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

[Sejit]

It’s easy to feel alone among all these people, isn’t it? Well, maybe not for whoever finds this! But…

We see countless individuals as we go through our journey, yet how often do we breathe a word to them? Or, if we do, how often are they complaints? It’s easy to get wrapped up in ourselves. Easy to forget some adventurers may be striking it out on their own.

Sometimes by choice, sometimes not.

A few kind words, a tiny conversation, can be all it takes to brighten someone’s day, to let them know they have allies to call upon should the need arrive.

So often do we forget there’s more to adventuring than chasing down the next foe. Who knows what possibilities that soul aiding your endeavor to topple the master of some dark place holds? Hidden away in plain sight, a whole community of adventurers who enjoy conversing for its own sake during the downtime, building friendships.

A possible key to opportunities to find that missing something. Or be found. A tiny conversation struck, coaxing someone out. A vast world opened. A ceremony of eternal bonding. It won’t happen for everyone, sad as it is to say. But if you never try, how will you ever know?

And by chance should they depart, aren’t we better for it in the end?

I’ll never stop trying to share that joy, never stop trying to brighten someone’s journey. It’s what they would have wanted, would have done.

Won’t you do the same?

Yours in friendship,
A Weathered Wanderer.

(Scarf of Wondrous Wit)

[Sinestra_Domini]

Greetings fellow adventurers,

We all are aware of the warriors of light, heroes and adventurers who risk all to protect the people of Eorzea. While each world has a warrior of light, Hyperion has two. They are two halves of the same crystal shard, Miqo’te twins birthed to share a journey together. Sinestra Domini and Dextera Domini began their journey before the calamity and have endured the challenges of primals, Ascians, and monsters alike to bring balance and peace to the realms.

The most significant adventure these two have undertaken was their ceremony of eternal bonding. On January 24th 2015 Sinestra and Dextera were married in the Ivory Chapel in front of friends and family. Each prepared their own vow. Sinestra’s is below.

I will be Dextera’s sword.
I will be at Dextera’s side, defending her from harm’s edge, and repelling her foes, always.

Since that day, these two adventurers have weathered many challenges and also shared great joy. They formed a free company named Unity to give a home to friends and family and provide a safe haven for all. What is to come in the future is unknown, but what is for certain is that they will be at each other’s side for always.





Sinestra Domini
Hyperion Server
Bluebird Earring (To match Dextera. <3)

[Ariah_Igarashi]

To whomever this letter finds, pray glance upon my words for just a moment.
Years, it has been, since I had set out on my journey. The inexperienced young soul that I was, I took jobs where I could, whether they be fetch quests or hunting jobs I snatched up every opportunity. The Gil was decent, but I craved adventure, traveling, meeting new people. Made some friends along the way. Some went, others stayed by my side of which I am grateful. The more I ventured, the more I knew of the world and its people, and the deeper I seemed to get into deep shit, if you'll pardon my language. From fending off Ixali soldiers to protect Everschade, to crippling the Garlean Empire, to help push on a rebellion, to traveling through time and space itself to another world entirely- my life has been all but dull. And yet…
All that I have done, all that I have accomplished seems to barely hold a candle in comparison to what had transpired but a month ago. I'll spare you most of the details, reader, and tell you in short as best I can: risking life and limb, my companions and I fought to protect this strange world from an infectious Light that threatened to kill all that it touched. It was believed that I was the only one to banish the Light and save the realm, however this was not so. With my life hanging by a thread, a dear friend attempted to take on my deadly burden of Light. Yet, while he did so, he was shot down and taken from us by a twisted, ancient soul, Emet-Selch, an Ascian. At the depths of the Tempest ocean, he had gone into hiding. The Ascian city of old that laid dormant on the seabed acted as his hideaway. By this point, the Ascian knew that nothing would stop me from saving my friend. And so, a battle ensued. He showed me visions of his past, a doomsday event that shook their world, breaking it into several pieces before proceeding to face me head on. Oh, what a mighty battle it was. One that I shall never forget. As we clashed, I could feel the world shake and hear the heavens sing. However, without the help of a ghostly Warrior of the past, I surely would have fallen. That Warrior somehow dispelled the plaguing Light that had grown within me, and gave me the strength to tear down Emet-Selch once and for all. Hand in hand, we dealt the final blow together. But nothing has filled my heart with such joy as to what I saw next.
The friend that the Ascian had taken, stood alive. Wounded, but alive. That moment triumphs over every achievement gained and tribulation endured. Those that have traveled and fought as I have, know too well the pain of losing those close to you. Seeing him well enough and breathing is, by far, the best moment of all of my adventures. Knowing that he yet lives is enough to put my soul at ease. If you have made it this far into my letter, I thank you, kind reader, for taking the time to do so. Mayhaps we shall meet some day.

