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[dangerbird]

Username: JoshuaRosfield; Praeclarus;
The Phoenix

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{ TEXT // VOICE // VIDEO // ACTION }

Comments

UN: clicksandgiggles; TEXT

[saychocobo]

Hey Joshua. I dunno if you saw the post about getting fakes names for the mission yet? Or if you use this at all, 'cause you haven't texted.

I'm getting everybody to call me Vesper. I figured I should let you know. Cause I'm letting everyone know.

Also I didn't hack your account name. It starts off as your real name and the system'll always send to that so. Hi.

It's Prompto btw.

[ Dammit. ]

[dangerbird]

[When the ping comes in Joshua sits up and taps into the interface. Somehow…through all of his questions with Clive and Dion it seems…he neglected to ask about the network. And hasn’t touched it…since he got here…Whoops. Time to deep dive into that. Well. In a moment, Joshua has priorities.]

Greetings Prompto,

   Thank you for the missive, it brings me joy to hear from you. I hope you are finding yourself faring well. I haven’t seen the post yet, no, but I’ll go immediately to check it out next. I am a little embarrassed to admit I haven’t taken the time to explore this medium of communication yet. It is very foreign to me. We have nothing akin to it in Valisthea, my home world. Rest assured I will do my utmost to grow accustomed to it.
   Vesper is a fine name and I think it suits you. Might I ask where you got the inspiration from? I’m uncertain where to begin on finding a new name. Turns out the last fake name I went by wasn’t nearly as clever as I had originally thought.
   Worry not, I hadn’t thought you’d hack’d my account. Seems I’ll be thinking long and hard about two sets of names. I’m open to suggestions if you have any. They would be most appreciated. Would you mind solving the mystery behind your account name? I’m curious to know the story behind that one.

Sincerely, Joshua

[Joshua feels confident in his first text missive…even if he doesn’t know what ‘hack’ means in this context. Or btw. Is that some sort of signature post-script? But that’s fine, he’ll probably be able to find a dictionary at the library and surely that’ll hold the answers.]

[saychocobo]

» Don't take this in a bad way, but you really ARE cut from a different cloth. Never gotten a whole letter by text.

» Maybe it's a world thing, but I think most people are gonna be lazy and say less. First time I read it I thought you were teasing me about forgetting to say who I was until the end.

» Oh - Vesper's from the old language. I just thought it sounded slick, but it actually means evening-star? I dunno. I liked the dichotomy, sound to meaning?

» If you meet Noct, don't tell him I know the word dichotomy. He'll make that face he gets when I try to sound smart, but juxtaposition comes up in photog.

» You could do something like Procerus, Luteus or Mitis? Nah skip Procerus. I don't want anybody using anything that starts with Pr- or my head's gonna whip around every time somebody says "their" name. But that's stuff I'd pick for you - you tell me what you'd want it to mean and maybe I know something like it.

» Clicksandgiggles? Oh - it's a photography pun. Not all that deep.

[dangerbird]

»   You’ve arrived at the correct conclusion— I was not teasing you. I think you’re right in that it’s a world thing. The speediest communication we have are owls, but they are generally only used in times of emergency and the common people don’t have any. Next is handwritten missives sent with a running messenger, or sent along with tradesmen and their carts when they come through town. And I am afraid this too isn’t as accessible to the common folk as most don’t have the skill to read or write.
  Am I to gather that not every missive is to be addressed then? It would get repetitive, I imagine, at the speed these deliver at. And are multiple texts instead of one long one preferred?
  Evening-star. That sounds beautiful cool. I think it suits you even more now that I know what it means. As for my name’s meaning…perhaps something about a fire bird? Or Warden of Fire? I should probably steer clear of roses since the post says to not leave bread crumbs. Oh, then I probably shouldn’t use anything with fire either. What do Luteus and Mitis mean?
  Is Noct a friend of yours? Does he not like it when you sound smart? I’m uncertain as you didn’t describe the face he makes.
  This is my attempt at saying less, although it doesn't feel as if it is working.

[saychocobo]

» Owls? Oh boy, you must be having a TIME here. If you need help with any of the tech, you can ask me. I'm good with machines. And I mean good for my world, so if I sound cocky about it, it's not because I think I'm better at it than you.

» And - common folk can't read and write, but you can? So you're *uncommon* folk hanging out with a pleb like me?

» Most people hit send as soon as they finish the thought. If they're using a small screen, a paragraph doesn't fit unless it's real short, you know?

» Look at yours and then look at mine. It's like - you wouldn't write a letter with oil paint. You adjust to the medium. I'm still saying as much as you, but you can see each whole thought at the same time.

» And no - unless you're messaging somebody who's never seen your username before? Most of the time, I don't even say hi unless it's been a couple days since the last text.

» I'm definitely not a star dude. A vesper gar's also a type of fish, so I figured Noct'd have an easy time remembering it. And yeah - he's a friend. Best friend, really. It's not that he doesn't like it when I sound smart - I think he gets a kick out of it when I am.

