Asterians Asterians
Letter from the Editors
Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles... this and more await you in the summer issue of the Asterians Newsletter. From humble beginnings to daring to go where no one has gone before, Asterians have trekked across this star we call home, each of us walking our own journeys, and somehow these beautiful paths have crossed timeandagain
With the release of the new expansion, Dawntrail,manyAsterianshavejourneyedto the far reaches of the star and beyond it. Those who have seen the New World have many tales to tell in hopes that even more Asterians will visit Tural soon. This issue of the Asterians quarterly is all about celebratingthecallofadventurefor<ASTER>
Included in this issue are exclusive interviews by Kipih Jakkya, articles, art, edits,andmorethatwilltakeyoufarbeyond the four walls of Splash Mountain and into a whole new world. So what are you waiting for?Takealeapoffaithandlet’ssetacourse beyondthehorizon.
The
Asterians
SpecialEvent
Twiggen’s NamedayArt Party
Honeymoon Sweet coverstory
Tthem about love, life, and the call of adventure.
Kippih Jakkya: So, is this your first time in Tural?
Yoshi: A friend back home, Martin, taught me about this ‘Blue Magic’ business that originated here. Between his recounts and all the bits and bobbles I kept hearing ‘bout , I’d been itching to set foot
So I was right excited when the Third Promise asked me to come along- ah! But Agi actually came here for a different reason! Didn’tcha?”
Agi: Ears perking up having been given the chance to explain how he landed in Tural, Agi’to forms an “O” with both his fists and brings them to his eyes mimicking glasses He points to a vibrant green centerpiece and then points to his own hair, holding his palms out in place of his ears before running two fingers down his chest to mimic a specific piece of clothing. He then offers Kipih the sign for “Help.”
Ikepthearing‘bout the‘NewWorld’,I’d beenitchingtoset footheremyself!
K: What has been the most indelible sight you have seen together?
Y: Hmm, for me, I’ve gotta say it’s the forests of Yak T’el I’m not the most eloquent guy, but man- [he breathes an awestruck sigh] Flying under that canopy on Gilda’s back, the glowing blue trees and fireflies lighting up the dark forest floor; I’ve really never seen anything like it Oh but- when they say to mind your footing ‘round the cenotes, they really mean it Those things are no joke
A: Agi’to takes a sip of his drink, eyes following Yoshiro as he leans back He listens intently as contagious passion emits from Yoshiro, reminding Agi’to of the feel of the breeze passing through the forests and the chill of the land hidden from the sun Agi’to nods in agreement.
K:What has been your favorite place you’ve traveled to so far?
A: Agi’to points to Yoshiro then to himself, bringing up two fingers on each hand together. He then points to the ground beneath them and smiles
Y: Getting to travel here to Tuliyollal with Agi has been extra special, after everything we’ve been through To be truthful, my favorite place is always by his side
K: That is so beautiful! Your love is truly an inspiring sight as well – tell me, how did you meet?
Y: Haaah, it’s a bit of a complicated story, innit? [Yoshi smiles wryly at Agi.]
A: Agi’to hides his face behind his hands feeling the warmth move up his neck up past his ears, leaving it up to his husband to explain
Y: Well, we actually first met way back as kids in the Black Shroud. See, I had this secret spot I’d go to play when my mum wasn’t hovering ‘round One day I’m going about like normal, catching frogs in the stream, when I see a boy with ears like mine crying in my spot
[Yoshi bumps shoulders with Agi, chuckling softly as he continues] So what do I do?
Why, I hand him a frog of course, and I recruit him to protect the prince whilst we rebuild the frog kingdom [Yoshi leans back and laughs heartily ] The confusion must have been enough to make him forget why he was even crying. We were friends for years after that, until Well, until I struck out on my own, I s’pose
K: So you were childhood friends – that is amazing! I can’t help but wonder, what were your first impressions of each other? [Yoshi glances towards Agi before staring at his own hands.]
Y: Back then, I think I had just thought… ‘I wanna protect this guy’ But when we met again all those years later, even though he was still the same old Agi, I could tell he was different somehow. [Yoshi smiles fondly as his gaze meets Agi once again ] I just… wanted to get to know him, I guess. The real him.
A: After Yoshiro’s explanation, Agi’to turns to look at him, trying to remember his first impression. His injuries from the calamity has made it hard for him to remember details of his past, though since meeting Yoshiro as adults, he’s been able to remember more and more. Agi’to blushes remembering that meeting and literally falling into his arms Face reddening, he answers Kipih’s questions with the signs for “Too cool.”
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K: It sounds like when you met again, you had many more opportunities to be there for one another Well, what advice would you give to your younger selves?
