The Furball

Hunting the Chea… Sheep

Come out wherever you are, I said in a low voice, trying not to scare away any of the sheep in the vicinity. I was a little flustered by all the bustle in Vomp Hills. These parts are usually very calm, with adventurers no longer taking the time to climb the hill. It’s kind of sad since you have the view at the very top is great. You can easily look at the mountain range around Konschtat Highlands—but only on a nice day of course.

I had just shined my armor, dusting off the Koenig Shield I haven’t used in a long time. I haven’t really given my Paladin the attention it deserves lately, which leaves me with the sad feel of regret. This armor, which I used to wear with such pride, has been left hanging on my mannequin for far too long, and I hope I get to use it a lot more. My gear is maybe not as good as some of the more seasoned Paladin’s, but it’ll do. There is no doubt in my mind that I could easily fend off the attacks from the lesser gods in sky. I wish they’d let me get a Sattva, a Tamas and a Rajas ring.

It had been raining all morning, so I wasn’t at all surprised that I was the only one on the hill. The sky was still covered with heavy clouds, and I feared there would be another rain soon. It was still only noon, so anything could happen at this point. I looked around, carefully scanning the monsters strolling around up here: a few goblins patrolling and a herd of sheep. For a moment I thought that a stew would be purrrfect right now, deciding to go by the tavern in Bastok to see what today’s special were later.

Rumors has it that an old, ragged ram roam in these parts. Carnero, as some of the elderly in Bastok calls him, is said to have tormented children playing in Gustaberg for years. But, this was many years ago, and few know if the stories are actually true. I for one had decided to climb these hills, in hope of learning the truth. My step-mother, Sarah, once told me that if you investigate a folk story, you’ll usually find some truth to them regardless of how silly they may sound.

A herd of seven sheep were standing some sixty feet away from me, and I decided I’d use them to lure out Carnero—if such a monster even exist. I closed my eyes, concentrated for a brief moment before casting a bright flashing light above the herd. Flash ought to do it, I told myself. Moments later, the herd started running away, frightened by the sudden flash. I chased after them, trying not to let them get away.

The herd ran toward a path leading to the very top of the hill. Purrrfect, I thought to myself, now I can corner them with ease. My armor was heavy, but with years of training I no longer have a problem running. I remember how I almost fell over the first time I put it on. I cast another round of flash to keep them going in the direction I wanted.

We were nearly at the very top when I heard a roaring sound. A towering ram was standing at the top of the path, staring right through me. I stopped for a moment, trying to examine it further. The ram was in rage, and judging by all the cuts and bruises on it’s body I just knew that it had to be old Carnero.

The ram charged at me, hitting me with it’s sturdy horns. I barely blocked the attack with my shield, narrowly escaping a “hollow death”. I took a few steps back, staring intensely at it for a few seconds. The rest of the herd was hiding in the back, patiently waiting to see the outcome of the battle.

I pointed my sword at the old ram and said: Purrr! You’re mine! The ram started scraping one of it’s hoof against the ground. Moments later it charged against me, trying to put an end to me. Again I moved away, dodging the ram’s attack. I swung my sword as hard as I could into it’s thigh, turning around in an instant and launching an aerial attack, often referred to as a Savage Attack. The ram roared in pain as it fell to the ground, incapacitated. The ram was in great pain, but it’s life dwindled in but a few seconds.

I carefully looked through it’s remains. To my surprise I found a katana sword in purrrfect shape: the fabled “Katayama Ichimonji.” I thought something was fishie about how the ram died, but to think it had a katana in it…

Stung

It was early afternoon in Tahrongi when I arrived, having traveled north from Sarutabaruta and into the Kolshushu region. The whole canyon was covered in a thick carpet of dark clouds, and I kind of missed feeling the gentle touch of the warm sun. It isn’t raining at least, I said to myself. There was an eerie silence lingering throughout the area, and I felt kind of lonely to be honest. Sure, I had my linkshell to keep my company, but I’d much rather have someone accompany on my adventures in Tahrongi.

