Twilight's Travels In The Multiverse

Once back on the Harmony, Twilight sighed. "The calamity has been averted, if we're going to integrate into society below. Now Csia dear would you chill out."

She called to Csia who was still rocking in the fetal position.

Csia looked up from her curled up form, "How would you feel if you suddenly changed species!?"

Twilight deadpanned down at Csia and raised her left eyebrow.

"Oh right, sorry." Csia sheepishly rubbed the back of her head.

Twilight smirked, shaking her head, "come here you daft cat."

Twilight beckoned her into a hug. Which Csia leant into with a pout.

Harmony walked in, "preliminary results suggest that you two are currently sixteen years old."

"Anyway back to the topic at hand, we both need to sneak into society."

"Currently scanned geography and population matching the appearance of you two. A large congregation of your species is located in a forest near a mountain range. I took the liberty of replicating a comm badge in the form of an earring and clothing your species wear. You know 'cause you're both naked."

Harmony handed over the outfits, all made of leather and metal.

Picking up the top, it was a dark brown and white leather crop top. The brown leather was two cups on top of a white wrap. It had a flair hem, a buckle holding the two brown cups together leaving a gap between them. On the two flairs at the front it had two studs. The straps are a light brown with a buckle on the front.

"Okay so undo the straps and slip on the top, then close the straps uuff that's a bit tight."

There was a pair of white puffy cloth sleeves both ends of the sleeve using light brown leather clasped together and white held together with signee cross stitch.

Next on was a simple pair of briefs, then a red leather pleated mini skirt with a dark brown waist layered on top, with two metal studs on the front and a stud on the buckle strap, a buckle on the front was holding it closed. The brown leather wrapped around until the back that only had the red leather and a tail hole.

"Okay loosen the belt step in through the waist guide tail through hole and redo the buckle."

Next was a pair of leather stockings, a white cuff with a diamond cut out on the out seam held by metal clasps, leading to black leather with four studs equidistant on opposite sides of the thighs.

And finally a pair of flaired cuff ankle books and small brown holster.

"How do I look?" Twilight inquired

"Like a 21st century fashion designer got lost in the medieval period and decided that he must make his times modern fashion using old leather working techniques."

"Twilight frowned. Harmony are you sure this is popular down there?"

"Amongst your species? Yes" Harmony responded.

"Just be glad I didn't choose the other popular outfit for your kind." Harmony smirked as Twilight and Csia finished dressing and equipped the comm earrings."

Suddenly the ship began to shake, "oh god I feel like someone is groping me all over!?"

Suddenly the ship vanished along with Twilight and Csia.

Twilight and Csia are teleported to a dark, outer space-like place.

Where a the sound of a harp being plucked in a song.

Floating, they spiral downwards with crystal sparkles emanating off them. Their feet touch the dark bottom of the room and make a rippling water effect.

"Hear… ." a mysterious motherly voice said

Twilight and Csia lift their hands from their head as if waking up. They see a small, sun-like orb of light floating in front of them.

"Hear… Feel…" the voice said again

The light-orb moves to the center of Twilight's vision and is suddenly eclipsed by a dark orb, from which a red-masked, dark-robed figure emerges.

The light-orb moves out from behind the dark figure.

"Hear… Feel… Think…" the voice continued

A light envelopes Twilight, Csia and changes their clothing and gear to those of the job White Mage and Lancer respectively.

The dark-robed man is silent.

Their weapons turned into a weapon of light as they seized hold of them and assumed a battle stance.

The dark-robed man opens his mouth, materializes an eerie red glyph on his face, and also assumes a battle stance.

Twilight and Csia aimed their weapons of light.

The dark-robed figure readies his attack.

Twilight and Csia ready their attack. A clashing sound is heard before the dream ends.

"...Oi!" ???

Twilight and Csia come to and open their eyes, as if waking from a dream.

"Y'all right, lasses?" ???

"You were moanin' in your sleep an' sweatin' buckets besides." A Grizzled Passenger said

What the fuck!? Twilight thought

The man had tanned skin, a blonde chinstrap beard, golden yellow eyes. He wore an embroidered yellow jacket and a leather skullcap and a cream undershirt. And had a constant smile on his lips. As he sat close to the driver's seat.

Flute Music was playing lightly as they rode the carriage.

