Camp Bronze Lake was bright, the foggy sky reflecting down on the glittering springs. One of the platforms was left clear of warmwine and towels for pilgrims to gather and talk. Bells tolled in the distance and were answered by bells within the crowd.

Jancis Milburga rings a hand bell over her head. "Welcome Pilgrims! It is with open arms and a grateful heart you are welcomed here this sun! You have traveled near and far to be here in honor of Oschon the Wanderer."

"Hopefully, the Wanderer's going to show you the road that leads to the enlightenment you wish. A-Ah, it is starting." Chachanji remains a stalwart little guardlala!

Jancis holds the hand bell high over her head, smiling at everyone around her. "Let us finish our pilgrimage together." She rings the bell, heralding the start of the walk.

Jancis rings the bell from atop of the platform, beckoning everyone to join.

Ciel kneels respectfully, Cyneler prays, Jana almost steps into the small pool, but manages to stop herself.

The bells stopped ringing. Behind the group on the lower terrace bards join, the spirited music carrying over the waters and stonework. 

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Jancis lifts her hand to the outer reaches of La Noscea, "That the Wanderer is with us where ever we are, mountain and trail and home alike."

The sun set, Oschon's symbol glowing a brilliant green in the shallow pool all the pilgrims surrounded. The stars and moon seemed to answer it, their sparkling bodies in the sky matching the brightness to light up the entire area.

The Celebration had begun.

Asmodean Gaidin bows, "Greeting all. This would be my first time speaking before such a gathering so I my words seem odd.... please understand."

"Every boy has the  the right to dream. There are endless possibility before him."

"What awaits him down that path... He will have to choose."

Asmodean paused before looking about the crowd. "No one going to give you a map... only you can find your own path."

"These words are not my own, but from someone long gone. Whenever I think back to these words, I can not help but think I was meant to think about Oschon."

"The god of vagrants and the ruler of the mountains, along with many other names, a guide for the paths we all walk."

Asmodean looks down at the walking stick symbol below him before looking back at the crowd. "Until  recently, I lacked faith. Anger, hatred, confusion...."

"I know I am not alone when it comes to having lost something due to the Calamity. I have no doubt every single person of Eorzea has been affected by that day."

"We have all lost, be it family, friends or way of life. Yet we all still stand, battered but alive."

"I traveled of time, aimlessly, unable to handle my own loss."

Asmodean sighed as he shut his eyes. " I had lost my way.... my path in life. "

He opened his eyes to look about the crowd once more. " I doubt I am alone with that way of thinking. "

"As I look at  this crowd, I see worn faces, tired eyes... and a few broken wills. I know those feeling well. So never think you are alone."

"Losing the last of your family has broken other much better then myself, yet I stand here, whole  again."

"I have these celebrations  to thank for that. Our host has brought many wise people who's word helped me back to my path. "

"If you look... someone will always be willing to help, be it here today, back at your home city state or elsewhere. Someone will always be willing to help you find your way back."

"You only need to reach out to find it."

Asmodean paused once more to gather his thought. "Never let your path be clouded by anger, you will only become lost.

"I speak from experience, so don't follow that path I once walked.  Look to others....

Asmodean points at Jancis before continuing. "... Like Lady Jancis as someone you should follow if can not walk your own path." Jancis blinks and bows her head quickly.

He looks in to the air for a moment before raising his arm into the air. "Let us all enjoy this day in honor of the Wanderer, and keep in mind, we all walk our own paths..."

Asmodean his arm before look at every member of the crowd. "... but that dose not mean you have to walk it alone."

"I think it is time for me to step aside but let me  leave you with a few last word from long ago."

"Believe in yourself... walk your own path... don't fear failure." Asmodean bows.

The crowd applauded. "Well said, Sir Gaidin!" 

"Thank you all for you time... Jancis"

Ciel Sauveterre bows and greets the gathering, "Hello, my dear friends!"

