[As a child Joshua would often cling to his older brother. Such a simple, instinctual action brought immeasurable comfort regardless of how distressed he felt. As an adult, he found himself embracing the rare chance to lean against Clive, as if the brief gestures could make up for nearly two decades apart. During that painful time, he didn't have many chances to reciprocate such notions with anyone. Yes, he appreciated the rare occasion where he shared such quiet moments with Jote, but those were treasures of a different sort, precious in their own way.]
[He never had the chance to provide this kind of basic comfort, and here Ryu was, seeking it as easily as he once did so long ago. Joshua could see the way he raises his hand to gently pat Ryu's shoulder as an obligation, but he understands, truly, that it's a privilege.]
[Is this how Clive felt? Is this how he feels now?]
[Joshua opens his mouth to share some kind of reassurance, something his big brother would've said to him.]
[But the chance doesn't come.]
[He's not surprised. No matter the realm, enemies exemplify impeccably poor timing.]
[Without hesitation, Joshua pulls Burning Thorn out of its sheathe. With what little time they have before their opponent arrives, he directs his fire orb to hover against the roof of the cavern. It's not as good as daylight, but at least they won't be fighting completely blind.]
[He centers himself and calls upon his dreamotion. The fingers on his free hand thrum with energy ready to strike forth in an instant, and not a moment too soon.]
[The rumble that Ryu caught earlier resonates again throughout the cavern, casting pebbles wet with stagnant water like dice clattering around the pair.]
[The air hangs still. Quiet.]
[Then, with another roll, menacing in its subtlety, their host finally introduces itself. A pair of mandibles, each hook easily the size of a man, followed by an unsettling whisper of movement, shadowy tendrils snaking their way amidst broken rock and shards of crystal.]
[A massive centipede, with a chitinous exoskeleton glistening malevolently in the scant light of Joshua's flame, and its countless legs clicking and scraping against the cavern floor rises before them, glowering down at Ryu and Joshua, undoubtedly sizing up its next meal.]
...I don't suppose you can negotiate with this one?
no subject
[That's what it feels like.]
[As a child Joshua would often cling to his older brother. Such a simple, instinctual action brought immeasurable comfort regardless of how distressed he felt. As an adult, he found himself embracing the rare chance to lean against Clive, as if the brief gestures could make up for nearly two decades apart. During that painful time, he didn't have many chances to reciprocate such notions with anyone. Yes, he appreciated the rare occasion where he shared such quiet moments with Jote, but those were treasures of a different sort, precious in their own way.]
[He never had the chance to provide this kind of basic comfort, and here Ryu was, seeking it as easily as he once did so long ago. Joshua could see the way he raises his hand to gently pat Ryu's shoulder as an obligation, but he understands, truly, that it's a privilege.]
[Is this how Clive felt? Is this how he feels now?]
[Joshua opens his mouth to share some kind of reassurance, something his big brother would've said to him.]
[But the chance doesn't come.]
[He's not surprised. No matter the realm, enemies exemplify impeccably poor timing.]
[Without hesitation, Joshua pulls Burning Thorn out of its sheathe. With what little time they have before their opponent arrives, he directs his fire orb to hover against the roof of the cavern. It's not as good as daylight, but at least they won't be fighting completely blind.]
[He centers himself and calls upon his dreamotion. The fingers on his free hand thrum with energy ready to strike forth in an instant, and not a moment too soon.]
[The rumble that Ryu caught earlier resonates again throughout the cavern, casting pebbles wet with stagnant water like dice clattering around the pair.]
[The air hangs still. Quiet.]
[Then, with another roll, menacing in its subtlety, their host finally introduces itself. A pair of mandibles, each hook easily the size of a man, followed by an unsettling whisper of movement, shadowy tendrils snaking their way amidst broken rock and shards of crystal.]
[A massive centipede, with a chitinous exoskeleton glistening malevolently in the scant light of Joshua's flame, and its countless legs clicking and scraping against the cavern floor rises before them, glowering down at Ryu and Joshua, undoubtedly sizing up its next meal.]
...I don't suppose you can negotiate with this one?