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A peaceful dusk hung over the Shroud. Pilgrims gathered outside the wooden walls of Quarrymill. There was the regular bustle of trade from hunters and travelers alike. In the high grass and the shade of the trees were keen eyes, not as festive, watching over the pilgrims in their joviality.
![[Image: O8hUdFD.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/O8hUdFD.jpg)
![[Image: O8hUdFD.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/O8hUdFD.jpg)
For something was amiss...
"Poachers..." Lan called out. As soon as they were spotted, they attacked and were met with fierce resistance!
"Stay close, Pilgrims, we shall be safe." "Stop bein' meanies!" "Damn poachers." "Stay close Pilgrims. We are in good hands."
As the bandits retreated back into the woods, sapphire eyes scanned the group before making the order and together the guard fanned out over the forest ruins to secure the way. Only two others stayed behind, Crofte of the Sworn and a woman known only as Lynx, to blend in with the pilgrims themselves.
"Well..that was terrifying..." "Ain't a good omen, so much combat at the start of a pilgrimage... the Keeper won't be pleased..."
"Well..that was terrifying..." "Ain't a good omen, so much combat at the start of a pilgrimage... the Keeper won't be pleased..."
Then, as if to herald a change, through the trees hand-bells rang.
"Pilgrims, of all ages and from all points of Eorzea you are welcomed here. Althyk's faithful are honored by your tribute."
"As we survey the change of time. As our feet walk across the earth, let us reflect on our past and what has brought us all together."
The bells grow in strength, the pilgrims side-by-side. As they pass through the ancient stone walls, a Harbinger stands keeping an eye. As the pilgrims pass, they gather and follow.
"We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right."
"I'm in a hurry to get things done ~ Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun ~ All I really gotta do is live and die ~ But I'm in a hurry and don't know why."
The walls bend, showing an opening toward an old abandon keep, and the pilgrims gather around; their bells quieting for a moment.
"Take pause, Pilgrims, and gather around."
![[Image: BPCgezI.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/BPCgezI.jpg)
"At this I would ask you all take time to reflect. Pray bring to mind someone from your past that has help form who you are today. Those who have cared about you and wanted what was best for you in life."
Pilgrims kneel respectfully, others stand quietly, looking thoughtful. Tausenadel nods his head in thought.
One eloquent voice, Ciceroix chimes, "That should be easy...as she stands here beside me." giving Ameline's hand a tighter squeeze as he closed his eyes. She wrapped her arm about him, hugging.
R'tashana lowers her head siliently.
Pink-haired Memeli lowers her head, eyes closed. Her lips curl downwards as she reflects. A few tears start to run down her her face, which she quickly moves to wipe away.
Rosette kneels quietly and closes her eyes, reflecting calmly before moving on.
"Whomever you have thought of, that you have taken this time to put into the forefront of your mind, as we pass touch Althyk's stone and share that name. We continue on, Pilgrims."
"The Keeper bless our memories."
In groups the pilgrims went up, touching the stone and reciting names, be it aloud or wordlessly, before continuing on, the bells echoing across the stone bricks.
![[Image: 5CABZ14.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/5CABZ14.jpg)
“If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.â€
“Discovering the truth about ourselves is a lifetime’s work, but it’s worth the effort.â€
"Gather around this rock, Pilgrims, and do come in close to give our guardians some room to not disturb the creatures of the Wood."
"As we all gather here together, we realize that time is valuable and something we are given. How we use it, whom we use it upon, are all our choices. And thankfully this day we can spend it on ourselves, reflecting on what the year has brought. What the year of our hard work, what is now memories and recollections."
"And you all should feel great pride, not only do you spend your time for your own good and hardships, but for others as well. Those who are brought into your life, who you choose to gift your time to."
"As we survey the change of time. As our feet walk across the earth, let us reflect on our past and what has brought us all together."
The bells grow in strength, the pilgrims side-by-side. As they pass through the ancient stone walls, a Harbinger stands keeping an eye. As the pilgrims pass, they gather and follow.
"We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right."
"I'm in a hurry to get things done ~ Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun ~ All I really gotta do is live and die ~ But I'm in a hurry and don't know why."
The walls bend, showing an opening toward an old abandon keep, and the pilgrims gather around; their bells quieting for a moment.
"Take pause, Pilgrims, and gather around."
![[Image: BPCgezI.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/BPCgezI.jpg)
"At this I would ask you all take time to reflect. Pray bring to mind someone from your past that has help form who you are today. Those who have cared about you and wanted what was best for you in life."
Pilgrims kneel respectfully, others stand quietly, looking thoughtful. Tausenadel nods his head in thought.
One eloquent voice, Ciceroix chimes, "That should be easy...as she stands here beside me." giving Ameline's hand a tighter squeeze as he closed his eyes. She wrapped her arm about him, hugging.
R'tashana lowers her head siliently.
Pink-haired Memeli lowers her head, eyes closed. Her lips curl downwards as she reflects. A few tears start to run down her her face, which she quickly moves to wipe away.
Rosette kneels quietly and closes her eyes, reflecting calmly before moving on.
"Whomever you have thought of, that you have taken this time to put into the forefront of your mind, as we pass touch Althyk's stone and share that name. We continue on, Pilgrims."
"The Keeper bless our memories."
In groups the pilgrims went up, touching the stone and reciting names, be it aloud or wordlessly, before continuing on, the bells echoing across the stone bricks.
![[Image: 5CABZ14.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/5CABZ14.jpg)
“If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.â€
“Discovering the truth about ourselves is a lifetime’s work, but it’s worth the effort.â€
"Gather around this rock, Pilgrims, and do come in close to give our guardians some room to not disturb the creatures of the Wood."
"As we all gather here together, we realize that time is valuable and something we are given. How we use it, whom we use it upon, are all our choices. And thankfully this day we can spend it on ourselves, reflecting on what the year has brought. What the year of our hard work, what is now memories and recollections."
"And you all should feel great pride, not only do you spend your time for your own good and hardships, but for others as well. Those who are brought into your life, who you choose to gift your time to."
Settling in the grass by the bayou, the pilgrims rested their feet, looking up at the large stone, ready to celebrate Althyk.