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[ Joshua returns the nod in kind and follows her down into the Mess and remains quiet, following her gestures as she begins to explain everything.

Joshua's only knowledge of his brother's escapades came from the reports of the Undying, and the rumors and stories of 'Cid the Outlaw' as he traveled across Storm. It wasn't hard to know where his influence had stretched over the years, where all he'd been, who all he'd helped. There's no where they haven't been. So it's of no surprise to him that an operation of this scale would require an organized touch like this, donations, information gathering and coordinating between allies across Storm.

He knows it isn't all Clive's doing of course, it's thanks to all those here too, but still, Joshua finds himself impressed, perhaps a bit of pride swelling in his chest to see the evidence of it for himself, if the Hideaway itself wasn't enough.

His eyes turn to Nektar beside them as she moves onto the Hunt Board, blinking a little in surprise at the moogle, but gives him a curtious, but curious smile as he turns his attention to the hunt board itself first. He looks over the many postings that've been hung up, noting a few that he recognizes. He reaches out to take one that's been marked gently between his fingers. ] I'd heard rumors of some few of these fiends in my travels, and of someone felling them, though I didn't realize they were Clive's doing. But--never has my brother been one to remain idle.

[ There's a small, quirked smile. It doesn't surprise him in the slightest. Even as his brother's out there destroying Mothercrystals, rescuing bearers, saving the world from the Blight and Ultima, he's also out there taking care of these threats too. To help make the realm a little bit safer for everyone. As Clive's always done.

But then he let's go of the paper and turns his attention to the moogle floating beside the hunt board with a brighter, more curious smile. Almost excited like a kid ]

But, if I might ask... how is it you came to be acquainted with a moogle? [ He'd only thought them creatures written about in folktales, bedtime stories for children. They'd been mentioned in some bestiaries he'd come across in his research of Ultima but, they were never more than mythical creatures only seen by children. And yet, here one is. Right here in the Hideaway. ]

[Jill will hold her tongue regarding Clive's disinclination towards idling, ever, at all, for any reason; not only is it ill-suited to the mood, but she suspects Joshua sets the same example of seeking out ways to wear himself to the bone. That smile he quirks only validates her silence, and she can feel a surge of concern knot its way in her heart.

Fortunately, he's quick to transition to his next observation, and both Nektar and Jill are more than happy for the moogle to take the fore of the conversation.]

Cid found him trapped in some Fallen ruins he was exploring, and decided to bring him along to the Hideaway. He's a "mighty hero" whose life efforts are devoted to the eradication of the worst of fiends – or so Clive says. Apparently, he can understand everything Nektar speaks when none other can.

[And as if for emphasis, Nektar releases a mournful "Kupo." So many stories to tell, so few ears upon which they'll land. A tragedy, truly.]

[ Now Joshua can't hide the look of surprise on his face, blinking back at Jill. ] Clive can... understand him?

[ His light blue eyes look back to Nektar as he kupos at them, forlorn. He supposes it makes sense, if Nektar's here to 'eradicate the most terrible fiends' by way of the hunt board, someone would need to understand him to have been able to set it up. But still... ]

I... suppose Clive has always been rather fond of animals and other creatures, though that does little in the way of explaining why... [ He muses to himself, suddenly increasingly curious and loses himself in his thoughts for a moment, hand brought to his lips as he does when he thinks.

Is he also maybe the slightest bit envious of his brother getting to understand moogles? Maybe. ]

[If Jill actually had to guess, she'd think it likely has to do with Clive being Mythos, but she has other explanations that she prefers to humour. Some because they warm her heart, and others because they seem to warm Clive's (or his cheeks) when she teases him about them.

Like, for example:]

I told him once that I thought it might have to do with the way his mind was always so open to stories. With the way his eyes lit up, I should like to believe that's the truth of the matter.

[Magic may not be a pretty thing in their world, but at least its blight hasn't stripped the world of fantasy. Even if that, too, sometimes feels darker than starless nights.]

Though I suppose you could always borrow Clive and ask Nektar yourself. Just mind that the children aren't within earshot. They're quite... insistent when it comes to hearing what he has to say.