Until then,
A weary, but thankful adventurer.
(Prize:Gaelicap)

[Dalien]

I’m not much of a writer, but with all that’s happened, this long journey I’ve been on, might be worth it to put a few words down. Seems fitting to do it here, beneath a garden I helped plant, behind walls I helped build. Doma may not be my home, but I find peace in seeing it flourish once more all the same. The Enclave has thrived since we started, and nothing beats seeing markets and buildings where there were once ruins, seeing joy where there was once fear. I don’t think I’ll ever forget when we finished, the smiles, the tears, it reminded me of why I started this journey. Helping people, to rebuild, to be free, Ala Mhigo, Doma, the people of Eorzea and far beyond, that is where I find my greatest pride. All I ever wanted to do was help people, and I have, but when the fighting gets to be too much, it's nice to sit down and make something. I’ve always been most comfortable with a saw in one hand and a hammer in the other, making things, things that will linger long after I’m gone. In the end I suppose that’s all I’m doing, and will continue to do, making sure there’s a future out there, one crafted from the ties of camaraderie as much as wood and stone.

No matter how long, or dark, or bright this journey gets, I will continue to look to the horizon. For those we have lost, for those we can yet save.

I wonder what I might build next.

With all the hope I can give,
A simple carpenter.

(Chosen Prize: Bluebird Earring)

[LynMars]

It wasn’t until much later that I realized how low things were for me about two years ago. Times were rough, but when aren’t they? A good friend of mine told me to speak to Wymond in Ul’dah, about a lead on a young lady needing assistance. So my friend and I went to the lichyard in Thanalan, where this young woman was mourning her lost colleague, but determined to carry on his work.

This was an uncommon venture from the start, the Echo showing events from the girl’s past--and a hint her colleague may still be alive. So my friend and I went along to investigate the strange undead of the region, until we found their leader--a man not quite dead, as it turned out.

Bombs are no joking matter, yet something about the manic smile that slowly spread on the girl’s face as she drew them out to jog his memory threw me into paroxysms of laughter. I couldn't stop. My friend was giggling because I was laughing; he had known what was coming the entire time.

That was my introduction to Hildibrand Manderville and his...unique way of coming at the world, with inextinguishable optimism and joy. And quite a lot of bumbling and fumbling, across Thanalan and even into La Noscea, my friend and I racing along on their whirlwind ride. I could see why the intrepid reporter and Ishgardian inspector were frustrated and confounded at every turn by Hildibrand’s buffoonery.

Yet, as the stakes suddenly turned from silly to realm-threatening, I noticed something. Along the way, everyone Hildibrand met and interacted with was left...better for the experience. From the wealthy mother and daughter, to the struggling Coliseum fighter, to the heiress taking charge of her own life; even the Ishgardian inspector, and the villains of the story.

And I hadn’t laughed like that in a long time, or felt such simple joy in a “side story” after all the drama of main events--or my personal life. I’m not sure my friend knew how much I needed to meet Hildibrand; I didn’t realize it myself at the time. I’m grateful now for the introduction, though.

Now we seek seek out the inspector whenever we go to a new place, eagerly awaiting the next step in the current investigation. Noting who is left better for the experience of just being helped by a kind, goofy fool of a man, and the healing laughter that follows in his wake (after the sighs of frustration and disbelief).

Until we meet again, Inspector. I’m sure you’ll be along when we need you.

(Selection: Noble Barding)

[Amarante]

This story is told from the scatter brained Dexy cat's point of view, reading "squirrel" in a high pitch voice.

Eorzea's Limsa Lominsa is the Grand Company home of Dextera and Sinestra Domini with lots of pirate treasure and plenty of fish to eat, a miqo'te can get a lot of cat naps here with waves that lull you to sleep.

I am Dextera Domini (squirrel) who studied Culinarian to 50 first, with a side job of Paladin at 30. Sinestra Domini took all her main jobs to 50... Sin's time management is amazing!

Sin is my miqo'te twin, that is addicted to fantasia potions, and I can't keep up with Sin's addiction to potions. I recognize every form Sinestra becomes. Sin loves to do crazy things like max rank in all Grand Companies so she can choose which nation as she pleases. (When doing so remember to spend all your GC seals before changing Companies.)

Dex liked to dress up her Paladin like a Culinarian with a knife and cutting board, dicing up her foes.

Sin always teases Dexy, to make her make her laugh and get embarrassed, then an imaginary (squirrel) pan appears, and /em bops Sinestra Domini on the head!

