Day 4 goes to the evening we all got together and took Sirena through the NieR raids together for her first time doing them! I sat this one out and chatted with the folks who either didn’t want to partake or came a bit later and were wanting to show their support. Aikirees went instead and both the friends who went in and us who sat out had a really gosh darn good, fun, and memorable evening together!
Kosmikros Sisters
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 5
Day 5 – The entirety of the Frendedex. Initially I was going to put these all separate, but I would have had to start at 30 days instead of 20 to do so. The sheer amount of folks, friends, and memories I made across the entirety of the group we ended up calling the Frendedex is just astronomically heartwarming. Just about everyone we all met was through Mastodon itself as well, and all the things that we did and I know still continue to happen, is just so wonderful.
Generally early on, they were small social gatherings just to shoot the breeze and see how everyone was doing, but not long they began to include running content and helping folks out do certain objectives. Treasure Maps being one that has been done quite a few times before and after my absence.
As we kept having these events, social or content-based, the number of folks kept getting bigger and bigger as word started to spread about the Frendedex’s existence across the Fediverse and beyond. The ones I mostly assembled were on the social-side to just gather and relax/chat about anything really. Sometimes it’s just nice to sit with a bunch of friends after a long week and just talk about things, and the subject matter widely ranged far beyond the scope of Final Fantasy XIV! It was really neat to hear what someone was doing outside the world we all have come to partake in together.
After a while, we even expanded to include the European Data Centers, and we spent the day over there having a very wonderful time with all of our friends that primarily played over there. There are countless memories and moments from all of these times we gathered that are so very cherished. What we accomplished throughout 2023 was nothing less that phenomenal.
The Frendedex has to be one of the biggest highlights of Endwalker and just Final Fantasy XIV in general in terms of all the things we did and friends we made a long the way. All the other events that spun-off from the initial ones was just as heartwarming to see and hear about as well.
So many friends, memories, and moments made during it all. I really do miss everyone, and I’m hoping once all the Dawntrail dust settles, we’ll be able to see everyone once again shortly thereafter.
Even if it’s just around a small firepit to catch up and watch the stars.
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 6
Day 6 – I recently reminisced about this earlier in regards to Bahamut Day, so I won’t repeat myself a lot. This day I will absolutely never forget. The first big event I ever put together to take on all 13 Coils of Bahamut on Saturday morning with a bunch of friends that I had made on Mastodon was such a blast, and led to many many more gatherings with them and so many more friends we made along the way thereafter.
I could emotionally gush about that day until the end of days, and I still want to try and organize a second one someday down the road for more folks who have never done the Coils.
The Dream of a Future’s Journey II
We decided to get together in the Lavender Beds, an old spot we used to relax and just enjoy the tranquil scenery from time to time before we had HQ. It was a cool misty morning, and all that could be heard was the rustling of the leaves with the waterfall off in the distance as the only sounds.
We sat there on that rock for what felt like an eternity in time. I knew what was coming, and I just wanted time to stop if only for a moment.
“You know, you don’t have to do this, Little One.”
Finally speaking up, breaking the tranquility, but really not looking away from the waterfall. I didn’t get a response, just a pause and the light brushing of Aikirees’ shoulder onto mine. Her tail swished and curled up to my back.
She was trying to comfort me.
I let out a sigh; not of despair, but of acceptance of what was to come. I looked over at her, and tried my best to give a happy and supportive smile. Aikirees just beamed the brightest of smile, such that it could pierce even the thickest of misty mornings, right back at me.
“I’sies zee know’sies.” She replied, before laying her head into my shoulder comfortably.
“But’sies yew zee know’sies we has hadeded dish zee talk’sies already. I’sies want’sies tew dew dish tew get zee stronger’sies and have mi’s own adventurrrre’sies fur zee once’sies.”
I put my arm around her, and give her a gentle hug.
“I know, and I know I’ve brought this up numerous times. Sirena and Juli seem very supportive as well, so I just need to as well. I am you big sister still, so I’m always going to worry regardless.”
I let her go, and she springs back up smiling all the same still.
We spend a few bells there, mostly reminiscing about the last two summers or so of all the things we’ve done. The good, and the not so; from heading to Sharlyean for the first time, and when we returned after such a long journey. We really have done a lot in what feels like such a short time.
Once the afternoon sun was upon us, she hopped up and went to change real quick, but before long she was back in more traveling attire with a large knapsack on her back.
“I’sies should’sies get zee gewing’sies, zee Big Sissy’sies.”
I nodded back at her.
“Alright, I suppose I should head back to HQ and make sure I have everything packed for the journey as well…”
Aikirees smiles warmly.
“Promise me, you’ll make it to Tural safely. Still planning on meeting near the port once we arrive?”
She nods at my inquiry, and leans in to give a hug while I just sit there on the rock still.