[ Joshua can't help the smile that immediately spreads across his lips and let's out a soft breath as he chuckles lightly into the hand he'd brought up to his lips. Then he lifts his head to look back at Jill ]

I would like to believe the same. Clive has always been quite enamored with his stories, and it would go some way as to explain why when it is believed that children are the only ones to understand them. [ A beat ] And... it would be a relief to know that some things have not changed. [ There's a pinch of sadness in his words, thinking of all the things Clive's had taken from him after Phoenix Gate, but more than that, it spreads a warmth through his chest at the thought that, despite everything, some things still remain, that not everything was taken from him.

And it reminds him of memories of when they were children, of when Joshua would sneak into his room before bed on nights he'd have trouble sleeping due to his illnesses or whenever he'd feel lonely, and how Clive would read him one of the many books he'd kept in his room, stories of brave heroes, of daring adventures. Even reenacting them for him as if they were a play, sometimes even Joshua and their Uncle Byron (whenever he'd come to visit) joining in, taking on their own roles.

There are certainly other theories and explanations as to why Clive can understand him, but Joshua also finds himself partial to this one. ]

Of course. [ There's a soft chuckle in his voice ] Perhaps I will ask Clive when we return from Tabor. And even if we are unable to discern exactly why Clive can understand him, there is still much I would like to yet ask.

[ He gives the moogle a brighter smile this time. There's no way Joshua would pass up the opportunity to get to talk to a moogle and learn more about them firsthand. ]

Edited (sorry small fix!!!!) 2023-12-24 14:43 (UTC)

[The sadness in Joshua's words reflect in the softening of Jill's smile.

As a girl, she spent six years in Clive's life but not always by his side. They'd flit in and out of each other's awareness, always circling each other but still leading separate lives as befitted a Shield of Rosaria and a young lady of the court. The past five years have been different, though, and she's spent so much more time in his company that in many ways, the Clive she knows best is the one who's least like himself. Not because the boy he'd been is gone, of course, but because he's hiding in the shadows, too unsure of what he's become to emerge.

In the silence following Joshua's relief, Jill can't help but take a moment to mourn that boy and honour that man he's become.

It's not all sadness and loss, though. The feelings from those early days remain both with Joshua and with Clive, who both bear within them the warmth of a hearth, the familiarity of home, and the simple security of togetherness, and she's grateful for that in ways she'll never be able to put to words.

So, once again, she finds herself feeling thankful that Nektar is proving such a capable distraction.]

Then, perhaps it's the children who should be wary of you, else you tire both Clive and Nektar out before they have their turn.

[A slight tease; she can't help it. The simple fact that she can poke fun at him like this causes the slight burn at the back of her eyes to reassert itself. After only six years together and eighteen apart, it feels like no small miracle that they can settle into conversation like this. Their rapport may not be perfect, but it feels natural and this thought, too, makes her grateful]

I don't suppose you've met Vivian...?

[ Joshua laughs again, a little bit louder but still a gentle chuckle that follows into his voice as he speaks. ]

I will have to reassure them that I shall strive not to take all of my brother and Nektar's time and energy... only just. [ He grins, something like a kid himself. Even though he knows he'll probably get too excited and take all of the time both of them will give him. Ever the scholar that he is and Clive never being able to deny him. But he'll do his best to maybe make it up to them if it comes to that. Because it most likely will.

Then, he shakes his head ]

No, I have not. Though I believe I heard you and Clive speak of talking with her as you made to leave the infirmary. [ Something about going to talk about their next move, where to go next. ]

"Strive"...?

[Another tease; the way Joshua leaves open enough room for him to fail in that attempt isn't lost on her. She'll just have to take it upon herself to distract the children with their lessons.]

And yes, she's our resident strategist; there's little she doesn't know about the state of the realm – or about interpersonal relationships here at the Hideaway and beyond. So be wary of what you share with her else it reach more ears than you intend for it to.

[Said fondly; Vivian deals in information, not in gossip, and Jill doesn't fault her for keeping everyone abreast in as many matters as possible.]

You'll feel a certain kinship with her, I'm sure. Her pursuit of the truth resulted in a plot being made on her life, yet still she seeks her answers.

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. ]

All truths that others would bury, so that they may strike them from the historical record.

