"Oh really? That does sound interesting. I've always loved a good story" Caius admitted with a warm smile, interest piqued when Jessie threw the sales pitch on The Sea of Stars. Not much information to go on, but at the same time just enough to drive interest. She was definitely one to throw a hard bargain. Suppose he'd just have to go and see the play for himself after all. So next week was the date?

Next week, huh?

Caius knew that meant he couldn't exactly run off on some job until then, or he might not make it back in time. Even if he took something tomorrow, there were never any guarantees on just how long it could actually take, no matter how simple the job seemed. The realization of what this meant slowly dawned on him, and he could admit... This was a little out of his comfort zone. Caius did not tend to stick around for very long. And if "next week" was a few days away, maybe, but... This was more than a few days. But he'd said he would go. And Caius didn't break his word when he gave it.

"Guess you'll be seeing me there. Watch for me" he cheeked with a grin in turn. Guess he would just have to... Grin and bear it. Wakka wakka. It couldn't be too bad, right? Surely he could figure out ways to keep himself busy. He could help out with the recruits a little, maybe improve on his skills as a leader a bit. He could replenish supplies, maybe do more fishing closer to home to replenish their fish... These were perfectly practically beneficial things, so maybe he wouldn't go stir crazy. Only problem was that wherever Caius went, trouble had a way of following. And Torensten had seen enough lately. But hopefully it wouldn't be a problem.

He was being hopeful, at least. When the topic turned to her memories, it was clear he'd hit a bit of a nerve spot and he wasn't sure if he should pursue it further. He already missed her pep and cheer. "I'm actually the same way, when it comes to Sonora" he admitted. It was relatively filler information, but perhaps having someone who could understand just a little bit might set her at least even just a little. "The place I came from had fairly similar technology, by what little I had seen and heard of. Things went to... Well, things went wrong before I could experience them fully, but I definitely get nostalgic when I go to Sonora. Guess it's a little weird I call Torensten home, but... I don't mind it."

Was he rambling? Maybe a little. He didn't know how to set her at ease, as much as he wanted to. So what was funneling out was just word vomit of what was in his head at the time. Her admission of emotions and feelings she felt, without having context of them, gave him pause. Did he encourage her to pursue it, despite her fears? She could come out worse for wear. And yet...

"I think in your shoes, I'd want to know the truth, even if I'm scared" he admitted softly. "I think if I ran from it, it'd always bug me. But it's also possible that those memories and experiences hold things that might help you. If something happened, perhaps it will be a lesson or a motivator to prevent it from happening again". He scratched his chin a moment. "I didn't lose my memories when I came here, as far as I know. But I did come in with... Well, a lot's happened. Things that sometimes, I wish I could just forget. But they shaped me into being motivated the way I am, to do what I do now. But that's just me. I guess it depends on what those memories might be, in your case. Though it sounds like you're managing alright either way so far. If you decided that you'd rather just stick with what you know, I suppose it wouldn't be the end of the world" he brought up, managing a smile. With or without her memories, she seemed plenty competent. That was a bigger compliment than it probably sounded like.

In the end, the choice was hers. Colour returned to their conversation as Vordun continued to do his best imitation of a cat. The drake's sudden decision to roll over in the sand caused Caius to nearly lose it. "If there were more people like you out there, I think the world would be a better place" Caius admitted softly, with a warm smile in turn. He really did appreciate her understanding when it came to Vordun. It had proven to be quite hard to come by.

Unfortunately, Jessie's flirting would fall on derp ears. He was not trained for this. The blonde didn't clue in that she was even doing so. "I agree. I have... Some experience in firearms. But I haven't used a dedicated firearm in years, so if there's a chance to possibly improve my technique with someone more recently practiced, I'm not going to say no. Especially if it's you" he brought up with a small laugh. She said she had some skill with bombs and grenades but wasn't too sure on the extent. "I have something of the kind stashed, and have used them here and there. But not often. Can't hurt to learn a thing or two if there's an opportunity" he admitted. Odds were she had better skills with explosives than he did, even with her memories on the fritz. "For the most part, my main skill is in swordplay. If there's anything I can help you with on that, I'd be more than happy to."

