How I met my shifu

Recently, my guild went on a trade run trip to Freedich Island. It had been a long time since I've gone there for trading! To me, overseas trade runs are full of excitement and memories. So, I'm going to use it to tell my story today!

Remember I mentioned about my two best friends in Haranya, Vel and Finny? Well, if Silent Forest was the place I got to see Vel's true colour, then Mahadevi was where I first really got to know Finny better! 

I didn't really have many pictures of that first journey, because I was so anxious that we might meet pirates! Nontheless, I hope you will enjoy this story because I've thought for so long about how I'll tell it. Here goes!

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It happened last year, several weeks since I joined my new guild,.

Life in a big, active guild was exciting and full of activities. Soon it was time for me to experience a big overseas trade run for the first time. "Bring your packs to Solis where we will load up the schooners. See you there!" the raid leader instructed.

Later that day, I stood at the crafting station with fruits in hand. It must've been a strange sight for a Firran to be carrying so much healthy food. I stood staring at the crafting station, wondering how I was going to bring five trade packs across cities to the shores.

Suddenly, an archer with gravity defying hair came into view.

"Hello. Come, make your packs and load them in my hauler." 

To my surprise, it was the stern looking Finny who had come to my aid. I thanked him and quickly did as I was told.

"Anyway, I came to help you because you needed help, not because you're a girl, and not because I want anything in return. Understood?"

"Orh." 

I was surprised and relieved at the same time by how direct Finny was. You always knew where you stand with him. Somehow, that really put me at ease! After loading the last pack on the hauler, I hopped on the crates and sat.

As we rolled off, Finny started talking to me and asked me how I was doing in the guild so far. I listened to him quietly, and only spoke when a question was asked. After a while, he paused.

"You have been very quiet. Was there something you wanted to say?"

"Oh .. no, not at all! I was listening to you. Really!"

I must've sounded a bit sheepish, because he then turned around and peered at me.

"Why do you sound so nervous? Am I that scary?"

"... N-No! I wasn't scared of you, really! And I just didn't want to interrupt you..."

"No need to be so stressed out. Just be yourself with me, I'm ok with it."

"Orh."

"And if you ever have something that you wish to say, don't be afraid to speak up. Don't keep things to yourself. Do you understand?"

"Yes." I responded with seriousness.

"And don't hesitate to ask for help."

"Orh." 

As we talked, I realised that even though Finny sometimes seemed a bit impatient and looked really stern, he was actually pretty nice. Soon, the view of bright blue sky and ocean unfolded ahead of us. As I sat admiring the sight, I felt quite happy all of a sudden. 

"Thanks, Finny."

"You're welcomed."