[A pause as she contemplates the depths of what that might mean. Erased history is unknowable history, and what little she's gleaned from Vivian over the years has been of a nature capable of shaking the core of the world.

Not that it matters much now, she supposes. In bringing down Ultima – in bringing about the complete obliteration of magic – they're about to sow a hell of a lot more chaos. But that's hardly in the spirit of Joshua's question, so Jill grasps for one of the truths more relevant to their plight.

But first, a question.]

Are you at all familiar with the Executors?

The Executors? [ He lights up at the name this time, his eyes burning with an even deeper curiosity and interest. He brings his other arm up to fold it under his elbow as he holds his hand to his lips, thinking back to recall all he's heard of them, which unfortunately, isn't much. ]

Only in name. They have ever been little more than rumor, keeping to the shadows that none might see them. They are an organization who's purpose is to collect forbidden texts and technologies, secrets and knowledge they deem worthy of their attention. Though for what reason, I know not. [ Perhaps it's no surprise that Joshua's heard of them. Considering he's spent the past thirteen years traveling across the entire length and breadth of Storm in search of the oldest libraries and Fallen ruins, looking for ancient texts that might've held anything about Ultima, even the smallest mentioning or implication of his existence.

Especially since some of the those texts he was looking for were probably taken by the Executors long before Joshua ever sought out in search of them.

He blinks again after a moment in his thoughts and looks back up at Jill. ] And you mean to say that they are the ones pursuing her?

Their reasons aren't much different from anyone else's; they seek to exert control. Only their focus is on knowledge.

[Here, Jill's mood shifts ever slightly as bitterness compromises the sweeter tone her voice had been lifted by. The topic of control will always be a fraught one for her, and it's made worse by the hidden history which she's most familiar.]

I don't know that they're the ones who wish her dead, exactly, but her crossing of them provides the best example of the kind of information she seeks.

She had Clive collect a book for her once, "From a Distance," that they sought to conceal on the grounds of wanting to protect society. It tells the true story of the Bearers and their enslavement.

[Which certainly does nothing to bolster Jill's mood, meaning she has to actively push for a way to tilt the topic at enough of an angle let in a bit more brightness.]

It should serve us well in the months and years to come. May the truths of those sins be a salve for their consequences.

[ Joshua listens quietly, thinking to himself if he's ever heard of the book before. But, through his research, he can't recall ever hearing of it. Perhaps because it wasn't the type of material he was ever looking for. ]

That is a remarkable discovery. Such knowledge would indeed shake the very foundations upon which our society is built. If their reason is truly to control what truth is allowed to be known and discovered, then I can well understand why they would seek to stop her, ere she, or Clive, found it. But, full glad am I that they didn't. Your people will see it brought to light. [ Especially here in the Hideaway, that book could be their greatest weapon, or at least one of many. That society might be set right, and bearers find their freedom. ]

I should very much like to speak with her, when next an opportunity arises. I would like to hear more of what truth it is that she seeks, and perhaps speak with her of Ultima.

And her knowledge may yet help me better understand the Hideaway and it's residents, now that I'm here.

[ There's an eagerness in the way he says it. Already he has so much to look forward to when they return from Tabor, talking to a moogle and a woman of seeming intelligence who may know of much and more. ]

[Joshua's enthusiasm is far from lost on Jill, and she watches him speak with a fond sort of amusement. There's much more to the tour, of course, but she knows that guiding him from one end of the Hideaway to the other is more of an excuse to spend time together than anything, so she capitalises on yet another opportunity to learn about the man he's become.]

You've become quite the scholar yourself, haven't you?

[Not that it's any surprise at all. So much of the world had been closed off to Joshua as a boy that all he had were books filled with other peoples' research and insights. She can only imagine the kind of wanderlust that instilled in him.]

Is that how you've spent your time all these years? Learning that which most of the world has yet to discover?

[On the surface it sounds... nice. Like something she would dearly want for him, if it allowed him to spread his wings and discover himself amid the ruins of the past. She knows it isn't that easy, though – it never is, not in this world – so her tone is soft in its curiosity, a toeing of the line rather than a trampling into his own history.]

