After moons spent training with the lance, I was in the market for something that would give me a little more of an edge should I find myself in a scrap. I heard about certain adventurers finding and/or being gifted these soul stones that allowed them to tap into their potential so, naturally, I inquired about how to buy such a thing.
I searched the markets and asked a few of my contacts, but finding such a thing on the open market proved to be more difficult than I expected. But you all know me: if something is exclusive or rare, I just have to have it, so that didn’t deter me. When I finally tracked down a potential contact for what was referred to as a “Paladin” soul crystal, he acted like simply paying for it would somehow make it inert. Like, there are many ways to become a Paladin, but I guess it’s not something you can simply buy your way into. Nevertheless, he encouraged me to meet them for an interview of sorts. I figured: Why the hells not?
When I arrived in Ul’dah to meet this gentleman, the first thing he wanted to do was test my grit. I was somewhat prepared for this, so I showed him what I had learned at the academy. I’m no slouch, I put in my reps, and although I was only pitted against a training dummy I think I showed him that I had a handle on the basics. He seemed content enough, then he launched into this whole diatribe about the importance of being a Paladin and how you had to make a sacred oath and blah, blah, blah. Honestly, I don’t even remember this guy’s name let alone all the details of his epic rant. I got the gist, though: You couldn’t just buy one because it had to come with a promise of sorts. He gave me some examples and, from what he described, many seem to make oaths for the wrong reasons entirely. For example, he spoke of a man who had sworn to a life of celibacy. Imagine that, right? As if. Anyway, this particular individual did so in grief and despair after losing his wife. Perhaps the oath was made with good intent, but it was made from a place of injury, and therefore not strong enough an oath to sustain the bond, or whatever. As I said, I was half paying attention, but I know how to pretend like I’m engaged even if half the stuff’s going over my head.
Thankfully for me, I already have an oath that I live by and it’s to bring the best out of all of my followers. Not everyone is blessed with abundance or a carefree life, but World by Windstorm products are specifically designed to make you look and feel your best, no matter who you are or where you’re from. We’re about empowering even the most unsophisticated to feel like they’re worth a million gil. It’s a pretty noble cause, right? So when I was asked about the vow I was willing to make, my response was:
“Empowering others to empower themselves.”
He seemed pretty impressed despite this being a vision of mine from the start of World by Windstorm. I didn’t mention it was an oath to my brand, but that’s always been my guiding light. The needs of my brand are more important than my own and, should I play my cards right, the brand will certainly outlive me. If there’s an intersection between something I need and something my brand needs, I will always choose the latter – at least until it’s strong enough to self-perpetuate. Should that day ever arrive, I doubt I’d stop trying to help others. It’s a rough world out there and I’m lucky to come from a loving family who supports me. Why wouldn’t I strive to help others when I can?
Anyroad, I was awarded the soul crystal without having to put down a desposit on it or anything, so that was a win. I also went shopping for a new set of armor to complement the new job! I have to say, I look hot as hells with it on. Plus I seem to be able to heal myself better without balms or tinctures – I only need to tap into my aether – so hopefully no scars in my future!
I see you out there, Suave Sailors! Keep being fabulous!
xoxo,
-Aurum