To my friend,

It's difficult for me to imagine that it's only been a year since our paths first crossed. Somehow it feels like it's been much longer. The Rising had, once again, come to Eorzea, celebrating the anniversary of this world and all of its wonders, as the fireworks lit up the sky.

You were new to this world yourself. A brand new player, setting foot into Eorzea for the first time, a whole world of experiences to be had still laid out far before you. I don't encounter new players as often as I would've imagined, but I do enjoy the chance to speak with them. I love seeing if they need any help, or simply see how they're enjoying the game so far. I was excited that you were willing to let me share your path and lend you a hand.

It felt refreshing to go back to the basics alongside someone new. As we grow and get stronger, I think we often forget how it felt to struggle in those first few adventures as we established our footing in the world. We forget, too, how it feels to see Eorzea with fresh eyes. We're used to the coastlines of La Noscea, the forests of the Black Shroud, and the deserts of Thanalan.

Very quickly, I felt we were becoming friends. Someone I'd love to share adventures in this world with. Which is why when you had told me you were changing servers, as we sat beneath the trees of the East Shroud, I felt my heart sink. I understood, of course. You had other friends you wished to adventure with, and it wasn't my place to stop you. So we went our separate ways, encouraging each other to become stronger.

A year has passed now, and like ourselves, Eorzea has gone through changes. Being able to visit other worlds now, we're able to spend time together once again, sharing our adventures. As we sat beneath the fireworks once again on the beach of Shirogane, I can't help but see how much stronger you've become. Such is the life of adventurers, though, isn't it? You meet friends, people to share your path with, but soon the paths diverge and you travel alone, only to one day meet again when your paths meet once more. I hope our paths stay together for years to come.

Your friend,
A'tehri.

(If selected, I'd like the Gaelicap. Thank you for reading!)