» Luteus means... sorta golden? But it's more of a shade. Saffron. Like your hair sometimes. Mitis is harder - I'm not great with this, it means mild. Not spicy mild. Like if someone's mild-mannered?

» If Rosfield or Joshua mean fire, Warden of Fire, or roses, then yeah, you shouldn't use those. That's why I'm not using anything that means fast or silver.

» Still said less than me.

UN: clicksandgiggles; text

[saychocobo]

Hey Prae. You up for painting something besides skeletal horse heads?

[dangerbird]

Truly, would that I could, Vesp. I am afraid I find myself a bit indisposed at the moment and I’m uncertain when next I’ll be able to stand for long periods of time. I fear the chill is having its way with me.

[saychocobo]

» I do my best to speak Joshua, but I'm gonna need more than that. Are you:

A) Sick
B) Hooking up with somebody
C) like actually hurt and need help

» Sick and need help is also a thing

[dangerbird]

[ The ellipsis are there for a unusual amount of Joshua-texting-time. ]

E) Sick, likely to appreciate aid, and confused as to why you would think I might be hooking up with someone.

[saychocobo]

» It was a bad joke cause you said you were indisposed and might be unable to stand. Definitely one of those "if you have to explain the joke, it's not funny." How about you explain what kind of aid'd be appreciated instead?

action ➤ delivery!

[somnifer]

[ There's a small envelope waiting for Joshua with the name PHOENIX KING printed on it. Inside is a white feather that shimmers in the light and a card with formal, looping script. ]

Figured the least I could do is give you one of these. Not as fancy as yours, but now we match. Here's hoping there's some power in it for you to use — I hear it's magic.

Happy holidays,
The Swan Prince

[ A doodle of a tiny black swan with a crown accompanies the signature. ]

un; champion (text)

[twin_blade]

Hi Joshua, this is Vax'ildan. Or Vax for short. We met at the Halloween party.

Anyway, Dion told me you weren't feeling well.

I'm at your service if you need anything. Food, medicine, whatever. I get around fast and can deliver what might you need in no time.

[dangerbird]

» Greetings Vax’ildan,

You have my apologies for the tardiness of my response. It brings me no joy to admit what you have heard is correct and I am unwell. If it is not too much trouble would you procure me something to ease the ache of my throat? I know not what sorts of medicine Etraya has to offer, but if there is a lack for such a thing even honey would be a sublime boon.

Have you perchance seen Clive? I mean not to worry him, nor you, I merely haven’t seen him of recent.

You are a kind soul, Vax’ildan, thank you for reaching out.

—Joshua Rosfield

[twin_blade]

I can get you some medicine from the hospital. It won't taste good, but it'll help. If you leave a window open, I can bring it straight to you.

[ Tea and honey, along with some chicken soup and bread will be included with the delivery. When asked if he's seen Clive, Vax winces. ]

I haven't seen him, but I'll keep an eye out for him and when I do, I’ll send him to you immediately.

[ Gods, he feels kind of bad for dodging that question. ]

[dangerbird]

[ The warm tea, food, and even the foul medicine will be greatly appreciated.

Still there is a lag to Joshua’s response as his fever is muddling his mind and making even the simplest task difficult. ]

» I would be shocked if it didn’t taste poorly. Will you teach out and tell me when you are heading to Garreg Mach? That way I can conserve as much heat as possible.

» No need. I’m sure Clive is busy with something of import and I would hate to pull him away from that. But if you could let me know when you see him…?

[twin_blade]

I'll let you know as soon as I'm close. And as soon as I see Clive.

[ Vax hopes that will be any moment now. He's searched daily. Surely, Clive will turn up. ]

Action - Day before Mission 013

[herofhopeless]

[The second Clive has gone through the voice messages left by Dion, he is throwing himself out of his bed (when did he get here?), throwing something warm on over his underthings (when did he get undressed?), and hauling himself into the cold air.]

Joshua?

[He shouts as he checks each and every dorm, all doors open and all stripped of their blankets. What?]

Joshua?!

[He knows Joshua is okay. Dion has been taking care of him. Vax has been taking care of him. Joshua is surely fine, but panic builds in his chest all the same. He stops at the end of the first floor dormitories, breathing heavier than he should be for the effort he put in.]

Think, Clive.

[He takes a second to breathe. It was cold. Joshua was sick. He would go somewhere he could be warm. Clive thinks about the classrooms with their large fireplaces, but can’t fathom Joshua being able to stoke fires, let alone haul firewood. The sauna or the baths might be too much moisture for his lungs.

Then his eyes snag on the greenhouse. Still humid, sure, but perhaps…

He approaches and does his best not to just fling the door open.]

Joshua, are you in here?

[Please be in here.]

[dangerbird]

[ Being worried on behalf of Clive’s whereabouts isn’t something new to Joshua, although last time Clive had said he would get a missive to him before he disappeared again, but since his brother’s name was still in the directory he figured it was some benign reason which kept Clive away. Not that he was sure how long he’s been gone, but surely it hasn’t been for too long. And it isn’t like Joshua has expressed just how ill he has been… Really, it makes sense, or at least his fever seems to think it does.

