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

I do not speak overmuch. I nod, I smile. I tilt my head and those around me read into that small movement all the weight they ascribe to me. Whatever it is that they need to see. I remain quiet so that I can listen. I always remember the sounds best.

I remember hearing their wings. Even before the screeches there was a manifest pulsing. A thudding. And then the first ward fell before we knew what was happening. The second right after that. Half of our protection spent just so we could unsheathe our blades.

At last cannons answered with resonant beats of their own. And the snares, heavy chains rattling as they were cast over leathery bodies. They strained for merely a moment before giving with a tinny pop. That wave of muscle and anger would not be so easily slowed. We had hoped the third ward would hold—it did not. We needed the fourth ward to hold.

It did not.

Now all that kept them from the last gate, was us. Their largest, their leader, approached inexorably. Claws scored deep into thousand year old stone, and every one of its forward footfalls meant ten fewer lay behind us. I was pressed right up against that portcullis with the few who still stood. I’d lost my sword so I clung to my shield with both hands. Barely turning away strikes, arms numb, we knew we’d lost. That they would finish us and then tear through the same defence that hemmed us in.

Smoke and ash and heat, and we huddled behind our scarred planks of steel. Waiting for finality, we still did not drop our last futile guard. We held our breaths, held onto one another. Then the noise. Something so loud it was felt rather than just heard. Rattling our bones, the bricks, the mountains, the very sky, it seemed. Someone must have made it up the tower. At the last moment they’d torched off the Dragonkiller. I’d thought the name flippant once, but...

We didn’t know it was over until we heard those wings again. The dread heartbeat of buffeted air. This time moving away from us. Their leader’s bulk sagged and slipped off the bridge. It wasn’t noiseless, not really, not with the crackling of guttering fires, the howling Coerthan wind. But it felt like an absolute hush after the screeching, the screaming. A victorious quiet.

A woman helped me stand, my stunned limbs hanging at my sides. Her face was stained black with soot, her armour rent. White teeth grinning at me. I smiled back. Behind us, snow fell. Gentle flakes resting on a city we’d yet to set foot in. An intact city.

I don’t speak much, but I do want to share this with whoever finds it. We had nowhere to go, no illusions about our impending doom. We gripped our fate up to the very last moment, raised our shields for every bruising blow, and, because of this, we lived.

Listen. We made it. Hold on. Hold that silent sound within, and you will too.

(Gaelicap please! Good luck everyone and thank you team FFXIV!)

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)

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.

https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...002cf63afd.jpg

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.

https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...10ebf13b86.jpg

(If I'm chosen: Noble Barding)

Psychopath, they called her. The Butcher on the Big Bridge was another name for her. Only behind her back, but she knew. They treated her like she was simple. Called her Warrior of Light to her face, invited her to the meetings and parties, tried to keep her happy.

But they treated her like a dog on a leash. Pointed her at what needed killing and she did it for them. She was good at it. She enjoyed it. She knew it wasn’t exactly right to enjoy the rush of combat and the thrill of killing her enemies, but she did it for a cause. Her own cause, but it lined up closely enough to her compatriots’ that they couldn’t tell the difference.

That’s why she was here today. She rushed into the chamber with her companions at her back. The Ananta were finishing their ritual, their leader mad with grief. She understood a mother’s suffering. She understood far more than anybody suspected. But this was a poor way to handle that anguish. This way interferes with her plans.

The being burst forth from the gathered crystals, a surprisingly Hyuran form considering the snakelike qualities of its summoners. She gripped her cane tighter, adopting a ready stance. Next to her, her partner in crime read a book, a perpetually bored look on her face. Business as usual. A grin crept onto her face, going past excited to maniacal. It was time for the thrill of combat.

The heavily armored types led the charge. The primal’s aetheric effects warped their perception of the chamber into a circular arena floating in a void.

She was a whirlwind, occasionally granting her comrades the boon of her healing magicks, but mostly directing unrelenting light aspected destruction at the enemies before her.

One by one, her allies were taken out of the fight. She and the scholar tried to revive them, but the constant drain on her aetheric energies was too much. The two looked at each other and nodded. They would focus on keeping their sentient shields alive. This day would be won through attrition and not overwhelming force of arms.

The entity whispered directly into her consciousness, its words entreating her to lay down her burdens and rest. They became increasingly difficult to resist as the battle wore on, their resources almost entirely drained. Most of her companions lay on the ground as they had for the majority of her time in combat. She could not spare a moment to restore them to the fight.

She focused as hard as she could, summoning the presence of mind to increase the ferocity of her assault. The primal fell just as her reserves were exhausted. Her partner assisted her in restoring the others to life, their aether still tethered to their corporeal form strongly enough to allow it.