"This sun's Celebration is one which I hold especially close to my heart for Oschon is mine own patron, and following the Wanderer's path has more than once saved me from the despair which comes from remaining too long in one place. Life itself is a pilgrimage, discovery, and wandering - albeit sometimes blindly.  We needn't always know where we are going just so long as we keep moving."

Ciel pauses for a few seconds to reflect, and then continues with the actual story.

"'Tis said that not all who wander are lost, and such is true of M'lord Oschon.  Though seldom would He stay in one place for very long, as the wind, He knew at all times exactly where He was, where He was going, and that whenever He arrived at His next destination He would get there precisely on time."

"Many an adventurer has been inspired to take to the road simply at His nod, though their paths ever diverge and take them elsewhere with or without His direction, and the road can still be a terribly lonely place for anyone."

"Sweet Menphina did Her utmost to keep Oschon company o'er the long nights and gave to Him the light of Her silver torch along the darkest paths, though this was something She could not do come dawn when She would have to take Her rest."

"She longed to do something more to keep Him company for there are always beasts which roam beneath the light of day, just as there are at night and so it was at these times, when He went on without Her that She worried for Him the most.  She had yet to find a suitable gift in kind for the gentle stars He had crafted from Her lonely tears to keep her company in His own absence."

"Menphina pondered what to do until She could ponder no more and so She went to the only other one who knew Oschon best, His dear friend Halone within whose crystalline halls He would rest whenever He traveled north, and She asked of the Fury for ideas."

"Now, Halone being Halone, what else would She suggest but both a shield and a weapon?  Menphina thought this strange at first, for She knew full well Oschon already carried plenty with His walking stick and the yew bow at His back, but these were no ordinary shield and weapon being offered as Menphina soon came to realize."

"Halone held forth a single nugget of purest gold and dropped it to the gleaming white floor of the hall.  From this small piece sprung forth a new form, that of a gigantic lion with a shining coat of the same gold and eyes which shone with the light of Menphina's own companion stars."

"'Behold,' spoke Halone, 'For here have I given thee that which is both shield and weapon sacred, for his coat taketh neither arrow nor blade and his claws and fangs pierceth the strongest of armors.  'Neath the light of the sun, dear Oschon's company shall he keepeth, and by thine own feet doth he lie come dusk.'"

"Menphina stood in awe of the great golden lion and, elated by such immense generosity, quickly thanked Halone and departed with the beast by Her side.  Dusk was soon to arrive and, with it, Her time with Her beloved."

"She soon found Oschon upon His path and took His hand, into which She pressed the same lump of gold Halone had presented before.  He smiled to Her and asked, 'What hast thou brought me, my beloved?'"

"Curiously did He stare at the gold in His palm, uncertain of its meaning until it leapt away on its own and took on the form of the golden lion.  He was surprised at first, and yet unafraid, and he lifted a hand to rest on the lion's mane."

"'As thou hast driven loneliness from me with mine own tears,' said Menphina, 'So too have I brought both companion and protector to shield thee from thine own loneliness, and from thine enemies when I cannot be as guide for thee.'"

"Oschon was speechless.  As a Wanderer, He had kept little for Himself to avoid weighing Himself down and this gift was as powerful in His eyes as it was born of a tender thought in Her heart. Before Him, the lion was calm and gentle as a lamb, but He had no doubts as to its might."

"'My dearest, sweetest light," He said as he gazed into Her eyes, "'Long have I wandered content with thee through dark of night, and alone 'neath the sun do I guide those whose eyes longeth yet for the whole world.  They that walk the path are ever mine companions, but there is and ever shall be a place for this lion, if not with me.  For, thou must see, one such as he wouldst surely frighten away they that would follow mine footsteps.'"

"Menphina's heart sank, but She knew He was right, and a kiss placed on the back of Her hand chased away any hint of sorrow."

"'Come,' He said, 'Long hast it been since last I took rest in mine palace.  Come with me, and there shall we find a place for the beast.'"

"And so they retreated to the floating city that was Nym, and there the lion would remain to guard all those who would dwell there.  Over long ages, the Nymian Lion would become as a shield and weapon to mages and scholars alike, just as the ancient tomes and tablets discovered in recent cycles spoke of companion faeries and powerful magicks."

