Ambiant Scents

I'll always remember my first trip to Kazham... I'll also remember what Sinner told me before I embarked.

Sinner >> Look out for the Sky Horror during the trip!
Sinner >> It's one mean dragon! It'll one-shot you girl!

Trust me when I say I kept my eyes to the horizon just in case I saw a dragon approach the airship. It was fun though flying over Windurst, off to a new destination : the island of Elshimo, ancient homeland to my race. Strange, how lots of people think of Kazham as a mithran colony, while in fact it was quite the contrary: we colonized Windurst, hand in hand with the Tarutaru. While they seek guidance to their Sybil, we look up to our Chieftainess for our own path. However, the political aspects of Windurst is being handled by the Tarutaru, so we do have to deal with the Star Sybil as being our "official" leader.

Anyways... I thought it'd be neato to finally enter a town filled with my kin. As the ship landed, and I jumped onto the docks, I took a deep breath. Believe me, I really enjoyed smelling the town where my foremothers came from. The warm and humid air, mixed with all sorts of tropical vegetation gave the village an aroma of authenticity, an ages old memory being awoken, as if I had already came here in a previous life. I felt like I was returning home.

Dakha Topsalwan >> You'll be disembarking?
Coeurl >> Yes! Can you believe this is my first time here!
Dakha >> Oh goodie... Another "I'm happy to be back home"
Coeurl >> Yes! Ain't that great?
Dakha >> Listen here. You city folks always think they'rrre all that.
Dakha >> We've seen hundrrreds of "kindred" such as you pass through.
Dakha >> You all say "I have a connection to this place",
Dakha >> simply because we'rrre of the same species.
Coeurl >> But...
Dakha >> I'm just warrrning you not to rub your face in our affairs.
Dakha >> We have enough trouble as it is with adventurers flocking here.
Dakha >> We opened a trade route in the hopes to improve our surrrvival.
Dakha >> Instead, we have trrraining parties scaring off our prey.
Dakha >> Add to that how some went out to irk the Sahagins and Tonberries...
Dakha >> It's a wonderrr we're still holding against those beastmen nowadays.
Dakha >> But the worrrst of it all, are people like you.
Coeurl >> Like me?
Dakha >> Yes. "Borrrn again" Mithras, who are "reconnecting with their roots."
Dakha >> Let me tell you: you'rrre nothing like us!!!
Coeurl >> =o.o=
Dakha >> ...
Dakha >> Just go, have your training, and leave us alone.
Dakha >> Gate to the jungles is on your rrright.

I had hoped that sentiment was that of only one person in the whole village, but alas, I was proven wrong. As I made a quick tour of the settlement, all the local Mithras stared at me with a wild look in their eyes, as sizing up their prey. Can't say I felt comfortable in that circumstance. I figured to cut short my little tourism R&R, and put up my LFG flag on the Crystal Network. ...figures I have a bit more time to check the place out. The place was a bit confusing though, each section of the village consisted of two long houses on a platform, with passages leading from one place to another. Another thing that got me lost was that there were not one, but two Nomad Moogles in the town. How do you expect me to tell them apart? I already have a hard time telling Mogri apart from his peers.

Leader >> Care to {Party}?
Coeurl >> Pleased! =^-^=

Leader invites you to her party

Party setup : WAR / NIN (leader) / DRK / DRG / THF (me) / WHM

Coeurl >> Hiya!
Leader >> {Hello} Coe!
Coeurl >> ...wait, that's me, right?
Leader >> Who else has a name starting by Coe here?
Leader >> You have to admit Coeurldelionne is a bit freakishly long.
Coeurl >> Actually, that's Coeurl de Lionne.
Coeurl >> The Crystal Network doesn't seem to support spaces in our names.
Leader >> That's still too long, mind if I call you Coe?
Coeurl >> I do actually.
Leader >> Okay! Lea? Gen? You two are ready yet?

...Guess the leader liked using 3-lettered names for people.

DarkKnight >> Yup, I'm up for it.
Warrior >> Let's get this show on the road!
Warrior >> Incoming Yuhtunga Mandragora, get ready!

...Wait up... A mandragora? A small, soft, plump mandie? Those things? We're fighting little onino kids? I almost laughed like miss Shantoto when I saw that little twerp running in the middle of our circle of death. I mean, even our Tarutaru Dark Knight and White Mage were taller than it was! How hard can it be to kill?

...

...Not that hard after all! Sure, it had a lot of vitality, but when it came down to it, the little bugger didn't hit that hard, even when its attention was drawn to me. And so our Warrior was out getting another {Incredibly Tough} easy picking. The poor sap(ling) followed her into our waiting, weapon-readied hands, and we went to work on it. The fight went well again.

Coeurl >> Hey, what's that smell? It's kinda famili...
Coeurl >> ...zzzzzzzz...

It was bound to happen at some point. The ever traditional and classic Dream Flower move. Thankfully, our White Mage was experienced enough to stand far enough back to avoid the dreadful pollen weighting heavily in the air.

White Mage eventually casts Cure on Coeurl
Coeurl receives 22 HPs

Coeurl >> ...TAKE THAT! ....huh?!?
Coeurl >> ...what happened? It's already dead!
White Mage >> I would have woken you up sooner
White Mage >> But the darn scrub did a second Dream Flower
Coeurl >> ...I was sleeping on the job?
Leader >> You surely have fought sheeps in the past?
Leader >> They too have a sleep-inducing ability.
Coeurl >> ...Well, yah, but I only felt slightly drowsy with them.
Coeurl >> Same with mandies back in Sarutabaruta.
Coeurl >> Not like I ever spaced out for more than a few seconds.
Leader >> Get used to it then, it happens often here in the jungles.
Warrior >> Incoming Yuhtunga Mandragora, get ready!

And the whole process kept on happening: put to sleep, only to wake up with the mob having received a heavy beating while I was snoozing, if it wasn't dead already. Gotta say, it was pleasurable to have such easy fights, in spite of the few drawbacks, the biggest one being the Goblin Smithies roaming about. We had to be careful whenever one got trained to the zone. Painful memories of Selbina came back to mind.

Another drawback was the cramped spaces in which we were fighting. To properly hide away from the Smithies, we had to hide behind the fortified wall on the right side coming out of Kazham. That place was able to hold two training groups, and as long as we were able to hold our preys far enough apart, it wasn't too much trouble. Our leader had to tell the other party to have their mages stand with our White Mage, and fight their mandies down in the ditch. There were a few initial skirmishes in between our two groups when their Black Mage grabbed their sappling's attention long enough that it would put our White Mage to sleep along with their back line. But with time (and a little scolding from their leader), that Black Mage learned to moderate his trigger happy habits.

We chained those mandragoras well, with proper damage mitigation through the use of Ninjutsu from our Leader, and the Warrior's raw physical resistance. Sure, being slept all the time was annoying, but I figured I'd probably be able to go to bed later that night, with all the catnaps I'll have done during training.

Coeurl >> Uh-oh... Here comes anoth...
Coeurl >> zzz....

Heh, you get used to it after a while.

Coeurl gets hit for 97 damage

Coeurl >> ...TAKE TH-OWWW!!! That hurts! What a strong little bugger.