Jessie was open to joining him on a job, which he was quite happy to hear. "I certainly wouldn't object to your company" he cracked in turn. "I have no doubts you can handle yourself when you're prepared. Perhaps it might be a good chance for you to test out your capabilities with explosives, as well?

He then chuckled a bit as the thought ht him. "The play, training, the job, we'll be seeing a fair bit of each other, won't we?"

"You have my word" Caius responded with a gentle smile when she suggested he stick around after the show to see her. While he'd have to actually find out where in Torensten the show would be, and if there were tickets he'd need to make sure he got one before they sold out, he'd do everything he could to pull that off. He'd promised to be there after all. He did look forward to seeing her at work, and catching her after the show. She'd been enjoyable company thus far, he certainly wouldn't mind sharing said company again sometime.

After a bit of thought, Jessie seemed to decide she'd think on it for a little while and maybe give it a shot when she's ready. He smiled softly. "Whichever you think you'll potentially be happier with is all I can really suggest. It's a tough situation, but I'm sure sooner or later you'll make the right call for yourself. And I'm always happy to help if there's a way to" he offered, before laughing when the sand started to cloud around. Shielding his face, he peeked his head out enough to see Jessie's reaction, and while at first the alarm bells had started going off and he'd already started thinking about his apology and trying to make it up to her, she grinned soon after which showed she was just messing around. The drake had stared at her a moment when she called him a "beastie", but Vordun seemed to be able to sense her mood well enough to gauge she wasn't speaking out of malice. The stare indicated that Vordun was more intelligent than it might have originally seemed, if it recognized the word "beast" or any sort of variation.

Did Caius have a sweetheart back in Torensten? Someone that had captured his heart? If he did, he hadn't told anybody that would speak of it. Asking the recruits later would only yield that Caius seemed to be married to his job. Jessie suggested that getting to do something besides acting might do her some good. "Well, I'm glad to supply" he teased right back with a grin. She said he'd be good company for that, and he laughed a little. "You've been excellent company as it is, suppose I'm honored I can pay that back."

The howl didn't seem to phase Caius, who seemed fairly used to this by now. Jessie suggested that perhaps she should get back, unless he figured they could take all the monsters on their own. He shook his head.

"I clear some out sometimes, but I know my limits and I know Torensten's military is on it. Why don't I give you a ride back to town?" he offered. If monster activity was getting iffy, then their fishing plans were off anyway. "If you don't mind partaking in my company a bit longer, I mean. I can take you as far as the outskirts on dragonback before we have to land. I should probably check in with headquarters anyway."

Caius really did hope that whatever Jessie chose to do, she would be happy with the result. Sometimes people who didn't know things didn't know them because they were better off not knowing. Hopefully this would not be one of those times. He smiled warmly. "Keep me posted" he spoke softly, and that was the end of that topic for now, it seemed. Vordun didn't seem to understand the forgiveness thing, but judging by the drake's decision to nuzzle into her head, she was likely forgiven herself for calling him a beastie, which got another laugh out of Caius in turn. Vordun did seem to have some capability for understanding human speech and meanings, though not all of them. Still, he was certainly more intelligent than many would give credit for.

He couldn't recall the last time that someone genuinely was excited about the prospect of riding atop Vordun. Besides maybe Yuna, who was used to riding atop a dragon-like creature of her own from her own world, apparently. Caius' expression warmed up at Jessie's reaction. This was something he'd really only allowed Celes and Yuna to do, but Jessie had Vordun's favor, it couldn't hurt. Scoffing at her tease, he walked over and cleaned off Vordun's saddle after the sand rolling bit earlier, before tying it together properly once it was tidy. He typically loosened it when not in use, in order to provide Vordun more comfort and freedom of movement when they were on the ground. Once that was settled, he held out a hand to Jessie. If she took his hand, he would gently take her hand in his before bringing his arm up to assist her climbing aboard. Vordun bowed his head down to assist with this himself. If she refused the gesture, he wouldn't make a ruckus of it, instead taking position nearby to ensure her safety if she fell. Vordun was a big guy, even if he wasn't exactly as large as a full blown dragon.

