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[ Watching Dion try to move to grab the oar, but ultimately setting it aside again only reaffirms Joshua's worries about his injuries and Clive sees it plain as day on his brother's face.

It takes only a moment before Clive brings the boat up beside the other, and immediately moves to grab onto the side of it because he knows Joshua's not about to waste time getting over there to join him. Which he does promptly as soon as Clive's grabbed hold to steady them, standing up a bit, mindful and careful this time as he does, but still with a notable sense of urgency and climbs into Dion's boat.

He immediately moves to sit himself down on the wooden bench in front of the prince's, gingerly touching the side of his shoulder with his hand as he settles there, a comforting touch and his voice soft. ] You needn't worry, my friend.

[ The obvious questions of why Dion tried to leave don't come first. Instead he looks him over, taking note of the obvious bandages still on his right arm and the ones peeking out from under his shirt. He doesn't really know the extent of the injuries he sustained from Twinside, only the few he saw for himself and the fatigue from priming like that, and the pain of the crystal's curse that accompanies it. ]

How do your injuries fare? [ Maybe it's a dumb question, all things considered, but he needs to know in case he needs to use the Phoenix's flames right now. ]

[He lets out a deep sigh. Joshua has turned up once again in his time of need, with his gentle voice and his quiet understanding. Dion's heart gives a painful lurch, knowing he doesn't deserve all the warmth and kindness Joshua directs at him. He's a kinslayer, the destroyer of his people.

He does need worry, but he will try, at least, to not add to Joshua's worries in turn. That is a poor thanks for all Joshua has done for him, but it's all he can offer at the moment.]

I find myself drained. It is not an injury, per se, just... weakness.

[The remedy is rest, but in the wake of Twinside's destruction, how can Dion allow himself to stand idly aside?]

[ Dion tries not to worry him further, but unfortunately it does nothing to quell it. Believing in what he says, but knowing there is far more than that just by looking at him in the state that he is, and that Tarja told them his injuries were not yet healed. Joshua's eyes flicker up to watch Dion's for a moment, and deeper still he can see a different pain too reflecting in his eyes, his face and heard in the sigh he releases which pulls at his heart.

He turns his head to look at his brother. ]

Clive, pray return to the Hideaway and have Lady Tarja prepare for Dion's arrival. We will return anon. [ Clive gives a clearly disapproving look, looking from Dion back to his brother. He can all but guess what Joshua means to do, which is row them both back in Dion's boat. Joshua's most certainly grown into his own strength, spent many years training under the Undying after he came out of the coma, his body even more frail than it was before Phoenix Gate. But the prison on his chest, Ultima, are now sapping all that strength away again, leaving him weary and with an exhaustion that takes him easily.

But Joshua's stubborn and they're all going to have to get back somehow with both boats. So he finally agrees with a stern "Alright. But you are to rest when you return too, Joshua."

Joshua nods to him with a small 'Of course' and watches as his brother let's go of their boat and start going back where they came from.

It's only after a moment, making sure his brother's a fair distance away, out of earshot, that he looks back at Dion, his voice gentle ] ...Are you alright to return to the Hideaway, Your Highness?

[ Despite what he just told Clive, he's asking him now. Dion is royalty, no matter what may have happened in Twinside, and Joshua will always hold a certain respect that that's due, but more than that... Dion is a friend he holds dear, and a man who has done nothing and been through far too much and deserved none of it (if that can't be said for them all)

Joshua understands probably better than anyone, aside from Clive, how he feels, why he felt he may've had to do this. He'd much rather take Dion back, see him rested, healed, but he won't force him, lest he call himself a hypocrite for barely allowing himself enough time for his wounds to heal before he gets back up. ]

[Dion wishes he could sink into the dark waters and avoid Clive Rosfield's disapproving look. Ifrit helped stop Bahamut's rampage, and Dion owes the Dominant, but he can't help but notice the elder brother has little of the younger brother's friendliness towards him. Joshua does not blame Dion, but Dion wonders if Clive does.

It is a relief when Clive begins paddling back, leaving the two of them alone in the middle of the lake.

He nods at Joshua.]

Yes. I acknowledge my folly in leaving too soon. I'll not continue making the same mistake.

[Joshua asking him is a kindness, and Dion will not meet that consideration with stubbornness. Going back and allowing the healer to poke at him until his limbs have strength enough to carry him back to Twinside will set Joshua's mind at ease, so that is what Dion will do.]

