Traveler

She could feel herself floating in the air, an empty void, devoid of other living beings save herself. It had been five years since she had a dream like this, a dream where she found herself in this dark space. The twinkling lights above, beyond, and surrounding the far reaches of the space sparkled to life. Her power had not so much as came to life as it did on that day—on the day she turned twenty four. The day she first sailed into Limsa Lominsa. 

Hear — Feel — Think —

She looked around, until she found a bright orange glow appear before her. Thinking it similar to her other dreams, she edged closer, her feet lightly threading the make belief floor of this space. Watching, waiting, she witnessed the light grow and fade into a dark swirling mass. A figure stepped out from the portal, cloaked and hooded from head to toe in all black. His face was obscured by a particular mask. 

Hear — Feel — Think — 

She looked beyond the shadowy figure, to see the bright orange light floating in the distance. It floated up, and around, over and away from the strange figure standing before her, and stopped right in front of her. 

It was then a powerful course of energy rushed through her. She examined herself, seeing she was wearing a different set of clothes that looked strangely formal and ornate. Her long boots, her robes that flowed to a stop just before her ankles, long sleeve gloves, and a long horn tiara laid plainly upon her head. As she brought her hand up, she could see an aetheric book come into existence, as the black cloaked figure sadistically grinned. A red symbol appeared over his physical face, the strange emblem glowed before he lunged forward at her. He charged, an arm up ready to strike her. 

Bringing up her book, Azlyn raised her eyes up to face this new adversary, steeling her resolve from five long years of adventuring, scavenging, and experiencing the world as it was. As it rebuilt itself from the destruction five years prior at Carteneau. 

Just before they could clash, a bright white light enveloped her, taking her senses away and back to reality. 

“...Oi! Y’all alright, lass?” A strange voice brought her out from her slumber. Slowly, Azlyn opened her purple eyes to look at the new person checking on her. A grizzled passenger dressed in red, his bandana covering the top of his blondish hair. Skin, tanned from long days out working under the sun. He gave her a concerned look. “You were moanin’ in your sleep an’ sweatin’ buckets besides. Rollin’ of the ship got your stomach churnin’, has it?”

Azlyn turned her head, blinking away the vision she had. She looked down at her to see that her traveling attire had not changed into that formal attire in the dream. 

The grizzled passenger straightened up, looking at her with a keen eye. “Hmmm... Don’t seem like seasickness, now that I look at you. It’ll be the aether, then, I reckon.” 

She stared at him, wondering what he meant by the aether change. She would have told him that it wasn’t that, but talking about the Echo seemed a bit weirder. Azlyn just let him continue under that assumption. It was better that way. 

“Some are more sensitive to the stuff than others, see, an’ we ain’t too far from Vylbrand now, which is chock-full of aetherytes.” When he saw that her attention was still on him, he added. “No need to fret, though. You’ll soon get used to it.” 

She smiled. 

The boat they rode on started to violently rock, causing the grizzled passenger to lose his footing. He shuffled on his feet, gaining his momentum as he looked up to the deck. He went to stand with his back firmly on the partition that separated the upper and lower companion decks, crossing his arms.

“Eurgh, Might as well have been bloomin’ seasickness...Ship’s leapin’ around like a demented chocobo today.”

Azlyn followed his gaze, and thought about the warm weather outside. There was no signs of a storm, so she assumed it was the ocean changing its riptides underneath. “Strange.” 

The grizzled passenger looked over to her, “I reckon I might head out on deck—get meself a breath of fresh air. Limsa Lominsa’s still a fair way off, in case you were wonderin’. Seein’ as you’re awake an’ all, how’s about you keep me company till we get there?” 

She nodded her head, wiping her hands on her lap. “If you don’t mind the company.” She replied, giving a small smile. 

He then turned his attention over to another set of passenger’s sitting next to each other. From what Azlyn could tell they were twins, alike in appearance and clothes. They were sitting with their arms crossed over their chests, silent. 

The grizzled passenger said, “Them young’uns don’t much care for conversation, see.” 

Azlyn chuckled. “So you choose someone who is a conversationalist for company.” 

He turned back to her, with a low hearty chuckle of his own, he lifted his thumb to point at himself. “Anyroad, Brennan’s the name, an’ peddlin’s me trade.” Azlyn pulled herself up from her seat, and extended her hand out. He reached out to shake her hand. 

“Azlyn. It’s nice to meet you.” She introduced herself to Brennan, and he gestured for her to accompany him up the steps to the deck. She followed without complaints, and was welcome to a bustling activity on top of the deck. Sailors and workers were working around the deck, keeping their ship on its course. The sky had been covered by an onset of clouds, blocking the sun and giving them an overcast look. This morning when they set sail, there had not been a cloud in sight. 

Brennan started to stretch his arms up in the air, slowing to a stop by the starboard side of the deck. He was looking out at the sea and enjoying the fresh air. “Ah, smell that salty sea breeze!”

