[ Alright, is Clive's easy concession before they untangle and get ready for what Clive presumes is a short trip, though he hasn't any real idea about the details. Which is what he tells Joshua when he makes his way to the borrowed bedroom, where his brother is nested on the bed with two different books open and his journal on his lap.
"Short on specifics as usual, Clive," Joshua smiles. He looks a little pale, which is concerning; Clive finds his worry brushed aside with ease and a promise that everything is fine (a running theme when it comes to the people Clive cares most about in the world, this insistence that all is well), followed by an apologetic addendum when he presumably notes the vague signs of distress creeping into Clive's expression. "I would hardly have thought to insinuate myself into an outing meant for the two of you, but even if I'd felt inclined, I don't think today would be the best day for it. I'll rest, so you go enjoy yourself. Please."
Please is strategic－ Clive can deny his brother very little. He relents, but not without a promise to eventually share with Joshua whatever paints they procure in the future.
His brother's boyish delight at the suggestion is enough. Clive leaves without his edges feeling too frayed, dips into Verso's room to change into proper traveling gear, demolishes a bit more of the charcuterie board, then heads out into the biting cold of Frozen Hearts to brave his way through the dim, ice-painted cave.
(Traces of their encounter with Clea have been lost to new snow and Nevron trails; Clive moves quickly past where he remembers the painted cage to have sat, oppressive and immovable in the gloom.)
He's sure Esquie must have reunited with his rock by the time he reaches the cave's exit. He sees the shadow of the big friendly giant before he sees the rounded curves of the creature himself, and sheathes Invictus before approaching the two figures waiting for him in the near distance. ]
Sorry to keep you two waiting. [ A nod to Esquie, and Clive raises one hand in greeting. ] Esquie.
[ "Mon ami! You came just in time for us to share the good news!" A full-bodied wiggle on Esquie's part, as he shifts towards Verso. "Oh, tell him the good news, Verso!" ]
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flamebrand) wrote2024-09-08 02:07 pm
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"Short on specifics as usual, Clive," Joshua smiles. He looks a little pale, which is concerning; Clive finds his worry brushed aside with ease and a promise that everything is fine (a running theme when it comes to the people Clive cares most about in the world, this insistence that all is well), followed by an apologetic addendum when he presumably notes the vague signs of distress creeping into Clive's expression. "I would hardly have thought to insinuate myself into an outing meant for the two of you, but even if I'd felt inclined, I don't think today would be the best day for it. I'll rest, so you go enjoy yourself. Please."
Please is strategic－ Clive can deny his brother very little. He relents, but not without a promise to eventually share with Joshua whatever paints they procure in the future.
His brother's boyish delight at the suggestion is enough. Clive leaves without his edges feeling too frayed, dips into Verso's room to change into proper traveling gear, demolishes a bit more of the charcuterie board, then heads out into the biting cold of Frozen Hearts to brave his way through the dim, ice-painted cave.
(Traces of their encounter with Clea have been lost to new snow and Nevron trails; Clive moves quickly past where he remembers the painted cage to have sat, oppressive and immovable in the gloom.)
He's sure Esquie must have reunited with his rock by the time he reaches the cave's exit. He sees the shadow of the big friendly giant before he sees the rounded curves of the creature himself, and sheathes Invictus before approaching the two figures waiting for him in the near distance. ]
Sorry to keep you two waiting. [ A nod to Esquie, and Clive raises one hand in greeting. ] Esquie.
[ "Mon ami! You came just in time for us to share the good news!" A full-bodied wiggle on Esquie's part, as he shifts towards Verso. "Oh, tell him the good news, Verso!" ]