In the early days of A Realm Reborn, while everyone was doing their quests to be the best at their main jobs. Here I am, at the Culinarian guild, taking my (squirrely) time to level up my craft. A nice player in my FC gave me all the food they horded from the past, and they were happy to give it to someone who could use it. I was so thankful!

There was one ingredient I was never able to use. This ingredient looked extremely plump, but there was no way to cook it. I scoured the libraries for answers, nothing. What makes this mystery meat so interesting that I can't cook it?!

I wanted to cook a Pudgy Puk.


Stay tuned for next time, Dexy rushes to a treasure chest and opens it... with her CUL crafting job?!











Name: Dextera Domini
Server: Hyperion
Prize: Gaelicap

[DaturaV]

My mentor, my friend:

Do you remember the day we rid the world of King Thordan and his horrendous Knights of the Round?

I do. In fact, I remember what happened so well that there are days where I find myself throwing the codex and soul crystal I own against my chamber walls. I recall the sharp pains against my legs from Charibert’s fire and ice, as well as the bloody bruises and black eyes our fellow Tanks sustained from Adelphel and Janlenoux. I remember I was often slow to cast the barriers on our team, and I often felt that we failed so often because of me.

It was because of these shortcomings of mine, that I felt the need to abandon our friends in order to walk my own path to grow stronger. I challenged his kin again and again, each time with different adventurers that had come from different walks of life. I had to remind myself to stand tall. Cast Adloquium when the time was right. Command Eos and Selene to work their magic. I always shook when I had to pluck my teammates from certain death. I had to stop Zephirin’s spears, I had to mitigate Thordan’s swings. I had to do this, because I felt that if I did not I couldn’t prove my worth and bring myself to face you again.

… And yet, I got carried away. I was overzealous. All of these adventurers fell, and – unfortunately – it was all my fault.

When I ran home crying to you, I was so afraid that you wouldn’t take me with you again. Yet, you were not bothered. You simply grabbed my hand, picked me up off the floor, and took me to where our entire team stood. You treated me with such kindness, and gave me so many words of encouragement that I couldn’t help but face the tyrannical king with you guys again.

You gave me so much strength, that I felt like all the healing that I had ever learned how to do simply clicked. Sure some of our teammates were reckless, but I wasn’t afraid anymore. I tapped on their shoulder, I brought them back onto their feet, and – with a lot of struggle – we were able to take down those fiends!

We each came home with some of the Helm Fragments from the Heavens’ Ward. I was the only one who came home in tears, though.

Haha.

…

My precious friend, please know that – despite all odds – the day we took them down was one of the best days of my life. You showed me that I have the strength and will to do anything. You taught me that I can really do anything if I set my mind to it.

Let us continue this journey through Eorzea together, and see where each new day takes us.

Thank you so much for everything.

Your loving protégé and free company leader,
Datura Altugle

Name: Datura Altugle
Server: Gilgamesh
Prize: Gaelicap

[hexhexhex]

"If you tell me what to do again, I'm going to take your head off."

"What, when you're lying flat on the ground? Just-" The two girls bickered back and forth, bright white surrounding them. One kneeling down, one still standing tall. The healer and bard could only look on in boredom, staring between the two. The quest for the top was hard...

Speaking of the top, the purple haired caster finally spoke up. "You two know we're almost at the top right? Can you get into it once we actually make it before I have to pick one of you up cause you're so distracted."

Aiess could only snort, her raven haired locks bouncing as she wiped some sweat from her brow. Giving one last withering at her friend, she let out a laugh before extending her hand. The dark highlander gave one glance at it before grabbing hold tight, tugging her up to her feet.

This is what friendship was about for her. The struggle, the will to survive. But more importantly, fighting next to someone she trusted. Someone she enjoyed. Fluffy ears flickered back and forth, remember fondly of her their laughs, their struggles. The feeling of a blade in her hand as she echo ran across the white flooring, her feet echoing across the halls. No doubt many warriors has tried their hand at reaching the heaven's, but only a few could. In the end, that's what the Miqote needed the most. Her friends with her, four sets of feet hitting the barrier of light.

When she came too, the vast horizon greeted her sight, blue and green eyes scanning the clouds. With a laugh, she roughly clapped her hand against the poor Auri girls back, nearly sending her tumbling to the ground. Luckily, the Mocha skinned healer caught her just in time. And by caught, she meant the two were sent tumbling to the ground, angry snarls and meows of frustration filling the air. It reminded her of the time all four of them had peeked their head around a corner, trying to decide how to sneak past some monsters...

Laughing softly, she let her third friend help them up, heading for the dais in the back. "Another hard filled journey huh...I just wish you were still with me instead." Pulling out her shield from behind her back, she hefted it up. Silver flashed in the sun, her bare hand trashing over ornate design. Very nearly the same that had saved her life before. Looking up, she could almost feel the Ishgardian standing tall next to her, a smile on his face. He was there for her when she needed him the most...and she'd never let him down again, even if he wasn't here any longer. This was his world too.

