Post by Hanaji Da Galka on Jun 8, 2007 21:51:47 GMT -5
Fables of Fantasy
Adventures in Vana’diel
There was a time…
When people allowed themselves to drift away into the splendor of their dreams.
When being more than one’s physical being was a pleasant past time, even if it was only just a dream. We now live in a world where the imagination is jaded and closed. To allow oneself to be lost in a world of Infinite Possibilities is cause for some really strong medication.
There was a place…
Far in the distance beyond the setting sun and rising moon, a place where Dreamers could dream, Dancers could dance and their imaginations could be set free. Here the stress and troubles of the Real World could not steal their joy.
There was a time and a place… called Vana’diel.
I, Bantu the Bard have long since faded into the Farplains, yet I pray that my stories and songs still remain with the Children of Vana’diel. I was so ordered by the Star Sybil to scribe and sing about the lives and adventures of the Heroes of the 3 Cities, Windhurst, Bastok and San d’Oria. Within each Star Stone, I have placed a magical key to lead you through this portal in your imagination. To find this place where your fantasies can come true, just recite these words is what you must do.
Some dreams only come while in slumber, as you lay in shade.
Some dreams only come through the Star Stones of the adventures you’ve made.
Star Stone ~ What is a “Galka”?[/color]
I, Bantu the Bard will tell you a tale, of the Adventures of Vana’diel
A story so amazing, told so many times before, of our Heroes and of the Villains galore
This may sound familiar, but it’s not what you think, for I will tell you as much as I can, before I run out of ink.
There are many wonders in the world. Some are grand, while others may be small. Of all of the wonders that one might find in Vana’diel, there is one that even I cannot begin to understand.
What is a “Galka”?
I have had the pleasure of knowing many of these curious beings… Galka
Standing at least 8 feet tall, they are truly massive in size. Their presence may be a bit menacing, but they are a fun loving clan. They can be vicious in battle, with strength beyond measure. It has been said that Galka are a tribe of males and are reborn through some form of reincarnation. I always thought this was so very interesting, so much so that I traveled one season to learn more about this phenomenon. I didn’t know then that I would soon meet Hanaji Da Galka.
I first met Hanaji when he was still a cub, quite young and at the end of his 1st season. He was living in the city of Windhurst. This was odd as most Galka could be found in the mining town of Bastok, yet here in this coastal city stood a Galka cub, playing with Tarutaru tots and Mithra Kits. He was already towering over the other children yet one look and you could see that he had not yet come of age.
As I sat by the crystal pond one day, watching as the children splashed and played around this so very out of place Galka, I was caught by surprise to hear him yell across the woods for his Mommy! My eyes stretched and my mouth fell open as I saw this Galka run and pick up this Mithra named Expresso that he called Mommy.
“Hanaji put Mommy down!” Expresso said as she tried to feel the ground once again beneath her feet. He spun her around once more and finally did as he had been told. Then he flopped down at her feet and as customary with most young Mithran Kits he sat and began to purr! I was speechless to say the least! Then to push me further over the edge, she reached inside her Gobbie Bag and pulled out a fish and fed him. After his meal, she washed his face and hands and told him to that he could go back and play with his friends. Just before he ran off to play, she gave him a big hug and told him to have fun. Then this Galka giggled! I’ve seen a lot of things in the years of my life, but until this day, I had never seen a Galka giggle!
When the cub had gone back to play with his friends, I called to Expresso and she waved. I remember when she was one of my students at the White Arts Academy. Like most Mithra, she was overly curious and playful with a knack for getting into trouble. I expected the next time I would see her it would be far in the lands of Aht Ughan on a quest maybe, not nursing a Galka cub. She ran over to me smiling all the while, her eyes bright and sparkling!
“Hiyas Purrrfessa!” she said still sounding much like the kit in my classroom. She was now a full fledge White Mage and the aurora of Atlanta surrounded her. How she had grown since I had seen her last I thought. She told me of some of her adventures and that she had married a Tarutaru named Nerf. It wasn’t surprising to hear that a Mithra would marry a Taru, as Mithras are a very affectionate tribe and Tarutaru are cuddly little beings. I then asked her about the Galka cub. “Smoo!” she said as she clapped her paws together. Now far beyond confused, I stood dumbfounded as she explained her nickname for her cub.
