[IC] Tales of Roaming Wanderers

[Stuzzie]

Tales Of Roaming Wanderers

"Well it seems you remain mysterious as ever, Jack", said his uncle Frasier. "Your house is finally built, which took ages by the way..., and now you decide to go on a journey!?" Jack nodded: "the moment has come for me to spread my wings and see what the world really has to offer. This job as District Keeper was fun for the last 6 years, but I am done."
Jack put his tiniest guitar in it's case and put it safely away in his leather backpack. It was already stocked with clothes, food, plectrums, snares, crystals, among other things (which will be kept in the dark for now ;-) ).

"You can invite the new District Keeper to live in this house. If she won't... Ask anyone else who does not have a home, or make it a shelter for animals", Jack smiled as he watched his uncle's eyes become bigger with each word spoken. "But I will miss you, and I appreciate all you do for me."

Frasier took a big deep breath, closing his eyes simultaneously. "You know Ashe (Jack's nickname), you do whatever you feel your heart tells you to do. That seems to always work best for you. Maybe I should try it too and join you in a little while when things have settled down here, wthout you......." A long silence fell.
Jack put his blonde hair behind his ears. "I am all ready to go, uncle. My backpack is all I need. Of course my sword and healing abilities as well" he winked. Uncle Frasier had taught Jack all his swordfighting skills and healing abilities.

"I'll see you Ashe, uhm.. I mean Jack, your *real* name is Jack after all..."
"Never mind that uncle. I will use both names... I really like the name Ashe, even if I never told you that."
They hugged fiercely, barely wanting to let eachother go.

"I am going to Lindblum Festival first, I will leave a note in it's Inn so you know where I am heading next. Take care uncle!"

Jack swiftly turned around and jumped on his uncle's horse.
And then he just kept on riding South towards the city of Lindblum.

[Doc Doctor]

The cheery lantern lights, the warm aroma of mutton. Even the laughter around him felt alien. He felt alien. Something that didn't belong in the midst of this frivolous throng, something better suited to inhabiting moonlit boneyards and deep forests, where the sun couldn't delve past the black foliage. A reveler knocked shoulders with the cloaked figure, causing him to stumble to the side and into the path of a mother leading her little daughter by the hand. Suliss glanced up sharply as he caught his balance, and somewhere deep inside, in a lightless place, he was pleased to see the mother gasp reflexively at the sight of his face and veer away down a side street lined with vendors, yanking her child after her at a brisk trot. The young one glanced once over her shoulder, foolishly hoping for a fleeting glimpse, but by then Suliss had already moved on.

He felt a hollowness in his midsection, and understood that he required sustenance. He had no coin to part with, and he knew not where he was or why he was. He stalked up to a stall hocking roast lamb and paused, dead fish eyes evaluating his chances of being able to simply take what he wanted without hindrance. The vendor hesitated in the middle of rotating a lamb spit, wary of the pitch black figure whose unwanted attention he had attracted.

Suliss turned fully towards the stall and raised a hand clad in black silk towards the obviously suspicious vendor. And...

What? What did he feel like doing? It felt natural, directing a hand towards someone who threatened his desires. But what came after? He didn't know. The vendor still stood, confused but alive.

"Hello? Do you want to buy some of my lamb? There's a line forming behind you..."

[Stuzzie]

"I'm on my way to Lindblum.. Let's celebrate, let's celebrate!
The festival's always amazing.. Let's celebrate, let's celebrate!
I am thrilled an so excited.. Let's celebrate, let's celebrate!"

Jack was playing his small guitar and singing a new song, as he does most of the moments when he is very excited for something. The only real reason he does this is to play away the nerves, but these songs were always well-received by his audience and fans.

His surroundings consisted of grey and brown mountains. Here and there were trees with green and orange leafs. In the sky were gulls, crows, hawks and pigeons flying high.
"Hmmm... Pigeons? That means I am getting close to Lindlbum city" Jack smiled. "If I remember correctly Lindlum is right behind that mountain pass. And if I am wrong it will take me several hours extra...."
Jack sighed. "Oh Well.."

"I am just so excited... Let's...."