Once Jessie was aboard, Caius quickly climbed up after her. Once he was up, he turned to face her and made a few motions to indicate he was going to strap her in if he had permission. If granted, he'd place her legs in the holds (Though a glance was given to her before doing so each time, quietly re-affirming her permission before proceeding) and ensure she was properly strapped onto the saddle. If her response was in the negative, he'd instruct instead. Having her do the work herself, he'd point out where everything needed to go.

Once Jessie was all settled in, Caius turned his body around and strapped himself to the front part of the saddle. "Alright, hang on tight" Caius instructed curtly before placing a hand on Vordun's neck, a motion that seemed to convey to the drake they were good to go. Letting out a short roar, Vordun got a running start as he flapped his wings, before taking off into the sky. Caius moved a hand downward which seemed to indicate to Vordun that they needed to start slow. Over time, Vordun would steadily speed up.

Hopefully Jessie would be acclimated before long, as Vordun soon enough let out a concerned grunt towards Caius. Sitting up in the saddle, Caius looked to Vordun before looking around. "Trouble?" he asked the drake, who let out another short growl in what appeared to be an affirmative. This came just before Caius heard the thumping of wings, and he pushed down. Vordun dove downwards in time to dodge a projectile heading straight for them.

"Blast" Caius growled low as he looked to the side as they came up. A group of one-eyed monsters with wings had made them their target. More from the Pale Coast, if he recalled. It seemed they weren't out of the woods just yet.

He leaned back against Jessie to ensure she could hear him despite the beating of wings. "You still up for some target practice, Jess?" he inquired. An affectionate nickname? She must have made an impression.

Caius didn't mind. Sure she could have held onto the saddle, but if that was what she preferred to hold onto, that was her call. Whatever kept her from panicking and screaming and flailing when they got to flying. His long blonde locks blew back wildly in the wind, and a grin started to cross his face as he felt the wind hit his face. This feeling of freedom was the best, soaring through the skies, able to go wherever they pleased. It always felt so liberating, so full of life! Jessie let out a whoop of joy in turn and that got a loud laugh from him. She was enjoying herself, that was good. Would be a much more pleasant flight for it.

"I still don't believe it" he cracked in turn at her remarks, but the enjoyment would have to wait for a bit as the monsters closed in. At least she wasn't too afraid of mid-air combat. He watched with interest as Jessie pulled out her firearm and opened fire. She fired three shots, and all three were a hit. "Seems you weren't lying about your capabilities" he teased in turn as he loosened his straps a little to free up his movements in the saddle. He freed up both hands as well, as a duel-bladed short sword materialized in his hands. Yanking it apart, two daggers with a tiny barrel at the tips appeared, and Caius spun them between his fingers before taking aim. He wasn't as precise as Jessie, and the bullets weren't as powerful, being a fair bit smaller. But Caius was able to unload them in excess by pulling down the trigger. The first handful of shots missed, but once he got a lock on the first and second targets he had gone after, they were sent spiraling down soon after. Once he had his bead on them, he was able to keep his sights on them. The monsters weren't able to escape the round from the gun-daggers once he had them in his sights.

Jessie suddenly casted what looked like Thunder, and he smirked lightly in interest. "Well, that's a bit shocking" he playfully punned, before spying a monster coming from the rear. "THUNDARA!" he called, the lightning spells better able to lock on enemies from mid-air than the other two spells could. The third went down, and some around it had taken some additional damage.

"I'd hold on tight" Caius warned Jessie as his weapons disappeared. He wrapped his arms around Vordun's neck for leverage as Vordun would then divebomb downwards, tucking in his wings for speed and beginning to spin rapidly. The movements kept their foes from being able to keep their aim trained on Vordun. At the end of the spin, Vordun would suddenly flip through the air, now behind a group of the flying things as he unleashed a torrent of flames that engulfed them in turn.

"Is there anymore?" Caius breathed out to Jessie as loudly as he could over the beating of wings.