She told me how while traveling through the rocky plains of Gustaberg one day, she came across a rather large boulder looking thing that moved! Being Mithran and curious by nature, she poked and poked at the rock to see if she could make it move again. She said she heard a noise deep inside of the boulder and swore it sound like a baby crying.
Thinking that some terrible Black Mage had cursed someone’s child and placed it inside of a tomb of stone, she did what any good White Mage would do, she began to chant on the powers of Atlanta. A long time did she pray and chant using the magic of healing to remove the curse upon the poor child inside. Deep into the night until she fell asleep exhausted beside the stone prison. The next morning, she awoke to the surprise of seeing the rock split straight down the middle. She glanced down to see a tiny Galka cub cuddling in her lap. She said she knew it was a Galka from it’s pale green skin and tiny little tail, but had never seen one this tiny before. She said it then looked up and said, “Smoo?” That was how her Galka cub got his nickname.
I, Bantu the Bard am tired, so I will tell no more
Soon I will return, just like before
From deep inside the Star Stone, our stories will unfold
Adventures in Vana’diel yet to be told.
Star Stone ~ Trouble with Galkas
I, Bantu the Bard will tell you a tale, of the Adventures of Vana’diel
A story so amazing, told so many times before, of our Heroes and of the Villains galore
This may sound familiar, but it’s not what you think, for I will tell you as much as I can, before I run out of ink.
It was the coming of the Waxing Crescent and all of the Citizens of Windhurst were preparing for the Festival of Winds. All the Tots, Kits, Elvies and 1 very special Galka cub were all dancing around as their parents decorated the Fountain in Windy Woods.
The Waxing Crescent was a special time here in Windhurst because it was said that the Green Moon brought favor upon the coming fishing season. This was the signal that the Fish Festival had begun. One thing about Mithra and Tarutaru alike, they both like to fish!
I may seem to favor Windhurst among the other cities, but I say, if you ever are so lucky to visit during the Fish Festival you would feel the same as I do. Banners and streamers glittered from the pillars and tree branches surrounding the festive area. Merchants sat up their stands of goods and products along the pathway to the stables. The kids were running with fish shaped balloons, darted here and there as their parents danced and sang under the star filled sky.
I then saw the curious little Galka standing at the edge of the fountain while the other children splashed and played in the cool water. I watched as he would ever so slightly put his toe into the pool and then jerk it back suddenly. When he noticed me watching, he did exactly as his Mother had done so many years before, he tried to appear innocent.
“Heydere Mista!” he bellowed. His voice was scratchy as a rusty Goblin’s Horn. I waved and he smiled. “Look wut I can du!” he said as he hopped around on one foot. Seeing that little cub trying to impress me with his new trick still tickles me.
“Very good!” I said as I clapped joyously. He continued to entertain me until his Mother standing behind him surprised him. She smiled as she pat him on his head. “I’m be’n gud!” he said. “I’m surrrre you are!” She said as she wrapped her arms around him and gave him a hug. “Now go play with the other kids and have fun!”
“Hiyas Purrrfessa! Hope Smoo didn’t bother ya too much,” she said as she watched him run up the pathway toward the merchants. “No worries, he is a delight of a cubby, we have been getting along famously!” I assured her. She told me of how he had begun classes at the Opistary with the other children and that things didn’t go so well the first few days. How the other children teased him about his size. She also shared with me something that I was always curious about. What do Galka cubs eat? Well apparently anything they can fit into their mouths! Rocks, bugs, flowers, bugs on flowers, small raribs, birds, small pieces of furniture, gil, did I mention bugs?
Well it appears that on his very first day, the Galka cub met a tiny Taru-tot named Ikillshy. He was an adorable little tot with a pair of large oversized glasses upon his wee little face. The two of them were placed to sit at a table near the teacher’s desk, close enough to make sure that Ikillshy didn’t sneak his pet Carbuncle into class and have it hiding inside his desk, also close enough for the teacher to keep an eye on the little Galka cub.
