Traveler

Azlyn considered herself a pragmatic individual, especially in her recent journey for self discovery. After she attuned herself to all of the crystals in town, and meant with several of the Yellowjackets charged by each of the gates, she found herself with just enough time to talk with Murie and call it a day. 

She decided to join the Arcanist’s Guild, just to give it a whirl. 

“Azlyn! You’re back so soon! Did you decide to enroll in our guild?” Murie called out to her as soon as she entered the office. Most eyes turned to her, as Azlyn nodded in affirmation. 

Murie jumped with glee behind her desk, and immediately beckoned her over. “Let’s get you all squared away then, I’m so happy to see you have decided to become a full fledged arcanist! Now, standard procedure dictates that I introduce you to our guild master that you might convey your intentions in person—however...” She trailed off. As if embarrassed. 

In that small window of opportunity, the same tall Roegabyn woman that had been keeping an eye on her, stepped up with a snap of her book. “Due to unforeseen circumstances, he is unreachable at present. My name is Thubyrgeim. I am taking care of all of his responsibility in the interim.” 

Azlyn looked up to the woman, seeing that her right eye had one monocle. Her hair was half way pulled back, keeping the front bangs back, and her shoulder length hair longer in the back. Her robes signified her as a dignitary to the art, simple gray scholar robes, and elbow length black casting gloves. “I noticed you watching me earlier, was it because I’m not from here?” 

The woman blinked in rapid succession, “Forgive me, I noticed you had an arcanist’s tome on your hip.” She pointed to it. “I had a hard time placing you, so I might have stared a bit too harshly. Forgive me.” She gave a courteous bow. “Regardless, I welcome you to the Arcanist’s Guild. I overheard you talking in great detail with our receptionist about the history of arcanima, so I must admit I too wished for you to return.” She smiled warmly down to her. 

Azlyn gave a smile back. “Oh good—I thought it was because of my foreign looks. I’ve been relentlessly teased and badgered because of it.” She gestured to her scaled tail and horns on her head. 

Thubyrgeim nodded, “Indeed, many folks here will rarely see an Au Ra in the flesh, but they mean no harm. In fact, I was wondering if our arts had reached across the borders in Othard.” 

She was quite surprised at the mention of Othard—while her home was in Doma—she never really lived there. “Oh—I’m actually from Sharlayan. My parents escaped the war in Doma—and my mom had taught us basic knowledge on combat in martial and magical means.” Azlyn scratched her cheek, she wondered if that would elicit more questions, but Thubyrgeim raised her hand up. 

“She must have been quite the instructor.” She nodded in understanding. “No matter, you have arrived now and it only means you will continue to grow as an arcanist from here on.” She reached over to pat her on the shoulder. “Tell me, had your mother told you about manifesting the energies into a corporeal form?” 

Azlyn tilted her head, trying to remember. “Maybe one time or another. I can’t quite recall.” 

Thubyrgeim clapped her hands together. “Let’s see if my explanation of being an arcanist draws forth the memory, shall we?” She smiled, “Arcanima taps into the living energies of aether. The evidence of this is represented most aptly, perhaps by our ability to manifest the arcane entity Carbuncle, and the manner of magic which this aetherial ally employs at our command. The core of the discipline, however, is found in the pursuit of definitive solutions to any potential quandary. Even on the field of battle—nay, especially on the field of battle—this principle takes precedence.” 

“As you said, by manifesting a corporeal form could be fairly attainable if one is able to shape and will the energy into a form—but that pales in comparison if one can’t hold themselves together in battle.” Azlyn reasoned, crossing her arms deep in thought. She had never thought to meld the energies into a physical being—if she had, the results would be exactly as Thubyrgeim had explained.  

“Indeed, It means exactly that— one must keep composure. If one wishes too make certain the question of victory, then one must apply the most effective strategy. An Arcanist is measured by their ability to calmly analyze a situation from moment to moment, and respond with the most appropriate spells at hand.” Thubyrgeim turned back to her bookshelf to grab something. 