A: Agi’to shakes his head and points to his heart, turning his hand into a sturdy fist His gestures are fast as if he were speaking to himself at that moment, rather than to Kipih. He would tell himself to not lose heart, to not listen to those who doubted him, and by believing in himself, he’ll meet many people who believe in him too. He’d tell himself to live with his whole soul, and to love with his whole heart, so that when things get tough, he’d find the strength to overcome the hardships and to help heal his loved ones After he stops, he brings his fists to his sides and dips into a shallow bow apologizing for getting carried away.
Y: [Yoshi places his hand on Agi's, giving it a firm squeeze before he speaks ]
I have a lot of regrets in my life I’ve made a lot of mistakes. And there’ll always be plenty of ‘what-ifs’ to keep me up at night for eternity Like, ‘what if I hadn’t run away ?’ [He trails off for a moment before shaking his head.] But no. If every mistake I made, every slip-up, every blunder, led me to where I’m at today, then there isn’t a single thing I’d tell that dumb kid to do any differently. Nah, I’d just tell him… to keep on having faith. ‘Cause one day, it’ll all be worth it
K: It sounds like your journey has already been worthwhile, but there have been many critical decisions that have taken you this far With all these choices, how do you decide where you want to journey next?
Y: Hah! It’s never too soon to think about the next adventure, is it? If there’s people to help, I’ll always be there. But otherwise, well, I’ve never been one for planning, personally [Yoshi laughs and puts his arm around Agi’s shoulder, pulling him close.] I’m sure you’ll find us whichever way the wind is blowing.
He’dtellhimselftolivewith hiswholesoul,andtolove withhiswholeheart,sothat whenthingsgettough,he’d findthestrengthto overcomethehardshipsand tohelphealhislovedones.
A: Agi’to leans into Yoshiro’s embrace, ready to venture forth supporting each other along the way.
K: That is delightful! I love that! I hope that this love you share continues to be the wind in your sails. So where to next?
A: Agi’to thinks fondly of the places he’s been and the people he’s met The experience has been so hard and yet so wonderful. And being able to experience the world with the people he loves makes it even better He looks at Yoshiro and then to Kipih and replies in a wide gesture with his arms. If he can see everything and do everything with Yoshiro, he would be happy Y: [Yoshi hums in agreement, his gaze unbreaking from Agi.] Yeah, I think we’re of the same mind on that one. As long as we’re together, then every place is special, right? [He pauses before suddenly bursting into laughter, rubbing his neck sheepishly.] But well, seeing Meracydia together would sure be neat! Haha!
TheJournalofJajadute Babaute highlights
a
short story by Docta Diesel
@TheDoctaDiesel on Twitter
Well here I am, my first day in Eorzea. The boat ride felt like it took forever but I guess I’m just not used to such a long trip. That dream I had was real weird though. A giant crystal was talking to me but I gotta admit I tuned most of it out. Something about hearing how I think? They also mentioned me being a warrior of……bite? Tight? I dunno, musta just been something I ate. I ended up in this place called Limsa at first, but dad said I should make my way to Uldah asap to get started. So I took an Airship there the moment I could!....Well…more like I snuck onto it cause I had no money…but I promise to pay them back someday! Past that though I can’t say things have gone exactly as planned as I’m having a hard time talking to people. I guess I’m a little shy about my accent and how different it is from everyone else’s. However there was one bright spark in between the horrible anxiety and homesickness. This nice lady name Momodi saw I was completely lost and offered to give me a small little task to earn some gil. Never actually held a gil piece before, not as nice as Pel if you ask me but nevertheless I said yes without hesitation!
Well I actually just kinda gave her a thumbs up but that gave her a giggle so I guess it worked. I was on my way to deliver it (I got lost several times) when I accidentally bumped into this girl.I frantically apologized several time expecting to get yelled at…but she kinda just went “its fine”. Few! That was a relief for sure. But then she just kinda stood there looking at me. I was getting a little anxious but couldn’t really bring myself to step away. She seemed like she was just as lost as I was but also content? I was about to ask her if she was alright until her stomach suddenly growled. I’ll admit I nearly chuckled but I knew my universal hunger alert was about to go off as well, so I offered to get us some food! She simply nodded and we walked back to the Hourglass together. I ordered us up some steak with a side of veg and while we waited I asked her some questions. She mostly just nodded and give simple answers with not a whole lot of emotion behind it. This is when I realized that…this girl….WAS SO RAD
Despite being lost she’s clearly confident that she’ll get where she needs to go! When asked questions she doesn’t say more than is necessary. Ah man shes great!