[ There's a relief to hear him say yes, that he won't do this a second time and will allow time to heal, but Joshua still can't help the small frown that pulls at his lips at his words. But still, he nods. ] Alright.

[ He reaches over to take the paddles from where they rest beside Dion. Placing one beside him on the bench, then reaches to take the other that rests closer to Dion on his other side when he stops as his fingers brush past Dion's arm and the bandages there catch his attention again. He almost retracts his hand a little, his fingers curling towards his palm loosely, but stops in a quiet contemplation, his lips pressed together.

Then he looks back up at Dion ]

Might I see your arm for a moment? [ As he says it, he moves and opens his fingers as if to cup Dion's elbow, but doesn't touch, leaving it to hover only closely ]

[Dion hesitates. One of the earliest lessons his father taught him was to hide any sign of pain or weakness from others. For 'morale', so that the people of Sanbreque could trust in Bahamut's strength.

Few know about the stiffness spreading along his forearm, of the first hints of the curse affecting him.

Dion lets out a long breath and twists his arm closer to Joshua. Trying to hide his wounds is what got him stuck in the lake in the first place. He trusts Joshua not to spread word of his affliction unnecessarily.]

There's little to be done for it, I fear. It's not yet beyond use, but its strength fails me at times.

[ Joshua very gently brings his hand closer to cup his arm as Dion twists his arm towards him. He brings his other hand over to carefully push back his sleeve just a little, light blue eyes taking a look at it up close now.

He remembers these very same bandages from when he'd first seen Dion near Ark, when he'd first asked him to hear his tale of Ultima. And though to others, they may seem as mere battle wounds (which... in truth, they are), Dion never needed to say what they were for, because Joshua knew immediately what laid underneath. Because it's a curse that they both share, a toll they both must pay as Dominants. And a price he's probably had to pay yet again because of the events at Twinside, along with the rest of his injuries.

His frown deepens. ] The Crystal's Curse has taken much... But though there may be little that can be done, there is something I can still yet do...

[ He closes his eyes and brings his left hand up to his chest, over his heart in a loose fist, holding Dion's arm in his right. Then he takes a slow, deep breath, allowing his lungs, his chest, his hands, his body to fill with the Phoenix's flames. A small flame bursts to life on the back of his hand and he brings his hand back down to hover over Dion's arm, exhales slowly, steadily, and spreads his fingers to allow the fiery healing magic to flow from him to Dion.

It's a warmth, like a gentle, soothing fire, like standing close to a hearth in the comfort of one's home. He of course can't heal the curse, nor can he fully heal his injuries as he is, but he can still heal some of it, ease away some of the pain and weariness from it all, especially having pushed himself coming out here when his body was far from ready for something like this.

Clive and Tarja would both kill him if they saw him using his magic to heal anyone, Dion or otherwise, but if this small thing is something he can do for him, then he will. Because Dion has suffered enough, and he won't wait until they get back to see him at ease, even just a little bit. ]

[Dion realizes what Joshua intends just a moment before the flame appears. He should stop him. He does not.

The fire warms, but does not burn. Dion can feel it, in spite of the numbness that has settled into the limb. It feels safe and inviting, like being pulled into an embrace, but amplified. The warmth of Joshua's soul, bared before him. He wants to curl up and bask in the intimacy of that flame.

But just as he has to measure out Bahamut's light where it is needed the most, the Phoenix's flame should not be abused. Joshua is too precious to risk.

He holds his other hand up, motioning for Joshua to stop.]

That is enough. Do not strain yourself.

[He gives his right hand an experimental flex, feeling his range of motion returning.]

This is more relief than I've known in a year.

[ Joshua continues the flow of magic, feeling the strain as it slowly starts to pull at him, even just from this much, when Dion lifts his hand and bade him to stop. So he does, letting the last of the magic leave him gradually as the spell fades.

Releasing Dion's arm, he let's him flex and feel for himself, a small sigh leaving him as he does. A smile gently spreads across his lips, almost with a weariness that reaches his eyes now, but still with a soft and clear happiness and relief. ]

Full glad am I to hear it, Your Highness. The Phoenix can mend flesh, and in so doing, it too can ease the pain and weariness of the body. It was the least I could do until we return to the Hideaway and Lady Tarja. [ The rest he leaves up to Tarja and Dion's promise to rest.

He reaches now again to take the paddle beside Dion he'd gone to grab before, taking it this time and bringing it beside him. And taking both, he puts them into the water on each side and starts to row them back where he and Clive came from. His effort a bit slow, but still managing. ]

Edited 2023-11-14 14:01 (UTC)

'Dion', please.

