Coeurl de Lionne, Windurst Ranger
Got the quest, watched the tiger die, got the old bones, completed the quest. Voilà!
...if only that was how it happened...
First off, I had to meet with our matriarch, the chieftain Perih Vashai. You see, only our chieftain is allowed to decide who learns the old Ways of Nature, which passed down from generation to generation within our race. It is only after the Crystal Wars, when all races bonded in unity, that Perih Vashai decreed the ways of our people to be spread beyond the scope of our clan.
Thus Ranger became a possible career choice for all. However, our Chieftain still retains the right to select who can and who can't learn the Ways of Nature. Even your humble servant had to undergo her examination, which is why I made a hasty return to Windurst after thanking Kinah profusively. That airship ride seemed longer than usual...
Upon landing, I walked to the chieftain's hut. Yes, walked, not ran. My tail and ears were twitching all the way. What if she deemed me not worthy of the teachings? What then? What would I do? This has been something I've dreamt about for a long time. This is what I've been training for. To gain the strength necessary to undergo the Revelation that would make me a Ranger. That 30th level is the prerequisite that was given to all applicants, as to encourage the maturing of the mind, enforce a pilgrimage of adventuring, and learn as much on the way so we are more likely to be ready as we return for our final lesson.
Coeurl >> Oh great Perih Vashai, I have come before...
Perih >> Please spare me the formalities.
Coeurl >> ...Uh?
Perih >> You are of my kin. You need not bow before me.
Coeurl >> ...yes, chieftain.
Perih >> ...
Perih >> So, young Coeurl de Lionne, why have you come?
Coeurl >> I am here to learn of the Revelation, chieftain.
Perih >> I see... have you ventured in the heart of Nature?
Coeurl >> Yes, chieftain.
Perih >> You must know by now Nature can be a harsh enemy.
Perih >> That it knows neither pity nor forgiveness.
Perih >> Are you certain you wish to learn its Ways?
Coeurl >> Yes chieftain.
Perih >> If it is so, then I have one request of you.
Coeurl >> Yes chieftain?
Perih >> In the Sauromugue Champain, there is a bone graveyard.
Perih >> I wish you see the Ways of Nature in action
Perih >> and retrieve the bones of a dead tiger.
Coeurl >> Yes chieftain.
Perih >> Please remember... This is part of your Revelation.
Perih >> Remain open to the Ways of Nature during your quest.
Perih >> Elseway, you will not be able to become a Ranger.
Coeurl >> ...yes, chieftain.
As I ran towards the chocobo stables, I couldn't help but ponder those last few words Perih Vashai gave me. So this was not a simple fetch-quest. In fact, it sounded more like a spiritual journey. That meant that even if I did retrieve the bones, I still might not have my Revelation. That would mean I'm not ready yet, and would have to do some more adventuring before I learn the Ways of Nature. That hardly comforted me. I drowned in a sea of doubt as I rode my rent-a-steed to Sauromugue.
Upon arrival, I realized something quite crucial. I had no idea where that boneyard could be found.
Coeurl >> Does anyone know where I can find the boneyard?
Sinner >> Boneyard?
Coeurl >> Yeah, that's where tigers go off to die in Sauromugue.
Qhatas >> Oh, that old smelly place? Sure I know where it is!
Coeurl >> Great! Where is it?
Qhatas >> I'll come and escort you, let me grab a choco.
Coeurl >> Thanks, but... this is something I must do alone.
Qhatas >> Don't worry, I'll be as discreet as possible.
Coeurl >> But...
There was no talking the Elvaan Dragoon out of it. Thankfully, she was in Jeuno at the time, so I didn't have to wait for too long. However, I had concerns that I might have trouble with my spiritual journey if she was nearby.
Qhatas >> It's this way, follow me!
Coeurl >> But you don't understand...
Coeurl >> I need to do this on my own.
Coeurl >> It's part of...
Qhatas >> the Revelation, right?
Coeurl >> ...how did..?
Qhatas >> Been there, done that.
Qhatas >> Don't worry about it, just get the bones for now.
