This is the story of Joe.

Joe is your average retainer. Hard working, loyal, and serves his Warrior of Light diligently. With axe in hand he fights off all manners of beasts. From the lowly monsters around the city-states of Eorzea to the monstrous creations in Azys Lla, Joe can take them all on without trouble. He has explored far and wide. Yet, no matter where he goes, the instant his friend needs him, he’s there. Often with gifts from his journey to give to his trusted friend. His friend cherished all the items that Joe would return with. Using them for crafts, trying them out on a training dummy, or selling them at the market board.

With his skills at the pinnacle of what a marauder is capable of Joe would often head off on short, quick adventures. From doing odd jobs around towns for people for some food, to exploring the wilds, testing his mettle on all kinds of beasts, to just going for a fish in the ocean to pass the time, Joe wanted to try everything.

As he grew in confidence and gained more gear, he fought against beings thought of as gods by Beast Tribes, and legends of the Moogles, he grew in favour with all three grand companies who were willing to provide him with a bunch of their unique items, like floor tilings, and ceiling fans. Yet, even with all of his adventures, he was still overshadowed by his friend; The Warrior of Light.

He decided to try new things. Something his friend had mostly not done much of; The Wolves Den.

Out there, against other retainers, Joe grew further in his prowess, and defeated many a foe. Successful as he was, he soon found himself with an abundance of Wolf Marks. Having been so successful at something his friend was yet to conquer Joe proudly bought a few exclusive Wolf Mark items, including a Warwolf Bliaud of Healing, which he could not wait to give to his friend.

So Joe joyfully headed back to his friend, feeling quite pleased with himself, at least up until there was a thud on the back of his head, and all went dark.

A short while later Joe woke up, on his body a note; “Thanks for the top, My master will be pleased. - Neo.” This left Joe greatly upset.

-----------


Upon returning to the bell, the Warrior of Light called their retainer and over they came.

The retainer handed the Warrior of Light a new Warwolf Bliaud of Healing, happily saying “I've returned from my venture.”

To which the Warrior of Light promptly threw out the top.

-----------

On the way back to the bell, Joe was too upset to pay attention and accidentally tripped over tins of Jet Black Dye on his way. In joy at finding items most rare, he picked them up and returned to his friend who couldn't have been happier for the gift.

Thus ends the story of Joe, the Average retainer.

---// Story Ends Here, total above count; 500 Words, 2720 Characters. Checked with wordcounter (dot) net \\---

Character Name: Lilith Dark
World Name: Odin
Prize: Ahriman Choker

(BTW, my retainer in the story is Neo… who’s the one who returned with a Warwolf Bliaud of Healing. Which I’ve had at least once, and yes, promptly thrown it out. Joe however is just your average retainer who we all would like to have... cause he returns with Jet Black Dye.)