Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn was a year old when I first started playing. A few friends had started playing at the relaunch before losing interest, but they all decided to return for the big anniversary campaign. Among them were some friends that I had barely seen or spoken to since graduating college and suddenly we found ourselves reunited once again in this fantasy realm. With a new rekindled fire of friendship, we quickly formed our Free Company, The Blood Rose Legion, and tackled Eorzea's challenges together. We gained new friends as we grew our ranks and, even though most have since moved on to other FCs, I still consider them some of my closest friends. FFXIV has become so intertwined in our friendship that we call each other by our character names even when hanging out in person, including the friends that I have known in person for years, we finally met a few of our online only friends in person at two of our members' wedding, while sitting at a table named Ultros after our server, and I couldn't imagine not having that same group at my own wedding next year. All because a bunch of distant college friends all happened to decide to come back to Final Fantasy XIV at the same time, dragging me in with them. And I couldn't be happier.



(Thanks for reading! I would love the Noble Barding if I am picked!)