Goblin Smithy hits Coeurl again for 112 damage

Coeurl >> What the-EEEEEEEEEKK!!!
Coeurl >> UGLY ON MY BOGEY!!!

Goblin Smithy deals the coup de grace to Coeurl
Coeurl is slaughtered by the Goblin Smithy

Coeurl >> ...DAMN!!!
Leader >> I'm sorry about that Coe.
Coeurl >> ...not your fault,
Coeurl >> but I'd appreciate you didn't call me that.
Leader >> What's wrong with a friendly surname?
Coeurl >> ...
Coeurl >> Ok, I'll HP back to Jeuno, then come back.
Leader >> WAI-WAI-WAIT!!!!
Coeurl >> Why?
Leader >> I can raise you!
Coeurl >> I seriously doubt a Ninja can do much in that department.

Leader casts Raise III on Coeurldelionne
Coeurl gently floats in the air as her bare vitality is restored.

Coeurl >> ...But how?
Leader >> I just switched jobs in Kazham
Coeurl >> W-wait... They have Rent-a-rooms in Kazham?
Leader >> Nope, but they have Nomad Moogles, didn't you see them?
Coeurl >> ...You're telling me those moogles can change your job?
Leader >> Yup.
Coeurl >> ...and I thought only Mogri can do that.
Leader >> Nope.
Coeurl >> So... Those Nomad Moogles... They're not merchants?

A roar of laughter echoes in the jungle

Leader >> Where did you get that silly idea?
Leader >> Oh! Wait here a moment!

Leader casts Holy on the Goblin Smithy...

...Suffice to say, when my weakness wore off, and Leader switched back to her Ninja attire after getting bloody revenge, we were back to duking it out with helpless mandragoras. It didn't take long before I've hit level 27 in that session, in spite of that little incident. 27... that's 3 levels away from finally meeting the prerequisite to being a Ranger. My huntress training back in my youth will soon pay off.

Keeper of the Keys : Part 2 of 2

Sinner >> Not a bad haul, if I'd say so myself
Sinner >> A dozen ram skins and five horns
Sinner >> Ah! Here comes our protegee!

It was a quick trip from La Theine to Ghelsba. It was my first time entering the orcish outpost. It was an interesting sight, that's for sure. The orcs seemed like they settled well into the mountainside, preparing war machines for their incessant attacks on the San d'Orian caslte city. That amazed me a bit, seeing how those two nations waged war during this time of relative peace. I mean, back in Windurst, we have a truce with the Yagudos. Doesn't stop them attacking adventurers, who in turn go in their stronghold of Giddeus for some payback. But there are no armies trying to invade our city. Seeing this happen in San d'Oria kinda connected to me.

There isn't peace anywhere. Even Windurst's peace isn't real, where light skirmishes have replaced open warfare.

(Party setup hasn't changed since the last entry)

Coeurl >> Alright, I'll follow you three, you know the way.
Sinner >> Let's get a move on!

We initiated our climb heading northwest, and not before long, we were crossing suspended bridges, which took on a hilltop overlooking the city of San d'Oria.

Coeurl >> Alright, I'm ready to fight!
Sinner >> ...No, we aren't there yet.
Coeurl >> ...Oh?
Sinner >> We still have a bit of a way to go.

We walked through a hut, across a suspended bridge, and we came out in the fortified area of the orcish outpost. Gosh... those beastmen really meant business. Kinda strange how those two nations are still at each others' throats two years later. Again, walked uphill, hitched a ride up a wooden elevator...

Coeurl >> Are we there yet?
Sinner >> Still got a bit of a way to go.

A bit further, we walk through an encampment, which Kinah had to render me invisible to pass through undetected. They leered with disdain at my companions, but didn't dare attack them, understanding they were clearly outmatched. Up another slope, and another encampment, with a large hut featuring a chair fit for a warlord.

Coeurl >> ...This is the place?
Sinner >> Nope, got to go a bit further yet.
Coeurl >> This is no fun. Why do we have to come this far up again?
Sinner >> ...Your Kazham keys?
Coeurl >> Yah, I know that! But why do they hide so far up?
Coeurl >> My legs are tired from the climb!
Sinner >> ...You know, me and Kinah have smaller legs than you.
Sinner >> And you didn't see us complain.
Coeurl >> ...
Sinner >> At least be thankful you don't have to climb back down.
Sinner >> We'll teleport you back to Holla as to shorten your trip.
Sinner >> The orcs we want are right beyond that bridge.
Coeurl >> ...
Coeurl >> ...that cave?
Sinner >> Yup.
Coeurl >> ...that dark, damp, spooky cave?
Sinner >> What's so spooky about that cave?
Coeurl >> er...
Coeurl >> ...did I mention I'm claustrophobic?
Sinner >> Oh dear... We're so gonna have fun at Palborough Mines...

...That's when I realized I failed to proper notice one of the three beastmen strongholds: Giddeus, Fort Ghelsba and Palborough Mines. Really, this didn't bode well for my nerves later on. In fact, it apparently didn't do well for my nerves right then. Where my memories leave a hole in this tale, my friends reminded me later how I screamed at the top of my lungs, in a shrieking frenzy. Next thing I remember, I was inside the mountain, my heart racing hard at the thought of a possible cave-in.

Sinner >> Let's get {bee}zy!
Cirdek >> ...That joke's getting old.

My arms and legs felt weak, having to fight in a closed area, my only comfort being the sound of the wind howling through the caves, signifying salvation isn't that far off were an emergency to occur. I think I dropped my sword twice during the half-dozen fights.

Sinner >> Cool! 7th's the charm!
Sinner >> Coeurl, take the key!
Kinah >> ...I think she didn't hear you.
Sinner >> Coeurl?

Coeurl looks tensed up
Sinner pokes Coeurl
Coeurl screams in panic and flees for the zone

Sinner >> Coeurl! You got to come back!
Sinner >> Elseway, we'll drop the key!
Sinner >> Hurry up, you have a minute left!
Kinah >> Why don't we just go out and give the key to her?
Sinner >> Trust me, this can only help her face her fears.
Coeurl >> ...I heard that, you know.
Coeurl >> Party chat, hello?
Sinner >> The more reason you get your tail in here and get the key.
Sinner >> Elseway, we'll leave you stranded on this mountain.
Kinah >> ...This is a bit harsh, don't'cha think?
Sinner >> Look, we'll be heading in mines later on.
Sinner >> If she can't confront her fears here,
Sinner >> We'll have to knock her unconcsious
Sinner >> to take her to the Palborough Mines camp.
Sinner >> ...Only 30 seconds now!
Coeurl >> ...FINE! ... ...fine... ...I'm coming...

Coeurl obtains a Ghelsba Chest Key

Kinah >> Okay, everyone stay close, casting Tele-Holla!
Kinah >> Don't wander off too far Coeurly!

As the white aura carried my body over long distances, I was able to hear the blood pumping through my ears. I almost fainted at that moment, the envelopping magical forces in a cramped up space really didn't help matters for me. I collapsed to the floor once I was able to feel it with my feet.

Sinner >> 5 minute rest Coeurl, then take a chocobo to Konschtat.
Sinner >> We'll be waiting for you there.

