To whoever finds this,

They told me to write my fondest memory of my adventure onto here. It's for a celebration of something or other I can't really remember, which should tell you how this will go. But, believe it or not, I knew exactly what memory I would write down the moment they told me.

In all honesty it'll be a disappointment to most. It's not anything like a grand triumph over an enemy that pushed me to the limit. Or acquiring a weapon that had only been heard of in legends. It's a simple one. An insignificant one in the grand scheme of things. But it is one I'll always look back and smile upon.

There's nothing I hated more than aether currents. Not that I hate what they provide, just that I dread having to find the sodding things. Compass and run, compass and run, over and over until I'm sure the mountains and fields that I crossed are laughing at my exhaustion. After what seemed like ages clearing out the Western Highlands, I was prepared to accept that I might just have to stick to the solid earth beneath me for the rest of my travels, I received a message from a dear friend.

"Would you like some help?"

My most trusted and smallest friend from my free company had heard of my grumblings from the residents of the land and decided to assist me in my quest to unlock the full potential of my newly acquired Black Chocobo. Not wanting to impose I refused politely, until she insisted that I accept her gracious offer and she would hear nothing else.

So there I was, riding on the back of a Ceremonial Chocobo, with my hands gently holding onto the body of my Lala companion as we ride in search of the sporadic currents. From the Churning Mists, to the Dravian Forelands and Hinterlands, to finally the breathtaking Sea of Clouds. All while making idle chatter along the way. Jokes that had been retold over and over that never get old. Stories from each of our own adventures, and some of our misfortunes. Even the most peaceful of silences as the wind rushes past us as we soar across the skies. With me carrying a full smile that never seemed to leave my face.

Once it was over and done with I dismounted and thanked my friend for the time she took for me before being met with a laugh. Pointing out that it in fact, took no time at all she told me to let her know if I needed any more help with currents in the future and with another whistle, she was gone. But my smile still wasn't.

Now if you haven't thrown this letter away by now or shoved it back in the bottle and into the sea you might be asking, "That's it?"

Yes. That's it. My fondest memory. Lost in all the massive battles and epic struggles are the little things in between. The little things that make me appreciate why I still wake up every single morning. The little things that make me warm even in the coldest of climates. These little things are what make my adventure worth it, and I hope it does the same for yours.

(ty for reading and bluebird earrings)