"That'll be the aether, I reckon. Some are more prone to the sickness than others." the Grizzled Passenger added.

Aether? Twilight pondered.

"No need to fret, though. You'll soon get used to it." He said leaning back

He reaches for the wine, sniffs it, and chugs it.

Twilight and Csia look at each other confused

Twilight and Csia, suddenly hear the sound of a horn tooting four times, and turn to see a pair of Moogles peering at them. The lead Moogle was the one tooting the horn. They look at them and place a tiny left paw next to their face in concern.

"Feeling better, kupo?" A furry Creature asked with concern.

Oh my god they're so cute!? Twilight thought to herself barely containing herself.

Twilight and Csia both nod at the question the Furry creature asked.

"Aha! You can see us! I had a feeling you could, kupo!

"We're moogles, and we live in this wood." The Furry Creature added.

Moogles? Holy shit we're in a final fantasy game! How did I not notice.

The other Moogle flies further into the cart, and starts dancing and shaking their furry butt in front of the grizzled passenger. The grizzled passenger does not react.

"Normal folks can't see or hear us─which makes you special, kupo!"

The two look to the pair of young Elezen twins. The one on the left shows no reaction, while the one on the right inclines his head a little.

"And seeing as how you're special, maybe you can tell us something." The moogle with the horn said

"The wood's been restless of late─lots of strange things happening. Have you chanced to witness anything suspicious, kupo?" The moogle asked

Twilight and Csia, shake their head as they gaze at the other Moogle in astonishment. The other moogle has picked up the grizzled passenger’s glass bottle and is now chugging the bottle of wine.

They turn back to the first moogle.

"But of course you haven't─you've only just arrived." The moogle lamented dejectedly slumping down.

"Well, there's nothing for it, then─we'll just have to keep looking. Nice to meet you, kupo!"

The moogles fly off to join another pair of moogles. They seem to be discussing the recent events amongst each other.

The grizzled passenger reaches for his wine bottle, gives the bottle an appreciative sniff, and raises it to his lips only to find the bottle completely empty. Surprised, he attempts to peer into the bottle, then looks around himself, looks at the wine label with a perplexed expression, and sets the wine bottle down. He turns back to Twilight and Csia.

"Gridania's still a fair way off, in case you were wonderin'. Seein' as you're awake, how's about you keep me company till we get there?" He said

The man motions back to the reserved pair of twins.

"Them Elezen young'uns don't much care for conversation, see." He said

Looking back at the grizzled passenger, he motions to himself.

"Bremondt's the name, an' peddlin's me trade." Bremondt introduced himself.

"As for your good self, judgin' by your unusual garments, I'd say you were one of them new adventurers. Am I warm?" Bremondt said

Twilight and Csia nod, he wasn't far off.

"I knew it! Goin' wherever the wind blows, seekin' fortune an' glory─now that's what I call livin'!" Bremondt asked as he leant forward.

"So long as you can avoid dyin', I mean. Ain't no secret that adventurin's a risky business─these days especially." Bremondt intoned solemnly.

"What was it that first attracted you to it?

Why did you become an adventurer?" Bremondt inquired.

"Fortune," Twilight replied with a smile.

"Fortune, eh? Well, it's a dream we've all had at one time or another." Bremondt said

"Once you've learned to handle yourself in a fight, you'll want to pay a visit to whichever craftin' or gatherin' guild tickles your fancy." Bremondt explained.

"Gridania's renowned for its leatherworkers an' carpenters, not to mention its botanists." Bremondt continued.

"Adventurin' ain't just about killin' things, after all. A peaceful pastime may well help you make your fortune!" Bremondt finished.

"Halt! Go no further!"

Twilight, Csia and Bremondt turned to see a tall man in full green leather armor.

"What's this, then? A woodwailer." Bremondt said

An arrow flies past Bremondt and into the middle of the wooden carriage floor as Twilight and Csia raise a hand to warn him.

"Uwaaah!" Bremondt said

Bremondt is startled and flails his limbs. The carriage driver and the Wood Wailer.

"Wh-What's going on!?" Carriage Driver demanded.

