they've been together, and the insights he was able to obtain from the Undying's observations.

He offers his brother a soft smile. Somewhat melancholic. ]

I do not feel as though I've changed much. But I understand the sentiment all the same.

[ He considers his tea for a moment, tapping his fingers against the side of the mug. ]

The years have been stolen from us, but we can make up for lost time. I would like to know you, as you would like to know me. If there are any questions you want to ask, I will gladly answer them.

[ The smile is matched with one of his own. Joshua isn't a stranger, he's his brother, but- ]

Hah... I don't even know where to begin. Is the flower you like still the same? Is there any music you like? Do you read only for research or leisure as well?

[ There's so many questions to ask. What's his favorite color now, where has he gone, what has he seen, what does he want to do when they get home and they have their entire future ahead of them. ]

[ There is a lot to cover. Joshua doesn't really know where to start, either. But he smiles, taking a breath, putting down his mug. ]

It is still my favorite, yes. I don't listen to much in the way of music, but I have a soft spot for tavern bards and the tales they tell.

[ The last question makes him pause though. When was the last time he read something for leisure...? ]

Well, I suppose I read Will's book for-- Hmm. Was that research or leisure?

[ He finds research... fun? ]

[ Joshua pausing makes Clive tilt his head, curious, and then listens as his brother admits he doesn't know if it's research or leisure. That makes him smile a little, soft. ]

My brother, the scholar. I'm surprised I didn't see you more often in the Archives.

[ It's said so warmly.

He finishes off his coffee and sets it aside, then leans forward, his elbows on his knees as he folds his hand around his wrist to hold it like that. ]

Are there any hobbies you wish to pick up?

[ Joshua.exe has encountered an error. Classification unknown. Maybe research and leisure can coexist... ]

You would be surprised. The times that you were away, I would often slip out of Tarja's grasp to keep Harpocrates company.

[ He chuckles softly, rubbing the handle of his mug with his thumb. Hobbies... He had wanted to work toward abolishing the slavery that Bearers have been pushed into. At the very least in Rosaria, if they had been able to revive it, if not the rest of the world. But with what Clive has told him, that doesn't seem to be a possible future. ]

... I'd like to write, I think. I'm not certain that I have the imagination for fictional endeavors, but it is important to chronicle the truth of events, lest they be written by those who would see history buried.

[ Aha, so he was right, but to be fair he had Cid things to do so he's not surprised it escaped his notice. Which also makes him a little sad. What else did he not notice?

He's quiet as he listens to his brother say writing, which makes him smile actually. He thinks he remembers something about Jote or Cyrus or one of them saying they were gathering the chronicles of the Phoenix and now he wonders how much of it is written by Joshua. ]

What is myth but fact with some fancy additions. I'm sure if you try your hand, you will be writing odes as well as any bard.

[ He pauses a little, then smiles. ]

I'd like to read it when you do.

[ Clive would be right, in that he has had a hand in writing it. All of it, in fact, in a series of journals. His entire journey, from the moment that he awakened, beginning from as early as he can remember.

A great deal of it includes Clive. abut those journals aren't here.

His brother believes in him, though. He always has. And his words now make Joshua smile, a confidence swelling in his chest. ]

I could certainly try. Particularly if you are looking so forward to it.

[ But now, it's his turn. He lifts his mug again, to finish the small bit of tea left in it. ]

And what of you, brother? Do you have any hobbies?

[ And like Joshua before him, Clive stalls. Silence fills the air between them, as Clive furrows his brow and stares at the floor for a moment or two. ]

Ah... Does sword-fighting count?

[ He can't say he particularly enjoys it but he's good at it, and it helps focus his mind when he needs it, plus keeps him in shape. He's really racking his brain here.

Does he actually enjoy anything? It's such a bizarre concept now. ]

[ ... Founder, they are both so good at this. Joshua chuckles, politely, behind one hand. ]

Aren't we a pair. Perhaps we both should try to find something to keep us entertained.

[ Though, he doesn't know what. Maybe this place has games. He knows he heard something about... video games? At Mizuki's place. He doesn't know what that is, but it's worth a look, maybe. ]

Or I could join you in swordfighting? I would be happy to spar with you any day, so long as you don't go easy on me.

I would love to spar with you, and you know I wouldn't go easy on that.

[ He's seen his brother in battle, after all. Their styles are different, but Joshua is an adept sword now and it would be an insult to him to treat him inferior.

Though his brother's words have finally reached a boil in his head and he stands suddenly. ]

Chess. One moment, brother.

[ There's a practice board somewhere in the Inn, and he leaves to fetch it, knowing he's probably left his brother bewildered. But it won't take long to find supplies and find it hanging out with other things, and he's back, gesturing for Joshua to take a seat as he pulls a box over and another chair so they have a makeshift table.

Also to check on the oven, okay still time.

He eagerly begins to set the board up by unfolding it and taking pieces out. ]

Luca taught me this. It's a game of strategy.

[ --oh? The sudden shift has Joshua's eyebrows raising. Chess? What is chess?

But he doesn't get the chance to ask, because there goes Clive. Joshua sits for a moment, watching where he'd retreated, and then subtly glancing over at the oven. Is... is Clive going to be back before it's finished? He isn't sure what the next step is, outside of "remove potatoes".

Thankfully, Clive returns, and with some kind of board. It's interesting, particularly as he begins to remove the pieces, and Joshua takes a seat. ]

Oh, is it? How do you play?

It's like a battlefield.

[ He sets the black pieces up on his side, showing Joshua where they go as he does. And Tal is way too lazy to type it all the fuck out, so he explains each piece too. The King, the Queen, the Rooks, Bishops, Knights, Pawns. As well as how they can each move, how to capture a piece, and how the game ends with checkmate for the King.

He sits back, smiling. Glances to the Oven. Okay still time. ]

Got it all?

[ And because Kaed does not know chess, we will just assume that Joshua understands. He nods, memorizing the movement of each piece as he takes the white pieces and mirrors Clive's placement. ]

I think so... I'm surprised that we don't have this at home. It seems like the kind of thing noble houses would enjoy.

That's what I thought. It turns out we're not wrong, Luca said he was a Lord himself.

[ He gestures for his brother to go first, as white goes first. And unlike his win with Luca, which he feels was because the man became distracted, he's sure his brother is going to win by sheer stratagem alone. ]

You'll like this game.

[ That gets a soft laugh. ]

Is he really? I had wondered.

[ Making a move, though... Hmm. He will ponder this for a moment, trying to think a few moves ahead, anticipate what moves his brother might make. And then he moves one of the pawns. ]

It does seem fun. A bit like a battlefield, in a way.

[ And he moves one of his in return, smiling a little. ]

Exactly. I trust you will thoroughly shame me.

[ And he settles back to play while they wait for the potatos. ]

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