TWR, Memories in Valkurm (8-20-08)  

The Weekly Refresh, Aug. 20, 2008 Earth Time By Thayos of Garuda

The view may be beautiful, but the broken grass at our feet is testimony to the inhospitality of this place. The shallows repel anchoring ships, with nothing for miles but sand. Indeed, the dunes are ill-fit for any purpose save sunbathing. One day I happened upon a young swimmer struggling for air. I swam out to save her, and as a gesture of thanks she led me to a fascinating place. To a small inlet she guided me, to show me dolphins, no doubt. None were there, but I noticed the bay was a natural harbor. I was a sailor in youth, so I knew this to be an important discovery! The harbor I named "Selbina." Upon seeing her own name inscribed on my map, the girl clapped her hands in joy. --Gwynham Ironheart, 762 Crystal Era.

A giant bat stands guard over the stone tablet at the end of a small, narrow cave off the shores of Valkurm Dunes.

The windswept dunes are mostly empty now. Parties rarely camp around the shipwrecked boat on the main beach.

Still, I sometimes find myself crossing the sandy hills to that cave west of Selbina. I wade through the surf and climb through the entrance, respectfully walking past the giant bats that once posed mortal threats.

I reach out to the stone tablet, tracing my fingers across Gwynham Ironheart's words.

He wasn't the only adventurer to have a memorable moment here.

Years ago, I was fighting undead in Tahrongi Canyon when another adventurer beckoned me to come with him. Together we ran across the gritty expanse of Buburimu Penninsula, barely avoiding the eyes of wandering goblins. We boarded the ship in Mhaura, only to be attacked by pirates. By the grace of Altana, I survived the attack -- and then we docked in the seemingly distant harbor.

Selbina was unlike anything on the Mindartia continent. The town was bustling and full of life, in direct contrast to the starkly dreary Mhaura. After exploring the town, I joined the crowds of adventurers who were gathered on the edge of the city. Within minutes, I was recruited into a party. We trekked out to the dunes, ready to prove our worth.

My routine rarely changed over the next several days. I would rise early, joining other adventurers in battle. Despite the beatings we took, we slowly became stronger. In the afternoons, I often rode the boat back to Mhaura and returned to Windurst for food and supplies. Then, I'd head back to Selbina, and do it all over again the next day.

Those days were full of adventure.

One day stands out; it's the reason I keep returning to Gwynham Ironheart's tablet.

That day, a band of adventurers asked me to join their party. We headed out to the beach west of town in hopes of avoiding the adventurers crowding the larger, eastern beach. I didn't even know that small, narrow cave was there. I was taken aback when I saw it for the first time.

We climbed inside, camping in the entrance. Then we began to fight.

I lunged forward, swinging my sword and casting nukes at whatever charged into our cave. The rest of my party -- which included several seasoned adventurers -- noticed how brashly I entered the fray. They told me to slow down and relax. They taught me to hinder my enemy with enfeebling magic, and to strengthen my party with my white magic. They taught me when to melee and when to rest. As the party went on, my role as a red mage finally began making sense.

Eventually the party ended. I was sad it was over, but thankful to have learned so much.

Then it happened.

The other members of my party were wearing the same red linkpearls. Our black mage, a peppy Tarutaru named Ziploc, suddenly warped away. Minutes later, she returned on the back of a chocobo. She handed me a small object of no monetary value, something that, in time, would become more than priceless.

It was the same red linkpearl the others wore. I put it on.

"Welcome to WolfBrigade," they said.

Now, the beaches of Valkurm are empty.

I often see one or two adventurers standing somewhat close to the cave, undoubtably hunting the elusive Valkurm Emperor. I ignore them as I wade through the surf and enter the cave as I did so long ago.

As I walk to the back of the tunnel, I wonder how many others have special places like this. Being here reminds me of why I'm an adventurer and why I continue to fight for Altana, even when the Dawn Goddess could seemingly care less about my sacrifices.

In the year 762 of the Crystal Era, an enterprising explorer came here and saved a girl's life.

In more recent times, a lone adventurer came her and not only found himself, but also his Vana'diel family.

What else will happen in this out-of-the-way cave in Valkurm Dunes, or in other special places around the world? What

The stone tablet stands despite the conflicts that rock the land.

It always will, too.