Chapter 1: Lurkers of the Grotto

Claire waved her new off as he headed to the markets for his wares. Once he was out of her sights, she turned her full attention to the city itself. She could not remember ever seeing a town such as this, and suddenly wished that she had eyes in the back of her head so that she could look at everything at once. She heard the din of the people walking around her, not giving her even the briefest of glances as she made her way through the town.

Where was one even to begin?

She left the docks behind and traveled upwards to where most of the people around here were gathering. This appeared to be the square of the town, at least judging from the spinning crystal that stood proudly before her. She looked around, unsure of where it was that she wanted to go first.

"Hey! You there!" barked a voice and she jumped slightly before glancing over to see a man dressed in a bright yellow jacket looking at her. "Aye, I mean you," he added when he saw her looking at him he nodded, "This is my district, and I make it my business to know all the scum that washes up in it. Ah, an adventurer fresh off the boat, is it? Well then... Allow one of Limsa Lominsa's finest to set you on the right path. Hop to it, lass, I haven't got all day!"

Worried that she had done something wrong, she went over to him, put apparently he didn't mean to tell her off. He instead stated how he noticed her lost expression and mentioned that all new adventurers are required to register their presence in the city. He finished by mentioning that she was to go over to the Drowning Wench and enroll with the Adventurers' Guild and to speak with a man by the name of Baderon. After that, he gave her a push on her way, sending her off in the direction of Bulwark Hall, to where she rode an elevator to the upper decks.

The Drowning Wench was a rather dark and dreary place—as depressing as its name. She couldn't see why this would be a place where adventurers would sign up to join the adventurer's guild… still, she held such thoughts back as she looked around, wondering where this Baderon character was.

That was when she spotted a man behind a counter, looking over some sort of a book and decided that he would be the best sort to ask.

"Greetin's to ye, lass. What'll it be?" he sked brightly when she approached. Before she could even explain her situation, it seemed that he already had a guess. Perhaps she should consider getting some new clothes while she was here if she looked so out of place?

"...Ah, but you ain't 'ere fer the drink, are ye!? Ye've come with a mind to try yer 'and at 'venturin', I reckon!" he laughed and she nodded in agreement as he grinned back. "Well, ye'll find no shortage o' work 'ere in Limsa. So what do they call y─ Nay, don't tell me. 'Tis on the tip o' me tongue... 'Tis...'tis...'tis bloody gone is what it is. Bollocks."

She wasn't sure if she should laugh or not as he seemed generally frustrated with his own memory.

"They say this forgetfulness is some lingerin' effect o' the Calamity. I say it's a Leviathan-sized pain in the arse," he said, finally giving up on trying to get his brain to work properly. But he seemed to realize that he was talking gibberish right now and added, "Ah, but where are me manners? The name's Baderon, an' this most 'ospitable of 'ostelries is the Drownin' Wench. 'Tis also the 'ome o' the 'Venturers' Guild, 'ere in Limsa. That's why we've got a desk 'specially fer 'andlin' guild business ─ an' why I seem to spend more time savin' the necks o' whelps like yerself than wettin' the throats o' me regulars."

Really? She wondered what kind of life this Baderon had for himself. She was suddenly curious about him.

"'Venturers 'ave a knack fer findin' trouble, see," he added, "Not that they need it in these parts, on account o' there bein' trouble wherever ye look. If ye manage to steer clear o' the fishbacks an' the kobolds outside the city, the pirates on the inside will get ye instead. An' if they don't manage, there's always the Garlean Empire to finish the job. Oh, no one knows what they're plannin', o' course...but if they're plannin' anythin', ye can be sure it's to kill the lot of us. Aye...this town seems peaceful at a glance, but look again, an' ye'll see a people livin' in fear o' what tomorrow might bring."

He said all of this very fast, and she had a very hard time trying to understand what he was saying with that sea-faring accent of his. She knew that these 'fishbacks' he mentioned were the Sahagin… though she only knew that thanks to Brennan. The rest… was as if another language to her. Leviathan? Kobolds? Just what were they supposed to be?

But she understood the basics of what he was trying to get across. There were no shortage of work for Adventurers in town and that this was where it all began.

"...An' who can blame 'em, after everythin' that's 'appened? Eorzea took a mighty blow durin' the Calamity, but our 'omes weren't the only things what got wiped off the face of existence by that thrice-damned bastard of a dragon," Baderon went on grumpily, "It took our bleedin' memories, too. An' no one's been able to explain it in a way as makes an onze o' sense. None o' the folks what saw it an' lived to tell the tale seem to agree on 'ow the tale actually goes. 'Tis all foggy...like recollections from an 'ard night on the ale."

She had heard of that—tales having reached her from across the sea. She had thought that they be mere rumors, but it appeared that they truly could not remember the heroes who once saved this land. Why would that be? What sort of magic could be so powerful as to wipe someone from another's memory? Aside from ale?

"Ye can imagine why people might fear fer the future if they can't rightly recall the past. But there is one thing we all remember, an' that's the group o' 'venturers what laid down their lives to drag Eorzea back from the brink, when she was bound fer the abyss," Baderon added with a tone that held nothing but respect—and a hint of awe, "Well, I say we remember... Truth is, though we ain't forgotten what they did fer us, this godsdamned Calamity-spawned memory loss robbed us o' their names..."

