Thoughts from the Otherworld

 
 
I think our hunting trip aiming to take down cockatrices in Meriphataud Mountains did not go too well even after we had managed to find out their general location from other people who had hunted them before. Those particular beasts seem to be more than a little rare, and both I and Kii Kalira were more than a little frustrated about aimlessly wandering about the right area, trying to find even one. I do think, however, that for Kii Kalira it was somewhat more frustrating than it was for me. After more than half a day of futilely trying to track down one of these beasts, she at one point started shouting whatever came to her mind, saying she was trying to attract cockatrices.
...I do not know if her preposterous words worked or if it was a mere coincidence, but afterwards we did manage to find several nesting on a cliff. Several was all we needed, although taking them down proved to be a bit more arduous task than we thought beforehands. Cockatrices are known for their ability to petrify anyone who looks at them for too long, and while we were prepared for this, it did present trouble. Nevertheless, we did manage to take them down and obtained quite a few feathers to sell in Windurst. They use them to decorate hats there, and the going price was worth the little hunting I think.

Once we had reached Windurst Kii Kalira received summons to the Heavens Tower for a mission from her country. It has been a while since her last summons, and this time her mission proved to be unexpectedly important, not to mention hard to complete in practice. Kii Kalira wasn't too clear on the details, but from what I gathered it was to strengthen some seal put on Castle Zvahl. The location of the seal is close by, in the underground maze of the Horutoto Ruins, so at first we thought this to be a walk-in walk-out type of mission. However, turns out that there is a gate difficult to open on the way to the location of the seal. Before the gate there are magic glyphs on the floor, and to open it you must either have an unlocking charm, or three mages, one of every major school of magic, standing upon the glyphs and channeling their energy into it. While we naturally had both white and red magic covered, this left us in want of a black mage. Thankfully a friend of Kii Kalira's was present in Windurst and was willing to help us out, thus letting us into this deeper part of the ruins. The process of unlocking the gate was surprisingly impressive. I wonder what is behind the locked doors behind this gate? We could not access all the areas there, and neither did we have time to look around much.
The area was full of skeleton-type undead. I suppose this was to be expected, but what we weren't prepared for was the relative strength of these ones. Who knows how long they had been there, fighting against each other, gathering strength to assault the next person to enter... After some struggling, Kii Kalira did manage to follow her orders, and we warped back out to Windurst once done. She intend to now acquire the charm required to open the gate without the presence of three mages of different schools, and is rather annoyed that the person who gave her the mission didn't give it out for free to her when she received the mission.
 
 
I will never wonder about the mysteries of the world again. That is my most prominent feeling right at the moment. I have experienced something so wondrous, so out of the realm of normal possibilities, that my mind can barely comprehend it.
As we left San d'Oria after Kii Kalira's birthday, intent on embarrassing ourselves in front of the Troupe Brilioth leader, we took an alternate route that took us through less-trodden parts of Rolanberry Fields. With nary a malm left of the journey to Jeuno ahead of us, we came upon a monstrous apparition, jutting out of the ground like it had always been there. It almost appears to be some kind of a living being with a gaping jaw, if it would not be for the fact that it was covered in plants growing around it, and obviously did not move. I do not recall ever seeing or hearing about the like of it before, but on our eventual reaching of Jeuno I asked around and discovered that many people seem to have heard of them lately. It is strange though, none of the people I've talked to can recall when exactly they appeared, some going so far as to claim that they have always existed, while some would swear upon their lives that they are a recent phenomenon.
But I get ahead of myself. On finding such a strange apparition we were naturally curious and approached it. Imagine our surprise when this maw - as they widely call it - shook, and its gaping mouth shone ominously. It ended up drawing us in by some mysterious power.

I still cannot describe the experience well. What follows is quite possibly the strangest part of this. We ended up in this most unimaginable place with red and purple skies, with something resembling the shining maw - only infinitely bigger - pulsating in the sky. But hardly had we managed to realize where we were, there was a flash of light that ended up pushing us over the edge of the floating island.
Next thing I knew, we were back in Rolanberry. But this was not the same Rolanberry we left from. There were knights on chocobo-back, talking about 'the war', armies, and of Jeuno having restricted access only. They left soon, leaving us to wonder where this place so resembling our familiar Rolanberry was. It did not take us long to notice both of us had a mysteriously glowing feather with us. I think this last bit might have been too much for Kii Kalira. I could tell she was scared, and I have to admit I wasn't feeling too calm myself. A sudden change of scenery like that, talk of a war, a familiar yet strange Rolanberry...
When we turned our attention hesitantly back to the maw behind us, the feathers we carried reacted to it. We ended up being sucked in again, and this time when we came to, what faced us was the Rolanberry we know. The maw was still and lifeless like it had been before this ordeal. Thoroughly shaken, we headed back to Jeuno, where we are currently.
I...I must think of this. The war they referred to, the style of the armor they wore, the base of the Windurstian army they referred to, restricted access to Jeuno...could it have been..? We still have the feathers. I really must think further on this.
 
