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[starshower]

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[starshower]

Not quite. Mostly just helping with repairs around Eltrut. I've been bringing some food to locals who are in the middle of rebuilding their homes after that huge storm.

I did manage to make a trip down to that mermaid city in that whirlpool not that long ago. That was pretty neat. Never had fins before, but I guess there's a first for everything in this place.

[phoenixdominant]

That's incredibly kind of you as always, Tifa.

And is that so? It must have been disorienting to suddenly have fins. What was it like? I regret not being able to experience that for myself.

[starshower]

Hard to get used to at first. Definitely made me a little directionally challenged for a while, and the fins are a lot stronger than they feel. Sent me flying through the water a few times before I finally got used to it.

I'm sure if you asked nicely, the mermaids would be happy to show you around. I know that they're still trying to recover, so any help they can get down there would go a long way.

When you're feeling better, obviously!

[phoenixdominant]

Creatures with fins are notoriously strong swimmers, I wouldn't blame you for being turned around before you were used to it.

[Although, Joshua is a bit amused thinking about her trying to find her directions. Which way is up? Which way is down?]

I will have to see if I have free time to do just that. I wouldn't mind an easy adventure, of sorts.

[It might be some time before he can, though. He has a bigger task to concentrate on first...]

[starshower]

If you're ever looking for easy adventure, I could always give you company.

[But something has been nagging at her since he first messaged her, and she's going to come out and ask.]

So. How've you been, other than the whole being bed-ridden thing? Been a while since we've been able to talk for much longer about ourselves.

[phoenixdominant]

I would enjoy that a great deal, Tifa.

As for me, while I am loathe to talk about myself...

I haven been alright. Although, recently someone who I greatly admired left this world. So perhaps I have been feeling somewhat lonely.

[starshower]

Lonely?

[It hasn't quite clicked with her yet what sort of relationship it could be, but—]

I'm sorry. I know what that's like, losing someone here to the rifts. Who was it, if you don't mind my asking?

[She hopes it wasn't his brother...]

[phoenixdominant]

[She is very sweet. Honestly, it feels a little cathartic to start thinking about it again.]

His name was Dion Lesage. A man from my star and one that I have known since childhood.

We were close. I do not regret the time we shared but it is a bit... bittersweet.

[starshower]

Oh. I've met Dion. Worked with him on some jobs a couple times. I had no idea he was gone...

[phoenixdominant]

It was very sudden. It is hard to tell when the rifts have taken someone back to their star.

I am alright, though. They say that someone's first love is always the hardest.

[So, he should be fine now that it's over.]

[starshower]

[Oh. Oh. She had no idea that it was that kind of relationship, and that only makes her heart hurt for him all the more.

... But he doesn't seem fine.]

They do say that, yeah. Did he at least know that you did?

[phoenixdominant]

I would like to think that we both had left it unsaid.

[They never had the chance to say the words but ... Joshua did feel that way and he's sure Dion must have felt something similar.]

[starshower]

You know, I didn't really know Dion that well. I only met him once or twice, and we never really got to sit down and get to know each other. What was he like?

[phoenixdominant]

He was... Kindhearted. Chivalrous. Idealistic.

Much like a knight in shining armour, if I'm honest.

But much too hard on himself.

[starshower]

[Ah, don't they all know the feeling.]

He was a prince too, wasn't he? He turned into this dragon thing as well, with wings and everything and saved me from a bunch of skeletons on the ghost ship. Still not quite sure what that was about.

[phoenixdominant]

He was, yes. The crown prince of the Holy Empire of Sanbreque, in fact. A nation on my star.

I'm sure he hadn't meant to keep it a secret. But Dion was also the Dominant of Bahamut. Meaning that he could transform into Bahamut's form, as you said.

I'm not surprised he was off valiantly saving others.

[starshower]

It was very valiant. :)

You know, next time you see him, you should tell him all of this.

I think I know what it's like, feeling like an opportunity to tell someone something passes you by.

[phoenixdominant]

I ... I think it becomes a matter of when I might see him again. If at all.

I'll admit... it does hurt to think I missed my chance. But if I do, I'll do my best. How can I not when I have your blessing.

[starshower]

[She does have to wonder what that might mean, but she isn't about to give up hope just yet!!!]

Honestly? I'm surprised I didn't see it before. Just from what I knew from the few times I did meet him, you two seem like you would get along well, and have a lot in common.

And if it will help clear your head a little, why not try writing a letter to him? Maybe toss it in a bottle, and who knows?

[phoenixdominant]

[Joshua is very uncertain that he'll ever see Dion in this world again. But what Tifa says actually seems like a good idea... Maybe it would put his heart at ease.]

We certainly did have a lot in common, although he was always better at drinking than I was. [A small joke, to lighten the mood.]

And I might try just that. Perhaps it'll help if I put my thoughts into words. Even if they might not reach him? I do know that there are some here who say that writing a letter to the ocean can be particularly cathartic.

[starshower]

That's what I've heard, too. And if someone else does pick it up, who knows, it might help them with their troubles, or inspire them to do the same.

[phoenixdominant]

That is a wonderful way to look at it. Thank you, Tifa. I think I will try it.

Other than my own heart troubles, I hope yours is treating you fairly?

[starshower]

Honestly... I've been having some of my own, so talking through someone else's really helped.

But other than that, my day's gone fine. Bar's been keeping me busy lately.

[phoenixdominant]

It has helped?

Do you wish to talk more about it, Tifa? I may be inexperienced but I would listen just as you have listened to me.

[starshower]

Maybe another time. Still trying to figure it all out, you know? I'm not even sure what it is anymore...

But thank you, Joshua. I'll hold you to that.

[She really does mean that.]