She allowed the flush of victory to fill her. She had done a good deed, despite the casual violence of it, and who cared if she enjoyed it too much or not? She agreed with them that she was a weapon, but only she knew that she was the one holding it.

***

Noble Barding, please.

Picking a single memory is a difficult challenge. I've been a Final Fantasy fan since I was able to read. Had I not opted to try a neat looking game for the SNES called "Final Fantasy II", I don't think I would have even gotten into video gaming as a whole. I grew up on Final Fantasy games, from spending hours searching every nook and cranny of "Final Fantasy 3" just because I didn't want it to end, to stealing the couch cushion from the living room, just so I could sit closer to the tv while I played FFVII. I remember being almost horrified to think I had somehow MISSED playing several of them, when the series "jumped" from III to VII.

I joined Final Fantasy XIV when it became A Realm Reborn and played it for a short while, never got too invested in it though since it was difficult for me to make and keep friends. I gave it up sad to say and moved on with my life, until one day my best friend was talking to me about it and he mentioned the Warring Triad.

"...Wait what"

I was stunned. They had somehow incorporated elements of my absolute favorite game into XIV? ...Okay, I'll come back for that. I was hooked and it felt good. I grinded my character, I played through the story, I had a goal. To defeat the Warring Triad. That time came, and each primal I downed I felt a little bit more of my childhood just smiling with pride. I never thought it could get better. Stormblood came, I was going through my regular stuff and that's when it hit. It was that laugh.

Kefka had come.

4.2 was the greatest patch for me, I had never been so absolutely hyped to finally take on Kefka, quite possibly my favorite villain. I scoured every bit of information I could find about him pre-release. I did double time to make sure I would be geared for him. It was release day, I rushed home from work faster than I had ever been, I felt just like it did when I got out of school and wanted to get home. I sat down at my computer, downed a monster and logged in. I got in touch with a few FC mates and it was time.

As each boss fell, it was as if I was back on that couch cushion in front of my tv. Finally after an hour of trials, cutscenes, and bathroom breaks I came to face to face with the perfect combination of psychotic clown and mad god himself, Kefka Palazzo. It was time.

Headphones off. Speakers on. He wasn't going against me, he was going against the twelve year old warrior of light that fought him decades ago. When he finally went down, I had never felt so young and alive.

So. If I had to pick a favorite moment? That would be it. Defeating Kefka for the first time in FFXIV. That was when I knew that I would be part of FFXIV until the very end.

If you enjoyed my story, I would prefer the Noble Barding please. Thank you for reading.

I remember the first time. My companion and I stood below the Shroud’s boughs, looking out across the waters to the Lavender Beds… and the excited way you spoke to us, offering us help as we found our way through a realm very new to the two of us. I remember the next few times, with others, albeit vaguely.

A cheerful Miqo’te, who kindly helped me figure out my spells. A danger loving couple that pulled my companion and I through Amdapor’s haunted halls. A friend made by chance that pulled me along to construct an airship. An Elezen who danced the night away with us in the Quicksand. A Roegadyn, an Au Ra, a Lalafell, who joined my friends and I - to complete a ranger group in Limsa.

The nights of careful planning, and attempts over and over - followed by the cheers, as my friends and I celebrated a hard won victory. Our excitement as we stepped into the halls of a place to call our own for the first time. A journey taken for the first time with them, to a place further than Eorzea, that would show us the way to further adventure.

To all of you, you have colored my days with something irreplaceable. For your company, your kindness, your warmth, your guidance, you have inspired me to be the same for those who follow. I hope the days find you well, wherever your travels have taken you.

May your adventures be filled with joy always,
A Fellow Adventurer

(If selected, I would like the Noble Barding - for my most stalwart companion. Thank you!)

So many things I love about the vast realm of Eorzea, Its filled with gorgeous sights from the snowy mountains of Ishgard to the sparkling sea of Costa del sol. I can get lost in the beauty of Sea of clouds or I can bask in the heat of Thanlan. Every person and creature unique, this world is full of depth and has a history all its own.

In this world that seems boundless I spend my days adventuring, hunting down dangerous creatures in Lakeland or racing through the streets of Ul'dah. whether I'm taking quests to help those in need, exploring scary dungeons or cooking up recipes in my home the excitement never stops.

