Joseph had seen scraps. He'd even glanced at death. But naught could prepare the man for the scene they had just walked in to. What were those things, even? Skeletons-- Yes. Flaming skeletons. But that didn't make any sense, that didn't just [i]happen[/i]. It was beyond him, and like anything a man couldn't explain, it made him afraid.

It felt like an eternity of jarred staring before he was finally brought back to reality by the sudden appearance of what he assumed to be the mute child's caretaker. It would be apparent to anybody who knew him just how off he was, as he watched them depart with a wide, absent stare. This was all overwhelming. Even if he couldn't see the battle, he could hear it. The clash of steel on steel he could handle, but every scream made him look that bit more sapped. He couldn't avert his gaze for long however, and he locked back on to the maddening spectacle. He took an instinctive step back and reached for Piper's bicep-- Missing the first time. Did he have a plan? No. But he knew who he was bringing when it came to running. 

[color=6ecff6]"W-We... We can't..."[/color] His words were absent, involuntary, and soft as a whisper. He glanced to his cohort, helpless for a moment. He didn't even notice Jason returning. [color=6ecff6]"W-We should--"[/color]

[b]Bang![/b] The alchemical explosion from the Gnome's bolt startled him like a tensed housecat. He jolted upright, took a sharp breath through his nose, and staggered backwards. Isabeau had already dashed off into the fray of burning bone and clashing steel. She must have been mad, he thought. He took a gradual step back for every second that passed as he sank from full height subconsciously. He didn't bother holding onto Piper anymore, he knew they'd see eye-to-eye on this. They weren't going anywhere near that fight, not ever.

He swallowed hard and his jaw tensed as he tried to summon some clear thought. Little came. [color=6ecff6]"Wecan'tbeouthere."[/color] He shook his head and swallowed hard. [color=6ecff6]"We can't be out here."[/color] He repeated with a shaking, forced pace. Part of him wanted to say more, but this was no time for tirades. He took another quick step back, slipping further from the tavern and the fight in front. It was only then he caught sight of Jason. ...He couldn't leave a child to this. With gritted, bared teeth, he gestured the boy over. [color=6ecff6]"W-Will you move..?!"[/color] He figured harshness could be forgiven, given the situation.

Somebody beckoned from across the way-- The woman from earlier. A cry for help..? Joseph stared hard at her for a good few seconds. What did she think he was? He wasn't cut out for this! Every excuse ran through his head, and he turned his back on her, trying to lead his friend and if he came, their tagalong child, to one of the vacated houses at the nearest corner of the town square. Somewhere with a view, but not near that fire. He had to watch this.

[@Ryciera][@Strafe][@Icepezz]