Flashback to when Zoei joining the adventurer's guild
The airship jostles roughly as it pulls into land aside the gleaming white pillar. The sudden movement makes me fall over.
“Well that’s one way to wake me up…” I grumble softly to myself.
Pushing myself back up, I dust myself off and rub my eyes.
“Welcome to Limsa Lominsa!” a voice booms from my left. I turn to face the voice. In front of me is a large Roegydan, his stature imposing. He would be down-right scary if it wasn’t for the goofy smile adorning his face. I start to walk towards the ramp to get off the ship. As I approach, he smiles down at me.
“Mind the gap at the end of the ramp.” he points downwards, “and may the sea bless you with success in your journey.” He waves as I pass him walking further into the airship landing platform.
The stone floor is cold and hard under my feet. The walls around me seem to be carved out of the same stone, as if they had found these pillars jutting out of the sea and carved their own place inside of them. Each step creates a small clack sound that echoes quietly back at me. I approach another giant man standing against the wall. Behind him, an iron gate stands closed which leads to the lift.
I can’t believe they built all of this in such a weird structure.
“Going up?” a gruff voice calls, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“Oh!” I stutter, “Yes please!” I nod in excitement.
A grumble of acknowledgment is the response I get as he turns to pull a lever behind him.
“Thank you!” I offer politely. With that, I cross the threshold and step into lift and head up towards my new life.
I made it!
The sight in front of me stops me in my journey forward. If my jaw could drop any further, it would be on the floor. In front of me spins a giant aetheryte, the structure a modern marvel in itself. Moving all around it and in every direction imaginable, people of all races are coming and going on their own tasks. I take some tentative steps forward, trying not to bump into anyone or get stepped on. Yelling, laughing and boisterous singing can be heard flowing around the plaza. Not only are there traders and merchants around me, but adventurers with shiny weapons, intricate armor and an unparalleled sense about them. My eyes can’t stop moving around, darting quickly trying to take it all in.
Suddenly appearing right next to me out of thin air, a tall, slender Vierra appears. I jump back quickly stumbling onto my bottom in a sitting position. Her jacket is made up of layers of intricately detailed leather. Over one of her eyes rests an eyepatch.
I can only imagine what caused that. Maybe they fought off a horde of giant goobues. No! Maybe it was a pack of hungry coeurl!
I am so lost in my thoughts, I don’t realize the weird looks I am getting staring at this adventurer. Quickly, I scurry away to avoid any confrontations or more weird looks. Shifting through the crowds, I find myself heading towards a massive throng of people. I spy even more impressive weapons and gear everywhere I look. Dotted around, you can see vendors selling their unique wears. The murmurs of various conversations filter past me as I bob through the horde of bodies. When it starts to get too congested, I dive down even smaller and start to squeeze between people’s legs much like a child would.
Several minutes later, I make it through the thick traffic into a more open, less busy area of the market. I take a deep breath, straighten up and take a look around. In front of me are a plethora of food stalls. The most succulent smells instantly assault my senses. The scent of savory meat, sweet delicacies and exotic spices surround me. Not quite knowing where to start, I spot one stall with various meats that hang on the sides.
“What can I get for you, adventurer?” the shopkeep inquires.
I look up in shock. “Are you talking to me?” I respond, looking side to side to see if there is anyone else around.
“Haha! But of course I’m talking to you!” he booms back in a jovial tone. “Don’t see no one else ‘round, now do ya?”
I look around one more time. Feeling emboldened by their assumption, I point to a pork bun and hand over the gil, quickly retreating before he figures out I am not actually an adventurer. The bun is still warm and emitting sweet steam. Each bite, I am practically moaning while wandering the streets.
Several hours and attempts to get directions later, I find myself in Bulwark Hall looking for a yellowjacket by the name of Grehfarr. I look around at the numerous people walking around. There is a pair of Mi’qote handing out paper by the center statue. As I start walking towards them, a tall Roegydan off to the side catches my eye. His arms are crossed and his gaze moves back and forth, sweeping over the crowd. Behind him is another iron gate leading to a lift. I change course and skip up to him.
“Are you Grehfarr?” I ask, tilting my head slightly. His gaze snaps down at me instantly.
