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

[grinkdaboy]

It was supposed to be simple. I had sought out the assistance of my friends in slaying the Primal, Titan. I, armed with only my skill and knowledge of bare knuckle brawling was to serve as one of the attackers, while my friend, sword and shield both, was going to serve as the decoy to protect us. We entered, and sure enough, my friend had made a mistake. A very costly one. He had forgotten to save his gear set, and swapped back to Paladin...armed with only a sword and nothing else. Suffice it to say, the cool breeze of the afterlife was not the only breeze he felt that day as the earthen primal tossed him around like a ragdoll. In the end, we managed to slay the primal by the skin of our teeth, and we had both learned a valuable lesson that day. The first being to always make sure to keep your gear sets updated, and the second being to always let the guy who's actually dressed do the tanking.

Prize: Gaelicap

[Mihli_Zhwan]

The Cairn of Passage silently emits the same pink glow, piercing through the gloom, illuminating the faces of a Hyur, a Lalafell, and two Mi'qote. They stand with their backs to each other, watching, waiting, in a silence magnified a thousandfold by the eerie lighting of the dungeon. They came here for one reason - to get to the bottom of this, no, two - making some gil along the way. They are seasoned fighters, ready to leap to action at a sign of -
"Oh my Thaliak," exclaimed the Lalafell. "I forgot to summon my egi."
The shorter of the Mi'qote buries her face in her hands, while the remaining two burst into laughter so raucous, the nearby worm almost aggro'd.
"Angelic, please," sighs the taller Mi'qote, the grin on his face eradicating any trace of disappointment.
"It's like what, floor 77, and you just realized?" wheezes the Hyur.
"Guys, it's not that funny," protests the shorter Mi'qote, the giggles escaping from her cheeks undermining her own words. She was laughing too now, because everyone else was.

Friends. Laughter. It had been too long since she'd had those simple, beautiful things. I know this better than anyone, dear reader, because she was me. The Mi'qote red mage was my paramour, the Hyur paladin and Lalafell summoner, our friends. We met them on the chaotic battlefields of Sigmascape (Savage), just faces blended in to the crowd of eager adventurers, weapons in their hands, loot in their eyes. We bonded over nights slumped on the ground in front of a mad clown, reviewing mistakes and strategies and standing up to try again.

We continue to descend into the endless depths of the palace. The snow - no, ash, won't stop falling. It's too bright.
"This place is so cool," remarked the paladin.
"Will, remember, dragon in ram out," I said to him, referring to the chimeras that patrolled the halls. "Repeat after me."
"Dragon left ram right," he replied cheekily.
"I'm being serious! This is a matter of life and death," I retort, after I caught my breath.

Hearts pounding, we stand in the Cairn of Passage on floor 199.
"This boss is super hard," says the red mage.
"Yeah, we'll explain when we get in," I add.
"Do we have enough pomanders?" worries the paladin.
"Of course," replies the summoner casually.
We run down the ramp in a sea of white. At the end is no boss, just a Firecrest and a familiar bench.
"I got bamboozled," sighs the paladin.
Laughter rings through the expanse as we run to our prize.

Dear reader, my adventures have not been bereft of more sizable triumphs. I have killed bosses right as everything went black, earned millions crafting for ambitious adventurers. There is a reason I did not write about these things. Please, fellow adventurer, treasure every moment with the people you treasure. And if you have none as I once did, keep an open mind, and an open heart.

My friends, if you're reading this, I love you.

- Mihli
Gaelicap

[Pacer]

When first coming to Eorzea with my harp in hand, I only truly expected an adventure with no reward at the end of the tunnel. A road with myself and myself alone was a lonely adventure but I was willing to manage it fine. Little did I know of how many colorful individuals were housed within the Eorzean borders of the main three city-states, especially Gridania. It was the place where I learned to better hold an arrow in my hand, no longer shaking as I held the quiver awaiting to strike. It was the place that I learned to better hone my musical talents to play for the many bystanders who needed their spirits lifted when their worlds were dark and gloomy rather than cheerful. It was the place where I met many a good face, similar adventurers who would then be my greatest allies making an impact in my life.

It was here where I met you for the first time. My life instantly changed from a path that one walks alone to you walking by my side. You felt the same and understood the plight that my heart carried deep inside, but you allowed me to stay with you anyways. The more I think about our first meeting, I feel grateful that you are in my life and give me the reason to fight for what I believe in. You have me underneath a spell that I wish not to break, a constant song that keeps me bound to only you.

