Hey while I'm answering you on this I would just like to point out some other related things you can do with messages.
\n[n] Displays the name of the hero in the database with ID n, n being any numerical value. (\n[0] will show the name of the first member in the current party)
\\ Shows "\".
\c[n] Changes the text color to the color that matches n, n being a number from 0 to 19.
\s[n] Changes the text speed to n, where n is a number from 1 to 20, 1 being the fastest.
\v[n] Displays the value held in variable n, n being any numerical value.
\$ Shows the amount of money held.

\! The remainder of the message after this code is only shown when the player presses a key.
\. Adds a 1/4 second delay to the part of the message which follows this code.
\| Adds a 1 second delay to the part of the message which follows this code.
\> / \< Displays the part of the message between \> and \< instantly.
\^ Closes the message window without key input.
\_ Shows half a space.
Using $ followed by a lower case or capital letter will show different symbols.