She spoke softly, “It’s a nice smell.” 

It was then that he looked at her from head to toe, gauging her attire with his keen eye. “Now then, lass, judgin’ by your unusual garments, I’d say you were one of them new adventurers. Am I warm?” 

“Five years new.” She replied, pushing her bouncy white and black curls behind her shoulder. “I’ve been traveling for quite some time now.” 

Brennan spoke to her as if she were a close friend. “I knew it! Goin’ wherever the wind blows, seekin’ fortune an’ glory—now that’s what I call livin’!”

Azlyn smiled. “And dangerous.” 

“So long as you can avoid dyin’ I mean. Ain’t no secret that adventurin’s a risky business—these days especially.” Brennan gave her that point as she looked out to the sea behind him. 

He caught her gaze as she strayed. “What was it that first attracted you to it?” 

“My parents. It was their wish to carve a path of my own. To see the world and experience it.” She smiled, bringing a hand to her chest, just over where her heart was. 

“I reckon’d an Au Ra like yourself had a bit o’ h’story. Well, it’s a dream we’ve all had at one time or another. To see the world and learn from it.” He smiled warmly, as he explained. “Once you’ve learned to handle yourself in a fight, you’ll want to pay a visit to whichever craftin’ or gatherin’ guild tickles your fancy.” 

Azlyn quirked her eye as she sensed his ulterior motive. “Crafting? Like weaving or leather work?” 

He smirked. “Limsa Lominsa’s renowned for its smithies an’ armorers, not to mention its fisherfolk. An’ then there’s its cooks, of course.”

“Thank you for the recommendation, but why?” Azlyn asked, hoping to draw his point. 

“Adventurin’ ain’t just about killin’ things, after all. A peaceful pastime may well help you experience the world in a new light.” He raised his finger up as if he made a valid point. She considered it, as she never really gave it much thought. But now that he mentioned it, it was something that she should consider, given that’s the whole point of her adventure around the world. 

He gave her a warning, all the same. “Just remember, though: there’re more important things than fortune an’ glory. Such as breathin’. Ain’t no profit in bein’ dead an’ that’s a fact.”

She nodded, this was something she knew even before she left the Isle of Val so long ago. There had been quite a few times she almost had been in a tight spot, and had to do or die. 

A ring of the bells erupted on the ship. The workers, hearing this, started to react to the bell, calling out commands and rushing to their stations. Brennan looked over his shoulder to look out at the sea. Azlyn narrowed her eyes, as she started to spy the strange image she saw appear in the cloudy distance. She reached out to her companion, as a cannonball erupted into the ocean, just short of the ship and where they were standing. 

Both of them flew back, from the inertia of the blow, and the splash of water that splashed up from the impact. Brennan screamed, and Azlyn gritted her teeth as they collided into the deck behind them. More canon fire erupted, hitting the ocean near their vessel and rocking them more violently than the water had pulsed them previously. 

Wet from the splash of water, Azlyn pulled herself up to her feet to stare at the attacking adversary. Somewhere on the ship, just above them stood a watching worker, a bulky muscular male, noted what she saw. He yelled out to the crew.

“Ships off the starboard bow! Pirate colors!”

Water continued to spray onto their ship, and Azlyn knelt down her Brennan who sat up against the bow of the ship. He remained behind cover as he gritted his own teeth. “Pirates? Bloody hells...” 

It wasn’t long before a stalwart sailor came rushing to them, ushering them to find safety. “Have ye no sense!? Get below!” And ran off to his station to fend off the pirates. Many of the civilians were rushing to the stairs leading below. Brennan nodded over to Azlyn, as she reached down to pull him up from the deck. He ran ahead, waiting for her at the top steps as the pirate ships continued their assault on them. 

“Go ahead.” Azlyn motioned for him to go before her. And he rushed inside. She was just moments before him, making sure the rest of the civilians made it inside. As the last civilian was brought inside, she hurried inside and shook her sleeves of the water that soaked her. 

She found Brennan standing near the center of the companion deck, as most of the sitting space had been taken by those who required the space—or were too elderly to stand for long periods. She approached him as she gauged his concern. 

“What is the world comin’ to...? Pirates firin’ on a ship flyin’ Lominsan colors! Bastards either have a boatload of balls, or bugger all for brains.” 

Azlyn had a general working knowledge of Limsa Lominsan history, where pirates and sailors worked together to brand a nation together. So it was as Brennan said. “Peculiar.” She murmured, thinking back to the calamity that had been foretold. It couldn’t have been due to that, could it? Not soon after the Battle of Carteneau. 

They could feel the surge of the ship push forward, and after a good ten to fifteen minutes of waiting the doors above that connected the companion deck to the main deck’s stairs burst open. The same stalwart sailor from up above deck announced to the anxious crowd. Azlyn looked up to him, and waited for him to speak. 

