A Realm Reborn
Disclaimer: I do not own anything especially not the direct dialogue I take directly from the game.
Authors Note: This is probably more for me than anything but I have decided to post it. It is just giving my FFXIV character a sort of background and feelings towards the events that happen on her journey. What she personally is going through (gut-wrenching heartache in Heavensward (a little)/shadowbringers (a lot)/Endwalker-which I think broke me)
So here is my one and only warning I am writing with the knowledge of how Endwalker ends. So my perspective might not be perfectly aligned with someone just beginning the game. Obviously there are Spoilers for the game.
In this story the Warrior of Light is a female Keeper of the Moon Miqo'te with long black hair and dark blue highlights. She has dark blue eyes and her main jobs are dancer/bard.
"Keepers are guarded and brooding, which may stall them from setting out on a journey, but when the need arises to protect family, friends or their home, a Keeper will stop at nothing to protect that which they cherish."
-FFXIV Class Compendium
Prelude: The Calamity, 1572
Warrior of Light, Hydaelyn's Chosen, Hero of Eorzea, Champion of Eorzea, Warrior of Warriors, Slayer of Gods, Eikon Slayer, The Liberator, Bringer of Light, Titan's Bane, The Warrior of Darkness, Adventurer…
These titles and many more, all given to me throughout my many adventures. Oh, how I loathe them. I am simply Kirisin Thorne, a Keeper of the Moon Miqo'te who was once but a simple hunter in training, in the Twelveswood, who had family, friends, and a home until that fateful day when Eorzea was torn asunder by the Calamity.
I was twelve summers old when Nael Van Darnus of the Garlean Empire sought to annihilate Eorzea using Dalamud. Three of the five City-States stood united to fight the invasion of the Garlean Empire. I remember those final moments as the red moon descended, as we all prayed to Menphina for salvation. I remember the despair I felt when Bahamut broke free and destroyed my home along with half of Eorzea. The Twelveswood, my home, lay in ruins. The devastation, the death, the grief for all those injured or lost. Those I cared about most were gone.
The Garleans called us savages and lesser beings. They said they were saving us from ourselves if we would only submit to the rule of the Empire. They are the savages, it was they who started this war, and it was they who destroyed everything in their wake.
And on this day a gift awoke within me that I did not know I even had let alone remotely understand until five years later. Five years later everything changed. I was alone once again. It was a twist of fate I suppose. Looking back I sometimes question how much choice I really had.
Year 1577: A Realm Reborn: Adventurer to Hero
Location: On a Road in Thanalan
My journey began with a waking dream while I was sitting in a chocobo carriage that was taking two white haired Elezen youths, a grizzled looking merchant, and I to Ul'dah. Why Ul'dah? I had no home left in the Twelveswood to return to and these awful visions or dreams seemed to be pushing me towards Ul'dah, for what I know not. But if doing this makes them go away then so be it. I will attempt to make a home in Ul'dah then. And so my story does begin…
The Waking Dream
Location: Aetherial Sea
Suddenly I was floating downwards in the vast Aetherial Sea, or at least that's where I assumed I was, and I heard a woman's voice that spoke unto me.
"Hear…"
"Hear…Feel…"
As I landed on what I guess was solid, even though I could see the darkness below me. I saw a bright light where the voice seemed to be coming from and so I began to walk towards it. Suddenly I was forced to stop when a purplish/black cloud like portal opened up and out came a man in black robes wearing a strange red mask. The voice spoke to me once again and I felt a rush of power, not mine own, as light enveloped my entire being.
"Hear…Feel…Think…"
I somehow instinctually created a bow of pure light and just as the dark being was about to attack I shot him with my bow… and then the light faded and all I could see was darkness…
Back to Reality
Location: Thanalan, Chocobo Carriage
"…Hey. Hey, you!"
The darkness finally faded from my vision and I was back amongst the living. The visions were getting stronger and more persistent. I shook my head slightly as I slowly regained my senses and opened my eyes to the worried merchant.
"Y'all right, lass? You were moanin' somethin' fierce for a while there."
"Aye, I am alright. Thank you." I replied to the kind stranger appreciating the concern.
"Feelin' the effects of the aether, I reckon. You'll get used to it, though, don't worry."
I looked at him a bit quizzically at that statement, aether sickness? Of course he had no idea of the vision I had just had. I could see why he assumed it was aether sickness since I was pretty sure I was unconscious but a moment ago.
"You there; Halt!" a voice came from the front of the chocobo carriage as it came to a sudden stop. I wondered what was going on but could not see who was in front of the carriage.