She perused the shelves until she came across the one that would best suit the conversation. “If you will, please read this over tonight—and early tomorrow morning I would like to see your resolve put to the test. Just outside the Tempest Gates, you’ll find an ample amount of wharf rats, auraliae, and little ladybugs. Kill three of each, and return to me afterward.” 

Azlyn looked down at the received book, before she agreed to her terms. Thubyrgeim was pleased with her answered, and wished her a good night. Azlyn walked out, seeing the sun setting in the distance. Many people were heading home. She had lived minimally, getting what was absolutely needed. She recalled Baderon’s open counter space, and the tables that lacked customers, and decided to pay the Drowned Wench a visit. 

On her way past Hawker’s Alley, she found the Lalafell that had given her a bogus task to run. Catching her sight, the Lalafell brazenly walked up to her, with her groceries in stow. “Oh, there’s a face I know! I hope you do not harbor any ill will towards me for my earlier deception.” 

The Au Ra gave her a quirked eyebrow in response. “None taken—it looks like you have quite the load, would you like some help?” 

Niniya smiled, happy for the assistance. “Please,” She passed the groceries over to the girl with white and black curls. “Glad to hear that, if you’ll permit me, I believe the most important lesson for a green adventurer to learn is that they should always question the motives of everyone they meet.”

Azlyn didn’t want to correct her about being a green adventurer. She was pretty well travelled from moving around the past five years. “Lesson learned, thank you for that.” She tightened her cheekbones as she smiled. It still wasn’t cool of a stranger to send her running around like an idiot. 

“If I have given offense, allow me to make it up to you with some more advice! Tell me, have you visited the Eyes, outside the Tempest Gate and past Madman Bridge?” 

While they walked out from Hawker’s Alley, Azlyn shook her head. This was one of her first times in La Noscea. She’d been on the mainland of Eorzea, primarily closer to Carteneau and the outskirts of Thanalan. “Can’t say that I have—what’s happening over there?” 

If it seemed like something not worth her time, she’d just write it off. 

“From what I heard, the sentries stationed there keep watch over the road, and when trouble arises they sometimes turn to outside help.” Niniya explained, stopping short of one of the housing districts. She reached up for her goods that Azlyn had carried for her. She relinquished the bags back to the young lady dressed in the brown hooded cloak, and weighed her words truth. Niniya didn’t sound like she was lying. 

“If you wish to make a name for yourself as a trustworthy adventurer, you should speak with Ancreta at the Eyes and offer your assistance.” She smiled, and looked up as the lampposts started to flicker on. “Well, that’s all the time I have tonight. May the Navigator guide you on your journey.” She bowed. 

Azlyn watched her go shortly after, as she disappeared into the late night crowds. She turned around, walking back to the main road. What she purposed didn’t sound like a bad notion, especially if they were looking for outside help. When she would leave tomorrow, she could make the detour over to the Eyes and ask. 

She made her way over to an aethernet, and thought of the Aftcastle location in Limsa. Her body lifted up from the ground and shortly teleported her to her desired location. It was darker now, as the only people around were the officers from the Grand Company, and the Yellowjackets. She gave a quick nod to a few she had been acquainted with early on, and strolled on into the main pub. It was a bit busier, with people sitting around tables and laughing. Baderon actually had a decent amount of people sitting at his bar. He looked fairly busy, laughing at some poor sod who couldn’t chug a pint to save his life. 

Walking over, she found a spot left open at a far off table. She pulled out the book she received from Thubyrgeim, cracking it open to get a head start. Azlyn had been able to get several chapters into the art of Arcanima, before someone approached her table. The scraping of the chair against the wood alerted her attention, as she found herself sitting next to a Roegabyn holding a large wooden pint glass. 

“Ye Azlyn?” 

She closed her book, “I am—who are you?” 

He smiled, placing his tankard on the table. “Me name’s S’dhodjbi; I figured ye were the greenhorn Baderon took a shinin’ to.” He brought a beefy arm around her shoulders to bring her attention to the counter. She saw him pouring drinks from a discolored bottle. “These days, poor Baderon’s so busy looking after others, he hasn’t been able to look after himself. He deserves something for his efforts.” 

