[Semi-Open] Oh, would you look at that. It's Joshua Day.

[reasonandrime]

Who: FF16s and anyone who has positive CR with Joshua is invited (friends of friends can also drop by!)
Which: Semi-Open Log
Where: Starflower Cafe!
When: Backdated to March 25th
What: Once upon a time, some people looked at a baby and said, "You are Joshua." Today, we celebrate the 29th anniversary of that occasion.
Warnings: None!

It's early evening, and the golden hour sun shines gently through the windows of the Starflower Cafe. There's a modest array of red, white, and black decorations strung from the roof and set upon the tables to catch the flickering flames of lantern centrepieces, but the overall ambience is simple and warm, reminiscent of Rosarian hospitality.

Clive and Jill extended invitations earlier in the week, emphasising that the celebration is a surprise for Joshua. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, whereupon Jill will guide them not into hiding, per se, but at least to places where they can't be spotted through the windows. Meanwhile, Clive will be escorting Joshua to the party under the pretence of treating him to a name day dinner.

As such, guests are also encouraged to surprise some JOY into Mister Phoenix Boy when the brothers arrive.

Once the excitement of the surprise subsides, all guests will receive a softly glowing phoenix feather imbued with healing dreamotion. Joshua is handing them out personally as tokens of gratitude, so come and get yours!

Early mingling will happen over the appetizer buffet, which features potato croquettes, charcuterie boards with a heavy emphasis on cheese, various veggie platters with dips, and small cups of ice cream. Or, guests can sit down and chat over dinner: a roast with all the fixings.

After dinner, everyone will be escorted outside to where a bonfire has been set up. There, guests can enjoy roasting marshmallows, s'mores, and other sweet treats over the fire while watching a fireworks show to end the night.

TL;DR it's a party. So, like, party y'all.

(Clive and Jill will be around, but they'll be busy ensuring everything goes off without a hitch, so they won't be interacting much. Please feel free to assume that introductions have happened & that everyone present has been invited to their wedding, where they will be much more present!)

Comments

I - SURPRISED!

[empyreancatastrophe]

[The sudden burst of light and color catches Joshua completely off guard, and for a moment, he's rendered happily speechless.]

[Confetti and birds dance around him, and as they cast their magical aura over the room, he doesn't notice that his otherwise well-kept outfit (local Reverein fashion; he's doing his best to fit in!) has been dusted with glitter. He's also completely unaware that he'll be finding that glitter in his clothes for weeks to come, but some things are best left in ignorance. After all, why worry when faced with a display unlike anything he's ever experienced? That energy is better spent marveling at the creativity and effort behind it all.]

Incredible...

[When he can finally speak, it's barely more than a breath.]

[His first instinct is to cast a glance at Clive, a grin plastered on his face. Joshua can admit when he's been had, and there's no better circumstance to fall for an older brother's playful deceit.]

[His second instinct is to direct his attention to who he can guess is the culprit behind that fanciful dreamotion. Still smiling wide, Joshua focuses on Lyria, eyes sparkling with delight and tone brimming with appreciation.]

Was that your doing?

[azuresong]

[ It was easy to see how much Jill and Clive had cared for Joshua- with all the preparation, care, and attention that was put into making this the perfect day for him. It was difficult not to feel the overwhelming joy that flood this space, and when she was greeted by the face that brought all these wonderful people together... she couldn't help but let out a loud giggle. ]

It was! Oh, I really hope you were surprised! Were you? [ Her excitement carries in her voice as she approaches a little closer, eyes practically sparkling much like the glitter surrounding them. ]

[empyreancatastrophe]

Absolutely.

[Joshua marks that confirmation with a laugh, still marveling at the aftermath of the spectacle made all the more special with that endearing sparkle in Lyria's eyes.]

I must thank you properly for such a beautiful display.

[Filled with gratitude that this young stranger would think to welcome him with such creativity, Joshua gracefully lowers himself to one knee in front of her, head bowed with respect.]

May I ask the young lady her name?

[azuresong]

[ So overwhelmed was she from the display of it all that she didn't have time to process when Joshua began to lower himself and kneel. ]

Heheh, my name is Lyrihuh-!?

[ Startled, her joints jolt up in surprise! To... to kneel in front of her!? Of all people!? ]

Oh, oh please...! Y- you don't have to do that!

[empyreancatastrophe]

But I must, Lady Lyria.

[He makes an educated guess as to what the rest of her name could possibly be. Hopefully he’s right. Otherwise, it’s about to get a whole lot more awkward here.]

[Joshua pulls himself up to his full height (impressive, if not willowy) and offers Lyria a wide smile.]