"What's all this about!?" The carriage driver asked nervously.
"Inspection! Men, search the carriage!" the unknown voice said.
After that order was given two men in what looked like military uniforms came to the back of the carriage and began looking at the supplies. I watched in curiosity not really understanding what they were looking for.
"I'm just an honest peddler, friend. So, er…don't be too disappointed if you don't find nothin', eh?" said the grizzled passenger.
"Mind your tongue, old man, lest I cut it out!" snapped the irate soldier.
"Sir, look! Somnus!" the other soldier exclaimed.
I glared at the soldier. I saw him pull the pouch out from behind his back. What kind of soldiers were these guys?
"Honest peddler, was it? Since when do honest peddlers deal in prohibited herbs? You're in a lot of trouble, old man. You'll rot in a dungeon till the end of your days…unless you can afford the fine." the leader of the group said with a smirk on his face.
I wanted to help the old man but I wasn't sure how I could take out three soldiers on my own and I certainly wasn't ready to make enemies with what looked like the law enforcement of Ul'dah either.
"Heh, business as usual…" the grizzled passenger said to me as he shook his head noticing my worried look.
I really hoped corruption like this was not the norm here. It certainly was not like this in Gridania. Ugh…senseless visions. What did they get me into? Suddenly, I heard a soft hiss with my sensitive hearing and reached out to the merchant in fear realizing what was coming trying to get the warning out. Luckily the arrow missed.
"Uwaaah!" the merchant yelled in surprise.
"Amalj'aa Amalj'aa! To arms! To Arms!" One of the soldiers yelled.
I looked out of the carriage trying to see the perpetrator while the soldiers got their wits together. Beastmen of some sort. They were so different from the Ixal that I was familiar with. These big black hulking beastmen looked far more dangerous than the Ixal too.
"Seven hells…Consider this a warning! Now go, all of you!" The leader of the soldiers said to us.
Our driver got the hint and immediately got the carriage moving once again. Once we were past the skirmish, the merchant and I relaxed again. I think the twin Elezens slept through all the commotion, that or they were seriously apathetic to the ongoing events that had just unfolded. Not sure which. I watched from the back of the carriage as the soldiers fought the Amalj'aa with keen interest.
"Phew…That kind of excitement ain't good for the heart. You be careful 'round them Brass Blades, lass. Bastards'll have the shirt off your back if they fancy it. Like common bandits, they are, only less honest. Thank the Gods' for sendin' some beastmen to the rescue, eh!?"
I just nodded my head in agreement, still in slight shock from the entire situation.
"Hey, seein' as we've still got a long ride ahead, you mind keepin' me company till we arrive? Them young'uns don't much care for conversation, see." the grizzled passenger asked me.
"Aye, I would be glad to." I said in agreement as I looked over at the two youths and came to the same conclusion. They did not look like they were interested in conversing with anyone at the moment.
"Brendt's the name, an' peddlin's me trade. An' judgin' by your unusual garments, I'll wager you're one of them new adventurers?"
"Aye, I suppose that is what I am going to be." I said contemplating if that's really what I was.
I wasn't going to Ul'dah for fame or glory and I didn't possess the wanderlust most adventurers were rumored to have. Oh sure I loved traveling to new places and seeing the sights like many but wandering all alone with no place to call home was not what I wanted. Alas, I had no home to go back to though, and I did need to make a living. I suppose I didn't really need adventuring for that. I could easily make a decent living doing what I know. I could hunt just as I had trained for in my village before the Calamity and for my guardian after the Calamity. But just hunting would not help me get to know the locals, learn the culture, see if this was a place I wished to settle in, or answer my many questions. It seemed becoming an adventurer was the only choice I had at the moment.
"I knew it! Goin' wherever the wind blows, seekin' fortune an' glory; now that's what I call a livin'! So long as you can avoid dyin', I mean. Ain't no secret that adventurin's a risky business; these days especially. What was it that first attracted you to it?" Brendt asked after going on about adventuring.
I really didn't know how to answer that but…"Freedom, I suppose. I wish to be able to go wheresoever I choose until I find a place I would like to call home." And that was mostly true; I didn't feel the need to explain about my crazy visions.
I thought about my choice and wondered once again if I had chosen the right path. To become an adventurer had its inherent risks, I understood that to survive, it required combat and weapon skill training. I needed to be strong and know how to fight. I was already good at hunting and making use of a bow. I am a Miqo'te after all; hunting is in my blood. It was all thanks to my guardian who took care of me and helped me finish my education and training after the calamity. I miss her as much as I miss my parents. She was one of the strongest and most knowledgeable Miqo'te I have ever known but even her strength and wisdom couldn't save her from sickness. And now I was all alone. The visions of course were pushing me to do something, though I know not what. I do not understand them. I am hoping to find my answers through adventuring. Mayhap someone else is experiencing something similar? Hopefully this is the correct path.