[He wants no titles standing between him and Joshua. The other man has earned the right to familiarity.

He notes how Joshua seems drained by the magic. It would seem not even the Phoenix's healing fires could ease the burden of an Eikon's power on the Dominant's flesh.]

The Phoenix's fires are truly a blessing, but I know well the cost our gifts exact.

[He is grateful for the relief, but he'd not want Joshua harmed for his sake.

But what has been done cannot be undone. All he can do is try to make sure Joshua doesn't tax himself further. Reaching over, he tugs one of the oars out of Joshua's grip.]

Together. Between the two of us, we have perhaps the strength of one able-bodied boatman.

[ Joshua offers another smile, a little brighter at his insistence at using his name instead, rather than title.

Showing respect to Dion's position as prince by only ever calling him by his title has only ever come naturally to him, it never felt awkward, but simply correct. Even after nearly eighteen years (or maybe thirteen is more appropriate, seeing how he was in a coma for five years), the etiquette that he was born and raised into as heir to the ducal throne has never left him, it's practically been burned into him.

So this brings a sense of... casualness and closeness he isn't used to outside of Clive and Jill... but, it's one he happily welcomes with Dion.

But then he blinks as the oar slips from his grasp and into Dion's. He wants to protest, to say that Dion's still far too injured to be exerting any more of his strength, because even though Joshua just healed him, it was only just. Most certainly not enough for him to be rowing some more when that's what put him in this situation in the first place.

But ultimately decides not to, knowing that he's right, and that a burden shared would be a burden halved, especially when they're both exhausted as they are. And perhaps they could make it back to Tarja without looking like one (or both) of them were dying.

So after a moment, he breathes out a small breath, a chuckle, his shoulders and head bowing a little bit, then he nods as he looks back at him. ]

Together, then. [ He thinks for a brief moment, then scoots over on his bench towards the side he still has his oar on. ] Perhaps you should sit here. That it might be easier for us both.

[Joshua's smile and his breathy little laugh kindle within Dion an untapped reserve of strength. He'll find a way to at least carry his own weight, if only to spare the other man the extra burden.

He shifts so that they can sit side by side, their arms bumping against one another as he settles onto the bench.]

We'll take it slowly and not tax ourselves unduly.

[It's not easy for his exhausted muscles, especially the ones in his afflicted arm, to grip the oar and force it to move, but he reminds himself that there will be rest for him and Joshua both once they reach the lake's shore.

...and if they do not start making progress soon, there is the threat that Clive will return and retrieve them.]

This isn't quite what you had in mind when you suggested we ally ourselves, I'd venture.

[If he'd known what would become of it, Dion wondered if Joshua would still have chosen to force his way into his tent at the Dragoons' encampment north of Ark.]

Of course. [ He nods, perhaps his heart beating the slightest bit faster at their closeness, perhaps not. But Joshua pushes it aside to focus on the task at hand.

He rows in unison with Dion, allowing the prince to set the pace because of his condition. It's still an effort, but much less so going slow and with the both of them rather than by himself. ]

Indeed. It is far different than I had imagined... [ There's a soft lilt of another chuckle in his voice, coupled with an ounce of sadness. He can't say he could've ever imagined having to rescue an escapee prince who injured himself in the process and now together rowing back to the Hideaway.

But in truth, how could Joshua have seen any of this coming, have seen it turning out like this when he first met with Dion near Ark? He'd tried, hoped, to stay one step ahead of Ultima despite not knowing much about him, such as saving Clive from Ultima at Drake's Head and trying to warn Dion of Ultima's involvement in the empire. In some few ways he'd succeeded, but in other's, he could only see but a portion of Ultima's plans at the time, not all of it... like with Olivier.

There's still a constant what if that plays in his mind, the guilt of not having spoken to Dion sooner, a what if of maybe if he had, he could've prevented everything Dion went through, saved the empire...

But he doesn't regret reaching out to Dion that day near Ark, doesn't regret seeking out him as an ally, because though he wishes things had gone differently, at least he was there to help save Dion when he needed it most. ]

...But, we are allied still. Though I wish the events that had occurred had been different, I am truly grateful that you are still yet with us. That is, if... you would still lend us your strength once you've recovered?

[ Joshua wouldn't blame Dion if he didn't want to, if he wanted to return to Twinside first as he'd attempted today. He'd far more than understand. ]

[Neither of them could have predicted how things would turn out. Dion had thought he knew so much about his world, had thought that if only he could speak to his father, that he could fix things. How wrong he had been. How utterly, foolishly wrong.

