The Path of The Twelve

Dear Friends,

Oh my. I have something EXCITING to tell you. During my visit to Ul'dah, I decided to finally follow up on the tip given to me by "mother" from the Canopy in Gridania. It's been a while since I mentioned it, so allow to refresh your memories.

Do you remember the whole fiasco with Grand Rite? Back when we danced at the ceremony? Well if you recall, during the ceremony I passed out briefly. It was around the same time that I had the mysterious vision of Seedseers and "wildings" out in the Black Shroud. At any rate, when I woke from my unexpected sleep, I was instructed to meet a "friend" at the Waking Sands in the Market Wards of Ul'dah when the time was right.

Well, the Twelve must have a plan for me. Because as I was poking around the Waking Sands. I encountered as face I'd not seen in a while. The Hermit of the Wood! If you recall from some of my letters, he's the odd fellow that tried to chase the children and myself away from the old tree stump where all the Moogle sightings took place. But I digress, he was there and he recognised me. As he approached me he made a comment about how he wasn't sure if I was ever going to show up or not. He was standing with a young Lalafell girl he introduced as Tataru. He explained that he invited me here because after observing me for a time, he believed there was something special about me. He seemed to suggest that he was a member of a secret organization, and that he had referred me as a potential member to the leader, Lady Minfilia.

Tataru led me to Minfilia's chambers and it was there that I met with her. Minfilia is a rather lovely young Hyur. She introduced herself as the caretaker of a secret organization known as The Path of Twelve. She explained that their group is dedicated to the investigation and documentation of instances of divine intervention. She explained that they have eyes and ears scattered about Eorzea, keeping watch for any such events. The Hermit of the Wood, is but one of these agents.

It was at that moment, that I had one of my "episodes". I had a vision in my mind of a conversation between Minfilia and the Hermit, they were discussing my collapse at the Grand Rite. There was also a mention of a sudden increase in reports of people just like myself. Then POOF!  Just as soon as the vision started, it was over.

Minfilia seemed to recognise what just happened. She explained that she believes these visions, or flashes of insight, are a gift from the gods. She said that they have a name for it, within their organization. They call it The Echo. She mentioned that recently, many who have witnessed the strange phenomena in the skies have also been touched by this gift. She explained further, that The Path of the Twelve is to be a refuge for the people who have this gift. A place to learn and study The Echo. It has been noticed that many with The Echo can also speak and understand languages that are unknown to them. This sent a shiver down my spine, as I was able to converse with that Moogle in the woods...

It is her personal belief that those touched by The Echo, have been chosen by the gods to be the saviors of Eorzea in the dark days ahead... I was speechless. To think that I might have some mystical gift... It's unfathomable.

At this point, Minfilia asked if I would join the Path of the Twelve. She explained that even though at this time, she cannot promise and any firm answers, she believed that through the organization, I would come to learn the answers that I seek.

I have to admit, I wasn't sure what to think of her offer, but something about her words rang true to my heart. After some consideration, I agreed. I was escorted by Tataru back out in the main area of the Waking Sands, where I was formally registered as  Walker in The Path of the Twelve. Tataru explained that members of the organization often worked together, and that she would introduce me to my "Path Companion".

I was introduced to a rather flirtatious young Miq'ote Conjurer named Aerylia. I was given a Linkpearl for the organization, and Aerylia and I were left to get to know each other a bit. She suggested that we meet at the local Adventurer's Guild over dinner to discuss our "future together". GULP!

I must admit, we had a nice meal. She had quite a way of talking... innuendos seemed to fly from her mouth. Haha! I do think that she is a rather nice person, and I look forward to sharing adventures with her. We parted ways, and agreed to keep in touch until we were summoned by the organization in the future.

With that, I retired for the evening. I have to admit, a lot of information was poured in my little head today. Hints and allegations that I had not considered. Am I really someone chosen by the Twelve for some greater purpose? Or am I simply some charltan with vertigo and delisuons of grandeur? Time will tell I guess.

~Kiji