[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?
[He'll leave out the cream and sugar in case Joshua needs it, but as he pours his own cup he looks up sharply at those words before setting the pot back down and moving back over to be directly across from him.]
[Despite the sharp look, Joshua maintains an even gaze that follows Eustace as he returns. It's then that he takes a moment to take advantage of both the cream and (a smidge below too much) sugar.]
[Satisfied the coffee will be to his liking, Joshua takes a sip (yup, just right) and meets Eustace's eye once more.
All of what I know for certain is based on sightings within the city.
However, I’ve heard rumors of a monster that fits its description skulking around an abandoned vein. It’s said to still be rich with crystals, but dangerous to explore further.
[He takes another sip of his coffee before continuing.]
I’ve no intention on exploring past what has been deemed safe, but I also cannot guarantee otherwise.
[He has the decorum—well-practiced, but sincere, nonetheless—to dip his head with necessary respect.]
Too large a party would frighten it off before we could scarce lay an eye on it, and, humbling as it is to admit, I know full well that I cannot destroy such a powerful creature on my own.
I’ve seen you fight against these fiends, Eustace. You weave dreamotion as if it were part of your very being, and you wield your experience as deftly as you do your weapon. There are few who I could ask who would match your skills, and even fewer who I would trust and call friend.
[Joshua lifts his gaze, as determined as it is pleading, so he can make his request, and the earnestness behind it, known.]
Pray join me on this endeavor so that we can be rid of one more nightmare.
[His brows will slowly rise as Joshua makes his request, one that is much more than he expected. So there will be a moment where Eustace will just stare at him for a moment before a small laugh escapes him along with a small shake of his head.]
You could have just asked... There was no need to give such a speech.
[Although not quite taken aback by the laugh, there's no small amount of effort that goes into keeping Joshua's expression neutral. Did he say something odd...?]
[But then Eustace explains, and Joshua's shoulders relax.]
[Seems like he overdid it. Again. Ah well.]
Apologies.
[He remains good-natured, if somewhat humbled.]
It's just that I believe my goal is worthwhile. Although it's not my intention to come across as supercilious, either.
Rather, because of its importance and the potential danger involved, I wish to convey that I don't make light of asking for your help.
As much an impact as you would have on the mission, I know it could have just as much an i--ah.
[It doesn't help that Eustace is a man of few words and usually prefers to get straight to the point of things...but that side of him has also cooled a bit so it doesn't really bother him too much. If anything, he just looks at Joshua with some slight amusement before it shifts to something a little more serious.]
But in answer to your request, I accept. Would there be any others?
[He'd considered asking his brother and soon to be sister-in-law, oscillating between yes and no for a decent amount of time before finally deciding on the latter. Joshua knows Clive would drop everything in an instant to help and that Jill would either try to convince him to hold back or join in to keep the resident Rosfields safe. He knows he has the never-ending support of his family now that they've arrived.]
[And that's precisely why he couldn't bring himself to ask. They're just beginning their life together in Songerein. A quiet life separated from the bonafide disaster that is Valisthea. Who is he to upend it with his own selfish pursuits?]
[He can already hear Clive and Jill yelling at him for making that decision for them. He'll burn that bridge when he gets there.]
[For now, Joshua shakes his head.]
No. Just us.
[Ugh, he feels guilty saying that.]
If you've anyone in mind who you think should join in, I am amenable to suggestions. My only request is that the party remains small.
[Clive and Jill were exactly the people Eustace was thinking of that would likely be joining, so there's a small look of surprise when Joshua says otherwise. Whether he actually asked or not, however...
...
There will be a moment of silence as Eustace studies him while also considering the nature of the mission. Being more used to doing things on his own, he also prefers a small group, especially with a dangerous creatures they are hunting after. On the other, because it is so dangerous, having a larger party would be better, especially since the two of them have faced it off before with the result leading to its escape. Another hand or two may be better...and he can certainly think of a number names who would be fitting for the job, his wife included.
However—]
Let's keep it between us. At best we can at least do proper reconnaissance without arousing suspicion, and at worst if we do end up facing it, we've at least fought it before and more familiar with it.
[He'll just have to tell Tifa later once she returns from her little trip to her home world along with Lyria... at least he's telling his family, Joshua!!!]
[He'll tell his own family too, thank you very much!!! Just... when he has one foot out the door already. Or when he comes back. Whichever is most convenient for everyone.]
[Joshua nods, grateful that Eustace isn't pushing the matter any further than it needs. He's not sure if he could handle listening to his own hypocrisy should the other man begin asking questions.]
Thank you. Truly.
[A soft sigh escapes him.]
I have other obligations until the end of the month, but if you are available afterwards, would that be an acceptable timeframe?
[There's a slight arch of the brow before he just snorts in half laughter. Retirement... Given what he used to do, Joshua isn't really that far from the truth, and that makes his lips quirk into a half smile before it settles back into business.]
Understood. I'll gather a few things ahead of time so we'll be prepared.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
flamekthunder) wrote2025-04-07 09:12 pm
no subject
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.]
no subject
It will be a pleasure to meet at the cafe.
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?
Sincerely,
Joshua
[part joke
Joshua's head]
no subject
He can't help but smile a little amused.]
It's fine, just come as you are.