“Your arm’s kind of heavy sir.” Azlyn tried to remove his arm with no luck, he tightened his grip around her as he sighed aloud. She could smell the alcohol on his breath. 

Whether he heard her or not, he continued to explain. “Whenever he’s in his cups and starts speaking of the old days, he never fails to mention aureliae. Seems he and his mates used to eat the creatures on occasion.” 

Giving up, she gazed at the old man bar tending. She could see he was a little worn out. “Okay, so you want to gather an auraliae?” She hoped it would grant her her freedom from his touch. Nothing against him, but she liked her space. 

“It’s obvious he still has fond memories of that life, so I was thinking. A few auralia umbrellas might be something he’d appreciate. Could you help me procure four of them? If you’re willing to help, speak with Klindrael, by the Aftcastle. She knows where various wild beasts congregate.” And he peeled himself away from her, leaning back in his chair and drinking from his tankard. “The sooner the better, I think.” He mused, and drank some more of his drink. 

“I’m heading out early in the morning to hunt, so I’ll see what I can find.” She promised, deciding it wouldn’t be a bad idea to pay back the favor to Baderon. “Is Klindrael still out now, or should I wait until tomorrow?” 

He waved his had up and down, “She’s still on post fer another ‘our or so. Nice chattin’ with ye lass.” She nodded, stowing her book and left the Drowned Wench. She walked over to the Aftcastle, where she asked several of those on guard until a young lady stepped forward. 

“That’s me, how can I help you?” 

Azlyn explained about the situation. “So a friend of Baderon stated that he enjoyed auralia umbrellas in the past. I was thinking of collecting some for him. Have any idea where I can find them?” She thought to ask about the ladybugs and the wharf rats, but figured they would be somewhere out in the wilderness. 

“Baderon actually likes auralia umbrellas!? Gods, I’d never even considered trying to eat one of those foul things!” She shuddered at the thought, which made Azlyn think twice about the drunk mumbling of a drunk guy late at night. 

Klindrael sighed. “Nevertheless, if it’s auraliae you seek, you ought to find plenty by the river just past the Tempest Gate and to the east. Hope that helps you out.” 

Azlyn nodded, if anything she could get her task done for the Arcanist’s Guild. “Thank you for your time Klindrael.” 

She waved goodbye and Azlyn walked back into the Drowned Wench. 

With her book in hand, she walked over to the Inn, and asked for a room. It took a bit of time, but with some money she was able to procure a room. She received a key, and was told which room and floor to go to. She was located on the fourth floor, fifth door on the right. Entering the space, she saw a nice bed tucked in the corner, a writing desk, and several amenities around the room. A glamour chest, an armoire, a toy chest, and a bell were just a few thing she notated before she climbed into the bed. 

Pulling out the book from before, she cracked it open to the page she felt off and read the rest of the book. It took her a good three to four hours before she decided half past midnight that was a good time to turn the lights off and go to sleep. 

In the morning she was awakened by the sun—a soft amber glow danced across the glass of the window. She stretched out her limbs, not feeling comfortable sleeping on the mattress provided. Her sleep had never been comfortable since she first set out from the Isle of Val. She missed her futon, she missed her family—her mom and dad. She shook her head, getting up to walk to the water basin. She washed her face, looking up into the wall mirror in front of her. She had aged incredibly since she left, much wiser, and much more mature than before. 

When she was fully awake, she gathered her things and went to return the key to the inn keeper below in the Drowned Wench. 

“Sleep well lass?” The keeper asked, accepting the key back from her. 

Azlyn smiled softly, “Yes, it was most comfortable. Thank you.” 

The innkeeper seemed happy with her answer, and bid her a good day. 

