text;

[seasaltkeys]

[There is context to this, though how much you get might be dependent on how well you know Roxas. But it's been on his mind a lot, especially since last month with it's stormy skies led to him taking a pretty big hit from a harpy. Recovery's been a thing, and it gives you time to think, which maybe isn't the best thing.

Maybe it's just been fair to say that Roxas's confidence has been rocked a little. And maybe he's reached a point where he's ready to ask for help.]

I want to get stronger. How do I do that?

Comments

[forgeabettertomorrow]

You're alright though, right?

I got roughed up really bad too.

[seasaltkeys]

More or less. I've been recovering.

[And it's starting to get boring. But it's really his confidence that took the blow.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

If I'm being honest, I don't think there was a lot anyone could do against that monster.

I've fought my fair share of monsters and beasts but that thing was a force of nature. I couldn't do a thing to it.

[Casually forgetting that he was trying to hide the fact that he fought Garuda whoops.]

[seasaltkeys]

Even so. I've fought bigger monsters and won against them.

It just. Seemed like something I could do.

[And not end up with the ship getting damaged.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Hey you can't win them all, buddy. Honestly, you should take the fact that you tangled with that thing and survived as a big win.

Sometimes 'winning' isn't about strength, heart or body or otherwise. Sometimes 'winning' means just getting up again. Rebuilding. Helping the people who were hurt.

You only lost if you give up.

[seasaltkeys]

Roxas. My name's Roxas

[He's not the best with nicknames.]

But it doesn't really feel like a win. Feels like I just got knocked down. That's why I want to get stronger.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Nice to meet you, Roxas. I'm Darin Altway, Master Blacksmith!

[Why yes, he had to give his full title over text.]

I kinda get what you mean. That whole attack kinda got me thinking that maybe I should find someplace to train. I haven't really trained since my mentor told me he had nothing left to teach me.]

[seasaltkeys]

Uh, yeah.

I...I've never really had someone train me. Which I guess is why I'm asking for advice.

[Just a bit awkward, don't mind him.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

It's been a few years since I trained but now I'm wondering if there's someone here who might be able to help.

I know this kid Ranma is freakishly strong. Maybe you can ask him? He's a really strong martial artist. I can't even believe the things I've seen him do.

[seasaltkeys]

Yeah, I'm talking to him! We're friends.

He suggested I start lifting rocks.

[Roxas is. Maybe a little suspicious of that advice. Even if he's going to act on it.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

He's a good guy. And honestly, if he says to lift rocks, you might wanna try it.

I used to use a weighted hammer in the forge when I was younger. After a couple of months I'd get a bigger one. You'd be surprised how much repetitive motion can build up your strength.

[seasaltkeys]

I mean, I was planning to.

Just feels kinda weird, you know?

But it sounds like the way to go.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

I know it sounds weird but I think you'd be surprised at how effective it could be.

I can show you some of the different motions you could do too. Depending on how you lift, you'd be working out different muscle groups.

[seasaltkeys]

I'd like that...actually.

Otherwise, I think I would do it wrong. If there is a wrong way to do it.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Trust me there is absolutely a way to do it wrong. You could actually really hurt yourself if you use bad form or overexert yourself.

I'd be happy to show you the things I do.

[seasaltkeys]

Really?

I mean, that would help a lot! I really want this to work!

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Of course! Working out is always better with a friend!

I can show you some of the things that my mentor showed me!

[seasaltkeys]

I'd really like that.

Thank you

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Sure thing! Just shoot me a message on one of these things when you want to meet up! It'll be good for me to go back to some basics myself!

[seasaltkeys]

Sure! I will!

[Once he's more or less healed anyway.]