"A skirmish has broken out up ahead with the Ixal! For your own safety, you must remain here until─"

Two female wood wailer archers enter the scene with bowstrings drawn and arrows nocked. Two Ixal giant black bird people, advance at them, ready to do battle. The Wood Wailer grimaces and pulls out his spear in a battle stance.

"Bloody hells! We shall hold them here! Try to break clear!"

The two archers let loose their arrows. One Ixal blocks the arrow with their shield. The carriage begins moving again, and as Twilight and Csia peer out at the skirmish, they see an Ixal being slain by the lancer and another Ixal falling before an archer.

"That was too bleedin' close…" Bremondt complained.

Bremondt grabs the arrow embedded in the carriage floor and yanks it out.

"Nice of the Ixal to send us a welcomin' party, though, eh?" Bremondt said

"Jokin' aside, this won't be the last time you meet those feathered fiends, so just you take care, all right?"

"By the by, is this your first trip to Gridania?

"Yes, it is." Csia replied.

"It is!? Well then, let this journeyed itinerant tell you the ins an' outs of your destination." Bremondt exclaimed.

"The city of Gridania lies slap-bang in the middle of the Black Shroud─the biggest, lushest forest in all Eorzea."

"Though it ain't near as lush as it used to be, sayin' that. Not since the Calamity laid half of it to waste."

"The destruction prompted a herd of new nasties to move in, an' gave the Ixal unneeded encouragement. Birdman raids've become a daily occurrence."

Bremondt looks over his shoulder and past the driver's seat.

"Ah, at long last." Bremondt cheered.

"Behold Gridania, the forest nation blessed by the elementals!" Bremondt added.

Twilight and Csia leant forward to look at Gridania.

Song: ffxiv arr ost Serenity starts playing

"The Black Shroud-the ancient forest close to the heart of Eorzea.

Beneath the boughs of its towering trees lies the woodland city-state of Gridania.

Once a sanctuary from the world beyond the Hedge, even the mighty elementals, eternal guardians of the forest, could not forestall the coming of the Seventh Umbral Era.

However, the goddess Nophica was never one to forsake Her children, and today, She welcomes another pair of brave souls…" Narrator said

The chocobo carriage comes to a stop. A carriage chocobo kwehs. Twilight and Csia and Bremondt get off the carriage.

"One who may yet play a telling role in the tale of this great realm." Narrator said

Bremondt turns to Twilight and Csia.

"An' here's where we part ways, Lasses." Bremondt announced.

"I'm off to the markets to deliver me wares, then it's back to the highroad for me."

Bremondt reaches into his pockets and hands Twilight a small item as the elezen twins from before walk by behind him.

"Here, I want you to have this─by way of thanks for keepin' me company." Bremondt said

Twilight extended a hand to accept the item and placed it in her pockets.

"Thank you," Twilight said with a smile.

The chocobo carriage rolls off.

"Hey─you never did tell me your name, did you? Well, here's an idea…"

"Become the sort of storied personage I can brag about havin' met, an' I'll consider us square."

Bremondt walks off as Twilight and Csia turn to the city.

Song: ffxiv arr prelude plays

"May the Matron take him/her to Her bosom, that s/he may never want.

And sow in his/her heart sow serenity, purity, and sanctity." The Narrator said.

Twilight and Csia move towards Gridania. Once they had passed the gate

Song: Wailers and waterwheels

Someone called out to then "You there! Yes, you!" An black haired male Elezen lancer garbed in Wood Wailer armor points at Twilight and Csia.

"Your faces are not known to me. Newly come to the city, no doubt." The woodwailer said as he closed the distance.

Twilight and Csia are surprised by the sudden call out.

Holy fuck why are we acting like this!?

"I am Bertennant, a Wood Wailer of Gridania." Bertennant explained.

"It is my duty to protect our nation from her enemies while welcoming those who may yet prove her friends. Let us see which you are."

A golden Q with an ! In it appears above his head.

Twilight and Csia looked at each other perplexed, but walked up to him.

"Another green adventurer, I presume?" Bertennant suddenly said.

Twilight and Csia nodded
What is with this stoic nodding nonesense!?

"I thought as much. We cannot allow strangers to wander Gridania unchecked and untested."

"Before you rush off and begin pestering every second citizen for work, I suggest you make yourself known at the Carline Canopy. That's the headquarters of the local Adventurers' Guild, in case you were wondering." he continued

"The Carline Canopy is the building you see behind me. Speak to Mother Miounne within, and she will take you in hand."