"...Freedom? A free spirit eh? Nothin Like takin in the sights an' seein new places. Just remember, though: there're more important things than wanderin alone. Such as breathin'. Ain't no profit in bein' dead, an' that's a fact. Find yerself some good comrades lest you become naught but a weary wanderer." Brendt said, it seemed all in one breath.
"When you arrive in town, you'd best enroll at the Adventurers' Guild…they'll set you on the right path. An' it wouldn't hurt to join a guild, neither. Ul'dah's home to a few, so if you fancy survivin as an adventurer it would be best to learn how to fight." Brendt continued giving his advice freely.
I smiled in amusement at his mini rant/advice but was grateful all the same.
"By the by, is this your first trip to Ul'dah?" Brendt asked, ready to change the subject.
"Aye, it is." I answered slightly excited for the unknown seeing as I had yet to see most of Eorzea. The last five years had been spent far away from the land to which I was born and before that I had never left the Twelveswood. My guardian took me away from Eorzea to study, learn, and grow.
"It is!? Well then, let this journeyed itinerant tell you the ins an' outs of your destination." Brendt began.
"That would be wonderful." I said as an amused smile shone through. I was pretty sure he just liked to hear himself talk. But I listened nonetheless.
"Ul'dah's ruled by the sultana in name, but as most folk know, the Syndicate holds all the real power. Them and their Monetarist cronies would happily get rid of Her Grace all together, but that won't happen while she still commands the loyalty of the Royalists. An' the Royalists are nothin' if not loyal. These factions have long fought over power, throwin' the weight of their wealth against each other, an' they show no sign of stoppin'. 'Course the lizardmen; that's the Amalj'aa, couldn't care less about the Ul'dahn politics. They have their own interests, see an' they ain't afraid to use force to serve 'em." Brendt paused in his explanation for oh about three seconds and then continued on.
"They say war is a gift to peddlers; need breedin' profit, and though it shames me to say it, I'm inclined to agree…Ah, at long last. Behold Ul'dah, jewel of Thanalan, where folk turn sand into gold!" Brendt declared as the carriage pulled to a stop.
"An' here's where we part ways, lass. I'm off to the markets to deliver me wares, then it's onto the highroad for me. Here, I want you to have this—by way of thanks for puttin' up with me prattle." Brendt said as he handed me a small shiny object.
It was a ring that held some magical properties from what I could tell. Mayhap Protection? I thanked him for his kindness.
"You never did tell me your name, though. Hey, but here's an idea... Become the sort of storied personage I can brag about havin' met, an' I'll consider us square."
I agreed. Though, I would have given him my name but mayhap we would meet again one day. On that note we parted ways.
Welcome to Ul'dah
I slowly walked in through the gates just taking in the beauty and splendor of this city in the desert. A beautiful rose amongst the thorns. Suddenly a voice caught my attention and I looked at him with slight surprise at being addressed.
"Oi 'venturer! Over here!" the stranger called. "Aye, I mean you." the stranger replied to my questioning look.
"Fresh off the carriage, by any chance?"
"Aye. But…" I started to ask but he guessed my question before I got the words out.
"Eh? How can I tell? Heh!"
In hindsight I suppose a Keeper of the Moon Miqo'te taking in the sights screams tourist or foreigner.
"Name's Wymond, an' my business is knowin' every bugger else's! Now then, what if I was to offer you some invaluable advice by way of welcome to our fair city? Free of charge, even; just this once, like." he said with a great big smile.
"Alright" I responded, slightly wary of this stranger's friendliness. But I walked over to him anyways. It's not like I knew where I was going.
"'Tis plain to anyone with eyes that you don't know your way around here. If I let you go wanderin' off down the nearest dark alley, you're certain to get mugged or worse, an' I don't want that on my conscience. So before you do anythin' else, you'll want to head over to the Quicksand, an' speak with Momodi. She's the master of the Adventurers' Guild, an' can set you on the right path. Just take those steps over yonder an' pass through the double doors. You'll find her inside. An' that's as much as you're gettin' for free. Good luck with the adventurin', adventurer." Wymond said as he waved me off.
I thanked him and headed to the Quicksand, the headquarters of the local Adventurers' Guild, ready to start my new life.