After having to tell the Galka cub not to put things like crayons in his mouth, or the pencils, or the writing parchment, it seemed a good idea to keep him close to her. Imagine the teacher’s surprise to see Ikillshy’s 2 tiny feet dangling out the side of the Galka cub’s mouth! After having him spit out the unharmed, but very sticky and wet Taru-tot, luckily Galka cubs don’t have any teeth until their 6th season, it seemed like a very good idea to keep them close where she could keep an eye on them both. Over the years, the two of them are still great buddies even if Ikillshy still teases him about the day he was almost Galka food!
The fireworks began, signaling the start of the Fish Festival and they could be seen for miles and miles. The citizens all dressed in their very best festival costumes paraded around the fountain. Everyone was there waiting the arrival of the Star Sybil to bless the coming season. The Holy Blessing was a very sacred tradition here in Windy, older than anyone could remember. The Star Sybil would call upon the 4 winds to sweep across the open waters and bring the fish within the ports and nets of the fishermen. The Star Sybil would stand at the edge of the pier with her Wands of Wind and Water to enchant the Water and Wind Spirits to dance, sending out her blessings. It is truly a remarkable sight to see.
The Star Sybil along with the Mithra Tribal Elders arrived in a warp bubble at the edge of the pier and all of the citizens of Windhurst applauded. With an enchantment upon her voice so that everyone no matter how far could hear her tiny voice, she welcomed everyone to the Festival of Fish. The cheers seemed like they would never end. Then she nodded toward her assistants to bring her the Wands of Wind and Water so that the blessing could begin. After a few minutes had passed and the assistant had yet to return with the wands, the people became restless wondering what the delay could possibly be about?
Then the assistant came running down the pier toward the Star Sybil and whispered into her tiny ear. The look on her face was one of shock and peril. Then the Star Sybil exclaimed, “Insect Paste?!” Forgetting that the enchantment on her voice carried so that everyone could hear, people all around looked in wonder. It wasn’t until the Star Sybil said, “Expresso come to me now!” that we all got an idea of what the problem was about.
It seems while everyone was down at the pier to see the Blessing, the Galka cub found the vat of Insect Paste that was being made by the Cooking Guild as fishing bait for the coming season. Remembering that his Mother told him to eat with a spoon and not his hands, he grabbed the first thing he saw, which happened to be the Star Sybil’s Wands of Wind and Water. So there he sat eating his fill, with a wand in each of his chubby paws!
After having the wands cleaned and the Galka cub returned to his Mother, the Star Sybil began the Blessings and everything and everyone went back to their celebration. The Galka cub with his tummy filled laid his head on his Mother’s lap and fell asleep, exhausted from his very busy day. Expresso spent most of the evening apologizing for what had happened and was glad it was finally about over when the Star Sybil walked over to her. Looking down at the sleeping cub, the Star Sybil just smiled and rubbed her tiny hand on Expresso’s shoulder, but before she could walk away, the cub jumped up and said, “Heydere nice Ladee! Look wut I can du!” as he hopped around on one foot.
Everyone clapped as the Galka cub took a bow.
I, Bantu the Bard am tired, so I will tell no more
Soon I will return, just like before
From deep inside the Star Stone, our stories will unfold
Adventures in Vana’diel yet to be told.
Star Stone ~ Trouble comes in “Small Packages”
I, Bantu the Bard will tell you a tale, of the Adventures of Vana’diel
A story so amazing, told so many times before, of our Heroes and of the Villains galore
This may sound familiar, but it’s not what you think, for I will tell you as much as I can, before I run out of ink.
Tarutaru or just Taru for short, are one of the many wonders of Vana’diel. This race of tiny people can be a joy to know and to spend time with. They are both curious and wise.
Their eyes full of both mischief and promise, you never can tell what to expect while in the company of Tarutaru.
There was one Taru that was never a mystery on what to expect. If Nerf was nearby, that meant that trouble was soon to follow.