[MissCapnCrunch]

"It's a fake! Look at it, the seams aren't even fully mended."

The merchant fought back and forth with Nhia as she shook her head full of wild blonde locks back and forth. "Why would I purchase a fake, and then try to resell it to you at a higher value in which I personally paid?" Nhia said to the man as if she were doing him a favor. He pushed the lush looking but absolutely fake square fabric back into Nhia's hands as he said several times in a row, "No deal!" Nhia, outraged spit directly into the fabric and slapped it onto the merchant's table top. "Here! Take it, it's now a gift. Perhaps you can use this to cool off later." the man look outraged, but Nhia already had left the area before another exchange could happen. She would rather lose money than her pride any day of the week.

Nhia had been at sea for several years previous to today. It was her true home away from home, but every once in awhile she felt the need to travel to land to see what had came about it. When she had left at a young age of fifteen, most crews denied access to their vessel. Eventually she found herself on a peculiar ship of what seemed to be vagrants and thieves. It wasn't the best environment to grow up in, but it was better than being forced to marry an older gentleman just so that Nhia's parents could receive some money and wait for some grandchildren to blossom. When Nhia had tried to return to her family home, they were no where to be found in the seaside town she had once lived. Friends and neighbors alike had said that her leaving had broke their heart and they had found solace somewhere else.

Today she found herself at what she had learned to be called the Lindblum "festival". Nhia had recalled pleasant memories of festivals she held when she was a child. She loved the bustle of people, the good smells of food, and the genuine feeling of happiness that people seemed to hold when they attended. Speaking to another vendor Nhia managed to get a hot pastry of sorts for half the price. "Thank you, my husband won't rob your store later tonight." Nhia said, as the vendor nodded scared for his life. Nhia had no intentions of hurting anyone, she just wanted to eat and sometimes you had to pull some legs to get what you wanted. She moved the hot pastry between her hands letting it cool as she found a spot to sit upon a decrepit stone fountain of sorts. The cool mist of the water spraying across her sun kissed skin as she wrapped her lips around the dough and took a hearty bite.

[Tera]

Lindblum Map

"The City of Lindblum"

Erwald Nemesis looked up from his map, as a spectacular fort unveiled before him. He had heard rumors along his travels about the invention of an innovative steam engine in this city, and the intrigued mechanic wanted to speculate it himself. I will find a way to the Industrial District and ask the engineers about the rumored engine. Maybe I can buy some spare machine parts for my spiders in the Business District as well.

Lindblum is situated atop a mountain peak far above the Mist-covered plains. Fortified from every side by the castle's grand walls and towers, the city is built to withhold any kind of enemy assaults. The city is divided into four districts, the Theater District, the Business District, the Industrial District, and the grand castle. There seemed to be a festival going on in the Business District, as people on the streets were cheerfully talking about it.

[Kidd]

Ryan

The terrain had been mountainous and exhausting for the horse, but Ryan was finally coming upon the pass into the city. Word had buzzed as she traveled closer about a festival that would going on, and she thought she could use a break from the road. Though she understood now why the city made for a safe haven: it was difficult to travel to for even a single person. She couldn't imagine an army trudging over the hills even for a port side city. With a flick of the reins, Ryan clicked her tongue to urge the horse to continue forward. He did, although with a tired grunt that she ignored.

As she pushed forward, the music of a string evidence found her ears and she narrowed her eyes at the path ahead. A single stranger was singing as he wandered. A happy fool, he seemed to her. He'd make pleasant, talkative company. Ryan hurried her horse forward, her few belongings bouncing as he trotted. "Hello," she greeted, her brown eyes lighting up as she smiled, pulling the horse up beside the bard, matching his speed. "It sounds like you're going to the festival as well? My name is Ryan."

[Howilng Zinogre]

“HEAVE HOOO” Fatir said with a mighty swing of his pickaxe bringing it down crashing into the mountainside. FINALLY he thought to himself after freeing the ore from its stone prison. Warm to the touch and a golden there was no denying it. “OH HELLS YEA DAWN ORE. This is a hell of a score” Fatir said to himself as he marveled at the precious stone before he stored it away among the others in his bag. Dawn Ore was amazing and had many offensive abilities if crafted into weapons, and even some practical uses smaller chunks of the ore could be worn around the neck to keep one warm in the colder season or bigger ones could be kept in a fireplace to heat a home either way this was a great find indeed.