This journey has filled me with a multitude of joyous memories. but what keeps bringing me back are the friendship's I've made. Bonds with diverse amazing and kind people. we help each other grow, and lift each on our dark days. We started out as strangers then friends and now family and its this crazy fascinating world that brought us all together I will forever be grateful for never being alone.

https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.n...8741E3819854A/
Thank you, if selected (Prize: Gaelicap)

I've never enjoyed being noticed. That's how I imagined I would live out my adventures. I saw myself alone, keeping from the crowds and not bothering anyone as I continue onto my next quest.
I never expected to be found by a group, a ‘Free Company’ they called themselves. I friended the recruiter first because I was too shy to ask about the company itself. Turns out, I was the first outsider to join. Little did I know that they would become my family.
They taught me how to play my job, the ins and outs of this world, and they kept me safe from those that would try to push me around. They supported me. Still, I left for some time, took a break from them all and my duties. But when I returned, I was welcomed. Old faces and new greeted me.
This Free Company was where I learned to grow. I started off a child, stumbling over my own feet while the adults around me chuckled in their second-hand embarrassment over my clumsiness. But I grew older, more graceful. I learned how to run beside the best of adventurers and hold the hand of new ones.
This taught me to be smarter. That not every new adventurer was what they seemed. I was hurt and learned caution, and for some time I thought I learned coldness as well. My sympathy for newer players became less, and my tolerance for mistakes decreased as well. But my examples, my Free Company, were there. They taught me better. That caution was good, but that was no reason to be cruel and expect perfection. They were my friends during confusing times, and made sure I remained true to myself.
From there, I grew more. I learned forgiveness, and practice it every day, for not just others but myself. I remember that my closest friends are just a linkshell away, and that they will support me should I need them. Their voices are in my heart and head, encouraging me to reach for my goals. I have learned from them that to accomplish I must try, and nobody else will try for me.
So to you, who reads my letter this day. Cherish your friends. Do not fear pain or deceit. These are the lessons that have been taught to me in this home. To be my best self, and be strong. Do not hide within a bubble of insecurity of what may or may not be, and test yourself. Even if it is trying. Failure may be as insignificant as being ignored. But success just may be that barding you saved up on so much gil so long for your beloved Chocobo companion. Or your Guildmaster noticing your lovingly thought out design and choosing you, of all adventurers, to be the one to mass produce and help furnish the homes of your peers in Eorzea.
All that can be expected of you is to try, and my companions in Eorzea give me the courage to do so. They are my favorite memories. Their words that have shaped me into an individual that is an outstanding version of myself.
But if I had to choose one memory alone… I choose that hard run of Sastasha, where I learned that I do not need to hold myself back. That, I will always remember.

Ahriman Choker

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.]

Emet-Selch: Ascian, and harbinger of our destruction.
https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...34995bcbb2.jpg
Warrior of Light: Champion of Hydaelyn, and defier of fate.
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Our titles - our roles - should have left us nothing more than enemies. An intersection of ideals was impossible, and when you first strode up to us with your laughable words of wanting to find common ground, I should have felt, as my fellow Scions so plainly did, that you were merely mocking us. That you would take any kindness or weakness and exploit it at the worst moment, betraying what little trust we might have offered.

And yet...

I didn’t trust you. Not at the beginning, and not even at the end, in Amaurot. I wanted to though. Even as I doubted your sincerity, I wanted desperately for it to be true. I wished I could offer you the kindness I’d have shown anyone else - that my role and duties to others didn’t demand, at the very least, silence, if not outright scorn. It felt wrong. Surely we, who considered ourselves right and just, could be better than that. Surely the Hero could be better than that. Yes, we may well need to kill our enemies in the end, but they are… Well, perhaps not human, but they have souls as we do. They have wants and needs and desires like everyone else. Why can we not treat them with respect?

And in the end, now that it’s all done and over with, I think you were sincere. Perhaps it’s just my own wishful thinking, but I believe that, had you truly wanted us dead, you would have struck down Alisae and Alphinaud, Y’shtola and Urianger, Thancred and Ryne, not merely knocked them unconscious. You had nothing to gain from doing so, and everything to lose. Did you perhaps orchestrate the entire encounter? Planned your own fall from the very beginning? To what end?

Now, in the quiet of my rooms in the Pendants, I find myself remembering your expression just before we fought. Your shock, disbelief, then stubborn denial. A trick of the light, you told yourself, and I wonder: who was it you saw in me?
https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...a97c98ab75.jpg

Even now, with you gone, you have me at a disadvantage. I know your name, Hades, but I do not know my own. Before the sundering, who was I that my presence would shake you so? That you might, possibly, have allowed me to live at the potential cost of the Rejoining you so desired?

Hades, soul whole and immortal, who loved his world to such extremes he would destroy all others for its restoration.
Myself, soul fragmented and fragile, who yet loves her world in all its imperfection.

I beg of you, what was my name?

(If I win, I would like the bluebird earring.)