paradisa | (no subject)

[ He's not looking directly at the flowers, though being near them offers it's own sort of serenity. One that's only marred by interruption, but at least this voice doesn't belong to an enemy.

Joshua looks up from his spot on the bench, closing his book at someone's arrival for once. Barely back in any time at all and already... ]

That would make me too easy to find.

[ She grins, one hand lifting her skirt so she can trudge through the thin gaps between the flowers. She thinks he seems happy, enough. ]

And too easy to bring home?

Who's to say that isn't where I've been?

[ He shrugs. ]

What can I do for you?

[ She takes time reaching him, then sits down on the ground in front of him before admiring the blooms. ]

Nothing. Must I think of a favor to ask every time we meet?

[ He just smiles, not even bothering to respond to that one. Joshua's in a decent mood, or else he wouldn't be hanging around the castle again, but that doesn't mean he'll make it easy on her. If it's just a social call, then he'll let her do the work for now. ]

[ She fiddles with her hair, pulling it straight then curling them around her fingers, watching him curiously. ]

Do you prefer the silence or would you tell me what it is you were reading?

It's just a book on geology. I doubt it would interest you.

Why does it interest you?

I was just brushing up on my knowledge as an explorer and whatnot. Spending enough time in the mountains made me wonder what differences there might be to the earth in this world. And there are probably raw gem stones we've never even heard of buried here somewhere.

To think you may discover gems for eternal youth or to heal any poison.

That sounds more like the Philosopher's Stone. Alchemy is recognized in your time, isn't it?

Yes. The work is very close to the Church.

Those would have been some fascinating times to see. Would you think the Phiosopher's Stone to be man-made, or created by the earth?

Can man truly create such wonder? I believe we can only discover them, like many things.

The very idea of the Philosopher's Stone is blasphemous, don't you think? Creating man? Eternal life? Basically transcending God?

I'm surprised that alchemy would be so closely linked to the church.

[ She picks a blade of grass and fiddles with it. ]

God grants power to His believers, does he not? To heal, to perform miracles, to rule over nature.

Maybe God should ask if people want those powers first.

[ She glances at him, then back at her blade of grass. ]

He would know already.

Clearly he doesn't, or he's a cruel God. Which is it?

[ Still smiling, despite the commentary. ]

[ Sometimes she thinks it's the latter. ]

He does as he pleases, not as men desire.

Yet your desires seem to be granted aplenty in this paradise. You gained a sibling, no?

[ She sets her jaw but tries to smile lightly. ]

I did. My older brother, Cesare.

Congratulations. Any shenanigans while I was gone?

Thank you.

[ She chuckles at the memory. ] Only a family reunion. The Castle seems keen on making a mother out of me.

[ That seems to gain his interest, as he leans over rather suddenly. ]

What?