With a slap to the mountainside and a hearty thank you for the small gifts bestowed upon him, Fatir had begun to make his way down the mountainside.

---

HOURS LATER

“Whew…finally” Fatir said as he turned to take a gander at where he once was in comparison to where he was now. These kinds of things made one think. Fatir took a moment to wipe his brow as he leaned against a tree to catch his breath. It didn’t last long as he needed to continue on first stop the library of lindblum.

Hoisting himself from the tree he had begun his trek toward the kingdom. The closer Fatir drew to the kingdom the more of the bustle of life could be heard it made him think back to his hometown of Besaid and how lively it got when they would have festivals. It had barley been a week and here he was getting homesick. The moment passed rather quickly as he was now close enough to smell all the sweet smells of pastries and savory smells of roasting meat, he had been stuck mining so long that he forgot to actually eat then there was the issue of being copperless, “Dammit” he cursed to himself as his stomach had began to speak a language all its own, it was fairly easy to understand though that gurgle that turned into a roar was translated into FEEEEED MEEEEE.

Passing through the archway into the city he had a thought “maybe there is a jeweler around here that I can sell an ore…” Before he was able to finish that sentence the winds of serendipity bought a flyer smacking Fatir in the face speaking of a FESTIVAL of sorts. A festival in the kingdom this was perfect more than likely there would be merchants selling replica blades to older men and probably some teenagers surely they would need a hand and for starters all he would need is a meal and maybe a little foin to line his already empty pockets. “Well here goes everything” He said as he marched in.

[Stuzzie]

"Aaaahhhhhhhhh...... *yawn* The Gate of Lindbluuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum" Jack yawned once more.
'T was totally dark, the night sky filled with a gazillion stars. Here and there a shooting star.
Lindblum's "Festival of the Hunt" was famous for it's gorgeous weather. In history records it was written that during every edition of the annual festival the weather would be extremely nice. Even if 'weather forecasts' would say differently. The locals would always laugh at charlatans trying to fool them with rainy days to come.

The (annual) regular visitors were already familiair with the shooting stars. During the 14-day festival it was a custom to watch the night sky at the first day of arrival, but because so many visitors entered and left the City of Lindblum, there would be many stargazers every night of the festival. Like a touch of magic.. Uniting everyone with the Universe.

And so Jack decided to wait a little while outside of the gates, talking to the guards instead of entering Festival ground.
It was then that he heard how a free spot become available at the evening program of the "Festival of the Hunt". If Jack wanted he could go on stage and perform some of his songs. Next day's evening he was welcome to make music at the Inn's bar, while the day after he would already perform at the main stage, after the 'Final of the Hunter's Challenge' ended.

"....yes, yes. I will contact Baku immediately next thing in the morning" Jack spoke to the friendly guards. "Have a great night. Nice stargazing for both of you!"

The guards Reno and Zeno opened the gate to let Jack in. Immediately after Jack and his horse set foot on Lindblum territory the gate closed.
"Let us go to the inn, Beautiful. Both of us can use a long night's rest."

[Doc Doctor]

The dark figure clutched at the sides of his head and hunched over, trying to concentrate his mental faculties to their utmost. Cat-like groans of effort issued from a lipless, unseen mouth. Nervously, the vendor held a gyro towards Suliss at arm's length.

"Just take it and go, all right? This one's on the house. Don't think I'll help any of your beggar friends though. If I see anyone else troubling my stall tonight I'll call the guards!"

Suliss plucked the gyro from the vendor's hand and darted away, the festival lights blurring his vision. Maybe after he'd eaten he might be able to feel the creeping return of his memories.

[Howilng Zinogre]

“Naaa no thanks, Fatir was it” The older Smith said as he rubbed his beard looking at Fatir.

“Hey come on look I can make myself useful and I can actually forge a decent blade. Ive even learned how to fold in magic ore and for just a shot at what I can do id gladly part with one of the ore I mined just this afternoon” Fatir Pleaded with the Smith as he stood still looking Fatir in the eye.

