Chapter 6) Waves

Xanthos, you would never believe I ended up as an envoy of all things. Me, a child of misfortune... I probably should've refused because of that, but I'd agreed and now, I'm on an airship. An airship! Do you remember the story about them and the prison in the skies? I find myself looking for it in the clouds, wondering if it was based on a real place. No sightings yet, only the beautiful sky. The sunrise and sunset look so different from above. Same for the ground below, all beautiful colors swirling into a magnificent world...

But don't worry. I won't forget I'm here for a purpose. It's the least I can do for Raubahn, after all.

The stories always mentioned 'sea air' was distinctive. I never realized how accurate it was until the airship closed in on Limsa Lominsa, and it was frustrating how difficult it was to describe. Fresh? Salty? Fishy? Crisp? All of it and none of it, but it was certainly unlike anything I'd smelled in Ul'dah and Thanalan. The closest would be the areas around the Silver Bazaar and Crescent Cove, but this was so much... well, more. Maybe it was the size. We were flying right over it, after all.

"Limsa Lominsa is Eorzea's primary naval power, and formally the home port of the most notorious pirates," I whispered to myself, flipping through one of my books. With no chairs or the like to sit, I'd set myself up against the railing, reading what I could during the trip. The blustering wind made it difficult, but I managed well enough. I think. "It's only with the most recent Admiral's ascent to power it became the city-state it is today. I wonder why she decided to change everything? She would've been a pirate herself, yes?" I thought about it for only a second longer before shaking my head and returning to my reading. I truly wanted to finish this chapter, and from my understanding, we were almost...

"Limsa is within sight, miss!" the Pilot (never got his name, sadly) shouted back to me. I sighed almost regretfully and marked my place before shutting my book. "Shouldn't be long now."

"Is that so?" Slowly, I stood and stretched before heading to the railing to look out. Immediately, I could see a beautiful city of strangely white stones rising from the glittering waters. "Oh wow..." Another city... another new place to explore... I couldn't help but smile at the thought, eager to learn all I could about the people there. See how they lived with my own eyes... I couldn't wait and leaned over the railing some to study it further. As I did, though, a strange cold nugget of dread wormed its way down my spine. Nothing I saw looked out of place, yet it writhed and splintered through the excitement. And, automatically, I... "Get down!" I lunged for the Pilot and brought out my shield, just in time for something to strike the side of the airship hard enough for splinters to fly and the ship to rock. "What in the Dawnfather's name...?"

"Pirates?!" They yelped and immediately spun the wheel to do… something. It involved turning the ship, obviously, but I couldn't tell why nor could I ask. Another something struck the side and, this time, it caught one of the wings on the side. "Damn… Miss Belkaia, you should-"

"I am staying right where I am." I adjusted my stance and kept my shield up. A good thing, as the third hit blasted out part of the side railing. It wasn't until I saw the metal sphere rolling by my foot I finally made the connection of 'cannons'. Far too long, but… "Tch…!" When a fourth hit resulted in the cannonball actually hitting my shield and bruising my arm, I think I could be forgiven for taking so long to piece things together. "Are you all right?"

"Better than the ship!" They reached down to fiddle with some levers. "Closer to the docks than the landing… brace yourself!" Within seconds, we descended rapidly from the skies, towards the ocean below. The seaspray hit my face and made my eyes sting and actually hitting the water nearly knocked me over. Bracing for a landing apparently was not the same as bracing for a hit. Good to know… "Now, there are some back up sails for this purpose, so we can… Thal's balls!"

"What hap-whoa!" 'What happened' was, apparently, we'd landed very near another ship and nearly found ourselves knocked over by the… wave? Wake? Whatever term it was for the influx of water moving out of the bigger ship's way. If… that was actually what was happening. Hard to say, really, since the force did actually knock me over, and I slid right to the railing and clonked my head. "Ow…" All I could confirm through the ringing in my head was we had a very large ship next to us.

"Miss Belkaia!" Thankfully, the Pilot helped me to my feet. "We should be safe. The ship flies the flag of the Kraken's Arms." I think I read about that in the book... something about it being one of the remaining pirate powers? "They've taken well to their Admiral's new directive." They pointed to where already some were lowering boats and paddling for us. "Here, let me assist..."

I let the Pilot help me off the airship and onto one of the boats, and then accepted the aid of one of the sailors to actually climb up onto the ship proper. Almost immediately, a towel was thrown at me to dry off and I was escorted to the side to stay out of the way while the crew worked on whatever they had to do to keep the airship from sinking. I guessed that was what they were doing, at least, though truthfully, I wasn't certain. By my eyes and ears, it was naught but chaos, carefully controlled by a single person, an Elezen man with noticeably darker skin than his compatriots and pale-pale eyes which shone. He issued out orders easily and sharply, clearly expecting to be obeyed immediately, yet he joked and teased those who passed him and kept a close eye on everyone to ensure no one strained themselves. It was fascinating, truly.

"Seems we have everything steady enough," he finally said, walking over to me. Almost immediately, I realized his accent was different than the others, reminding me of Eline's, but I bit back the observation. I remembered how poorly Eline had reacted. "To shoot on an airship flying Uldahn colors... I'm almost impressed by such blatant foolishness." He narrowed his eyes as he looked down at me. "And I am quite impressed with your luck, little miss. Usually we'd be a half-day's worth of sailing from Limsa, but the winds and seas have been particularly favorable for our return trip." He quirked a smile; it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Mayhaps Llymalaen has turned Her gaze your way."

"I rather doubt one of the Twelve would find me interesting," I murmured, thinking on the name. Llymlaen, the Navigator... watcher of the seas, guardian of Limsa Lominsa... "I may have missed it, but who were you again?"

"Hmm? Ah, yes." He bowed slightly, tipping his hat. "Captain Carvallain of the Kraken's Arms."

"Syna Belkaia." I bowed in return. "Thank you for coming to our rescue." I glanced over the railing, noticing the ropes tied around the broken airship. "Ah, so are those to help with towing the ship? I haven't caught a single word anyone has said, sadly."

"Doesn't help we sailors will often speak in shorthand for ease." Interesting... wondered if I could learn? "But yes, we are. Letting an airship sink here could cause problems for the local wildlife."

"It can?" My eyes widened. "How?"

"From my understanding, the greatest danger comes from the ceruleum tanks..."

