Memoirs of Adventure Creative Writing Contest (NA) - Official Entry Thread

[SilmeriaBles]

Hey. How many years has it been since I last saw you? Too many, if you ask me.

I found your letter, by the way. I keep it with me always. When I don't have the strength to go on, when I doubt myself, I read it. When I'm happy, when the relief rushes in after battle, I read it then, too. I never would have made it this far without you. So now it's my turn to write you a letter. I have so much to tell you about! I've made a lot of new friends (and enemies, of course, you know me), reunited with old ones... But where do I even begin?

I've almost led enough uprisings that I have to count them on both hands. I'm in a whole other world! That's not even the most outlandish thing to happen - would you believe me if I said Urianger knelt before me? I was so shocked! It was sweet of him, even if he didn't need to. After all, everyone is just trying to do their best; are we not all deserving of love? Not that I'll ever let him forget about it, mind you! I certainly won't be forgetting. I'm also learning to rely on them more, in no small part thanks to being bullied into it by one of my new allies. Me! Bullied into something! It will make for a great tale, I think. One of those children's tales with a moral at the end of the story. "Your friends want to help you, you don't have to do it all alone." Do you really think I was like that...? Is that why you always came to my rescue so recklessly?

Speaking of tales, did you know I keep little mementos of every journey? A helmet, an axe, a hairpin, a crystal, a mask... And many more! My room is getting awfully cluttered, but it's so hard to let go of the ones I once loved. My heart aches every day with how much I miss them. How much I miss you. Even so, I will keep walking forward, your shield ever at my side. Knowing that you believe in me, that my friends believe in me, keeps me going. Even if whatever world I'm in starts to fall apart around me, even if I start to fall apart, I will keep fighting to protect our precious memories.

You'll always be my hero. May this letter reach you across the aetherial sea.
- Hope Incarnate



(Noble barding, please!)

[reimuna]

Scritch, scritch, scritch...

Let’s see...it’s been about 5 years since we started this journey together, hasn’t it?

I still remember when you dashed from Uldah to Gridania by foot, just in time to save help me from a careless misstep a calculated fight with a monster. Completely on purpose, not on accident, perish the thought.

It’s been quite a while since then and I’d like to think we’ve grown. We’ve had trials and hardships since then but we made so many good friends too.


The writer pauses, tapping the feather against her chin, a thoughtful look reflected in her eyes. She stretches for a moment, then bends back over, her pen scratching across the parchment once again.


I think, if I had to choose from my fondest memories, like when we gathered up a large group of people in Limsa Lominsa to just dance for hours on end or when we bought our free company a house for the first time…


The writer smiles wryly to herself, remembering how hard they worked to grab that house for their own. Someone had likened it to a bloodbath to which she would wholeheartedly agree.


I think...it would be the quieter moments. The quiet moments where we sat together to take in the atmosphere and just talk like when we traveled to the First and sat together in Il Mheg and in a wholly new world. Despite the situation we were in, it felt like old times, just you and me on our adventure. I even managed to wrangle an impression of us there from the pixies and included it in this message.




She laughs to herself at her choice of words. ‘Included it in this message?’ That sounded so official and...ridiculous. While she’s half tempted to scratch it out, she's already scratched out part of her letter and so she instead just shrugs a little at her choice of words and continues to write.


See? Just the two of us sitting there, taking a break from our adventures. I don’t know how the Pixies managed such a feat but I’m glad. Now I have a memory in my hand and now...you do too.

From here on out, no matter where we might go, may it be together, to create many more happy memories like this.

…Though, I probably should have chosen a different medium than the guestbook in your house…

With love,

Ciel

(Edit: I would like the noble barding please, if I win!)

[RomildaRayne]

I’ve never been so good with letters, so I had my friend help me put this together.

You remember how it was, when we were kids? Days when we was each other’s only mate, roughhousing in the cavern or racing in the hot desert sun. Always wanted to beat you at sommat. Never could, though—I was just your kid sister, always trailing behind. I was happy anyroad. I’d be right as long as I could follow your back.

And it was the same way when we finally met up again. Every place you wrote about, I went to see with my own eyes. I wish I could’ve told you more about it. About people I met, or battles I fought.

