Character Name: Lunaak Firespring
World: Cerberus
Item Request: Mandragora Choker


He's here. Like always, he's here. Just when I think that maybe for a second I'll be able to rest a little... he's here. He's here ready to send me back out there. I punched Titan back into the aether stream before Master's fancy Scion friends even knew the beast had materialised again. I'm the real hero! But no. It's never enough. He's here again ready to accept the day's spoils and ship me out for another run. He's always here...

Time to go, Mikuru. Time to try something new.

Each and every day I board the ship back to Central Shroud from the home that never really feels like home; I'm greeted less and less by other 'retainers' going the same way. Each day they come home in a hurry with a couple of sardines in one hand and a basket in the other blurting out "I'm sure Master will love today's bounty!" For them their judgement seems just. For me? Only death would give me a day in bed...

With no Chocobo on hand it takes a long time to reach even South Shroud. Luckily, however, I've managed to save up enough to make a little stop off on the way! Buscarron's Druthers, they call it. I seem to remember Master telling tales of the barkeep he met here in his early days - not even staying mute on the details of the rare Bacchus wine Buscarron keeps under the decks for those after the good stuff. I'm not sure if Ianna counts as a 'friend in high places', but she's certainly helpful when it comes to convincing the old man to dust off the vintage!

14 hours left? That's enough. Calling time is easy when a band of drunken Roegadyn offer to buy you a candlelit dinner of 'Mashed Popotoes' from the wench waiting the tables. Their slow wink is enough for me to direct a nervous smile their way. Courtesy at its finest. Sorry, Gents, but I can't stay.

The long walk through Thanalan isn't without its burdens, but the blistering desert heat was enough to convince me that my plan was in the best interests of my aching body -- interests that were starting to materialise on the horizon. The Forgotten Springs were in sight and I knew U'rahtalo could smell the bottled vineyard I'd promised so long ago. A very long soak in Hamon-sensei's favorite spot was in order and all I had to do was scuff up my armour. Good plan!

Buscarron even had some fine Grilled Carp waiting on tap for my return trip. Master's present! I already knew the troubles of keeping it away from the pudgy cats snapping at my ankles wouldn't be worth the trip back to the Lavender Beds, but life isn't always easy!

Of course he's here.

He's always here...