“AHH what the hell I was fiing to close up shop tonight anyway if you can forge me a decent dagger I can forget about the ore and I can bring you on for a bit. I cant explain it kid there something about you, a look of determination I havent seen in quite sometime.” The Smith said as he began the closing procedures. “Well GET TO WORK Boy”

Fatir cut a large smile at the Smiths words and shot to the back and begin the process of forging a weapon. Going a step beyond the Smiths Expectations Fatir had begun forging a longsword. The way he had started to move was like a man possessed. His focus was that of lion stalking its prey. Each bang and clang of the hammer against the anvil only served as a music to Fatir. The Smith watched in awe as Fatir worked. It was like watching one of the greats.

The two had lost track of time but in just a few short hours Fatir had finished creating his longsword and presented it to the smith. “Ho…how…hows that” Fatir asked as if by some sort of magic his forging high had worn off and everything came rushing back to him. Causing him to stumble a bit.

“Easy there boy” the smith said catching Fatir. “You forged a damn good blade this quality his amazing its almost as though it was forged by…” Shaking his head and showing a smile “Lets get you put up in an inn for the night.” The smith said as he dropped a few gold in Fatirs shaky hand. “Across the Way there is an inn they keep a few rooms available around this time. Head on over and get yourself a room and some sleep and be back here tomorrow no later than noon.” The smith said as he sent fatir on his way.

Stumbling across the way he caught sight of a woman sitting upon a stone fountain “hey your kinda cute” Fatir said believing it to have only been said in his head. As he stumbled into the inn damn near passing out after entering inside.

[MissCapnCrunch]

“Hey your kinda cute.”

Nhia had finished off her pastry awhile ago as she people watched. The comment caught her off guard as she watched the large man stumble away. Looking up to the sign, she slowly read that it was an INN. Some place where she could lay her head tonight. Thinking quickly she thought she would take the opportunity to introduce herself to the man, but also get a free place to sleep tonight. "Excuse me!" she said as she hopped off the side of the fountain and followed him inside. She wrapped her arm around the arm of the stumbling man, as she looked up to the innkeeper. "My husband and I need a room for the night. You know who this is don't you? The champion fighter from across borders! He needs your finest room and now!" Nhia demanded as the innkeeper scrambled to find their door keys.

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name-" the innkeeper started and Nhia waved her hand, "How dare you! I should contact the guards right now for such inappropriate questioning." she declared, as the innkeeper made haste to show them into a room, "No, no that won't be necessary at all!" he brought them to a room. Nhia released his arm, "You're welcome." she cooed, as she proceeded to take off her boots and sit down in one of the wooden chairs that were in the room. "I'm Nhia. When they ask for the room payment just tell them the officials of the festival are to pay, and we'll go from there. You can have the bed, I'm used to the floor. I just didn't want to sleep outside again." she mentioned, bringing her foot up to her hand to rub it soothingly.

[Tera]

Erwald Nemesis

---

---

Mom Erwald in action

---

---

"No, no, this is not how you do it..." Erwald Nemesis sighed as he snatched the frying pan from the confused man, "how did you guys even survive till today on your own? Just let me do it okay? You go and help the others to finish cleaning the workshop and set up the table before I get dinner ready..." He said, as he skillfully flipped the omelette with the pan.

Erwald Nemesis had just arrived at the steam engine workshop in the industrial district a few hours ago. With heartwarming invitation from the lead engineer, he explored the factory and checked out the legendary steam engine. The lead engineer was kind enough to discuss with him about the inner workings of the machines. He mingled with the engineers a bit, had a nice chat with them about their daily work life... and soon ended up momming them to clean up the workshop as he thought it was too dirty for a workplace. He also decided to help out the kitchen chef a bit in cooking the men's dinner... before ending up doing all of it by himself.

It was almost midnight when Erwald finished touring the industrial area (More like getting the men to clean up their workshop, helping to prepare dinner, and healing injuries the engineers got from mechanical work). He decided to call it a day and found himself a nearby inn to rest.