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

[Cimoreya]

I remember feeling lost and alone, unsure where my destiny lied. Moments of doubt came flooding to me, and past regrets haunted my every thought. I felt cut off from the path that would guide me to my future.

Then, I was shown the Light. It was breathtaking, and from that moment, I knew this would help guide me back to my path.

It was hard to first to fit in, but over time, I found my place in the world. I truly felt like I belonged. However, there was still Darkness to deal with.

From time to time, doubts would creep up on me, about my abilities and how I can help, and they would overwhelm me, but there have been those who stood by me since the beginning. They guided me, encouraged me, and believed in me, and that has helped me to push through the troubling times. Their strength gives me hope for a brighter tomorrow, and I one day wish to repay all that they have given me. It may take days, weeks, even years, but I will not give up, as they never gave up on me. I will not let them down.

If you are reading this, I would like to thank you for everything, but more importantly, introducing me to something amazing. I will make you proud, I promise.

Sincerely,
A Wanderer

P.S. I have noticed a lot of bluebirds along my travels, and they are simply beautiful creatures. I remember you mentioning you were a well-received goldsmith. If you have the time, would you be able to fashion an Earring to look like a Bluebird. It would mean to world to me, and I will make sure to pay you in full when next we meet.

[Michou]

To see Emet-Selch brought anger to me, but then, it brought confusion. He wanted to seek an alliance between the Asicans and I. He presented the challenge of me being able to take on all the light from the Lightwardens and overcome the power that would come with it. I thought he was mad, but this was something on another level of crazy. He would join us along our journey, keeping an eye on me and my progress. But along the way, I learned quite a bit about Emet-Selch and the other Asians.

It was strange to walk alongside my enemy, to talk, and to make banter with Emet-Selch. My anger turned to confusion, caution, curious, and then excitedness. It was fun to learn about him and his world. I would always seek him our to pester him for more knowledge about his life and memories. I was always excited to hear more about him and grew to enjoy his company. Honestly, I wanted him to continue to be by our side until the end. But I knew our journey together would end by my hands.

Reality reminded me that Emet-Selch still needed to be stopped. He would end us all to bring back the life he once lived and was suffering more than any of us could understand. I hated the thought, I wanted to learn more about Emet-Selch, about his life, the way his world functioned, what his duty was, there were so many questions left unanswered. And I do not think I will ever get the chance to get those questions answered again. To have to end the life of such a great man brought me to tears many, many times.

Our lives are both equal in our own eyes, yet only one world could survive. We have both lost so much, himself more so than I, but I wanted to preserve what he had given us. Preserve the knowledge that there was an amazing, beautiful, perfect world before us. Preserve the lives of those who once were in Emet-Selch world. Preserve the memories that he had and to share all of it with the world.

Remember… remember us… remember… that we once lived.

I will remember you Emet-Selch. I will remember our journey together, the laughs we had, the knowledge you have given me. I will remember you until the day I can no longer fight anymore. And when that day comes, I will share your story. I will not be the only one who remembers you.

I did not get the chance to tell you before but thank you for the compliment – as odd as it was – thank you for everything.

(I would like the Mandragora Choker, please and thank you.)

[Kanzy0]

Kanzashi had been waiting in the Quicksand for ten minutes. She set down her now emptied cup of juice next to the two others. She looked around the room for any sign of Rohubu, but was not able to see him.

“Waiting long?” asked Rohubu as he walked up to the table. Kanzashi’s ears perked up as she turned to face her friend. She immediately looked away as she tried to stifle her laugh. “What are you wearing?”
Rohubu was covered in steel. The head, shoulders, and arms were all connected together and was a dark green color. “You like it?” Kanzashi was now laughing openly, much to the surprise of the other patrons. “You look like a turtle!”
“Wait, don’t tell me the armor is green!” Defeated, Rohubu took off the armor and sat down at the table. “Had I known I probably wouldn’t have bought it.”
“Let me guess, it was on sale?” Kanzashi had a mischievous smirk on her face.
“How was I supposed to know? I’m colorblind.” Rohubu’s ears drooped to match the frown on his face.

