Proving Ground

Dear Book:

It’s been a few sennights since I wrote last, so let’s catch you up. Been spending a lot of time with the Vanguard Company thanks to Valeria Camena dragging me out there to get me acquainted with folks. They seem like a decent bunch. I especially like Rhaya Selewa so far; she seems like a kindred spirit. A bit of a scrappy fighter, bit of a temper, but she seems genuinely kind underneath it all. After all, she didn’t have to stop and help me when those muggers attacked me in the Goblet. So, that’s one in her favor in my books.

We took T’Shira Rihll out to their pub night to introduce her to them. I’m just glad she didn’t have to deal with that insufferable bat-eared Dhalmeltoes (Dimitraux Cicatrise). I swear to the Twelve if he ever meets her and tells her to call him ‘Master Anything’ I’m gonna set his ears on fire and see how he likes THAT level of Mastery.

I’m hoping that T’Shira can find some work and things that take her outside of her shell with the Vanguard. She’s still learning magic, but I think they have room to use a book-nerd for things, like research and information gathering, that sort of stuff. Vincere Northfield seemed a little bit impressed with her when we stopped by her place to make introductions. I’d like to think that’s a good sign. Vincere doesn’t strike me as the type to like just anyone.

In the meanwhile, I got to meet another couple of Vanguardians in Garra Rhali and Adalind Hal’nova. The former seemed all right; thusfar, viera seem like effervescent, jovial types. I have yet to meet one that’s otherwise. It makes them difficult to not like. Adalind, on the other hand, was a study of contrasts. She was at the pub night a few nights ago and was aggressive and mouthy and downright terrible to Rhaya, which does not endear her to me. But on this evening I encountered her a couple of nights later, she was as sweet as honey and seemed quite nice. It makes me wonder which one is the “real” Adalind. Or maybe they both are. Either way, it makes me wary of her.

I’m not sure I cared for how Valeria casually embarrassed me in front of them, like the only thing I’m capable of is flinging around fire spells. Does she really think me so one-dimensional? Hrmph. I’ll show her. Just like I’ve had to prove myself to everyone else I’ve ever had to work with. They take one look at me and think they know me; just the dumb little hot-head that’s easy to provoke and set things on fire. They don’t know me, not by a longshot. If I have to wield other elements to prove it, then that’s what I’ll do.

At any rate, my work with Tora Honi in Ul’dah continues. Gods, will I ever be glad to get away from that damn place and never see it again for moons at this rate. I’m so tired of sand and annoying idiots. Although, even in Sharlayan I can’t seem to escape idiots when that other bat-eared nincompoop, Edgard Beaumont still manages to find me there. Am I an idiot magnet or something? Gods, I hope not. I won’t be held responsible for the wake of ash I leave, if that’s the case.

I think that covers just about everything, so I’ll close up for now. Til next time, Book…