So Many Memories, How to Choose?
There are few things outside of fighting for my life that I find to be difficult. I am the Warrior of Light after all, I have the reputation to uphold of being able to fly through everything with a grace unlike any other. Yet, I was asked something that actually stumped me, and I have thought on it for many moons.
“What is your favorite memory from your journey, Malignancy?” Tataru asked.
I have struggled with this question because I have too many fond memories. Embarking on this adventure has been the greatest time of my life. I once had the ambition to be the star in the songs the Bards sing, and I have achieved that goal. Even still, I continue to trek on because I love what I do.
Along this journey, I have made many friends. I think that is perhaps what makes this journey worth it. All of the wonderful friends that I have fought alongside, and that have stood by my side through everything.
Then there are all the others I’ve met along the way. So many names come to my mind that I would be listing them off for hours. All names that I have made countless memories with.
How could I ever possibly just pick one to call a favorite?
There are a few memories that stick out more, like when we bought our first large plot in the Beds. And how could I possibly forget freeing Ala Mhigo and Doma from Garlean rule? I don’t remember ever feeling happier and proud of my own accomplishments than I did at that time.
Then, another thought slides into my mind, and I realize I’ve got it: the day I eternally bonded to my sun.
Through all the wars and situations in which our lives were in danger, we always kept each other up. We have protected one another, we have supported one another, and our bond has only strengthened over the years.
It was a beautiful night. The skies were clear, and the stars sparkled in the skies above the Sanctum of the Twelve. It was a night free of worry, a night off from the adventuring and being the Warriors of Light. It was a night of love and happiness, drinking and merriment, when two souls became one.
Zadist never looked more handsome than he did that night. I’ll never forget the love in his eyes as he placed the ring on my finger, no doubt visible anywhere on his face. It was something we both knew we were ready for, that we had been ready for a long, long time. Our friends cheered us on, wishing us continued happiness.
As we rode away on our beautiful white chocobo, it was more than just another ride together. It was our first ride together as an officially bonded couple, and the stars kissed the sky the way we kissed in the chapel. I’d never been much of one for romance, but that was one incredibly romantic night that I will never forget.
I often fiddle with my ring, love pounding in my heart for my sun, my friends, my companions, and my world. It’s been an amazing journey, and I look forward to all of the years to come.
(Chosen prize: Gaelicap)
Courage is the Magic that Turns Dreams Into a Reality
Do you remember, meeting someone for the first time and thinking to yourself, I need to be with them; a love at first sight scenario? I do... It was a calm, breezy day in Limsa Lominsa. I was sitting underneath a tree, reading a book resting from a quest earlier that day.
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Sunlight sparkling throughout the branches, I saw her; playing the harp in a giant crowd. I put my book away, and walked over to hear her better. Gazed up at her starlight like eyes, all I could do was move to the beat of the music. It entranced me... I went and listened same hour every day without uttering a word. I couldn't get the courage to even say “Laliho!” But, I'm sure she knew how I felt with my dancing to her tunes.
She put her harp down one day, and sat next to me. This was it! This was the time to get courage, “Courage is the magic that turns dreams into a reality.” That line was in my head a lot... My voice squeaked, “Hello.” She chuckled at me... I then cleared my throat, “You play good.” That was all I could say to her...
A few days later I was helping out someone with a cafe idea for their house, I didn't know I'd see her again, she was in the same Free Company as this person I was helping out. I got more confident, and we talked and talked. Got to know each other better, we got into a relationship. Was she the one? I had to make this work.
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She joined me... we went and explored deep dungeons and caves, fighting monsters back to back. Surrounded, I popped the question, “Will you marry me?”
“If we survive this, I do!”
Filled with courage, I felled every last beast. Her and I, we journeyed to Ul'dah, the Gold Smith's guild, I dawned a hammer and forged her a ring to show my love.
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To this day... I look back on my fondest memory and still with the Ring of Eternity on my finger and hers, this is the story for the ages on how courage truly is the magic the turns dreams into a reality.
Go now, find your minstrel, your muse. Someone to make you happy. I'm glad to have her in my life, everyday is a treat.
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(If I'm chosen: Noble Barding)
Philosophical Memoirs of a World-Weary Traveler: On Seeking Solace, and a Hope Reborn
Excerpt from a journal, writ red on aged parchment.
We come, friends and strangers, to a little realm far from home.
For home is often cruel, cold, hard. As winter sinks wicked teeth into our hearts, as the world burns, as we cry out desperately for hope, we flee. While violence and brutality prevail around us, we seek solace. We struggle to fight greater battles while yet shouldering our own burdens, but in this realm, new faces and old alike are welcomed in from the cold, refugees all.
Here, power is placed into our hands. Power to fight, power to change, power to confront evils alike to those all around us, power to question ourselves and the world we live in. We carry here our burdens and scars, aggrieved by the world, and this little realm mirrors the agonies of our own -- and strives to light a path forward.
Toppling dictators, finding aid and comfort in friends and allies, striving to learn more of the great wide world and to protect all its inhabitants. Searching for oneself, struggling for answers and meaning and grappling with loss, finding peace with our past and trauma and fears. In a little realm far from home, refugees in the thousands face the world's grim realities through a gilded mirror.
I, myself, arrived only a short while ago. Drawn by the promise of friendship, a warm hearth and warmer welcome, I journeyed here from a crumbling reality, bearing with me my fear and doubts. My travels here are not yet done; I've not yet explored every far-off land, broken bread with all the many and varied people of this realm. But those places I've seen and people I've met have given me something I'd long thought lost: a fragile, yet growing, flower of hope.
I struggle to find reason to strive onward, in that world I call mine own. I struggle to see an end to the carnage and hatred that seethes from the rotting core of so many nations. I struggle to see the value of mine own small influence, though I must ever smile and press on for those I love.
Here, I've found myself able to view my world through new eyes. The stories of this realm's people blaze a path that I might strive to mimic. Though this little realm does not reach beyond its own borders, I carry a little piece of it with me, now, woven into the tattered fabric of my being, lending its strength to my worn and threadbare self. Brick by brick, I am rebuilding mine own love of life, of the world. My hands may be bloody and raw from the work, yet still I will press onward: to be a hero in what little ways I can, and to forgive myself when I cannot.
And ever shall I consider this place my home.
[A personal thank-you to the XIV writing and development team for their hard work and poignant storytelling, which hold great personal weight and meaning for me. One day I will reach Shadowbringers. If selected to win, I would like the Noble Barding, please.]