A waitress placed a new cup on the table. “Here’s another juice. Can I get you anything, sir?”
“I’ll just have an ale,” Rohubu muttered.
The waitress gave a slight bow. “By the way, I thought the armor was lovely. It matches your hair.”.

“Uhh, Hubu? You alright? Your face is pale.”
“Be honest. Is my hair green?”
“Of course it is.” Rohubu’s face slammed into the table with a loud ‘thump’. “How hard is it to find a Fantasia again?”
“The elixir that lets you change who you are? You’re going to use something that rare and powerful to change your hair dye?”
“YES!” Rohubu slammed the table so hard that the empty cups fell off. Realizing he had caused another commotion, he apologized and paid a few extra gil for the trouble.

Kanzashi took a long sip of her juice. “You said you had something to tell me.”
“Oh, right. You’re looking at the newest gladiator!”
“A class change, then. I thought you liked lancer?”
“I did,” Rohubu nodded. “But I felt like I was always missing something. When I put on the shield it all started making since. I need to be looking down the face of death. That’s where I truly feel alive.” Rohubu wanted to throw his fist into the air, but decided better after the trouble he had made.

“I see.” Kanzashi smiled as she finished her cup. “That means you’ll be on the front lines, you know. Looks like it's up to me to keep you in one piece. Please keep me safe.”
“You keep me alive, tree hugger.” Kanzashi’s face grew red with anger, much to Rohubu’s amusement. “I’m not a tree-hugger! You don’t even understand what conjury is, do you?!?” Rohubu’s roaring laughter echoed through the tavern as he ignored the lady bunny’s angry protests.

(If I had the honor of being chosen, I would like the Ahriman Choker. Thank you for your consideration)

[Taashiel_Tailios]

Hello, Friend,

As a bard, I am well versed in recounting stories through my life or stories of old. How many great feats I have witnessed and countless deaths which still haunt me to my dreams. Victories I will cherish and loses I will carry to the grave. It is rather strange when I recount my adventures, the one that dances a smile to my face is not one of a great victory against a large and fierce foe. It's not when I was bonded to my wife or to my husband. Nor was it the many holiday parties my Free Company has hosted. But in true bard fashion, I will tell you this memory by song.

In the shadow of the Gates of Judgement,
A freezing day upon the Steps of Faith.
Citizens lives were on the line,
A once noble companion turned to a wraith.

A city I have come to call my home,
About to be razed by a man who swore to protect.
Possessed by a being whose rage immeasurable,
The eyes having taken effect.

It was up to me and my friends to save him,
To save the city once more.
But even with all my might,
The task was nothing less than a war.

But in the deepest moment,
When all that we worked for looked lost.
There were two friendly phantoms,
Two dear friends who paid the ultimate cost.

A man who's smile never faded,
A woman who's heart melted from ice,
Took hold of my hands and gave me strength,
So I too wouldn't pay the price.

With all of our might, and all of our hope,
We separated the armor from the eyes.
"Into the abyss!" The Lord Commander shouted.
Down they went, into the depths, never to rise.

One friend still living,
Saved by two who have met the grave.
For those, we have lost,
And for those, we can yet save.


Let this tale be a lesson, dear friend who has found this message. I've already told the song, I need to stop rhyming now. Ahem, as I was saying. When things seem to look the darkest, there are always friends who will carry you on to the next victory. I will never forget the pain I felt when Haurchefant was murdered. Watching him sacrifice himself for me, and die in Aymeric's arms. But I will never forget his parting words.

"Please, do not look at me so. A smile better suits a hero."

I carry those words with me everywhere I go. As a reminder that people are looking up to me. The Warrior of Light. The Savior of Eorzea and many more titles I have come to brandish. None of them I rightly care for, because those titles are built on the headstones of the fallen. But, to stop now would only put their sacrifices in vain. So, I keep going. I keep fighting. I don't stop and I don't give in. Hundreds and thousands of lives are counting on me, the Warrior of Light and now the Warrior of Darkness.

Sincerely,
Taashiel Tailios
~Sky Singer~

If you find my tale worthy, I would appreciate the Noble Barding.