He sighed grimly before finishing, "It won't even let us picture their damn faces. 'Tis like starin' at a gull flyin' in front o' the sun ─ all ye see in yer mind's eye is a shadow set against a blindin' glare."

Claire could now picture such a thing… a group of powerful beings standing before a brilliant light and with them being unable to even see their faces. What sort of people would be considered saviors of the realm?

"An' that's 'ow every bugger describes it, by the way...give or take the odd gull," Baderon informed her. "It's this what's got people callin' these 'eroes the "Warriors o' Light."

Such a heavy title. She wasn't sure she ever would feel comfortable with something like that, but the idea of it certainly sounded exciting.

"If Limsa's ever goin' to put this time o' darkness behind it, it's goin' to need 'venturers to 'elp banish the fear," he confirmed for her and she nodded in agreement, "It's goin' to need new 'eroes like the ones we lost. Maybe one day ye'll be one of 'em. An' that's why any aid we can give to a 'venturer is effort well spent. What say ye, lass? Ye willin' to lend us yer strength?"

She only grinned and that seemed to be enough for him and he burst out laughing.

"Me thanks to ye, an' to the Navigator an' all!" he told her, "I knew She'd steered ye my way fer a reason."

She chuckled, liking this guy even if she barely understood a word he said.

"Ah, but listen to me, yatterin' on like a sun-touched fishwife," he chuckled, realizing that he hadn't let her get a word in. He back as he turned a page over in the book in front of him and held it out along with a pen, "'Tis 'igh time we got yer mark in me book. Put yer scrawl right there."

She took the pen and wrote her name in a loopy script, feeling a strange thrill inside at the sight of her name marked there. Baderon looked over the name and nodded.

"Claire Faye, is it? An' a fine name it is," he said. Truly? She had been teased a lot for that strange name. But he took it all in strive as he finished, "Congratulations. Yer now an upstandin' member o' the 'Venturers' Guild."

And so now it officially begins. Her journey starts now and she had a feeling that it was going to be an exciting one.

However, before she could open her mouth to say a word; something threated to crush those happy feelings.

"You there—adventurer!" barked a voice, causing her to look back to the suspicious voice. What she saw were a handful of men dressed in the same yellow uniform that she had seen from the center of town. She did not like the way they were observing her, however—like they were expecting her to attack them for no reason? They walked in closer to her, towering over her.

Now what?

"You sailed in on the last ferry, did you not?" the man asked briskly, and without even waiting for her to answer, he wen on, "The captain reported being attacked by a pirate vessel. And several witnesses have testified independently that a passenger matching your description went out on deck mere moments before the incident took place. Sending your friends signals, were you?"

She blinked, started by that.

No, why would they say such things? She only just arrived in town and she was being questioned like a criminal? She was on the verge of telling them to find a man by the name of Brennan in the markets to speak for her… when suddenly…?

"Now 'old on a just a moment there, officer," Baderon spoke up quickly, "Ye've got the wrong lass. This fine, upstandin' young lady is me dear departed grandma's sister's niece's cousin's closest companion. The lass wouldn't be caught dead fraternizin' with such unsavory elements."

His dear departed grandma's sister's niece's cousin's closet companion? Still, as unlikely as that was, he sounded so sure of it that she almost believed him, to be honest. She only nodded, quickly explaining that she had never even been to Limsa before today. She only went up deck for some air before the pirates attacked. And she was far from the only person up on deck at that moment. She had just finished signing her name down here in the adventurer's guild and was planning to ask for advice… for she knew next to nothing about this city.

The men were looking startled by all of this, but their seemed to think it over.

"…Is that right?" he asked before clearing his voice and adding to Baderon, "...Is that right? Ahem. You are surely aware of the recent kidnappings? Respectfully, then, we cannot be too trusting of outsiders at a time when the loyalty of even our closest friends is in doubt."

"Aye, ye make a good point there, officer, a very good point," Baderon agreed, "Very wise. Ye needn't worry, though ─ I keep one eye open at all times, me, an' two more often than not. Now, sir, what say ye to a tankard o' me finest ale afore ye return to yer duties, eh?"

At that, the Yellowjacket began to laugh and asked much more good-naturedly, "Not a watered-down cup of piss like last time, I should hope?"

Baderon gave him an innocent expression that she did not buy for a moment as he said, "Ain't got the faintest idea what yer on about, officer. The Wench might offer some o' the cheapest grog this side o' the Strait o' Merlthor, but that don't mean it won't get ye good an' pickled! An' look, there's a chair over there just cryin' out to be sat on, so kick off them 'eavy boots, eh!?"

The men laughed as they waved him off, acting like old friends. Regardless of him running a bar, it seemed that Baderon commanded some level of respect in town.

"Thank you," she said to him as he waved her gratitude away.

