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 have been honored with a proper audience with the Chieftainness of the mithra in Windurst, Perih Vashai. Kii Kalira, after hearing tales of her accomplishments in the Great War from the mithra in Kazham, became excited and wanted to visit Windurst. Upon our arrival she wasted no time to lead us to the Chieftainness, very excited about Perih Vashai's mastery of the bow. I did not know she was interested in archery. She has always been more of a healer type in my mind. Maybe this is a recent thing. She sure has changed a lot. Not that I would mind, it merely strikes me as a quick change.
Where was I. Ah, yes, the Chieftainness. When Kii Kalira insisted on talking to her that day she listened patiently and then sent us on a strange quest. It involved tracking down what I think was a kind of a sabertooth tiger graveyard in Meriphataud Mountains. I still do not quite understand her insistence on us seeing this, but we concealed ourselves and waited patiently, and in the end witnessed the last moments of an old sabertooth tiger.
Upon our return to Windurst the Chieftainness listened to our reactions to this event and taught us about the mithra way of living off nature while respecting it. It was a true eye-opener, and I think it affected Kii Kalira even more than she cares to admit. She signed up with the mithran rangers afterwards.
 
Something else happened too, on our journey to find this dying place of sabertooth tigers. Witnessing that event left us both thoughtful, and since night had not yet fallen we made our way to Jeuno, to spend the night much more comfortably before heading back to Windurst to report to the Chieftainness. As we had time left over before night fell even after arriving to Jeuno, we went to spend a pleasant evening in the Merry Minstrel in lower Jeuno. The evening turned out not so pleasant, as the bard was more interested in his own sorrow than entertaining the customers. As Kii Kalira remarked on it the mithra behind the counter told us about some old song that supposedly mends broken hearts. It was most curious. It only struck me afterwards, but that bard seemed very broken-hearted. If it could be healed with a simple song, would that not be nice? I think we should head to Buburimu Peninsula and try to find this song, apparently it is carved to some stone there.
 
 
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.
 
 
Windurst is surely home to many wondrous things. Some of these things - rather, persons - are also somewhat amusing. Kii Kalira made friends with a group of children in Windurst before, they call themselves the Star Onion Brigade. I had the honor of being accepted as a member to this selective group today. They have their hideout behind some warehouses in the port district.

Apparently the last time she went to play with these children they retrieved a stray mana orb - one of those round devices used to power Cardians. I had no idea she had been playing with children like this. Not that I'd have to know everything she does, it merely seems..amusing to me. Charming for certain. I hear they played a prank on the famous mithra thief Nanaa Mihgo.

This time, the Brigade was in confusion as the mana orb they'd found last time had gone missing. After several mishaps we managed to get ourselves made fake moustaches - for what purpose, I could not really understand, this being a detective game of some kind - but it turned out to be for naught as one of the Brigade members themselves confessed to having this orb. I wouldn't begrudge time spent on playing with children, but seeing her wearing a fake moustache made it seem all that more worthwhile...

She seems to have cheered up somewhat after this ordeal. That is good.
 
 
Kii Kalira has been down recently. I've tried talking to her about it, and it turns out yesterday it had been exactly a year since her sister's death. It took a while for her to admit even that much. It must hurt her dearly still, to have lost her sister. I am not even certain how she died. I do wish I could pay my respects at her grave, but I am not too eager to bring up the issue with Kii Kalira again. She doesn't seem willing to talk about it much.

Nevertheless, we are now in Windurst, spurned on by the promise of handing out a Kazham airship pass to any adventurer who brings them a set of keys, one from each of the beastman strongholds of Ghelsba, Giddeus and Palborough. It is a good thing we chose Giddeus as the first one, I do think. The memories of her sister attached to this city must be painful for Kii Kalira, but I think it does her well too, to be here at this time.

Giddeus...it is a truly formidable place. We have visited there briefly before, but did not venture in too deep. While there exists a tentative peace between Windurst and the yagudo in Giddeus, trifling with beastmen is something that should not be done. Nevertheless, we ventured in. I suppose it was inevitable that we would end up defeating several yagudo in battle. I wonder how the peace can hold when yagudo keep attacking people, and adventurers can sneak in to that place with nary a thought and kill some of their own? I would not presume to know the thoughts of the Windurstian leaders, but looking from the outside, it seems a a facade, a farce even. I have to admit to not liking it here. Windurst seems such a peaceful place from the surface, but beneath that surface lies turmoil.
 
 

The end of the winter is drawing near. The Doll Festival preparations came and went, and the day itself is almost gone now. Time generally passes slowly during the winters, but the feastdays go by fast. This year's Doll Festival we spent in Windurst, and it was certainly surprising, but not in a good way. I started thinking about the nature of the day. It is, after all a festival for girls, so I asked Kii Kalira if she wouldn't rather spend it with her sister. The answer I received was that her sister died some time before I arrived to Windurst last year. I have to admit to being more than a little surprised. She hadn't said a word to me of it before, and although she certainly doesn't need to, it still leaves me wondering. Why wouldn't she mention something like this? She must have been devastated by her loss when I so presumingly whisked her away from Windurst along with me. I wonder if this loss doesn't explain some of the differences I've noticed from how she was before.
I am not sure why, but she bought me a Windurst-made bonbori lantern some time after. I had been admiring them, but that doesn't mean she would have to buy one for me. I have to confess to being confused.