She made her way shortly after to Tempest Gate, with no breakfast yet, with an itinerary set in motion. She wanted to get a few things done before coming back into Limsa Lominsa. The quarry she was sent out to find had been easy to locate. As soon as Azlyn left through the gate, and passed the brick pathed bridge, she found the fluttering ladybugs. They were large in size, strangely plump and enjoying the flora nearby. It was also in the tall grass that she saw the skittering of rats, jumping between the cover and the shade of the bridge. 

She dispatched three of each, collecting anything useful from their corpses. While she wanted to avoid killing the beasts and monsters, she also didn’t want to waste the resources they provided. If anything, she could sell the materials back in Hawker’s Alley to get some more gold in her purse. 

The sound of trickling water caught her attention, bringing her attention further down the path and over to a flowing river. In the middle of the river, where some stones allowed for anyone to cross to the other side with ease. But that wasn’t her intention, her intention had been the medium sized jellyfish that floated above the water and danced about the center. 

Hopping from the coast to the first stone, she looked over to the next jump. Easy enough, she lifted her book and started to cast the spells within her capability. Drawing forth the formulae for each spell, she made sure to remember each spell’s casting step by step. 

She watched the fish drop into the water, and she had to chase the current to collect the umbrellas from them. It was a disgusting process, and the smell was just as bad. Azlyn had avoided getting wet, which would help her in her next journey across Lower La Noscea to get to the Eyes. 

Her morning was spent walking the paths, taking in the sights of the lush green and open pastures of land. She crossed the Madman Bridge and continued forward down the path until she came across a post where some guards were standing by. 

The one known as Ancreta lifted her hand up when Azlyn asked where she might be found. “Ancreta’s me name, how can I help ye adventurer?”

She jumped right into the heart of it. “I heard from someone that you hire outside help when trouble arises. Any troubles that you need help addressing?” 

Ancreta gave her a bewildered look. She spoke with a confused tone. “Ye say someone to come to me for work, lass? I’m afraid ye’ve been had.” 

Azlyn clenched her fist on the book on her hip holster. She was going to smack that Lalafell the next time she saw her. “Twelve Preserve, not again.” She muttered. 

Explaining the process to her, Ancreta replied. “It’s true we’re known to hire adeventurers, but we always go through the Adventurer’s Guild. Even if I wanted to assign ye duties, Yellowjacket regulations prohibit me from doin’ so directly.” She shuffled her boots on the ground, as she looked a bit guilty. 

“It’s alright—I’m sorry for wasting your time officer.” Azlyn shook her head, disappointed that she believed Niniya. 

It was then that Ancreta looked around them. A few moments went by before she leaned into the girl with a troubled look. “Well, if ye don’t mind workin’ in an unofficial capacity, I’ve a personal request I could make of ye...”

Azlyn nodded. “Sure, what can I do?” 

“Could you slay me three river toads? It’s actually the liver that I need from them.” 

The girl tried to remember what they looked like, but Ancreta explained in detail about the exact location and how to extract them. “I’m a bit squeamish doing the task, but my Grandfather told me to get them sometime today after my shift. I, for one, don’t want to vomit my lunch later on, so if you could do me this favor, I’d pay ye some coin for your time.”

Taking up her satchel, Azlyn forged ahead into the Eyes, where she retrieved what was asked of her—thank the Twelve she didn’t eat breakfast—and returned back to the guard. Ancreta passed her a bit of coin, and then another bag of coins for a delivery service fee. “Thank ye, it must have been disgusting.” 

Azlyn nodded, thankful she didn’t get toad guts all over her clothes. The guard however plugged her nose with her finger. “Sure stinks to high hell though. If you wouldn’t mind, could you take them over to the Red Rooster Stead. You’ll look for an old gentleman by the name of Anaoc. Whatever he’s doing with that—I pray it’s not something for food. Ughh.” Ancreta shivered uncontrollably.

Azlyn asked for directions. 

“You don’t have a map?” Ancreta pulled out hers from her back pocket. “Here, take mine. We’re currently here, and just take this path and you’ll be at Red Rooster Stead in no time. I’ll get a new map from my Sergeant after my shift.” She waved to Azlyn as she went. 