"Why, hello there! Who might you be? If you're lookin' to join the Adventurers' Guild, you've come to the right place. Name's Momodi, and I own this fine establishment, if it pleases you. I also manage the Adventurers' Guild here in Ul'dah. So you might say that lookin' after green adventurers like yourself is my vocation. And lucky for you that it is. Without someone like me to steer you right, you'd soon find yourself out in the middle of nowhere, caught up in business you don't understand."
I couldn't get a word in edgewise as she went on to explain the issues with the Amal'jaa and the Garlean Empire who would always pose a threat to Eorzea as long as they sat at our borders.
"Aye, the people drink and make merry...but underneath it all, there's worry. Worry and a lingerin' feelin' of loss."
She then continued to explain the Calamity. I did not want to interrupt her so I listened and let her tell me a tale I already knew oh so well. One thing new that I found interesting though was no one could remember how it all ended. That was a bit odd. How could the survivors not remember what happened? I certainly remembered what happened in the Twelveswood. It was surprising that they couldn't recall the warriors that stood at the Archon's side. I came out of my musing as Miss Momodi continued on.
"And they'll forever stand as a shinin' example of what adventurers can achieve. That's why I welcome new arrivals like yourself to our fair city. All I ask is that you lend a helpin' hand, and try to leave Ul'dah in a better state than you found her. If you can promise that, I'd be happy to let you join the guild." Momodi finished finally stopping to take a breath.
"Of course." I said in agreement. It was going to be my job after all.
"All right, then! A promise is a promise, now! I'm countin' on your help to put the past behind us. We need people workin' and spendin' and bickerin' like the old days!
And a happy and prosperous Ul'dah means more business for the Quicksand, too! Anyroad, let's make this official. Go ahead and write your name in the register; neat as you can." She paused in the moment I took to write my name in her book and hand it back to her.
"...Kirisin Thorne. Well, ain't that a charmin' name. Just rolls off the tongue, it does. All right, Miss Thorne! On behalf of the Adventurers' Guild, I officially─" She cut off mid-sentence as some poor guy was pushed to the ground and surrounded by a popoto man er…Lalafell, a Hyur man in a hood, and another Hyur man in armor.
"Please, sir, be merciful! Twelve as my witness, I swear to you, I'll bring you your money!" we overheard the man say.
"In the East, it is said that even a merciful god might be driven to vengeance if thrice blasphemed. Be grateful you were given a fourth chance to offend. You two, attend to this scum." the evil looking popoto said.
"No, please! Mercy!"
I felt bad for the guy but Momodi didn't seem too perturbed so I turned back to her when she started speaking again.
"Well, ain't that a sorry sight. Nor an uncommon one, if I'm honest. Don't worry, though…if you work hard, I doubt you'll end up like him. Just the same, if you ever need a bit of advice about one thing or another, pay me a visit. Just don't go botherin' me every time you stub your bloody toe, all right? 'Course, I do enjoy hearin' a lady muse on the many manhoods of her acquaintance from time to time...
Anyroad, welcome to Ul'dah, Kirisin! Take a moment to catch your breath, and I'll teach you a little about our fair city."
Close to Home
To get to know the city better Miss Momodi gave me three tasks to complete. Well that should be easy enough which they were, but each was quite unique in experience…
My first stop was the aetheryte plaza. I was looking forward to using one and learning teleportation magic, I am sure the skill will come in quite handy. While I was attuning myself a Lala named Nenebaru came up to me and said I owed him one hundred thousand gil! I guess my face said it all as he started laughing uncontrollably at my expense. Once he finally got himself under control he explained how the transportation spell worked, warned me about how draining it could be, taught me a really long incantation, and sent me on my way.
The next stop, by the twelve it was horrifying. I had found the Children of the Damned right here in Ul'dah! Evil little popoto people, I tell you, but they were willing to teach me their magicks so I stayed awhile.
My last stop, the shopping district which in theory could have been fun…except the guy Miss Momodi sent me to, was a pretentious little popoto er…lala? I suffered through it and went on my way.
I finally returned to Miss Momodi after randomly helping some people throughout the city. The tasks were fairly mundane and not the least bit how I would describe adventuring. I suppose gil is gil regardless of the task and it's not as if it was strenuous and the people were polite enough for the most part, though there was one rude lady that I absolutely refuse to take any jobs from. I ran into Wymond while I was exploring the city and he even gave me a small task. Though after finding out what it was all about I felt bad for the guy who wouldn't be getting the protection he must have felt he needed, whoever he was. I looked forward to seeing places outside of the city and little did I know that is exactly where my next adventure would take me.