To Each Their Own

Life in this world is a continual process of hellos and goodbyes.

We all have our priorities and objectives. Some look for companions to hone their skills with, while others seek to peddle the wares that they have worked hard to create--and then there are those who simply wish to meet and talk with friends. As I sat reading on a bench in Jeuno, I heard dozens of such encounters take place around me, and then a phrase in the book I was reading jumped out at me:

"To each their own."

It was a very familiar phrase. Had I read it in some other book, or had some person said this to me in the past? I could not remember.

As I proceeded to the next page, I found the following passage:

"I am only able to see life through my own perspective. Other people with other lives may see something completely different when they look out into the world."

Perhaps we cannot see the world through other people's eyes, but we can try to understand. I decided to ask people of interest to me how they spend their days, and how they interact with others.

A treasure hunter that I found roaming in the desert gave me the following answers:

Q: What do you find to be the most important thing for everyday life in Vana'diel, and interacting with others? A: Work, for the most part. For me it's going out and exploring various regions, then returning to my room. It's routine, but it's important to maintain some continuity in your life.

Q: Have you met any people who you would like to have a...closer relationship with? A: Yeah, lots. I am a guy, after all.

Q: If you did find that special someone, and you decided to go on a trip together, where would you go, and what would you do? A: I'd go back to Windurst. It's beautiful there, and being in your hometown kind of puts your heart at ease. If I had someone with me...? We'd probably just go for a walk. There's a lot of pretty sights to see wherever you go.

Q: How do you interact with your linkshell members? A: Hmm, usually it's just casual banter. It's important to share information, no matter how trivial it may be. I suppose if something is going on near an exploration site of mine, I'll go and help out.

These answers may seem rather standard to some, but you can always find subtle differences in how people view the world.

Next, I posed similar questions to a mild-mannered black mage who also happened to be a personal acquaintance of mine.

Q: What do you find to be the most important thing for everyday life in Vana'diel, and interacting with others? A: I try not to lie to people. It really hurts people, and really does no good for you in the end. What do I do for money? I trade in Mhaura and take little jobs from my home nation.

Q: Have you met any people that you would like to have a... closer relationship with? A: That's... private.

Q: If you did find that special someone, and you decided to go on a trip together, where would you go, and what would you do? A: If it's someone I want to be with, the place itself isn't all that important.

Q: Is there any place you like to go for relaxation and peace of mind? A: The Great Star Tree, I suppose. I go to Windurst a lot these days, and whenever I'm in Windurst Walls, I just kind of like to look up at it once in a while... It's really beautiful.

Although he seemed a little embarrassed, the black mage answered my questions thoughtfully. I myself was a little embarrassed to "interview" a friend of mine, but this day turned out to be an education in how people around me live and view the world.

As I write down the day's events in my log, I prepare myself for bed.

Until next time, pleasant dreams, everyone.