“Ye can rest easy, friends! We made it out o’ canon range, an’ no buccaneer’s bark’ll catch this flighty temptress once the wind’s in her sails.” 

Azlyn smirked. That meant the fates were in their favor, the wind catching their sails to run faster than their attackers. The wave of relief that passed over the civilizations had been instantaneous, as they started to quietly talk amongst each other once more. The fear had slowly drifted away, as if it was never there in the first place. 

“That was too bleedin’ close...Glad one of us kept her head on her shoulders—I reckon I’d’ve lost mine, otherwise.” 

Azlyn shrugged, if she lost her head over something like this, she wouldn’t be a very good adventurer. It did, however, make for a good entry in the book. When she had time, she’d jot down her journey on the ship, and how pirates had the brazen balls to fire upon Lominsan colors. 

Brennan continued. “If them pirates gave up chase, we must be close to port. Let’s head up on deck an’ have a look, shall we?”

They walked back to the stairs, being the only ones to head back to the deck after the pirate attack. Many of the passengers decided to stay below to rest. Azlyn stared around, seeing the sailors and workers cleaning and mopping the deck. They were cleaning and organizing, which meant they were conscious of their passengers safety. 

Brennan walked up to the stern of the ship, catching the sea breeze from behind. 

Azlyn stopped just short of him, as he turned back to her. “By the by, is this your first trip to Limsa Lominsa?” 

She nodded. “Yes, I’ve been near the mainland of Eorzea, and travelled to many of the small cities, but nothing as big as the major cities. I’m actually here on a recommendation.” 

He lit up at her explanation, “It is!? Well then, let this journeyed itinerant tell you the ins an’ outs of your destination, Ahem!” Brennan cleared his throat. “Limsa Lominsa prides itself on bein’ Eorzea’s foremost naval power. Weren’t too long ago that the place was ruled by pirates, but thanks to the current Admiral’s civilizin’ influence, the city-state could almost pass for a respectable nation. You’d never guess she was once a rum-swillin’ buccaneer herself! Heh heh!”

Azlyn gave a wry grin. “Sounds like you’ve met her.” 

Brennan winked. “Mind you now. Most folk ain’t so quick to change, an’ with a town full of liberty-lovin’ ruffians, you can imagine how many naysayers an’ troublemakers she’s got to deal with—like them pirates who took a fancy to us just now.” 

“Anything else I need to know?” She asked. 

Brennan nodded. “Yea’, if that weren’t bad enough, I’ve heard the Sahagin are raidin’ the coast just as bold as you please. Them’re the sea dwellin’ beastmen the locals call ‘fishbacks’, in case you didn’t know.” 

She nodded. Another set of bells began to ring, drawing both of their attention to the mast where many of the sailors were calling out their commands to each other. 

“Ah, at long last. Land ho!” He walked to the very front, pointing out to the city state drawing closer in the distance. “Behold Limsa Lominsa, a nation blessed by the ocean’s bounty an’ beloved of Llymalaen, goddess of navigation.” 

Azlyn walked forward, her senses caught to sounds of the seagulls chirping and the waves lapping. Brennan gestured for her to follow him below deck again to wait by the unloading zone. The wait for the ship to port, and to get all permissions set, the wooden gate of the dock slowly lowered as Azlyn walked forward onto the white paved paths that led into the docks. White landforms study, holding large buildings and bustling people from all kinds of life. She spied the largest building on the highest landmass, and noticed a small aetheryte crystal where she exited the ship. 

Brennan walked up behind her, and tapped her shoulder. “An’ here’s where we part ways, lass.” 

She turned to him, almost a bit sad to see a new friend head off. But that was normal in her everyday life now. 

“I’m off to the markets to deliver me wares, then it’s on to the highroad for me.” He reached into his back pocket, grabbing something to give her. As he was turned, Azlyn noticed the two twins walking off the ship talking amongst themselves. Brennan said, “Here, I want you to have this—by way of thanks for savin’ me arse earlier.” 

She took his gift with a smile. “Thank you Brennan.” 

He nodded. “Me pleasure Azlyn. Here’s an idea, become the sort of personage I can brag about havin’ met, an’ I’ll consider us square.” 

Azlyn chuckled, as he walked slowly down the ramp. “I’ll keep that in mind.” He waved, and left her to walk the port at her own pace. As she made her way forward, she was drawn in by a yellow jacket soldier beckoning her over with a hand wave. 

“Are ye new, lass?” 

Azlyn nodded. 

“Go see Baderon up in the Drowning Wench. He’ll set you straight. Good luck adventurin’!” The yellow jacket shooed her along as soon as he beckoned her forward. 

She hadn’t expected a warm welcome, by any means, but she had to admit that was a pretty abrupt way of sending someone on their way. She explored the city state, walking slowly through the lower decks of Limsa, and then up a spiraling pathway through several of the guilds that Brennan had talked about. She had passed the blacksmiths, the armorers, and the culinarians. As she walked the path, she noted the amount of hustle and bustle amongst the citizens. They enjoyed their work as they did their liberty. In her previous years exploring the smaller cities, she never came across this many people in one spot. The Battle of Carteneau had displaced many individuals, so it was a wonder why there weren’t that many refugees. 