Thank you for meeting me and being one for me. And worry not, I will be home soon. The distance is temporary, however our paths are still the same as they have once had, as we both walk together. Soon we shall both walk a thousand more roads together. The two of us and the people we love most in life. Keep strong and I will stay strong in return.

Forever yours,
A lovestruck adventurer

( Prize choice: Bluebird Earring )

[Animadragon]

The wind blew across the island, giving a certain Miqo'te travelling across it a chill. Celine didn't particularly dislike the Sea of Clouds, but its novelty wore off quickly. Alas, she wasn't here for sightseeing, as the sound of a fight nearby attracted her attention. She ran over the hill to find Vanu locked in a territorial battle. She wasn't normally one to interfere, but her venture today required her to be a busybody.

Drawing her blades, she ran toward the conflict and immediately launched herself at the nearest threat, a Vundu warrior threatening a group of Gundu. Her aim struck true, her blades meeting the side of the warrior's head, quickly dispatching him. Celine briefly acknowledged the Gundu's thanks as she scanned the area, realizing the situation was not to their favor. The Vundu outnumbered her and the remaining Gundu two to one, owing to the proximity of their territory.

No matter. She thought. She was the Warrior of Light after all. With that in mind, Celine threw herself into the fray, evening out the odds. Her aid was much appreciated but she was still one person, as the Vundu quickly surrounded some hapless Gundu while Celine was occupied. In that moment, a rain of arrows and magic materialized from the distance, bearing down unexpectedly on the Vundu.

“Let's do this!” came a yell as a group of three adventurers came in to assist. Their combined force overwhelmed the Vundu eventually, forcing their retreat. With a sigh of relief, Celine finished aiding the Gundu and came over.

“Thank you for the help.” Celine bowed. The leader miqo'te seemed to be a little shocked at the politeness, giving a nervous laugh.

“Don't mention it, uh...” He trailed off.

“Celine.”

“Celine it is! My name is Syrus! Now, what are you doing adventuring solo in this really windy place?” He chirped. Celine had a moment of hesitation but to her, they seemed like a friendly enough bunch.

“I was... looking for some elemental crystals for a weaponsmith.” The group gave a look of mild surprise and Syrus brightened up upon hearing that.

“What a great coincidence! This researcher fellow was asking around in Idyllshire for something similar, and we all thought it'd be an interesting way to make some gil. Would you like to come with us?”

Their question was met with a brief silence as Celine failed to answer. She wasn't really used to friends or companionship outside of the Scions, too many things to do, too many lands to save. And yet, these adventurers felt a bit different, or maybe it was her that's different now. Maybe she did need some friends.

“Only if you can keep up!” She smiled brightly.

Celine made her first friends that day, and from there she made another, and another, and more that watched her grow, and those that grew with her. All from a single party invitation.
[Chosen Prize: Gaelicap]

[Viktor_Blackthorn]

An hour ago, Viktor Blackthorn could see the sands far below the Nimble Warrior jumping course. How he loathed the sight. Yet as soon as the rain began, the highlander had cursed himself for wishing the view away. Now, as he shivered upon one of the narrow planks near the top of the course's imposing tower, the rain swiftly picked up, the wind carrying it diagonally to pelt his body. Holding a beam, he dared to look down, only to find a void of speckled gray below, the shore drowned in the haze of the storm.

Vik clenched his eyes shut, attempting to regain his waning equilibrium, and then turned his gaze upward, at those last few planks above. Each jump mere fulms away, the very end a handful of yalms. Such a short distance, but for one who had just spent hours hopping and climbing, it looked beyond perilous. His muscles burned with his exertions, the man finding pains in places he never knew could ache. His only respite now was in the sheets of rain that slapped against him, cooling the sunburns under his chest harness even as they threatened to plunge him to the beach below.

Taking a deep breath, the Highlander bit back the pain in his knees, squatted, and leapt! Arms outstretched, one hand barely caught the edge of the next plank, enough for the man to pull the rest of himself up. After a brief pause to wipe his rain-soaked hair out of his eyes, he turned, wobbled like a cat ready to pounce, and then leapt again.

Slip!