I badgered Carvallain with all sorts of questions, running with every tangent which seemed interesting. He took it with surprising grace, though he was quick to escape once his crew confirmed everything was in order. From there, we sailed the last few yalms to dock at the city at last, and I was among the first to leave the deck. To my surprise, a crowd awaited us for some reasons. Perhaps someone said, or perhaps this was 'normal', but I didn't ask. I was far too focused on the people. Lots of people. Lots and lots of people, all squirming and reaching and I felt suffocated naught two steps off the boat! Thankfully, my smaller size let me wriggle through the gaps more easily and I popped out of the crowd with a breath of relief. And a belated realization I had no idea where to go from here to deliver Raubahn's letter. It was safe, of course, for I had it in my 'inventory', but how was I supposed to meet this Admiral? I highly doubted I'd run into her while walking through the markets like I did Nanamo!

Sighing, I shook my head in an attempt to rid myself of the writhing thoughts and was reminded of my earlier injuries. A quick feel along the back of my skull proved no knots or tenderness. A look on my arm showed only the barest of bruising curling under my scales. I couldn't help but frown at both. While I did enjoy not being in pain or having lingering injuries, I was relatively certain to heal so quickly was unusual. Had I always been this way? I'd rarely injured myself in the Room, as far as I could remember. Perhaps I had bruised myself while learning to walk, but no one had ever drawn attention to it.

So caught up in my thoughts was I that I didn't notice part of the crowd slowly crowding around me. In fact, I only noticed at all because I wondered just why so many people were wearing yellow shirts. Then I noticed the hard look in their eyes and stiffened, attempting to step back. But I was along the edges of the pier still; behind me was only the ocean. And these people slowly surrounded me, cutting off any other escape route. All the while, they muttered amongst themselves, almost too quiet to hear.

"Interesting that the airship would be attacked and a strange person appeared not long after," one murmured, their eyes almost cold. I bit my lip and rested a hand on the crystal pendant around my neck, in case I needed fire to ward them off. "Very interesting indeed." All of them had axes slung across their backs, but if needed, I did have my fists. The numbers and area were against me, but... "Given the recent kidnappings, we can't let a suspicious outsider run loose." Kidnappings? I almost asked, but I noticed shouting behind the yellow-wearing ones. I thought I might have heard my name, but wasn't sure. My heart hammered in my ears, particularly when the closest few reached for their axes. "We should-"

"Get out of the damn way." That was a very crisp tone, and with the way the yellow-wearing people suddenly stiffened, you'd think each word was a slap. "While your devotion to duty is appreciated, your zealousness is not." An older Roegadyn wearing a uniform as crimson as his eyes suddenly pushed through the crowd, quelling them with a glower not blunted by the goggles he wore. "I dare not think of the consequences of arresting an envoy," he continued, each word blunt and enunciated. A couple of the yellow-wearing ones flinched back. "Thankfully, the Uldahn envoy is very distinctive in her looks, and someone noticed her catching her breath here." He waved at the group, shooing them off. "Return to your posts at once. You will not find what you seek here." Almost immediately, the yellow-wearing group saluted and scampered off, and my rescuer sighed and smiled wryly at me. "Pray forgive them, miss. The Yellowjackets serve as peacekeepers here in Limsa Lominsa, not unlike your Brass Blades. Recent events have made them nervy."

"There is nothing to forgive," I replied, fussing with my shirt to hide how I'd been preparing to fight. In retrospect, such a thing... likely would've hurt Raubahn's position. At least, that was how the books mentioned diplomacy was like. I had to be more careful. "Thus, you need not apologize. No doubt I should have remained closer to the ship after such an... unconventional arrival?"

"Quite unconventional indeed. I was waiting for you at the Airship Landing, and had to rush over when I heard." Their smile softened as they looked me over. "Thankfully, you do not seem any worse for wear?" I nodded, since I wasn't and, truthfully, even if I was, I thought it was expected I'd lie. "Then follow me. We must needs take the lift up to the Bridge."

With no more elaboration, he left and I had to jog to catch (and keep) up. Thankfully, though, we didn't travel far. Just a few steps up and the lift we needed was guarded by another 'Yellowjacket'. They saluted and stepped to the side, however, and then we went up and up and up until we reached a small 'room', for lack of a better term, with a single door. Without hesitation, my guide knocked on it and waited. I, meanwhile, had to jump onto the floor proper as the lift suddenly descended once more, with me still on it! I supposed they didn't simply leave it there for... some reason?

"Enter." I didn't get a chance to ask, as the no-nonsense voice from within signaled my guide opening the door and I had to quickly catch up once more! Luckily, my awkwardness hadn't been noticed, or my guide was polite enough to not comment as he quickly strode across the room to join the woman behind the desk. In an instant, I realized I knew her. Merlwyb, the woman who had been with Raubahn in that... vision thing. She had a fiercer presence in person, with a gaze sharper than any blade, but it was her. "So, the silver-tongued merchants send an adventurer to speak as their envoy," she continued as soon as I walked across the threshold. Her voice remained no-nonsense, with a slight hint of a growl, though nothing about her demeanor hinted to anger. "It appears Ul'dah places great faith in you."

"I am here as Raubahn's envoy, not a merchant's," I replied without thinking. Belatedly, I realized it might be undiplomatic to... er... correct the leader of the nation I was supposed to be... fix, fix, fix...! "At least, I do not believe he is a merchant?"

To my relief, she chuckled. "Nay, he is not. Wouldn't trust him if he was." She beckoned me forward and I hesitantly moved to stand in front of the desk. The view beyond her windows was gorgeous, and it was much easier to focus on it than her. "I bid you welcome, traveler. I am Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn, Admiral of Limsa Lominsa and Commander of the Maelstrom."

"Syna Belkaia, Admiral." I bowed slightly, resisting the urge to wrap my tail around my leg. Instead, I made a show of digging through my pack, pulled out one of the two letters Raubahn entrusted to me from my 'inventory', and brought it out after double-checking the name scrawled across the front. "I bring a letter for you."

"A letter? Interesting..." She leaned across her desk to take it from me, and casually popped it open with a small dagger she'd had hidden up her sleeve. My guide pointedly coughed and, when she glanced at him, nodded to the much smaller knife on her desk. "My dagger was closer, Eynzahr."

"One day, you will use a letter opener as it was intended," he sighed, shaking his head with a slight smile. He looked to me then and his smile widened. "Ah, I realize I have yet to introduce myself. I am Eynzahr Slafyrsyn, Grand Storm Marshal of the Maelstrom."

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance," I murmured, bowing slightly once more. I wasn't sure what else to do. Clearly, he was simply buying time for Merlwyb to skim through the letter. I couldn't think of any other reason, since he had not introduced himself prior. Though I now found myself in the awkward position of deciding whether or not to continue the conversation.