Once they were gone, I pondered what was next. Palborough Mines. Talk about a place I don't want to head out to. 150k Gil didn't seem that bad after all. But they went through all that trouble to get me two keys out of the full set.

Coeurl >> ...Think Guddal would offer a discount if I only handed two keys to him?
Sinner >> Nope. Tried it. He's got a strict policy about that.
Coeurl >> ...so...
Sinner >> Listen girl. If you wish to pursue your training,
Sinner >> you'll have to head out for Garlaige Citadelle and Crawler's Nest.
Sinner >> Not to mention Quicksand Caves, Kuftal Tunnel...
Cirdek >> Thankfully Gusgen Mines isn't on that list.
Sinner >> Don't remind me of that awful place, it even gives me the willies!
Sinner >> In any case, you'll have to face up to that problem eventually.
Sinner >> So come over, we'll be sticking by your side the whole way.

I didn't feel too hot about having to pay for a chocobo in order to go somewhere I don't want to go. I mean, sure, I can handle certain places, like the tunnels leading between areas in Valkurm Dunes. But other places, like the tunnel leading to Qufim Island... I didn't dare mention it earlier, but I felt suffocated travelling through there, that being under the sea and all. So now, I have to go into a mine, which is a place that's been dug up for the sole purpose of extracting minerals. What if the supports built by the miners give in? What if the entrance was sealed off and I ran out of air? The trip wasn't easy, not only when it came to my ever growing concerns about having to enter such a place, but also because my chocobo felt my nervousness and was a bit unruly when it came to following my commands.

Got the gate crystal, took on another chocobo, and rode off to Palborough Mines. This time around, I felt an aura of heavy seriousness about our key hunting party. Even Kinah didn't seem her usual cheerful self. Arriving before the mouth of the mines, my heart almost bursted out of my still living body.

Coeurl starts breathing heavily

Sinner >> Here.

Sinner wishes to trade with Coeurl
Coeurl obtains a paper bag

Coeurl blushes in embarassment

Walking into the mine, that paper bag became very handy though. ...I felt a bit conceited over the sight of a mithra threading slowly, plastic bag over her mouth, taking deep breaths in an effort to calm down... But dang it if it didn't help. However, Sinner and Cirdek didn't seem too cheerful having to walk so slowly through this area.

Kinah >> You guys go on ahead, we'll catch up to ya.
Sinner >> ...You'll be ok handling Coeurl?
Kinah >> Sure! I'll keep her company on the way up.
Sinner >> If you say so.
Sinner >> C'mon Cirdek! Last one to camp is a rotten egg!
Cirdek >> That's hardly fair, I can't run like you can.

I wish I had a say in that. I didn't like being left alone with a Tarutaru. Not that I have anything against Tarutarus, just that I doubt she would be able to carry me up to the camp if I were to fall unconscious. On the plus side though, she's a White Mage, she could raise me if I suffered a heart attack.

Kinah >> You know Coeurly, I had to go through the same problem.
Coeurl >> Hmmmf? (I was still breathing in my paper bag)
Kinah >> Yah... Though my problem wasn't with cramped up spaces.
Kinah >> Nah... My problem is more with... bugs.
Coeurl >> Hffm?
Kinah >> Hehehe... When Sinner mentionned good ol' Crawler's Nest,
Kinah >> It reminded me of my first trip there.
Kinah >> Gosh, that place bears its name well. Crawlers everywhere.
Kinah >> Squishy, gooey, yucky-gucky crawlers...
Kinah >> I had to turn my back as to not look at it wiggle like crazy.
Kinah >> But I was still able to hear the sounds of it being beaten down...
Kinah >> ...Yeeeesh... That still gives me shivers.
Kinah >> I've had it even worse during my first trip to Quicksand Caves.
Kinah >> Those spiders... Eeeeeek! I hate spiders!!!
Kinah >> That big ball of pus on their backs...
Kinah >> Wasn't I glad I was staying in the back row.
Kinah >> I threw up the first time I saw that bulge burst open.
Kinah >> I didn't feel like eating food for the rest of that party's duration.

I felt a bit better as Kinah related that story. Not because she had to go through something similar, but mostly because it was taking my mind off my present situation. Enought to put the bag on the side by any length.

Coeurl >> Mustn't have been easy...
Kinah >> Nah, it really wasn't. I was teased for being oversensitive.
Kinah >> Didn't help most people who teased me were guys.
Kinah >> Didn't help any further that most also thought I was a guy.
Kinah >> Mainly Humes and Elvaans, it's like they can't tell us Tarus apart.
Coeurl >> Yah...
Kinah >> So there I was, on the verge of tears, so much I hated the situation.
Kinah >> People guilted me into staying, saying they needed me.
Kinah >> So I endured each subsequent training session in each of those places.
Kinah >> I had to clean my clothes off each time.
Kinah >> With all those sticky webs and poisonous ichors...
Kinah >> I always kept a spare outfit for the trip back home.
Coeurl >> Gosh...
Kinah >> Yah... But you know, with time, it bothered me less and less.
Kinah >> I'm sure it'll be the same for you eventually.
Coeurl >> ... =O.O= !!!

Coeurl clenches her paper bag to her face

Kinah >> Tee-hee! Sowry, didn't mean to bring that to mind.
Kinah >> Hope you're not scared of elevators, we have to go up here.

Coeurl shakes her head, eyes wide open.

Kinah >> Don't-ar-you worry Coeurly, We'll soon be at the camp.

I sat down during that elevator ride. Even though I've had no discomfort with the elevators in Bastok or Ghelsba, the sickening dizziness due to the constriction of my inners had me worried during the trip up. My brain was having a lot of trouble handling it all. Kinah had the idea of throwing a regen on me, which helped only ever slightly. We started heading down the path towards the back of the mine's top floor.

Sinner >> We got one!
Kinah >> Great!
Sinner >> Where are you girls?
Kinah >> Not far from the elevator.
Sinner >> Okay, we'll save the trip for you, we're coming over.
Kinah >> Meet up at the boats, alrightaru?

Figured the boats didn't require too much backtracking for me and Kinah. Most thankfully for me, as I was about to lose my lunch. Sinner didn't take long in arriving at the rendez-vous point, being a Thief helps. Well, a Thief whose stomach isn't flipped upside down.

Sinner >> Whoa... If I didn't know better
Sinner >> I would say Coeurl was born albino.
Kinah >> Now that you mention it...
Cirdek >> Wait up, I want to see that.
Kinah >> Cirdek...
Sinner >> Coeurl? Are you doing ok?

Coeurl looks like she's suffering from raise weakness.

Sinner >>
Sinner >> Okay, I've put the key in her bag.
Sinner >> The moment you get here Cirdek, we take the boat into Bastok.

Coeurl weakly shakes off her head

Sinner >> No boat?

Coeurl nods slightly

Sinner >> Okay then, I'll take the boat to town, got some business there.
Sinner >> Hope you guys make it alright back to Jeuno, y'a hear?

Sinner waves goodbye to everyone

Cirdek >> Could I get a Holla please?
Cirdek >> Gosh! You weren't kidding! She's white as snow!
Kinah >> Cirdek...
Cirdek >> What?
Kinah >> Could you be a bit more sensitive?
Cirdek >> Hey, it's not everyday you see a mithra like that.
Kinah >> ...
Kinah >> First, let's get out of here.
Kinah >> Teleport-Holla, here we come!