Despite the traction of his boot soles, Vik immediately found his feet swinging above his head. Coated in rain, the narrow slab of lumber may as well have been dipped in oil. Tumbling backward, the highlander barely managed to catch himself, slapping a gloved hand over the top of the plank.

For just a moment, he let himself dangle, and in those few seconds reflected. "Why am I doing this?" he growled through the din of the heavy rain.

Casting his eyes upward in frustration, Vik looked just in time to see lightning streak across the sky. For less than a breath, the beach was illuminated, the edge of the very top of the Nimble Warrior cutting through the view of the clouds.

Memories of his mountainous homeland flashed through his mind, of rocky climbs every bit as challenging as this, with lightning so close it made one's hair stand on end.

It was the only reminder he needed.

A grin spreading over his scarred lips, Vik gritted his teeth and hefted himself up to the next plank.

A deep breath and another leap, the longest of them all. He felt the plank wobble under his muscular weight, his balance briefly thrown. Arms flailing, he fought with his own body, righting himself. And then, pulling upward, he sloshed himself like an exhausted slug through the water at the very top of the Nimble Warrior.

For a moment, he just laid there, panting, smiling. The rain all around him ceased, quieting.

A few breaths later, all of the beach could hear a roar of victory booming from the tower above!

(Gaelicap)

[Eski-Creature]

We all started on the same foot forward, even if the environment was different. The road we all eventually wound up on, is also different. Some of us became the most revered fighters of renowned skill and glory. Some of us rose from ambitious entrepreneurs and grew into masters of the market. Some of us became artists who mastered the brush and canvas. Some of us took to pen and paper to scribe our adventures and stories, as I am doing now. Some of us became entertainers beloved by all!

Some of us became mentors to help those who will come after them by sharing their own experiences and wisdom. And some of us just decided to stay humble and obscure, out of history's scrying eye. Whichever path we took and what road has lead us, know that my favorite moments have always been in spending time with you.

We may never speak to each other or even run into one another. We may only speak greetings in a dungeon or in a perilous trial. We may start conversations from out of nowhere and become the best of friends and allies. We may scold and yell at each other for every mistake and reckless behavior that cost us dearly. We may cry on each others shoulder, we may offer a hand in need, we can laugh, cheer, dance and sing.

We can spend time at each other's abode or in our free companies home. We can meet up in the city, or out in the wild where we hunt for treasure or marks. The greatest thing about us as adventurers is that we will always meet someone different at every corner.

And as we continue on our daily tasks, I felt the need to stop and write my fleeting feelings on paper and share my thoughts, lest I lose them. My words may be a whisper in the wind, here in an instant and vanishing just as fast. It can be lost in a crowd or heard by a captive audience.

But you, my dear personal stranger, I wish to say thanks for taking time out of your busy day to read a wayward sentimental letter. However this came to be in your hands, all I wish to say is that I appreciate you. You made my time in Eorzea and in Norvrandt most memorable.

[Rahdiyan]

The sounds of battle rage all around. Garlean forces fight against the alliance of the three Grand Companies, desperate to conquer, even as the red moon of Dalamud looms ever closer in the heavens, firebombs raining down upon the Carteneau Flats and the realms beyond them. The leaders watch the tides of battle, even while a group of adventurers dives into the heart of the fray, fighting as long as they have strength. They must fight. They must win.

Then, from above, one of the pillars that pierces the Dalamud comes free, landing in the middle of the flats. The stunned warriors regain their senses, only to see the very moon itself crack open, but the horror does not end here; from within, a great dragon bursts forth, full of fury and destruction, which he rains far and wide, changing the very face of Eorzea. Most who look upon this incarnation of fire and death see only the impossibility of facing it, awed and despairing at its power. Who could possibly tame or end its wrath? Foes and allies alike scatter to the winds, praying for their lives as they go.

Just when all seems lost, however, a shield rises, protecting them from an oncoming blast. The adventurers cast their gaze upon a nearby outcropping, where the Archon Louisoux stands, determined and unflinching, the staff Tupsimati held aloft. Aware of the threat Dalamud posed, he and the other Archons had formed a plan—a desperate but vital one, where they would summon the power of the Twelve in order to seal away the danger that lurked within.