"Ye'll 'ave to excuse these eager bloody Yellowjackets," he told her, "There's been a spate o' kidnappin's, see, an' they ain't got a clue who's behind 'em. Naturally, they've taken to clappin' irons on anyone who looks vaguely suspicious, which means 'venturers, visitors...an' pretty much every bugger else in this town."

Oh, so that was the reason. She supposed she could understand that, even if she didn't like it. And it seemed that this place was a lot more dangerous than she first thought. She made a note to keep herself out of trouble and nodded.

"Don't take it personal, though," Baderon finished up, "Us Lominsans can be an 'eadstrong bunch o' bastards, 'tis true, but given time, we'll grow on ye. Now, where was I...? Oh aye!" he cried when he remembered and then opened his arms wide and said with a big grin, "Welcome to Limsa Lominsa, where the sea's as green as the faces o' me patrons after a few too many Blackbelly whiskeys! Now, take a moment to gather yer wits, an' we'll get started with learnin' ye the ways o' the city."

She nodded as she reached into her pocket and pulled out the ring that Brennan gave her and fitted upon her finger. Knowing that this would be her first step towards her journey and was going to need all the help she could get.

She only hoped it was going to be a good ride.

Baderon was more than patient with her, explaining things about Limsa, and offered for her to first get a feel of the city. He told her attune to all the aetheryte crystals, devices that can move her from one location to another in a blink of an eye, as well as check out the marketplace, where he predicted that she would be spending a lot of time… not at the moment though, seeing how she barely had any gil with her. And finally, he instructed her to go and check out some of the guilds that they have in Limsa. Since she had a grimoire with her, he told her that her best bet would be to join the Arcanist Guild, who would be more than happy to teach her some tricks.

But Baderon was also very adamant that she complete these tasks before she even thought to accept any work from anyone else. She decided to take his words to heart, afraid that if she didn't, they she would become overwhelmed. She took her time looking around the city, getting the lay of the land, and actually enjoying her first time to this world by the ocean. She spent the rest of the day running about, locating each of the aetherytes she could find and experimenting with that. She loved the markets, exploring everything that they had to sell, from armor and robes to accessories, food to keep up strength, medicines and materials for crafting, even a series of dyes for her clothes.

But having to save every gil she had, she instead focused on heading down to Mealvaan's Gate, to where she meet the Arcanists. They were the scholarly type, and were more than happy to take her in and teach her in the art of arcane geometries—able to use intricate patterns that map the unlocked mysteries of existence—and learn to draw forth and manipulate the body's aetheric energies.

In truth, Claire had a rudimentary understanding of the craft that she looked over before coming to these shores—though she only knew one spell. Ruin.

But when she saw a fellow guild member summon out a bright blue creature with a ruby jewel upon its forehead, she knew that she wanted to learn everything as quickly as possible.

They gave her the first task in asking her to slay a handful of pests that lurk just outside the city—where she strayed out. She didn't go far, finding the creatures she needed almost right away and took care of them before quickly returning to the main city… fearing that she was not quite ready to head out until she knew more of where she was going.

Still, with that last item checked off her list of things to do, she decided to head back to the Drowning Wench, a little taken aback by how dark things got so suddenly. She supposed that she was so focused on everything set before her that she didn't realize how late that things were going.

She was a little worried that Baderon would have gone to bed at this point, but he was still up and wide-eye… if a little crossed-eye, when she returned.

"Ah, there ye are, Claire," he welcomed her back, "Enjoy yer jaunt 'round the city, did ye? If ye mean to base yerself in Limsa Lominsa, that won't be the last time ye'll visit them three places. An' now ye've got some idea o' what's where, ye can start explorin' the rest o' the town. Ye've shown a good ear fer listenin', lass. Stick with ol' Baderon, an' ye'll go far."

Which she did. She spent the next couple of days in Limsa, running through the city, accepting aid from anyone who asked. They were fairly simple—mostly deliveries and pest control. Soon enough she earned her first pieces of gil. Not much, but she was able to buy a couple of accessories and some potion bottles.

Slowly venturing out farther beyond these walls with each passing day.

She dropped in on Baderon from time to time, who seemed to enjoy her progress, and that was when she asked him more of what the lands around here were like. He seemed to think that she was ready to leave the safety of the town and nodded in agreement, informing her to start things off by visiting an orchard called Summerfold Farms, where the owner was an old friend of his. He even was kind enough to give her a recommendation to give to Staelwyrn, telling him to give her work and that she was sure to impress him.

So it was early morning, just before the sun was up, did she find herself standing on the outside of Zephyr Gate… leading out to a place called Middle La Noscea. She was nervous, but also excited, before she went charging outside.

She was met with rivers and wide open plains of grass and rocks, having to slide down the rolling hills and able to see the bright, clear-blue ocean off in the distance. She pulled out her grimoire and began to test it out on a few simple creatures that she passed… rats, lady bugs… a few mad lambs…? She felt guilty about those last ones.

But all in all, with every step she took, the more confident that she grew. She went skipping on ahead, tending to stick to the road and avoid some of the larger creatures that lurked around this area. She still remembered Bennan's words… staying alive. Not much profit in being dead. She would have to be careful until she grew stronger to deal with any creature.