She remembered her cousin’s letter explaining the situation happening in Thanalan, which prompted her to having an assumption about all city states. But from what she could tell, it was quite different from how she pictured it. 

She walked the upper deck, and found herself circling back down to the lower deck. She found herself in a quiet corner, with an aetheryte crystal and a room perpendicular to it. As she passed, she noticed a pair of mages walking out from the room and going the opposite direction of her. They carried books with them, and one even had a familiar walking beside them. 

Then she passed by a long corridor that housed a multitude of stalls. It was incredibly packed, as people competed amongst each other for the cheaper set. She passed the first hall, and saw a plaque labeled on the wall leading into the next crowd inducing area. 

“Hawker’s alley.” She wondered aloud, and saw another small aetheryte nearby the plaque. She wondered why there were so many crystals around the city state, only to find someone come up to the crystal, give her a long up and down, and then raise their hand to the crystal. Azlyn could feel the aether react, as the person lifted up and disappeared. 

“Teleportation.” She finally realized after the person disappeared. There probably was a larger crystal that acted as a hub central unit to Limsa Lominsa. 

She meandered through the crowds, shuffling through the hecticness of the afternoon shopping frenzy. When she made it through, she was welcomed with two brilliant sites. One was the large Aetheryte Crystal that rotated in a circular motion. There were many people nearby it, peering around and going about their business. 

Azlyn recalled Aetherytes being a popular form of transportation, but it required a bit of money to use it. That wasn’t the only thing about them. One had to attune to them and make sure that they logged the coordinates. If one wrongly attuned—well—there’d be no second time Azlyn thought. 

This crystal had to have been well over twenty feet tall, which gave her a better understanding on why those smaller crystals spanned across Limsa. This was the central hub, and allowed people to freely traverse this large city with ease. 

What drew her attention next was the larger white tower that loomed over this nation. From afar, it didn’t look massive by any means, but standing beneath it on the lower deck gave her a true understanding of how spectacular this tower was. 

She heard a few individuals talking about a pub on the upper deck, so she approached them. The woman, a miqo’te dressed in a pretty yellow dress, and the male, a Hume dressed in a typical sea-faring attire. They stopped in their conversation as she greeted them. 

“Sorry for eavesdropping, I was wondering if you know where the Drowned Wench is?” 

The Hume gave her a bizarre look. So did the Miqo’te. “It’s not everyday we see your kind here. Well, it’s not our business.” 

The girl raised her index finger up to gather her attention. “The Drowned Wench is on the upper deck, just beyond the Aftcastle, on the other side from the Maelstrom Company. Or you can just take the elevator up from within the massive building there!” 

Azlyn nodded. “Thank you, I appreciate your time.” She bid them goodbye, and walked in the direction the girl mentioned. She could see several elevator attendants waiting, all dressed in uniform. She approached the first one, a Roegadyn male, who shook his head. He pointed to another elevator shaft without a passing glance. 

Not sure what that elevator led to, she made her way over to the aforementioned shaft, where she was greeted by a red-dressed official. He smiled at her, “Going up to the Drowned Wrench?” 

Azlyn moved into the elevator, waiting for the operator to start the device. It was kind of cool, something she hadn’t seen even in Sharlayan. She had heard of them being used in theory, but they weren’t installed at the library due to harming the original integrity of the building. 

The ride itself was smooth, the interior of the room was lit and flickered as she felt the inertia of rising higher up. It was short, as a small bell chimed their arrival, and the doors were pulled opened by the female elevator operator on the top floor. Azlyn walked out from the device, impressed. 

It was just another thing she’d have to write home about. How jealous would some of them be. She smiled, stepping forward into a musty bar where some individuals were drinking stale ale, and singing maritime tunes. 

Slowly, she walked over to the counter, taking a seat of many to sit down. An older midlander hyur male wearing a blue and white handkerchief around his brown hair. He sported a nicely trimmed brown beard and diamond shaped goatee. He approached her wiping his hands. He was dressed in a casual tealish overshirt. Underneath he wore an open collared white long sleeved shirt. He had a black choker like necklace around his neck. Hanging loosely in front of him was a small tooth sized dagger. 

“I ‘aven’t seen your kind ‘round these parts. What’ll you ‘ave?” 

Azlyn shook her head, bringing her hands up on the counter. She smiled. “So I’ve heard. Are you Baderon?” 

He nodded. “Aye, who’s askin’?”

“Azlyn is my name.” She explained. “I was told you would set me straight. I’m new to these parts, after all.” 