 
It is good to spend some time in one's home nation every now and then. At least, this was the thought in the back of my head when I and Kii Kalira headed to San d'Oria after making our aqcuaintance with the goblin Guttrix. But as an adventurer of some name I suppose one should not expect too much time to rest. Hardly had we entered within the walls of the city that we came across Balasiel who had previously awared both of us with the rank of a San d'Orian squire. He had one more test for our skills it seems, for he read us a riddle from the Book of Tasks. While somewhat tired, I did not hesitate to start unraveling this riddle. The first part of it was much more easily solved than the second, but I must admit to being almost defeated by the next two riddles. As Kii Kalira claimed to not be interested in riddles it is entirely possible they would have remained unsolved but for a chance happening - an official mission from San d'Oria. And not just any mission, a mission that enabled me to meet Prince Trion! It was a great honor to meet His Highness once again. To have word of my accomplishments reach the ears of one of the princes, it is almost unimaginable.

Ah, yes, the riddles. As my mission orders I was instructed to head to Davoi to retreave a report on the moves of the orcs there. Upon researching my destination - mainly its map - I had the most enlightening idea. The clues, while for certain could point to just any place with a river, could very well coincide with the layout of Davoi as well. I wasted no time picking up Kii Kalira before we headed to Davoi. I have been there on a mission before as well, but that time did not require me to head as deep in as this time.

Once I had successfully retrieved the report from a knight on duty in the area, we started searching the area. While it might not have been too good to dally around like that while on an official mission, I justify this to myself as having been a ssemi-official mission from a high-ranking San d'Orian official.

...I cannot deny that it was somewhat difficult to sneak around Davoi. There were orcs everywhere, ones far more skilled than what we have previously encountered. But once again, our spells came to our aid, and we managed to retrieve a peculiarly disfigured sword from a disused well at the very edges of Davoi. Upon returning to San d'Oria, not was I only congratulated on the completion of my mission by Prince Trion himself, but by presenting the disfigured sword to Balasiel as proof of solving the riddles I and Kii Kalira were awarded the title of honorary San d'Orian knights. I cannot help but feel that my heart is about to burst with pride. I must attempt to bring myself to ground somehow soon, becoming proud over these recent events would not be a very good way to pay back all this honor I have been awarded as of late.

Maybe the way to achieve this lies with Kii Kalira. She does not seem too affected by becoming a knight, but instead grumbles about everything. I wonder what is wrong with her. Maybe she did not agree with coming to San d'Oria after all.

Somewhere along the way, a whole year has passed since I set out on my adventure. Certainly many things have happened, too many to conveniently downsize to a simple sentence. May the next year bring as much excitement, and avoid the sorrows and worries that plagued parts of the last.
 
 
Not unexpectedly, major events seem to be happening in the world, bit by bit. Kii Kalira received an official mission not too long after my latest journal entry. It was the follow the minister of Orastery, Ajido-Marujido. Apparently, this high-ranking Windurstian has been acting strangely recently, Kii Kalira had witnessed this before these recent events herself. I am not too clear on the details, but we managed to track down the minister to Castle Oztroja, the yagudo castle in Meriphataud Mountains. It was a formidable place indeed. Barging in head first would surely have resulted in our deaths, so we found ourselves sneaking in aided by the power of our magic. Rarely has there been a time when I have been this thankful for our ability to conceal our presence from others.

We wandered about the castle for some time before finding the minister. He wasn't in too good shape but had somehow managed to meet the yagudo leader Tzee Xicu shortly before. My mind still refuses to quite accept that I have been that close to the leader of these beastmen. At the castle it did not quite reveal its full impact, but after I had time to think about it...it is a fearsome place indeed, Castle Oztroja.

After the minister had left us, telling us he would head to Windurst but to please conceal that fact from the other high-ranking Windurstians - he must have had his reasons, although I do believe Rii Kalira to be more privy to them - we discovered that he had left behind his ring. I am not certain if it was such a wise thing to do, but as the child Kohlo-Lakolo, the leader of the group calling themselves the Star Onion Brigade, had been wanting a minister's ring to see what was concealed within the sealed house of Karaha-Baruha, the hero of the Great War... we found ourselves lending the item to him, it concealing the power to unlock the seal of the house within it. While it might not be the most ethical thing to do to break into the house like that, I have to confess to feeling curious as to what it might be hiding.