Our food came and as she took her first bite I saw it….the shining spark of a small little smile coming from her. It was amazing! The steak was just ok though, I’ve had way better. After we finished I worked up the courage to ask if she wanted to be friends! Before I could even get to explain why being friends with me would be a good idea she simply replied “sure” with that tiny smile once again. I nearly wanted to cry, I’d been running around here all day feeling like I’d made a huge mistake coming here but after all was said and done I’ve made my first friend in Eorzea! And she’s so cool! Momodi is officially my second friend because she waved the price of the meals after I realized I HAD NO GIL. She even loaned us an inn room for the night as long as I promised to make that delivery the next day. Truly the greatest second friend a guy could have. Now here I am at the end of my first day in the foreign land.
PhotobyDoctaDiesel
I truly start my journey tomorrow, come what may I’m gonna do as much good as I possibly can and be a good representative of our people! I’m sure there will be times I’m scared and anxious just like I was today, but I won't let that stop me. I’m gonna make a difference as best I can just like the Dawnservant did for us! And I get to do it all with my new best friend Maizy :D.
Just you wait Mom and Dad, Jay’s gonna make you proud.
AllThat Glitters coverstory
AshimmeringconversationwithRisaMadiaunderastarrysky
When I arrive at Risa’s camp, it is around midnight and the moon is high in the sky The lands all over Thanalan are illuminated, and Risa is as striking as the moonbeams that now glitter across the sands. Risa has a fire and tent set up, clearly enjoying the night air and reading a book She closes the book as I draw near and take a seat with her. The stew she has made is hearty and delicious I lean back into the soft cushions she has place around the campfire and begin to ask her about her companions, traveling, and her future. As her attention was directed back to the endless expanse of star-filled darkness above them, Risa looks up at the constellations, feeling calmed by the shimmering clusters
Kipih: This place is beautiful, I’ve never seen so many stars before, even back home! What do you like most about this place?
R: I guess I grew up in darkness I lived in a cave with houses built into the rock, and we were nocturnal. The endless sea of stars, the blue shade of the desert– it reminds me of home [She sighed as she leaned back into her pack, arms behind her head and legs crossed.] Honestly, I like the quiet. Anyone that knows me probably thinks that's a load of chocobo dung, but it's easy on the ears. Sure, I like talking endlessly with friends! But… it can get kinda overstimulating Plus, the nighttime is way easier on the eyes
Risalooksupatthe constellations,feeling calmedbytheshimmering clusters.
and center in her mind, making her turn a darker shade of red With a goofy smile, Risa played with a piece of h i d i dl kept her eyes glued to the
R: We've been together fo met in the Ul’dah Tha through a mutual friend. I courage to tie the knot.
coverstory|allthatglitters
I'm pretty young and I've never committed to anything that big before, ya know? But haha, she's the best… how could I find someone better than her? W-Well, I don't mean to prattle on! What's your next question?
K: That is very understandable, but I can tell she means so much to you all the same. Tell me more about your adventures with Crith!
R: When it's just Crith and I, we're completely in sync– it doesn't matter which job stones we use, we are always complementary and working together We don't even have to exchange words– not that Crith is much of a talker anyway. She has a warm smile, warmer than the fire before them There was admiration and adoration in her eyes as she reflected on their many adventures and battles.]
R: As far as escapades go… a lot of it is me dragging her around by the arm to check something out, and her having to come to my rescue… heh.” Risa rubbed at her neck, ears drooping as she goofily smiled at the ground Once, I wanted to check out an old temple here in Thanalan. Let's just say that… the people in there were definitely not alive OR welcoming
K: I have also heard the Asterians and the Scions are quite close. What have your adventures been like?
R: Oh, yeah! They're an incredible team of people– although, I'd say the Asterians are much more varied! For one, not all of us are Sharlayan Alumni. We all have a crazy variety of skills! But, still, it's an honor to work with the Scions and be considered a subsection of their collective. [Risa realized she was starting to ramble, her ears laying back in embarrassment, offering a small smile ]
R: Hehe, I guess I got excited– I always enjoy it when people ask about our company As far as our adventures, I'd say we do a lot of the dirty work– fighting difficult enemies, running through ruins and caves for tombstones, a few of us working on crafts together… it may not sound exciting, but everything we do a team is a wonderful memory that I treasure
K: It isn’t always luxurious work but you absolutely treasure it, I can tell! So what is in store for you in the future? Where will your adventures take you next?