Nerf wasn’t a mischievous Taru, nor did he ever mean to get into trouble. You see, he had a curiosity that propelled him into situations that would well… get him into trouble.
There was the time while delivering a message to Bastok, that Nerf noticed the waterways in Bastok’s Metalworks. Amazed at the great construction, Nerf decided he would look deeper into the workmanship. After his inspection of how the water flow powered the Smithing Shops, he believed that he could increase the power generated with a tiny touch of Tarutaru Magic. This turned out to be not such a good idea as it ended up with a very large explosion, gears and sprockets bouncing everywhere and the entire staff of Engineers needing medical attention due to a loss of hearing. If not for the fact that his sister Gilda warping him home to Windhurst or the fact that he was the nephew of The Star Sybil, The Bastok Council would have locked him away for quite some time.
Then there was the time that he thought it would be a good idea to release Novalmauge, The Vampire from his dungeon cell during the Fall Festival in San d’Oria. It seems that he thought he could control the Vampire with a little Taru Magic and return him back to his prison once the festival was over. This too turned out to be not a good idea, because the Vampire chased all the Elves around East Ronfue for hours until the Royal Guards captured both him and Nerf. Once again, Gilda came to his rescue with a letter of apology from the Star Sybil and enough gil to pay for the damage her brother had caused.
After being banned from travel to both Bastok and San d’Oria, Nerf then visited the Capital City of Jueno. Somehow Nerf was able to get inside the Control Room for the Airships. After his review of the flight plans and schedules of the airships, Nerf believed that with a little Taru Magic, he could reduce the amount of time one would have to wait for approaching airships by creating a large warp field. This wasn’t a good idea. Flight 427 from Kazham was lost for 2 weeks. Now along with Bastok and San d’Oria, Nerf was banned from Jueno as well. Posters of his tiny face were posted by every guards post in each city prohibiting him entry for life!
In desperation to see her nephew channel his curiosity into something more positive, The Star Sybil made arrangements for Nerf to travel to the distant land of Aht Urhgan to study with the engineers of the great Automations. This wasn’t a good idea. After learning how to build his automation, Nerf had a wonderful thought. “How ubba his automation would be with a little Taru Magic.” Nerf enchanted every limb, part, attachment and gizmo he could find to complete his automation. He far exceeded the allowed number of attachments one was allowed to add to an automation. He also didn’t follow the protocol of guidelines set by his instructor for automation abilities. “Limits-Schmimnitts” he could be heard saying while furiously working into the night. When he was finally done with his creation, he presented his automation to his instructor for his final inspection. A large box was placed in the center of the room surrounded by all the students and teachers. Nerf pulled out his Automation Animator and pointed it at the large box. “Marvin Activate!” he said. The tiny automation burst through the box sending shards of wood everywhere. After the dust settled, there stood this abomination of nature and science. Proudly Nerf turned to his instructor, who by the way was in shock, to receive his final grade and certificate of achievement. It wasn’t until Nerf found himself being teleported back to Windhurst along with his automation Marvin, that he realized he didn’t receive a good grade from the Automation Academy.
This was about the time that Nerf met Expresso the Mithra, who by the way had a thing for “Bad Boys”. It wasn’t too long after that the two of them would be seen hand in hand walking around Windy Waters late into the evening. When it was announced that the Atlanta had blessed their union with the Spirit of Love and much to the joy of The Star Sybil that someone… anyone had found a way to love her wayward nephew.
Which brings us to today, I was sitting here as I do from time to time, enjoying the morning breeze, when I saw the happy couple walking hand in hand with their “not so little” Galka cub skipping not far behind them. I waved and invited them to share the morning air with me for a spell. They said they were in a hurry and could not sit long as they needed to get to the hat shop to purchase a cap for their Galka cub. It seems that Expresso had asked Nerf to comb the cubby’s hair for school, which he did, using a little Taru Magic. This wasn’t a good idea.
I, Bantu the Bard am tired, so I will tell no more
Soon I will return, just like before
From deep inside the Star Stone, our stories will unfold
Adventures in Vana’diel yet to be told.