...what awaited us was not something I would have guessed. There was a Cardian within the house, and the mana orb from before reacted with it, making it activate again. This Cardian was called Joker, which somewhat differs from the usual naming convention for these dolls. I have to wonder if there is any significance behind it, but I might have to be content with just wondering as the Cardian appears to have lost his memory.

Something else unexpected happened right when we were leaving. The children of the Brigade had just left with the Cardian as the ruby - the very same ruby we found in the stomach of a leech on Qufim Island not too long ago - started..speaking to us. Although I have to confess to now knowing why Kii Kalira had the ruby with her, as our approximity to the House of the Hero was likely the cause for the ruby to activate, I suppose we should be thankful for her. Apparently, this ruby is no ordinary ruby. On top of the voice advising us to gather the seven colors minister Ajido-Marujido appeared before us again. It seems he had taken refuge in the house, and was disturbed by our leading the Brigade in. I'm not certain how he felt about this. Nevertheless, he told us the voice was telling us to gather the colors of the sky. I have several theories, but I think writing about this will have to wait. We will be leaving Windurst in the morrow.
 
 

The Shadow Lord..could it really be? He's returning? I...let me start from the beginning.

Our mission in Bastok turned out to be of more dire importance than anyone could imagine. I and Kii Kalira, as representatives of Bastok's allies, both received orders to cooperate in investigating word of the Quadav of Palborough Mines planning something not very pleasant. When we arrived to the scene we found an ahriman and a dragon in a fight with the Mythril Musketeer Ayame. To our horror she got attacked by the dragon just as we arrived, and fell.
It was chaotic. I never imagined we would have to go against opponents of such strength on such a short notice. Although I do suppose that's how you always end up in these situations - suddenly, with hardly any time to prepare. This certainly caught us off-guard, but we managed to defeat them both. I still do not know quite how.
After the battle, a person appeared. Lion by name, a young Hume woman. It turns out both of us had met her before - I did not mention it, but she was at the San d'Orian consulate of Windurst when I completed my previous mission. She recognized the dragon as a beast from the sealed Northlands, which prompted the ahriman to tell us that the beastmen are working on bringing the Shadow Lord back. Having mocked us for being so blind as to not have seen it, it died. We rushed to lady Ayame, and were relieved to find her regaining consciousness shortly after.

The situation is grave. When setting out, I certainly did not expect to be involved in something like this. Maybe I hoped for grand adventures, but certainly nothing of this magnitude. Preparing a way for the Shadow Lord to return..! We reported back to our consulates in Bastok. I will shortly leave for San d'Oria to bring back my report, and Kii Kalira will go to Windurst for the same reason.
Even with all this, I am uneasy leaving her side, and not only for her safety on the journey back. I would wish to have her by my side in this. I know we will see each other soon again, but even so.

 
 

First day of the new year. May it be as event-filled as the last one.
Although I am not entirely certain I should be hoping for that. I...I am confused. While Kii Kalira did seem to be cheered up by our visit to Jeuno, I certainly did not expect her to kiss me. Ah, there you have it. I can barely write it down, my head becomes so filled with thoughts of her I simply cannot coordinate my hands enough. I'm afraid I'm taking it too far. While she is sweet, and Endahren especially has mistaken the situation - quite permanently it seems - in reality I cannot recall any instance where she would hint about something more. It was just a new year's kiss, that is all.

I must take my mind off this matter.

We will be going to Bastok soon again. With the festival season over, we must retain our duties. The both of us have been ordered to make a visit to the capital as a continuation to a display of mutual willingness to help other nations. It is quite convenient that we would both receive such orders at the same time, although I suppose convenience should have nothing to do with it. It is a matter of political importance to keep good relations with your neighbors, and our missions are just small examples of that.

 
 

After Bastok, we headed to San d'Oria. To my surprise, there was a mission waiting with my name on the order. To be especially requested to handle a matter like this, it is a great honor! I talked with Monarlais Halver and was told to contact the consuls in Windurst and Bastok for specifics. This is apparently a sign of friendship and support wetween our nations, Kii Kalira was sent on a similar one not too long ago. It is a great thing indeed that we are getting along this well.

We headed to Windurst first, and I reported in at the consulate. The mission wasn't too difficult, although I would dare say that maybe the consul has a bit of a personal grudge against the yagudo. After all, it is not our place as foreign citizens to meddle in the affairs of another nation, even if those affairs involve beastmen. I do not necessarily like the windurstian attitude either, but this is what they have decided is the best for them. Nevertheless, I fulfilled my mission and retrieved two shields from the yagudo for the consul.
Considering the time limits of this mission and the approaching holidays, I and Kii Kalira have decided not to head to Bastok until later. Her orders have her visiting the city too, so this should not be a problem.

