[When Joshua received the handwritten note on his device he can't help but feel a small flicker of excitement in the center of his chest. He'll read it over carefully, perhaps a few times, before he replies just as Dion has.]
Dear Dion,
It's a relief to know that the tea has been serving you well. I've often thought about how you might be at sea with it or without it. If you are feeling better because of it then all the better.
Although, I am sorry to hear that you've had thoughts mounting due to the sea's silence. I'll admit, the sea and the waves have a way of making me feel melancholy as well. Perhaps it's but the atmosphere and the way the ocean clears your mind of other worries to focus on ones that are buried more deeply. If you wish to share your thoughts with me I would be more than willing to read and listen.
I would very much like to hear about what artifacts you might have found as well. I haven't come across anything that is particularly special yet but I have heard of daggers that can sing and gloves that allow the wearer to carry heavier objects than they might expect. Isn't that a marvel...?
As for the rifts, I have made a few notes of my own. It appears that the rifts are random and can appear at any time and in any place. Others from worlds unlike our own can be pulled to this one through these rifts but there is no understanding of how we may return through them. At least that I know of right now.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you again, Joshua Rosfield.
[Which includes a small flourish of red like a feather underneath his name.]
I am ever so grateful that you helped. I fear it would be much more difficult without the tea, but at the very least it has been helping somewhat.
The sea is vast, the darkness of night is somewhat comforting and disconcerting at the same time and it gives me far too much time to think, I must admit.
As much as I wish to consider my thoughts and share them, I have always tried to carry my own burdens. Even my closest confidant couldn’t be told everything... well, I suppose there’s not much I couldn’t tell you. Especially considering the state of affairs left behind.
I wonder a great many things about that night. I wonder if there has ever been anything I could have changed before we reached the point that I caused all of that devastation and ruined people’s lives. Took their lives. I don’t know how I ended up in that situation, it just got away from me. Everything to do with Olivier got away from me. [ It would be rude to insult Joshua’s mother to his face so he’ll refrain. ]
At times I wonder what my purpose has even been, and considering, I wonder many things about my father. Needless to say, I wasn’t expecting to sit with these thoughts for much longer. Our final battle has been delayed. [ Joshua must know his plans. ]
They sound rather marvellous, I will admit. I happened upon a dagger that is meant to help me find treasure of all things. I’m not entirely sure what I’m meant to do with it, but ah, don’t tell anyone I have that. [ Especially not Cid. ]
I’ll admit my conversations have led me to the same conclusion. I’m concerned about our absence, if I am honest. We had something important to accomplish after all, although I suppose the break will be better for my health in the meantime. [ Not that Joshua should worry about that – ha – ha ]
Thank you for your prompt response. I look forward to your missive as well as an opportunity to meet again.
There isn't a night where I think about how the stars have changed for both of us. If we're being honest with our pens to paper there are often times that I think about that night as well. What we could have done to change the outcome or what would have happened if I had done more or less. I've done that an awful lot in my life, actually.
What I've learned is that no matter our choices we did what we thought was best at the time. You thought you were doing what was best for your family and to put your best step forward for the people of your kingdom. I know it, deeply and sincerely with every fibre of my heart, that is where your thinking and choices lay.
The unfortunate truth is that Ultima had us on his puppet strings from the very beginning. Pullings and pushing us in whatever way he wished. At the time, we had no way of knowing that it was he who had used Olivier. And in a way, my mother as well.
I know the guilt can be palpable. Yet, please believe me when I write the words that if your father were able to see you now he would see a man who had done his best with what he could to protect his people.
If our fathers could see us now. I think they would hope for us to be better men than them. Not to make up for choices made but to make choices for our own.
And perhaps we have that time now... a break in this indescribable journey of ours, to do just that.
I hope you can at least rest easier with your thoughts, Dion. I think of you often in this regard.
It was a pleasure getting to meet with you again. Although our parting had not been very long, it was still long enough that I had missed your company, so the opportunity to spend time with you again was most welcome.