Baderon leaned down beneath the counter to pull out a bottle of ale. He grabbed a short glass and set it in front of her.  “Right then. Let’s start ye off nice an’ easy with three tasks what’ll help ye get used to life ‘ere in Limsa.” He poured her a drink, and slid the glass over. She caught it with ease, staring at the murky substance. 

“Drink lass.” He waited, and she went to gulp it down as quickly as she could. She made a disgusted face, but slid the glass back to him. She found him laughing at her expression, pouring another glass for her. This time though, he didn’t slide the glass. 

“Firstly, if ye ‘ead down a floor then point yer nose to the west, ye’ll get an eyeful o’ the great glowin’ crystal in the middle o’ the courtyard.” 

Azlyn wiped her mouth with her hand. “The aetheryte?” 

“Aye, the very same. It’s a device that can move ye from one place to another in the blink of an eye—but you seem to know that already.” He smirked, leaning on the counter. “After you go ‘tune yerself, go ‘ave a chat with the Yellowjacket on guard down there. Ye’ll be treated to a lecture on the workin’s o’ the device.”

He grabbed the glass she had just drank from, and proceeded to chug back the drink himself. He didn’t allow an expression of distaste to appear on his face, as he pointed back to her. “Second on the list is the marketplace. Ye’ll find weapons and armor and all yer ‘venturin’ bits and pieces fer sale in the district what lies beyond the aetheryte. Don’t go throwin’ yer gil around just yet, though, or ye’ll get fleeced quicker’n ye can say, ‘Why’s me coinpurse do light?’” He placed the bottle of ale under his counter, and smiled to her. 

“Yer first drink is on me today—next one’ll cost ye.” He left the glass on the counter. “An’ ‘ave a word with Swozblaet. ‘E’s the ‘ead o’ the Merchant’s League, by the way.”

Azlyn pulled out her book, and started to jot down his suggestions. He noted her note taking, leaning over to read what she wrote. When she finished writing, he placed down a piece of metal on the page. 

“What’s this?” She asked, picking up the metal in her fingers. 

“Give ‘im this old octant, an’ ‘e’ll treat ye well.” 

She placed the octant in her bag. He then tapped her notebook with a grin. “Jot me last o’ me helpful hints. I suggest ye meet some fellow spell-stingers at the Arcanist’s Guild. Can’t fool me eyes with that dusty tome on yer ‘ip.” 

Azlyn looked down at her waist holster, that had been bought second hand for storage for her weapon. “You’re not just any old tavern keep with an eye like that.” She replied, and wrote down the details on where to find the Arcanist’s Guild. 

“Tricks o’ ‘he trade, lass, but I guarantee ye’ll learn a few new tricks fer yer tome if ye decide to join their crew. Murie at the front desk is the one to get ye started. Now, I’ve best be gettin’ on. Run along, eh?” He waved her off his counter, that lacked customers. But what did she know, this was her first time in Limsa Lominsa. 

She gathered her journal back into her satchel, looking for the exit. When she had jumped down from the stool, she heard Baderon exclaim as if he forgot something. 

“Bugger it! There I go, sendin’ ye off without tellin’ ye summat crucial. That bloody calamity’s made a right mess o’ me memory, I swear. Well, that or the ale...Anyroad, while yer out, if ye ‘appen to pass any poor sods what look like they might need yer ‘elp, consider givin’ their tale o’ woe a listen, eh?”

Azlyn paused. That was something she did helping out in the smaller city states—albeit on a smaller scale. She nodded slowly. “I’m sure we all have a past grieving for.” 

Baderon nodded. “Sounds like a chore, I admit, but ye never know what interestin’ opportunities could be lurkin’ out there, just waitin’ fer ye to stumble on ‘em. Fer example, Ninaya over yonder’s been castin’ glances at ye since ye waltz in.” At this, Azlyn turned to see the girl in question. She seemed to have been looking over when she looked, and immediately went to cast her eyes down to the floor, minding her business. 

“Why not lend an ear an’ see what she ‘as to say? Aye, yer like to find yerself runnin’ odd errands in the beginnin’, but once ye build a reputation as a lass people can trust, the jobs’ll get ‘arder an’ the rewards more generous.” 

“I feel like there’s more you’re going to tell me, so I’m just going to sit down until you’re done.” Azlyn teased, taking a seat once more. Baderon scoffed, taking a wash cloth to wipe down the glass she and he drank from. 

“Don’t be treatin’ me kind soul like a senile, ye ‘ear?” He turned to look away, and caught sight of a man dressed in a formal uniform. His chain mail and sea green top made him an obvious choice to point out. “Since ye’s asking for more, I suppose ye could seek the advice o’ the Smith ‘ere in the Wench. The lads that bear that title ‘as some fine advice fer them what’re just startin’ out in the profession. An’ that lass is all I’ll give ye fer the time bein’.” Azlyn nodded, smirking as she bid goodbye to him and decided to walk over to Niniya. It was a cloaked Lalafel sitting at a table with another of her companions. 