“Zee yup yup! I’ll’sies be zee der’sies!! Yew’sies zee see’sies! I’ll’sies be strrrrronger’sies and zee talk’sies zee bettah’sies!”
Without pause, I just simply laugh.
“Alright! Deal! Safe travels, Little One; I’ll see you there.”
With that, we exchange our farewells, and I watch her walk off to parts unknown. The last time I watched her doe this was in Kugane many, many summers ago. I had a similar fear back then, but we did finally reunite and I was very hearkened to see how well she had been fairing.
After what felt like days, I finally got up from the rock, and head back to HQ to proceed with making sure HQ’s orders were all in affair before departing myself.
HQ felt so quiet and empty. The cats were all packed and ready to go themselves and were off getting their final rests in before heading out. Lizicus and Laureine had already embarked themselves, much to Lizicus’ chagrin. I make my way to the office, gather some notes from my messy desk and begin to head out.
Glancing at our bunk beds, with all of Aikirees’ carbuncles still lying around at the foot of the bed, a somber feeling washes over me. I shake my head, gather the rest of what I want to take to Tural, and begin to head there myself. Having Aryiah look over HQ with all of us away shouldn’t have me worried at all. She’s done it all before and she’ll keep everything in check, I just know it.
I just truly fear that this will be the last time I see Aikirees the way she is and has always been…
Farewell, Endwalker
Thank you. Thank you for all of the wonderful moments, adventures, and memories. It’s time to forge ahead to a new Dawn on the Horizon.
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 7
Day 7 goes to the first time we visited Azelma’s place when she was still on Diabolos on a Friday evening. We had finished our evening up pretty early, so decided to hop over to Crystal and visit her place. When we got there, she was out and about but as soon as she realized we were there, she arrived momentarily later.
We had an absolute blast of a wonderful time talking about a whole lot of things, one being music and swapping some artists to listen to. We ended up spending quite the time there, I think it was at least 2.5 hours or more before we all were just so exhausted.
Since then, we’ve had a lot of wonderful moments together, whether it was taking on some battles or chatting it up with the group of us, it has always been a really great time when she’s around.
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 8
Day 8 – I’ve never forgotten the evening that Vysk and I spent together for Valentines Day in 2023. Roughly a couple of months after joining Mastodon in late 2022, a little circle of friends started to form and Vysk was one of the first I met over there. He asked if I wanted to do something for the Valentine’s, which was also tied to the currently running Valentione’s Event, and I was delighted to accept.
The evening was so wonderful, and he was such a gentleman through the entirety of it. We did the 2-person maze challenge together that was part of said event, some stargazing in a couple of places, and ended the night chatting at his place. It was certainly a magical night, and it was just the beginning of a lot of wonderful times & memories ahead with all of the folks we were meeting over at Mastodon.
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 9
Day 9’s goes to a Burgundy Room event: Burgundy Gives Back. Out of all the shows that I participated in before placing my Burgundy dress into the Archives, this was one of the most stellar events that we planned. This was a 12 hour marathon consisting of bards, dancers, DJ’s, and live-chats all for donating to the Trans Lifeline. We ended up raising over $3,000.00 for the organization, and it ended up being one amazing time through it all.
While I wasn’t able to be there the entire time due to other obligations, once we got there it was such a fun and very long night. Some old friends from the Adamantoise Alliance even paid a visit so even got to catch up and chat with them as well.
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 10
Day 10 – Esprit’s Halloween (2022). This was the last performance I was able to make of theirs before their self destruction the following year. The things they did in this show were mind blowing. The trickery of using the backdrop to have people move in and out of the stage area was so darn clever!
Every single one of their performances for this show were some of the very best I have ever seen in all of my time seeing these. They kept raising the bar and this was pretty high up there. A lot of the tunes were very memorable like the Ghostbusters Theme or This is Halloween. They even did a Five Nights at Freddy’s one with one of the dancers even dressing up as Markiplier to open it with.
Even with this being the last one I ever saw them do, it was still very wonderful to see everyone one last time together on stage like this; even with it being a smidgen bittersweet.
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 11
Day 11 – A friend of our friend who has the Silent Hill 2 themed Private Chambers invited a lot of us to her Birthday Slumber Party that was being held at their Free Company Estate. We we’re able to go and celebrate with her, and it turned into such a fun night with everyone!
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 12
Day 12 – Before my feelings towards all of this shifted, way back in 2020 when I saw my first bard troupe perform, I was very fascinated by it. Aikirees and I would always stop in towns just in case there was someone playing and then stick around for a moment or so just to listen. Usually was a very nice way to end an evening of adventuring.
There was one group that decided to follow us on Twitter (before our departure from that platform), and we did the same. Their name was Forty Forties PAPOTTE and they are a group that performs specifically Final Fantasy music. Since they were based on the Japanese Data Center, it was nil impossible for us to see a show, until several years later they popped up across all of them and performed around the world.
