Yes--and I fear I can but promise little more. [ His smile turns a little more sheepish, a little more guilty, but still very amused. Joshua is absolutely certain to earn the ire of the children, and Jill's distraction would most definitely be appreciated. He'll have to make it up to them all later.

But then he has to blink again in surprise. ] An attempt had been made on her life in her pursuit of the truth? [ A pause ] If I may ask, what truth is it that she seeks that would attract such unwanted attention? Might it have to do with her knowledge of the realm...?

[ He can but imagine at least since Jill did say there's little she doesn't know about the state of the realm, and especially if it's anything relating to politics, that'd be more than enough reason.

But whatever it is sparks another flicker of curiosity and interest that reflects in his light blue eyes, a touch of eagerness in his voice to know more about her and get to speak with her. Joshua so rarely got to spoke with such like minded people, so determined in their search of the truth (whatever it may be the truth of, his of course being Ultima) that not even death could stop them, if only because... he was supposed to be dead himself, and keeping his identity, his survival a secret was paramount.

Of course not phased at all by the fact that someone tried to hunt her down over whatever it was, but more in that she tried to find something of such import that it would warrant it. ]