Thankfully, though, Merlwyb read quickly. "Hm. A memorial service to honor the fallen..." she whispered, summarizing the letter easily. She closed her eyes for a moment before setting the letter down. "Seven hells... has it been five years already? Five years since the Battle of Carteneau and all that followed. Five years since we lost Archon Louisoix..." Louisoix... I knew that name. It was in those visions of Thancred. Someone he'd had great faith in. And he had been mentioned in the vision of the battle I'd seen as well, someone Raubahn had refused to abandon. Someone all three had refused to abandon. "Hells do I ever miss his wisdom and insights, especially now. Divided by reconstruction, with the beastmen and Empire nipping at our heels... yes, I see what he plans now. We must work together, for none will save us, save ourselves. This memorial service will be a good opportunity to lay the groundwork for such unity." She nodded to herself, and opened her eyes to focus on me. "Your duty is done here. I will arrange for the reply myself." Oh, well, that was good. However, now I had to think on... "With that said, I am given to understand you had quite the welcoming party." She looked to Eynzahr, and crossed her arms. "How damaged was the airship?"

"Nothing that cannot be repaired, though the repairs themselves will take some time," Eynzahr answered easily. I wondered when he'd learned. The obvious answer was 'at the pier where we met', but unless someone had examined the airship while it had been tugged to shore, it seemed too short a time. "We have no airships to spare, however."

"I see." Merlwyb nodded, as if expecting such. "Well, Syna, might you enjoy a stay here in Limsa? 'Tis the least we can offer."

"I... would be delighted!" I answered, a smile creeping onto my face. I hadn't thought I'd spend much time here, truthfully, but the chance to explore...! Oh, that was far too tempting to resist! Besides, it wasn't as if I knew where Gridania was, and that would be my next destination.

"I shall make arrangements for you to stay at the Drowning Wench," Merlwyb offered. I remembered the establishment as the one Momodi told me to visit. I wondered if she'd simply assumed I'd stay. "And an escort there, of course."

"Thank you so very much!" My smile grew, and I tried my hardest to keep my excitement in check. I failed miserably, of course. I knew by how much my tail flicked behind me. But I tried.

"...Eynzahr, see if that old linkshell is still operational when you have a moment. I know it's beyond a long shot given the years, but I need to speak to that man directly." That... was a confusing statement, made more so by her fond smile. "Until we meet again, Syna."

With the clear dismissal, Eynzahr escorted me out, and I discovered it was surprisingly easy to reach the 'Drowning Wench' from the Admiral's office. It was literally 'down the lift, cross the way, go up the other lift'. Then with a little 'ding', the lift's gate slid open and we were in the main area of the tavern. I assumed we were, at least, by the number of drunk people flailing about. The smell, the noise... this was most definitely more like the 'stereotypical taverns' in my stories, compared to the Quicksand. I supposed it was fitting for a pirate port. Former pirate port.

"Ah, now 'ere's the little lady I was told to look out for." A Hyur man wearing a bandana strode over to us with an easy smile. "Welcome, welcome," he greeted. "The name's Baderon, an' this most 'ospitable of 'olsteries is the Drownin' Wench." He grinned at me. I did my best to smile back. So many accents and so different from Ul'dah... fascinating, truly! If a... tad hard to understand at times. "From what I 'ear, you've already fallen face first into th' trouble Momodi worried about." At that, I had to make a face, and he laughed warmly. "Got a room all set for you upstairs, Syna." Already? But we had just left the Bridge? "One of me girls will show you, while I treat your escort to a fine round of ales." A Miqo'te girl jumped forward with a grin and a wink. She must work as a waitress here, then. "And get ye some grapes. Momodi insisted on it."

"Meanin' Baderon has been badgering the Bismark for the best bunches we can get!" the Miqo'te teased with an even larger grin. She easily ignored Baderon's scowl. "The name is S'dhodjbi. I'm one of the Wench's waitresses." I was right then. "You'll get to know me and I'tolwann rather well, all things considered." Suddenly, she slipped behind me and started shoving me to the stairs. "Up we go!"

Barely had I time to wave Eynzahr goodbye before we rounded the corner and popped out into a hall of rooms not unlike what I saw in the Quicksand. Though the interior of the rooms were different. Different decorations, different colors... the floor was the most interesting difference, as while the Quicksand had stone covered with rugs, the Drowning Wench had both stone and wood. Still, like the room I'd had there, there was a large window with sunlight streaming through and upon nudged into random room, I immediately threw it open to let in a fresh breeze, this one bearing the distinctive 'sea' smell.

"You get nice and settled now, got it?" S'dhodjbi ordered, reminding me she was still here. When I turned to face her, she was smiling. "Baderon was positively tickled when he heard an adventurer was serving as an envoy, so you tell us anythin' you need."

"Thank you," I murmured, glancing down. Why would he be 'tickled' by it? "I'll remember that."

"You better!" She laughed and clapped her hands. "I'll head down and get the key ready for you." With that, she was off, a streak of color disappearing around the corner.

I shut the door behind her and, as I had the first time I stayed in the Quicksand, I... well, I locked the door. Then unlocked it. Then locked it again. Just enjoying that little bit of freedom, even if I'd become accustomed to it while in Ul'dah. Then, with a smile, I quickly unpacked everything in my bag, and pulled out all I'd need for my inventory. It wasn't much, and once done, I indulged in a change of clothes before I snagged one of the books Thancred bought me and headed back down to the tavern. Baderon said there would be grapes, and I was hungry!

"So, the Galadion Accord was named for the ship upon which the city of Limsa Lominsa was formed," I murmured, happily digging into the breakfast Baderon laid out for me. Eggs, sausages, grilled fish... all of it was so very good. "I remember reading about the Galadion and its importance, of course, but why did they build-"

"Syna, ye should focus more on eatin'," Baderon chided, shaking his head as he set a full cup of tea next to my plate. It had taken a long minute to convince him I had no desire to drink alcohol, much less so early in the morning. "Think ye ask five questions for each bite."

"You're the one who forbade books at the counter." I smiled innocently and he sighed, bringing his hands up in surrender. For, indeed, he had forbidden me from bringing them after last night. He'd also insisted on not letting me help with waitressing, something about it being improper for an envoy, so I had little to do besides eat. And badger him with questions. "So, back to what I was saying..."

"There's at least three or four folk tryin' to catch ye eye and ye only want to ask an ol' mercenary about 'istory." Baderon sighed, and I frowned slightly in confusion. "Not t' mention the disappointed ones who tried to get ye to sit with them when ye first came down both this morn and last night, but ye came straight to the counter."

"...It's too loud." Of course, I wasn't certain who he meant. I'd noticed the stares and odd looks, but I figured it was due to the usual of being an Au Ra in Eorzea. Perhaps, if word had spread, the looks were also for being an 'envoy'. I had no idea why anyone would want to spend time with me, but even so, I knew my place. A Child of Misfortune... it was better to be apart. I was selfish enough... no, no, I needed to make an effort to not dwell! "Quieter with you."