Adventures in Vana’diel
There was a time…
When people allowed themselves to drift away into the splendor of their dreams.
When being more than one’s physical being was a pleasant past time, even if it was only just a dream. We now live in a world where the imagination is jaded and closed. To allow oneself to be lost in a world of Infinite Possibilities is cause for some really strong medication.
There was a place…
Far in the distance beyond the setting sun and rising moon, a place where Dreamers could dream, Dancers could dance and their imaginations could be set free. Here the stress and troubles of the Real World could not steal their joy.
There was a time and a place… called Vana’diel.
I, Bantu the Bard have long since faded into the Farplains, yet I pray that my stories and songs still remain with the Children of Vana’diel. I was so ordered by the Star Sybil to scribe and sing about the lives and adventures of the Heroes of the 3 Cities, Windhurst, Bastok and San d’Oria. Within each Star Stone, I have placed a magical key to lead you through this portal in your imagination. To find this place where your fantasies can come true, just recite these words is what you must do.
Some dreams only come while in slumber, as you lay in shade.
Some dreams only come through the Star Stones of the adventures you’ve made.
Star Stone ~ What is a “Galka”?[/color]
I, Bantu the Bard will tell you a tale, of the Adventures of Vana’diel
A story so amazing, told so many times before, of our Heroes and of the Villains galore
This may sound familiar, but it’s not what you think, for I will tell you as much as I can, before I run out of ink.
There are many wonders in the world. Some are grand, while others may be small. Of all of the wonders that one might find in Vana’diel, there is one that even I cannot begin to understand.
What is a “Galka”?
I have had the pleasure of knowing many of these curious beings… Galka
Standing at least 8 feet tall, they are truly massive in size. Their presence may be a bit menacing, but they are a fun loving clan. They can be vicious in battle, with strength beyond measure. It has been said that Galka are a tribe of males and are reborn through some form of reincarnation. I always thought this was so very interesting, so much so that I traveled one season to learn more about this phenomenon. I didn’t know then that I would soon meet Hanaji Da Galka.
I first met Hanaji when he was still a cub, quite young and at the end of his 1st season. He was living in the city of Windhurst. This was odd as most Galka could be found in the mining town of Bastok, yet here in this coastal city stood a Galka cub, playing with Tarutaru tots and Mithra Kits. He was already towering over the other children yet one look and you could see that he had not yet come of age.
As I sat by the crystal pond one day, watching as the children splashed and played around this so very out of place Galka, I was caught by surprise to hear him yell across the woods for his Mommy! My eyes stretched and my mouth fell open as I saw this Galka run and pick up this Mithra named Expresso that he called Mommy.
“Hanaji put Mommy down!” Expresso said as she tried to feel the ground once again beneath her feet. He spun her around once more and finally did as he had been told. Then he flopped down at her feet and as customary with most young Mithran Kits he sat and began to purr! I was speechless to say the least! Then to push me further over the edge, she reached inside her Gobbie Bag and pulled out a fish and fed him. After his meal, she washed his face and hands and told him to that he could go back and play with his friends. Just before he ran off to play, she gave him a big hug and told him to have fun. Then this Galka giggled! I’ve seen a lot of things in the years of my life, but until this day, I had never seen a Galka giggle!
When the cub had gone back to play with his friends, I called to Expresso and she waved. I remember when she was one of my students at the White Arts Academy. Like most Mithra, she was overly curious and playful with a knack for getting into trouble. I expected the next time I would see her it would be far in the lands of Aht Ughan on a quest maybe, not nursing a Galka cub. She ran over to me smiling all the while, her eyes bright and sparkling!
“Hiyas Purrrfessa!” she said still sounding much like the kit in my classroom. She was now a full fledge White Mage and the aurora of Atlanta surrounded her. How she had grown since I had seen her last I thought. She told me of some of her adventures and that she had married a Tarutaru named Nerf. It wasn’t surprising to hear that a Mithra would marry a Taru, as Mithras are a very affectionate tribe and Tarutaru are cuddly little beings. I then asked her about the Galka cub. “Smoo!” she said as she clapped her paws together. Now far beyond confused, I stood dumbfounded as she explained her nickname for her cub.
