Birthday/Candace

• Sender: Candace
• Time/Date: 2023-05-03 (During Version 3.6)

Dehya came to the village early in the morning. She brought many presents — clothes, accessories, and face powder, all in a big chest. According to her, trying something new for a change would make one happy. She also brought along members of the Blazing Beasts and offered to patrol around the village for me.

I appreciated her kindness but really didn't want to bother her. She then resorted to mentioning that I was bested in our last pillow fight in a bid to persuade me... Well, Dehya's not one to easily give up, is she?

This special day could be a good opportunity to show off my culinary skills. How about I make something delicious for everyone in the village?

I'd be more than happy if you could join us.

But I understand how treacherous the trip into the desert could be, so don't push yourself if you're currently somewhere far away. We can always meet on another day.

I'm always here in the village.

• Sender: Candace
• Time/Date: 2024-05-02 (During Version 4.6)

Not long ago, a traveling merchant from afar set up camp near Aaru Village to sell rare gems and jewelry. Having confirmed their honest intentions, I should have politely declined their various recommendations and simply left right away...

But, when the maroon light of the augite caught my eye, I couldn't help but recall the legends my grandfather once told me as a child...

Today, the fires of war have been buried by the drifting sands, and the long-suffering desert folk have finally begun to lead stable, peaceful lives.

If you would like to hear more, please visit me in the village. Let these beautiful stones be my witness; through them, I will tell you the stories of what once was in this desert.

• Sender: Candace
• Time/Date: 2025-05-03 (During Version 5.5)

In the desert, we make candy from the finest Ajilenakh Nuts and offer them as gifts. Uncle Anpu says the nuts are growing especially well this year, so I've already set aside the largest and juiciest ones for the cherished guests of Aaru Village.

At dawn, the bells of caravan Sumpter Beasts chime gently, scholars weave through the village clutching scrolls, and children's bright voices trade tales of wonders beyond the Wall of Samiel... The growing bonds between Aaru Village and the rainforest trace back to what you did here.

If you are ever tired from your journey, why not return to Aaru Village and rest awhile? We may not have festive bonfires, but I promise you protection and restful nights.

For you, Aaru Village's doors are always open.

• Sender: Candace
• Time/Date: 2026-05-03 (During Version "Luna VI")

Several children from Aaru Village were accepted into the Akademiya a few days ago. The whole village was overjoyed. We held a grand feast for them, and the celebration went on late into the night.

The children, most of all, were too excited to rest. Even after the banquet ended, they returned to their room and kept speaking of the days to come. As they packed their bags, they wondered what they might study at the Akademiya and what they might see there... They talked like that all night long. When I went to see them in the morning, I found them sleeping soundly, scattered across their beds as only children can be.

I covered them with their blankets, and finished packing the things they had left undone. In a few days, they will depart with the caravan for the Akademiya and begin their journey in search of knowledge.

At long last, the children of Aaru Village can freely pursue the futures they desire.

To me, this may be the finest birthday gift of all.