[Nucah]

It’s hard to even begin to tell my story in Final Fantasy XIV, but all great stories must have a beginning and each hero has been humbled by that one experience that has shaped their lives...forever.

There had been so much loss. Ysayle, Haurchefant and now the great wyrm, Hraesvelgr lay before me as the dragon Nidhogg towered over his body. This was it. These were the final steps that I needed to take, the final steps of faith…faith that Hraesvelgr held in this lone Dragoon. For in all his sorrow, he saw in me the light and a hope that maybe, just maybe I had the strength to reunite the worlds of man and dragon.

Before me, the eye of Hraesvelgr bid me step forward, to claim it. Seeing the deception of Hraesvelgr Nidhogg let out a cry of rage as he made his way to me. But as he began his advance, a faint song echoed on in the distance, one that had been lost in the minds of men, but now had never been so clear; the Dragonsong.

Lance in hand, my senses heightened, I leapt to the eye of the great wyrm and as I stepped into its light, this new power, the faith of Hraesvelgr coursed through my every vein as I raised my lance to meet my foe.

I was not alone though. As the Dragonsong had echoed through the distance there awoke the courage of the men and women of Ishgard and I was joined by seven others in this last great stand. This was to be it, this was to be the end of the Dragonsong war and through the faith of the fallen, Hraesvelgr and of the people of Ishgard, we would see it done.

With the seven adventurers at my side I leapt to the great wyrm and the battle ensued. Filled with the life of the dragon my jumps did not miss, my thrusts were true, and I could feel the desperation of the great wyrm as he called to his brethren to attack from the rear. But we were not to be stopped, not when we had come this far, and we drove the 3 great dragons back, only to be met by one of the greatest horrors of my life. My friend, my fellow Dragoon Estinien, his body not his own, now stood deformed in front of me, consumed by Nidhogg’s rage. The shade leapt from hero to hero, dividing us to keep our strength at bay. The shade then turned his eyes to me and leapt with all his might, but I could not falter, not here, and in an instance, I jumped elusively to dodge his attack. Upon landing, I ran towards my enemy, lance drawn, letting the blood of the dragon consume me and let out the powerful Geirskogul attack to finally destroy the shade.

The great wyrm screamed in agony, his form changing for the last time as he began to glow from the fiery hate that consumed him. This was our chance to end this great war and the eight of us stood as one, our faith unfailing and together we let go an attack that took us to the brink of our limits and with the last of my remaining strength I jumped, my lance readied and with all my strength pierced the great wyrm’s heart, finally ending the thousand-year war.

Choice: Gaelicap

[harruhikari]

Final Fantasy XIV and its world means a lot to many thousands of people, and I stand among them, but that was not always the case. Four years ago, I had succumbed to an aggressive autoimmune disorder, losing the use of my legs as a result, and robbing me of my independence. I was bedridden, weak and frail and struggling to find any joy in my life. On one particularly trying day, I booted up my PS4 out of boredom, and habit. I browsed the PSN store in search of something new and to my surprise, found the free trial for FFXIV. Now at this point, I must admit dear reader, that I wasn’t a FF fan. In fact, I was rather ignorant to the series. Nevertheless I decided I’d try this MMO I had heard so much about in gaming circles. I had no idea what to expect when I pressed that download button and waited to explore the world of Eorzea with bated breath.

It was like a dream. Beautiful to behold, utterly mesmerizing. My little Mi’qote Marauder raced all over Lominsa stunned at the beauty, it’s NPCs and players in their flashy gear and livelier personalities, zooming passed from one quest to the next and for the first time in a long time, I forgot my troubles. I wasn’t a sick woman, unable to walk, struggling to come to terms with my new reality, in a small apartment. I was a Warrior of Light, in a brand new wide world!

After those first few days of adventuring in Eorzea, I found myself actually excited to wake up again, and with FFXIV as my reward, I began my own long journey into physical therapy.

I was inspired by my own WOL to keep going. To not lose hope. To get up and do the very best I could do. Thanks to the care and kindness of utter strangers helping my lil’ sprout in Eorzea into the mighty Tank she is today, and the FFXIV teams love and care for this MMO, in a way these small acts saved my life.