Had I known I would have passed out during the trip, I would have picked the boat. I lost consciousness as the whirling magical energies transported us out of the mine and onto the teleport pad of the crag of Holla. Eventually, I came back to my senses, with a strong, familiar smell filling my nostrils. As my visual focus started to clear up, I saw two familiar faces: Kinah, and...

Coeurl >> ...sss ...sssis...
Rosaly >> Hey, lil' sis.
Kinah >> Thank Altana you're back!
Rosaly >> You had me worried, sis.
Kinah >> Me too. I'm sorry we dragged you deep into Palborough.
Coeurl >> Hhh... How lll...
Rosaly >> How long you've been unconcsious? I'd say about 20 minutes.
Kinah >> 30 minutes, sorry it took me that long to think of calling you over.
Rosaly >> That's okay Kinah. Thanks for watching over her while I got here.

I later learned Rosaly was leveling her Monk skills solo-style in Valkurm Dunes when she was contacted by Kinah, and she put a stop to her session as she learned of my dire state. I was glad she came to see me, even if I wasn't a pretty sight. She always carried around a bottle of spicy sauce (family recipe), to make adventurer-crafted mithkabobs "edible". No wonder I felt hungry in spite of my digestive system being out of service when I came to my senses. That sauce is enough to have me climb the walls in joy when I feel normal.

Rosaly >> You didn't have to stay after I arrived.
Kinah >> I can't help but feel a bit responsible about this mess...
Rosaly >> Nonsense. You're not the one who dragged her deep into the mine.
Kinah >> Please, don't hold it against Sinner either.
Rosaly >> Nah... That's not my business. He's a nice guy.
Rosaly >> Though sometimes he can be a bit too insisting.
Rosaly >> No, if anyone is to hold grudges, it's gonna be Coeurl's business.

And they stayed with me until I was finally able to stand on my two legs again. I felt guilty myself for having kept them to my side for that long, under the thought that I should have recovered more rapidly. Not only did they stick around until I was able to move on my own, but they insisted they accompanied me to San d'Oria. I really wished I could go back to Windurst all that tiem I was in the mine, but still frail from the experience, I decided San d'Oria wasn't such a bad idea. On the way back, Rosaly just had to mention that time I almost got trampled to death by a domesticated dhalmel because she told me I could ride one after I asked if it was allowed. Yah... That's Rosaly alright, talking about past humiliating moments in order to lighten my latest fall in shame. I still love her very much, I know that's how she cares about me.

Sinner did apologize next time he saw me, said he didn't knew I would be having such a hard time dealing with my phobia, that had he known, he would have told me to stay at the mine's entrance and wait until they got back with the key. I answered that, although it was a hellish moment of my life, that I'll start working on that problem of mine, especially considering how apparently I'll be spending quite some time in underground locations in the future.

And yes, I did get my airship pass, though I was in no hurry to use it anymore. The memories of how hard it was to obtain it were still too fresh to me, and the last thing I wanted to do was to open that wound anew prior to joining another training party. A week's worth of rest in my hometown of Windurst was the right prescription for me.

RANT: No, you're not all that!

I'm starting to have my fill of people who think they can do amazing things, without having tried them beforehand in a controlled environment. Case in point, tonight's party I had.

Everything went pretty well, even though I felt the Thief (our star who shall remain nameless) was a bit overzealous on the pulls. Couldn't complain much though, we always pulled through, save for one unfortunate incident where one of the Warriors got quickly shot down by a Smithy's Goblin Rush. Apparently, that was the last straw for him, as he didn't come back after being taken down. So we're left to a 5-manned team.

Throughout the length of the party, a few occasions arose when the Thief asked to solo a White Lizard, just to see how far he can last. Obviously, the rest of the team kicked in nonetheless, not giving him the chance to see how limited he could be. Gotta say, he did use all the tricks of the trade, including Sleep, Bloody and Acid bolts. So he never got his chance to really shine, seeing how we "butted in".

Comes the end of the party. First we asked how far some are to reaching their next level in training. The other Warrior who stayed with us said he only had 400 xp to go. We agreed to stick around until he leveled. So in comes a Goblin Pathfinder. Everything went well, until our Thief wondered again how well he'd fare against a White Lizard...

...While we were fighting a goblin with more than 50% of its health left untouched. Yah, go ahead and test out a theory while we're trying to put an end to our training session, not wondering if we could handle the goblin without a Thief's peak damage.

I'm sure you can guess what happened afterwards. I'll still give the rundown to the obvious conclusion.

The Thief was holding his own, and so was the rest of the team. Alas, our MP pools were being drained, and the goblin still very much alive. Realizing that it might be a good idea to help out the team, the Thief joined into the festivities, with Lizard in tow. I do my usual business and start a Lullaby... When I see there's another Lizard walking right in the middle of the fight. Yah... The Paladin fell not before long, and lost his recently acquired level. I did a Horde Lullaby, which held for the best of 20 seconds, but once the lizard that wasn't being preoccupied with the other fighters woke up, I got shot down for the remaining HPs I had left. Damn those little demons hit hard. The rest of the team fell as well.

...And to say, I've been considering resigning my adventuress' career for a while now. This is yet another bump in the road that encourages me to do away with my licence and take a desk job. I know I'll be having a hard time doing that, but if I get even more of that kind of shit hitting the fan...

I'm sick and tired of people who think they're all that. For missions, I mind less, especially when I'm being helped. I don't mind dying because someone thought they could handle a monster on their own, and were wrong. I can remember quite a few cases when I thought I could handle such monsters on my own and took a dive for it. But in an experience party... Please, give the 5 other people a break, they're not there to witness your exploits (or lack thereof), they're there to get some training done.

Keeper of the Keys - Part 1 of 2

I won't go about in details on how I got through my Thief Training from 23 to 25. It wasn't anything worth mention. In fact, it wasn't worth remembering it at all. I still wonder where I got that experience from. In any case, I finally made it to the famous 25. Already 20 was a rite of passage for being my first trip to Jeuno, getting a chocobo and leaving the dusty dunes behind. 25 is when you get to ride an airship for the first time.

Of course, there's that matter of acquiring an airship pass to Kazham... So I headed for the Jeuno-Kazham airship lobby in Jeuno to inquire as to how to go about it.

