Wandering the desert FAR sooner than I should've been, I found a mysterious portal and, being the foolish explorer that I still am, decided to step into it. 

Hystria Ruins. A place I'd heard people speak of with dread and fear. A place I had no business being in. Strange automatons came to life as I took a few steps in, so I ran, but soon they were stomping towards me from every angle. I stopped to fight, but after a couple of hits decided that fleeing was the better option. The labyrinth was the same at every turn - filled with more and more of those mechanoid hunters. At last I stumbled, bloody and exhausted, into a chamber with... people?  

Atui Balacs! The brave and loyal commander from Sand Grain Bazaar! Safety, a familiar face, and the exit - what a great sight to behold! 

Years later, I think back fondly of that first flight through those deadly catacombs, and how glad I was to see her. 

I loved this small backstory you've shared!

Thanks!