It didn’t take long to get to the heart of the matter, as she was concerned about a deal gone bad, and some herbs known as “dream flowers” were scattered by the Mizzenmast. She suggested her to speak with the elevator attendant on that floor, Skaenrael, a Roegabyn yellow jacket, and proceed with turning in the flowers to Ahldskyf at the Octant. Azlyn had heard of the usages of these flowers, and it came to no wonder that all places, even big city states had problems with the black market. 

She walked over to Skaenrael, the female attendant. The attendant asked: “You wish to visit Bulwark Hall below? The Crow’s Lift is ready when you are.” 

Azlyn nodded, waiting for her to open the doors and allow her access inside. As soon as she exited, she found what Niniya had referred to, as a trail of the peculiar herb had gone through the Bulwark Hall and led to the west. She followed the herbs, picking up six piles of them before finding herself back in the courtyard where the large Crystal Aetheryte was. As she stowed the herbs saving away in a spare case, she slowly walked over to the crystal, deciding it best to attune to it while she had the chance. 

But as soon as she crossed the bridge, a hearty voice called out to her. “I saw you picking up some strange stuff off the floor. I’m Ahldskyf, mind showing me what you got?” 

Azlyn seemed surprised, mostly at how easy it was to track the man down. She pulled out the case and proceeded to show him the peculiar herbs. “A Lalafell was concerned about this ‘dream flower’ herb. So she sent me to pick it up, and bring it to you. Nice to meet you.” 

He nodded. “May I examine them?” 

She handed them over, and he checked them. His face darkened. “Yes, these are the herbs known as dream flowers. And highly illegal blooms no less. They are the prime ingredient in the creation of ‘sommus’—a substance whose fragrance is said to lull the sniffer’s mind into the sleep of death.” 

“It’s strange.” Azlyn replied, also feeling weird that such a dangerous bloom had been dropped. “In Sharlayan, these herbs are rarely used, and even then it’s for scientific purposes but I didn’t recall them being pale.”

The Roegabyn dressed in a martial pirate outfit seemed surprised by her knowledge. He chuckled loud, a hearty sound. “Forgive me, I could not resist the jest! You are right, these herbs are naught more than Althyk Lavender, a common export to Limsa Lominsa. In fact, these probably spilled from crates that were loaded onto my very own ship.”

Azlyn gave a sigh of relief. “I’m glad to hear it wasn’t an illegal transaction.”

He nodded all the same, “Someone probably had a bit of fun with you, lass. We don’t see much of your kind these days. But not to worry, you’ve learned a few things, and made a new acquaintance. Well met!” He extended his hand to shake her smaller one. 

She nodded. “Well met, I hope all the locales won’t tease me—I’ll have to wear a cowl at this rate.” 

He barked a laugh, smiling at her own jest. “Nonsense, a pretty lass like you! Best be proud of your heritage, and stand tall. Tell them to talk to me if you get into anymore trouble, you hear?” She agreed, about to head on her way before he called her over with a small sack of shards. “For the trouble lass, welcome to Limsa Lominsa!”

Azlyn accepted the bag, stowing it into her own inventory before waving goodbye to her new acquaintance. She made her way forward, stopping just in front of the crystal and studied it. She wondered what best way to attune, and decided to just reach her hand out and close her eyes. She felt the energy wrap over her extended fingers, playing down her arm, and circling around her bodice. She remained still, focusing and channeling the energy so that she would always remember this aetheryte for future use. 

It wasn’t long before a stout voice brought her attention away from the crystal. “Ah, another novice adventurer. Aye, Baderon has sent more than a few of your—well not your kind in particular—but the adventuring folk this way of late.” 

A yellow jacket appeared as Azlyn turned to look over her shoulder. Another Roegabyn stepped up, an axe strapped to his back. He gestured to the crystal with a smile. “I am Sundhimal, one of the Yellowjackets tasked with keeping the peace in the city. It is also my charge to provide guidance in the use of this device. Fear not, I shall be brief.” 

Azlyn jumped to the punch, having already studied them previously in Sharlayan. “Aetherytes are structures that tap into aetherial energies. They are primarily used as a means to travel from one place to another.” She smiled brightly to the Yellowjacket. “Forgive me, I read about them in theory—is there anything else I should know about them?”

He seemed genuinely surprised by her knowledge. She started to wonder if all these people thought her dumb. “There’s a few spells that you can use with the crystals—Return and Teleport.” 

She nodded in appreciation. “I remember those spells will help one to arrive at the crystal he or she has attuned to previously.”

Sundhimal seemed to pick up speed, as he went back into his usual spell of explaining. “A smart lady like yourself should also know these crystals are scattered across every corner of Eorzea, any adventurer worthy of the name will will to seek out and attune herself to each one.”

Azlyn bowed to him for his helpfulness. “Thank you very much, I will be sure to do just that!”

He smiled down at her, “Should you wish to learn more about aetherytes or transportation magic, I will be here to answer your questions. Well met!” He raised his hand out in greeting, and Azlyn reached forth to firmly shake his own. 