"Well, ye ain't wrong there." He smiled faintly, and I tentatively smiled back. "Momodi did mention ye didn't fare well with crowds, even if ye'd endure for the sake of a job. But ye are better off askin' this mercenary about local gossip than 'istory."

"Such as?"

"Work, of course." ...Should have expected that one. "Yes, ye'll find no shortage o' work 'ere in Limsa. Just as there's no shortage o' trouble." He sighed gustily, shaking his head. "If ye manage to steer clear o' the sahagin and kobolds outside the city, the pirates inside will get ye instead." Sahagin? Kobolds? More to learn, it seemed. Now, where would a good book on those be? "Course, from what Momodi says, ye'll fall face first into trouble once ye are out o' sight." Momodi! ...Though, there were those kidnappings those yellow wearing people mentioned... "Uh oh. I don't like th' look in yer eye there, Syna."

"Hmm? What look?" Better to get the lay of the land and a feel for town before I do any investigating. Besides, this didn't seem like the bounty hunters murdering random people for carrying blades. This was actively being investigating. "Just thinking of where to go first."

"Right..." Baderon frowned, but then all at once glared at the cowled Lalafell sitting nearby. "Niniya, don't ye dare." The Lalafell widened their eyes innocently, but there was some bit of mischief in their half-smile. "I know the tricks ye'll pull on adventurers new and ol', but pull 'em on Syna 'ere and I'll keelhaul ye meself."

"Not usually so protective of the new ones, Baderon," 'Niniya' half-protested. They leaned forward with an arced brow. "It's good for them to learn to question the motives of all they meet."

"An' conveniently push onto 'em jobs ye don't want," Baderon growled. I tilted my head curiously and wondered if I should intervene. "Leave 'er be."

"Fine, fine. Spoilsport."

"Sounds like someone doesn't want more drink."

Niniya immediately squawked a protest, and I decided it was best to simply finish my food and head out to explore. Though, perhaps it was because of how Limsa Lominsa had to build 'up' on precarious perches, but there wasn't quite as much room to wander on the 'Upper Decks', as, say, the Steps of Thal in Ul'dah. In fact, it was a surprisingly straightforward path here, or so it felt. Perhaps there were twists and turns I could not see, but a local would know, but from my view, there were no alleys or side streets. So, I walked down the simple path, through a store and past a place filled with lovely aromas that made my stomach growl despite having just eaten. Perhaps if I'd gone out a different entrance, I would've found more places to wander, but as it was, my path stopped right at a tall tower. And inside I found people training. People watching the people training. There were also people at a desk nearby, and I was admittedly curious, but my attention strayed back to those who were training, and the Roegadyn who watched them all. His gaze fell on me almost immediately, and I would admit the glare was unnerving. But he wasn't nearly as intimidating as Merlwyb, so I made myself look him in the eye as I approached.

"Hello," I greeted, nice and simple. I clasped my hands behind my back, and fiddled with the spikes on the base of my tail. "I hope I am not intruding." After all, I only belatedly realized I might need to... I don't know... speak with someone at those pretty desks first.

"You are not," he answered, still watching me closely. "Hmm... quite the steel in your spine." With that odd comment, he smiled very faintly. It did wonders to soften the glare. "I am Wyrnzoen. 'Axemaster', they call me here." If that was so, then I could see why he oversaw everyone's training. They all wielded axes. "Not the most imaginative of titles, but one should not underestimate the value of directness."

"Sometimes, it is a strong frontal strike which breaks the guard, yes?"

"Indeed!" He had a warm smile, and a warmer laugh. "What brings you here to the Marauder's Guild? Do you have an interest?" I certainly had an interest in why I managed to stumble over these guilds so easily. Still...

"Marauders, huh?" I looked around, watching the trainees closely. Wide swings, each with the full force and weight of their bodies behind them... so very different than what I was used to. "What sort of fighting is this?"

"The art of the marauder is used to rend, to cleave, to destroy." His smile faded for seriousness. "It is not our way to simply outfight our adversaries. Nay, we seek to overwhelm them." Overwhelming them... so, offensive, was it? I supposed that made sense, though... "A marauder must be the most powerful and enduring presence on the battlefield; we must account for the most enemies defeated. Our role in combat is that of a steel whirlwind, dealing death and destruction without equal." Perhaps it was First Sword Mylla's influence, but I couldn't help but wonder how well such fighting would suit something more defensive. No, that wasn't quite the word I wanted. 'Defender' better suited my thoughts. One who drew enemy attention away from their fellows...

"...May I try?" I looked up at him, just in time to catch his surprise. "I know I am small, but I promise to work hard."

"We've Miqo'te in our ranks. You are not much smaller than them." He slowly smiled again. "It is a jagged and perilous path, the art of a marauder, and one of bloody carnage. Ofttimes, the blood which spills at your feet will be your own."

"Sounds like fighting a voidsent." I had no idea why that was the first thing out of my mouth, but it got me a loud guffaw which echoed through the room, so I supposed it was appropriate. Perhaps. "So, may I?"

"You may indeed." Slowly, Axemaster Wyrnzoen quieted his laughter. "And your first lesson shall be how to hold an axe properly." He paused, and started laughing once more. "Though, perhaps I should get your name first."

"Syna."

Axes were heavier than I expected. It required two hands, and I immediately made a mental note to reserve it for 'heavier' hits. The wide swings Wyrnzoen taught me only added weight to the 'note', though I swore I misheard when he said something about taking me out to destroy boulders in the next day or so. Lessons proceeded without incident and when Wyrnzoen declared I was done for the day, I toweled off and decided to cool down via continuing my exploring. Originally, I'd planned on walking back the way I'd come, but I managed to find a ramp down to the lower levels and decided instead to meander there. Ah, but I should say the 'Lower Decks', instead of the 'lower levels', since the city had once been a ship. It was amusing and an enjoyable quirk of the town, but I regretted the decision as soon as I stepped off the ramp. Why? Because there were... oh, blessed Dawnfather, there were just so many people! Instantly, the crowd enveloped me whether I wished it or not, and I couldn't breath with how crushed I was. Pushed this way and that, unable to even walk two steps! Everyone was so much taller and bulkier and there were just so many... my vision darkened at the edges and I just desperately wanted to get away...!

Finally, the crowd spat me out. Surprisingly, it was near an aetheryte shard, a visual reminder I needed to attune to the main one here at some point. Not now. Now, I barely had the coherency to attune to the shard in front of me as I struggled to breathe

"Oh dear, is all well?" The voice was gentle enough, but it was still startling to have someone loom over you when you were trying to remember how your lungs worked. "You are quite pale," she murmured, frowning at me. Another Roegadyn (made sense, given what I'd read of Limsa Lominsa), dressed in a pretty dress and wearing a monocle. "Would you like to come in for some tea?" She gestured to the door behind her, where I could see what looked to be a reception desk and a great many crates. "This way."