"In time, with the loss of Nym and her people these tales fell silent and became but shadows of memories.  And yet, sometimes, if one stands over the misty valley of the floating ruins, beneath clearest sky and fullest moon, one may hear the distant call of the great beast awaiting the return of its masters."

Ciel finishes her story and bows.

Nathan Telluride and Lottie Forsaidh walk forward but stay with the crowd.

"A few moons ago, we sung of Menphina, when it was her moon, her time, and the song given to you then was about how she is the moon around which even the most wandering souls orbit."

"This is the story of what, and who, brings the Wanderer in again, and since one song cannot contain all the wanderings of place and mind, we have scoured tavern and inn and cultures near and far to join many songs into one tribute."

Nathan strums his lute, sets a gentle melody, nods to his partner, and begins.

♪♫♪♫♪♫♪

Lottie turns to leave Nathan with a small kiss from her palm, wandering away to her side.

Lottie's palms meet her chest, a sorrowful expression taking over.

Lottie's arm outstretches, palm up as it lifts toward Nathan.

Lottie is first to approach the waters by her boot, a scornful if not teasing smile testing her annoyed expression. She speaks to Nathan who stands above her.

Lottie wanders a step closer, outstretching hands toward him, as if reaching. Nathan joins hands with her, as they begin to harmonize.

Lottie's palm taps down on his hat in a jesting manner before lacing both fingers with his.

♪♫♪♫♪♫♪

"Thank you all!" Nathan says to the applauding pilgrims as Lottie smiles and inclines her head, careful to step from the waters with her black kitten in tow.

Jancis Milburga steps across the waters and looks out at everyone. "I would like to share a small song on this sun. There are times when hardships come and they are what makes us feel lost the most."

"In such times, some walk to gather their thoughts, in circles even, or some just stand still."

"As Sir Gaidin said some time one wanders out of fear. And as we wander we shed things that are not really valuable. Fear is one of those."

Jancis, bowing her head a minute, she starts singing in a simple range, smiling across the crowd. 

Jancis finishes the song with a bit more feeling, letting the end drift off with the wind, "♪ Ah, listen, dear heart. You can fall off the map, but do not fall apart."

Jancis bows her head to everyone.

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((Song, 'Dear Heart', starts at 5:30))

Leanne Delphium took a deep breath, looking down to the floor, to Oschon's mark. After a while, she finally raised her head, thoughtfully gazing to the crowd. "...It all started with a single, simple drive. An itching for freedom." her golden gaze is cast away, towards the path they all had come from.

Leanne smiles bashfully. "A simple girl from a simple house in the middle of the forest. Itching for freedom. Grasping that concept with teeth and nails. Even if it caused discourse with other people. Which happened. Cause in her penchant for freedom, she tended to be an awful brat." she snickers, ears flicking upon the admission.

Leanne continued her little tale. "The girl went through her years, never letting go of the freedom she ached for. Freedom, being an abstract tale, can take any, innumerable forms. Hers became the wish to see the world. To experience all it has to show. The good things...the bad things...different customs and cultures! Several places, intoxicating eyes with their beauty! And people...oh so many people that walks among us in this world, each one with their opinions, way of life..."

"What I want to say is...being a traveler...indulging in this primal desire, this unquenchable wanderlust that Oschon blessed my soul with...I came to see several things. Learn several things. Make wonderful friends, which I shall forever remember throughout my life. I grew up in ways I would never think of when I was a kid. Dealing with joy and pain alike. I was taught that...despite the endless conflict that everyone struggles with...Eorzea is a beautiful land, full of marvelous people."

"And I'm blessed for living in it."

Leanne whips out her harp, plucking a few loose, disconnected strings. A sweet smile adorn her features as she fondly cradles her instrument. "Within a few suns, me, and likewise several people, will be traveling up north, each one with their reasons for it. Mine...is the measly desire to see more of the world I'm blessed to be born in. As such, this shall be my last song in Eorzea for...a little while." she chuckles.