She smiled. “Well met!”

As she was about to head out, she had no idea where to find Sworzblaet, the one Baderon told her to find. She went back to Sundhimal with a perplexed expression. “Sorry to bother you again, would you happen to know where I can find Sworzblaet?” 

He rubbed his chin between his hands. “Ah—you’ll want to head west, he’ll be in the middle of the first alley of Hawker’s Alley. Best of luck!”

Azlyn waved, running away in the direction that he told her to go. It didn’t take long before the courtyard with the crystal turned back into the alley buzzing with activity. Inside, she slowly scanned the people, finding one Roegabyn standing with his hands on his hips. He looked pretty formal. “Excuse me, are you Sworzblaet?”

“Indeed I am, and a fine morning to you lass. Welcome to the most replete marketplace in the grand realm of Eorzea. Where every shelf groans under the weight of wonders borne from all four corners of the world!”

He reached a hand out, and she politely went to shake his hand. “Baderon suggested I come to you, have any interesting tips about the market?” She pulled out the rusted octant she received from Baderon, and passed it to him. 

“Hm? You bear a gift from Baderon? Whatever could it—Ah! My Octant! By the Navigator, I must have left it behind in the Wench—along with a week’s pay and several bells’ worth of intoxicated memories!” He scratched his head in embarrassment. 

She chuckled lightly, “Well, I’m glad it had been returned to it’s rightful owner.”

Swozblaet adjusted his glasses, as he began to explain about his octant to her. “I am most grateful to have it back! This tool is a keepsake from my days as a ship captain, you see. Needless to say, your good deed must be repaid, and what better recompense than the wisdom of a master merchant?”

She smiled, “I look forward to picking your brain.” Azlyn chuckled, bringing her hand up to her lips to cover. 

He began telling her which stalls to check out for goods and wares, what person to obtain sturdy adventuring equipment, and the other small tidbits that get lost in translation. As he explained, he introduced her to several of his colleagues and informed them all that she was going to be a valuable customer in the future. 

When the introductions were done, and the tour over, he bid her good day as he had some shipments her needed to inspect. She waved at him as he went, understanding why Hawker’s Alley was a treasure trove to the adventuring kind. One could literally find everything—from martial discipline weapons to perishable foods. It was an expansive hall, that always bustled with activity. 

She remembered earlier in her day, where she passed by a few spell casting mages near that empty corner lot with the single room. If she recalled there were also two smaller crystals she could attune to on the way. As Azlyn walked, she could see the sun blaze bright in the sky, as it finally beat the clouds and left the skies partial clear. The smell of salt water caught the gentle wind, passing through the intoxicating smells of the market. 

Giving pause for the first crystal by Hawker’s Alley, she raised her hand and let the energies soak into her fingers. Shortly thereafter, she walked back over to that second crystal, just outside the room that she thought the Arcanist’s Guild was located. She again attuned to the crystal, and noticed someone staring at her with interest. Turning to face them, she found herself staring up at a woman. She silently stared at her, before she proceeded to head inside. Azlyn quirked her head, wondering why she was getting weird stares all day. It couldn’t be her horns, her scales and tail? 

Could it?

She walked inside shortly after, feeling a bit more conscious about being one of the few Auri traveling as an adventurer. If today was any indication, she was going to get quite the stares in the future. 

She noticed a lone receptionist standing at the east side, she was doing some paperwork. A plaque in front of her read “Murie.” Azlyn recognized that this was the person she had to talk to about the Arcanist’s Guild, so she approached slowly. “Uh—hello there. Is this the Arcanist’s Guild?”

Murie looked up from her paperwork, smiling. Her grayish hair was short, and framed her face well. She was dressed in white and red robes, probably the uniform of the order. “Welcome, this is the Arcanist’s Guild. It is here that we research and develop the field of arcanima!” 

Azlyn smiled, “Arcanima? That’s the first I’ve heard the term.” 

Murie raised her hand to explain. “Arcanima is the science of employing ‘arcane geometries’—intricate patterns that map the unlocked mysteries of existence—to draw forth and manipulate the body’s aetheric energies.” 

It was a textbook answer if anything, but it did impress Azlyn as she looked down at her own dusty tome. It was one thing to sling spells, it was completely another to actually understand how and why she was able to sling spells. “That makes way more sense—”

She felt herself getting studied again. “Ah, but if I am not mistaken, you already possess some rudimentary understanding of the craft—albeit through field experience.” Azlyn felt like she had been read like a book. “Nevertheless, shall I deepen your knowledge of our history?”

She nodded, hoping to understand what it meant to be an Arcanist. She was just a fledgling, even if she flung spells for five years alone. 

“The roots of arcanima can be traced back to the esoteric calculations practiced by the people of the south sea isles. It was these island folk that first discovered a method to express natural phenomena in mathematical terms.” Azlyn was reminded of Sharlayan, as her mathematical instructors had stressed the importance of their calculations. He must have been referring to Arcana magic usage in that class. 

