So here we are then, at the end of your long, long journey. With thoughts, presumably, overflowing in your heart.

I had some thoughts of my own, as it happens. Ones that, however selfishly, I couldn’t bear to see drowned out amid the sea of congratulations. But rest assured, this is, first and foremost, a simple message of thanks, albeit one that I felt __ could not fully express what this has all meant to me.

To some, the notion that watching someone I don’t know play a game I have seen many times over already should inspire such soul-searching is one that might perhaps be deserving of ridicule. Indeed, many times in writing this, I thought myself foolish for even doing so. But it’s only natural that a game that deals with big themes should evoke big feelings; a game whose story teaches us to look to the light within. To take one more step. And, of course, To forge ahead.

My first memory of your journey was of your battle against Shiva, far back towards the tail end of A Realm Reborn, and seeing your unforgettable reaction to this game at its most theatrical, as the boss phase changed and the music shifted from one genre to another… I also remember how the power went out in your treehouse shortly before the battle, and you had to run downstairs to turn it on again. At the time, the thought that I might have any influence on your playthrough could not have been further from my mind. In truth, having my words perceived by others – or worse, read aloud – was still to me at this time a daunting prospect to say the least. But week by week, as my shyness abated, so did my self-confidence grow, and with it the sense that I might be able to be a small part of your experience after all.

How I would daydream about your reactions to shadowbringers…
Not a week has gone by where I did not think of the day we would stand in that field of Elpis flowers, and with elation in our hearts, bid the final curtain fall.

and predictably, all too quickly, it was over

But to say that seeing your tale to a triumphant conclusion has been my singular guiding purpose would be absurd, even tragic. Better then, perhaps, to say that it has felt like the culmination of every Gil, token, or tomestone that I have spent or earned since I started my own journey over a decade ago. Either way, what’s not an exaggeration is to say that, for nearly five years now, one night a week in particular (most weeks, at least) has been one of the great pleasures and one of the great joys of my life as, through you, I relived the sorrows and the triumphs; those tales of loss, and fire, and faith… And, while I don’t like to congratulate myself, I’ll have you know I’ve not missed a single week.

But those ephemeral things I mention seem like a fair price to pay for the things that I have gained in return.

Memories of surprising and bewildering you with a flying bed, and of the pride I felt making for you your now-iconic Red Mage coat. Memories of a nerve-wracking meeting with Wisps for the first time in London. Memories of your delight at seeing your Free Company house transform into the home of your dreams. Memories of a concert enjoyed with friends at Distant Worlds. Memories of our hard-won clashes against a sorcerer of eld, against mankind’s final hope, and against the embodiment of despair. And, who could forget, memories of finally attending a Fan Festival of my very own. These are the gifts that you have given me – not just these memories, but a sense that _ and that my words could have the power to guide. And, for the first time in far too long a time, a feeling that I have found lasting friendships, with people who I can say that I love; In other words, a feeling that my journey had been a good one. That it had been worthwhile.

But it is bittersweet too, for as your tale ends, so does mine. I will watch the journeys of others, of course, but to show someone this life-changing story and to shape their journey with my own words and actions as I have with you is a chance that will never come again. Where others may be moving on to the next adventurer, for me this has been both the very first and the very last time. So to that end, above anything else I could possibly have to say, I want to thank you, for allowing me to be a part of your journey, and for lending me your trust. But I also ask your forgiveness, for it was a journey that was not mine to shape.

Although… I speak as if this is THE end, when we all know that it is not. A new tale is about to begin, with new parts for all to play. Your journey goes on, and you have so much more to see and do – to hear, to feel, and to think. A whole new continent to explore, and all the journeys after that besides (so many spreadsheets to make!). And, inspired by your heroism, you even have some brand new Warriors of Light to call upon, those brave souls who embarked on their own journey just to fight by your side. And I hope that wherever your journey takes you, and whatever the future brings, there will come a time where I can fight by your side again, too.

So I hope you’ll forgive me this moment of selfishness. And while I wouldn’t want you to feel obliged… Promise me you’ll take me on your next adventure. A journey. Together. That’s all I ask.