But after following her new map, she found herself heading to a small orchard and farming land, just as how Baderon described. After speaking with some of the workers, they pointed out their leader, Staelwyrn, who seemed to be waiting for her.

"Ah, you must be the adventurer Baderon promised to send along. Claire Faye, wasn't it?" he asked her when she stood in front of him. And when she nodded, he seemed impressed with this. "You honored his word, so that's a good start. I'm Staelwyrn, the "old bastard," as Baderon likely described me, and this here is my humble orchard."

Claire had to fight the smile—knowing that Baderon had used those exact words to describe him. They must have been old friends indeed if they knew each other this well. And, perhaps, explain why Baderon seemed so worried for him.

Staelwyrn took a deep breath before he informed her a little more about Summerford Farms. He explained that most who worked here with him were once pirates, but once the Calamity destroyed their ship, they had no other place to go. At least until the Admiral gave them work here in the fields—a new start and an offer they couldn't refuse. But with them being sea-dwellers for most of their lives, none of them had much experience in farming and so they needed help.

Which was when Staelwyrn had something surprising to add.

"I've a mind to set you a task, Faye, but before I do, I need to be sure you're properly kitted out," he said to her, "Pirates don't care to parley with dandies, you understand. It might well be that the ones here have traded in their cutlasses for coulters, but they're still rogues at heart. I know a solid set of gear when I see it. Come back when you think you're more suitably equipped."

She looked down at her clothes, wondering if there was something wrong as he looked her up and down before shaking his head.

"No, no, lass," he said firmly, "I fear I can't give you work lookin' like that. It's not about just handlin' yourself in combat. You want to dress in such a way as to terrorize your foes, causin' them to regret challengin' you in the first place."

She was rather put out by that, but she supposed she could see his point. He pushed her off and she went back to testing out her new abilities with the arcane before deciding to return to the city and see what else they had to teach her. She was thrilled the first time that they taught her how to summon her own carbuncles and she had fallen in love with it as soon as it jumped up to her, happily rubbing its face against her hand and chirping in excitement when it jumped into her arms.

"Carbuncles are nothing more concentrated aether," they explained to her. "They are just as alive as you or me… each one with their own personality which is distinct and yet similar."

But with the success of her task… where she was to inspect some crates, she gained a greater understanding of her Emerald Carbuncle. She still had far to go, but she was so proud when she later returned to the guild and was gifted with a long, navy-blue robe for her. Combining that with the clothes that she had earned from her many different quests, she couldn't help but feel much more protected and ready for combat. Once she had everything she felt she needed, she returned to Staelwyrn, who looked impressed with her.

"Oho! As long as you're this well covered, I won't feel any guilt throwin' you to the sharks," he laughed, "Erstwhile buccaneers are an ornery lot. They rage in love for the sea, and care little for the laws of the land. But they respect strength, and by the looks of you, I'd say you'll have little trouble gettin' their attention."

She hoped so. In truth, she didn't feel that intimidating… but if he believed so…?

Instead, she merely nodded, wanting to hear more of this 'task' that he had for her.

"Ah, Faye," he said, after taking another long look at her, "That aura of confidence tells me you've not been idle since last we met. I hope I've read you aright, for I've a task that requires the attention of a capable adventurer. Might that adventurer be you?"

She nodded, wanting to get to work.

"Good to hear," he laughed before he turned grim and explained all business-like, "Then I shall lay before you the sorry tale. You will have heard rumors of the abductions. Aye, citizens have been disappearin' from every corner of Limsa Lominsa, as if plucked from the face of Hydaelyn, boots and all, by an unseen hand."

Yes, she was aware of that, having heard whispers all throughout the city. But as far as she knew, most of the kidnappings had been taken place inside the city—usually striking against those who stayed out too late or gotten lost on their way home. She couldn't see why Summerford Farms was…?

"And what's this got to do with Summerford Farms, you might ask," he asked her, answering her unspoken question, "Well, that remains to be seen, but it seems a collection of right unsavory fellows with azure-tattooed faces has been creepin' up to the edges of the fields and spyin' on my yeomen. Now, I doubt anyone would enjoy bein' scrutinized by such savages at the best of times, but the farmhands are convinced that they're the kidnappers of rumor, come for their hides."

She could see where he was going with this. In simple terms, he was worried that one of his own would be next to 'vanish'.

"Needless to say, they're beside 'emselves with worry, and their work's sufferin' for it ─ which is the very last thing I need when my old crewmen are still gettin' used to their new jobs," he finished with a rather helpless shrug, "'Tis a struggle to get 'em to leave the farmhouse of a mornin'. That is, as they say, where you come in. Would you be willin' to investigate these tattooed thugs for me?"

She did not know what she could that could ease his worries, but if it would help put their minds at ease, she was glad to help. She nodded and he gave her a grateful grin before he suggested that she go and investigate a place called Seasong Grotto, where the rumors said that some unwelcomed visitors were occupying the place lately.

"Be careful, though, Faye," he warned as he saw her of, "I couldn't say for sure what manner of miscreants we're dealin' with here. If they are the kidnappers...well, just be on your guard, all right?"