[Finally, the last question comes– her future What did she even see for the future…? She was eager to get to this point, where she didn't have to relive every step, as though she were walking in her own footprints as far as places go…] I want to see EVERY corner of this world– Hydaelyn is vast and huge, and I still haven't seen all of it! Before I die, I want to see everything… alongside the friends that mean the world to me.
everythingwedoasa teamisawonderful memorythatItreasure…
Risa smiles warmly, a renewed vigor and liveliness in her eyes– a love for life, a zest for the undiscovered. In her gaze was the adventurous spirit she was known for
R: Thank you for coming, I enjoyed the interview! Sorry I rambled so long– you're free to catch some sleep in my tent. Oh! Here, something for your troubles–Risa offers me some home-made macarons from a plastic bag in her pack. We continue to talk under the stars, but the rest, as they say, is history
PhotosbyHan
PhotosbyHan
Goodnight, OldMan highlights
a short story by Thanna @ThannaHartwynVT on Twitter
The Rising is a time of mourning and remembrance for all of Eorzea. Many were lost that day in Carteneau, and the scars left that day are as deep in the hearts of those left behind as the scars of crystal that dot the landscape. This is as true for Thanna as it is for anyone else
During the weeklong event, we find a merchant peddling his wares in Hawkers Alley His inventory littered with various goods from all across Vylbrand ready to sell to the masses. Business is always good this time of year, many come and peruse his wares for offerings to the dead Flowers, candles, icons of the Twelve, he was prepared; and he was waiting for his best customer. He’s able to pick her out of a crowd easily, her tall stature making her a beacon in the sea of people that loiter in the Aetheryte plaza.
"Right on time" the peddler thinks to himself
The man turns back and finishes selling a lovely necklace of Oschon to a red haired man and his opo-opo companion before turning back to the woman he'd been waiting for Craning his neck up to the Roegaedyn, his eyes meet with the woman who had practically paid for his son's education
"The usual, then?"
Thanna nods, setting down a hefty coin purse down on the couther between them,
"Just a moment "
Ten years they have done this, it was routine at this point. No words needed to be said, but the merchant felt the need to fill the silence anyways It was his nature The merchant places a bottle of wine on the table; wine that has always been a headache to get his hands on, but the feeling of the coin purse in his hands is all the medicine he needed.
"Pleasure as always, Mis chimes as he deposits the not needing to look up woman was already on her
highlights|goodnight,oldman
Fuck you, old man"
A guard in Moraby Drydock stands guard as evening fades into night. His long shift begins to wear on him as he struggles to keep his eyes open, only to jolt to attention as he hears the familiar sound of the Aetheryte spring to life next to him. He fixes his posture as his eyes shoot open, seeing who stood in front of him
The Warrior of Light stood before him, faintly illuminated by the crystal. A soft smile adorns her face, but he could also pick up a deep sadness in her eyes The woman, looking down at a bottle in her hands, suddenly looks over in his direction, meeting his gaze Panicked, the guard averts his eyes and begins to focus on a very interesting wall over to his left. A soft chuckle escapes Thanna as she exits out the south gate, leaving the guard to wallow in his embarrassment.
Thanna finally arrives at Oschon's Torch, a lighthouse at the southern tip of La Noscea As Thanna gazes up at the lighthouse, watching its beacon turn in an endless circle, she lets out a deep sigh. Finding a spot amongst the rocks on the cliff, she takes a seat, uncorking the bottle of Thavnarian wine that she spent far too much money on.
"I really wish you had cheaper taste, you posh bastard."
She takes a swig The sweet and heavily spiced wine burns the back of her throat as if she were swallowing fire. She grimaces, but takes another swig.
A smile creeps across her face as a tear rolls down her cheek.
Jeroct has been dead for 10 years, but she still can't help herself. She still remembers that day. A woman of 24 summers, gazing out at this very horizon, waiting for the man who raised her, trained her, and captained her to return from Carteneau. But he would never come back.
She took another swig
Jeroct was a tough bastard, so she took the news that he was dead very hard She waited at this very spot for a full week, until Merlwyb carried her back home over her shoulder, unconscious and bruised from a "difference of opinions" the two had on the rocks.
She took another swig
She blamed his death on herself for the next few years. "I should have been there. He shouldn't have left me behind Maybe I could have saved him " These thoughts plagued her mind even into her adventuring career, only stopping when she fought against the Dreadwyrm himself and saw firsthand how powerful Bahamut was even at a fraction of his strength. Afterwards, she began to move on, focusing on protecting the people around her, a more about him and his p on. But one thing remaine
highlights|goodnightoldman
She took another swig.
Every year on the anniversary of his death, Thanna would get a bottle of Jeroct's favorite wine, go to this spot, and have a quiet drink alone with her father. After the bottle is emptied, Thanna curls up in her cloak and goes to sleep, warm and drunk, fading into a stupor as she mutters to herself
"Goodnight, old man."
In the morning, when she's groggy and hungover after sleeping on rocks and dirt, Merlwyb comes by and collects the drunken Warrior of Light and drags them back to civilization so she would stop fighting the guards trying to move her.