Aikirees and I managed to catch their show on Primal one night and I was so happy we were finally able to!
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 13
Day 13 – Once Data Center Travel was available, we spent an evening hopping around trying to say hi to some of our friends on Primal and Crystal. While we didn’t get to see anyone, we did pay visits to their abodes. This one, in particular, was a friend we made over on Crystal and she made her private chambers into that of the hotel room from Silent Hill 2, and it is incredibly well done!
We have had a chance to go back and see its progress much later on, but not since and there has been some turbulence between us that hasn’t helped either. Perchance one day we might be able to catch back up.
Last Hurrah
It’s almost done now: Rank 19 and this should be the last week before Rank 20. It’s been a really good journey all this way developing our Island Sanctuaries. Never thought upon arriving on the island and just barely understanding how to build the first cozy cabin, we’d be standing here at a multi-level hideaway filled with all these neat little things.
It really was the one of best ending projects we’re currently trying to accomplish to Endwalker we could have asked for.
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 14
Day 14 – Prior to founding EOCA, we both were in another Free Company on another server. The name of that FC is Risen Ashes, and we made a lot of friends there for in which a few we still keep in touch (or try to rather). Thanks to this Free Company, I was able to be introduced to the Burgundy Room, which spawned off to meet so so many wonderful folks that I ended up becoming friends with over the years.
EOCA would not be EOCA it it wasn’t for Risen Ashes, and so one evening we finally were able to meet up with our old Free Company leader and catch up about what’s been going on. Haven’t really had a moment to head back to chat, but perhaps one day down the road.
The U.S.S. Voyager
After a week, between all four of us, the first EOCA airship has finally been created! Aikirees held the pieces until it was fully completed, whereas Lizicus and Laureine finished the final part this evening. The naming of the airship was asked across everyone with the prompt for ‘favorite starship name,’ and Voyager was the first one said.
The accent for the gondola section was picked to be black with the dirigible part to be pink: representing both Juli and Sirena respectively. Shortly thereafter, it was sent out on its first ever maiden voyage!
This is a very exciting time for EOCA, as we’ve never been able to do airship missions before, and I’m certain they’ll be another airship down the line and it will be picked/voted for the name once again. Safe travels, little Voyager; explore the sea of clouds and boldly go where none of us have gone before!
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 15
Day 15 – We were so excited to see that Hildibrand Manderville had finally made his grand return, that we had to dress up for the occasion. He was sorely missed during Shadowbrringers, so him coming back during Endwalker was a very ecstatically happy warm welcome.
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 16
Day 16: Esprit Presents: The Flower Festival. The decor for this show was phenomenal, and the songs were all just so beautifully choreographed together. Was also really lovely seeing other old friends I hadn’t gotten the chance to see in a long while either.
If I recall, this was the one I was able to hang-back for a spell after the show and chat with a few of them too. All in all, it was a very memorable evening for certain.
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 17
Day 17’s – The day Eorzea Cartographers got the HQ house. We scoured the plots right after Empyreum was opened up to the public to pick out the perfect place for our Free Company’s new home. We finally found one, put in to the housing lottery and when it came up, we had our new place!
Was a really and truly exciting moment; from there, we spent a lot of time planning the entirety of it, gathering & crafting as much as we could do, and then placing all of that hard work. It took a few months of on and off working on it, but it paid off in spades at the end.
Highly doubt we’ll ever move HQ, as it’s just become such a part of EOCA as the name itself.
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 18
For Day 18, the last day of the original Cape Westwind Trial, Aikirees and I paid our respects to it one last time.
The reasoning as to why this was a memorable moment is before this patch, it was an 8-player trial and the first one everyone encounters during the Main Scenario Quest. It was such an easy trial that it got joked and meme’d to pieces. Was always such a hoot seeing a couple of sprouts with us and a few of us talking it up like it was some really difficult fight about to beheld and then it ending in literal minutes.
The best one I ever did was someone literally put placement markers on the ground, something one would mostly do during an extreme trial or a savage run. It was great, and a lot of fun silly memories taking this poor feller on as we all kept forging ahead.
Countdown to Dawntrail: Day 19
Day 19, I chose the first Esprit performance I got the chance to see, MacroCosmos. Esprit and I had an interesting history, as a lot of people that were former Burgundy Troupe members splintered off to create Tech Step and then Esprit shortly thereafter Tech Step severely self-destructed. It wasn’t… pretty to say the least and I had to watch as a bunch of friends turned to enemies.
Anyway… – finally being able to see old friends perform again got me all excited as I hadn’t seen a lot of these folks since the fallout. The show was absolutely amazing and seeing what everyone came up with for their numbers all within the game’s parameters is always such a treat!
Thankfully, before Esprit’s ultimate ending, I did manage to see a couple more of their performances, and they kept getting better and better along the way.