"Ah... thank you..." I mumbled, keeping my head down. She led me with a gentle hand on my shoulder, and steered me to a little alcove tucked in the side of the room, where a single table rested amongst bookshelves. The sight of them alone was enough to help me calm, but I still held my tongue until after I was seated and after she finished making the tea. "Um... what is this place?"

"Hmm? Ah, this is Mealvaan's Gate, where all imports are inspected and taxes are calculated. And, of course, all the paperwork." She poured me some tea, and I couldn't help but notice how elegant and precise all her movements were. "We arcanists man the Gate for Limsa, and the lower levels have recently been converted into a guild at the suggestion of the Admiral." Guild? Another one? "Ah, but where are my manners? I am Thubyrgeim, the acting guildmaster. The actual one is..." A slight bit of frustration flitted through her eyes, gone in a blink. "He is away for now."

"I see..." I looked around again curiously, but I could not see anything which screamed 'magic' at me. It reminded me a lot of Scorpion's Crossing, actually, only with more papers and less cursing. "What are arcanists?"

"Hmm? Why, we are the users of arcanima magic." Arcanima... I knew it was a branch of modern magic, but I knew little of it. "It is the science of employing arcane geometries to draw forth and manipulate the aetheric energies." ...Well, this suddenly sounded incredibly interesting. "It is the most structured and precise of the three main magical branches utilized by Eorzeans, born from the esoteric calculations practiced by the people of the south sea isles." She smiled slightly. "Ah, your eyes all but glitter."

"So, they turned natural phenomena into calculations to weave aether?" Far better to move the conversation along.

"Indeed, though there used to be a speciality in the body's aether specifically." The body's, huh? Yet it was Conjury, not Arcanima, which was known for healing. "Indeed, the most unique aspect of arcanima is tapping into the living energies of aether, most aptly represented by our ability to manifest the arcane entity Carbuncle."

"Carbuncle?" ...Wait, wasn't that a medical term? I remembered reading it in one of my books, I think... a cluster of boils?

"Have you not seen one yet?" Oblivious to my musings, Thubyrgeim brought out a book and jotted something in it. Magic converged into a specific pattern and out popped what had to be the most adorable creature I had ever seen in my life, colored a beautiful amber. "This is one form, a Topaz Carbuncle. All utilize gemstones to concentrate their power." How could something this adorable be named for something so infectious?! Unless the cuteness was infectious. "The core of our discipline, however, is found in the pursuit of definitive solutions to any potential quandary. 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." She reached up to fix her monocle. Her Carbuncle looked at me curiously. "Many find themselves frustrated by the art, but if you find yourself interes-"

"Teach me, please!" ...I... really should have waited for her to finish before blurting that... And I definitely shouldn't have slammed my hands on the table. "Uh..."

Thankfully, she simply laughed. "Quite the unambiguous response, the kind I most prefer." She nodded to my teacup, thankfully undisturbed by my action. "That should have cooled by now. Why don't you drink and we'll begin your first lesson now?"

I, of course, agreed and Thubyrgeim gave me a grimoire and special inks used for the writing of the aetheric equations. Though I wondered how I would adapt it to the fighting styles I already knew, I was soon entranced by the concepts and all such thoughts flew from my mind as I dove right in. I mastered the 'Ruin' spell quickly and, though Thubyrgeim had wished to send me on my way to study on my own from there, I stubbornly insisted on learning summoning Carbuncle that very day. It helped the patterns all made delightful sense, each bit clicking so easily. It felt almost as natural as breathing, summoning Carbuncle, and I couldn't help but squeal in delight when I succeeded. I definitely had a skip to my step when I left the Gate and headed to the nearby docks, Carbuncle trotting along faithfully.

"I feel like I should give you a name," I murmured, giggling. Carbuncle, for its part, made an adorable squeaky noise and tilted its head. "Yes, you must have a name. But it must be one which suits. They are gifts from those you love, or from yourself to start anew if that is your wish." My name... I wasn't sure how old I was when I first heard mine. I had always been 'the Child' or 'You', until the first time Xanthos had snuck down to the Door and spoke through it. I was old enough to remember, but I hadn't had my first period yet. Anywhere between five and twelve, I suppose.

A sound suddenly caught my ear, a deep hacking retch of a cough. Frowning, I turned to look for the sound and found a man half-collapsed at the edge of the pier. He was an older Roegadyn, pure white hair receding slightly, and he had either a gem or tattoo in the middle of his forehead. With the way he hacked and choked, though, I feared he might cough up a lung! Each one threatened to rip my own ears, never mind his throat, and he barely had time to gasp before the next one tore out. Yet aside from a couple of annoyed glances, no one seemed to pay him any mind...

"Sir?" I called, jogging over to kneel beside him. Without thinking, I rested a hand on his back. He jerked and trembled with each cough... "Here." I leaned a little forward to brace my other hand on his shoulder, intending to help him up. Somehow. The size difference could prove troublesome, but... "Let's get you..." His eyes cracked open, just enough for a rush of tears to stream down, and his gaze locked on something in front of us. "Hmm?" When I twisted to look, I saw a small bottle bobbing in the water. I'd... read of messages in such bottles, but this one looked much too small. In fact, I wondered... "Medicine?" It was hard to tell, since the coughing made him jerk so much, but I thought he nodded. "Right, then." Carefully, I leaned out, turning to brace myself on the edge of the pier and reach out. Seeing it just out of reach, I bit my lip and strained a little more, my arm aching as my fingertips grazed it...

I'd just managed to hook my fingers around it when I fell in. Face first, and with a yelp, straight into the water. The cold water. The very cold water. And salty. Very salty. I knew both because I automatically gasped from the cold and the water filled my mouth. My eyes stung as I struggled to breach the surface and instinctually, I flailed about. Almost lost my grip on the bottle, but I held it tight and tucked it against me. Even as I tried to figure out a way out of my predicament... but that was when my Carbuncle hopped into the water too and, surprisingly, it apparently knew how to swim. Or, at least, it could pretend well enough for me to wrap an arm around it and tow me back to the pier so I could pull myself out. It even bit my sleeve to give me that little extra pull.

"You are so sweet..." I whispered, petting it gently while struggling to catch my breath. My pulse hammered in my chest, but I couldn't let it show. Not when... "Here!" Not when the man was still coughing, still needing this. "Let me help..." I held onto it as he ripped the top right off, and I wondered if his haste was why he had dropped it in the first place. I couldn't begrudge him, though, not when the medicine seemed to help him breath so much easier so very quickly. Even if... I wondered just how ingesting something helped with breathing. Maybe I should read some medicinal books. "Better?"

