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Page #16: "With the Wayfinders"
Dear diary, I did meet with Miss Lilia today, and her company of Wayfinders. Swiftly, I’m told, did their caravan pass through the Nine Ivies, but word reached me in time to give pursuit. Steelbane tracked the caravan to an alehouse not far from the Nine Ivies, and out in the yard, sat the brave adventurers. I gave the basket of hand-picked flowers to Miss Lilia, all my favourites that grew in the surrounding forest. She introduced me to those at our table, first to Miss Emeraven, a freelance medic and hunter with a fantastical bow that span the length of her body and more. She had a kind look about her, and eyes so captivating I forgot to notice the furry ears.
Also at Lilia’s table was Sir Maruud, an old Roegardyn with long greying hair. We spoke briefly of my impending rite and coming of age, of my nervous excitement and plans to travel the world for the first time. He made contrast to himself, of when he was my age, how he had travelled much and never was one to remain too long in a single place. We certainly differ in that respect, I have called the Twelveswood home for the fifteen years of my life, and proudly so, have never ventured outside of her safe canopies.
Miss Lilia wore a different hat today, to match a beautiful yellow overcoat. Her wide-brimmed straw hat gave shade from the evening sun, and was decorated with an adorable bouquet of flowers; daisies, poppies, roses and sunflowers, preserved to retain their colourful bloom, never to wilt or die. She looked elegant as always, with an air of sophistication that draws good company and makes for pleasant conversation. We spoke again of Sir Redolent Rose, master of the Weaver’s Guild, who I plan to visit someday if ever I pass through the city of Ul’dah. As Miss Lilia pointed out, both weavers and botanist could much benefit from working together in fashion; complement each other’s skills and create floral clothing of such wonders as Miss Lilia’s hat. It is an exciting thought, and a project I’d much enjoy to undertake.
A Highlander was brought to our table by the name of Sir Worren, large and strong, with a warming smile and a laid back attitude. His tongue spoke so overly honest of his thoughts, it was no wonder Sir Maruud gave repeated reprimand. I did find him quite entertaining. He reminded me of uncle Pious, who like almost all other Ala Mighans, seldom wore clothing, choosing to lay bare their ever so distracting muscled torsos.
Ready to meet more of the Wayfinders, I asked Miss Lilia if I may be shown around. Thankfully, she was accepting, glad even, to walk me over to the crowd. I met three new people, and for all my fears, all three were Au Ra. Sir Connor, Caolan and Sechen. The terror that caught my tongue must have been more than noticeable as Miss Lilia bade me not to be afraid. Was but only a while earlier in the evening that I was thrown out of the Everen Academy cafe for prejudices to a man of Sir Connor's scaled likeness, yet the contrasts were far different. Unlike the suspect air of the derelict vagrant of the Everen cafe, here was a man, well mannered, poised in stately coat with the outward impression of an intellectual scholar. Absent his intimidating height, draconic scales and imposing horns, one could quite possibly, see the person beneath.
"Physical appearances are just that, an outward shell of the soul that inhabits it" said Connor, imparting wisdom to my, admittedly, ignorant mind. "You may never know someone unless you take the time to learn of them. The most frightening of visage can hide the kindest of souls." Sir Connors made his leave, presumably satisfied he had given sufficient enlightenment to this young and sheltered mind. Yet all his words fell flat upon meeting Sir Caolan. He was the sort to embrace the crippling fear his intimidating size invoked in others. He was rude and obnoxious and challenged every aspect of politeness offered to him by Miss Lilia. I could not bring myself to stand close, let alone greet him or offer conversation. I had spent all the courage and willpower left in me not to leave and flee the company of these strange outsiders, when I finally found meaning in Connor's words, embodied in the form of her, Sechen.
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Sunflower's Blossom (Tumblr link)