"Ever wandering the traveler will be, braving new frontiers and charting the uncharted, not ever seeking for a destiny, for their destiny the road itself. As such, if you all notice, there is right now a moogle in the midst. That's my master. Say hello, master!" she giggles happily. The moogle, owner of a fancy hat (not as fancy as Leanne's) and long whiskers tips his headwear, his pom wobbling during the gesture.

Lottie, Chachanji, and many others close in the crowd look at Leanne in surprise!

Leanne starts her gentle weaving, deft fingers gracefully dancing along the strings of her harp. The melody she began to craft was calm and full of serenity. Her golden hues fluttered close while her cheery features exuded warmth. "Also, this song is my personal thanks...to Oschon, to Hydaelyn, to all the friends I met and made course my journey throughout Eorzea...to the world that was shown to my eyes because of a simple, single drive..." 

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Leanne takes soft, quiet breath, finally starting to sing. ♪ Ah ah ah aaaaaah ah.. Ah ah ah aaaaaah ah.. ♪ her fingers made a elaborate flourish before her eyes opened once more.

Leanne pauses. ♪ Ah ah ah aaah ah.. Forever, walking onward. ♪

Leanne let a grin suddenly sprout from her features, feet lightly moving with the self imposed rhythm as she began to shimmy from side to side, the melody itself growing slightly more energetic.  ♪With a harp in my hand, and thankful lyrics on my tongue..! ♪

Leanne widens her grin, her beaming as brightly as ever. ♪ Saying thanks to you friends, all sun long! ♪

Leanne is caught in surprise as her master slowly rises from midst the crowd, starting a masterful solo with his little trumpet while airborne. Snickering to herself, she falls into the rhythm, once more starting a little dance while her harp made for the background. Both instruments seamlessly melded together in melodious harmony, a wordless communication clearly made between student and teacher as the solo went on and on, feelings exchanged by the sound of their instruments. Finally, the trumpet made its finale, the moogle twirled in the air while tipping his hat, and the harp took its prominence, shortly before Leanne returned with her vocals.

Leanne extends the last syllable for as long as she could muster. ♪ Each step engraving a memory into my soul! Forever thankful I say!!! ♪

Leanne's notes grew in emotion and intensity. ♪ Forever forward!!! ♪

She sighs happily, eyes fluttering close as she started to chant, the notes behind the vocals now looping. ♪ Forever forward, forever forward... ♪

Leanne continues looping through the notes and same lyrics, till her voice and instrument disappeared midst the sounds of the lake.

Wandering Feet and Wandering Thoughts - a small circle of yew wood with words carved into each side, one with a destination and the other with a question to answer.

• Wandering Feet to atop The Braveheart/Wandering Thoughts answer this: "What impact do you want to leave in the world?"

• Wandering Feet to the seeing pool of First Dicasterial Observatorium of Aetherial and Astrological Phenomena/Wandering Thoughts answer this: "What do you want your life to look like in five years?"

• Wandering Feet to the hives of Full Flower Comb/Wandering Thoughts answer this: "Are you satisfied with your work?"

• Wandering Feet to the gazebo of Sweet Bloom Pier/Wandering Thoughts answer this: "Are you feeding your fears or your hopes and dreams?"

• Wandering Feet to the fish racks of Crescent Cove/Wandering Thoughts answer this: "What did failure to reach your goal teach you about yourself?"

• Wandering Feet to the oasis of Minotaur Malm/Wandering Thoughts answer this: "If you could eliminate one thing from your life today, what would it be?"

• Wandering Feet to the grove of Blessed Bud/Wandering Thoughts answer this: "Do you choose happiness or leave it to chance?"

• Wandering Feet to the vineyards of Wineport/Wandering Thoughts answer this: "What step can you take today in order to fulfill your deepest desire?"

• Wandering Feet to the falls of Woad Whisper Canyon/Wandering Thoughts answer this: "Do you consider yourself worthy of love and admiration?"

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((These same people kept speaking to one another... I left it pretty raw so it jumps a bit.))

Role Play = Win