Despite any fears you may have had, you are certainly a formidable dancer and I truly enjoyed dancing with you. I would not be averse to repeating the experience, should we find ourselves at a similar function in the future, provided you are amenable to that.
This discussion of matters of being summoned against our wills has been wildly unusual, but it hasn't happened to me yet, nor does it appear to change out form according to Cid, so that's not so terrible. I spoke with Cid for awhile and he offered me a place on your crew.
I'm not really sure what to make of it. It was after a rather delicate admission on my part that I felt I needed to disclose due to what information he was offering. I'm not entirely sure that it would have happened had we not had that discussion. All the same, I don't know that I should accept.
In any case, I have rambled on long enough. If you have any thoughts, I would like to hear them for I value your opinion and counsel.
I hope, at the very least, that our parting will not be too long.
[It takes Joshua some time to reply this time. Only because of how he felt when Dion sent him this message. He tries to focus on the important things like priming and such but... His mind keeps wandering to the dance they shared and how Dion was happy to be there with him.]
Dear Dion,
Forgive my tardy reply, it took me some time to gather my thoughts. Compliments about my dancing aren't something I'm accustomed to, but I appreciate them nonetheless. Thank you for your kind words.
I had a wonderful time. Perhaps the first time in a very long time that I have been able to relax and have some fun. If you are amenable to it I would be happy to dance with you again at whichever festival comes next with the same opportunity. I still have a lot to learn. But you proved to be quite the formidable leader, yourself.
As for the topic of our priming... I too haven't had anyone pull me away as of yet. I am thankful for that although I think we should still be careful should it happen.
To be honest I am surprised that Cid offered you a position on his crew but all the same I think it would be suiting should you take it. We are all from the same roots, a world where we bonded once and we could do that once again. I think it would be easy.
I'll admit, I would be happy to see you so close. Ultimately, it is up to you.
[ His response is not automatic either, if only because he's often busy with one thing or another during the day and sometimes he waits until night to read his shellphone device. He's always happy to see a missive from Joshua however. ]
Dear Joshua,
You have nothing to apologise for, naturally I cannot expect you to respond immediately nor would I. As we are not in the same room, I am certain you have your own activities going on, as do I. I will admit that I usually don't look at this thing until I'm back in my room at night, preparing for rest.
I would very much like to share another dance with you. It was a very delightful diversion and you are certainly worthy of the praise. I don't think it's necessarily about the talent of a person, or the experience, but as long as it's enjoyable I think that merits my remarks. I had a pleasant time.
There is a small grace, in that being summoned doesn't force priming. I have told the young lady with the ability to potentially bring me to her side that she absolutely must do so if she is in peril and her life is on the line. Inconvenient that may be to me, but I would much rather her survive at my inconvenience than face her death. Especially since priming is not required.
I know it is not proper to discuss this with you through text alone, I certainly owe you better, but my relationship with priming at the moment is tentative at best. Lest you hear it from Cid, but I am afflicted with the curse. That is probably not unique, but the symptoms I have have not changed since arriving here, unlike his assumption that the curse was gone. I cannot say for certain if that is the case, or if it is progressing slower, perhaps it is stopped altogether.
I hadn't any intention on sharing that with him either, but the conversation turned that way and I felt it important to be candid about the situation, because if it is still a factor he should know that. Everyone should, I suppose. I merely don't wish to raise concerns for my health when it is not something that can be altered. However, I have been avoiding priming as much as possible, in the hopes to delay the progression. That isn't something I could've done in Sanbreque of course, but here for the most part, my dragoon skills have been more than enough.
My apologies for the unsolicited tangent, Joshua.
I am uncertain. I appreciate the invitation, and that we are all tied by fate by Greagor's will of course, but aside from my connection to you I have not been so fortunately connected to the others, and I'm not certain why they would wish to be. Most of us share the same burden and yet we have consistently been pit against each other and faced each other in battle and forgiveness is not so easy. Not for me, certainly and probably not for them.
Although I will admit I should stop teasing Cid. I suppose he's earned that much.