Guddal >> That'll be 150,000 Gil
Coeurl >> WHAAAA-AAAAAAT ???
Guddal >> But since you look like a nice lady
Guddal >> I could give you a 2,000 Gil discount.
Coeurl >> Holy Rarab Tails! That's still too expensive!
Guddal >> You mean "too expensive for you."
Coeurl >> ...Who the heck can afford that ?!?
Guddal >> Honestly, not many people.
Guddal >> Some are just rich brats in search of adventure.
Guddal >> Others are sponsored adventurers.
Coeurl >> ...And others just farm their tails off?
Guddal >> Well... they are rare, but some do.
Coeurl >> ...Do you know about other places I could train?
Guddal >> There are a few, but no one goes there.
Guddal >> Everyone goes to Kazham these days.
Coeurl >> ...But you just said not everyone can afford the pass!
Guddal >> True... true... not everyone can pay up that price.
Guddal >> But there's another way to go about this.
Coeurl >> ...I sincerely hope it doesn't involve feeding a chocobo.
Guddal >> ...Huh?
Coeurl >> ...Oh, nevermind what I just said...
Coeurl >> So... what's that other way?
Guddal >> Yes... You see... I'm a collector of sorts.
Guddal >> I like making trinkets for the kids using keys.
Guddal >> But not any kind of keys. I like beastmen keys.
Guddal >> Love the designs for them. That I do.
Coeurl >> Can you get to the point already?
Guddal >> Yes. Yes. Sorry for the derail.
Guddal >> I'm willing to give you a Kazham airship pass
Guddal >> if you bring me three different beastmen keys.
Coeurl >> ...oh, I don't like where that is going.
Guddal >> How so?
Coeurl >> I've heard about those coffer key hunts from friends.
Coeurl >> They told me it's a whole new level of Hell.
Guddal >> ...I don't expect you to get a coffer key, far from it.
Guddal >> The designs are similar, whether it's a chest or coffer key
Guddal >> as long as it comes from the same beastman nation.
Guddal >> Besides, it's for necklaces, so the cheaper key the better.
Coeurl >> Oh? What keys then?
Guddal >> Those found in the smaller beastmen outposts:
Guddal >> Giddeus, Fort Ghelsba and Palborough Mines.
Guddal >> A group of adventurers your level should be getting those easy.
Coeurl >> ...sounds more reasonable than 150k...
Coeurl >> Ok, I'll do it!
Guddal >> Alright, I'll keep a pass ready for when you come back.

Of course, I didn't have the mind to go about this with a group of other adventurers. I mean, why ask perfect strangers when you can ask not-so-perfect-yet-lovable friends? Not only are they more willing to help, but you don't need to fight over each key you find.

Coeurl >> Hey Kinah! Can I ask you for help?
Kinah >> Sure Coeurly! What's up?
Coeurl >> I need your help, heard you can teleport me?
Kinah >> Sure can do! That'll be 1k per teleport though!
Coeurl >> ...some friend you are...
Kinah >> Kidding! I'm kidding ya!
Kinah >> To what honor might I teleport you away?
Coeurl >> Remember when I said I'd work for my Kazham pass?
Coeurl >> ...guess the line of work changed
Coeurl >> from farming to key huntress.
Kinah >> See? Told ya you'd need my help for that!
Coeurl >> ...You knew?
Kinah >> Sure! Didn't I tell ya you'd need help for those keys?
Coeurl >> ...You knew about the keys?
Kinah >> ...Didn't I tell you about the keys?
Kinah >> I think I reminded you hald a dozen times about it.
Kinah >> "Coeurl, when you hit 25, don't hesitate to ask me for help"
Kinah >> "I'll be glad to help-ar-you find your Kazham keys!"
Coeurl >> ...Yah, that does ring a bell now.
Kinah >> Alrightaru, so you're in Port Jeuno?
Coeurl >> Yah, at the Kazham airship lobby.
Kinah >> Ok, give me a sec, I'm coming with some extra help!

Kinah invites you to a party

Kinah >> There ya go!
Sinner >> {Hello!} Coeurl!
Cirdek >> Greetings!
Coeurl >> ...isn't this a bit overkill?

Party setup:
Kinah - White Mage, 60-ish, Tarutaru, Female
Sinner - Thief, 70-ish, Tarutaru, Male
Cirdek - Dragoon, 50-ish, Elvaan, Male
Coeurl - Thief, noobish, Mithra, need I say more?

Sinner >> Nonsense! There's no such thing as overkill!
Sinner >> Besides, I wasn't doing much special today.
Cirdek >> Same here... Not much happening.
Cirdek >> Not like parties are jumping on me while LFG lately.
Sinner >> ...Dragoon humor, eh?
Cirdek >> More like stern reality.
Kinah >> Ok, gather together, casting Teleport-Mea!

Kinah starts casting Teleport-Mea

Sinner >> So we start in Giddeus then?
Coeurl >> ...is that a bad thing?
Cirdek >> Bleah... order doesn't matter.

Kinah casts Teleport-Mea
Kinah vanishes...
Cirdek vanishes...
Sinner vanishes...

Coeurl >> ...where are you guys?
Sinner >> Wait... did you move out of range?
Kinah >> Nah, she was right next to me while I was casting.
Sinner >> ...Coeurl?
Coeurl >> Yeah?
Sinner >> Did you get your gate crystal?
Coeurl >> Gate what?

Coeurl hears two sighs in her party chat

Sinner >> Ok, grab a chocobo and come to the crag of Mea.
Coeurl >> ...crag?
Sinner >> ...you know, the big bone structure?
Coeurl >> ...like the one I crossed in Sconecat Highlands?
Sinner >> Konschtat. Yes. Looks the same, but in Tahrongi Canyon.
Sinner >> That's where you get your gate crystal.
Sinner >> If you don't have it, the teleport can't hone you on the target.
Coeurl >> ...Is that Kinah I hear giggling like crazy?
Cirdek >> ...
Cirdek >> ...At least someone finds this situation humorous...
Sinner >> Hey, don't worry about that and grab that chocobo.
Sinner >> I'm sure she'll calm down by the time you get here.
Coeurl >> I'm sorry...
Sinner >> Pish-posh! You should have seen some people I've crossed.
Sinner >> They didn't have their base gate crystals at L40!
Coeurl >> Somehow, that still doesn't comfort me.
Sinner >> ...Just come, it's alright. We'll kill some bees in the meanwhile.

Still under the impression I made some important blunder, I chased after them riding through Sauromugue Champain and Meriphataud Mountains. Kinah's attempts at finding back her composition from a strong case of the giggles didn't help bolster my self-esteem. Thankfully, she got herself back under control by the time I zoned in Tahrongi Canyon. Unthankfully, when she saw me approach the group, I could see by the way she was biting her lips that she was working hard not to go into another stream of uncontrollable laughter. Sinner told me to dismount, get the gate crystal, then we rode off to Giddeus. We headed on the western side, into the tunnels, and into a dead-end.

Coeurl >> Are you sure this is the...
Coeurl >> WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?!?!?

Kinah laughs uncontrollably

Sinner >> We're down below!
Coeurl >> ...below?
Sinner >> In the grass. There's a hole. Jump in.
Coeurl >> ...w-wait... Is... is it safe?
Sinner >> Sure it is!
Coeurl >> ...B-but, h-how do we get back up?
Sinner >> There's a slope going back to the outside right after the drop
Coeurl >> O-okay... Here goes...

Coeurl takes a leap of faith
Coeurl falls on her rump
Coeurl takes 20 damage to her pride

Cirdek >> ...and I thought mithras always landed on their feet...
Coeurl >> ...you try jumping down a hole for the first time.
Cirdek >> You know what my job is?
Coeurl >> ...Oh. Yah. Dragoon. Right. Jumps.
Kinah >> Hee-hee-hee! Maybe you should become a Dragoon Coeurly!

Coeurl blushes in embarassment

Coeurl >> ...You know I want to be a Ranger, right?
Sinner >> Such a pity you won't follow the way of the Thief...
Cirdek >> Can't blame you for not wanting to become a Dragoon.