She nodded, not planning to find herself the one kidnapped today as she began to head her way down through the plains, heading to a place where he had marked on her map. She arrived in no time at all, having to fight only a few creatures who came sniffing too close to her, but otherwise she didn't have a hair out of place by the time that she reached the cave-like area.

She looked around the small grotto where, aside from some strange yellow ball-like creatures floating about in the air, she didn't see anything out of the ordinary in this place. The only thing that was here was a statue set up in the very center of the cave… where there were words carved into the stone.

Claire approached it curiously and began to study the stone—wondering if this was some sort of memorial site or something.

"I am the waves that bear…" she began in a whisper as she read the stone.

"I am the waves that bear," said another voice from behind, causing her to turn around immediately. She wasn't alone anymore it would seem. A mi'qote woman was standing before her, with short snow-white hair that was tied in metal bands in front of her face and a matching white top and a strange contraption hanging about her neck. She gazed onwards with bright turquoise colored eyes that almost seemed to glow in the dark, and as she arched a graceful neck, Claire could see strange purple tattoos on either side of her neck.

She went on speaking as she recounted what was written upon the stone.

"I am the winds that guide," she recited, "I am the evening stars. I am the morning sky. I am born of the sea. And there shall I die."

She then looked back at her with a hint of a smile as she explained, "Thus reads the sailors' requiem carved into yonder stone. Such words well describe the manner in which the citizens of Limsa Lominsa live their lives. It is both a litany against misfortune for those out on the waves..." she then approached a little closer and finished, "...and a prayer that the souls of those who perish on land might find their way back to the sea."

Claire observed at her suspiciously as the mi'qote seemed to be doing the same before her bright turquoise eyes widened in recognition.

"Ah, you are the adventurer I've seen around Summerford Farms," she said with a smile, "I thought myself on the trail of the kidnappers, but it would seem I have missed my mark."

Perhaps. But Claire still made a note to mention her when she returned to Staelwyrn when she returned. Before she could ask her name though, she heard a distinctive howl and the ground beneath them began to shake and before she knew it, something came crashing from the lone exit.

Both of them turned at once to see what was causing this anguished holler of pain to see a goobbue—larger than most—come barreling in towards them.

"...Or perhaps not," the mi'qote stated causally, as Claire moved sideways, recognizing a fight at this point. Meanwhile, the mi'qote went on speaking as if nothing was wrong and she was observing the goobbue as if it were part of the sailors' requiem in the stone.

"As I suspected, the aetheric disturbance here is no natural occurrence. Nor is it a coincidence that the two of us should come here in search of those responsible for the disappearances only to be attacked. But who stands to benefit from the keeping of this secret?" she asked and Claire really wanted to hit her for wondering such a thing at such a time. Thankfully, the wandering scholar seemed to realize that now was hardly the time to ponder such things and added, "Such thoughts must wait. Let us attend to the task at hand, unpleasant though it be."

Claire flipped open her new grimoire and called for her Emerald Carbuncle, which appeared with a screech and a ball of light at her feet—and charged ahead of her as she cast her spell of bio. The mi'qote next to her reached for the flowering wand at her belt began to cast spell, causing the very earth to fly up and crash into the goobbue as it roared and swiped its long arms at them.

"I sense something awry with this creature. Be on your guard," the cultured conjurer warned before pointing behind the goobbue, "Ware! The disruption of the aether draws others to the fray!"

At one point the goobbue slashed at her, and she felt her side stinging painfully… at least until a warm, gentleness entered through the wound and the pain disappeared. Looking back, she realized that this mi'qote was the one responsible… having healed the wound.

So, she was a healer? Her spells seemed more powerful than her own single healing spell and was glad to have help. Meanwhile, she tested out her new learned skills on the goobbue, finding herself able to remain surprising calm as she moved about the lumbering creature as it was now roaring out with both pain and anger. It's cries soon attacked others… none of the good kind either.

"Keep your focus on the battle! Leave the tending of wounds to me," the cultured conjurer asked before more creatures were being drawn to the battle.

A group of goobbues came marching down to join it in battle, where she heard the mi'qote call out to her, "More unwelcome visitors? Slay them quickly lest we be overwhelmed."

Easy for her to say so. But still, they came to a kind of rhythm. Claire moved about light on her feet while she dealt most of the damage, leaving the mi'qote to heal her every so often. The other creatures were nowhere near as stubborn as the first goobbue and fell quickly enough. Once she brought the rest of its mates down, the largest goobue seemed to sense that she was the bigger threat and charged at her. Claire was able to avoid its swinging arms and giant mouth as they pressed the attack until the poor thing fell.

"Mayhap we are overmatched..." the conjurer said sadly, looking at the creature.

Tired, but pleased with how it worked out, Claire placed her grimoire back to her side while her carbuncle vanished with a shriek and a ball of light.

Yet, just as she was about to speak to the conjurer, she felt a faint pulsating sound and saw something glinting out of the corner of her eyes. Looking over it, she spotted what looked to be a crystal of the brightest shade of blue simply laying on the stone. Curious, she went over to examine it… where did it come from? She sure didn't remember seeing it when she first arrived.