She told me how while traveling through the rocky plains of Gustaberg one day, she came across a rather large boulder looking thing that moved! Being Mithran and curious by nature, she poked and poked at the rock to see if she could make it move again. She said she heard a noise deep inside of the boulder and swore it sound like a baby crying.
Thinking that some terrible Black Mage had cursed someone’s child and placed it inside of a tomb of stone, she did what any good White Mage would do, she began to chant on the powers of Atlanta. A long time did she pray and chant using the magic of healing to remove the curse upon the poor child inside. Deep into the night until she fell asleep exhausted beside the stone prison. The next morning, she awoke to the surprise of seeing the rock split straight down the middle. She glanced down to see a tiny Galka cub cuddling in her lap. She said she knew it was a Galka from it’s pale green skin and tiny little tail, but had never seen one this tiny before. She said it then looked up and said, “Smoo?” That was how her Galka cub got his nickname.
I, Bantu the Bard am tired, so I will tell no more
Soon I will return, just like before
From deep inside the Star Stone, our stories will unfold
Adventures in Vana’diel yet to be told.
Star Stone ~ Trouble with Galkas
I, Bantu the Bard will tell you a tale, of the Adventures of Vana’diel
A story so amazing, told so many times before, of our Heroes and of the Villains galore
This may sound familiar, but it’s not what you think, for I will tell you as much as I can, before I run out of ink.
It was the coming of the Waxing Crescent and all of the Citizens of Windhurst were preparing for the Festival of Winds. All the Tots, Kits, Elvies and 1 very special Galka cub were all dancing around as their parents decorated the Fountain in Windy Woods.
The Waxing Crescent was a special time here in Windhurst because it was said that the Green Moon brought favor upon the coming fishing season. This was the signal that the Fish Festival had begun. One thing about Mithra and Tarutaru alike, they both like to fish!
I may seem to favor Windhurst among the other cities, but I say, if you ever are so lucky to visit during the Fish Festival you would feel the same as I do. Banners and streamers glittered from the pillars and tree branches surrounding the festive area. Merchants sat up their stands of goods and products along the pathway to the stables. The kids were running with fish shaped balloons, darted here and there as their parents danced and sang under the star filled sky.
I then saw the curious little Galka standing at the edge of the fountain while the other children splashed and played in the cool water. I watched as he would ever so slightly put his toe into the pool and then jerk it back suddenly. When he noticed me watching, he did exactly as his Mother had done so many years before, he tried to appear innocent.
“Heydere Mista!” he bellowed. His voice was scratchy as a rusty Goblin’s Horn. I waved and he smiled. “Look wut I can du!” he said as he hopped around on one foot. Seeing that little cub trying to impress me with his new trick still tickles me.
“Very good!” I said as I clapped joyously. He continued to entertain me until his Mother standing behind him surprised him. She smiled as she pat him on his head. “I’m be’n gud!” he said. “I’m surrrre you are!” She said as she wrapped her arms around him and gave him a hug. “Now go play with the other kids and have fun!”
“Hiyas Purrrfessa! Hope Smoo didn’t bother ya too much,” she said as she watched him run up the pathway toward the merchants. “No worries, he is a delight of a cubby, we have been getting along famously!” I assured her. She told me of how he had begun classes at the Opistary with the other children and that things didn’t go so well the first few days. How the other children teased him about his size. She also shared with me something that I was always curious about. What do Galka cubs eat? Well apparently anything they can fit into their mouths! Rocks, bugs, flowers, bugs on flowers, small raribs, birds, small pieces of furniture, gil, did I mention bugs?
Well it appears that on his very first day, the Galka cub met a tiny Taru-tot named Ikillshy. He was an adorable little tot with a pair of large oversized glasses upon his wee little face. The two of them were placed to sit at a table near the teacher’s desk, close enough to make sure that Ikillshy didn’t sneak his pet Carbuncle into class and have it hiding inside his desk, also close enough for the teacher to keep an eye on the little Galka cub.