Could’ve learnt more about what you were up to as well. Can’t imagine how much amazing stuff you saw. My brother, a Warrior of Light, and you even got the same visions I did. Following your back like always, I guess. You and me fighting side by side, turning back the tide at Velodyna, it was like a dream.

And then the tower fell and woke me up.



Can’t tell you how much time I spent crying. We’d just got back together, Richard. You were the only family I had left! I know life’s never been fair to us, but this time I can’t accept it. Spent five bleeding years never once giving up hope you’d turn up. Even when people said you were just another lost in the Calamity, I told them they were wrong every single time.

So how come I can’t just be the one who’s wrong this time? When it happened, I was wishing, hoping you’d turn up again. That maybe you got put in a rift again and you’d show up in five years. But I know that won’t happen this time. They found your body this time.

Sometimes, I thought to myself, if you were the Warrior of Light, maybe things would be different. Maybe you’d still be fighting, off on some distant battlefield but alive and safe. You know, he’s a hero to the Resistance, and to me as well, but he’s not my hero.

My hero made me dinner when da was too busy. My hero played with me when I was lonely. My hero stuck up for me when I got picked on. My hero told the best worst jokes and was the only person I knew who could eat more than I could.

I’m still wearing the armor you gave me, and I took up your gloves, too. They’re a bit big, but I’ll get used to them.



I’m not writing to ask you why. I won’t keep crying, and I don’t want you to worry over me anymore. I just need you to know that I saw it to the end, to the gates of Ala Mhigo. We won, Richie. We finally won! And I may not know where my journey’s going next, but I’ll keep you with me and make my own path.

On my hands. In my heart.

I won’t walk alone,

A Sister of the Fist

(Thank you for reading! If chosen, I'd like Noble Barding for my alt, Valerie Voss on Mateus)

[AlessiaIbryiil]

Early on, my heart was as cold as an unlit hearth in the middle of a Coerthan winter.

Maybe that’s too overdramatic?

I still think upon what happened to the Scions and I in Ul’dah – the betrayal we didn’t expect, the losses I couldn’t come to terms with… It happened so long ago now, but some days when I remember, I feel as though I’m reliving the whole thing.

I remember trudging through the wind and snow, away from the place I’d spent the last few years of my life and had grown to know as home, to find refuge in a place that I had thought was unwelcoming to adventurers such as myself.

Spurned and looked down upon by those that had once called me “hero”, I felt my mind clouded with dark thoughts.

I remember finally arriving, chilled to the bone, when the atmosphere suddenly shifted.

I was surrounded by warmth.

Given comfort and safety when I felt the entire world was out to get me.

A place where I was known not as “hero” nor “champion”, but as “friend”.

The cold hearth was lit.

I learned a few things during my time in Dragonhead: one was that hot chocolate is a drink that warms the body and the soul, and another was that there is always good in this world, no matter how bad it may seem.

I don’t think I ever truly thanked you for the hospitality that you offered to my comrades and I… but I hope you know how grateful I truly am.

- Your Warrior and Friend



[Noble barding, please! <3 ]

[CGRelia]

Until I met you, the path was ever clear.

I left the mountains to find purpose, and in time, Hydaelyn laid bare my path--in step with my noble friends, the Scions. Though sometimes we erred in judgement, our purpose remained a straight road.

The world we wanted was worth fighting for. There was no risk in waiting. We stood only to lose if we did not act. Even when it cost some of us everything, we knew it worth everything. Because if we did not push forward, it would all end.

So we found the courage to press on. We had no other choice.

But then we came to the First. And we met you.

I thought you would be like the rest...

And then you saved her. And it seemed to me almost like you cared, despite your quips about proving yourself trustworthy.

So much happened after that. You taught us things you did not need us to know. You did it because you wanted us to know. And when you spoke of what you had lost, the sadness in your eyes was something you didn't care to hide.

It haunted me.

I have looked into the eyes of voidsent and seen wicked intent. I have weathered the burning gazes of hateful dragons and ardent primals. I have seen my fears reflected in the soulless lenses of technological terrors. I have seen the mindless madness of selfish traitors, heartless murderers, and self-styled gods. I have returned the singular tenacity in the stare of those empty blue eyes from that one who existed only to struggle and kill.