As she made to pick it up, she saw how it began to glow brightly and she took a step back when it floated upwards. It actually lifted itself off the floor and into the air, emitting a powerful light as it came to her… settling right above her heart. The light around her grew only stronger until it was blinding and before she knew what was happening, she felt herself falling back into dark.

She opened her eyes to find that she was drifting in a dark expanse that glowed faintly about her with a distant light. She looked around, trying to focus her clouded min to figure out what was happening. That was when she realized that instead of drifting… she was standing upon a strange sigil. She had never seen it's like before… strangely resembling something she may have seen in her grimoire but certain that it was not arcane. As she examined it, she realized that the intricate patterns glowed save for several circles intertwined with them that were circling the edge. The blue crystal that she picked up before… which was as if she was holding a piece of the ocean in her very hands settled into one of these circles like it always belonged there.

Before her eyes, a burst of blue light erupted into a beam, shining straight upwards and exploding like a sparkler before gentle specks fell about her like leaves in autumn.

The light grew radiant again, searing her eyes, and when her vision returned a second time, she was standing in a great space, above her a glowing red-gold light bright as the sun, surrounded by clouds and raining bright lights like meteorites.

What was going on? She didn't understand. As she stared around for answers, she heard it again.

A voice so warm and caring that it was as if she was being embraced by someone who loved her with all their hearts.

'Hear… Feel… Think…'

She heard that voice before… but where? She couldn't think straight and her mind began to spin as she tried to remember something as if she had seen it in a dream from long ago. But soon she found herself paying more attention to the present and began staring around her, longing to find the source of that voice; but could not find it before she saw something drifting up towards her.

As she looked, through the hazy light she saw what was none other than an enormous slab of crystal, as large as she was; gently floating up through space and close to her. And when the voice spoke again, it seemed to come from this very crystal.

'Crystal bearer…" the voice said in that beautiful voice once more and she felt her very heart grow warm at the sounds of it. "I am Hydaelyn. All made one. A Light there once was that shone throughout this realm… yet it hath since grown dim. And as it hath faltered, so hath Darkness risen up in its stead, presaging an end to Life. For the sake of all, I beseech thee: deliver us from this fate!'

Deliver?

"I don't understand…" she whispered before she watched in awe when more crystals began to join the first, spinning and spiraling away from her, sinking and rising through this sea of expanse.

'The power to banish the Darkness dwelleth in the Crystals of Light. Journey forth and lay claim to them.'

As she spoke, a final crystal rose amidst the smaller ones spiraling into the dim expanse – this one massive, bigger than any she'd ever seen, so great that it could dwarf even the tallest of mountains—and outshine the sun with its glowing in its brilliant light.

Claire only watched with wide eyes, her amazement growing with every second that passed until she was nothing more than a tiny speck in this vast ocean of nothingness. Beautiful didn't even begin to describe what she was seeing. As if she was before a massive diamond, with billions upon billions of shining faucets that revealed a rainbow light that sparkled from every mirrored surface.

She only craved to hear that voice again, like a loving mother soothing her child after a terrible nightmare.

'By thy deeds shall the Crystals reveal themselves to thee," the infinitely loving voice said to her again, "Only believe, for the Light liveth in thy heart.'

Claire saw something out of the corner of her eyes which seemed to break whatever spell that held her bound by the light of the crystal, and realized that she wasn't alone here. There were other beings, people, drifting towards the crystal, some of them soaring about it like birds, while others drifted like fish in the sea. She had to follow them…

Instinctively, she soared on with them, leading and following at the same time, bathing in this wondrous light once more while she soared about the crystal. She then began to fly upwards, directly vertical as she felt her fingers barely brush past the crystal while she soared upwards to where a glorious bright light shone.

And as she flew, she could feel that voice speak rather than hear it. Feeling as if that this voice was now holding her close in her arms; embracing her like the purest of love.

'Go now, my child, and shine thy Light on all creation.'

Speaking of light… Claire was flying straight upwards now, and she shut her eyes tightly as she soared, past the crystal and into the golden light above them.

And when she next opened her eyes, she could see nothing but cold stone above her head and the smell of salty air filling her nose. She sat up slowly, rubbing her head dizzily, wondering just what it was that happened and trying to remember where she was.

That dream again?

No… different… completely different than before. And yet, still the same? Unlike the last dream, she could recall this one perfectly. But… what was that crystal? Where was it now? Who was speaking? And what did her words mean?

Deliver them from this fate? Crystals of Light? By thy deeds…? Shine thy Light? What was going on? Someone wanted something from her… but it was like she was being given a task to do where she knew not the answer.

"Awake again, are we?" asked a voice and Claire jumped before looking over to see that the conjurer from before was there. As soon as she saw her, her memory came back of the events prior to her 'dream' state. The mi'qote was kneeling in front of the dead goobbue and was examining it with great interest.

"Aha," she said as she reached up and pulled something from between the mossy back of the creature and then stood up.

Claire watched as the mi'qote conjurer held up a short knife, looking unremarkably plain, and began to study it as she did the goobbue.