After having to tell the Galka cub not to put things like crayons in his mouth, or the pencils, or the writing parchment, it seemed a good idea to keep him close to her. Imagine the teacher’s surprise to see Ikillshy’s 2 tiny feet dangling out the side of the Galka cub’s mouth! After having him spit out the unharmed, but very sticky and wet Taru-tot, luckily Galka cubs don’t have any teeth until their 6th season, it seemed like a very good idea to keep them close where she could keep an eye on them both. Over the years, the two of them are still great buddies even if Ikillshy still teases him about the day he was almost Galka food!
The fireworks began, signaling the start of the Fish Festival and they could be seen for miles and miles. The citizens all dressed in their very best festival costumes paraded around the fountain. Everyone was there waiting the arrival of the Star Sybil to bless the coming season. The Holy Blessing was a very sacred tradition here in Windy, older than anyone could remember. The Star Sybil would call upon the 4 winds to sweep across the open waters and bring the fish within the ports and nets of the fishermen. The Star Sybil would stand at the edge of the pier with her Wands of Wind and Water to enchant the Water and Wind Spirits to dance, sending out her blessings. It is truly a remarkable sight to see.
The Star Sybil along with the Mithra Tribal Elders arrived in a warp bubble at the edge of the pier and all of the citizens of Windhurst applauded. With an enchantment upon her voice so that everyone no matter how far could hear her tiny voice, she welcomed everyone to the Festival of Fish. The cheers seemed like they would never end. Then she nodded toward her assistants to bring her the Wands of Wind and Water so that the blessing could begin. After a few minutes had passed and the assistant had yet to return with the wands, the people became restless wondering what the delay could possibly be about?
Then the assistant came running down the pier toward the Star Sybil and whispered into her tiny ear. The look on her face was one of shock and peril. Then the Star Sybil exclaimed, “Insect Paste?!” Forgetting that the enchantment on her voice carried so that everyone could hear, people all around looked in wonder. It wasn’t until the Star Sybil said, “Expresso come to me now!” that we all got an idea of what the problem was about.
It seems while everyone was down at the pier to see the Blessing, the Galka cub found the vat of Insect Paste that was being made by the Cooking Guild as fishing bait for the coming season. Remembering that his Mother told him to eat with a spoon and not his hands, he grabbed the first thing he saw, which happened to be the Star Sybil’s Wands of Wind and Water. So there he sat eating his fill, with a wand in each of his chubby paws!
After having the wands cleaned and the Galka cub returned to his Mother, the Star Sybil began the Blessings and everything and everyone went back to their celebration. The Galka cub with his tummy filled laid his head on his Mother’s lap and fell asleep, exhausted from his very busy day. Expresso spent most of the evening apologizing for what had happened and was glad it was finally about over when the Star Sybil walked over to her. Looking down at the sleeping cub, the Star Sybil just smiled and rubbed her tiny hand on Expresso’s shoulder, but before she could walk away, the cub jumped up and said, “Heydere nice Ladee! Look wut I can du!” as he hopped around on one foot.
Everyone clapped as the Galka cub took a bow.
I, Bantu the Bard am tired, so I will tell no more
Soon I will return, just like before
From deep inside the Star Stone, our stories will unfold
Adventures in Vana’diel yet to be told.
Star Stone ~ Trouble comes in “Small Packages”
I, Bantu the Bard will tell you a tale, of the Adventures of Vana’diel
A story so amazing, told so many times before, of our Heroes and of the Villains galore
This may sound familiar, but it’s not what you think, for I will tell you as much as I can, before I run out of ink.
Tarutaru or just Taru for short, are one of the many wonders of Vana’diel. This race of tiny people can be a joy to know and to spend time with. They are both curious and wise.
Their eyes full of both mischief and promise, you never can tell what to expect while in the company of Tarutaru.
There was one Taru that was never a mystery on what to expect. If Nerf was nearby, that meant that trouble was soon to follow.
