For all that Ever loathed it, the city of Limsa Lominsa shone with an unparalleled brilliance come rain or shine. This light brimmed from Limsa's people. They were a hardy lot, producing equally hardy sounds that turned into words, but beyond this unique brand of firmity, they offered mostly amicable sentiments and, often, practical advice. Their apparel, too, was a blend of brightness and pragmatism, including an assortment of vests and corsets, colored in the gay hues of crimson, cerulean and cream. The Yellow Jackets, whose uniforms were as bold as the name of their prestigious military organization, smiled just as often as the townsfolk—when they were not tasked with the breaking up of drunken brawls, or else surveying the crowds under the pretense of criminal investigations.
Ever had visited only upon Momodi's insistence, for it did not suit an adventurer to linger overlong in a single town. So, unwilling to reveal the insecurities, fears and utter despair that bound her to Ul'dah, Ever forced upon herself an enthusiasm to go, vowing to take in its customs and colors with the utmost sincerity. When she had encountered the hunter upon Madman's bridge, she had been hoping to find her way to Wineport, a town which promised finer company and a quieter atmosphere. The bustle of Limsa Lominsa, along with its dangers in the night, fueled Ever's contempt for the city. Fortunately, during her short stay, she had learned to make her way through the streets with relative ease, and did not lose another bag of gil during her present journey.
The pub bustled as much as the rest of the city, even in the late afternoon. This was to be expected. The Drowning Wench was also the seat of Limsa's Adventurer's Guild, where Momodi's colleague Baderon Tenfingers lead the charge. Adventurers came to him at every hour, for his fare and for his long experience in selling one's sword. Ever's eye went directly to his counter, where he spoke to her hunter and the hunter's conjuring companion, the latter of which appeared exactly as she did in Ever's strange vision.
"It's alright," the maiden said softly to the hunter. Though her smile was slight, her face was set aglow by the sight of him. "I wasn't waiting long."
The hunter caught his breath. "It looks like he hasn't come yet either."
"'He'?" The conjurer wrinkled her brow. "Who do you mean? I thought that we were…"
"Ho, lad!" This voice was somehow deeper than the hunter's, as though it came clamouring from the depths of a mountain. The man to which it belonged approached them not long after. Clad in armors silver and blue, with a circlet to match, Ever immediately identified him as a paladin. Strange, she thought, to see one outside the city of Ul'dah, but she had heard tell of adventurers taking on the colors in respect of their tutors and the origin of the art. His towering height and pale green skin marked him as a Sea Wolf; but these features were softened by his nut brown beard, which imparted upon him the look of a kindly father, neither young nor old. He continued: "Can't seem t' get rid o' ye, can I?"
"G-Goodness!" The conjurer nearly jumped out of her robes. "Is this who you were waiting for?"
"This is him," the hunter confirmed.
"Eyrisunn Solksthalsyn," said the paladin, bowing, a hand upon his heart. "Adventurer by trade. And who might the lady be?"
"This here is Miss Papaya," said the hunter, patting her head. She smiled reluctantly, seemingly wanting to speak up, but merely curtsied in reply.
Papaya? What sort of name is that? Ever raised an eyebrow. Did she choose it for herself?
"Pleased to meet you, Miss Papaya," said Eyrisunn.
"And you as well," replied Papaya, smiling sweetly. "Ah, is that another friend of yours?"
"Huh? Who d'ye mean?" The hunter followed his friend's gaze. It was his turn for a shock, and he nearly stumbled back for it. "Oh! It's you!"
Ever blushed a violent red. She looked about, just to be certain; but, finding no one, conceded to her fate with a sigh. What did I expect? I'm standing out in the open.
"It's me," said the Elezen, even toned, not meeting his gaze.
She approached them coolly, acknowledging Eyrisunn and Papaya merely by glancing. Calm, steady. Ever drew out her scepter and spun it between her fingers. Her other hand rested patiently on her hip. She towered over the Hyuran hunter and his Lalafellin companion, her gaze imperious and cool as a Coerthan wind.
The conjurer let out an awed gasp. "A thaumaturge!"
"And a welcome companion," said Eyrisunn, nodding approvingly. "We would be most indebted to you, Miss…?"
"Starfall," said the thaumaturge. "Ever Starfall."
With a squeal, the conjurer waved her hands. "How lovely!"
"A thaumaturge?" The Roegadyn scratched his beard, thoughtful. "Truth be told, it sounds more the name of a thespian."
"I would make as good a thespian," said Ever, wrinkling her nose, "as you would make a bear."
"Uh," said the hunter, looking up at Eyrisunn, "that means she'd make a good one, don't it?"
Ever stifled a laugh, but it came through as a small, restrained, devious smile. She had hoped either Papaya or the hunter would speak up and provoke the presumptuous paladin. It served him right. Eyrisunn returned the hunter's observation with a deep, disapproving frown. Then, defying the most well-assessed of Ever's expectations, a laugh broke from that sweet, fair maid called Papaya.
"You mustn't say such things," grumbled Eyrisunn, "lest you lose the good faith of your brothers-in-arms."
"Oh, he meant no harm," said Papaya, perhaps unaware that the comment pertained to the lot of them, herself and Ever included.
"In any case," said Eyrisunn, bowing his head, "will you be joining us, Miss Starfall? We are to meet Baderon about a bill he posted earlier today."
"O-Oh, I see." Papaya wilted. "So, when you said 'outing,' you meant…"
"An outing," nodded the Hyur. "Y'know, out there, fer some a'venture. An a'venturer is nothin' without a healer beside him."
"He isn't one for clarity," said Ever. "The fault lies entirely with him."
At this, the hunter's eyes widened with apologetic puzzlement, though he did not know for what to issue the apology. Speaking gibberish was his unfortunate habit, Ever surmised. Combined with his rugged voice that sounded always to be caught in his throat, it was a miracle anyone could understand his exotic tongue.
"To answer your query, Ser Eyrisunn," said Ever, bowing deeply, "I would be honored to join you."