Qhatas >> You can come up with a Revelation on the way back.
Coeurl >> ...that's not how it's supposed to work...
Qhatas >> Sure it is! I got to be a Ranger that way.
Coeurl >> But...
Qhatas >> We're here.
As we rode our steeds into a cave, I finally saw it. The stench was horrible, the odor of putrefaction filled my nostrils. I almost gagged. Qhatas didn't look as much incomodated. Upon seeing my questionning gaze (and probably my green face), she answered :
Qhatas >> I've spent a day farming Fetid Fleshes. You do the math.
It wasn't long before an aged sabertooth tiger came into the cave. It looked like it travelled a long way to come here. The way it was panting made me realize he was taking his last breaths. Indeed, its vitality seemed to be sapped away, as it slowly paced its way around the room, finding a place to give up its life. I found that fascinating, and yet scary at the same time. In all my adventuring, I've only seen beasts fight for their lives as I assaulted them, whether alone or with a training group. Now, to see one willingfully giving up on life, choosing how to die... That made me feel...
Qhatas used Jump
Qhatas defeats the Old Sabertooth Tiger
Coeurl >> =O.O=!?!
Qhatas >> ...what can I say? It took too long to die.
Coeurl >> B-B-But!!!
Qhatas >> Come on, pick up some bones and let's go!
Coeurl >> B-B-But!!!
Qhatas >> Hurry it up girl!
Coeurl >> ...
Coeurl resignedly dismounts her chocobo
Coeurl picks up a few bones
Qhatas >> Alright, let's head back to Jeuno.
Qhatas >> You can grab an airship to go back to your chieftain.
As we ran back to the Duchy, I couldn't help but feel I've come within inches of my Revelation. I didn't dare tell Qhatas, both because of the shock of the event, and because I didn't feel like contradicting on her idea that the Revelation is just some mumbo-jumbo initiation. I waved at her as we parted ways in front of the Windurst airship dock. The trip back to Windurst was even longer than earlier, as I tried grasping back that moment in the boneyard. That feeling I had... What was that?
Upon arrival, I was in no hurry to meet up with Perih Vashai. I trudgedly paced my way towards Windurst Woods.
Flaru >> ...Coeurly?
Coeurl sighs more dejectedly than usual
Flaru >> What's wrong?
Coeurl >> Oh... nothing...
Flaru >> That sur-aru doesn't look like nothing to me!
Flaru >> You know what ought-aru cheer you up?
Coeurl >> ...
Flaru >> Stories of my latest adventures!
Coeurl is about to faint from dispair
And there I stood, my mind still on that moment where the Revelation eluded me. And all that while, Flaru-Wuru told me about how he fought countless crawlers in the Maze of Shakrami. My ears heard the words, but my thoughts were all centered on that lost instant. It was within my grasp, I could feel it in my bones.
Flaru >> ...that's when I knew I was going to die.
Coeurl snaps out of her trance
Coeurl >> What did you say?
Flaru >> I said I was unlucky enough to mischarm twice in a row.
Flaru >> Gosh, what a bummer that was.
Coeurl >> No-no-no! After that!
Flaru >> ...that I was being played pinball by three crawlers?
Coeurl >> NO!!!
Coeurl >> THE LAST PART!!!
Flaru >> ...Geesh, you need to calm down kitty!
Coeurl >> ...please!
Flaru >> ...I forgot what that was.
Coeurl >> Please, it's important to me!
Flaru seems lost in thought
Flaru >> ...Oh yeah! That I was ready to die, was that it?
Coeurl >> YES!!!
Flaru >> ...wait, are you glad I ate dirt-aru or something?
Coeurl >> Please, I need your help to enlighten me.
Coeurl >> How did it feel like?
Flaru >> Well, you know...
Flaru >> the same way when you take a dirt-aru nap.
Flaru >> I'm sure you're no stranger to that.
Coeurl >> No... That's not what I meant.
Coeurl >> See, I'm never ready to lose consciousness.
Coeurl >> I need to know how it feels to resign to that fate.