Three years later, nearly two years subbed, I live with two of those kind players who helped me long ago (even finding romantic love in FFIV!)

To me it’s more than just a happy memory. It has become a happy life thanks to this game and it’s community.

So, thank you. All of you.

(if you find my little tale worthy I’d like the gaelicat hat.)

[Rayjaya]

People like to talk about heroes. Especially around the rising.
I wasn’t even born before the calamity hit, to me its just a fairy tale. However, I know a hero.

I was very young when I met her, and I thank the twelve for our chance encounter. Some say she is blessed by light, others say she is a bringer of darkness, but from our first meeting I could see the kindness in her eyes, and later how she fought tooth and nail to help everyone she met, regardless of stature or standing, race or creed. She is all the proof I need to believe in heroes.

But in the beginning things where tough. I had no idea what I was doing, most battles id just dance around, unsure of where to strike. I could barely take down the weakest of foes. Through no small amount of persistence, she showed me how to fight, how strong I could be. Not one to rest on her laurels’ we where always in pursuit of bigger and better challenges.
Through it all she never gave up on me. When I failed, she gave me the encouragement to try again. When things got hard, we stuck it out together. And wherever Oschon took her I was right behind. She would craft me fine gear, and feed me amazing foods. Always kept me looking sharp. She even went out of her way to grow crops just to get me a steady supply of my favorite food, and a beautiful new coat.
All the while our communication has mostly been one sided, for she can’t understand my words. Both a beautiful thing, and a tragic curse is out unspoken bond. If I had all the time in the world, I could never tell her my appreciation. Feeling the wind on my face as we streak through the clouds, oh the sights I’ve seen. Recently however, her desire to help other almost ended her life, and I’ve never felt fear like this before.

My desire to share my feeling have never been so great, to let her know how much she means to me. But the way she looks at me lately… its as if something has happened. The glint in her eyes, the knowing smile, its as if she has gained some understanding of my devotion. Perhaps her recent journey has shed some light on our bond. I can only hope so.

My name is Harakiri, a name bestowed upon me by true hero. Her name is Mitara Reinhart, she is my companion, and the warrior of light


She has given me so much over the years, its my desire to give her something she has had her eye on for some time, an Ahriman choker.

[Lia-Mau]

Athalia stared at the huge mansion that stood in the middle of a large plot in The Mist and sighed deeply. The house was beautiful and decorations outside were spectacular but sadly they weren't the ones she remembered. Some of the fellow residents of the new mansion were talking outside or heading down the trail towards the market board to see what new things they could buy or what things they could sell. Yet, they were also not the same people she remembered spending countless of adventures with, the ones that had helped her when she was just brand new to Ul'dah before she had become the Hero of Light and Darkness.

Her eyes fogged over and she could picture them inside the mansion doing their own silly things as they prepared to take on her very first trials against Garuda, Titan, and Ifrit. They had kindly given her enough strength to defeat them and be able to continue on her story.

A tear had trailed down her cheek when she then felt a presence beside her, veering away from the person she quickly tried to gather herself together. Quietly, he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and just like a gentle breeze he spoke, "It's okay, Lia. I miss them too."

Tallesqwer or Tall for short. He had been one of the many familiar faces from those days long past. She knew it was harder for him to be here than it was for her, she had came along way after he had joined their Free Company.

"Yeah, they were some great times. Right, Ed?" Lacey's voice carried from behind Tall as she stood in her usual stance, arms behind her head as she stared up at the mansion. Edward was right beside her already nodding along and giving a thumbs up in Athalia's direction.

"It's the reason we are all together!" he exclaimed gleefully.

Lia couldn't help it as some more tears managed to escape and stain her cheeks but this time in pure happiness. The tall Hyur male in his Paladin armor, the small Miqo'te with her trusty lance at her back, and the smaller Hyur with his carbuncle ready at his side.

"Remember when..."

Those stories would always be fond memories and the best thing about it, is that it lead to her having an amazing group of friends that she considered family. Yes, those lovely memories have a bit of sadness due to the way it all ended but that also helped Athalia grow. It made her want to be more willing to help and reach out to others around her so she could make more everlasting memories.