Despite Niniya’s deception, she turned out to help someone after all—even if it was a messy ordeal. And she also obtained a map for the trouble too. By the time she reached Red Rooster Stead, it was just past high noon. 

“Ahh—did Ancreta send you?” An elder voice called over to her. Azlyn walked up the hill to see a elder smiling down at her. “I can smell the liver off you—come, come, follow me to the farmland.” He beckoned her to follow him up the hill, and around the house. He stood in front of a large plot of agriculture. Procuring the livers out from her satchel, he took them with glee. “Yes, these will do quite nicely. I use them to help the quality of the fertilizer—better crop production you see!” He gestured to the vegetables tall stalks. 

Azlyn bit the bottom of her lip, swallowing the lump in her throat. She did her best to hide her uncomfortable feeling about the legitimacy of his farming technique. “S-so glad I could help.” She nervously replied. 

He nodded in approval. “Oh, if you have some time—if you don’t mind another delivery, I need these sacks of wool delivered to a guy I know. You can get the wool from that there sheep pen.” He grinned a toothy grin. “I also have ye some coin for your trouble lass.” 

Judging by the time, she figured she could make another delivery before heading back. “Sure, where is the wool going to?” 

“It’ll go to Weitzaren at the Grey Fleet. Ye got a map?” 

Azlyn pulled the map out that she received from Ancreta, his granddaughter. He pointed to the location with a shaky finger. “You’ll want to take this path, and head over here. There ye’ll find him tending to the mill. Safe travels lass.” 

She did as instructed, gathering the wool and walking over to the mill. Surprisingly it didn’t take much time, and Weitzaren was mildly surprised and delighted to see her delivery. 

“I’m surprised it’s here this quickly. I was promised tomorrow morning, but now I can start my pelt. Thank you lass.” He took the wool and Azlyn smiled in relief. She was glad to help sort it out. 

“Adventurer, do you have time by chance?” Azlyn had taken a seat on a box of crates when Weitzaren had walked over to her. He waited for her to finish drinking from her water canteen. 

“What can I do?” She replied, looking up at the Miller with great interest. 

“Well—we ran into a bit of a pickle late last night.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “A wild Galagos had taken a good portion of our grains of flour. If an abled adventurer like yourself went and recovered it for us, we’d be happy to pay you.” 

Azlyn didn’t mind making a few extra gold coins. And she still had plenty of time in her day. “Sure—did you want a trophy off the galagos to prove it’s death?” 

He nodded. “I’ll give you a free meal for that.” 

What she thought would be an easy task, turned into a challenging one, as she faced quite a number of nimble monkey like creatures dancing around her. It was difficult to strike the damn things, much less concentrate on her spell patterns. In a bit of frustration, she withdrew, drawing back to several rocks to hide. 

She flipped through her tome, looking for ways to win against them. She remembered what Thubyrgeim mentioned yesterday, about how Arcanima tapped into the living energies surrounding them. Playing with this theory, she focused on the mathematical formulae that would put as much aetheric energy out into a corporeal form, hoping with a bit of luck she might be able to summon. A spark of energy formed beside her, as she completed the pattern, and when she released it, she felt a pop. 

The energies swirled around and out from nowhere a carbuncle of the brightest blue flipped forward into existence. It sat down on the ground, the two tails thumping ecstatically. 

Azlyn’s eyes brimmed with joy, as she did something different beside Ruin!

She committed the pattern to memory, and then formulated several attack and diversion patterns for her carbuncle to take. It seemed content with the orders, as it rushed out from behind the rocks and wreaked havoc on a cluster of Galagos. A burst of arcane wind whacked several of them until they stopped moving. 

Feeling a bit guilty about having to kill them, she couldn’t help it as it was part of her job. The carbuncle bounded back to her looking for praise. She rubbed it between his long fluffy ears before it blinked itself out of existence. 