Flaru >> Oh, that? Well... guess it comes with the territory.
Flaru >> You know, Beastmast-aru and all...
Flaru >> You kinda get used to it after a while...
Coeurl >> ...please, can't you share some wisdom on that?
Flaru >> ...You're strange today, kitty.
Flaru >> One moment you're all grumpy-wumpy.
Flaru >> And the next, you're all hyper-dyper.
Coeurl >> Please Flaru... I need your help with something.
Coeurl >> I need to understand how it feels to accept death.
Flaru >> Oh... well... you know, we don't really die...
Coeurl >> I know, but when you are "ready to die"...
Coeurl >> What do you think about?
Flaru >> Well... I guess you go all zen-like or something-aru.
Flaru >> It's like you understand there's no way out.
Flaru >> But you know you gave it your all,
Flaru >> so you don't have any hard feelings towards defeat.
Flaru >> You just accept that's how fate rolled the dice.
Coeurl seems lost in thought
Flaru >> ...Why did you need to know that-aru?
Coeurl >> ...I don't know if you'd understand if I told you.
Flaru >> Why don't-aru try me?
Coeurl >> Well... it's for a spiritual quest I'm on...
Flaru >> ...and?
Coeurl >> ...it involved death, so...
Coeurl >> I thought you might have some insight on the matter.
Flaru >> Okay... that's... nice... to know...
Coeurl >> I'll tell you more about it later,
Coeurl >> I currently have a date with destiny.
Flaru >> Oh... okay... can't say I'm not curious...
Coeurl >> Thanks Flaru, I think you helped.
Flaru >> No problem-aru... I think...
It's a very confused looking Tarutaru I left behind as I made my way to Perih Vashai's hut. I was still very nervous about it all. Was that the Revelation I should have had? To understand that fate is stronger than me, and that I should accept it rather than fight it? I guess I'd be seeing it soon enough.
Perih >> Ah, our young huntress returns.
Coeurl >> Yes, chieftain.
Coeurl >> I present to you the bones you requested, chieftain.
Coeurl trades the Old Tiger Bones to Perih Vashai
Perih >> I see you made the journey.
Perih >> Now, let me see the road you travelled.
Coeurl >> ...chieftain?
Perih >> Please look into my eyes.
Coeurl stares confusedly at Perih Vashai
Perih >> Aaah... I see you have witnessed Nature's work.
Perih >> However, there is confusion still in your mind.
Coeurl >> ...
Perih >> What troubles you, young huntress?
Coeurl >> Uh...
Perih >> Did you experience the Revelation?
Coeurl >> Yah... about that...
Coeurl >> I did experience something...
Coeurl >> But I don't know if I really had that Revelation.
Perih >> Oh? And why would you feel that way?
Coeurl >> Well... I came really close...
Coeurl >> But someone ended up farming the dying tiger.
Coeurl >> I asked a Beastmaster friend to help me figure it out.
Coeurl >> and I think I understand what should have happened next.
Perih laughs calmly.
Coeurl >> ...uh?
Perih >> Have no fear, young huntress, you have learned well.
Perih >> The Revelation did come to you,
Perih >> you simply can not understand it fully yet.
Coeurl >> ...oh?
Perih >> Many huntresses come back from their Revelation
Perih >> and can not pin words down to describe it.
Perih >> This Revelation is not the end of a training.
Perih >> It is the beginning of your journey as a Ranger.
Coeurl >> ...you mean..?
Perih >> Stand, Ranger Coeurl de Lionne.
Perih >> You are now ready for your journey.
Coeurl motions joyfully!
Perih >> Oh. And spend some time with your Beastmaster friend.
Perih >> I believe he may play an important role in your journey.
Coeurl >> ...drrrats.
Actually, I only thought up that line in my mind. What I actually said was "Yes chieftain." That did put some water on my burning passion all of a sudden. Flaru-Wuru, an important part of my journey?!? I'm sure most Rangers did fine without a Beastmaster friend.
...and to say I had to somehow explain I had some spiritual experience to him the next day over Windurstian Tea.
