To the One Who Walked Before,

Perhaps you know everything I would think to say in this letter—you and I share that gift, to know something of the whispers of the soul. But I have had reason of late to think of legacy, and what will endure after we’re gone.

Do you remember when we met? I doubt it, and you give no sign—I was then to you but one of the hundreds you had helped. I counted it chance, but it was rather more your doing, wasn’t it? After all, I never would have come running for a pet bear if you hadn’t made it your mission to hand them out. When I asked why, your answer was simple: Because everyone deserves a friend.

It wasn’t until I saw the mark on the back of your neck that I understood.

You come from a harder world, in some ways. You have told me of it, of this world which no longer exists, enduring only in the memories you choose to share. Before I ever dreamed of crystals and calamities, you were there to provide for your fellow adventurers: to arm them, yes, to mend their gear; but more than that, to make sure that everyone had a friend.

Sometimes I picture you in Ul’dah—the Ul’dah that once was, different from the one where I find you now—and in my vision you are offering a frightened child a toy bear to hold onto while the red moon looms like a bruise in the sky.

Is it the Echo, I wonder, or imagination?

The world is different now. You are different now; I am different now. But I have been changed, too, by the knowledge that once there was a hero who put himself between Eorzea and the Empire— the Meteor—total destruction. And when he awoke in a world far different than the one he tried to save, he was still resolved to help.

It falls to me to protect them now. You are not bitter about this; you have been my solace and support for longer than you know. Perhaps since the day the Warrior that was told the Warrior that is that she deserved a friend. Each time I saw you, you brought me a smile. Each time I see you with others, you bring them the same. I guard their bodies, yes. You do something far more important than you give yourself credit for. You guard their hearts.

I am glad that you have been part of my adventure. I know you do not do this for my approbation, and perhaps for me to say all of this so directly would only embarrass us both. But perhaps you would smile. I like to think you would. I like to think this letter, cast adrift into a stream that I have not known you to visit, will find you anyway. I know it is only imagination when I picture you reading it. When I think that these words might repay some of the joy you have given to others. In the end, all I really have to say is this: thank you.

Thank you for being the hope of the realm. Thank you for being my hope.

Ever with you in the light of the Crystal,
One Who Walks After

[Character: X’shasi Kilntreader@Mateus || Prize: Noble Barding]
[And a very special thanks to Baro Llyonesse for everything he’s done.]