She gathered what resources she could from the dead animals, and then recovered the sacks of grains that the galagos stole. It was quite a successful mission. She made her way back to Weitzaren, who took the tail of the galagos with a nod. He then asked for his wife to bring out a lunch, and money for her trouble. 

It was a bowl of lentil soup and barley bread. Savoring the taste, she happily chatted with the locals, discussing all the ups and downs of Lower La Noscea. She found out the places that were safe to travel, as well as good spots to scavenge for materials. 

The sacks of grain flour needed to be taken to Red Rooster Stead. Weitzaren was asking a fellow to take it over, but Azlyn offered to take it instead. She had to go back to let Anaoc know she delivered the wool safely. 

So with the same sacks of grain, she bid goodbye to the Miller and some of the folks who lived there, and walked all the way back to Anaoc. She explained why she had the flour, and was told to deliver to a guy named Skarnmhar. The elder pointed at the man in question, and she finished the task with the sun passing high noon. 

Skarnmhar happily replied, “It’s nice to see an adventurer like yerself helping us common folk out. Unfortunately, the Stead don’t hire no guards, so when we needs somethin’ delivered we have to wait til some nice folks come by. Thank ye fer not robbin’ us.” 

Azlyn waved off his thanks, happy to help. “I’m glad I could help.” She smiled. 

Another man stepped forward, looking at her with interest. “Sorry to bug ye, mind lending out yer services once more?” 

She turned to face him. He was a coachman, just like some of the merchants she’d seen traveling around La Noscea. “You’re not bothering me, what’s the problem?” She asked, wondering what other troubles plagued this area. 

“Me name’s Wahoy Mahoy, miss. We had a bit of a problem with a shipment. I was attacked on me ay over,  and had their shipment of raiments stolen by a bunch o’ them kobolds. It’s a nasty business, but we do needs them raiments. Isn’t that right Skarnmhar?” 

The Roegabyn nodded down to the coachman. “Yeah—it’s put us in some trouble. Would you mind checking it out for us? We do have proper payments of course.” He produced some more coins for her. 

Azlyn had no choice but to accept. She didn’t like leaving them empty handed. Especially since they had no guards. “Okay—do you know where the Kobolds are located? I can try to retrieve the shipment for you.” 

Wahoy Mahoy grinned, “Oh yes, if you have a map I can tell you where.” When she pulled out the map, he indicated the kobolds had a base somewhere nearby in the mines.

“Bring the raiments to Skarnmhar when ye’re done. I need to repair me stagecoach! Thank ye miss!” He bowed, before running off to finish his chores around the Stead. 

Skarnmhar shook his head. “Swear that guy’s got too much energy. It’s such a good thing he’s a coachman deliverin’ goods.” 

Azlyn chuckled. She waved goodbye, hoping to take care of this trouble quickly. She made for the road, passing under a large over passing land bridge and past several stretches of farm lands and rivers. She could tell this land had been shifted over the years as small colonies picked up around La Noscea. It must have been to help with the displacement of people in Carteneau or neighboring areas when the meteor dropped. 

She neared the point, dodging out of sight from the kobold lookouts as she snuck into the mines, and into their camp. She was hoping to just take the shipment, and avoid a huge battle—but she still had to deal with two to three kobolds protecting the chests. Even though they didn’t seem to have a clue what it was. She let her carbuncle to the diversions, as she carried out the shipments with simple ease. It was one thing to fight—completely another to go into a hostile zone with zero strategy. Azlyn didn’t want to get stabbed by any pointy spears and rock made knives either. 

By the time she made it back to Red Rooster Stead, Skarnmhar was mildly surprised to see her so soon. “Back so soon?”

She nodded, “I couldn’t take care of all the kobolds—they’re more than thirty to forty of them holed up in that mine the coachmen said.” She started to explain what it looked like they were doing, and Skarnmhar darkened as she completed the tale. “This is quite troublin’ to hear. It’d be best to let Anaoc know about their increased activity—but I have to admit—” He smiled down at her.  “If the guard were as efficient as you have been today—we wouldn’t be havin’ any troubles with them kobolds and thievin’ pirates. If I didn’t have me a wife, I’d ask fer yer hand meself.”

