Well, I made it to Gridania! I'm here safe and sound, but wow, do I have a story to tell you!! It was the most amazing thing! As you might already know, I was making this journey so that I could further my studies in the art of Alchemy. I figured the best environment for me to do so would be among the lush forests and magics that make Gridania famous. So, I gathered my tools and I took with me my prized possessions: a set of armored bracers from the far east, a pair enchanted shoes (in case I need to flee quickly from some trouble), a pair goggles from the Garlond Ironworks, and the Onion Helmet given to me by my family (often gifted to youngsters as they set out to start life's journey).
I was not far from my destination when it happened. There I was, simply walking through the forest minding my own business, when I noticed everything seem to get very very quiet. I could have sworn I heard a disembodied voice speak to me! It was lovely, like an angel in my head. I'm still not sure what that was all about. I was quiet taken aback by it to be honest, and it stopped me in my tracks for a moment. Good thing too! Because, mere seconds later an airship crashed down from the sky- into the forest clearing in front of me! Yes! you read that right!
I was knocked clean onto my rump! When the smoke cleared, I noticed two poor souls laying among the wreckage. A fellow Lalafell and a young Hyur lady. Of course, I ran to their aid. Thank the Twelve they were alright. But just as we were making our introductions we were attacked by a pack of wolves! Not being versed in the arts of combat I wasn't sure what to do. So I grabbed some nearby stones and chucked them at the beasts. Thankfully, the young lady, who apparently is a warrior of some sort, made quick work of them. Just as we thought we had escaped being eaten for lunch, a second wave of them appeared. Oh it was terrible! Then suddenly the whole ground seemed to shake... You'll never guess what happened! A Treant emerged from the ground and snatched up the beasts! Yes! A Treant!!!!
I was sure we were goners! The Treant had turned his attention towards us. But, get this, we were rescued by Moogles!!! They came floating in, playing their magical instruments - and they lead the Treant off in the other direction. The moogles were accompanied by a strange boy with horns. It was all so surreal! I even managed to capture a piece of the Treant's vine as a souvenir.
In a nutshell, we were warned that the wrath of the forest was on us. Apparently, the crashing of the airship disrupted some sort of magical ward kept over the area. We were taken to Gridania for questioning.
It was there that I found myself as patron in the luxurious establishment the Carline Canopy, also known as the Adventurer's Guild! Yes... I had made it to Gridania! Now, here's the best part. Through a surprising turn of events, I have found myself to be an adventurer!
It all started quite by accident. As if my little thrist with the Treant wasn't adventurous enough, the matron of the guild pointed me in the right direction as far as selling my Treant vine. It seems the Leatherworker's Guild pays top gil for such items. I was also told under no uncertain terms that I needed to participate in a cleansing ritual to rid my body of the "greenwrath" I had unleashed by disturbing the forest. The young lady at the guild is a very helpful sort. She has such a nurturing nature, she's known by many simply as "Mother". She gave me a linkpearl in case I needed any help while I was out and about, and she sent off to the the nearest Aetheryte camp, just outside of town. It seems that adventurers use these mystical devices to undertake various tasks and fulfill their duties. One can tune their body's vibrations to them and often commune with the deity of their choice - but I'm sure you already knew that. I was a bit nervous leaving town, there are wild animals and dangerous creatures out there. Luckily for me, Gridania employs many adventurers to keep the beasts at bay, my trip to the Aetheryte was uneventful.
I'm telling you, it's been quite a day. After making a bit of coin by selling that vine, I followed the instructions given to me and paid a visit to conjurers for this "cleansing ritual". They pointed me to botanist's guild where I was instructed by a group of children on how to perform a sacred dance. Basically, I must dance at an upcoming cleansing ritual to rid myself of the "greenwrath". Oh boy.
I thought I was done, to be quite honest. But the children demanded that I escort them outside of town to a special location in the forest- to repay them for their services. It was completely against my better judgement, but I did feel a bit obligated- not to mention that I'm a stranger in a strange land. I'll do what I must to fit in. However, after my last tangle in the forest, I thought it wise to maybe bring some sort of defense with me. I stopped by the local market and procured myself a nice sturdy axe- just in case I run in to any more trouble. Once I was ready, I met up with the children on the outskirts of town.
The destination was a solitary treestump out in the forest. It's a place famous as a gathering place for moogles. Many people will leave a broken item on the stump, and return later to find it repaired with moogle-magic. The trek out to the stump was a bit perilous... We were accosted by several large insects. Thank heavens I had the foresight to purchase that axe. I was given no choice but to use it in self defense! It was scary, yet exciting at the same time!!! I tell you, I felt like a real warrior holding it in my hands. When we finally arrived, the children revealed their purpose for wanting to visit the site. They left a letter for the moogles. An invitation to the upcoming cleansing ritual. It was sweet- but the moment was ruined by the appearance of a grumpy old forest hermit. He chastised the children- while that was happening, the second most amazing thing of the day occured! A moogle appeared at the stump and spoke to me!!! Yes really! Who knew I could talk to moogles? Not I! Anyways, he gave me a message to pass on to someone named Fye. He/she left a mask on the stump, but the poor moogle was confused. He said it was not broken. He told me to relay that message to her. When hermit saw this exchange, he was taken aback. He seemed to know this person Fye. He escorted both myself, and the children back to Gridania.
Once there, I was thanked profusely by the botanist's guild for watching over the little ones. I was even given a cash reward! It's been a very exciting day!! I now have enough gil to purchase the alchemy supplies that I need. But something tells me that's not all I'll be buying. The thrill of battle and the rewards that it brings are great indeed. I think I may hang out at the Adventurer's Guild a while longer. Perhaps, I'll accept some of those fancy-looking Guildleves that they distribute and try my hand at using one or two at the local Aetheryte. Yes, my heart is still in alchemy. But, if I can hold my own with a weapon too, perhaps there's a greater calling for me?
I'll keep you informed on what I decide.
~Kiji
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