Kinah rolls over in more laughter

Sinner >> Coeurl, maybe you should carry Kinah for the rest of the trip.
Sinner >> I think she's having a serious case of the giggles.
Kinah >> Ho-ho-ho... That's... hee-hee... alright... I'll walk.

Up the slope, through an area where adventurers waged war with yagudos with a passion (later learned it's known to be Hoo Mjuu the Torrent's stomping grounds), then through another area, and...

Sinner >> Let's get {bee}zy!

It was fun watching a higher tiered Thief in action, as well as the raw power of a Dragoon. Me and Kinah joined in the fights as well, though at some point Sinner and Cirdek parted ways when we reached the back area of Giddeus. And less than three minutes later.

Cirdek >> ...no drop. Gotta wait for their reinforcments.
Cirdek >> Are you sure Treasure Hunter helps with keys?
Sinner >> ...Not like it's hurting our chances...
Sinner >> Let's kill some bees in the meanwhile.

We wiped the area clear four times before we finally got to fight a Yagudo carrying a Giddeus Chest Key. Sure took some time, you'd think that at least one yaggie per watch would carry one. Heh... I shouldn't ponder the ways of beastmen, all that really mattered right then was getting the three keys.

Kinah >> Alrightaru, I'll do a Tele-Mea for Coeurl
Kinah >> then I'll Tele-Holla the rest of us.
Sinner >> Anyone up for some ram hunting?
Coeurl >> Rams?
Sinner >> Don't worry your pretty head Coeurl
Sinner >> just get a chocobo at the crag
Sinner >> and head out for La Theine Plateau
Sinner >> We'll hunt some rams in the meanwhile.

And in mere moments, I was whisked away in a whirlwind of mana. When my senses recovered from the daze of my first teleport, I headed down the flight of stairs and grabbed a chocobo while the others vanished from sight. I knew it was going to be quite a trip getting all the way there, even on a chocobo's back. That was at least one key down, and two left to go.

Crabtastic

It felt good breathing fresh air again, as I left Bastok behind me, heading towards Jeuno for my next stage in training: Qufim Island.

And me who tought that Bastok was a desolate place... Rocks, snow, and bone thingies are what that place is all about. Made me wonder why someone thought it'd be a good idea to dig a tunnel from Jeuno all the way to that remote island. Sure, ships can't make their way to that place, the rocky waters have sent more than one ship to its demise. And the only thing that really stands out is that bone-like-tower, sticking out like a sore thumb on an island that has nothing to offer... save for training grounds near a major city.

And so I braced for my next tough period of training. After going LFG for a while (no, it's not a drug, though you stay hooked to it for long periods of time some days), I finally get invited to join an already established group that was hanging near the icy lake in the middle of the bare island. Making my way there was an operation of tactful walking between ugly Gigas. Damn things are hard to avoid, they're so ugly you can't tell which way they're facing.

I bowed to the group upon arrival, and noticed our leader chatting with what appeared to be a higher tiered White Mage. Kinda hard to miss, seeing she was garbed in her artifact attire.

Leader >> Hello, Coeurldelionne
Coeurl >> Hiya! =^-^=
Leader >> This is Christy, she'll be power-leveling us today.

Christy waves to Coeurl

Coeurl >> ...powawhat?
Leader >> You know... Throw cures at us... Handle undeads...
Leader >> The kind of stuff that slows down our training...
Coeurl >> Oh... okay, sounds good to me.

Party setup was nothing out of the ordinary, when not accounting the PL. WAR-MNK-THF-RDM-WHM-BLM. I kinda wondered what the White Mage was going to do in this party, seeing someone else was throwing out the cures. Not like they do much else.

Leader >> Incoming Clipper, get ready!
Leader >> I SLEPT WITH UR MAMA!!! ({Provoke} >> Clipper)
Leader provokes the Clipper

Coeurl =o.O=?!? 's

I couldn't tell which part was most disturbing. Was it that I'd be hearing this about every 30 seconds? Or was it that I was pretty sure the Clipper didn't understand english? Or was it the mental image of an Elvaan getting busy in bed with a crab?

I'm placing my bets on that last one.

And in the camp came the Clipper. And behind it I moved. And prepared my Sneak Attack was once positioned. And...

Christy casts Cure III on Leader
Coeurldelionne hits the Clipper for 6 damage

Coeurl >> Shoot!

Ok... no problem. Next fight I'll just wait for the White Mage to get the crab's attention. So, another pull (curse that mental image!!!), another Cure III, another positioning, another Sneak Attack, and...

Leader >> I SLEPT WITH UR MAMA!!! ({Provoke} >> Clipper)
Leader provokes the Clipper
Coeurl hits the Clipper for 0 damage

Coeurl >> >_<;

Now, repeat the process for the next 30 minutes, and me landing only half of my Sneak Attacks, trying to figure out when to fit my attack so I don't strike the side of the monster instead of its back. I didn't dare say much about this situation. I mean, everyone seems to be enjoying the presence of the PL, and me as well. I mean, there's nothing more fun than watch a higher level White Mage lay the smackdown on some roaming skeletons at night, all the while still providing us enough cover that our own White Mage was able to enfeeble the crabs, and retain enough MPs in case something awful happens. ...And indeed, it just had to. Right in the middle of a fight.

Christy >> Guys, I have to give someone a Raise, brb.

At least, that's what she said, but neither I nor half the party heard that through the constant clashing of swords and knuckles against a steel shelled crab. And incidentally, our White Mage was part of that half, as he seemed distracted by something else at that point. Our tank's health took a turn for the worst before the Monk took over tanking duties temporarily, and the White Mage finally noticed the situation.

White Mage >> lol! My linkshell told me the funnie...
White Mage >> WHAT IN TARNATION!!!!
White Mage >> DON'T WORRY, I'LL SAVE YOU ALL!!!

White Mage uses Benediction

Yup, the old classic formula: White Mage + Benediction = Mage tank. He sure was taking a beating, but the Red Mage assisted him in his self-curing, while we tried finishing it off.

At least it was easy at that point for me to land a Sneak Attack. Black Mage still got the kill shot though.

Leader >> Let's rest for a while...
White Mage >> Couldn't agree more...
White Mage >> And I'm sorry for spacing out for a while.
Leader >> No worries, Christy had to leave mid-fight.
Leader >> Good job everyone.
Coeurl >> Thank the Sybil no one died.
Red Mage >> Yah, and that's not thanks to you, Thief.
Coeurl >> ...Huh?
Red Mage >> I've checked your damage output, and it pains me to say,
Red Mage >> but I'm out-damaging you by an awful lot.
Coeurl >> -.-; ...
Red Mage >> You really should pick up your game a bit.
Coeurl >> Oh, really?
Coeurl >> I'd like to see you try pulling Sneak Attacks.
Red Mage >> Yah, about that...
Red Mage >> You really should precharge your Sneak Attack.
Coeurl >> So, you're an expert on the subject?
Red Mage >> I've seen plenty of Thieves in my career,
Red Mage >> I can tell how a Thief's supposed to work in a party.
Red Mage >> And I hate to say that you suck at it.
Coeurl >> If you hate saying it so much, why won't you SHUT UP?!?
Leader >> People! People! Let's calm down a bit!
Red Mage >> Hey, I'm just sayin'.
Coeurl >> Hmf!
Leader >> Red Mage, do you know why Coeurl's having trouble with damage?
Red Mage >> Of course! She's not pre-loading her Sneak Attack!
Red Mage >> Ain't it obvious?
Coeurl >> ...It shows you never tried being a Thief.
Coeurl >> It really isn't that simple.
Red Mage >> Oh really?
Red Mage >> I'm sure I could do your job while blinded!
Red Mage >> Why don't YOU try being a mage someday?
Red Mage >> Try giving a shot at being a Black Mage someday.
Red Mage >> Melees have it easy, all they do is whack at monsters.
Black Mage >> Right on, brotha!
Monk >> HEY!!!