Athalia spun around with the biggest grin as she thrust her bright, white staff into the air and proclaimed, "It's adventure time!"

More stories to be recorded, more laughter to be shared, and more fun to be had. They ran off to their next quest with no clear knowledge of what laid ahead but knowing they could make it through if they just stuck together.




[ Hi, I would like the Gaelicap. But hopefully this is good enough to begin with ]

[Alfendi]

Try as we did, but here we were.

Here again at the very beginning. Seven breaths, forty-six yalms and fifty Lalafell-sized steps from Leviathan’s leering heads. Twenty-three if I sprinted. I know because I’ve counted, one too many times.

I groaned.

“What, Alfie?” Some sass-filled voice next to me. Serah Gellar, no doubt. Your local female Mi’qote and self-proclaimed the “most tragic of Ninjas.” “Fight hasn’t even started and you’re already complaining?”

You see, that was the thing. I was the only one who remembered. Each strike, each wound, and each death…fresh upon the mind at first, to fade into a distant memory mere minutes later. But they were real. Felt real. And I never knew which one would be…well, the one.

Blasted Echo. Never worked when you wanted it to and half the time it did, I ended up no better than a dried-up Namazu on a beach full of hungry direwolves. I mean, bless Hydaelyn and all, but even the Warrior of Light needed a break every now and then.

Had I known my memories would conjure up something as crazy as this two-headed thing, I would have thought twice before agreeing to help Ryne and Thancred’s little adventure.

Too late now.

But let’s be real, Alfendi Ariandel. You would have agreed anyways. Nodding like you always do.

Yeah, yeah…

Though, my eagerness then had not been limited to my desire to help my Scion friends. In fact, I had long been excited to give my adventurer friends a taste of the real fight. Some new, some old, but a worthy experience all the same.

“Don’t you know?” Another voice from behind me. Big Noober, we called this female Hyur, an ironic nickname for someone who’d never take failure sitting down. And they thought the Warrior of Light was an overachiever... “Alfie’s always complaining. It’s what all Lalafells do best.” She smirked, waving the arrow in her hand at me, not unlike an adult offering a lollipop to a child.

“Hey!” Before I could personally refute the insult, the only other Lalafell in the party piped up. “You take that back right now!” Dellatus Halgio, summoner. Sometimes he dropped his book and other times Bahamut appeared just as confused as its owner. But most of the time, he was reliable. Almost as reliable as Kugane’s local Namazu.

“Friends, I think Leviathan is waiting.” And our favourite grey-coated Hrothgar, Kupo Daddy. If Dellatus was reliable, then Kupo was indispensable. If it weren’t for him I’d probably have born witness to many unpleasant deaths. It was no joke, you really had to live on the edge as a tank.

“You’re right.” With a grunt, I lifted the claymore off my back and into my dominant hand. Seven breaths, forty-five yalms, fifty steps… “Here we go!”

Noober’s angry shout accompanied my sprint to start, echoing all the way across the platform. “You little shite!” she screamed. “I wasn’t ready!”

A grin broke across my face. “Too bad!”

Leviathan, Leviathan…

---

(Noble Barding.)

I accidentally read 3000 words instead of 3000 characters...

[Slvia]

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn was a year old when I first started playing. A few friends had started playing at the relaunch before losing interest, but they all decided to return for the big anniversary campaign. Among them were some friends that I had barely seen or spoken to since graduating college and suddenly we found ourselves reunited once again in this fantasy realm. With a new rekindled fire of friendship, we quickly formed our Free Company, The Blood Rose Legion, and tackled Eorzea's challenges together. We gained new friends as we grew our ranks and, even though most have since moved on to other FCs, I still consider them some of my closest friends. FFXIV has become so intertwined in our friendship that we call each other by our character names even when hanging out in person, including the friends that I have known in person for years, we finally met a few of our online only friends in person at two of our members' wedding, while sitting at a table named Ultros after our server, and I couldn't imagine not having that same group at my own wedding next year. All because a bunch of distant college friends all happened to decide to come back to Final Fantasy XIV at the same time, dragging me in with them. And I couldn't be happier.



(Thanks for reading! I would love the Noble Barding if I am picked!)