Earlier in the day I met a strange mithra. It isn't entirely polite to say so, but for some reason I seem to meet many of them. This one told me to fetch her a suitable stone for Rarab's Tail hostelry's famous pickles. It is strange though, she didn't appear to be working for the establishment herself. So why...? Windurst is certainly a laid-back place.

 
 

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.

 
 

I have come to the conclusion that my life could be considered weird. Perhaps it needs some more structure. I have never seen so many places in the span of such a short time, separated by such great distances.

As I suspected, obtaining beastman blood for the man Novalmauge was no great task. Although when I brought him the vial, he was thankful enough to explain his situation to me. Apparently, there is a sickness that makes you react strongly and violently to the light of the sun. I have never heard of such a thing before, but it certainly explains the rumors about this man being a vampire. As often happens, the rumor turned out to be not entirely true, but rather based on it.

While walking near the south Auction House with Kii Kalira after delivering the blood, we came across this strangest frank mithra lady. She inquired if we were adventurers, and then told us to deliver a letter to her grandchildren in Windurst. These two people are called Elen and Liili Chocola, Elen Chocola apparently has a rarab farm somewhere in the city. Kii Kalira did not seem too pleased with this, but nevertheless, we accepted the task she set for us. The mithra disappeared before we had a chance to refuse, and I had already taken the letter into my hands.
One thing amazes me. The woman talked of grandchildren. She did not appear to be old at all. Maybe mithra, like tarutaru, do not age like we do? I must remember to ask this from Kii Kalira some time. Hopefully she will not be too offended by the question. Lately, it seems like she has been more temperamental than before.

We left for Windurst the very next day. We are now quite accustomed to traveling, and the journey was faster than ever. Inquiring after the two sisters in Windurst brought us to the right people soon enough, and we delivered the letter to their hands. I have a feeling they were not too happy to receive it. Perhaps it brought bad news?

 
 

It has been a busy and incredible day again. I do not remember the last time we've had this much excitement in our lives.

Throughout the morning and day I and Kii Kalira participated in the festivities again, and agreed to help with an event called the Wake of the Lilies. I dimly recall hearing something about this previously, yet the exact particulars of the matter elude me. It is apparently a wake held yearly to appease the souls of dead witches, with progressions in every nation.

Aside from the Wake, we walked about the city in costume and enjoyed the festivities. As much as it pains me to admit, the festivities in San d'Oria have not been this much fun since I was a child. There is something about the atmosphere in Windurst that makes everything seem that much more lighthearted, and the people more willing to let go of everyday matters to concentrate on having a good time.

Later in the day, I and Kii Kalira attempted to leave for Giddeus again. But who do we meet if not the very Moogle we met yesterday, still worrying about Pyracmon. I had good reason to worry about the authenticity of his defeat yesterday. It seems that he might be immortal, or close to it. Nevertheless, this should not stop us from doing everything we can to stop him, whatever his purpose in infiltrating Windurst would be. We aided in his defeat once again. It seems though that after yesterday, not quite as many adventurers are willing to help. There were only two Tarutaru dragoons with us. Despite this, our victory was ensured. I am starting to think that his strategy depends on overwhelming our defences not with strength, but with resilience.

For defeating Pyracmon this time - what can the cityguard be thinking, not helping during these times? - I and Kii Kalira received several enchanted items. The enchantment is a spell of Teleport, with the destination point set at Bastok. The mere concept of such items fascinates me. They are certainly cannot be very widely available, for I have merely heard of them before, but never seen one with a Teleport enchantment. Granted, I do have a ring with a San d'Orian Warp enchantment, for those emergencies should I ever be needed at home.

Our venture to Giddeus forgotten, we decided to see what festivities Bastok has to offer us. The decision was certainly sudden, although understandable considering the freedom and convenience of travel these items have temporarily brought us.

I am currently writing this in Bastok. I hope the good people of Windurst can wait a little while to have their requests fulfilled. We have rented rooms here and plan to stay for a little while.

 
 

It is the first day of the Harvest Festival.

Earlier today, Kii Kalira and I were on our way to Giddues to complete some requests from the cityfolk. Just outside Odin's Gate we came upon a frantic Moogle. While this itself has not been an infrequent sight lately, it was only polite to listen to his woes.

Turns out that the rumors that have been circulating in Windurst lately were based on truth, and the monster was actually the exorcist Pyracmon, come back to life due to an evil relic he had in his possession. Controlled by the evil of the relic, he had become a fearsome monster, a rather big flying eyeball. Naturally, we agreed to help the poor Moogles. We joined the many other adventurers helping vanquish this evil, and after a fierce but short battle we emerged victorious.

Words cannot quite convey how amazed I am by this turn of events. To have those rumors to actually have been true... this certainly is the most exciting Harvest Festival I remember having, and I am truly glad that I came to Windurst again. However, it worries me how easy it was to dispose of the threat, in the end. Could this truly have been a mighty exorcist in his previous life?

Despite the festivities, something seems to be bothering Kii Kalira. I am reasonably certain by now that my misconduct has been forgiven, but something is most certainly weighing on her mind. I wish I could help.

We never did get as far as Giddeus. Will have to attempt again tomorrow.