Joshua's smile only brightens as Clive bumps his shoulder against his. It reminds him of all the times Clive would do something similar when they were children, to reassure and to comfort his little brother in small, gentle, sometimes playful gestures like this. That even as light as they were, would feel as though they'd lift the weight of all of his worries and insecurities of his responsibilities as the Phoenix, as heir to the ducal throne all off his shoulders when he was only but ten years old. Just as it does now, lifting the weight of his thoughts from his mind to share in their burden. As Clive is always wont to do.
And not realizing he's doing it, he leans ever so slightly against his brother's shoulder to keep their contact, to keep that source of comfort, his voice quieting as he speaks, but still smiling, if not a bit distantly. "I was but thinking of Ultima, of Origin... there are still yet answers that plague me, that I cannot help but wonder."
But then they stand and Clive turns to him and Joshua can't help but let out a small, quiet chuckle, continuing off of his brother's words.
"And it will be a world of our choosing, a world that we might live on our own terms." And perhaps that is what will make it the most beautiful, even through all the hardships they'll have to face to get there.
He shakes his head a little. "No, I had but just arrived from speaking with Harpocrates. I... thought perhaps I might come visit you first, ere I made my way to the Ale Hall." He'd eaten earlier, if it's at least some consolation. But he doesn't mind putting off supper a little bit longer in lieu of spending time with Clive.
There's a small pause, then he continues with a grin, "Assuming, of course, that I am not interrupting anything."
There's little Joshua can do for the Hideaway now, as they have to ready themselves for whatever future lies ahead of them, but Clive is still an integral part, having led these people for five years. He has to tie off loose ends and make sure everyone is ready to lead this world into a future they're striving to save without him, even if only for a time, should he return after all is said and done.
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And not realizing he's doing it, he leans ever so slightly against his brother's shoulder to keep their contact, to keep that source of comfort, his voice quieting as he speaks, but still smiling, if not a bit distantly. "I was but thinking of Ultima, of Origin... there are still yet answers that plague me, that I cannot help but wonder."
But then they stand and Clive turns to him and Joshua can't help but let out a small, quiet chuckle, continuing off of his brother's words.
"And it will be a world of our choosing, a world that we might live on our own terms." And perhaps that is what will make it the most beautiful, even through all the hardships they'll have to face to get there.
He shakes his head a little. "No, I had but just arrived from speaking with Harpocrates. I... thought perhaps I might come visit you first, ere I made my way to the Ale Hall." He'd eaten earlier, if it's at least some consolation. But he doesn't mind putting off supper a little bit longer in lieu of spending time with Clive.
There's a small pause, then he continues with a grin, "Assuming, of course, that I am not interrupting anything."
There's little Joshua can do for the Hideaway now, as they have to ready themselves for whatever future lies ahead of them, but Clive is still an integral part, having led these people for five years. He has to tie off loose ends and make sure everyone is ready to lead this world into a future they're striving to save without him, even if only for a time, should he return after all is said and done.