...if only that was how it happened...
First off, I had to meet with our matriarch, the chieftain Perih Vashai. You see, only our chieftain is allowed to decide who learns the old Ways of Nature, which passed down from generation to generation within our race. It is only after the Crystal Wars, when all races bonded in unity, that Perih Vashai decreed the ways of our people to be spread beyond the scope of our clan.
Thus Ranger became a possible career choice for all. However, our Chieftain still retains the right to select who can and who can't learn the Ways of Nature. Even your humble servant had to undergo her examination, which is why I made a hasty return to Windurst after thanking Kinah profusively. That airship ride seemed longer than usual...
Upon landing, I walked to the chieftain's hut. Yes, walked, not ran. My tail and ears were twitching all the way. What if she deemed me not worthy of the teachings? What then? What would I do? This has been something I've dreamt about for a long time. This is what I've been training for. To gain the strength necessary to undergo the Revelation that would make me a Ranger. That 30th level is the prerequisite that was given to all applicants, as to encourage the maturing of the mind, enforce a pilgrimage of adventuring, and learn as much on the way so we are more likely to be ready as we return for our final lesson.
Coeurl >> Oh great Perih Vashai, I have come before...
Perih >> Please spare me the formalities.
Coeurl >> ...Uh?
Perih >> You are of my kin. You need not bow before me.
Coeurl >> ...yes, chieftain.
Perih >> ...
Perih >> So, young Coeurl de Lionne, why have you come?
Coeurl >> I am here to learn of the Revelation, chieftain.
Perih >> I see... have you ventured in the heart of Nature?
Coeurl >> Yes, chieftain.
Perih >> You must know by now Nature can be a harsh enemy.
Perih >> That it knows neither pity nor forgiveness.
Perih >> Are you certain you wish to learn its Ways?
Coeurl >> Yes chieftain.
Perih >> If it is so, then I have one request of you.
Coeurl >> Yes chieftain?
Perih >> In the Sauromugue Champain, there is a bone graveyard.
Perih >> I wish you see the Ways of Nature in action
Perih >> and retrieve the bones of a dead tiger.
Coeurl >> Yes chieftain.
Perih >> Please remember... This is part of your Revelation.
Perih >> Remain open to the Ways of Nature during your quest.
Perih >> Elseway, you will not be able to become a Ranger.
Coeurl >> ...yes, chieftain.
As I ran towards the chocobo stables, I couldn't help but ponder those last few words Perih Vashai gave me. So this was not a simple fetch-quest. In fact, it sounded more like a spiritual journey. That meant that even if I did retrieve the bones, I still might not have my Revelation. That would mean I'm not ready yet, and would have to do some more adventuring before I learn the Ways of Nature. That hardly comforted me. I drowned in a sea of doubt as I rode my rent-a-steed to Sauromugue.
Upon arrival, I realized something quite crucial. I had no idea where that boneyard could be found.
Coeurl >> Does anyone know where I can find the boneyard?
Sinner >> Boneyard?
Coeurl >> Yeah, that's where tigers go off to die in Sauromugue.
Qhatas >> Oh, that old smelly place? Sure I know where it is!
Coeurl >> Great! Where is it?
Qhatas >> I'll come and escort you, let me grab a choco.
Coeurl >> Thanks, but... this is something I must do alone.
Qhatas >> Don't worry, I'll be as discreet as possible.
Coeurl >> But...
There was no talking the Elvaan Dragoon out of it. Thankfully, she was in Jeuno at the time, so I didn't have to wait for too long. However, I had concerns that I might have trouble with my spiritual journey if she was nearby.
Qhatas >> It's this way, follow me!
Coeurl >> But you don't understand...
Coeurl >> I need to do this on my own.
Coeurl >> It's part of...
Qhatas >> the Revelation, right?
Coeurl >> ...how did..?
Qhatas >> Been there, done that.
Qhatas >> Don't worry about it, just get the bones for now.
Qhatas >> You can come up with a Revelation on the way back.