Azlyn laughed, passing the chest over to him. “Thanks, but I like being single.” 

He gave her a hearty laugh, “Such a charmin’ lass Ike yerself—ye never know what ye will find. One day ye’ll see.” 

She chuckled, waving goodbye when he went to store away the raiments. Anaoc walked over to her, also impressed by her. “Already willing to help out anyone who asks—yer a kind soul. Thank you.”

She nodded, and also informed him of everything about the kobolds setting up a massive operation in the mines nearby. He also shared a dark look, something akin to Skarnmhar’s earlier. “The kobolds have been steadily adding more and more progress in setting up their camps. And they’re not stopping, I fear. Sooner or later they’ll be upon us in Red Rooster Stead.” He seemed a bit worried. 

“Is there anything we can do to prevent that from happening?” She asked, wondering what options they had. 

“Well—“ he replied, pursing his lips. “This might be tricky—and it needs someone like yourself to probably make it work. I’ll go grab a few individuals, and if you can—can you meet us outside by those mines?” 

Azlyn nodded. 

“Excellent, then I’ll head out first.” 

He walked off, and Azlyn took her time to walk back over, taking the same path she did previously. She drank from her canteen as she walked, enjoying the cool breeze and the warm sunlight on her face.

Arriving at the destination, she waited for Anaoc to appear. Only the one who approached her wasn’t the elderly man, but a woman. 

“Are you the adventurer Anaoc told me about?” 

“Possibly, who might you be?” Azlyn replied. 

“I’m Arenlona of the Dawn Meadow. I came to inform you of the plan we’ll be carrying out. It seems the kobolds are acting boldly of late, so we’re hoping to quell it before it spills into town.” 

Azlyn nodded, that would be the ideal solution. 

“Here’s the plan, since there has been a prolonged famine throughout La Noscea, many of the kobolds are starving for foods. As such, they’ve been raiding the Stead for anything they can find. Which unfortunately means trade gets hit the hardest. We’re going to bait them out using what they want, and slay them as they come. Are you up for it?” 

She drew the familiar formulae in the air to draw forth her carbuncle. “I guess we should get started.” 

Arenlona smiled, “Okay, give my men a moment to prepare the crates.” The operation went smoothly, as she commanded some men to big forth pre-prepared boxes full of succulent meat. It wasn’t long after the crates had been placed that several groups of kobolds came out from the mines sniffing the air. 

Azlyn let her carbuncle deal with a majority cluster, while she focused on one target whittling away at his endurance. Arenlona had several of her men jump into the fray, pulling some of the load off her carbuncle. 

Several clusters of Kobolds later, they had successfully cleared the mine out. 

“Can you inform Anaoc that the kobolds have been taken care of?” Arenlona asked, “We’ll take care of the clean up. Thank you for your assistance in this operation!” She smiled, bringing forth another sum of gold coins. 

Azlyn took the gold, thanking them and heading back to Red Rooster Stead. Anaoc shook her hand with great zealous, thanking her profusely for all of the help she gave them that day. He smiled down to her. “How kind a soul ye have. With this the kobolds will stay away—but they will be back in the future. They always are.” 

She nodded, but she was glad to know that for now it had been dealt with, with as little casualties as possible. Azlyn noticed the sun starting to set beyond the mountain range. She bid goodbye to them and teleported back to Limsa Lominsa, tired from all the walking she did and running around. She then teleported up to the Aftcastle, where she walked slowly into the Drowned Wench. She took a spot up at the bar, letting her satchel drop on the counter. 

Baderon was grinning ear to ear as he leaned on the counter. “S’dhodjbi said an adventurer might be droppin’ by to deliver somethin’ special. That you, lass?”

Azlyn opened her satchel and handed over the putrid, smelling jellyfish umbrellas. 