I walked over to a ledge, scouting the area to make sure I wouldn’t run into a grumpy goblin. Just below me there was a few bees flying busily from plant to plant, collecting nectar to make the most delicious honey. A few feet away was a lonely mandragora, walking around in an frivolous manner. I sighed, thinking how much I’d want to hug it. Mandragoras are just so cute, and it is sometimes hard to resist the temptation to just pick them up and carry them around. I have no doubt in my mind that they would make an effort to slap you senseless before you even knew what hit you.

I carefully unsheathed my katana, sneaking up on a lone bee. Once again I looked around me, making sure I wasn’t followed by any beasts. The coast was clear, so I took a deep breath while raising my katana. Hyaa~, I called out as I slashed through the bee, dealing a considerable amount of damage. The bee, startled by the surprise attack, took off into the air. I took a step forward and thrust my katana forward, hoping to pierce the bee’s hard cover, but missed completely. The bee took a turn and came directly toward me, raising it’s sting and thereby preparing to injure me.

I narrowly escaped it’s sharp sting, hitting it with all my might to push it away from me. A Critical Hit! The bee took another turn, flying around me instead of away from me this time. With three steps backwards, I was able to distance myself from it enough to anticipate it’s next attack. The bee flew towards me, preparing a final sting. I clutched my hands around the grip on my katana, took a step slightly to the left while I rotated my body to increase the power and speed of my attack, cutting right through the bee. The bee dropped to the ground, flapping it’s insect wings a last time before it passed into the next world.

When the Goblin Attacks

I looked around carefully, making sure I wouldn’t be spotted by a nearby group of Yagudos. I had been caught by surprise by a Scribe and an Initiate earlier in the evening, and I was sure the others would be looking for them by now. A group of feather~faces wouldn’t normally be much of a hassle, but things could easily get ugly in my current state.

I groaned in pain as I cleaned a wound on my arm, pouring some distilled water mixed with some herbs over it afterwards to cool it down. Stained blood was covering the whole sleeve, and I was a bit sad that since it was one of my favorite shirts too. I’m sure my Moogle could clean it, but right now I was more worried about my own well-being than the shirt. I carefully looked through my pouch, hoping I had a flask of antidote left. Guess I should stock up soon. Only two left, I said to myself while I unscrewed the cork on the antidote and drank it. I also applied some pressure to my arm using some linen I had tucked away in my satchel.

It was early morning by now, and the first few birds had started chirping. Apart from a few clouds lingering on the horizon in the north-west, just over Tahrongi Canyon, the sky was pretty much clear. I enjoyed the clear morning air, full of moisture from the Pamtam Straits.

The pain slowly faded away, and I was relieved that the antidote I took was able to cure the poison. I got up on my feet and started to sneak behind a nearby tree. A goblin was patrolling the path, mumbling something to itself. Their high pitched voices make it hard not to laugh when you hear them, but I suppose that’s rather rude. I somehow feel very sorry for the mandragoras when I hear their squeal as they fall to the ground unconscious.

Stop!
I turned around, surprised by the sudden call. A goblin had snuck up on me from behind, and was charging toward me. I unsheathed my katana and prepared to battle. My arm was feeling a little better, but I wasn’t completely rested still. But a beast couldn’t care less about such details. It thrust it’s rusty dagger toward me with a grin on it’s face. Or, I thought it saw a grin through it’s mask.

Oh, no you don’t, I said, parrying the goblin’s attack with my katana, at the same time pushing him away with my foot. I took a step forward, before I launched a powerful attack toward it’s side. The goblin screamed in pain as I struck it. It quickly stepped to the side, trying to sneak in an attack from below, but I could easily anticipate the attack.

I made another powerful swing with my katana, but missed the evading goblin completely. It laughed cheerfully through it’s mask, celebrating my miss. Oh, keep quiet you, I hissed at it. You can not attack me. Finally, the Goblin victory, it said again in their usual quirky way.

The goblin suddenly took three steps backwards, picked up a goblin bomb and tossed it toward me before ducking to cover itself. I meowed in panic as I tried to jump away from the bomb. I barely missed the blast, but I could feel burnt hair from my tail. I hissed at the goblin again, but instead of charging at him, I stood completely still. I closed my eyes and concentrated.

Trick? I’ll go and attack the cat, the goblin said before charging toward me. I slowly raised my katana, waiting for the right moment. Now, I told myself. I just knew when to launch my attack. I struck the goblin twice in fast succession, using an attack I recently learned. Tachi: Enpi, although not very advanced, still does a fair bit of damage. Strong cat. I have no chance, the goblin groaned, falling toward the ground.