I admit you are making a very enticing offer as I too wish to spend more time with you. It would certainly give us more time to talk. I feel as though we get so little of it with everything going on.
Do you think these things can be overcome, or perhaps, I am reading too much into things with my concerns? If it's just me then perhaps I need to spend time letting go of our pasts, difficult that may be.
I just don't wish to make things worse, nor do I wish to make people uncomfortable. I know in my current state that I am not terribly the best company to have around. Perhaps his invitation would be rescinded if he thought he could.
I realize looking over what I've written that I have perhaps said too much...and yet I will selfishly send it all the same and just apologise. Please do not hesitate to tell me if it is too much Joshua. You are my dearest friend and perhaps I have been stewing on my thoughts a little too intensely.
I do hope you'll write me back, and I long to see you again.
I'll have to send my thanks in any way that I can, since you've accepted to be my dance partner, Dion. I couldn't be happier to hear it.
[Goodness, it's embarrassing to even write that... But it's the truth. And even if they are writing on these devices- letters should be truthful.]
As far as our situation goes regarding our priming and the like? There are a few things you aren't alone in. I know it isn't uncommon for us to be afflicted with the curse and as you are, so am I. Although I've gotten used to using my healing magic to keep most of the worst aches and pains at bay. That is, for the most part. If you would amicable to the idea I would be happy to try and ease any aches you might be feeling with my magic. It certainly isn't a cure but temporary relief can be useful.
This brings me to my other point once again regarding Cid's invitation to join his crew. While you might not feel as though you fit in as a puzzle piece would fit into the slot I believe that you most certainly would. For far too long have we all been separated by a world that wished us to be divided. I find the chance for us to work together and be together to be important... Or so, it would be important to me.
Clive may have his habits and be as stony as an unmoving wall but I know he would welcome you with open arms. Just as he did when you came to us in the hideaway, he would be happy to have your trusted aid. Jill too, I'm sure she finds company welcome, as sweet as she is always. And please do not forget how fond Mid is of you. Try to think of the angry unending messages she may send you should you decline the invitation.
[Yes, that is a threat.]
Dion, I hope you don't find my words terribly out of place. But I do find Cid's invitation to be a suitable one. Not only do I trust his judgment of character but I trust my own. You may find yourself displaced in your own thoughts and place in this world and our own but I have always seen you as a light in the darkness, one that places his whole heart in the place that it needs to be. And in this case, I believe you can make the most difference with our circumstances, with us.
And with me. I still mean it, with all my heart and soul, that I wish for you to be there while I search this world for a solution to dissolving Ultima from my body. It would be a comfort knowing you are there. And a comfort knowing I can speak with you and to spend time with you. To make the most of these moments... Is what I think we both need.
I will still leave this decision up to you. But please know that I think you belong with us.
You are my cherished friend. I would not have sought you out as often as I have if I did not think so. Please. Consider it.
I'm very glad to hear that you are happy with my praise, for you earned it and so you should be. I'll keep my eyes and ears open should there be another opportunity to meet for a dance. I don't mean that in a clandestine way, simply looking for an opportunity. Certainly there will be another feast of sorts again.
I would take you up on that, but only if it would not tax your magic. Injuring yourself to ease my pain just leads you to be in the same position and merely transferring the discomfort from one to the other. I am quite used to handling it, should you not truly be able to. You need not worry. There has been no progression since my arrival, so that is a fortunate thing.
It is true, I can honestly I know people more by reputation than anything. I expect they know the same of me. We all share a similar circumstance, and I appreciate the opportunity to get to know people.
I could not turn down such an invitation if it is important to you. You need not threaten me. I am heartened to know that you wish for my company, and I certainly would not deny you that if that is what you wanted.
You have my halberd, and my hand in your search Joshua. Never think otherwise, please.
I believe you might be right. Time together to relax a bit, perhaps to seek some enjoyment would be something I cherish. You are by far my closest friend here. Our time apart was unfortunate, but I was more than relieved to see that you were still alive. I'd had no idea, but I am glad all the same and I would like nothing more than to see you happy.