“Ah, ‘ells, lass, ye didn’t ‘ave to go to all this troubl—Ahahaha!” He noticed what it was and burst out laughing. “This godsdamned smell! I’ve ‘acted aurelia umbrellas since I was a sellsword. ‘Tis only the nastiest shite I ever put in me mouth!” 

She dropped her head in her hands, as she probably just wasted her time again. Baderon laughed regardless—he told her about the experiments they did. “We tried sprinklin’ it with salt and cookin’ it o’er a campfire, but ‘twas still little better than chewin’ on driftwood. Try it fer yerself, ye’ll see what I mean!” He teased her, bringing the carcass of the umbrella in front of her nose. 

She pushed it back to him with a polite hand. “N-nah—I’m good.” 

He laughed at her disgusted laugh. “This wasn’t all ye done today—gods I ‘ope not.” He dumped the dead umbrellas under his counter. 

It was then that Azlyn explained her long day—where she was tricked by Niniya once again—and wound up in a string of helping out folks in Lower La Noscea. By the time she started talking about the Kobolds he stopped his chuckling. 

“I’ll ‘ave to send some of them Yellowjackets over to Red Rooster Stead—it’s never a good sign when Kobolds aggressively attack. It might be a sign o’ Titan’s return—and that’s somethin’ we don’t want.” He beckoned her her satchel. “Give me some of yer paper—just a scrap is fine.” 

She gave him a sheet, and he jotted down the information. “I figure ye got some coin in yer purse fer a drink? Ye smell like ye need one.” He brought a glass and that stout drink he had her drink before. 

Before she could decline, he gave her the glass. “Ain’t no adventurer gonna spoil an ale like that—chop chop lass.” He smirked as she grimaced. Taking the glass, she slammed back the drink and gave it back to him. 

“I hate it.” She complained, to which he heartily laughed at her. This time he brought out the fruit juice and poured her a full glass. 

“Free o’ charge—cuz I like ye expressions.” He walked away from the bar, to tend to the rest of his counter. Azlyn sipped her drink, washing out the taste of that disgusting ale from before. She had to admit, it was easier to swallow now she got used to it. 

But she still hated it. 

When she finished her drink, she placed five coins under the glass. Whether he considered that a tip or not was up to him. She grabbed her stuff and walked out of the buzzing pub to walk over to the Arcanist’s Guild. She hoped Thubyrgeim was around so she could return the book and present her current progress. 

Wouldn’t she be surprised at her new carbuncle summon? Azlyn smiled as she walked past Hawker’s Alley, selling most of her resources she found. Then she made her way to the guild. Despite it being an early evening, she was able to see the guild was thriving, even late at night. 

“Azlyn, welcome! How was the book?” Thubyrgeim smiled down to her, and waited patiently for her to tell her all about her thoughts on arcanima, and her success with the three slayed creatures. The interim guild master nodded her head, approving of her commitment. 

“Excellent! I’m happy to say that you’ve more than proved yourself. I can proudly say with this trial complete you can officially join the ranks of the Arcanist’s Guild. Continue in your studies, and I do have another book for you to peruse. I’d love to pick your brain on the matter regarding defensive and offensive stratagem.” Azlyn returned the first book, and retrieved the second book from Thubyrgeim. 

“Tomorrow morning come on by. I’d like to continue to assess your improvement in the arcanima skills.” She smiled down to her. “Have a good rest, and a shower—“ She covered her nose at last. “You smell like those horrid auraliae.” 

Azlyn sniffed her clothes, probably desynthesized to the smell having been around it all day. She grimaced, but nodded all the same. “Have a good night.” 

Murie behind the counter waved to her, and Azlyn greeted her with a warm smile. It was then that she made her way back to the Inn, and requested a room—and a nice long bath. She paid extra for the services, and took quite a bit of time soaking her aching muscles in the water. The innkeeper had also provided her with some sweet smelling salts, and lotions that would get rid of the smell. 

She hoped it would. When she finished her bath, she walked into her room, shut the door, and collapsed onto the mattress. Azlyn had been tired from all the activity, and her body decided at the last minute that it wanted to lay down for the night.