When I remember these moments, I do not remember doubt. Overcoming each foe, however painful, was something I fully believed was right.

You were different. For once, I could not fight without doubt. Once I understood what you lost and why you fought, how could I? Who would not hesitate before bearing the terrible burden of taking away your last hope?

That doubt ate at me. The light itself may have been too much to bear, but I wonder how much of the burden was compounded by the weight I felt in being the one who would end all your triumphs, all your hopes... All your despair.

In hindsight, I know there was no other way. I respected that about you. You made your choice. We made ours. Our dreams could not both come to pass. Someone's time had to end.

You were so burdened by your countless eons. That memory of your friend told me as much, but he only confirmed what I already felt.

Maybe that's why I felt like you smiled at the end: because you knew you could rest at last, freed of an unimaginable burden. We had proven to be your equals at last, just after you had given up hope in us.

And what you asked me to do... Well, that's why I'm writing this. I haven't forgotten. If there's any memory I need to preserve, it is the one I promised you I would remember.

I remember that you lived.

-Relia

(Scarf of Wondrous Wit, should I be so fortunate.)

[MikatoKai]

“Do you like this world?” he asks as I lower my bow, the music of the Primal fight echoing in my ears as it fades to the wind, and the glitter in the air dances to a halt.

It takes me a moment to calm my racing heartbeat and catch my breath, but the adrenaline and the smile on my face speaks for itself. I pause and look toward the sky painted with the reds and oranges of sunset. “Yes.” I nod. “Yes. I love this world. I would do anything to protect it, but most of all, I love the people within. This place is special, precious, and so I wish to remain in it as long as possible.”

He smiles at that, a silly look that is still in character, and extends his hand. I tilt my head, eyes widening. “Then, would you like to explore more? There’s realms away, and you still have yet only taken your first step.”

My brows furrow as I glance toward the gate-like mess of thorny trees. More? What more could there be beyond the Moggle fight? The ultimate test of one’s skill? I look back, the glitter in the air shimmering with the light of sunset. “There’s still more?”

“Of course,” he almost laughs. “Much more. The adventures get difficult, the pressures become steep, but the excitement, the journey, makes it all worth it.” He places a key into the palm of my extended hand and presses the fingers shut. “We’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready. But for now, enjoy your time in Eorzea.”

I find a smile coming to my lips, replacing the previous confusion, and open my hand. The key is black, smooth, and adorned with vines and tangles of leaves. “Yes. I’ll be sure to become strong, fight many more enemies like this, and save the world three times over. And when I’m done with that,” I add, looking back to him, “I’ll meet up with you again. I swear on it.”

He nods his head, and I turn back to gaze at the brightly-lit forest, the songs of the Moggle king fading in the distance. “Yes. I believe in you.”

((bluebird earrings please))

[Zebrablanket]

I’ve loved video games most of my life. For a long time I’ve had to deal with people looking down on them, acting like I’m just wasting my life by playing them. To me, Final Fantasy XIV was proof they were wrong. The story fundamentally changed me, Heavensward and Shadowbringers in particular. It’s a game that really makes one rethink their outlook on life as a whole. And so the most beautiful memories have always been sharing that experience.

I went through with my friends, and the best moments were always with them. Sometimes we went through things together, and yelled and cried at the same time. Other times one person was ahead, but sat there waiting for the moment they knew was coming. I remember sitting there with the most evil grin on my face, trying not to laugh as yet another friend finished the Vault because I knew. Worrisome moments were made more worrisome by friends who were ahead of me dropping hints that something bad was going to happen (even if nothing did and they were just messing with me).

It was that much more amazing having people to laugh and cry with.

People who will discuss with me for hours on end.
(I tried telling my mom about the story once, I’m fairly sure she didn’t understand a word of it.)

People who will share stupid moments with me.
There was one time in Praetorium we tried to take pictures with Gaius and it ended with someone pulling him by accident. He ran forward in gpose, and I ended up with a picture of him about to behead my alt.


Even now, watching a couple of new people reach Heavensward, I can’t wait to share their adventure with them. It’s going to be crazy, and it’s going to be beautiful.

The Warrior of Light should never walk alone. I have some of the greatest friends to share my adventure with, and I’ve never been more thankful to have them both in the game and in my life. The best memories are those we share. And there will be many more to come.