"Enough," he rasped, coughing still. But it was much lighter than before, a last clearing. "Damn attack... kind of ye to intervene." When he looked at me, though, he frowned. "Never seen such sloppy swimmin'. Think even a dog could paddle better."

"Probably. I don't know how to swim." I smiled sheepishly, more so when his eyes widened. "That's why I tried to just reach for it." Just a bit too small, though. "But I got it!"

"...Ye did." He looked at me oddly now. "Yer name, girl?"

"Syna. Syna Belkaia." I bowed slightly, my hair sticking to my neck. Actually, since I was still sopping wet, everything stuck to me. Not to mention how the wind was freezing, but I didn't want to leave him alone. "What's yours?"

"Hyllfyr." He seemed amused for some reason. At least he no longer looked in pain. "Lungs are still burnin'... mind sittin' with me a while longer?"

"Not at all."

"Thank ye." He glanced at the Carbuncle. "So, an arcanist, are ye?"

"I'm just learning." I shifted so I sat beside him, my legs dangling over the edge of the dock. "I started today! Same with Marauder training."

"Marauder?"

"Yes! It's good to keep one's horizons broad, isn't it?"

From there, I babbled about my day, the trip here from Ul'dah, and even things in Ul'dah. I left out how I was the Uldahn Envoy, mostly because it didn't seem like a thing to bring up in friendly conversation, but I rambled about the things I had seen, the jobs I had taken. Just little stories I was certain he wasn't truly interested in, but he listened to anyway, sometimes with a little smile. Eventually, however, someone came to fetch him, an armored Roedagyn who asked no questions and simply silently supported Hyllfyr as he led him away. For some reason, Merlwyb had been with him, but she didn't leave with them. Old friends perhaps? Hard to say, particularly when she turned her piercing gaze my way.

"...You look like a drowned rat," she noted bluntly, frowning as she looked me over. Not knowing how to respond, I simply pushed myself up to stretch. My Carbuncle nosed my leg curiously. "Your eyes are reddened as well... did you fall in?"

"While trying to retrieve the vial of medicine Hyllfyr dropped, yes," I answered, self-consciously tugging at my hair now. I hoped I wouldn't ruin my clothes with this... I should ask Baderon or S'dhodjbi when I returned to the Drowning Wench. "I'd read of the ocean being cold and salty, but never experienced it before." My eyes still stung actually. "Thankfully, Carbuncles can apparently swim as I would've just caused more trouble."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, I don't know how to swim." Noticing her sudden frown, I wondered if I'd done something particularly ill-advised. ...Oh, wait. "Ah, but I suppose an envoy nearly drowning wouldn't be very diplomatic? I assure you I shan't inform anyone and if anyone does find out, I shall reassure them it was my own mistake."

"Admirable, but..." She turned slightly, resting one hand on her hip while the other came up to her chin in thought. "Swimming is a basic life skill, and a particularly important one here in Limsa. As an adventurer, you never know when you might need it." She nodded to herself, coming to some sort of conclusion. "We had best rectify the situation. Immediately."

...I suddenly had a very bad feeling about this. A very bad feeling. Uh oh.

My bad feeling was right. Merlwyb's idea of 'rectifying the situation' had been to go to a slow moving river not far from the city gates and throw me in for swimming lessons. And I did mean throw. She did it easily, too, since I barely came up to her sternum.

"You learn quick," she praised some hours later. I was treading water by the shore, desperately trying to catch my breath while everything ached. Who knew swimming involved so many muscles? "Perhaps next time we'll throw you into the ocean proper." I wasn't sure I'd survive a 'next time', especially if that was the case!

"You are much too kind," I managed to reply, not sure what else to say. Instead, I hunted for some sort of way to distract and change the subject. Thankfully, I found one quickly. "Say, what are those?" I pointed to the contraptions hooked onto her belt. "Are they... guns?" I'd read about them, but never seen them.

"They are." Merlwyb let one hand fall to the handle. "Death Penalty and Annihilator, they are called." They had names? I thought named weapons were for fiction only. "I'm certain you've heard all the rumors about them and their connection to Mistbeard."

"Not in the least." However, I did remember reading a few tales about this Mistbeard. "However, if you are uncomfortable speaking of it, I would rather you not force yourself."

"Is that so?" She crossed her arms and smiled slightly. "Perhaps another day, I shall tell you the tale."

"I look forward to it." However, it no doubt was best to steer the conversation away from such stormy waters. "I am surprised to see a gun, though. I never saw them in Ul'dah."

"'Tis not surprising. Limsa Lominsa is where we developed such." She chuckled, her eyes becoming surprisingly soft. "Cannons and guns do well on the seas, though they are loud. It can be difficult to aim, and you must always be careful of who is within your sights. Still, they do well for duels."

"They do?" I rested my arms on the shore, looking up at her curiously. "How?"

"It's simple. You stand back to back and walk. Then, at the signal, you turn and shoot..." She actually demonstrated, pulling her right gun out and shooting a nearby tree in the blink of an eye. The sound of the shot echoed harshly, and I winced at it. Loud indeed... "Oft times, then first shot is all you need. Then one is dead and the other lives."

"I suppose settling such things quickly can be advantageous." I rested my chin on my arms, wondering about what one would duel about. In the stories, they always focused on things such as 'ideals' and 'honor'. But I always wondered if such things were truly worth risking your life for... not that I could actually ask. But it did make me remember a question I'd had on the way over. "Hey, Merlwyb?" I waited for her to focus on me before continuing. "Why did you outlaw piracy? I imagine many protested."

"'Protested' is putting it mildly. More than a few attempted to assassinate me." She crossed her arms once more and shook her head. "However, I knew it needed to be done. I won who I could through diplomacy, and silenced those I could not." Silenced, huh? Maybe Limsa Lominsa wasn't so different from Ul'dah, then. "With the Empire nipping at our heels, and the primals threatening to drown us, we simply cannot afford to antagonize our neighbors. In order for Limsa to thrive, we must cooperate. It will be hard, but most change is."

"You sound determined."

"I must. It is what I believe will be best for my people." She smiled softly, though there was a touch of sadness to it. I wondered what made her decide this, but it wasn't my place to ask. "Eynzahr, you can hold the commentary there." Why would she mention-?

"The only commentary I have is a reminder for you to tell us when you leave the city." Ah, that was why. Eynzahr had walked up at some point. I hadn't noticed him at all. "I swear you derive some twisted pleasure in making me fret," he continued, frowning faintly. I thought I saw some fondness in it, though. "Mayhaps I should hide your Lohmani Red."

"I am already denied one pleasure; do not deny a pirate her second," Merlwyb retorted with her own little smile. He rolled his eyes and shook his head. "You found me easily enough."