Joshua has been in and out of a feverish haze ever since everyone had returned to Etraya from their mission in the fey lands. He’s spent the time asleep, using the device to chat with his friends, and reading. Oh, and cuddling Torgal of course.

The sound from the door opening didn’t breach Joshua’s blanket cocoon, however at the sound of Clive’s voice both he and Torgal worm their way out from beneath the layers. ]

Clive!

[ Torgal moves much faster than Joshua at breaking free of the covers and bounds his way straight into Clive. Joshua on the other hand remains nestled in the warmth of the dormitory’s first floor bedding. ]

Welcome back.

[ It is likely obvious to Clive’s ears that Joshua’s throat sounds off in a way that says he is indeed still sick, as Dion’s messages have proclaimed. ]

[herofhopeless]

[At the sound of Joshua’s voice, a wave of relief washes through Clive. He knew he had been worried, but hadn’t quite realized how much he had been until he could see Joshua peeking out from his blanket cocoon.

Before he could think much past that, he was getting slammed back against the now-closed greenhouse door by a very, very excited wolf.]

Oof!

[He rubs at Torgal’s ruff, letting the hound keep his massive paws on Clive’s shoulders and tolerating getting his face practically devoured in happy puppy kisses before he gives Torgal a little shove.]

Down, boy.

[Torgal immediately sits, tail wagging happily, watching as Clive goes to Joshua’s side and sits. He runs a hand through Joshua’s hair, presses his wrist to the warm skin of his brother’s forehead, brows furrowed.

He realizes, rather suddenly, that he hasn’t had to gauge Joshua’s temperature since Ifrit awoke within him. A part of him laments his body’s heightened temperature. There is no point in comparing his own body heat to Joshua’s, not anymore.

He drops his wrist only to take one of Joshua’s clammy hands in his own.]

I’m sorry I wasn’t here to care for you. How are you feeling?

[dangerbird]

[ It has been awhile since Joshua has nipped out to bathe… he has not troubled anyone to help him get there. All this to say his hair isn’t as nice and lush as it normally is. Still, Joshua leans a little into Clive’s wrist despite knowing it probably won’t give his brother an accurate read.

When Clive drops his wrist Joshua’s head sways forward slightly before resting back at neutral. He puts his other hand atop Clive’s— and not just because it’s warm. :) ]

I’m not feeling too bad, really, you needn’t worry yourself. I’ve had some help, besides.

[herofhopeless]

[Clive rubs his thumb across Joshua's knuckles and smiles softly at his brother when Joshua drapes his free hand over the top of Clive's. Time was a strange thing here, fuzzy and uncertain, and his memories that have from home that have come with him have shifted how he sees things now.

Despite all of that, nothing would ever change his relief at being with his brother. Too much time has passed for Joshua without him and he'd be damned if he was going to waste a minute of it right now.]

So I've heard. Dion left me quite a few messages.

[Clive leans in to knock one of Joshua's shoulder's lightly with his own.]

It's my turn to help you. Now, [He sits up straight and playfully wrinkles his nose] When was the last time you had a bath?

[sophielicious]

tell me what the fuck is going on with clive.

aside from clea. that one i got.

[dangerbird]

» I beg your pardon Lady Sophie, but you will have to be more specific. What is this in regard to?

[sophielicious]

ok, from the starting point. you know i'm a telepath, right? as in i can read your mind? feel your thoughts? watch your memories? etc? i reached out to him in his head, as per usual, and he said he hasn't been around here in weeks and his brain tasted fucking sad. i made him come here so ill find out anyway, but i just wanted to know what might have happened beforehand.

[dangerbird]

» To match your starting point: I had been made aware until now that you have such abilities. But seeing as your powers are not the subject of your correspondence I’ll leave my comments about such there.

» As for my brother… There are a number of things weighing on his mind, including the one you surmised. Ever since we returned from Mesa he has been downcast, a shadowy gloom casing its pall upon him. I fear he did not spend much time thinking on the loss of Clea whist on the mission. Clive often busy himself duty— it has been a habit of his since childhood.

» Outside of grieving her there is also his absence which surely plagues him still. Clive could not be found for five weeks before Mesa yet the Network still listed him as active and present. Despite this he has returned with more memories of his time in Valisthea— memories which would have been in his future (and my past). However he says it felt as if naught passed between his disappearance and his reawakening/reappearance. Five weeks seems to have gone by with Clive in two places at once whilst simultaneously being in neither.

Outside of how disturbing that must feel, he now carries with him a burden brought on by his newly attained memories.

» And as if all of this was not enough it seems one of our fellow Valistheans may not have returned to Etraya when we finished our assignment on Mesa. Sleipnir, an egi of Odin and Clive’s friend, is listed as no longer active here in Etraya. This is yet another loss he is bearing.