How better to express my gratitude for such a wonderful welcome, and for the opportunity to make your acquaintance?

[azuresong]

[ He was very tall... and so very handsome, too! Lyria is already momentarily taken aback from the initial gesture, but now to be so close to him... ]

Ah! [ She blinks, refocusing her attention to... where? His eyes? It's the polite thing to do! ] That's very kind of you, but this is your day!

[ She'll get the courage to eagerly step forward, placing a gentle hand to his forearm. ] So there's no need! Please— just enjoy the party! I know there was a lot of people worked really hard on it! Clive, was it? Is he your brother?

[empyreancatastrophe]

[Joshua gives Lyria the room to recover and to approach him when she’s ready, taking care not to make any sort of ordeal out of her apprehension. When she touches his forearm, he offers a reassuring smile and a couple of nods in agreement.]

[Then, she mentions his brother—and that just happens to be one of his favorite topics to speak about!]

Yes, Clive! He’s older than me by about five years.

[Joshua spares a quick glance over at his brother.]

He’s always been there for me. Ever since the day I was born.

Thank you for helping him make this party a success. He deserves all the praise in the world. All the worlds—at least the ones represented here.

[azuresong]

Awww, that's wonderful! I can see how much you two care for one another. [ Not because of the obvious glances back and forth or how Joshua's smile seemed to light up when he looked at his brother... but that she could feel that loving energy from the both of them.

There was something special about the two of them... something very precious.

And that love was contagious, enough for Lyria to keep beaming despite her previous awkwardness. ]

But you deserve just as much praise! Seeing all these people here to celebrate you! You must be an amazing person, Joshua!

[empyreancatastrophe]

[Joshua's excitement softens with a humble shake of his head.]

I'm afraid there's nothing particularly amazing about me.

[Well, that's not entirely true. He does possess a great power, and he's not under any pretenses about what that means, but in the context of the conversation, he feels comfortable enough denying the extraordinary without feeling it's a complete lie. Otherwise, he'd feel awful deceiving such a sweet girl.]

However, I have been fortunate enough to cross paths with some truly admirable individuals. As special as this celebration is, they've made every day thus far an adventure.

Which leads me to wonder about the broader part you've played in today's festivities, Lady Lyria. If it is all right for me to ask.

[azuresong]

[ It did not take a person who was so in tune with people's emotions to know how kind of a person Joshua was. She was grateful they were able to celebrate a moment like this for him, and although their meeting was only the beginning, she could sense how much of an impact he's made on other lives... herself included!

So with another giggle Lyria will shake her head. ]

I help run the cafe with Eustace and Tifa! They've been kind enough to allow me to stay and help them since I arrived here. [ She'll divert her attention briefly to several of the dogs waddling about. ] I made sure all the dogs were nice and groomed for the party, and helped set up some of the decorations! It wasn't much, but I'm glad I could help in some way.

[empyreancatastrophe]

[Joshua listens attentively as Lyria explains her role in the cafe and her contributions to the party. Her humility genuinely impresses him, especially considering the effort she's put into making the celebration special. She’s dedicated, that much is clear, and that deserves nothing short of respect.]

[When Joshua speaks, his tone carries a note of admiration.]

That sounds like quite the undertaking.

[He pauses for a moment, a warm smile gracing his features as he meets Lyria's gaze.]

You may think it wasn't much, but trust me, your contributions have made all the difference. We’ve only just started, but this has already been the most magical and festive nameday I've ever had, and you played a significant role in making it so.

[azuresong]

[ She will never truly take a compliment as genuine as this, as even now the tips of her ears are beginning to turn red. So in an attempt to push down her feelings before it turns into a full out compliment war, Lyria will nod her head ever so gently. ]

Then why don't you enjoy the festivities! There's so much to do!

[ She'll exclaim before twirling behind her and picking up a small wrapped box off of a nearby table. ]

.... Like opening your gifts, of course! [ Though strangers at the time, she was not going to come to a birthday party ill-prepared! So if Joshua does choose to open the small gift he will be greeted by nice and cozy chicken slippers! Perfect for a relaxing day in! ]

[empyreancatastrophe]

[So much to do, indeed!]

[But it can wait just a little bit longer, especially after Lyria's happy display. Joshua accepts the gift with a gracious dip of his head and carefully opens the box. The delight on his face is unmistakable as he uncovers the slippers.]

[He glances back at Lyria after assessing them thoroughly. Verdict: 10/10 cute, A+, will absolutely wear while reading a good book.]

They're charming. Thank you very much.

[His gaze returns to the slippers.]

Shall I wear them now?

[He's kidding.]