Alecto's words don't have quite the effect that he was likely intending, backed as they were by his deliberately distant tone. But Joshua had no choice, in any case - whatever Alecto's expectations, he had no experience with such things, had no experience with guesting at a rich patron's home, whether or not formal etiquette was expected - and his tentative commentary on the food - which, though simple, was all delicious - the house, his lodgings, and the island itself, eventually wend their way into something a little more like an actual conversation. At first he can't help but dart glances between Alecto and the folio he'd placed next to him, holding a few samples of his work that he was at least a little bit proud of, but the food and surroundings and the easy, unaffected manner that peeks out in between Alecto's chilly tone - particularly in brief addresses to his servants - work a little magic on him, and he starts to relax, little by little.

The laughter is a delightful surprise, and Josh barely stops himself from staring, his heart beating a little fast. Alecto's entire face was transformed with unexpected warmth by it, and something in Joshua aches, wanting to hear it again, elicit that response again, though he's not entirely sure what it was he had said that had amused him so much.

As the dishes are cleared away, he shifts a little in his chair, and reaches for his folio again. "Did you...still want to look at my previous work, Alecto?" He asks, tentative again, shyness creeping back in at the return of a transaction to their temporary relationship. "It's nothing impressive, but I did bring a few things..."