Leader >> PEOPLE!!!
Leader >> Let's just calm down for a bit!
Leader >> No one sucks in our team, you hear?
Red Mage >> Try telling that to the Thief with a straight face.
Leader >> Listen here bud, Coeurl's doing the best she can.
Leader >> Me and Christy aren't making it easy for her.
Leader >> If her damage isn't up to snuff, it's because of us two.
Red Mage >> I don't get it.
Leader >> Simple. The problem is the monster turns around too often.
Leader >> Once Christy's back, I'll ask her to stand behind me.
Leader >> That way, Coeurl should have an easier time landing her attacks.
Coeurl >> ...Sounds super to me.
Red Mage >> ...don't forget to precharge your Sneak Attack.
Coeurl >> Didn't you listen? That's not the problem here!
Leader >> Coeurl...
Coeurl >> I'm doing a fine job as it is already!
Leader >> Coeurl...
Coeurl >> So why don't you keep your observations to yourself, jerk!
Leader >> COEURL!!!
Coeurl >> What?
Leader >> Maybe you should give precharging your Sneak Attack a chance.
Coeurl >> ...but you said I was doing a fine job?
Leader >> Yes, but there's no harm in doing an even better job.
Coeurl >> ...ok, ok! I'll give it a shot.

Once our PL came back, we went on with our training. I did as I was suggested, charged my Sneak Attack the moment our leader told us to get ready for the incoming pull. I hate to say it, but it was fun doing two Sneak Attacks from time to time. Sure, I did pull hate on the second one when it happened, but hey, ain't that the reason why we had a PL? The worst was admitting secretly that the Red Mage actually had helpful advice, in spite of having an acidic attitude about it. He had a smug face about it at first, but when he saw me pull double-sneak-hitters, his grin faded as I greatly outpaced him in terms of damage output.

I didn't dare admit the Red Mage was right about pre-charging my ability. And the Red Mage didn't dare admit that the major problem was hate bouncing around. He most likely considered this a stalemate as much as I did. In any case, this party got me all the way up to level 23. Looking back, I consider myself lucky to have had such an easy time in Qufim. My recent ventures as a Bard on that forsaken island are a testament to that.

Maybe if I just looked up at the aurora borealis from time to time, I wouldn't hate that place as much.

City of Stone

You can guess what I did the next day. With a chocobo riding licence in hand, and a few hundred Gil in the other, I went ahead and rented a chocobo for a ride. Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! =^-^=

...but where to go?

San d'Oria was a big no-no. Last thing I wanted was to face those snotty Elvaan city guards again. They've been annoying me to no end.

Windurst? I was glad I left. In spite of the big story of me streaking through the port area after Home Pointing dying down over time, I was still given a few leers by some perticular individuals. So... no thank you on that account.

That left Bastok as the only destination left. I thought it was a good idea, seeing that's the only civilized city I haven't visited yet. I've heard about the technological prowesses originating from there, so I might want to see what the fuss was all about. And off I went!

...I won't go about describing my chocobo ride. Only notable item of interest was how I was laughing uncontrollably whenever I passed near a goblin. I mean, for once I can woosh right past them under their nose, and they can't do anything to me! Even when I stopped right next to them they didn't even think of throwing a bomb my way. I'm guessing that's because they tend to look at the ground and only see the chocobo's thick legs and belly, never thinking that there might be a rider on top of it.

Anyways, fussing about the feelings and poor sight of goblins isn't worth it. Upon arrival into the area of Gustaberg, I felt a bit disappointed. All I could see off the distance was rocks and mud. And the occasional withering tree. Not exactly a pleasant sight. I could have only hoped the city would put some color into this environment.

...Gosh, was I wrong... The city is so... so...

...Gray. No wonder Galkas live there.

Travelling from district to district, I wondered how people managed to live in such a bland city. Practically no vegetation, nothing but stone roads and brick settlements... It was really depressing. From the port to the mine, there was nary a sight of interest. Heck, the elevator might have been more interesting to see if it wasn't located smack next in the metalworks. I had to leave that place prematurely seeing how I couldn't stand the stench of brimstone for long.

I was getting bored, and fast. Thankfully, checking on the crystal network, I saw a familiar name pop up in my contacts list.

Coeurl >> Hey sister!
Rosaly >> Hiya little sis!

(Note: Rosaly's not really my sister, but rather my childhood bestest friend. As I was orphaned during the war, her parents took me in, and I became part of her family.)

Coeurl >> How's it going?
Rosaly >> Slow but steady, as usual! You?
Coeurl >> ...I'm bored...
Rosaly >> How come?
Coeurl >> See, I thought I'd visit Bastok
Coeurl >> but there's nothing worth my attention here.
Rosaly >> Yah, I admit it's not as beautiful as our homeland.
Coeurl >> ...I miss Windurst...
Coeurl >> ...but I don't want to go back...
Rosaly >> Still worried about that first page you made?
Coeurl >> You know it...
Rosaly >> Hey sis, don't let that get to you that easily.
Rosaly >> Besides, that is so two moons ago.
Coeurl >> ...Really?
Rosaly >> Sis, did I ever tell you any lies?
Coeurl >> Well... there's that time you told me
Coeurl >> I could ask miss Shantoto for help with my homework.
Rosaly >> ...That time doesn't count.
Rosaly >> Besides, that made for one heck of a Show'n'Tell.
Coeurl >> ...And that time you had me ride a dhalmel...
Rosaly >> How would I have known they wouldn't like being ridden?
Coeurl >> ...And when you had me "borrow" that book at the Optistery...
Rosaly >> Ok! Ok! I get it! I made a few blunders in the past.
Rosaly >> But you have to let it go! It's water under the bridge now!
Rosaly >> Besides, it's not like you can avoid your hometown forever.
Coeurl >> ...Yah...

So much for hanging in that town. Technology really wasn't my thing, so I started heading back towards the Chocobo Stables.

Rosaly >> So... how's the "I'm going to get rich" thing going?
Coeurl >> ...not so well.
Coeurl >> Adventuring takes a huge investment out of my profits
Rosaly >> Oh. Ever thought of crafting?
Coeurl >> Not really. Looks complicated.
Rosaly >> Nonsense! It can be quite a profit actually!
Coeurl >> Oh? How do I get started then?
Rosaly >> Why don't you try the Alchemy Guild in Bastok?
Rosaly >> That way, your trip won't be for naught.
Coeurl >> ...Thanks sis, I'll give it a shot.
Rosaly >> No prob! Take care lil' sis!