A screen appears with guilded edges and flowery frippery with details of the quest and reward

Reward 400 experience and 103 Gil Huh

A black dialogue appeared "System: You have begun a quest!"

"System: Use the 'duty list' to help you complete your task."

Huh that's helpful if not creepy.

Twilight and Csia walked towards the large tiered building made of wood covered in stained glass.

The path flanked by lanterns, to the left she noted the huge yellow bird.

Oh my god it's a chocobo

Csia spotted her looking and rolled her eyes and dragged Twilight to the guild. Upon entry it was filled with chatter.

Chairs and tables filled the room in front of two desks and a set of stairs to the left.

By the door an elezen man eating suddenly speaks up.

"Bland cuisine apart, I have begun to grow fond of this city and its people." Leuric said

"The women, especially. I would not have believed the Black Shroud concealed such grace and beauty!" Leuric added

"crunch Hm...? Crunch Shouldn't you be speaking with...crunch...Mother Miounne? crunch crunch crunch" Tatasosa mentioned between bites.
A small potatoe asked as they passed him.

They kept going
"They say the Seventh Umbral Era is corrupting the wildlife in the woods─making the beasts stronger, more aggressive. I look forward to meeting them." Spinning Blade spoke out

a huge green Man with black hair and beard, with a huge axe and chainmail armor.

"Gridania can be such a bore sometimes. All the people talk about is trees and elementals…" Celestine a human looking girl

"Perhaps I should try my fortune in a city with a touch more excitement. They say the streets of Ul'dah are paved with gold, and the pirates of Limsa Lominsa will slit your throat as soon as look at you!" Celestine

Wait are those their names floating above their heads. Twilight looked and saw Csia above her head.

Twilight poked Csia and pointed up when she looked up she freaked out.

"I thought a remote town like this would be the perfect place to turn a profit. But it seems that no matter where you go, success is invariably achieved through the usual combination of labor and luck. Hmph." Nojiro Marujiro said a potato from his box.

"New in town, eh? You and me, we must be fond of the road indeed to brave the journey to this godsforsaken city." Eral said

"As one of the Smiths, I provide guidance for those just starting out on the path of the adventurer. For the present, I suggest you learn your way around the city─an endeavor with which Mother Miounne shall no doubt wish to aid you." The Smith

"Ah, a new adventurer. I do so love meeting fledgling heroes─so young, so daring, so ambitious!" Erkenbaud said

"Tell me, have you made a will?" He said.

"Another adventurer in search of work, are we? Ah, if you have but recently arrived in town, I must insist that you first register your presence with Miounne." Gontrant

"The number of visitors in Gridania is on the rise with every passing day. A pity their arrival seems to bring an equal share of trouble…" Antoinaut said

Oh god we really need to make that stop!?

"Well, well, what have we here?" Mother Miounne said

"A wide-eyed and wondering young adventurer, come to put your name down at the guild, I assume?" Mother Miounne continued.

"Welcome. Miounne's my name, or Mother Miounne as most call me, and the Carline Canopy is my place." Mother Miounne said spreading her arms out.

As the head of the Adventurers' Guild in Gridania, I have the honor of providing guidance to the fledgling heroes who pass through our gates.

No matter your ambitions, the guild is here to help you attain them.

In return, we expect you to fulfill your duties as an adventurer by assisting the people of Gridania. A fine deal, wouldn't you agree?

To an outsider's eyes, all may seem well with our nation, but naught could be further from the truth. The people live in a state of constant apprehension.

The Ixal and various gangs of common bandits provide an unending supply of trouble─trouble compounded by the ever-present threat of the Garlean Empire to the north. And that is to say nothing of the Calamity...

Even now, the wounds have barely begun to heal. Ah, but I speak of it as if you were there. Forgive me. Five years past, Eorzea was well-nigh laid to waste when a dread wyrm emerged from within the lesser moon, Dalamud, and rained fire upon the realm. It is this which people call “the Calamity. To add to the chaos a lavender dragon attacked the dreadwyrm giving the Archon Louisoix Leveilleur the time he needed for his ritual.