Nerf wasn’t a mischievous Taru, nor did he ever mean to get into trouble. You see, he had a curiosity that propelled him into situations that would well… get him into trouble.
There was the time while delivering a message to Bastok, that Nerf noticed the waterways in Bastok’s Metalworks. Amazed at the great construction, Nerf decided he would look deeper into the workmanship. After his inspection of how the water flow powered the Smithing Shops, he believed that he could increase the power generated with a tiny touch of Tarutaru Magic. This turned out to be not such a good idea as it ended up with a very large explosion, gears and sprockets bouncing everywhere and the entire staff of Engineers needing medical attention due to a loss of hearing. If not for the fact that his sister Gilda warping him home to Windhurst or the fact that he was the nephew of The Star Sybil, The Bastok Council would have locked him away for quite some time.
Then there was the time that he thought it would be a good idea to release Novalmauge, The Vampire from his dungeon cell during the Fall Festival in San d’Oria. It seems that he thought he could control the Vampire with a little Taru Magic and return him back to his prison once the festival was over. This too turned out to be not a good idea, because the Vampire chased all the Elves around East Ronfue for hours until the Royal Guards captured both him and Nerf. Once again, Gilda came to his rescue with a letter of apology from the Star Sybil and enough gil to pay for the damage her brother had caused.
After being banned from travel to both Bastok and San d’Oria, Nerf then visited the Capital City of Jueno. Somehow Nerf was able to get inside the Control Room for the Airships. After his review of the flight plans and schedules of the airships, Nerf believed that with a little Taru Magic, he could reduce the amount of time one would have to wait for approaching airships by creating a large warp field. This wasn’t a good idea. Flight 427 from Kazham was lost for 2 weeks. Now along with Bastok and San d’Oria, Nerf was banned from Jueno as well. Posters of his tiny face were posted by every guards post in each city prohibiting him entry for life!
In desperation to see her nephew channel his curiosity into something more positive, The Star Sybil made arrangements for Nerf to travel to the distant land of Aht Urhgan to study with the engineers of the great Automations. This wasn’t a good idea. After learning how to build his automation, Nerf had a wonderful thought. “How ubba his automation would be with a little Taru Magic.” Nerf enchanted every limb, part, attachment and gizmo he could find to complete his automation. He far exceeded the allowed number of attachments one was allowed to add to an automation. He also didn’t follow the protocol of guidelines set by his instructor for automation abilities. “Limits-Schmimnitts” he could be heard saying while furiously working into the night. When he was finally done with his creation, he presented his automation to his instructor for his final inspection. A large box was placed in the center of the room surrounded by all the students and teachers. Nerf pulled out his Automation Animator and pointed it at the large box. “Marvin Activate!” he said. The tiny automation burst through the box sending shards of wood everywhere. After the dust settled, there stood this abomination of nature and science. Proudly Nerf turned to his instructor, who by the way was in shock, to receive his final grade and certificate of achievement. It wasn’t until Nerf found himself being teleported back to Windhurst along with his automation Marvin, that he realized he didn’t receive a good grade from the Automation Academy.
This was about the time that Nerf met Expresso the Mithra, who by the way had a thing for “Bad Boys”. It wasn’t too long after that the two of them would be seen hand in hand walking around Windy Waters late into the evening. When it was announced that the Atlanta had blessed their union with the Spirit of Love and much to the joy of The Star Sybil that someone… anyone had found a way to love her wayward nephew.
Which brings us to today, I was sitting here as I do from time to time, enjoying the morning breeze, when I saw the happy couple walking hand in hand with their “not so little” Galka cub skipping not far behind them. I waved and invited them to share the morning air with me for a spell. They said they were in a hurry and could not sit long as they needed to get to the hat shop to purchase a cap for their Galka cub. It seems that Expresso had asked Nerf to comb the cubby’s hair for school, which he did, using a little Taru Magic. This wasn’t a good idea.
I, Bantu the Bard am tired, so I will tell no more
Soon I will return, just like before
From deep inside the Star Stone, our stories will unfold
Adventures in Vana’diel yet to be told.