[Zebrablanket]

(oops forgot, prize choice would be noble barding)

[InkstainedGwyn]

Three years ago I first set foot in Eorzea, a land that was, at the time, strange to me. I remember my first wide-eyed steps into the busy streets of Ul’dah; I remember being lost in the endless sands of Thanalan, the fathomless forests of Gridania, the bustling quays of La Noscea.

But then I met someone, a fellow adventurer who had been down the path I was walking, and who was kind enough to stop and lend a hand. They showed me my way around, helped me get started in my own adventuring career, even introduced me to their companions, of whose number I was glad to join.

I remember the rush of adrenaline as a group of us stood atop the Crystal Tower, looking at the throne we had just wrested from Xande’s grasp. I remember the thrill as we boarded the Void Ark, and the desperation as we faced the High Seraph in the depths of the Necrohol of Mullonde, knowing that one false step could lead to untold death and destruction.

Together, we fought primals and dragons, pirates and ghosts, fiendish creatures and Imperial menaces. Together, we forged forward, exploring new lands, new cultures, and even entire new worlds. Together, we conquered sea and sky, and nothing between them could hold us back. Although we were not without failures or losses, always we prevailed.

And there were good times amongst the fateful and desperate ones. I remember our awe as we looked out at the glorious sunset of the Sea of Clouds. I remember the flickering lanterns and myriad delicacies of the Ten Thousand Stalls as we tasted the first fruits of the Domans’ efforts to rebuild their home. I remember the glittering halls and untold treasures of the Lost Canals of Uznair. I remember the thrill of the Great Hunt, as four of us faced down - and tamed - one of the mightiest creatures in Eorzea’s history.

But the most important memory I have of my time in this land is of meeting you, my friend. Thank you, partner, for always being by my side.

-letter from Souji Hanamura to Allie Svent, adventurers extraordinaire

(Bluebird Earring)

[KaoruTakaida]

To whomever shall lay eyes upon this letter,
thank you. Knowing someone is reading this warms my heart, although, one would say I\\'ve the type of heart that would be moved by anything. Growing up in Sharlayan, we were taught to remain neutral, untouched, unmoved by conflict. "To preserve our way of life and protect the knowledge we harbor." Or so, Master Leveilleur would tell us.
Although, it was clear from the beginning that his children would do much and more than that. Oh, how they idolized Master Louisoix. He knew they would grow to great heights. Not in stature, surely. But in maturity and character. Their need to protect not only Eorzea, but this very star drives them. Mistress Alisaie, ever the driven, hot headed, and passionate young lady. And Master Alphinaud, the calm and collected prodigious young lad.
Tis been such an honor to grow with these two fine Elezen. To see them both struggle, and persevere. To make mistakes, and learn from them. To disagree, only to find out that they both were more alike than just in appearances. I shall never forget the day I thought I would lose them both. Being the first of is Scions to stand their ground against a being worlds apart from them in both skill and power.
The first to attack the Ascian, as we all lay weakened on the ground, was Alisaie. All of her rage, passion, and desperation thrust into one initial strike. Through my pain, her words or inspiration and determination moved my heart. Twas then, Emet-Selch struck her down in a single blow. And my heart hurt as she lay unmoving.
Her ever protective twin brother rushed over to shield her. He was staring the end of everything he knew straight in the eyes. And unwaveringly, he proclaimed humanity\\'s existence and it\\'s ability to thrive no matter the circumstance. But once again, a simple attack rendered him defeated. I could not help but fear that my life was ending as I saw the two, Alphinaud\\'s limp body shielding his unconscious sister from the last attack.
But as I remembered every tribulation, every victory, every loss, every single time the three of us have grown together, I found myself staggering to my feet. And watching them later when I had thought them lost, standing together and against all odds to save not just our world, but one from where we do not hail, I could not help but scoff at the ideals in which we were raised.
They call me the Warrior of Light. Their Champion. Their Hero. But to me... They will always be my heroes... My Warriors of Light.
To whomever may lay eyes on this letter, I beseech you:
Live your life with compassion and love, just as they do. Knowing you will gives me hope.

A certain Sharlayan Bard

(Noble boarding please♡)
Kaoru Takaida (Diabolos)