Scarcely a square malm of the Twelveswood was spared the devastation. Yet despite the forest's extensive wounds, not a soul among us can recall precisely how it all happened.

I am well aware of how improbable that must sound to an outsider... It is improbable. But it's also true. For reasons we can ill explain, the facts surrounding the Calamity are shrouded in mystery. There are as many versions of events as there are people willing to recount them.

Yet amidst the hazy recollections and conflicting accounts, all agree on one thing: that Eorzea was saved from certain doom by a band of valiant adventurers.

Whatever else we've misremembered, none of us have forgotten the heroes who risked life and limb for the sake of the realm. And yet...whenever we try to say their names, the words die upon our lips.

And whenever we try to call their faces to mind, we see naught but silhouettes amidst a blinding glare.

Thus have these adventurers come to be known as “the Warriors of Light.”

...Ahem. Pray do not feel daunted by the deeds of legends. We do not ask that you become another Warrior of Light, only that you do what you can to assist the people of Gridania.

Great or small, every contribution counts. I trust you will play your part.

All that's left, then, is to conclude the business of registration. Here's a quill. Scrawl your name right there."

Mother Miounne reaches into her pocket and hands Twilight a quill, who then passed it to Csia.

Oh, and I would appreciate it if you used your real name─there is a special place in the seventh hell for those who use “amusing” aliases.

Mother Miounne looks at her book and turns back to the two.

"... Twilight Sparkle, Csia, hm? And you're quite sure they aren't an amusing alias?

Very well. From this moment forward, you are a registered adventurer of Gridania, nation blessed of the elementals and the bounty of the Twelveswood. The guild expects great things from you." Mother Miounne said

A trio of Wood Wailer lancers pass by the Carline Canopy desk, muttering to themselves. The leader (who is speaking) is the same male Elezen lancer who intercepted your carriage.

"Look at what just arrived─another godsdamned adventurer…" the lead wood wailer complained

Mother Miounne crosses her arms sternly.

"Don't you start with that. Adventurers are the very salve that Gridania needs." Mother Miounne scolded the man

"The Elder Seedseer herself bade us welcome them with open arms. Do you mean to disregard her will?" She added

"Of course not! Lest you forget, it is my sworn duty to uphold the peace! Am I to blame if outsiders bring mistrust upon themselves?" The wood wailer retorted.

The Wood Wailer points at Twilight.

"You─adventurers! Mind that you do not cause any trouble here, or I shall personally cast you out of this realm and into the seventh hell."

The Wood Wailers turn and walk away.

"What crawled up his ass and died?"

Mother Miounne laughed, "Ahem. Pay that outburst no mind. He meant only to...counsel you. Suspicious characters have been prowling the Twelveswood of late, you see, and the Wood Wailers feel they cannot afford to take any chances.

As is often the way with folk who live in isolation, Gridanians are wont to mistrust things they do not well know, your good self included. Fear not, however─given a catalog of exemplary deeds, and no more than a handful of years, the locals will surely warm to you."

"Sounds fun Twilight deadpanned,"

"On behalf of my fellow citizens, I welcome you to Gridania. May you come to consider our nation as your own in time.

Now then, you may depend on old Mother Miounne to teach you a few things that every adventurer should know." Mother Miounne finished

System: This concludes the introductory game tutorial.

System: You have taken the first step as an adventurer in the city of Gridania.

System: Listen well to the wisdom of Mother Miounne, then go forth and discover the incredible adventures that await you!

A flash appeared and gold coins filled Twilight's and Csia's hands, then disappeared.

"Let us begin at the beginning, shall we? Now that you are a formal member of the Adventurers' Guild, we must be sure you have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of adventuring. To that end, I have three tasks I wish you to perform.

Your first task is to visit the aetheryte. This massive crystal stands in the middle of the aetheryte plaza, not far from the Carline Canopy.

As a device that enables instantaneous transportation, the aetheryte plays a key role in the life of the ever-wandering adventurer.

Once you have located the crystal, all you need do is touch its surface. A member of the Wood Wailers will be present to offer further instruction.

For your second task, you are to visit the Conjurers'/Lancers'/Archers' Guild.

There is no better place to learn the arts of the bow. Speak with Athelyna, and she will explain the benefits of joining the guild.

