My first fan-fic! I hope you guys like it!

I awoke one sunny, warm morning aboard a chocobo chariot heading west to Ul'dah. For a moment, I couldn't remember where I was, or where I was going. The previous night was a rough one, but I wouldn't let it discourage me from my journey ahead. My brother, Valdien, was my only family. Our parents passed away fighting in the Thousand Year War. Our parents were hugely experienced adventurers, that wanted nothing but salvation and peace for Eorzea. They would've and did give their lives to save Eorzea. I wanted to follow in their footsteps, but my brother didn't understand that. He begged me to stay last night, before my departure, but I would hear nothing of it. I tried to convince him to come with me, to fight for Eorzea just like our parents before us, but he refused. Two stubborn branches of the same tree, but we couldn't connect. So I left.

Our chariot hit a giant bump, and I was jostled awake from my flashback. I grabbed my lance instinctively, and sat up. Bremondt was looking over the side of the carriage, looking particularly annoyed.

"What's going on, Bremondt?" I inquired.

"Amalj'aa," Bredmont replied breathlessly. "They're following us." I jumped up, and looked to the south. Sure enough, a pack of about 3 of them was following us.

"How close are we to Ul'dah?" I asked, panicked.

"About... 15 minutes out. Not far, but we can't drag these heathens near the city." I nodded, and knew immediately what I needed to do. I launched myself off the chariot, and miraculously landed on my feet. I heard the landing of another behind me, and the extremely quiet passenger, Alphinaud, stood behind me, ready to aid. I nodded, and he nodded back. It was time to take out the garbage.

I bolted toward the threat with blinding speed, a tactic I had been learning during my downtime back home. Alphinaud followed closely behind. I tripped over a rock, and somersaulted to the feet of an Amalj'aa archer. He pulled his bow, ready to pierce my skull with his arrow. Just before he released the arrow, Alphinaud jumped between us, and decapitated him. I jumped up quickly, and brushed myself off. Back to back, Alphinaud and I took out any other Amalj'aa that dared come close, until there were none left standing. Breathless, I walked with Alphinaud back to the chariot, where we once again set our sights to Ul'dah.

"Thank you," Bremondt breathed. I nodded, and silently smiled to Alphinaud, who just returned my gesture with a cold, but thoughtful gaze.

About fifteen minutes later, we arrived in Ul'dah at the Steps of Nald.

"Thank you, Bremondt. Your assistance will never be forgotten," I smiled. Bremondt met my gaze, and nodded.

"Please, Kairia. Go out there and make me proud to say I know you. We need an adventurer to save Eorzea yet again. Try your best, and remember, you already have allies," and with that, Bremondt snapped the reins and turned away from the Jewel of the Desert. I waved until I could no longer see him on the horizon. Someday, I know I'll owe that man my life. I just know it.

I made my way to the Quicksand to register myself as an adventurer. There, I met Momodi. Momodi is a high-spirited Lalafell, with a twangy southern accent. She instantly made me feel welcomed, and embraced me as a new adventurer.

"Heya! Are you here to register to be a new adventurer?" Momodi declared. I nodded with a smile, trying to mask my excruciating nervousness. "Alrighty then! Let's be havin' your name then, ma'am."

"Kairia. Kairia Fenrir," I tried to mutter confidently. The moment my last name slipped past my lips, Momodi's eyes widened.

"D-did you say... Fenrir?" She asked. I nodded. "You're the daughter of Vivienne and Jastinen?" I nodded again, and her eyes glimmered with something that looked like hope.

"I didn't even know they had children... Are you an only child, Kairia?" I shook my head.

"No, I have a slightly younger brother. His name is Valdien," I said hesitantly. Momodi's eyes seemed to light up even brighter than before, which I didn't think could even be possible.

"Will he be joinin' ya then?" I looked down, and shook my head.

"No. Valdien is irate with me, walking into the same fate that our parents did. He does not understand why we would blindly risk our lives for the salvation of Eorzea. He does not see with the eyes that I, or our parents did. He will be staying behind, in Gridania," I explained. Momodi's posture slumped for a split second, but rekindled almost immediately.

"Well, no matter. We have you, and that's all that matters. Havin' the bloodline that you do, you'll be able to earn the respect of anyone almost immediately, which is nice, because adventurers aren't exactly always welcomed with open arms. We get a lot of bad eggs around here, at least as of lately. Adventurers that come in here hootin' and hollerin' about how they want to save Eorzea and do all these heroic things, but will go and rob a lady on the street for a measly amount of gil..." Momodi trailed off, with a look of pain and annoyance on her face.

"I assure you, I'm here to help. I want to do what my parents did. I want to win over the people of Eorzea, I want to be a light they look to for hope. That is my ultimate goal, and I will achieve it."

"Good to hear, darlin'. Since yer from Gridania, I assume you've already met with Ywain and done trainin'?"

"Yes. I have learned much from dear Ywain, and he forwarded me hear to get instructions on how to find the Dragoon instructor, as Ywain lost contact with him years ago, allegedly. Do you have any idea where I could find him from here? That is my first step."

"Ah! Glad to hear you are well seasoned, adventurer. Ywain knew of your adventure, yes?" I nodded. "Good. Then he prepared you correctly, and forwarding you to Alberic would most definitely be the correct step to make! Alberic would be found at the Observatorium in Coerthas. The easiest way of gettin' there is to take an airship back to Gridania, or head there via Aetheryte travel, and head to North Shroud. You can reach Coerthas from there. Why'd ya make a pit stop in Ul'dah, if you don't mind me askin'?"

"I wanted to join the Immortal Flames. They are my Grand Company of choice. I have admired Raubahn since I was a child." Momodi smiled.

"Ah, yes. Raubahn is an amazin' leader and friend to all of Ul'dah. You can find the Grand Company headquarters near the Aetheryte plaza. Head there now, and then ya should be on yer way to North Shroud."

"Thank you, Momodi, for all of your help. I'll be back soon, promise." And with that, I turned and bid farewell to my first friend in the giant city that is Ul'dah.