"I think anyone within thirty malms could have found you after the shot. What were you even shooting at?"

"The tree. It was a demonstration for Syna." Merlwyb moved to the shore and held out her hand. It took me a moment to realize she was helping me out, and when I took her hand, she lifted me easily once more. "Towel?" Now, why would there be a towel? Yes, I wouldn't mind one, as I was soaked, but this had been some whim and-

"Here." ...And Eynzahr dropped one on me. Because he'd had one. For some reason. "Though, truthfully, when I heard you had gone here, I expected to see you swimming." Ah, that made much more sense.

"Tempting, but I judged it more important for Syna to learn." She roughly rubbed the towel over my hair, catching the worst of the dripping. "We'd best return, however. You'll need a proper wash once we are back in town."

I'd need a whole bunch of things, truthfully, including something for aching limbs. But I simply smiled and thanked her for her consideration. It was only polite... I think.

It was a long and surprisingly cold walk back to the Drowning Wench, no thanks to the wind blustering through. Baderon and a few of the others panicked when I snuck inside looking like 'the name of the tavern', to quote a patron. S'dhodjbi whacked them on the back of the head, and bustled me up to my room for a bath before I could quite ask what they'd meant. In the books, 'wench' had been used to describe young women, particularly one who worked as a waitress. Her reaction... implied otherwise, since she already knew I'd worked as a waitress at the Quicksand. I didn't get a chance to ask, though. Once I told her just why I was soaked, she'd cackled and ran off to tell Baderon. I knew the latter because Baderon had laughed himself to tears by the time I finished my bath and came back down.

"Momodi warned me, but yer first day 'ere was naught but trouble!" Baderon eventually managed through his guffawing, handing me some water to drink. I couldn't help but sulk a little at his reaction. "Gettin' the Admiral 'erself teach ye to swim is probably the most trouble of it all!"

"She implied there would be another lesson," I mumbled, sipping my water. I wondered when and how she'd manage that, though. "I'm surprised she had the time."

"Probably didn't, truthfully enough." Slowly, Baderon took some deep breaths to help him calm down, and wiped his watery eyes with the back of his hand. "She doesn't 'ave the time to even sail, nowadays, a curse for someone who loves the sea so. Still, she made 'er choices, and does so with a determination most can never 'ope to match."

"We talked about it some." I thought of her expression back then, that touch of sadness. "It seems... lonely to me."

"People in power are always lonely. Too few understand. Fewer still understand our Admiral." Finally back to his usual calm self, he crossed his arms. "She's our best fighter and diplomat, and everything else. Had to be, to make a 'onest city of this lot. No delegatin' in the slightest, as there are few who can take it up." He smiled slightly, softening his face considerably. "I imagine the swimmin' lesson was the first break she's 'ad in a while."

"You think so?" Maybe that was why Eynzahr had expected her to be swimming instead. Maybe it was like when Nanamo wandered the market as 'Lilira'.

"Just a thought, and too much woolgatherin' besides. Instead, ye should take a walk and see Limsa at night. She's a pretty sight, and just th' sort of thing ye'll need to relax after such a 'arrowing day." Baderon reached out to ruffle my hair. "Just stay on the main path. No back alley shortcuts."

"Very well."

Baderon hadn't been kidding when he'd said Limsa Lominsa was beautiful at night. Lively still, but in a different way than Ul'dah, and the stars above were so very beautiful. Not that they were not beautiful in Ul'dah, but seeing their reflection on the waves was a much different experience than the endless expanse stretching out over the desert sands. There, the two were distinct beauties, parallel paths side by side. Here, they mingled like dancers, stretching out to the beat of the waters...

With most of my attention above, I didn't spare much thought for where I walked. Only that I kept to well-lit areas as Baderon had requested, until I found myself walking along some docks again, this time in a much different location. The air was heavy with the smell of fish, and even at the late hour, there were fishermen reeling in their catches with cheers of delight or grumbles of defeat. Not far away, a grand ship lingered in the docks, a place full of laughter and dancing. Part of me was curious and wanted to head over, but I decided against it and, instead, make my way towards the farthest point of the docks, near a very large and empty-looking building. There, the stars sparkled the brightest, and under their light, I remembered the conundrum I'd pondered earlier: my Carbuncle's name.

Truly, they needed a name, particularly after today, but what would fit? Carbuncle was adorable, of course, so a 'cutesy' name might suit, yet they were more than simply 'adorable'. If I understood everything correctly, they would be my friend and partner, who I could always rely on. Strong and supportive... Their name should encompass all of this as well, not simply 'adorable'. Though, the adorableness was such an endearing part as well...

As I pondered, shifting my weight from my left foot to my right, I studied the stars and all at once, a name bubbled up from deep in my heart: 'Themis'.

"Now where would I have heard that name?" I whispered to myself, curious. It lingered in my mind, familiar yet not. "Perhaps the name of a protagonist from a book I've read?" It was my only explanation, and truthfully, the name fit so well I didn't want to analyze it further. "I'll see how Carbuncle likes it in the morning." Now, granted, from what I understood, magical entities such as Carbuncles did not necessarily have personalities, but it was still only polite! "Ah, but if I stay out too late, Baderon might worry or worse, tell Momodi." So, shaking my head, I turned on my heel to... try... and head back the way I came. However, as I did, a golden glow caught my eye and I focused on it instead to discover the empty building wasn't quite as empty as I'd first thought. There was a person standing... no, guarding the door. Curious despite myself, I crept a little closer... though, of course, I truly wasn't very sneaky. The guard saw me instantly.

"Oi, you there!" he snapped, single eye narrowed to a glare. His other was covered by an eyepatch, and combined with the general build almost all Roegadyn had, he was quite intimidating. Yet I would not be deterred quite so easily. He wasn't scarier than Merlwyb or her swimming lessons. "There's naught behind these convent doors for a worldly type like you, missus. We're the Dutiful Sisters o' the Edelweiss. All pure an' saintly, like." ...While I knew one should never judge a book by its cover, I had a sneaking suspicion this man wasn't the 'saintly' sort. "Now bugger... hang about." He turned to face me with a slight frown, scrutinizing me from head to toe. "Thought ye was just some simple errand lass, but now I've had a proper look... yer Syna, ain't ye?"

"I am, yes?" I answered without thinking, due to sheer confusion. How did he... yes, I was an Au Ra in a place where few Au Ra were (for even in a port city like Limsa, I'd seen none other while milling about), but for him to already know my name? I'd just arrived!