"The poor creature's fury was kindled with cruel forethought. See this blade?" she asked her though Claire did not say anything, "I found it in the goobbue's back. I have seen knives of this kind before ─ they are most commonly used for the cutting of rope. It would appear our culprits are seafaring men of some persuasion...piratical being the most probable."

The mi'qote then looked over her as Claire pushed herself onto her shaky feet, still feeling light-headed and confused as to what just happened.

"In any event, you seem much recovered from your sudden...affliction," her new friend said in concern, "I confess, I was rather taken aback when you collapsed at the very moment of our victory. Mayhap a surfeit of aether...?"

"I'm fine," Claire reassured her as she looked around but not finding a trace of the crystal she had seen before, and asked instead, "A dream… I think. Of a towering crystal? Or… was I dreaming again?"

That last part she added softly to herself, not entirely sure what she should believe at this point.

"I beg your pardon?" the woman repeated in confusion, "A 'towering crystal'? I'm sure I don't─ Oh." Claire saw how her eyes widen just a fraction and was now looking at her with great interest.

Claire tilted her head at that, but the woman just shook her head with a sympathetic look—yet there was new interest in her face as well. For she was now studying her as much as she had done to the goobbue and the knife.

"Well, well... This has been a day of unexpected revelations," she said with something new in her smile. "I must continue my investigation. In the meantime, I suggest you deliver this knife to your patron, along with a warning concerning the pirates' probable involvement in this murky business. The days ahead promise little rest, I fear..." She passed the small knife to her before giving her a wave and a smile and began to back out of the cave, "May our paths cross again under the light of the Crystal."

"Wait…" Claire began as she gave chase… yet no sooner did she follow after her and out of the cave, the bright light from overhead temporarily blinded her. While nowhere near as bright as the light she saw in the dream, she still winced at that had had to squeeze her eyes tight until she was able to get her sight back.

And, of course, by the time that she did, the strange conjurer was nowhere to be seen. Sighing a little unhappily, she tucked the knife into her bag, feeling more alone than ever as she tried to grasp what happened.

With no other reasons to remain behind, she began the trek back up the hills and to Summerford Farms to speak with Staelwyrn.

Still, during the long walk, her mind thought back to the strange dream she had. It had felt so real… she felt so… safe in that space. The light bathing her body and sinking into her very skin… and the pain in her head…? She couldn't have imagined it, right? Not unless she got hit harder than she thought by that rampaging goobbue?

It was as if someone had been squeezing her head very tightly the moment she saw the…?

That was when she placed her hand upon her chest and she found it there… nestled right inside her… right at her heart. The blue crystal from the cave… she pulled it out, and stared at the tiny thing. Just large enough to fit comfortably in her hand as she stared at it. Such a tiny thing… but the more she looked at it, the more she could feel as if she was holding onto a piece of the ocean. It was slightly wet to the touch, and seemed to pulsate like the coming of the tides… and if she held it up to her ear, she could almost swear that she heard those very same tides… though it could just be because they were right above the oceans. Still, she held onto it, knowing that she wasn't completely out of her mind.

A part of her mind was warning her to toss the crystal away from her… that it would bring her bad luck if she held onto it. Yet… the longer that she gazed into the crystal, the more… connected she felt to that voice from before. She could not bear the idea of letting go of it. So, instead, she tucked it back inside her robe… where—by some magic—it melted right into her very heart and she could feel the tides there as well.

So she wasn't completely crazy… but she still had no idea of what was happening to her. She would hold onto the crystal for now… until she had more answers. She only wish she knew who it was who had spoken to her. Who it was who held her so lovingly in that embrace? Who were they? And what did they want with her?

These questions continued in a cycle over and over the whole way back to Summerfold Farms, to where Staelwyrn was waiting.

"Faye!" he cried out in relief when he saw her returning, "Right glad am I to see you safely returned! My lads were all gabbin' about hearin' what sounded like all seven hells breakin' loose near the grotto, and I feared I'd sent you to your death. If you were in the middle of that commotion, I hope it yielded somethin' of interest. I'd hate to think you'd risked your life for naught."

She nodded and reassured him that she was hale and whole before explaining what happened. Of the goobbue who went bursting in, leaving her no choice but to be put down. That was when she pulled out the knife and explained how it had been found lodged in its back; which was probably the cause for its aggressiveness.

Staelwyrn took the knife and looked over it with a critical eye.

"Hmmm... A blade pulled from the back of a creature you slew at the cave, eh?" he summed up as he studied the knife, "Aye, I'd agree that such a knife would be part of any seafarin' man's kit. I'm startin' to think that these ruffians are pirates, come to lure my farmhands back to a life of plunder." He looked back down at her and added seriously, "Chances are, they didn't take kindly to your appearance on their doorstep, and set a maddened goobbue on you."

Well, that certainly explained a few things. And judging from the way that the goobbue attacked that scholar along with her, she felt a little better at the thought that she hadn't just let the one who may have been responsible for the kidnappings to escape.

"Aye, the pirates have been addin' to their numbers of late," Staelwyrn nodded, "I'd best warn the lads and lasses in my employ to be on guard against their schemes."