“Which explains the emphasis on arcane geometrics.” Azlyn stated, as she finally started to piece together what Murie and her professors were saying. “Basically, it’s patterns.” The girls giggled to each other, finding a sense of comradeship between each other.

Murie’s eyes widened as she leaned forward on the desk. “Exactly! To be precise, we use the existing mathematical formulae and further develop them into these patterns! The patterns are what allow the practitioner to weave aether into specific magic effects.”

Azlyn dived into the topic with much interest. “Then these mages invoked this new style of casting, and became known as ‘Arcanists’! How did they come here to Limsa?”

She explained, “They wished to expand their understanding of the world, so they took to the seas abroad trading vessels! Upon their arrival in Limsa Lominsa, arcanists found themselves welcomed into the academic elite, and soon secured positions in the realm of governance and counsel.”

Azlyn wondered how political they were at the mention of their positions. “It sounds like it might be political—is it hard to become an arcanist?”

Murie tapped her chin with her hand, not worried about it. “While the knowledge of the arcanist is traditionally passed on from master to chosen disciple, our Admiral of Limsa Lominsa, Admiral Merwyb, counted several wielders of arcanima among her personal staff. She became concerned by this tradition, as it’s exclusionary practice would lead to the eventual extinction of the art.” 

“So she’s trying to expand the art.”

Murie directed her attention to the entire guild. “That’s right, and that’s why at the Admiral’s express orders, an official Arcanist’s Guild was established. Funding was also provided for our research and training.”

Azlyn smiled, glad to know that Arcanima wouldn’t just die out just before it began. “Arcanima isn’t for everyone though, correct?”

Murie nodded, as she downcast her eyes. “Yes, the complex and demanding nature of arcanima remains the greatest threat to the arts extinction. If you wish to continue your study of this challenging discipline, then I must insist you indicate your commitment to joining our guild. But I don’t expect you to answer right away. I hope you’ll give it some thought. What’s your name, so that I can remember you for next time!”

“I’m Azlyn.” Azlyn smiled brightly to her. “I’ll definitely keep the guild in mind—I’m probably going to check out the rest of Limsa Lominsa, and see what else I can learn. I definitely enjoyed our chat today! I look forward to seeing you.” 

Murie waved goodbye, and Azlyn found herself walking out from the guild. She could see the woman who had been staring at her outside had been standing by the far eastern wall. She seemed preoccupied with her book, but did meet her gaze as she walked out. 

Feeling a bit better about the guild’s take in Limsa, she walked over to the small aethernet crystal, and found herself a quick teleport away from the main courtyard. “These crystals are pretty convenient.” She mused, making her way back to the Bulwark Hall and up the Crow’s Lift. 

She found good ol’ Baderon with an empty bar still. She walked up to sit at the chair nearby. She produced several gold coins, and said. “I’ll take another drink—pray not that same colored jaunt you had me have the first time.” 

He grinned at her arrival, reaching below to grab something for her to drink. It was a reddish color, and had the scent of fruits to it. Baderon passed her the glass and collected the coins. 

“Lucky I ‘ad some fruit juice—that’d suit yer fancy, eh Azlyn.” 

She raised the glass with an appreciative gesture. 

He leaned on the counter, as he talked with her. “So Azlyn, Enjoy yer walk ‘round the city, did ye?”

She nodded, taking a sip from the juice. She was pleasantly surprised by the taste. 

“If ye mean to base yerself in Limsa Lominsa, that won’t be the last time ye’ll visit them three places. An’ now ye’ve got some idea o’ what’s where, ye can start explorin’ the rest o’ town at yer own pace.” He gave her a toothy grin. “‘as ‘nyone giv’n yer trouble fer yer appearance yet?”

Azlyn sighed. “I really should buy a cowl at this rate.”

Baderon burst out in laughter. “Already a mess o’ things, eh? Well yer charmin’ I’m sure ye’ll be just fine.” He seemed amused by her predicament but didn’t press it further. 

She enjoyed her drink slowly, allowing her feet to relax from all the walking. Without any customers to chat with, Azlyn and Baderon continued to converse. 

“Well, I’m impressed. Ye’ve shown a good ear fer listenin’. And yer entertaining to boot. Stick with ol’ Baderon, an’ ye’ll go far.” He wiped the counter in front of her with a cloth. 

She handed him back the glass she drank with a smile. “Oh, so now you’re old Baderon?” She teased with a warm smile. 

He scoffed at her. “Only Ol’ Baderon can call ‘imself ol’. Yer breaking me heart lass.” 

“Thanks for the time, I’ll be back soon.” Azlyn smiled. He waved goodbye, and she walked to explore the rest of Limsa Lominsa, to attune to the rest of their aethernet crystals, and square away her chance to join the Arcanist’s Guild in town.