So, if your happiness is what I wish, and my presence would make you happy, I could hardly deny you. So I shan't. I will inform Cid that I accept, and when things are prepared I look forward to seeing you again much more often.
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no subject
Dear Dion,
It's a relief to know that the tea has been serving you well. I've often thought about how you might be at sea with it or without it. If you are feeling better because of it then all the better.
Although, I am sorry to hear that you've had thoughts mounting due to the sea's silence. I'll admit, the sea and the waves have a way of making me feel melancholy as well. Perhaps it's but the atmosphere and the way the ocean clears your mind of other worries to focus on ones that are buried more deeply. If you wish to share your thoughts with me I would be more than willing to read and listen.
I would very much like to hear about what artifacts you might have found as well. I haven't come across anything that is particularly special yet but I have heard of daggers that can sing and gloves that allow the wearer to carry heavier objects than they might expect. Isn't that a marvel...?
As for the rifts, I have made a few notes of my own. It appears that the rifts are random and can appear at any time and in any place. Others from worlds unlike our own can be pulled to this one through these rifts but there is no understanding of how we may return through them. At least that I know of right now.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you again,
Joshua Rosfield.
[Which includes a small flourish of red like a feather underneath his name.]
no subject
I am ever so grateful that you helped. I fear it would be much more difficult without the tea, but at the very least it has been helping somewhat.
The sea is vast, the darkness of night is somewhat comforting and disconcerting at the same time and it gives me far too much time to think, I must admit.
As much as I wish to consider my thoughts and share them, I have always tried to carry my own burdens. Even my closest confidant couldn’t be told everything... well, I suppose there’s not much I couldn’t tell you. Especially considering the state of affairs left behind.
I wonder a great many things about that night. I wonder if there has ever been anything I could have changed before we reached the point that I caused all of that devastation and ruined people’s lives. Took their lives. I don’t know how I ended up in that situation, it just got away from me. Everything to do with Olivier got away from me. [ It would be rude to insult Joshua’s mother to his face so he’ll refrain. ]
At times I wonder what my purpose has even been, and considering, I wonder many things about my father. Needless to say, I wasn’t expecting to sit with these thoughts for much longer. Our final battle has been delayed. [ Joshua must know his plans. ]
They sound rather marvellous, I will admit. I happened upon a dagger that is meant to help me find treasure of all things. I’m not entirely sure what I’m meant to do with it, but ah, don’t tell anyone I have that. [ Especially not Cid. ]
I’ll admit my conversations have led me to the same conclusion. I’m concerned about our absence, if I am honest. We had something important to accomplish after all, although I suppose the break will be better for my health in the meantime. [ Not that Joshua should worry about that – ha – ha ]
Thank you for your prompt response. I look forward to your missive as well as an opportunity to meet again.
I have not forgotten I have promised you a drink.
Dion Lesage
no subject
There isn't a night where I think about how the stars have changed for both of us. If we're being honest with our pens to paper there are often times that I think about that night as well. What we could have done to change the outcome or what would have happened if I had done more or less. I've done that an awful lot in my life, actually.
What I've learned is that no matter our choices we did what we thought was best at the time. You thought you were doing what was best for your family and to put your best step forward for the people of your kingdom. I know it, deeply and sincerely with every fibre of my heart, that is where your thinking and choices lay.
The unfortunate truth is that Ultima had us on his puppet strings from the very beginning. Pullings and pushing us in whatever way he wished. At the time, we had no way of knowing that it was he who had used Olivier. And in a way, my mother as well.
I know the guilt can be palpable. Yet, please believe me when I write the words that if your father were able to see you now he would see a man who had done his best with what he could to protect his people.
If our fathers could see us now. I think they would hope for us to be better men than them. Not to make up for choices made but to make choices for our own.
And perhaps we have that time now... a break in this indescribable journey of ours, to do just that.
I hope you can at least rest easier with your thoughts, Dion. I think of you often in this regard.
Joshua.
no subject
It was a pleasure getting to meet with you again. Although our parting had not been very long, it was still long enough that I had missed your company, so the opportunity to spend time with you again was most welcome.