[ He let's out a light chuckle, ducking his head slightly, his raised hand covering his lips as he does, but when he looks back at her, the eagerness has softened, as has his smile. Behind it is a lingering sadness, something bittersweet. ]

Yes... though, ever in the pursuit of Ultima. When first I woke after Phoenix Gate and learned of his existence, in the role he played that night... I sought to seek the truth. And so I have traveled across Storm in search of it ever since. Finding and reading all that might hold any mentioning of him. [ Though it shames him to admit how little he has to show for it after all those years of research. His voice quiets a bit as he finishes, his fingers pressed idly to his lips as if in thought again.

Joshua has always been more of the scholarly type since he was a child, fascinated by the lessons he'd take in preparation to one day become archduke. Maybe it was simply because it was his duty, or perhaps it was because of his illnesses that that's where he found the world he couldn't see for himself, not able to travel freely as Clive and their father could.

But even as much has changed since their childhood, their lives upended since that night at Phoenix Gate... even as Joshua's searched tirelessly for thirteen years without rest because he must, because it is his duty to find the answers that he might help save Valisthea from falling to ruin... to protect Clive, one he does with pride because it's truly what he wants, there is an undeniable part of him that... still enjoys this pursuit of knowledge. That finds a thrill in the discovery of relics long lost to the past.

So it's bittersweet, that he might be the scholar he was always meant to be, but unable to enjoy it to the fullest as he may have once, only ever in search for Ultima, as the threat of death and ruin hang over them like a pall.

He straightens again, letting his hands fall back to his sides and letting the sorrow pass. ]

But, there is still much that I discovered in my travels. Much of our own history lost to time, such as the Fallen. And--when one day we would free ourselves of Ultima, I should like nothing more than to continue to set out in search of more.

[Ah, so that is how it goes. Jill would never, ever assume that Joshua had an easy time during the past eighteen years, but she did very much wish that the world had been kinder to him. Many of the same things that had eluded her and Clive were absent from his life, too, and that pains her in ways she has to fight to try and hide.

Fortunately, optimism comes easily for once.]

It seems a blessing there was anything to find at all – or a weakness, perhaps, on the part of our... opponent.

[She supposes that maybe it could be a ruse as well, information carefully placed along whatever routes Joshua travelled so that he might find whichever truths Ultima wished to be shared. It doesn't seem likely, though. Least of all when it's consumed so much of Joshua's life.

The rest of his words land much more gently. When one day we would free ourselves, he says, despite the illness in his lungs and the shard in his chest, and there's the slightest swelling of her heart at that confirmation of his own intent to survive.]

And that sounds wonderful. Do you think you'll remain here on the Twins? Or will your wanderlust guide you across the sea?

Indeed. Much of what we have found has been little more than... implications of his existence. Such as the history and legends of the Eikons as we know them, the mural at Phoenix Gate and that which we know of the Fallen and the Sins of Dzemekys.

Were it not for Clive and Ifrit, and the series of events which continue to befall Valisthea, proof of some darker force at work... I might not have believed he existed. [ It's frustrating. Because that's how few traces of Ultima there are, so buried deep in their own lost history that all that remains are but the faintest echoes. Joshua's tried to keep pace with him, to learn of a plan he'd set into motion who knows how many centuries ago that he'd left no evidence of.

But thankfully, between his own research and with the help of the Undying, what small clues they could find were enough to slowly connect what dots they could. Enough to see that he'd needed Clive for something and was able to make it to Oriflamme in time to protect his brother from falling into his hands... though still not enough to see all that he had planned in Twinside to warn Dion in time, and to know where Ultima's influence reached.

But he nods with a smile ]

There is still much I would yet see here in the Twins, not least of all Ash. I have only ever remained here on Storm, you see, as the King has long since closed Waloed's borders. Although... [ His eyes flash in eager curiosity again ] ...should we make for the Mothercrystal in Drake's Spine as you have done the others, perhaps I may have the opportunity ere we face Ultima.

[ He almost half says it to himself in thought again. Thoughts of what they could possibly find there, what Ultima's reach there might be, things Joshua's thought of, but not considered in depth, not knowing enough. ]

I know I wouldn't have.

