01 🔥 [journal entry]

[empyreancatastrophe]

Sender: Joshua
To: Everyone
Subject: Request for Assistance

Esteemed fellow Dreamwalkers,

I extend my heartfelt greetings to all in a moment of personal and restive rumination.

Within the intricate tapestry of our shared experience in this world bolstered by dreams, I find myself weaving a humble thread, seeking solace in the wisdom that resides in the bonds of our community. At this juncture, I pen my thoughts along the parchment of shared understanding, for in unity lies the strength to weather any tempests looming on the horizon, yet to beset us.

As the echoes of battle ring in my memory, it is clear that I cannot delay training, despite my insipidness. To clarify, my aversion stems not from the intention to undermine the value of such a skillset, but from the need to face my diffidence so that I may improve.

I respectfully ask those who are proficient in the physicalities of battle if you would be willing to share insights and advice on the intricacies thereof. In return, I will offer what I can, within reason. I’ve little in tangible possessions, but I am not adverse to providing reciprocal services. For your consideration, I’m adept with the casting of fire magicks, I can perform manual labor, and I can also assist with research. If none of these credentials suffice, I am willing to negotiate other fair compensation for your time and efforts.

Pray accept my deepest gratitude to all who have read my entreaty. As we act as conduits of dreams and magicks, let us fortify our knowledge together.

In camaraderie,

Joshua Rosfield

Comments

Sender: Yato

[intertwinedfates]

Damn, Joshua. If you're as uptight as your writing then I bet your underwear stands by itself! You almost need a translator to parse all that formality.

But if you're looking for someone to lend a hand in teaching you the finer points of combat, look no further! You're talking to a bona fide God of War here! So whatcha need help with? I saw you already have some pretty spiffy skills in the fire department, though it did look like your swordplay needed a bit of polish.

In return maybe you can teach me some of your magic hoo-ha.

[empyreancatastrophe]

I apologize. I didn't intend for my proposal to come across as garrulous. I'll be cognizant in the future.

[He'll definitely do his best! Not sure how it'll turn out, though.]

Your assumption is correct, Yato. I'd thought my swordplay up to par, but recent events have led me to question my capability. It would be a privilege to learn from you, and to provide whatever tutelage I can.

sender: ira

[iracorn]

I would be willing to offer my assistance. I am familiar with combat, magic and dreamotion.

[empyreancatastrophe]

That is heartening. Thank you for your offer.

May I ask with whom I am speaking?

[Does he see the sender name? Sure! But he also feels weird not asking.]

Sender: Kazuya

[belheir]

[.... Somehow, through writing, Joshua seems like he swallowed an even bigger thesaurus. It's not so bad when talking to him but half of these words he literally has to guess at.]

If I'm reading this right, you want someone to train with?

I dunno how much help I can be, but I have a bit of... I don't know if I'd call it combat experience, but I definitely know how to fight.

[empyreancatastrophe]

[This is what happens when he's given extra time to think about his words.]

That is correct. I hope it was not too forward a request.

And I think you for considering it. Regardless of either of our current proficiencies, I truly believe there is much we can teach one another.

Sender: Rufus

[ambitiousblond]

What kind of insights are you interested in?

My combat experience is relatively limited, I do have some expertise in firearms but I've learned how to survive, which is the most important part.

[empyreancatastrophe]

I suppose I gave little thought into the specifics. The clearest answer I can give is that I am hoping for critique on form, application, and mayhap the chance to learn from others' experiences, cultural and personal.

To relate it to your example, your perspective would very much be welcome as one who may have little to say on actively participating in combat, but much on how to keep oneself alive.

I must also admit curiosity regarding firearms. I'm afraid I'm not familiar with them.

Sender: Alisaie

[leveillpier]

I know dreamotion and combat should you still require assistance.

Is there something specific you are looking into?

[empyreancatastrophe]

All assistance is welcome, and I thank you for it.

As for the specifics, I believe more practice in my bladework is in order, but I am open to further training and correction as needed.

sender: zelda2

[foremother]

[ What a... thoughtful message to read. After parsing this (Zelda thinks this guy needs to learn the fine art of getting to the point!), she feels a chill— ]

Mr. Joshua Rosfield,
Your letter raises a question for me. Is it necessary to know battle here in Reverein? I have attended Knight Academy, and received some training, but preparation is key in battle.

I would be fine sharing what I know, but much of my learning has been done with wooden weaponry...

Warm regards,
Zelda

[ After all, Demise has been recently sealed in her mind. If anything, she's fresh from the battle against evil. ]

[empyreancatastrophe]

[Meanwhile, Joshua's feeling a little bit validated in getting a formal response!]

[...Except that doesn't change the fact that he totally does need to learn to get to the point.]

Greetings Zelda,

Pray accept my sincere apologies for any trepidation caused by my initial correspondence. I did not mean to insinuate that Reverein is an inherently dangerous place nor that peril is imminent. Although one should remain vigilant should incidents such as the recent leaf monsters arise, I can assure you that this is not the case. However, I fully acknowledge and understand how my words could be interpreted otherwise and humbly beg for your pardon.

Regarding your own training experience, I am very much willing to both learn from you and also share what I know in return. If this is an exchange you are interested in, please let me know at your earliest convenience.

In solidarity,

Joshua

Sender: Maedhros

[holdshisown]

I am well-versed in the arts of war and swordsmanship, if you wish for lessons in either of those subjects I am willing to lend my aid. Though I should warn you that I am at times a harsh teacher for learning how to wield a blade is not a thing to be taken lightly.

