The wind blew across the island, giving a certain Miqo'te travelling across it a chill. Celine didn't particularly dislike the Sea of Clouds, but its novelty wore off quickly. Alas, she wasn't here for sightseeing, as the sound of a fight nearby attracted her attention. She ran over the hill to find Vanu locked in a territorial battle. She wasn't normally one to interfere, but her venture today required her to be a busybody.

Drawing her blades, she ran toward the conflict and immediately launched herself at the nearest threat, a Vundu warrior threatening a group of Gundu. Her aim struck true, her blades meeting the side of the warrior's head, quickly dispatching him. Celine briefly acknowledged the Gundu's thanks as she scanned the area, realizing the situation was not to their favor. The Vundu outnumbered her and the remaining Gundu two to one, owing to the proximity of their territory.

No matter. She thought. She was the Warrior of Light after all. With that in mind, Celine threw herself into the fray, evening out the odds. Her aid was much appreciated but she was still one person, as the Vundu quickly surrounded some hapless Gundu while Celine was occupied. In that moment, a rain of arrows and magic materialized from the distance, bearing down unexpectedly on the Vundu.

“Let's do this!” came a yell as a group of three adventurers came in to assist. Their combined force overwhelmed the Vundu eventually, forcing their retreat. With a sigh of relief, Celine finished aiding the Gundu and came over.

“Thank you for the help.” Celine bowed. The leader miqo'te seemed to be a little shocked at the politeness, giving a nervous laugh.

“Don't mention it, uh...” He trailed off.

“Celine.”

“Celine it is! My name is Syrus! Now, what are you doing adventuring solo in this really windy place?” He chirped. Celine had a moment of hesitation but to her, they seemed like a friendly enough bunch.

“I was... looking for some elemental crystals for a weaponsmith.” The group gave a look of mild surprise and Syrus brightened up upon hearing that.

“What a great coincidence! This researcher fellow was asking around in Idyllshire for something similar, and we all thought it'd be an interesting way to make some gil. Would you like to come with us?”

Their question was met with a brief silence as Celine failed to answer. She wasn't really used to friends or companionship outside of the Scions, too many things to do, too many lands to save. And yet, these adventurers felt a bit different, or maybe it was her that's different now. Maybe she did need some friends.

“Only if you can keep up!” She smiled brightly.

Celine made her first friends that day, and from there she made another, and another, and more that watched her grow, and those that grew with her. All from a single party invitation.
[Chosen Prize: Gaelicap]