Despite any fears you may have had, you are certainly a formidable dancer and I truly enjoyed dancing with you. I would not be averse to repeating the experience, should we find ourselves at a similar function in the future, provided you are amenable to that.
This discussion of matters of being summoned against our wills has been wildly unusual, but it hasn't happened to me yet, nor does it appear to change out form according to Cid, so that's not so terrible. I spoke with Cid for awhile and he offered me a place on your crew.
I'm not really sure what to make of it. It was after a rather delicate admission on my part that I felt I needed to disclose due to what information he was offering. I'm not entirely sure that it would have happened had we not had that discussion. All the same, I don't know that I should accept.
In any case, I have rambled on long enough. If you have any thoughts, I would like to hear them for I value your opinion and counsel.
I hope, at the very least, that our parting will not be too long.
Dion
no subject
Dear Dion,
Forgive my tardy reply, it took me some time to gather my thoughts. Compliments about my dancing aren't something I'm accustomed to, but I appreciate them nonetheless. Thank you for your kind words.
I had a wonderful time. Perhaps the first time in a very long time that I have been able to relax and have some fun. If you are amenable to it I would be happy to dance with you again at whichever festival comes next with the same opportunity. I still have a lot to learn. But you proved to be quite the formidable leader, yourself.
As for the topic of our priming... I too haven't had anyone pull me away as of yet. I am thankful for that although I think we should still be careful should it happen.
To be honest I am surprised that Cid offered you a position on his crew but all the same I think it would be suiting should you take it. We are all from the same roots, a world where we bonded once and we could do that once again. I think it would be easy.
I'll admit, I would be happy to see you so close. Ultimately, it is up to you.
Let's speak again soon,
Joshua.
no subject
Dear Joshua,
You have nothing to apologise for, naturally I cannot expect you to respond immediately nor would I. As we are not in the same room, I am certain you have your own activities going on, as do I. I will admit that I usually don't look at this thing until I'm back in my room at night, preparing for rest.
I would very much like to share another dance with you. It was a very delightful diversion and you are certainly worthy of the praise. I don't think it's necessarily about the talent of a person, or the experience, but as long as it's enjoyable I think that merits my remarks. I had a pleasant time.
There is a small grace, in that being summoned doesn't force priming. I have told the young lady with the ability to potentially bring me to her side that she absolutely must do so if she is in peril and her life is on the line. Inconvenient that may be to me, but I would much rather her survive at my inconvenience than face her death. Especially since priming is not required.
I know it is not proper to discuss this with you through text alone, I certainly owe you better, but my relationship with priming at the moment is tentative at best. Lest you hear it from Cid, but I am afflicted with the curse. That is probably not unique, but the symptoms I have have not changed since arriving here, unlike his assumption that the curse was gone. I cannot say for certain if that is the case, or if it is progressing slower, perhaps it is stopped altogether.
I hadn't any intention on sharing that with him either, but the conversation turned that way and I felt it important to be candid about the situation, because if it is still a factor he should know that. Everyone should, I suppose. I merely don't wish to raise concerns for my health when it is not something that can be altered. However, I have been avoiding priming as much as possible, in the hopes to delay the progression. That isn't something I could've done in Sanbreque of course, but here for the most part, my dragoon skills have been more than enough.
My apologies for the unsolicited tangent, Joshua.
I am uncertain. I appreciate the invitation, and that we are all tied by fate by Greagor's will of course, but aside from my connection to you I have not been so fortunately connected to the others, and I'm not certain why they would wish to be. Most of us share the same burden and yet we have consistently been pit against each other and faced each other in battle and forgiveness is not so easy. Not for me, certainly and probably not for them.
Although I will admit I should stop teasing Cid. I suppose he's earned that much.
I admit you are making a very enticing offer as I too wish to spend more time with you. It would certainly give us more time to talk. I feel as though we get so little of it with everything going on.
Do you think these things can be overcome, or perhaps, I am reading too much into things with my concerns? If it's just me then perhaps I need to spend time letting go of our pasts, difficult that may be.
