<div align="center">(http://t10.deviantart.net/Yw1hKzYcz8WBnDhJwAnKnLa0x4g=/fit-in/700x350/filters:fixed_height(100,100):origin()/pre00/d889/th/pre/f/2012/070/9/5/final_fantasy_xiv_online_c1_by_dj_fahr-d4sdx4z.png)<br/>[The Skrubs of Eorzea]</div><br/><br/><br/><em>Seventh Astral Era, Sometime after The Gears of Change...</em><br/><br/>All was quiet in the Dravanian Forelands minus the various wild flora and fauna that roamed the silent ruins of a nameless city. Biggs and Wedge were just dispatching the last of a roaming band of Kobolds when it happened. With a noise that could only sound like the world shattering, both Roegadyn and Lalafell looked frightened at the massive barrier that surrounded the mysterious Primal Alexander, watched as it shattered and became no more.<br/><br/>"Those bastards, they did it! Those Illuminati bastards put together the Enigma Codex!" Wedge cried, hooping nervously from one foot to the other. The Lalafellan engineer thought they still had more time to find the Illuminati's base of operations and steal back the critical piece of the Codex, but it seems for all their planning, those Kobold who styled themselves as seekers of knowledge and the realm's new order remained a couple of moves ahead. Now they had reversed the barrier holding Alexander prisoner to bring about untold amounts of death and destruction. "Biggs, get on the Linkshell fast and let Cid know--"<br/><br/>"Already on it." said the massive Roegadyn, one finger to his ear to activate the enchantment. After a few seconds a cultured male voice picked up, only to be cut off harshly by Biggs.<br/><br/>"Cid... we are looking at a major problem. Pray away with all haste to the leaders of the Eorzean Alliance and tell them The Illuminati now posses a completed Enigma Codex and Alexander."<br/><br/>After a couple more minutes of congress, Biggs got off the linkshell and looked down to his Lalafellan comrade. "Well?" said Wedge. "What do we do now?'<br/><br/>"We follow, Wedge. Follow and report."<br/><br/><div align="center">(http://i.imgur.com/2OAolOQ.pngv)</div><br/><em>Lotus Stand, Old Gridania</em><br/><br/>"This is some troubling news you bring us, Ser Garlond." Kan-E-Senna spoke, cradling her chin in a fisted hand. The Padjal woman looked about the altar that she held council to her fellow leaders, who also looked lost in thought. "We've only just begun to bring about peace after the Dragonsong War ended and now... now..."<br/><br/>General Raubahn, The Bull of Ala Migho let out a growl, ramming his large fist into a nearby rock. The rock shuddered underneath the force of his blow. "Now war is coming again. By the Twelve, we've not yet recovered from our losses in Ishgard. Recruitment is at an all-time low in The Immortal Flames--"<br/><br/>"And for The Maelstrom as well," Interjected Merlwyb who was idly caressing the gun that rested in its holster upon her hip. "We are truly facing an annihilation of Eorzea if we let the Illuminati run unchecked. If only the Warrior of Light were here."<br/><br/>"But the Warrior has gone overseas!" Raubahn shouted, his booming voice carrying to all corners of the Lotus Stand. "We can not possibly rely on him to be our Champion every time the wind so much as shift wrong!"<br/><br/>"But if we were to send a contingent to Kugane and beg for the Warrior's assistance--"<br/><br/>"Enough bickering!" Cid spoke up, thrusting the stand into silence. Walking forward with Thancred in tow, he looked to each of the leaders of the Eorzean Alliance before running a hand through his white blonde locks. "We can not possibly ask the Warrior. That crossing is too dangerous at this time of year and besides, the Domans and Ala Mighans need him more than we do."<br/><br/>"Master Garlond is right," Aymeric finally spoke up, stepping away from his quiet reverie. "What we need is a miracle but since one does not seem to be coming any time soon, I do have another idea to propose."<br/><br/>Kan-E-Senna looked on at the Elezen Commander and nodded. "What do you propose?"<br/><br/><div align="center">(http://i.imgur.com/2OAolOQ.pngv)</div><br/><em>Atheryte Plaza, New Gridania</em><br/><br/>Ji'h walked amongst the stalls upon the outer edge of the Plaza, stopping here and there to look at various trinkets that caught her interest. It was another fine day in Gridania, a fine day with absolutely nothing to do as usual. The Miqo'Te sighed to herself, her violet hues growing more bored with each trinket inspected. Nothing important ever took place these days, not after the defeat of Nidhogg. Nooo, the Warrior of Light and the Scions of the Seventh Dawn made sure of that, bringing about the end of the Dragonsong War before it could tear Eorzea apart.<br/><br/>Granted if it hadn't been for them, Ji'h wouldn't be here today. No one would. All would have been lost to Nidhogg and his Horde. Still, though...<br/><br/>Ji'h abandoned her shopping and started to head towards Carlisle Canopy where the Adventurer's Guild resided. It had only been a year since she got her Adventurer's license and became an Adventurer in truth. Perhaps there were some leves she could take on for the locals and make a bit of pocket change. There was a jacket she had her eye on but it was way above her income to afford.<br/><br/>Stepping into the Canopy proper, Ji'h was surprised at how full and loud it was. It was usually a quiet place where one could partake of a meal and indulge in some light gossip. That seemed not to be the case today as a large group crowded around Mother Minoune who was trying to keep the peace. Ji'h rushed forward to join the crowd as it grew silent.<br/><br/>"Gridanians please calm down! The news from the Lotus Stand is troubling but I will not be able to share the details if you all do not calm down!" When the crowd grew quiet enough to hear a pin drop, the Elezan woman continued. "I've received word from Kan-E-Senna that The Twin Adder, as well as the other Grand Companies are looking to recruit several adventurers for an expedition into the Dravanian Forelands. It is a highly dangerous mission and your life will be on the line every second. The upside to this is that you will be given a steady income to see to all your needs while in Dravania and the downside is that not all adventurers will be able to join. So for those few courageous souls, I ask thus: Who will stand and fight?"<br/><br/>One by one, the crowd dispersed, leaving behind only three or four people, Ji'h included. Mother Minoune locked eyes with the Miqo'Te and a small smile dawned on her lips. A nod was given.<br/><br/>"I see. For those of you who are interested, I ask that you report to the Lotus Stand with haste. There is no time to delay."<br/><br/>Clapping a hand to her breasts, Ji'h nodded and rushed out the canopy heading for the Aetheryte Plaza. Wait until she told Mother and Father about this.<br/><br/>Their little girl was finally going to be an adventurer in truth!