T'was a bright sunny day as I walked the bridge over to the Kugane markets. My bags were filled with gil as I made way to purchase some last minute provisions before I took the trip back to Eorzea. However, as I peeked over my shoulder, I noticed a curious fellow running after me. The deranged lunatic sported a shining blue pig costume and was wielding a pair of long daggers. For a moment, I kept pace, and as soon as I rounded a corner off the bridge, I bolted while he gave chase. A bard at the time, I wasn't hardly confident in engaging in close quarters, and I dare not kick up a fuss in the city lest I have to sneak from the guards again.

I bolted through alleyways and streets, twisting and turning my path every which way all over the city. I even dove into an inn room to try and wait out the pursuit, but even then the blasted pig found his way to me, forcing myself to abscond through the open window. As a Miqo'te at the time, I found pride in my agility, so I set out for the tower in the middle of town. Practically jumping up the stairs to the second floor, I threw myself to the balcony and noticed some precarious beams lining the outside of the structure.

With no time to waste, I hopped up on my nimble legs and began scaling the outside of the tower. My footing was true and I hardly missed a step- a good thing considering the sheer drop below. However, this did not discourage my pursuer. I suppose in retrospect I should've realized he was a ninja on account of his weapons and likely to be adequately skilled in acrobatic maneuvers, but one can't blame me for the mistake on account of his outfit, surely!

Still, I climbed, knowing full well that if I just continued up the tower that he would surely catch up. However the farther I went, the more I looked to the top rather than down at the blue pig. This had turned into a challenge, not a flight for dear life. My pursuer, whether this was his original intention or not, seemed to feel much the same way. I caught myself lingering on certain steps of my climb just a hair to make sure he hadn't fallen. A sort of camaraderie settled within us as we gradually made our way to the summit, and after a good many more harrowing leaps of faith that I care to never ever repeat, the two of us stood proud atop the rooftop of the tower. The entire city and that beautiful ocean in view for malms around. We just enjoyed the view together for a moment or two, and I can't help but wonder if this was his original intention. And, for one last display to top his day's baffling actions, he jumped off the roof like a madman! I had a brief start, only to see him land with perfect precision upon a lantern down below. After much deliberation and probably a lack of self-preservation, I performed the maneuver as well to great success. At least then I didn't have to worry about getting down.

(Noble Barding for the prize)