[Joshua readily takes Jill's hand, gripping it securely with every iota of that childhood comfort he can muster. He noticed her movement before and how it mirrored his brief spell, and part of him expected her to attempt to follow through, but he also understands there are myriad reasons why Jill wouldn't call forth her magic, ranging from unfamiliarity with dreamotion to her own trepidation with the misfortune her skills with aether have brought her.]

[Whatever the reason is, all Joshua needs to convey is that he will be there for her, no matter her decision.]

It was a unique hurdle, and it makes magic use tiring in its own way. Feeling so much at once isn't... I'm not used to it.

[The Undying, although not entirely devoid of emotion (he can certainly recall happiness, sadness, and frustration with his found kin), valued a more taciturn environment. They fostered calm and expected it of their new leader, and Joshua learned the worth of a cool head when making decisions that could, and sometimes would have to, lead to the death of an agent for the greater good.]

[Ruthless calculus required a subdued heart.]

Giving oneself to that deluge often leaves the spirit drenched in the storm of its own depth.