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It seems that Thanalan has a place called Little Ala Mhigo, where refugees "live" after escaping the Empire's clutches.
When Chuchuto first told me that that was where we were headed, I felt my excitement nearly bubble over. It was my 30th birthday, and though I deeply missed the comforts of home, perhaps I could find something similar in this place. I thought maybe this place would be a bustling city just like Ul'dah, if somewhat smaller. I thought maybe my people had built a better life for themselves.
I was so incredibly wrong.
Little Ala Mhigo is nothing more than a tiny settlement, filled with refugees who have lost the will to do nothing more than survive. It appears that for all the wealth that Ul'dah has, none of it could be spared to improve the lives of such few folk. It makes me sick.
I couldn't even greet Chuchuto first when I arrived. I felt compelled to visit its inhabitants, speaking to each one of them in turn. They all told me much the same thing, that they had left Ala Mhigo when the Empire struck, that they had a desire to return and take it back. But each one of them said these things with no fire, no gumption, that it was hard to believe they had dreamt it at all.
And now I feel conflicted. These people have - or did have - the same dream that I do now. What do I possess that will spare me their fate? What difference can I make, if none of them could? I don't have the ears of the wealthy nor the attention of those in power. I'm a nobody in this place, whose name is only known to those within the Pugilist's guild.
The weight of this possible reality fell upon me as though someone had poured ice cold water onto my naked body. I couldn't help but fall to my knees and sob. I missed my mother, my father, my home - everything the Empire had taken from me. I felt so powerless in that moment.
I still feel powerless now, if I'm honest. But like Chuchuto said, I can't give up when I've just started.
So despite feeling so defeated, I've resolved to continue my training. I will experience more trials such as this and I have no choice but to face them when they come. There are no other options.
Besides, I made a promise to my mom and I intend to keep it.