Coeurl >> ...that's not how it's supposed to work...
Qhatas >> Sure it is! I got to be a Ranger that way.
Coeurl >> But...
Qhatas >> We're here.
As we rode our steeds into a cave, I finally saw it. The stench was horrible, the odor of putrefaction filled my nostrils. I almost gagged. Qhatas didn't look as much incomodated. Upon seeing my questionning gaze (and probably my green face), she answered :
Qhatas >> I've spent a day farming Fetid Fleshes. You do the math.
It wasn't long before an aged sabertooth tiger came into the cave. It looked like it travelled a long way to come here. The way it was panting made me realize he was taking his last breaths. Indeed, its vitality seemed to be sapped away, as it slowly paced its way around the room, finding a place to give up its life. I found that fascinating, and yet scary at the same time. In all my adventuring, I've only seen beasts fight for their lives as I assaulted them, whether alone or with a training group. Now, to see one willingfully giving up on life, choosing how to die... That made me feel...
Qhatas used Jump
Qhatas defeats the Old Sabertooth Tiger
Coeurl >> =O.O=!?!
Qhatas >> ...what can I say? It took too long to die.
Coeurl >> B-B-But!!!
Qhatas >> Come on, pick up some bones and let's go!
Coeurl >> B-B-But!!!
Qhatas >> Hurry it up girl!
Coeurl >> ...
Coeurl resignedly dismounts her chocobo
Coeurl picks up a few bones
Qhatas >> Alright, let's head back to Jeuno.
Qhatas >> You can grab an airship to go back to your chieftain.
As we ran back to the Duchy, I couldn't help but feel I've come within inches of my Revelation. I didn't dare tell Qhatas, both because of the shock of the event, and because I didn't feel like contradicting on her idea that the Revelation is just some mumbo-jumbo initiation. I waved at her as we parted ways in front of the Windurst airship dock. The trip back to Windurst was even longer than earlier, as I tried grasping back that moment in the boneyard. That feeling I had... What was that?
Upon arrival, I was in no hurry to meet up with Perih Vashai. I trudgedly paced my way towards Windurst Woods.
Flaru >> ...Coeurly?
Coeurl sighs more dejectedly than usual
Flaru >> What's wrong?
Coeurl >> Oh... nothing...
Flaru >> That sur-aru doesn't look like nothing to me!
Flaru >> You know what ought-aru cheer you up?
Coeurl >> ...
Flaru >> Stories of my latest adventures!
Coeurl is about to faint from dispair
And there I stood, my mind still on that moment where the Revelation eluded me. And all that while, Flaru-Wuru told me about how he fought countless crawlers in the Maze of Shakrami. My ears heard the words, but my thoughts were all centered on that lost instant. It was within my grasp, I could feel it in my bones.
Flaru >> ...that's when I knew I was going to die.
Coeurl snaps out of her trance
Coeurl >> What did you say?
Flaru >> I said I was unlucky enough to mischarm twice in a row.
Flaru >> Gosh, what a bummer that was.
Coeurl >> No-no-no! After that!
Flaru >> ...that I was being played pinball by three crawlers?
Coeurl >> NO!!!
Coeurl >> THE LAST PART!!!
Flaru >> ...Geesh, you need to calm down kitty!
Coeurl >> ...please!
Flaru >> ...I forgot what that was.
Coeurl >> Please, it's important to me!
Flaru seems lost in thought
Flaru >> ...Oh yeah! That I was ready to die, was that it?
Coeurl >> YES!!!
Flaru >> ...wait, are you glad I ate dirt-aru or something?
Coeurl >> Please, I need your help to enlighten me.
Coeurl >> How did it feel like?
Flaru >> Well, you know...
Flaru >> the same way when you take a dirt-aru nap.
Flaru >> I'm sure you're no stranger to that.
Coeurl >> No... That's not what I meant.
Coeurl >> See, I'm never ready to lose consciousness.
Coeurl >> I need to know how it feels to resign to that fate.
Flaru >> Oh, that? Well... guess it comes with the territory.