“‘Eye,” he responds in a clipped tone, “who’s asking?”
I gulp back a little fear. This man is a giant and could, honestly, snap me in two with just a single hand. “Uhm…” I squeak out wringing my hands nervously, “The Yellowjacket over there,” I point down the far hallway, “and he said to come find you. I’m looking for the Adventurer’s Guild.”
Suddenly, he relaxes and a soft smile stretches across his face.”Ah! You’re a new Adventurer then?”
I nod excitedly.
“Well, you’re on the right track. All newly arrived adventurers are required to register. Take the Crow’s Lift up to the Drowning Wench and speak with Baderon.” He points behind him gesturing to the lift.
I try hard to contain my excitement and simply nod at Grehfarr again. He steps aside and the iron gates open up. Stepping inside, I take a deep breath.
I can do this!
The gates slide open once the lift comes to a halt. Stepping out, I’m greeted with several jovial voices. There are tables spread throughout the center of the room. Across from me, there is a large opening leading out of the tavern and to an overlook of the Limsa Port. To either side, exits lead out of the building to other areas in the upper level. On the back wall next to the lift, a long wooden counter stretches the entire side. There are several employees filtering behind it grabbing things then coming out to the tables or disappearing behind a wall further into the heart of the tower. Behind the center of the counter stands a hard-looking gentleman. His arms are crossed and he has a discerning look on his face. Tentatively, I approach pulling the recruitment flyer out of my pocket. I unroll it gently and reach up, placing it on the counter.
In a soft voice, I say, “I’m looking for Baderon.I’m here to register as an adventurer.” The lack of conviction makes it almost come out as a question.
He looks down at me then the flyer and back at me. Suddenly a raucous laughter emerges from him and his face stretches into a wide smile.
“Ahh! So you want to be an adventurer then?”
With the biggest determined look I can muster, I nod my head once, “Yes I do.”
“I see. . . “ He places his hand on his chin in a thoughtful pose and leans slightly forward over the counter giving me a look over. “Well lass, I’m Baderon and there’s no shortage of work ‘ere in Limsa!” He reaches below and pulls out a massive book and drops it on the counter. The physical weight of it makes a dull thud that reverberates through the room. “Let’s see ‘ere…” he mumbles as he turns through the pages.
His face lights up and he turns the book around, resting it on the edge so I am able to see it. On the page are countless lines of information and signatures.
“Just fill out the next available line and we’ll get ye squared away” Baderon says jovially, extending out a pen from his other hand.
I stretch up, taking the pen from him.
Name. Zoei Motokawa.
Origin. Hawthorne, Gridania.
Speciality.
At that part, I pause, a confused look resting on my face.
“Uhm, excuse me. What does it mean by ‘speciality’?” I ask, looking at Baderon.
“Oh,” the book starts to slip from the position he is holding it in, “that’s just ye weapon or fightin’ style.”
I tilt my head still confused.
“Ye know,” he continues, “like axes, bows, staffs, aether magic and such.”
“Oh…” I look down embarrassed. “I was actually going to search out the Arcanists once I was done here to learn from them.”
Baderon nodes in understanding, “Well then lass, just put down ‘arcanist’ then. That’ll get ye point across”
I raise the pen back up.
Specialty. Arcanist
Lastly, it prompts for an official signature. With a flourish I sign my name and look up with an excitement permeating my face. Baderon pulls the book back, turning it around to face him. His finger traces under my line going through my responses.
“Everything seems in order!” he snaps the book closed. “Welcome to the Limsa Adventurer’s Guild.”
“Uhm…” I start to say, “what now?” I quickly lower my head to hide my embarrassment.
“Aye, where are me manners?” he stands a bit straighter. “Let’s start ye off nice an’ easy with a task!” He reaches to the counter besides him and grabs a rolled scroll. Extending it out to me he continues, “A guild task just came across. Looks like some of the bugs that hang around one of the city gates have gotten a little out of control. They are askin’ for someone to thin the herd, per say. Think ye up for it?” His eyebrow raises in question.
Reaching up, I take the scroll into my hands. A big smile spreads ear to ear and I look up to meet his gaze.
“You can count on me!”
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