Today was an exciting day. While at Halatali this morning I finally reached the pinnacle of my training as a pugilist. All these long hard months spent training my body to be fast and deadly have paid off.

So now.. What was there to do? Suddenly I felt like there was nothing more to strive for, after all, I'd reached the top of my culinary career just a few weeks ago as well. I walked about town, searching for something that could pique my interest. It was then a small shop caught my attention, and I went to have a closer look. Zagylswerd was there, selling his wares, the very same roegadyn who had sold me my first few pairs of hora and cesti.

I looked over his stock, noting the same weapons I had much longed for not so very long ago. Placed beside them were weapons of another type. Short and sharp blades, one a bit plainer than the other. I picked up the more weathered gladius, looking it over. It was still sharp, though obviously it had seen better days.

I looked up at Zagylswerd and told him I'd take it while counting out the right gil for it. I don't think he remembered me at all, he must serve countless other adventurer's just like myself each and every day.

Walking outside the safety of the gates and into the wilderness of Thanalan I looked down at myself. My robes would just get ruined out here. Quickly I took them off and was left in my halftop and pantalettes, with just a pair of moccasin to protect my feet and a shield on my back. Loose clothing would of just got in my way.

Drawing my blade and taking my shielf from my back, I gave a few swings of the gladius. It was a bit awkward and heavy compared to what I was used to.. But it'd do. Then I set forth to find some great fiend!

I didn't find any "great fiend", but I found a group of bumble beetles and star marmots, good enough for practice. I easily made my way through them all, gradually learning the best ways to swing the gladius without leaving an opening for the vermin to attack back.

I think I may just have found my next class to begin training in..

~Rakshi Zahrann

P.s. I never meant to leave writing in thus journal for so long.. I must remember to write down my adventures, lest I forget them all.