Paddra Nsu-Yeul

Snow was falling thickly enough outside that her parents had not suggested that she go and play the day away. If Yeul had been the type of person to be surprised, she might have been, but she wasn't. Instead, Yeul, who knew that they preferred that she stay out of their way, pressed her nose to the window sill and watched the snow fall.

Since that kept them from having to do anything with or about her, they left her to it. They had been leaving her alone more and more often, now that she was two this time around.

They left in short order for work--chocobos needed maintenance no matter the weather--and left her alone in the small house. After a while longer of watching the snow, Yeul felt sleepy and clambered down to doze on the couch.

[NFB! For Caius and Liara, please!]

Today their destination was not ruins, but rather a rough village built of rusting metal and wood. In the distance large monsters could be seen flying.

The village was surrounded by lush plains with tall grass that whipped in the wind and concealed dips in the ground, while rivers made for natural boundaries with few bridges having been built to cross them. The most efficient way to get around the plains was to travel by chocobo.

But avoid the Long Gui, which was clearly visible even at a great distance. No one went near it as it was the largest monster in the world but placid, unless provoked.

[NFB and for them that have been invited. The theme song for The Archylte Steppe is Plains of Eternity.]

In deference to the fact that her friends knew very little about the world of Gran Pulse, Yeul had decided against dropping them in the middle of ruins on the first day.

Instead, she had settled on the seaside town of New Bodhum. Half of the town was built over the sea and the crystallized Cocoon could be seen in the distance.

When night fell, New Bodhum became even more beautiful as the night sky was lit up by Cocoon reflecting moonlight.

There was swimming to be done, or dining in the famous NORA House, a popular café for tourists. Just be careful not to go past the fence, where armed guards stand watch! While New Bodhum itself is safe, past the fence roam monsters.

[NFB and for them that have been invited. The theme music for New Bodhum can be listened to here.]