"Because that's what makes life worth living, isn't it? It's not about the where we go, what we do...it's those who come along the way. Living for those who come after...And those we'll still meet. So come on you three! Where to next!?" Aiess turned around, smiling broadly at her three companions. Cause what would the Warrior of light be without those she wished to protect?

(Thanks for checking my post out! Gaelicap Please.)

[Varist]

The sun was setting behind me, sinking between the masts of moored ships before disappearing behind the distant islands.

Lampposts slowly came to life as the daylight faded, illuminating the city streets of Limsa Lominsa and the surrounding docks. The crowds had dissipated, if only slightly. The clamoring of merchants and buyers still rang out from Hawker’s Alley, while people passed in their comings and goings through the plaza by the bench where I sat. A bard performed an evening song across the way.

It was only myself and a few others on the bench, and I think someone had fallen asleep in the grass behind us. Adventurers like me, by the looks of them. We sat quietly for a time, soaking in the bard’s music and the white noise of the small crowds while the stress from the day left our bodies.

It was almost an hour after sunset when one of the others first spoke. He began to tell a story, unbidden but not unwelcome. It was a story of an adventurer, named Angel for her feathered wings. Her only companion was her dog, and she held a vendetta against a vampire. It was an odd story.

The others and I listened quietly for the most part, while the storyteller recounted many of her adventures. A culinarian passed by after a few hours, selling a variety of piping-hot dishes. I bought a baked sole, which pleasantly warmed my belly. The occasional murmuring was exchanged as the story was weaved with twists and turns, and there were a few soft gasps when Angel’s dog was slain. It wasn’t a cheerful story, but not all of them are, I suppose.

The storyteller is finishing his story as I write this in the light of the lamps. The stars are slowly fading in the sky. Angel and her vampire had fought; no victor had emerged. The story’s open ending is coming to its own sort of close. The night crowd’s are slowly replaced by the early morning crowd.

On nights like this, I remember what all of the fighting is for. These simple things... these are the things that make me smile.

Oh, the sun is rising now.

With warm regards,
A Small Adventurer

(Good luck, fellow adventurers! Choice: Gaelicap)

[ArtaVallian]

My husband and I started as friends many years ago who met while going on the same adventures. I found his enthusiasm and youthful wonder to be endearing, and he helped me notice the beauty of the world around me. He brought me into his social circles and encouraged me to try new things. I fell in love, and to my surprise he reciprocated. On the twelfth sun of the third astral moon that year, we became a couple, and so started a wonderful chapter in my life.

Across Eorzea we’ve traveled together, defeating fearful monsters and diving into forsaken holes looking for treasure, experience, and adventure. We’ve aided each other, covering the other’s weaknesses, pushing onward to our goals, comforting each other during the losses and frustrations, and picking each other up after a fall. We’ve even learned how to effectively use my scholarly healing skills with his dark tanking techniques.

We decided to join in a permanent bond, so that we could always be together through the highs and lows. On the twelfth sun of the third astral moon this past year, Ourenji Tsurugi and Arta Vallian married in the Sanctum of the Twelve. My husband-to-be wore a handsome white suit and a sheathed white katana at his waist, as he would never be without a blade. (I, however, left my grimoire in the dressing room.) I dressed in a gown of white, with purple roses in my hair and purple, crescent shaped dangling earrings that matched perfectly.

The flowers and tapestries in the chapel were orange, Ourenji’s favorite color (mine is of course purple), and gentle music floated around us during the procession. As we walked down the aisle, with our friends seated on either side smiling and waving, and our Moogle officiant waiting at the end to receive us, I felt a flood of gratitude. I--we--had been so blessed to have each other and many devoted friends to experience our adventures with.

The ceremony was beautiful. Our officiant stumbled over his lines (Moogles, I have noted, are not naturally attentive to detail), but we exchanged rings and, with his ingenuous help, shared a heavenly kiss. The reception was full of dancing and merriment, followed by a race in the Coerthas Central Highlands.

We each drove a Regalia Type-G, a sleek new motorized vehicle by Garlond Ironworks that was all the rage. Our cars plowed through the snowy landscape as each of us rushed to make it first to the Steel Vigil. I don't recall who won, but it hardly mattered. It was a memorable night with people I love.

I am thankful for those who helped our special day be one full of fun, laughter, and friends. Thank you for letting us build memories in this beautiful world.

Sincerely,
Arta Vallian

(P.S. The Ahriman Choker is a lovely wedding gift. Thank you!)