Flaru >> You know, Beastmast-aru and all...
Flaru >> You kinda get used to it after a while...
Coeurl >> ...please, can't you share some wisdom on that?
Flaru >> ...You're strange today, kitty.
Flaru >> One moment you're all grumpy-wumpy.
Flaru >> And the next, you're all hyper-dyper.
Coeurl >> Please Flaru... I need your help with something.
Coeurl >> I need to understand how it feels to accept death.
Flaru >> Oh... well... you know, we don't really die...
Coeurl >> I know, but when you are "ready to die"...
Coeurl >> What do you think about?
Flaru >> Well... I guess you go all zen-like or something-aru.
Flaru >> It's like you understand there's no way out.
Flaru >> But you know you gave it your all,
Flaru >> so you don't have any hard feelings towards defeat.
Flaru >> You just accept that's how fate rolled the dice.
Coeurl seems lost in thought
Flaru >> ...Why did you need to know that-aru?
Coeurl >> ...I don't know if you'd understand if I told you.
Flaru >> Why don't-aru try me?
Coeurl >> Well... it's for a spiritual quest I'm on...
Flaru >> ...and?
Coeurl >> ...it involved death, so...
Coeurl >> I thought you might have some insight on the matter.
Flaru >> Okay... that's... nice... to know...
Coeurl >> I'll tell you more about it later,
Coeurl >> I currently have a date with destiny.
Flaru >> Oh... okay... can't say I'm not curious...
Coeurl >> Thanks Flaru, I think you helped.
Flaru >> No problem-aru... I think...
It's a very confused looking Tarutaru I left behind as I made my way to Perih Vashai's hut. I was still very nervous about it all. Was that the Revelation I should have had? To understand that fate is stronger than me, and that I should accept it rather than fight it? I guess I'd be seeing it soon enough.
Perih >> Ah, our young huntress returns.
Coeurl >> Yes, chieftain.
Coeurl >> I present to you the bones you requested, chieftain.
Coeurl trades the Old Tiger Bones to Perih Vashai
Perih >> I see you made the journey.
Perih >> Now, let me see the road you travelled.
Coeurl >> ...chieftain?
Perih >> Please look into my eyes.
Coeurl stares confusedly at Perih Vashai
Perih >> Aaah... I see you have witnessed Nature's work.
Perih >> However, there is confusion still in your mind.
Coeurl >> ...
Perih >> What troubles you, young huntress?
Coeurl >> Uh...
Perih >> Did you experience the Revelation?
Coeurl >> Yah... about that...
Coeurl >> I did experience something...
Coeurl >> But I don't know if I really had that Revelation.
Perih >> Oh? And why would you feel that way?
Coeurl >> Well... I came really close...
Coeurl >> But someone ended up farming the dying tiger.
Coeurl >> I asked a Beastmaster friend to help me figure it out.
Coeurl >> and I think I understand what should have happened next.
Perih laughs calmly.
Coeurl >> ...uh?
Perih >> Have no fear, young huntress, you have learned well.
Perih >> The Revelation did come to you,
Perih >> you simply can not understand it fully yet.
Coeurl >> ...oh?
Perih >> Many huntresses come back from their Revelation
Perih >> and can not pin words down to describe it.
Perih >> This Revelation is not the end of a training.
Perih >> It is the beginning of your journey as a Ranger.
Coeurl >> ...you mean..?
Perih >> Stand, Ranger Coeurl de Lionne.
Perih >> You are now ready for your journey.
Coeurl motions joyfully!
Perih >> Oh. And spend some time with your Beastmaster friend.
Perih >> I believe he may play an important role in your journey.
Coeurl >> ...drrrats.
Actually, I only thought up that line in my mind. What I actually said was "Yes chieftain." That did put some water on my burning passion all of a sudden. Flaru-Wuru, an important part of my journey?!? I'm sure most Rangers did fine without a Beastmaster friend.
...and to say I had to somehow explain I had some spiritual experience to him the next day over Windurstian Tea.
posted by Coeurl de Lionne | 9:41 p.m.
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