For your third and final task, I would have you visit the markets at the heart of Old Gridania's commercial district. There you shall find weapons and armor, and all the various items that an adventurer might need on his/her travels.

The master merchant can be...uncooperative at times, so be sure to offer him one of my famous eel pies. Like so many men, he is much more charitable when his stomach is full. Here, I made a batch not long ago.

You have your tasks, Twilight, Csia. May Nophica guide your path.

Ah, and one more thing: should you happen to come across any citizens in need, don't be afraid to proffer a helping hand. I am certain they will be pleased to meet an adventurer in whom they can confide their woes.

I also suggest that you lend an ear to the Smith here in the Canopy. The Smiths are trusted representatives of the Adventurers' Guild, and are an invaluable source of advice for neophyte heroes seeking to attain greatness." Mother Miounne finally finished her monologue.

They both left the way they came and turned left and walked until they spotted a massive blue crystal spinning on a raised platform, with gold spinning around it. Both of them gaped at the huge thing.

A woodwailer girl called the two

"Greetings, adventurers. I see you are faithfully following Mother Miounne's instructions." Nicia began

Twilight and Csia walked closer to the crystal structure.

"Allow me to offer you a bit of instruction myself. I am Nicia of the Wood Wailers, and I know a thing or two about the aetheryte─yes, that big crystal right there.

Aetherytes are devices that tap into aetherial energies, and are primarily used as a means to travel swiftly from one place to another.

Return and Teleport─the most common transportation spells─make direct use of the aetherytes and their connection to the flow of aether.

And as these devices are found in almost every corner of Eorzea, any adventurer worthy of the name will wish to seek out and attune herself to each one.

Truly, few things in this world are so useful to an intrepid explorer.

But you need not locate them all at once. Before rushing out into the wilds, I suggest you start with the aetherytes found here in Gridania.

Should you wish to learn more about the aetheryte or transportation magic, I am here to answer your questions.

"System: You attune with the aetheryte."
Twilight and Csia place their hands on the crystal and a gold bar with red progress filling filled up.

You are now able to use the Return spell!"

Csia and Twilight noted the filled hotbar at the bottom and the health name and level. They both spit take when they read, "level 120 White mage" in the corner.

"Um, I guess we don't need to level up at least. But we still need gear, funds and a place to live."

Twilight and Csia ran around performing the tasks they were assigned, thankfully they had a minimap and proper map once they thought to open it. Upon finding their first Atheryte by the market place. They received a system message.

"System: You now have access to the Aethernet.

System: Quick travel throughout the city can be achieved by simply placing your hand upon Aethernet shards."

Upon completion and attuning to all Atheryte they returned to Mother Miounne.

"The conquering hero returns. You have completed my little tasks, I trust?"

They both nod

The three locations you visited will feature prominently in your life as an adventurer─it is best you grow familiar with them as soon as possible.

And you took the time to listen to the woes of the citizenry? I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to lend your talents to one and all, no matter how trivial the matter may seem.

I am thankful that you are an obliging sort, Twilight and Csia. It is adventurers like you who will win the hearts of the locals and pave the way for those who follow. I pray Gridania can rely on your aid in its struggles to come." Mother Miounne applauded

"Your reward 400 exp 107 Gil"

"Now go get some rest there's a room for every adventurer staying here. Here's a room for each…"

"Apologies but can we share a room?" Twilight interjected.

"I don't see why not, but wouldn't you rather have private rooms,"

Twilight kissed Csia, by way of demonstration. " There isn't much private between us anymore."

Mother Miounne blushed, " oh my I took you for sisters or friends at least. My apologies for assuming."

"There's no problems," Csia responded with a goofy smile.

Twilight smirked at her lover and shook her head.

"Here's your key, if you plan on certain activities please try to keep it down."

"I can sound-proof the room with a spell if need be." Twilight added.

As the two were led to their room.

While in their room, Twilight tried her comm badge. "This is Captain Sparkle, come in Harmony."

"Oh thank god, you're alive, I have been besides myself since you disappeared."

"We're fine and were forced into some grand scheme of this world's god."

"Status report,"

"We are close to repairing everything, but we still can't move something, it still has hold of me." Harmony complained.

"Guess we won't be leaving till we do whatever this god wants us to do." Csia sighed.

"Well it couldn't take that long could it?" Twilight retorted.