Darkest Hour?

I meowed frantically in dismay, as Kirin came tramping towards me. But even if I ran as quickly as I could, I just couldn’t put a distance between me and the enormous monster, claiming to be the king among gods. The air was damp, filled with memories of past battles. I looked around, desperate to find shelter from the monster chasing me. We’re coming, I could hear in the background; my friends assuring me they’d help me out of harms way. But right then and there, their words didn’t reach my mind. I was panicking, praying to Goddess Altana that she would spare me just this once.

I looked back, trying to judge the distance between me and Kirin. At this rate he’d reach me in only seconds. Turning back was a fatal mistake though, as I quickly realized that I had run into a corner. I meowed, crouched down and started shivering. I closed my eyes, trying to cover my face with my hands. Tears started rolling down the sides of my face, and my whole body felt numb. The loud, tramping steps came to a halt, and I could sense tremendous creature stand just a few feet away from me.

Run like there’s a 50% off sale, someone suddenly shouted. I slowly opened one of my eyes, peeking to see what was going on. Kirin had stopped moving, and seemed to be casting a powerful spell. My body wouldn’t move, still terrorized by what had just happened. Kirin’s spell was interrupted, as my party had run out of range long ago. The notorious monster roared in anger, making me crouch down even tighter.

I could hear steps of someone or something approaching me slowly. A hand, gently resting on my head. Are you okay? a friendly voice asked. I opened my eyes again, slowly. It was Nicia, smiling gently at me. Aww, what did that big mean creature do to you, she continued, looking through her pocket with her right hand. She pulled out a handkerchief, carefully wiping the tears off my face. It’s all right now, kitten. It’s gone now, she reassured. Even in my most desperate hour, a kind soul reached out a hand to help me.

Nicia helped me get back up on my feet, petting me on my head. I purrred faintly, mostly because I was nervous though. Meow! My tanks, I stuttered! I suddenly realized that I had left the tanks to fend for themselves while I had been feared for my life alone. I bowed courteously to Nicia, thanking her for looking after me.

After slaying the enormous monster, our linkshell sat down to rest. It hadn’t been a particularly hard battle, but it had certainly put a dent in my pride. Everyone was sitting in a big ring, having something to eat. I have an announcement to make, Ravenclaw suddenly said, standing up. Ravenclaw looked around, playing a few tones on his harp before continuing. Everyone was looking curiously at him, hoping he wouldn’t start asking popsicle jokes.

Ravenclaw cleared his throat, before cheerfully telling the linkshell that I have been promoted to pearlsack. Everyone shifted their attention to me, staring at me in disbelief. Oh god no, I could hear someone say jokingly. Everyone started clapping their hands, congratulating me. I blushed, and tried to hide my face. But deep down I felt really happy!

Showing Appreciation

Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.
- Margaret Cousins

I want every day to be a new adventure, and every person to be a new friend. When I set out from my home on Elshimo Island to become an adventurer, I vowed to myself that I wanted people to like me, and that I would make lots and lots of new friends.

Lately I’ve been thinking about showing people your appreciation, and taking the time to show them that you value their efforts. I wrote an entry about encouraging people a few years ago, and it’s never been a better time to start to be honest.

My favorite job has always been White Mage. White Mages have the pleasure of teleporting people when they need to get somewhere, tend the wounds of weary adventurers and raise the unfortunate ones. Some have become my close friends, and some have helped me in countless ways. I’m eternally grateful for the things they have done.

Showing people your appreciation is easy. A simple thank you is all it takes. Yet no one really takes the time to thank others for their hard work. Some, especially those in the east, show their appreciation for even the little things, like getting a teleport. You are an awesome Red Mage, thank you for keeping me refreshed! Just a simple line like that is enough to put a smile on someone’s face. Sure, it may be “their job” to keep you refreshed, but show them that you appreciate them helping you.

Take a moment to think about how someone you know have helped you. Maybe they gave you a valuable item once, or just cast Silena on your for the 108th time. Thank them for being a good friend. I’m not saying you should send them 108 tells, thanking them for casting Silena on them though.

Imagine how encouraged people would be if you took the time to thank two or three people every day.