Claire nodded in agreement, pausing for a moment before deciding to tell him about the mi'qote woman she had seen earlier, realizing that she hadn't been able to ask for her name before she left.

"...Hm? You met someone else at the grotto?" he asked as she nodded, doing her best to describe her. Apparently, that was enough for him to understand for he nodded and reassured her, "Ah...Y'shtola! She's been in Limsa Lominsa for a good while now. Her studies of the aether often bring her out to Summerford, so her presence at the grotto is hardly unusual. She's an odd-lookin' lass, I grant you, but she's not the kind to associate with kidnappers. You may take my word for that."

Well, that's one less thing to worry about, anyway. This Y'shtola didn't seem like a bad person to her anyway, if a little bit… shrewd. Still, she did help her with that fight and Staelwyrn didn't seem to be concerned with her lurking about. One less person to suspect anyway.

"Where trust should be lackin' is in those yeomen of mine who have yet to wholly relinquish their pirate pasts," Staelwyrn sighed suddenly, "The temptation to return to the free and easy life of a buccaneer may prove too strong to resist."

But after giving his head a firm shake, he forced a smile and said, "You have my thanks, Faye. If it weren't for the efforts of stalwart adventurers like yourself, this farm would be in a far worse state than it is. Just you keep on lendin' your talents to those in need, eh? Help bring Limsa the brighter future she deserves."

Claire nodded, promising to do what she could before he sent her off, telling her to go back to the city for a time and recover from what happened. He didn't feel right asking her for anything else until she got some food and rest; which she was grateful for even though she wasn't injured.

After looking over the money pouch and all the gil that she earned this day, she decided to head back to the Hawker's Alley and treat her to a meal.

Yet even with the idea of food filling her mind, she still felt a sense of unease in her belly as she paused while she was crossing over a bridge. The river below her could hardly be called a river, barely coming up to one's ankles; yet, as she looked over the side she could still see her reflection looking back at her. As she gazed down at the water, she felt her carbuncle rub its fury, jeweled head against her hand, causing her to smile.

She began to pet it as it purred into her hands happily and sat there in content with her. But Claire felt her smile fade slightly as she gazed back down at her reflection—wondering why the sight of her face troubled her so suddenly.

She didn't look any differently than when she last saw her reflection. Well, mayhaps she did look a little too well after her first real battle. There wasn't even a scratch on her—which she merely chalked up to Y'shtola's healing—but other than that, she looked the same. And yet, in her heart, she knew that she was not the same? She didn't know what was wrong. Why did she still feel like she stood out like a goobbue in a marketplace? She watched as her reflection ran her hand through her messy pink hair and looked back up at her with concerned green eyes… finding that she couldn't help but feel… changed somehow.

She didn't like it.

She didn't like how lost and confused she felt at that moment. She supposed that she was all the more grateful for her carbuncle's sudden companionship.

What Claire wasn't aware of that there was someone watching her leave Summerford Farms, observing her with a curious expression as she stood at that bridge for quite some time. Eventually, her observer heard the familiar ring of the linkpearl in her ear and answered it.

"Tis I," she stated, never taking her eyes off the adventurer. "No need to apologize for not being able to get back to me right away. Things have calmed down somewhat."

She then explained everything that happened at the grotto before she finished up, "I will leave a full report for you to read soon. Thancred should be passing through the city later so I'll send it along with him. There is no need to worry about me however, I am perfectly well. I am merely making sure that my new adventurer friend returns to the city without being attacked. I am certain that whoever set that goobbue upon us was targeting her. And I can't imagine that they would be pleased to learn that she survived her encounter."

"Yes, you mentioned her earlier," the female's voice answered on the other end, "About your suspicions. Tell me, are you certain of this?"

"I am," Y'shotla confirmed as she watched the adventurer finally leave the bridge with the carbuncle at her heels. "As far as I can tell, she is not from Eorzea… at least, not from Limsa. She seems to have recently arrived to Limsa Lominsa on the last ship along with Alphinaud and Alisaie. I would have thought that it was just aether sickness that caused her to collapse without warning. But when she awoke, she portrayed none of the usual symptoms. Instead, she spoke of having a dream with a towering crystal speaking to her. I have no other proof yet, but I believe that she may process of a gift similar to yours. After seeing how well she handled herself earlier, I do believe she has much potential."

"Understood," the voice on the other end said, "We shall not jump to conclusions yet. Just keep an eye on her. When you have seen all that you feel you need to know, I will trust your judgement."

"Agreed," Y'shtola said as she lowered her hand and watched the adventurer venture out further from the farm and seemed to be heading back to the city for the time being. At first glance, she seemed no different than any other adventurer… but…? She took the small contraption from around her neck and looked closer at her through the goggles. The aether now flowed differently around her… very different than how it was before their fight with the goobbue. Or… was it always that way?

All she knew now was that when she looked at it… it was almost… shining… like starlight.

As well as…?

Her eyes narrowed as she looked off in the opposite direction to where she momentarily felt the presence of another being. Something was hiding in the shadow of the farm and watching this adventurer's every step… as if it was also interested in this woman.

Which left Y'sthola all the more reason to want to stick around.