While the immediate threat was averted, Louisoux’s shield falters against a new attack, until it shatters completely, leaving all exposed to Bahamut’s wrath. It seems all hope is lost—but no! The other Archons, in their various locations, work to channel the power that has been released into a new form. Glowing light begins to form a new prison for the enraged primal, while the symbols of the Twelve appear around it, all directed by Louisoux himself. Hope shines as brightly as the light working to seal the dragon away.

But it was not to be so. The Elder Primal Bahamut breaks free of his prison, scattering the power that had been summoned against him, and even shattering Tupsimati. Louisoux seems to sigh within himself, and turns his attention from the dragon to the group of adventurers below him. Summoning up the last of his power, he steals them away to a safer place—a safer time—where they might prove of great benefit to the realms once more. One by one, they are stolen by the light, until their leader has but time to cast one last look up at the man who saved them by sacrificing himself.

“In one fleeting moment / from the land doth life flow / In the same fleeting moment / thou must live, die, and know.”

And so, each day, I live on, inspired by his selfless heroism.

(Scarf of Wondrous Wit)

[TheGeneral]

Aye, pull up a stool. Name’s Rolfe. Reckon you’re wanting to hear about my best time galivantin’ around Eorzea, eh? I suppose that’d be the time we fought that rocky whoreson of a kobold god.

So, picture this, see: I’m with my pals, Jon, Flynn, Whyn'tir, and Kiyohana. We’re pretty deep in our cups when Flynn says, “Ya heard Tidus was back?”

I says, “Who?”

“He means Titan.”

“Shut up, Jon,” says Flynn, throwin’ down more ale. “Anyway, they say he’s downright ‘extreme’ this time. Last time he was just hard.”

I laugh. “That’s what she said.” No one else laughs. They just roll their eyes. I get that a lot.

“Well,” says Flynn, goin’ on, “whatay’all think?”

“Reckon we aught to take care of him,” I says.

Next thing I know, Jon calls Flynn a fool, on account of tryin’ to “sink us” before the fight. I have to admit, at this point I was thoroughly confused—and a bit drunk. “Sink us?” I ask. “I didn’t even know we were gonna be usin’ a boat.” Why do we need a bloody boat? Aint no water ‘twixt us and Titan! They keep yappin’, and then they turns to me. They ask me, “Sinked or unsinked?” I have no clue what they’re even talkin’ about, and I don’t know much about boats on account of bein’ a “landlubber,” but I know sinking is never good. “I don’t know what bein’ at the bottom of the water is gonna do for us, and I’d like to avoid sinkin’.” They have the cheek to look at me like I’ve sprung sylph wings on me back, so I just gave ‘em a shrug and finished my drink.

Next thing I know, there we are, face to face with the big ugly. Didn’t never even get in a boat. Now I’m even MORE confused. But I aint got time for that. Titan’s lookin’ right at me, so it’s time to rumble. Flynn goes runnin’ in, yellin’ something about “Tidus” again. Got knocked right out. I would’ve laughed, but that weren’t the time.

Now Jon—he’s usually a right moron. But on this day, he did some moves that inspired me to take up bein’ a ninja. Well, I say that, but I never did, truth be told. But he was savin’ lives and stealin’ wives—least he was till he got knocked out too. Still, me an’ Kiyo ended up downin’ him. Put a proper beatin’ on him, we did. Well, all’s except Whyn. She got trapped in one of them rock prisons he likes to call out of nowhere. We broke her out, just in time for the big lug to send her flyin’ off the edge. Never saw her again. Reckon she died.

And that, ladies and gents, is the story of the mysterious boat ride what never happened.

((If I win, I’d like a Scarf of Wondrous Wit))
((Don’t have any screenshots, but I did upload the fight way back when. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vm-G6qJZQ0Y ))

[CertaintyStrength]