[empyreancatastrophe]

Your warning is heeded and appreciated. I will take no offense to any acerbity directed at myself or my technique. Mayhap it will drive my learning further.

Sender: Sephiroth

[sefirot]

[Lets be real he probably sill has this curse going on with as much of an asshole he is.]

You wish to give yourself up to servitude in exchange for combat training.

[empyreancatastrophe]

[Sephiroth... dude... bro...]

My apologies, I am finding it difficult to read your response.

Sender: Ryu

[amnesiadragon]

[He got... a little of that. He has never known someone with a vocabulary like Joshua's, but...]

were already friends but i can help you learn how to fight better if you want

i dont really need you to pay me back though if i could learn how to control my kaiser form..... id ont know if you can be all that helpful with that :(

[empyreancatastrophe]

I would be honored if you were to help teach me, Ryu.

[Theres a brief pause before his next message.]

I may be able to help you control your form.

sender: Magilou

[perfalmost]

Dearest Joshua of Clan Rosefield,

Tis my most eminent hope that this message finds you well! Verily! Forsooth! That a correspondence could be so eloquently enunciated is beyond what words can say! For what yonder window breaks, like the heart of a warrior that crescendos on the battlefield of verisimilitude! Indubitably! Now, with all thy lines, hast thou not found yonder answers of thy desires folded away within the leaves of a tome? One seems well-learned, and yet so lacking in learning! Onward, o youth! Be merry!

With love,
Mazhigigika Miludin do Din Nolurun Dou!

[empyreancatastrophe]

[At first, he started reading this one seriously. Then the forsooth came up and set the stage for the rest.]

Although I realize your reply is in jest, I do wish to commend your use of ‘verisimilitude’.

sender: sandalphon.

[ascensum]

[ Maybe it's his own general predisposition for those with sincere formal mannerisms (or his own habits of writing long flowery things in private shh), but at least there's one person that doesn't see the words as a tl;dr on Joshua's part - rather, giving careful thought before he writes back. HMM. ]

Given the circumstances here... not a bad idea.

Though I can't say I've much technical expertise to teach any, should you at least want another sparring partner... the practice alone would be fair trade enough for myself.

[empyreancatastrophe]

[Finally, a kindred spirit...! Sandalphon gets it!]

It would be an honor to have you as a sparring partner, Sandalphon.

Provided my skills are up to par, that is.

General Nuadha

[burnttoashes]

[Fortunately, Nuadha is well-versed enough in formal royal court language to be able to parse all of that, though it's definitely giving him the beginnings of a headache. How long it's been since he last listened to that sort of speech...

There's a reason he no longer speaks like that anymore.]

What sort of weapon are you accustomed to wielding? Assuming you've used one before.

[empyreancatastrophe]

[Maybe one day Joshua will be able to learn from Nuadha’s example…]

I wield the longsword. Although I have spent time learning and studying its use, I’ve brandished it relatively little in battle, and even then, ‘twas against enemies evenly matched or with the assistance of a companion. The vast majority of my preference and aptitude lay in the casting of magicks.

[…today is clearly not that day.]

Sender: Alastor

[lonelysmiles]

My good fellow,

I must admit that I'm pleasantly surprised to see such precise and cordial writing. Most modern members of this town don't have a firm grasp on the art of letter-writing, preferring short burst messages. Fine enough for a telegram, I suppose, but woefully lacking when it comes to proper correspondence.

I've a considerable amount of experience with dreamotion due to both having been present in Reverein for over two years now and having studied magic for a century beforehand. I might be able to provide some insight that others might not be able to provide, particularly after seeing that glimpse of your world.

You may reach me via these journals or by leaving a note at the radio station if you cannot find me either there or at my home.

Abyssinia,
Alastor

[empyreancatastrophe]

Esteemed Alastor,

I do not wish to lambast the preferred communication styles of our fellow citizens of Reverein. However, I thank you sincerely for your acknowledgement and for your willingness to respond to my correspondence in kind. It is a heartening gesture both in regard to the upkeep of long-form communication and to uplift morale in the participation thereof. Admittedly, I am personally invested in the matter.

To address your offer, it would be greatly appreciated if you would be able to spare your time, energy, and expertise in the use of dreamotion. Although I feel relatively confident in its use, it would be remiss to rest on one’s laurels. The acumen presented by this world’s residents have made the dangers of complacency very clear.

Do you have a preference for which way I should contact you?

Sincerely,

Joshua

Sender: Prompto

[chocobosnap]

[ That's a lot of formal speech, but he's alright, he's used to Ignis. ]

Dear Joshua Rosfield,

Hey there, I'm Prompto Argentum! It's nice to meet you, even though we haven't met.

I'm a Crownsguard and I can help you with combat. I don't really need anything in exchange but if you're not used to it, maybe you can come run with me. Running does wonders for stamina and helps in a fight.

So yeah. I'm used to just texting, sorry if this is a terrible letter.

- Prompto Argentum

[empyreancatastrophe]

[Getting answers like this one makes him feel just a little bit less weird, thankfully!]

Dear Prompto,

It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, even if over letter.

It would also be an honor to receive whatever training one of your station sees fit. I cannot say that I have much experience with intentionally running for my health, but I am certainly willing to try.

There is no need to apologize for your writing. I am grateful you took the time out of your schedule to respond.

I eagerly await your reply.

Sincerely,

Joshua