For a moment, he falls silent. The only sound to be heard around them is the splash of water with each sweep of the oar. Finally, he finds his voice.]

I need to go back... to see what is left of Twinside. I have to know just how much I have to atone for. But after that, if there is aught I can lend you to aid your cause, you shall have it. My wings, my spear, my name. I owe you and your brother everything for saving me from myself.

[Neither debt is one he anticipates ever being able to fully repay, but he will work for the rest of his life, however long it be, trying all the same.]

[ Joshua glances over at Dion beside him and his smile falls to something softer, sadder. Not because he's telling him not yet, because Joshua had already expected that to be his answer, but rather... because Joshua knows full well the guilt and responsibility he bears. Probably better than anyone aside from Clive, as they both still bear their own weight from the events of Phoenix Gate and the destruction and death they'd both caused, even if it wasn't either of their faults.

Much like Dion.

Had Tarja not told them that Dion was still gravely injured when he left, maybe he would've let him go back to Twinside by himself, in full understanding of why he'd left. But... there's a relief that he didn't, that he was able to make it to Dion first, so that he won't have to bear this burden alone. ]

Then, allow me to join you, Dion. [ He says his name softly, it sticks in his mouth a bit, not used to saying it, but there's a small warmth that spreads from his chest as it leaves his lips. ] After you've healed, when you depart for Twinside. I would go with you to help you in what ways that I'm able.

[Dion nods. The guilt within him screams that he has to go it alone, but that Joshua is sitting here beside him right now is proof he cannot.]

Thank you. [For not trying to stop him, and for wanting to help. Dion isn't sure he deserves that kindness, but he won't do Joshua the discourtesy of rejecting it.]

I won't try to sneak away again. When I am ready to leave, I'll let you know.

[And the survivors of Twinside might be glad to have the Phoenix in their midst. Even if Joshua cannot afford to use his power, his presence can inspire the way Bahamut used to.]

[ Joshua's smile warms again. In truth, he'd half expected Dion to tell him no, possibly not wanting to ask any more of him after what happened today, when there was a debt Dion still believed he had to pay, but there's a relief and gladness that he didn't turn him away. That he's still willing to accept his help. ]

And I will be ready. [ His blue eyes move from Dion, further back behind him over his shoulder to look at the Hideaway that's slowly getting closer ] But first, we must both of us rest. Lest we anger Lady Tarja further.

[ There's a gentle lilt of amusement in his soft voice, adding the 'we' to make light of it, and to make him feel better, since Dion isn't the only one who's earned Tarja's ire. Then again, they're both probably going to be up and about far sooner than she'd like anyways. But at least they'll still be able to get some rest. ]

[They reach the Hideaway's dock with no further issue, and limp side by side up to the infirmary to weather Tarja's furious lecture together. For all of her indignation, her hands are gentle as she re-bandages Dion's wounds and mixes herbs into a potion to sooth the worst of his aches.

Dion bares it with a bowed head, not trying to protest or excuse himself. It's easier that way.

Eventually, they are left alone in the twin beds in Tarja's back room. The sounds from the rest of the Hideaway are muffled by the infirmary door. There is a stillness in the room that has Dion instinctively lowering his voice when he speaks.]

That could have been worse. How are you feeling?

[ When they finally make it back to the Hideaway, Clive's the first to meet them on their way back to the infirmary. There's a look of wanting to scold his brother, but he doesn't. Maybe because he knows Tarja's about to, or maybe he's more relieved to see them both back safely (and maybe Clive has too much of a soft spot for his little brother to scold him overly much.) But whatever the reason, he simply sees them both to the infirmary, keeping Joshua to his promise of going to rest.

Aside from a deserved lecture they both weather together, Joshua isn't as in much need of attention and bandaging as the prince, having only just gotten back from the Hideaway before with but a few scrapes and bruises from the travels he'd but just returned from and some soreness and exhaustion from their rowing excursion. But unfortunately, that doesn't mean he's able to escape Tarja's wrath. Handing him a vial of medicine, that he may have left purposefully behind before having left the Hideaway before with Clive, with a look and a few words of how he needs to take his medicine, before setting to work on Dion.

But he too bears it without complaint, having troubled her enough and knowing he can't escape it now, and downs the medicine in a practiced manner, having had to do it his whole life, and with a grimace.

