Shakes' Journey to the Astral CandescenceFollow

Note: If you don't want to read all the story that I wrote with this, just look at the pictures. I know, I'm lazy too <_<. If this happens to be common knowledge, I apologize; however, even if it is, I might enlighten a few people. Then again, that's an overstatement-I might make some people say "I didn't know that before, but uh...I don't realy care." And yes, I know I already posted it on the general forum, but it also pertains to this server, does it not?
From the slowest-leveling Bard in Shiva, Shakes.

I did it only a week ago. But that, in itself, is a lie. It was not my sole aspiration to gaze upon it. No, avarice had also seized me, had beckoned me to claim its glory with my Taru hands. Do not look upon me as an evil citizen, as, in fact, are any among us a citizen of that far-east nation? Surely you too desire the power of the Astral Candescence? I could tell you how to find it-that's no problem. But I must warn you, you might find it difficult to take.

That morning I awoke in the rent-a-room, which, despite its extravagance, lacked the comforts of my home. I thought I might join a party for some time, it certainly wouldn't have been hard to find one, as bards never seem to lose their demand. Yet, when I checked the Conquest info, I saw that one of the Beastmen tribes had taken that wonderous relic. With it's gifts gone, I quickly decided against joining a party. I really had nothing to do. The idea then came upon me. Perhaps, and it was, at the time, quite a great "perhaps," the doors to the hall of binding would be open. Thus did I venture into the streets of Al Zahbi, whose mysterious aversion to Chocobo Mazurka still confounds me. I soon reached the Hall, where a ominous Galka stood watch. He did not move, he never seemed to move, actually, lest the alarm was rung during the seiges. I took the chance to speak to him, and he left me with quite the provoking thought. Although I cannot recall his words verbatim, he remarked something along the lines of, "You might be able to take a peek, now that the Candescence is gone."

Had fortune smiled upon my devious quest? The unlocked doors served as proof. It led into a small hall, which, at its end, had two doors, one on each side. I tried one, but it refused to move. The other, however, I followed into a dark passage that, although it suggested something quite mysterious, led me into the streets of Al Zabhi, closing again after my departure.

That was no matter, I had only to go back in through the main gate. This time I tried the great doors at the end of the hall. They too were unlocked. Thus did I gaze upon the Astral Plinth-the gilded holder. I quickly took some photos to prove my quest, after which I hid myself in the shadows by logging out.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m266/Shakes-shakes-shakes/Sha060804135815a.jpg The Astral Plinth

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m266/Shakes-shakes-shakes/Sha060804135758a.jpg Shakes in front of the Plinth

When I returned the next day, I was hoping that it had returned. To my surprise, it had reassumed its place upon its pedestal.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m266/Shakes-shakes-shakes/Sha060805174854a.jpg The Astral Candescence

Now was the time! I approached it, I examined it, I plotted a way to smuggle it out.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m266/Shakes-shakes-shakes/Sha060805175817a.jpg Shakes and the Candescence

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m266/Shakes-shakes-shakes/Sha060805175827a.jpg More Shakes and the Candescence

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m266/Shakes-shakes-shakes/Sha060805175834a.jpg Even more Shakes and the Candescence!

Alas! My Taru stature granted me not the height nor the reach to even grasp the Candescence! I could only gaze upon it, covet it, and plot again. The doors were again locked-there would be no chance to find a ladder. I had, maybe, stumbled on a solution. The chains that guarded the walkway, perhaps I could have used them to climb up to it! Just as I was going to put my plan into action, the alarm bell rang-The Beastemen had arrived. I was transported out of the hall, and into the fray. I stood defeated, disappointed.

To all you who read this, I entreat you, seek the Candescence! Obtain it that my quest might not have gone in vain! Good luck, and send me a tell should you require my assistance in Shiva.

Sincerely,
Shakes of Shiva

Edit: fixed the links...I hope

Edited, Aug 13th 2006 at 9:14pm EDT by ShakesTheTaru

Thank you, I've fixed them ^_^.