 
 

Not long ago, I was given one more mission by my country. I have not mentioned them for some time, I think. We had just finished a mission for Kii Kalira in Windurst and arrived to San d'Oria, but we took off again. This time the journey took us through Jugner Forest to Davoi. It used to be a monastery, but was taken over by orcs during the Great War. We could not enter the area too deeply, but it was a sad sight, especially considering how peaceful it must have been before. There were orcs everywhere, and we barely managed to retrieve the papers I was told to retrieve from the area.

Our journeys had taken us through Jugner before, so the area wasn't unfamiliar to us. The forest is home to a breed of rather strong and vicious tigers. I suppose everything is relative, though. When we first encountered them, they brought us considerable trouble. These days, not so much.
Our journey to Jeuno has gotten delayed, it seems. It is rather amazing how many new and exciting sights the world holds when you open your eyes to them. One thing is for certain - we will not run out of things to do.

 
 

It has been too long, with no word from her. Could something really have happened?

To take my mind away from the issue for a while, I approached the Royal Knight on duty at Westgate and asked for a mission. What he told me was quite surprising. Apparently not too long ago, orcs kidnapped some children. They have been getting quite active recently, despite the best efforts of our military. This makes me quite worried. Prince Trion was out with the Royal Knights, and this is out of the jurisdiction of the Temple Knights. What a terrible situation. I was sent to the Cathedral to inquire what Tedimout, one of the children reported missing, looks like.

Father Arnau was quite pleased that something was being done about it, but before too long I received quite a shock. Prince Pieuje and Papsque Shamonde entered, their intention to ask about just the same thing! Thus I ended up receiving a mission from the Prince himself. He seemed quite concerned over the matter, and informed me that they suspected the children had been taken to Ghelsba Outpost.

With a matter with this level of royal interest behind it, I wasted no time in setting out. Ghelsba Outpost is orc territory, and that was clear from the moment I started approaching the outpost. As my travels had not yet taken me north-west of the city, I didn't have a clear picture of how close their influence reaches. Why, their flags stand almost to the gates of the city itself! This, more than anything, convinced me that the Royal Knights need all the help they can get.

The Ghelsba area seemed barren. It is as if even the trees cannot survive where so many orcs dwell. Thankfully I did not need to wander in too deep, as when investigating a hut close to the entrance, I was interrupted by three orcs, one of whom identified himself as Fodderchief Vokdek. They naturally attacked me, but I was victorious, and freed the three prisoners.

I was intending to investigate another hut nearby when Prince Trion arrived with two Royal Knights. I was caught off-guard. Not do I meet only one, but both the princes in a single day...this quite amazes me. He apologized to me for Pieuje, who he said should have come himself. Maybe he was just being courteous, but that could also be a sign that the rumors are true and the princes do not get along well... Nevertheless, we entered the hut and discovered Tedimout, the missing friar in training from the Cathedral. I was quite relieved, that made all the missing people I knew about. Prince Trion thanked me and went on his way to the city. As the presence of royalty was making me (admittedly) somewhat nervous, I was thankful for that.

Even though night was already arriving, I took it upon myself to dispose of orcs and dangerous monsters on the way back to the city. Altana must have smiled upon me today, for I encountered a wolf and obtained revival tree root for the old man. I must give it to him in the morrow, after visiting the Cathedral and the gate house it was already too late to do that.

It has been an eventful day, and it almost made me forget I still haven't heard from her. No word. At least the children are safe.

 
 

It has been quite eventful few days. I have now reached Windurst, and rented a room here.

Upon reaching Windurst, I was quite surprised to notice a familiar face in the crowd. I was uncertain about it at first, but she really did turn out to be Kii Kalira. She seemed somewhat flustered to see me, which I think is very understandable. I should not have come with so little forewarning. She was kind enough to direct me to the appropriate people to rent a room, and even heal me. It seems that she really did become a white mage. I am glad for her.

Nevertheless, she was on a mission to re-energize some orbs for the Manustery, and needed help. I was glad to provide that to her. The Horutoto Ruins are a fascinating place, them being some of the oldest relics of the old times. We visited the Marguerite Tower, east from Leviathan's Gate. It is apparently the only one still in operation. I am amazed even one of them works! I should find out how old they really are. I later explored some of the other towers by myself, and while I couldn't understand the meaning of the devices in them, they appeared similar to the ones Kii Kalira used to recharge the orbs she had.

It seems that the seemingly peaceful Windurst has its troubles too. As we were heading out of the Marguerite Tower, we came across some Cardians bothering the tarutaru guard, demanding to get the orbs. Kii Kalira stopped them before they got violent with him - thank Altana she is alright! - and the guard told her to hand over the orbs to them, saying that he'd take all responsibility.

We parted at Leviathan's Gate after that. I hope she did not get into trouble for not bringing the orbs back to the Manustery.