Joshua's heart aches a little at that. A reminder that between safeguarding the people of Valisthea, searching for answers about Ultima, rescuing bearers, fighting bandits and akashic, and soon a god... there is little time for themselves. To see the world without having to think of fighting, of what they need to do next for a single moment. But it's as Joshua told Jote, duty is the enemy of freedom. Even though they do their duty with pride, because this is what they want.
But as he takes his seat, he makes a small vow to himself, that if they survive this... if Joshua survives this, however hard it is to bring himself to grasp at that hope, he'll take Clive out into the world, that they might travel together. Without fighting and death following in their shadows.
But Joshua catches his grin, one he only recognizes only too well, one that makes him feel like they're children again, and his own smile warms, brightens at the sight of it.
"I should like nothing more. Though it has been some few moons since first I came here, I have had little chance to speak with many of the others--with the exception of Harpocrates and Lady Tarja, of course." Joshua was born and raised to be an archduke, so his social graces are the furthest things from lacking, never shy when approaching anyone. But between his own research, their own comings and going on missions across Storm and not wanting to get in the way of anyone here as the chaos of preparation continues, there's been little time to speak to anyone at length. Aside from Clive and Jill.
"And perhaps I will take the opportunity to apologize for my brother's rude manners. Lest Blackthorne decide to thump you with his hammer, rather leave you a letter when next he would speak with you." He teases, a soft chuckle rolling through his words.
But then, his voice softens. "...And it is as I said, even should it be to attend you on your day-to-day duties around the Hideaway, I would gladly spend what time we are able together." He lightly presses the heel of his boot against his brother's as he says it, an extra gentle, but firm pressure to get across that he means it.
i'm so happy to hear it!! and mine was too, thank you!! ₍՞◌′ᵕ‵ू◌₎♡
But as he takes his seat, he makes a small vow to himself, that if they survive this... if Joshua survives this, however hard it is to bring himself to grasp at that hope, he'll take Clive out into the world, that they might travel together. Without fighting and death following in their shadows.
But Joshua catches his grin, one he only recognizes only too well, one that makes him feel like they're children again, and his own smile warms, brightens at the sight of it.
"I should like nothing more. Though it has been some few moons since first I came here, I have had little chance to speak with many of the others--with the exception of Harpocrates and Lady Tarja, of course." Joshua was born and raised to be an archduke, so his social graces are the furthest things from lacking, never shy when approaching anyone. But between his own research, their own comings and going on missions across Storm and not wanting to get in the way of anyone here as the chaos of preparation continues, there's been little time to speak to anyone at length. Aside from Clive and Jill.
"And perhaps I will take the opportunity to apologize for my brother's rude manners. Lest Blackthorne decide to thump you with his hammer, rather leave you a letter when next he would speak with you." He teases, a soft chuckle rolling through his words.
But then, his voice softens. "...And it is as I said, even should it be to attend you on your day-to-day duties around the Hideaway, I would gladly spend what time we are able together." He lightly presses the heel of his boot against his brother's as he says it, an extra gentle, but firm pressure to get across that he means it.