"Heh, I knew it." He smirked, pleasured with himself. "We like to snitch all the risin' talent an' from what I hear, yer head an' shoulders above the rest." Again, I just arrived here and spent my time being shot at by pirates, training in two guilds, getting lost, nearly drowning, and having swimming drilled into me by Merylwb. How had he heard anything like that? "If ye can handle yerself half as well as they say, ya might well be of use to us." Who were 'they'?! ...Wait, use?

"What use would you have for an adventurer? This isn't like the Church in Drybone." No undead, no mourners...

"Ah, forget that bollocks. That's just a bit o' fun to fob off the curious culls." He even waved his hand to 'wipe away' the earlier words. "We're a guild o' rogues, lass, an' its mainly our marks as does the prayin'." ...Rogues? Like... thieves? "Me an' mine work in the shadows o' Limsa, takin' a keen edge to the rooks an' cacklers what've earned 'emselves a millin'." Rooks? Cacklers? "We don't tout for members, but every now an' again, we might offer a promisin' young cove a place in the ranks. So long as the job gets done."

"I fear I do not know the terms you used?" I frowned slightly. "I know the term 'rogue' as a synonym for thief."

"If yer lookin' to scamper across rooftops an' bilk dandies o' their blunt, best take up with a different crew." Oh, well, that was a tad of a relief. "Our job ain't nearly as pretty. Join up, and ye'll be neck-deep in scum and knives." Except now I had no idea what this was leading to and my curiosity was terribly piqued. "Scare ye off?" I shook my head. "Bene. They told me ye was a mettlesome lass, an' so it's proved." Again, who was this mysterious 'they'? "Ye'll need every onze o' that mettle soon enough. Now, inside ye go, an' have a prattle with Jacke. He's our Upright Man, master of the guild." Upright Man?

I didn't get a chance to ask before being unceremoniously shoved inside, barely even noticing the door had opened before it clicked shut behind. Inside was... surprisingly, it reminded me of the Drowning Wench, but with less alcohol and more sharp things being thrown. Literally. Some blades were being tossed at targets (such as blocks of wood, or maps) along the wall, others casually flipped them end over end in their hands, and still others simply threw them into the air to see how close they could get to the ceiling. Not that all the blades were treated as toys, of course. Some were being meticulously tended to by their owners, sharpened to keen edges or being treated with some sort of oil which dulled their sheen into something less likely to catch the eye. No one so much as glanced at me, or gave any indication of me being noticed at all, yet somehow, I was certain everyone was very aware. Still, no one outright stopped me, so I took the chance to glance over the people, noticing no one appeared blatantly 'in charge'. However, there was a Hyur man standing in the center of everything, and he was the only one with a golden glow about him, so I did what had worked well in the past and walked over to him.

"Pardon me," I began softly, hoping I appeared polite enough. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed everyone in the room glance at me, and no small few stopped their tossing to simply hold their blades. "Is your name 'Jacke'?"

"...Aye, I'm the one they call 'Jacke', though I'm surprised ye've heard o' me," he replied slowly. His eyes narrowed, and though he held himself relaxed, I was reminded of Thancred when we first met. So, I glanced down and just caught him sneaking a knife from his sleeve. "Perhaps ye'd be good enough to tell me yer name, along with that o' the kindly cove as told ye mine?"

"Would I be able to get in if the man at the door didn't let me?" Despite the question, I smiled. It was best to be polite. I was a stranger in his home, after all. "My name is Syna."

"Ahhh! The famous Syna herself!" Famous?! "Probably should've expected tha', given the scales and tail." He relaxed in truth, the knife disappearing back into his sleeve, though his eyes remained narrow. "Ol' Lonny Left-patch let you in, did he? Interestin'..." He looked me up and down, a curious frown on his face. "He can't throw a blade for shite, but that one eye don't miss naught when it comes to sizin' up a dimber mort for the stallin'." He focused on my face. "You ain't a pirate, are ye?"

"That is the second time I've been accused of such." Still, I shook my head. "No, I'm simply a very curious person."

"Curiosity can lead to death, ye know." He smirked, but it didn't seem threatening. More amused. "I could fill yer wattles with the storied history, but that's just whids an' wind." And no doubt terribly interesting. "The only thing we care about is gettin' the job done."

"This job is...?"

"Upholding the Code." His smirk dropped, and I straightened at the seriousness in his gaze. This... was important to him. "This city was, and is, overrun by a motley collection o' pirates an' thieves. But wild as the lot is, they knew they'd all end up killin' each other if they didn't lay down a few rules."

"And this is the Code?" Looking around, I found a chair to sit down in. My feet hurt. "Something they all agreed on?"

"The finer points are a mite murky, but there's three most agree with." Jacke brought up his hand to count them off. "One, ye don't bite the purses o' yer fellow Lominsans. Two, ye don't rook a crew out o' their spoils'." I needed to learn these terms. I truly did. "Three, ye don't trade culls like they was chattel." Now that one I thought I understood: no slavery. "Now, ye might be thinkin' none o' that amounts to a sack o'dillberries now the Admiral's outlawed piracy, but in the back alleys an' black markets where Merwyb's grip ain't so tight..." Oh, I had a guess now about what all this was. They'd appeared in my stories from time to time. "Yellowjackets enforce the law, and the Code is regulated by us rogues."

"I see..." So, not quite 'vigilante', but... something close, perhaps? Those who ensured peace was upheld, even when others' hands were tied... that was what I gathered, at least. The skills they had... the code they followed... I wanted to learn. I wanted to learn so I could help those others ignored, protect those who were pushed aside. I wanted to learn to better help those I saw. It wouldn't solve all the problems in the world; in fact, it might not solve any. Yet still, I... "Might I learn, then? Despite being an adventurer?" I wanted to learn. I wanted the choice.

"Don't see why not. I'll swear ye in meself." Jacke smiled; it was strangely kind. "Then we'll get some stabbers in yer fambles and teach you the rudimentary dance steps of the trade."

I ended up returning to the Drowning Wench very late in the night; I hoped Baderon didn't worry.

Author's note: And now we're in Limsa! Where we're doing a strange pseudo-welcome-to-Limsa thing and drag in the intro quests for Limsa. As for the swimming lesson... honestly, I just thought it would be hilarious, not even going to lie. But more jobs! Yay! (Since Syna will focus on learning these new ones, battles will focus more on these tricks and techniques. Not that she'll have forgotten her old stuff. Just practicing to 'catch up', like when you level alt jobs.)

(Also, oh dear god, the Limsa accent is going to kill me. I apologize in advance for messing it up)

'Carbuncle' is apparently the name of a creature in South American folklore (near Chile, I think), specifically said to be a guardian of metals and riches. It's also a term used for any red gemstone, most often a red garnet, and in fiction is often used as a gemstone with magical properties. It is also a medical term used to describe a cluster of boils. Yeah. Fun times when you're in the medical field and Final Fantasy fandom xD