It was long ago at night I sat staring at the sky and the gleaming tower. As I did so on so many occasions before its my favorite spot The Anchor Yard.
At that time my long distance relationship had ended. I was depressed and angry. "Pfft what a waste of time all that work just for it to end like this? I have rotten luck with women" I thought. All of a sudden a stranger came running, a miqote. She looked around as if searching for something then stood there. Tali Hena her name was."You here for any special reason?" She suddenly turned her head to look at me, I stood on my feet tilting my head to look at Tali.
"hm?" She replied. Waiting for someone?" I asked.
"me? No, just watching the fireworks and playing a game of hide and seek xD" she said. "Lol cool" I then faced forward looking at the fireworks. "you?" She asked. "This is my favorite spot and idk why im telling you this but im here to cheer myself up i suppose" I muttered brooding. Her gaze shot back up at me seeing me finally reply "ahh "she replied. Then suddenly Nagi Amaterasu points at Tali Hena. A lalafell walked infront of Tali proceeding to point at her 2 more times."Heh spotted" I said. Nagi then danced sprightly for Tali showing her his uncontainable jubilation! I sat back down brooding. "Anyways you two have a great evening." I told them.Tali responded "you two :3." Nagi then marched towards me to my left then stopped to give me a big hug. My heart warmed at this slightly "Thanks" I replied slightly embarrassed. "And you found me, time for a new spot I suppose" Tali said as she walked to my right she then patted my head then walked away stopping a bit before the cavern turning to look back. "^^ Ty you two" I told them as I briefly glanced at the kind lalafell behind me.
"you needed a hug" Nagi said as he proceeded to give me another big hig. He then walked to join Tali who was waiting for him. They stood there awaiting my response "Im tough but ty ^^" I assured them but i was really trying to act tough. I then turned my gaze from them back towards the skies. Tali patted Nagi's head. I then got up abruptly and bowed my head at their act of kindness. "everyone needs a hug sometimes" Nagi bounced back in response. I smirked at this trying to be tough but realizing he was right. I then returned to sit with my legs folded. Nagi smiled at me Tali then bowed to me in the same manner I did to them then she ran off exiting through the cavern tunnel. Nagi waved at me excitedly his whole body moving which he followed by a bow as well. He started walking off when I said "Bless you two have a great evening" Nagi then stopped and turned around to face me. I waved goodbye at him. "you try to too or imma hug you again" he threatened. I chuckled at this "lol" was all I can think of to reply and Nagi hurried through then left. I stood up taking in the moment looking at the skies and being grateful for the kindness of strangers and cheering up. Thanks for reading my story.
(Gaelicap)

[Belisaire]

Surely, enough time had passed by now. Blade held out his completed paperwork to the residential caretaker, a tiny Lalafell standing in front of a vacant plot of land in the Goblet. There were gasps and several others held out their paperwork similarly. The Lalafell looked up and spoke her cruel, disappointing words, “This plot is not yet ready for purchase.” There were sighs of disappointment.

The Grand Companies had established the residential wards with the intent to provide adventurers a permanent place to live that didn’t involve crowding up the local inn. However, certain… ‘entrepreneurial’ minded adventurers had taken to using the system as a means to line their own pockets by reselling the houses to individuals for exorbitant prices. It was only a matter of time until the Grand Companies turned their eye to the problem and chose to handle it with a somewhat unusual method: all houses sold or abandoned would need to remain vacant for an unspecified amount of time before being put up for purchase. While this had alleviated a problem—it had, in fact, generated another… crowds of adventurers standing before a placard, all hoping that it would be them who would pick the right second to hand over their paperwork to the residential caretaker.

The Lalafell folded her arms. She turned her head and looked up at the sun. As did everyone else. Was she using the sun to tell the time? Was there some hint they could glean from her actions? No one really knew how the residential caretakers determined when to release the plot for sale, although many a Scholar had tried.

As always, a large gathering had formed. Aside from those who were dreaming to purchase this plot of land, applications in hand, there were also neighbors who had gathered, sitting atop their rooftops, waiting to see who would get lucky. One of the would-be homeowners had brought his Free Company along. They were cheering him on. Some brought out instruments to play, putting on a whole performance. Blade focused his eyes forward and tried not to distracted. Intimidation tactics. The Lalafell continued to shake her head as applications continued to present themselves to her.

These adventurers—they were competition. And yet, they were all experiencing a shared pain. There was a comradery here, even if it was a bitter one.

Blade held out his paperwork and he didn’t even notice that the Lalafell accepted it. There were gasps as the Lalafell nodded and announced “Sold—to the Dark Knight!” Blade looked around for the victor—until he realized it was him. There was a pained silence around him, and he dare not look anyone in the eye. A quiet, defeated, shuffling sound behind him as all packed up and moved on. He wished them well, silently, but said nothing, so as not to gloat. He stepped onto the green grass of his newly acquired plot, and collapsed, exhausted. For he, savior of the realm, had finally conquered real estate.

(Choice: Bluebird Earring)