Once he finishes it, his eyes wander to Dion as Tarja starts to remove his bandages, finally seeing for himself the scars and wounds that lay beneath... one's he'd gotten from their battle in the Dominion, and a frown pulls at his lips. Proof of all he's gone through, all he's had to endure, the painful truth and memories that lie within them... wounds Clive and Joshua had caused, even though they needed to fight him in order to stop him, his heart still weighs with guilt and sadness. Wounds that may not have existed at all had Joshua reached out to him sooner.

When Tarja finally finishes and leaves, warning them first that they'd better stay put and actually rest, Joshua sits on the edge of his bed, facing Dion as a silence falls over the room, the noises of the Hideaway muffled and distant. ]

Indeed, we are fortunate Lady Tarja did not wish to have us confined to our bedsides. [ He chuckles softly, ducking his head a little, keeping his voice quiet, like two kids trying not to get caught being awake after bedtime ] I'm well, merely fatigued. [ His expression softens to worry ] But what of you, Dion? Your wounds... how do they fare?

[ Joshua might've healed him, but it was barely anything in comparison to what he might've done to himself getting out that far on the lake and he didn't hear what all Tarja might've said about them. ]

[Dion looks down at his own bandaged chest, then gives a shrug that pains him only slightly, thanks to the numbing effects of Tarja's draught.]

These? They look worse than they are. I've been a soldier since I reached my majority, Joshua. I've had worse than this and lived.

[Is it healthy for him to downplay his injuries? Probably not. But Dion has so long prioritized 'Sanbreque' over 'Dion', he's trained himself not to worry too much over his own well-being.]

But we will both rest, so Tarja, your brother, and you can all be at ease over my condition.

[ Joshua's frown only deepens as Dion but shrugs at his own injuries, injuries that had nearly killed him. He knows Dion's right, that he's used to a life of fighting, having been on the frontlines of a war, leading the charge for many years against the Dhalmekians and Waloed as Bahamut, used to getting hurt like this, much as Clive is. But it does little to quell the worry and the guilt that pulls at him, most especially after what happened on the lake.

Though in all honesty, Joshua's no better. Ignoring or downplaying his own condition when is Ultima quite literally killing him from the inside as he tries to break free of his prison and at the same time making the Crystal's Curse spread even more across his chest with each passing day as the Phoenix must mend the damage done to Ultima's cage. But pushing himself through it, lying and telling everyone he's fine, that he's well enough to travel, to fight, because there is no option to stop.

So he also knows there's little point to bringing up the severity of his wounds any further when Tarja's already bandaged him up again and he's already promised to rest, because that's what truly matters, and that's enough. It's more than he does himself most of the time.

So, after a moment, he nods. ] Thank you, Dion.

[ Then he stands and walks over to the table in the back and places the vial of medicine Tarja had given him there, his slender fingers lingering on the lip of the glass bottle in thought. ]

And... thank you, for allowing me to join you when next you leave for Twinside.

[Dion looks across the space between the two beds, which feels expansive. Too far to reach out and take Joshua's hand in his own as he wishes to.]

Please, do not thank me for that. It is I who shall be in your debt. I'll be grateful to have you by my side when I go.

[He reaches for the cup of water left by his bed and holds it out for Joshua to wash away the lingering bitterness of his medicine.]

Here, drink.

[If neither of them will take proper care of themselves, then all the more reason for them to take care of one another.]

[ Joshua turns from the table to look back at Dion with a small smile, if perhaps not the slightest bit sad, and shakes his head a little. ]

You needn't speak of debts, Dion. [ He knows full well Dion thinks of himself in Joshua and Clive's debts after what happened at Twinside... and perhaps even moreso now after what happened today on the lake, especially after Dion pledged himself to their cause to Joshua when they spoke on their way back. And... Dion no doubt does it from a place of guilt, of owing them something after all he holds himself responsible for. But... Joshua would have him know otherwise, not wanting to build their friendship after eighteen years on this.

He crosses the room again over to Dion and reaches out to take the cup offered to him, his fingers barely, lightly brushing against Dion's as he does. It makes him fluster, his heart beating faster and his fingers twitch, hesitate over his for the briefest moments before he carefully, slowly settles his fingers on his fully this time, and gently takes the cup from his hold.

His smile warms now, the faintest dusting of a blush across his face as he continues. ] ...For there is naught to be repaid. I ask to go with you that I might aid a friend. And I would be grateful alone enough to be at your side when we arrive.

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"the way bahamut used to" made me so sad i had to sit back in my chair for a sec

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