[TO ACTION]
[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.]
no subject
And at the knock, he makes his way over to the door, opening it wide for Joshua to enter...
...And noting the bag in his arms.]
You still brought something.
[Just a hint of amusement in his voice.]
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I did, yes. Something small to enjoy later. As a thank you.
[As he enters he politely hands the bag over, using two hands to show his care.]
Good morning.
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[Just a light tease as he takes it and brings back to the bar.]
Not sure how well it would pair with omelettes.
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[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.]
Thank you, again, for agreeing to meet.
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[The light ghost of a smile remains as he sets the bottle aside after examining it for a moment before checking the coffee.]
It sounded like you had something important to discuss, so it only made sense to meet as soon as possible.
[And then holding out a mug.]
Coffee?
no subject
[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?
no subject
I do.
no subject
[Satisfied the coffee will be to his liking, Joshua takes a sip (yup, just right) and meets Eustace's eye once more.
It still runs loose about the city.
I wish to remedy that.
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Do you have any leads? It roams through numerous caverns and tunnels even beyond the city, so it won't be easy to track down.
no subject
However, I’ve heard rumors of a monster that fits its description skulking around an abandoned vein. It’s said to still be rich with crystals, but dangerous to explore further.
[He takes another sip of his coffee before continuing.]
I’ve no intention on exploring past what has been deemed safe, but I also cannot guarantee otherwise.
no subject
And you'd like me to come along with you.
no subject
[He has the decorum—well-practiced, but sincere, nonetheless—to dip his head with necessary respect.]
Too large a party would frighten it off before we could scarce lay an eye on it, and, humbling as it is to admit, I know full well that I cannot destroy such a powerful creature on my own.
I’ve seen you fight against these fiends, Eustace. You weave dreamotion as if it were part of your very being, and you wield your experience as deftly as you do your weapon. There are few who I could ask who would match your skills, and even fewer who I would trust and call friend.
[Joshua lifts his gaze, as determined as it is pleading, so he can make his request, and the earnestness behind it, known.]
Pray join me on this endeavor so that we can be rid of one more nightmare.
no subject
You could have just asked... There was no need to give such a speech.
no subject
[Although not quite taken aback by the laugh, there's no small amount of effort that goes into keeping Joshua's expression neutral. Did he say something odd...?]
[But then Eustace explains, and Joshua's shoulders relax.]
[Seems like he overdid it. Again. Ah well.]
Apologies.
[He remains good-natured, if somewhat humbled.]
It's just that I believe my goal is worthwhile. Although it's not my intention to come across as supercilious, either.
Rather, because of its importance and the potential danger involved, I wish to convey that I don't make light of asking for your help.
As much an impact as you would have on the mission, I know it could have just as much an i--ah.
[Joshua pauses, then brings a hand to his chin.]
...I'm doing it again.
no subject
[It doesn't help that Eustace is a man of few words and usually prefers to get straight to the point of things...but that side of him has also cooled a bit so it doesn't really bother him too much. If anything, he just looks at Joshua with some slight amusement before it shifts to something a little more serious.]
But in answer to your request, I accept. Would there be any others?
no subject
[He'd considered asking his brother and soon to be sister-in-law, oscillating between yes and no for a decent amount of time before finally deciding on the latter. Joshua knows Clive would drop everything in an instant to help and that Jill would either try to convince him to hold back or join in to keep the resident Rosfields safe. He knows he has the never-ending support of his family now that they've arrived.]
[And that's precisely why he couldn't bring himself to ask. They're just beginning their life together in Songerein. A quiet life separated from the bonafide disaster that is Valisthea. Who is he to upend it with his own selfish pursuits?]
[He can already hear Clive and Jill yelling at him for making that decision for them. He'll burn that bridge when he gets there.]
[For now, Joshua shakes his head.]
No. Just us.
[Ugh, he feels guilty saying that.]
If you've anyone in mind who you think should join in, I am amenable to suggestions. My only request is that the party remains small.
no subject
...
There will be a moment of silence as Eustace studies him while also considering the nature of the mission. Being more used to doing things on his own, he also prefers a small group, especially with a dangerous creatures they are hunting after. On the other, because it is so dangerous, having a larger party would be better, especially since the two of them have faced it off before with the result leading to its escape. Another hand or two may be better...and he can certainly think of a number names who would be fitting for the job, his wife included.
However—]
Let's keep it between us. At best we can at least do proper reconnaissance without arousing suspicion, and at worst if we do end up facing it, we've at least fought it before and more familiar with it.
[He'll just have to tell Tifa later once she returns from her little trip to her home world along with Lyria...
at least he's telling his family, Joshua!!!]no subject
[Joshua nods, grateful that Eustace isn't pushing the matter any further than it needs. He's not sure if he could handle listening to his own hypocrisy should the other man begin asking questions.]
Thank you. Truly.
[A soft sigh escapes him.]
I have other obligations until the end of the month, but if you are available afterwards, would that be an acceptable timeframe?
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[A slight, wry grin at that as he considers how much his life has changed here compared to what he had been doing for most of his life before.]
Just let me know so I can make the proper arrangements.
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[Joshua matches Eustace's grin with one of his own, however half-hearted it is, weighed down by the heaviness of his thoughts.]
However, I will be sure to apprise you of the details forthwith.
no subject
Understood. I'll gather a few things ahead of time so we'll be prepared.