[Said like a sigh. The way her entire world shifted on its head in the matter of days is a lot to take even now, five years later, and Jill still feels like for every piece of knowledge they're able to glean from the remnants of the past, hundreds more questions rise in its wake. Case in point:]

I scarcely believed it when Cid said the Mothercrystals were responsible for the Blight, and now we're on the verge of denying the world the last of them.

[And everything is just a mess. And it's going to get messier. And they can't stop that any more than they can worm their way into Ultima's mind to better understand not only his machinations, but his weaknesses, everything that might bring about his end.

Frustrating isn't a strong enough word, but nonetheless it's too strong a mood for the moment, so Jill offers a smile of her own.]

Then, let us hope there's something there for you to discover so that we might bolster our chances as best as possible.

[Time for their tour is winding down, though, and she doesn't want to leave Clive waiting for too long, so she looks out over the Hideaway before gesturing down the stairs towards the docks.]

Shall we?

Indeed. I struggled to believe the same. Not least of all since Rosaria had been but days away from going to war with the Iron Kingdom in order to reclaim Drake's Breath when we made for Phoenix Gate... [ There's a little bitterness under his voice. That's the whole reason they were there at all, so Joshua could get the blessing of their ancestors from the Apodytry. It almost felt like an insult to their father, to all three of them. So to Joshua... it was much less the logic, and more all they'd done and gone through in the name of the Mothercrystals.

But he has to wonder why -- or rather, how Cid came to that conclusion at all? How did he connect the Mothercrystals and the Blight when their society is built upon their "blessings" for survival and none would ever--could never dare to imagine it as harmful?

Would that he could've spoken to him.

But, it would be a lie to say Joshua hadn't gotten carried away and nearly forgotten about the tour in the excitement all Jill had to tell him and by their conversation. The fact that they're keeping Clive waiting also nearly forgotten. So when she motions to move onward toward the rest of the Hideaway, his smile turns a bit sheepish and he lets out a small, soft chuckle, ducking his head a little into his hand. ]

Ah--yes. Please. [ He gestures lightly for her to take the lead again before dropping his hands back to his sides. ]

Edited (whispers as i slide into bed dont look at me) 2024-02-26 14:55 (UTC)

[There's not much to see at the boarding deck or pier, so Jill walks them past both areas, opting for a little bit of small talk along the way while she points out a few people and objects of interest that Joshua may want to look more into at a later time.

She stops when the reach the Main Deck, where the path before them branches off in several directions. The most obvious place to visit next are the Shelves, of course, given that they sit alone on the extreme end of the deck, but rather than simply taking Joshua there, she turns to fix him with another teasing grin.]

Would you like to visit the Shelves now, or would you rather wait until you've more time to explore them properly?

[Books, Joshua. BOOKS. And a kind old man who has nothing but time to share and knowledge to impart.]

You'd get along well with Harpocrates, I'm sure.

[ Joshua follows her as she leads them across the deck, following her gestures and explanations of some of the people and things as they pass. It's the main thoroughfare for the comings and goings of the Hideaway with the pier down below, so understandably, there isn't much here, but still Joshua takes a mental note of it all that he might come and check it out later when they have more time.

But as he looks ahead of them, the view is what gives him pause. It's his first time truly seeing it, having passed out just as he arrived and... Even as darkened mountains surround them on all sides, and a lake of black, blighted water it's nothing short of breathtaking. And it truly serves as a reminder for the remarkable achievement Jill, Clive, and all the people here have managed to achieve. To not only finding a way to live here without magic, but to be thriving.

He walks up the stairs into the Main Hall, eyes scanning the much larger room briefly, taking in what there is to see in front of him, before turning to look at Jill as she finds a place to start.

"The Shelves" sounds like it would more than likely be a library, though it's her teasing that gives it away. A childish excitement immediately blooms across his face at the realization, followed by laugh, still soft and quiet in the way his laughs usually are, stifled behind his hand, but there's a certain gentle heartiness to it. When he looks back at her, there's a little sheepishness in his smile. ]

Ah... Perhaps... we should wait until we return. Lest we mean to abandon Clive in Tabor. [ Because Joshua would much prefer to have the time to scour their entire collection, see what all they've collected over the years -- and he will no doubt take hours to do it. Much to Clive's dismay if he allowed himself to right now. ] I am to assume Harpocrates is your loresman?

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