[The dragon beside her giggles as well before she's rushing in to grab the one that's perched on his head and shoulders, pulling the little one down as it protests while Tifa takes the one hanging off his arm to take into hers, and there's a strange ache in her chest, a twinge that she hadn't felt in... a little while as she sees him like this.
And though he might look annoyed, she knows where his heart really is.]
[Meanwhile, Tifa stands there and watches him, eyes wide at first, her and the little dragon in her arms startled by the sound...
... but as he rushes off and leaves her behind, she can't help but smile or giggle at the sight of him trying to wrangle several small dragons off the shelves, all of them absolutely thrilled by the attention that they're getting now and begging "big bro" to get the toys down so that he can come and play with them.
The dragon in her arms wriggles free and flies crookedly to join them all, leaving Tifa alone in the center of the room, surrounded by piles of the toys that they brought, all of them already strewn about. But it's Eustace that she watches. Grumpy as he looks, she knows that there's more to him beneath that...
And the thought makes her heart twist again, a longing ache settling in her chest that she's felt before. A silent wish that she knows will never come to pass, but one she can't help but wish for anyway... It's silly, wanting it even when the nature of this world won't let her. She can imagine it though, can't she? There was nothing wrong with that.
With something of a sad but warm smile, Tifa rushes in to join them.]
Hey, leave some toys for me!
[They'll spend a majority of their morning there, sticking around to help with lunch, and honestly? As chaotic as it is, Tifa does have fun. It's not as if this is anything new—they do this sort of thing every day with the dogs. And yes, they may be different, but it does make her miss them and wonder how they might be doing at home with Lyria. She knows that everyone is in good hands, though, so she'll at be able to enjoy their last day and night at the resort.
Enjoy the fancy dinner, the wines that they bring by, the pool just outside their door, and most of all, just being able to relax with her husband, forgetting all about their worries and responsibilities.. basking in his warmth and their love for just one more night.
And when it's time to leave, she might feel a little guilty for the dragons who are meant to clean up the starflowers and vines that have sprouted all throughout the room and outside...]
Might I request an audience at your earliest convenience? There is a matter of import that I would like to speak with you about. It involves the incident in Orkili from a few months prior to today.
[—It's been a while since anyone wrote an actual formal letter through the journals, and he actually hesitates before he feels compelled he should respond in kind...]
Joshua,
I can make some time tomorrow morning if that works for you.
Eustace
[Sure, he could ask questions now, but if they're going to meet and talk, he can save it for then.]
[Thankfully, he’s learned not to write whole soliloquies when using the journals! Took him a bit, though.]
Eustace,
Thank you for taking the time to return my correspondence. Tomorrow morning works perfectly.
For the conversation itself, I am happy to meet out of doors, within my home, or, if it is not too presumptuous, The Starflower. I am also open to any suggestions you may have, and will gladly defer to your preference.
[If we presume this happens while Tifa is out while out on her canon update then—]
Joshua,
It's not too presumptuous, and we can use the cafe. With Tifa away, we've reduced the hours so it won't be open in the morning, which will allow us some privacy.
However, if you also wanted breakfast, that can be arranged.
Eustace.
[That last part maybe part joking, but he really would if Joshua wanted.]
I will not turn down an offer for breakfast, however, it would feel uncouth if I didn’t bring something in turn. Is there aught I can offer in gratitude for your hospitality?
[He knows Eustace told him to come as-is, but Joshua couldn’t win in the fight against his sense of decorum. As he makes his way to the Starflower Cafe, he shifts a bag holding a bottle of wine from his arms to one of his hands, using his free first to gently rap on the door.]
[As Joshua waits, he takes the time to bask in the morning sun, savoring the shift from winter’s chill to the incoming warmth of spring. All the better to help sort through the myriad thoughts flitting through his mind. He’s not stepping into a negotiation, but there’s a serious conversation at hand. Thankfully, it’ll be with a friend.]
[He hadn't arrived too much longer before Joshua arrived, having only enough time to start setting a pot of coffee and looking over what he could make for Joshua while they conversed. Given that it seemed to be something serious, perhaps something light...
And at the knock, he makes his way over to the door, opening it wide for Joshua to enter...
You would know far better than I, but given your reaction, I’ll assume ‘not very well’ is the answer.
[Joshua follows Eustace up until he can take a seat. As much as he likes to maintain decorum, there’s also something nice about leaning on and into familiarity.]
[Joshua takes the mug with a murmur of gratitude. He allows it to warm his hands as he breathes in its deep, robust fragrance. It isn’t a scent he was entirely familiar with until he explored the various shops around Reverein, and he’ll take every chance he can get to enjoy it.]
[That enjoyment is short-lived, however, when he considers why he’s here.]
Yes, I did.
Do.
[A deep breath and a quiet sigh.]
Do you recall the noctaere we fought in Orkili? The one that appeared near where the Snow Queen was housed?
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