Finding the guild was a bit harder than I initially expected. Sure enough, I had a map of the place, but the alley in which the guild was located kinda got me guessing a few times at where the guild was, and how to get down in the alley below. Finally found my way inside, and got up the stairs to meed the professional alchemists running the place.

Coeurl >> Uh... Hi.
Abd-al-Raziq >> Hello.
Coeurl >> Is this the alchemist's guild?

I mentally kicked myself when I realized how stupid the question was.

Abdy >> Of course! Interested in joining, are you?
Coeurl >> ...Sorta, heard it's a nice craft.
Abdy >> It certainly is. We make all sorts of medecines here.
Coeurl >> ...uh... That doesn't sound so thrilling...
Abdy >> You'd think that, wouldn't you?
Abdy >> I suppose you never went on missions, did you?
Coeurl >> Well... not really
Coeurl >> Had to leave my hometown so never got around to that.
Abdy >> Let me tell you, young girl.
Abdy >> All adventurers eventually wish they were alchemists.
Coeurl >> How come?
Abdy >> Why, everyone needs some medecine at some point!
Abdy >> Antidotes for curing poisons...
Abdy >> Echo Drops for silence...
Abdy >> ...are you a mage per chance?
Coeurl >> ...No?
Abdy >> Then you'll need Oils and Prisms, my dear!
Coeurl >> Oils and whats?
Abdy >> Prisms! They turn you invisible!
Coeurl >> ...I can be invisible?!?

Right there, I was thinking of all the nasty tricks I could pull back on Rosaly. From planting evidence on her, to making her think she's being haunted by ghosts... That'd be sweet!!!

Coeurl >> WHERE DO I SIGN UP?!?
Abdy >> Hey! Calm down little girl!
Abdy >> You can sign your name in the guild book over there.
Coeurl >> ...are there any binding terms?
Abdy >> None whatsoever! You can join other guilds too!
Coeurl >> ...so I can be an alchemist and a clothcrafter?
Abdy >> Of course! Though don't expect to excell in both now.

Coeurl signs the guild's book of amateur alchemists.

Coeurl >> When can I start crafting?
Abdy >> Any time you want!
Coeurl >> Cool! Can I do those Primsy thingies?
Abdy >> ...I'm afraid not, young girl.
Coeurl >> ...why not?!
Abdy >> It does take a certain amount of skill to do that.
Abdy >> Why don't you start practicing making ninja tools?
Coeurl >> ...but I'm not a ninja!
Abdy >> Bah! That's not important!
Abdy >> You just need to start on an easy recipe.
Abdy >> And I've got just the thing for you!

Abdy gives a stack of Rock Salts to Coeurl
Abdy gives a stack of Distilled Water to Coeurl
Abdy gives an ice crystal to Coeurl

Coeurl >> What am I supposed to do with those?
Abdy >> Two parts distilled water for one part rock salt
Abdy >> Just combine them with an ice crystal
Abdy >> You can then sell the result on the auction house
Coeurl >> ...sounds simple enough...

Coeurl uses an ice crystal
Coeurl synthesized 33 Tsuraras

Coeurl >> ...that *was* simple enough!
Abdy >> Congratulations! You've done alchemy!
Coeurl >> Cool! Can I do something more complicated now?
Abdy >> ...no, you have to gain more skill first.
Coeurl >> Ok. Can I get another Ice Crystal now?
Abdy >> ...no, you have to purchase them yourself.
Coeurl >> But you just gave...
Abdy >> That was an introductory offer for joining our guild.
Abdy >> You are the mistress of your own training.
Abdy >> Now go forth, young girl! Make us proud!

And I did. As far as the auction house, buying a stack of ice crystals.

Coeurl uses an ice crystal
Synthesis failed
Coeurl lost a Rock Salt

...My wiskers hurt from the cold discharge of the crystal, I travelled back to the Alchemists' Guild

Coeurl >> How come I failed?
Abdy >> Oh, that happens from time to time.
Abdy >> If you want, we offer synthesis Imagery support services.
Coeurl >> Oh cool? Can I have it?
Abdy >> Of course! ...Though it's not entirely free.
Coeurl >> ...uh-huh... I wondered why you were so friendly before.
Abdy >> Nonsense! We *do* offer free synthesis support
Abdy >> but it's the cheap kind, won't do much good.
Abdy >> The real stuff is still a minimal charge
Coeurl >> ...How much?
Abdy >> Really not much. For your skill level, it'd come to 100 Gil.
Coeurl >> ...Oh, sign me up for that then.
Abdy >> Okay, close your eyes now...

Coeurl pays up the 100 Gil fee
Coeurl gains the effect Advanced Synthesis Imagery support

Abdy >> There you go!
Coeurl >> Alright, thanks!
Abdy >> No problem, anything to help a fledging new alchemist!

I did a few more crafts, all of which succeeded, but quickly ran out of materials. Off to the local bar to get more distilled water. I then ran out of crystals and rock salts. So back to the auction house again.

Coeurl's Advanced Synthesis Imagery Support wears off.

...I made a detour to the Alchemists' Guild.

Coeurl >> DID YOU GIVE ME CHEAP IMAGERY OR WHAT?!?
Abdy >> ...sorry?
Coeurl >> IT ALREADY WORE OFF!!!
Abdy >> Well, synthesis imagery usually doesn't last too long.
Coeurl >> THEN WHY DID YOU OFFER ME THAT?!?
Abdy >> I thought it would help you out for your first few crafts.
Coeurl >> I WANT A REFUND NOW!!!
Abdy >> Sorry, we have a "no refunds" policy at the guild
Coeurl >> THIS SUCKS!!!
Abdy >> Please, consider all other guilds offer the very same services.
Abdy >> So we're not trying to screw over amateur crafters
Abdy >> elseway they won't come back when they grow more experienced.
Coeurl >> ...!
Abdy >> Calm down a bit, and try out the standard imagery service.
Abdy >> Like I said, it's not as good as the advanced type
Abdy >> but if you run on a tight budget, might be more your thing.
Coeurl >> ...No, thank you. I ran out of materials anyways.
Abdy >> I see... There's bound to be more rock salt on the auction h...
Coeurl >> No. I don't think I'll stick to crafting.
Coeurl >> I barely got half a skill level so far.
Coeurl >> I can see how that might get expensive later on.
Abdy >> ...I won't push you into becoming an expert crafter.
Abdy >> Just think of it as a hobby rather than a job.
Coeurl >> ...Yah, though you shouldn't expect to see me come back
Coeurl >> for a long, looooooong time.
Abdy >> No worries.
Abdy >> However, don't knock it off just over some initial difficulties.
Abdy >> Someday, you might look back on our encounter and laugh about it.
Coeurl >> ...Yeah, right...

And I left Bastok, heading back for Jeuno. Training seemed the only way I'd get anywhere in this age of adventurers. But looking back on that conversation, I can't help but laugh a bit. I mean, I'm currently an Artisan for the Alchemist's guild, on the verge of becoming an Adept, if I just get the time to pass the next test. Much like Abdy said, I've done this as a hobby, so over time, I steadily grew more talented at mixing reagants together.

...However, Rosaly saw right through my ruse when I pretended her weapon was being possessed. Oh well, more prism powders for sneaking about dungeons, I suppose.