I just don't wish to make things worse, nor do I wish to make people uncomfortable. I know in my current state that I am not terribly the best company to have around. Perhaps his invitation would be rescinded if he thought he could.
I realize looking over what I've written that I have perhaps said too much...and yet I will selfishly send it all the same and just apologise. Please do not hesitate to tell me if it is too much Joshua. You are my dearest friend and perhaps I have been stewing on my thoughts a little too intensely.
I do hope you'll write me back, and I long to see you again.
Dion
no subject
I'll have to send my thanks in any way that I can, since you've accepted to be my dance partner, Dion. I couldn't be happier to hear it.
[Goodness, it's embarrassing to even write that... But it's the truth. And even if they are writing on these devices- letters should be truthful.]
As far as our situation goes regarding our priming and the like? There are a few things you aren't alone in. I know it isn't uncommon for us to be afflicted with the curse and as you are, so am I. Although I've gotten used to using my healing magic to keep most of the worst aches and pains at bay. That is, for the most part. If you would amicable to the idea I would be happy to try and ease any aches you might be feeling with my magic. It certainly isn't a cure but temporary relief can be useful.
This brings me to my other point once again regarding Cid's invitation to join his crew. While you might not feel as though you fit in as a puzzle piece would fit into the slot I believe that you most certainly would. For far too long have we all been separated by a world that wished us to be divided. I find the chance for us to work together and be together to be important... Or so, it would be important to me.
Clive may have his habits and be as stony as an unmoving wall but I know he would welcome you with open arms. Just as he did when you came to us in the hideaway, he would be happy to have your trusted aid. Jill too, I'm sure she finds company welcome, as sweet as she is always. And please do not forget how fond Mid is of you. Try to think of the angry unending messages she may send you should you decline the invitation.
[Yes, that is a threat.]
Dion, I hope you don't find my words terribly out of place. But I do find Cid's invitation to be a suitable one. Not only do I trust his judgment of character but I trust my own. You may find yourself displaced in your own thoughts and place in this world and our own but I have always seen you as a light in the darkness, one that places his whole heart in the place that it needs to be. And in this case, I believe you can make the most difference with our circumstances, with us.
And with me. I still mean it, with all my heart and soul, that I wish for you to be there while I search this world for a solution to dissolving Ultima from my body. It would be a comfort knowing you are there. And a comfort knowing I can speak with you and to spend time with you. To make the most of these moments... Is what I think we both need.
I will still leave this decision up to you. But please know that I think you belong with us.
You are my cherished friend. I would not have sought you out as often as I have if I did not think so. Please. Consider it.
Yours,
Joshua.
no subject
I'm very glad to hear that you are happy with my praise, for you earned it and so you should be. I'll keep my eyes and ears open should there be another opportunity to meet for a dance. I don't mean that in a clandestine way, simply looking for an opportunity. Certainly there will be another feast of sorts again.
I would take you up on that, but only if it would not tax your magic. Injuring yourself to ease my pain just leads you to be in the same position and merely transferring the discomfort from one to the other. I am quite used to handling it, should you not truly be able to. You need not worry. There has been no progression since my arrival, so that is a fortunate thing.
It is true, I can honestly I know people more by reputation than anything. I expect they know the same of me. We all share a similar circumstance, and I appreciate the opportunity to get to know people.
I could not turn down such an invitation if it is important to you. You need not threaten me. I am heartened to know that you wish for my company, and I certainly would not deny you that if that is what you wanted.
You have my halberd, and my hand in your search Joshua. Never think otherwise, please.
I believe you might be right. Time together to relax a bit, perhaps to seek some enjoyment would be something I cherish. You are by far my closest friend here. Our time apart was unfortunate, but I was more than relieved to see that you were still alive. I'd had no idea, but I am glad all the same and I would like nothing more than to see you happy.
So, if your happiness is what I wish, and my presence would make you happy, I could hardly deny you. So I shan't. I will inform Cid that I accept, and when things are prepared I look forward to seeing you again much more often.
I look forward to seeing you again,
Dion