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

A lone arrow cracked against the wind, sailing through the quiet till it struck the diremite square in the eyes.

"Another one bites the dust!"

Gravien smirked. He was beginning to get a hang of it. Straighter shots were tricky, but occasionally he'd get it right between nocks.

This was another beautiful day in the Shroud. Peaceful yet bustling with energy. Eorzea was on the brink of something new and Gravien was one of many stumbling ahead.

It was a time for adventurers, and Gravien was eager to explore. Lately he'd been gathering confidence by dipping arrows in venom and aiming for arteries.

"Steady...every adventure begins with a step."

It seemed like forever since he first entered the emerald forest. A fledgling novice, there were struggles deciding on what to do and even hitting marked targets a week ago.

But now there was something special in the air. A certain momentum. Many had been traipsing by helping the odd fellow here and there. But in the horizon, there were murmurs of curses, ancient ruins...and even the undead!

From tales of Ul'dah splendors to the seaside brilliance of La Noscea, many had a story to share about what lay ahead. The world seemed so big to Gravien, and there was a hunger for more. Friends from Thanalan had sent word of escapades in the local mines. Others stopped by through airship to promote their new feathered friends.

But alas each adventure has a pace of its own. For now the focus of the day was improving marksmanship. After all, his colleagues back at the guild had much to say about recent developments.

Soon it would be another day, and Gravien would have to retire yet again to the inn before starting anew. What boundless journeys were to come? What name would he make for himself? In Eorzea, the possibilities were endless.

~

Light pierced through the echoing darkness. Gravien stirred back to his senses. How long had it been since he started this voyage? His eyes opened slowly as if shaken from a deep slumber. These forlorn feelings from times long past. Was it all a dream?

More lights coalesced and flashed by in the cold quiet. Through them came the memories. Of the beginning. Of purpose and perspective. Of loss.

Gravien steeled himself. Motivation is a funny thing. Back where it all began, it rose from the heart. From passion and wanting to see more in a new world. Through all the highs and lows over the ages, it all came back and together in preparation for what lay ahead.

And ahead it was. The blinding truth of consequences and of the unknown. Of earth.

Earth?! Land! Gravien abruptly awoke. The ground had a hardy yet sterile smell. Dusting himself off from the drowsiness, the memories of today came flooding back. It was time to settle this. Even amidst all the turmoil and change, one thing hadn't faltered and he kept it to heart.

Gravien took a deep breath and strode forward.

Every adventure begins with a step.




(Noble Barding)

The sun set on yet another average Saturday. Lights started to get shut off as early risers headed to bed in preparation for the next day and all it would bring.
In all but one house, that is.
Inside, beyond the veil of curtains, a young woman sat on the edge of her seat, figuratively, with her controller in hand and headphones askew.
The final battle of Heavensward was all that remained between her and the end to the current arc of the story she had spent many an hour embroiled in. Her game companion’s voices echoed in her ears from her mostly forgotten headphones. Her heart pounded in her chest. Her hands trembled minutely with excitement on the small device in her fists that allowed her to interact with the virtual world.
She could not believe that she was here. She had never been a gamer but a simple promise to a friend to ‘give it a shot’ had lead to this. A promise made with the absolute knowledge that after a few hours she would be back to her regularly scheduled programming. And yet…
It had lead her to this moment, ready to do battle against the forces of darkness in a way that her beloved books simply could not allow her to do.
Fingers poised for the dropping of the protective blue barrier, she waited with baited breath.
She was prepared when it came down, charging into the fray, battle cry on her lips, and sleepy cat eyes fixed on her face in confussion.
How would this part of the story end? How much of a cliffhanger would she be left with to theorize about and agonize over while waiting for the next part of the game?
Ruthlessly, and yet at the same time excitedly, she forced those thoughts aside; she needed to focus on the here and now if she wanted to survive to see the answers to such questions.
Her former streams of internalized thoughts flooded from her lips to manifest audibly. She didn’t notice. She quivered in her seat at the build up of adrenaline.
84%, 60%, 43%, 22%, 10%. They’ve almost got him. They could do this. She could do this.
5%. Her HP started to dip.
4%. Her healer brought her back up.
3%. Her fingers cramped but she didn’t stop.
2%. Almost there.
1%. She could taste victory.
0%. He toppled! Success!
A cheer burbled up from her throat. Her hands went up in triumph. She almost came out of her seat in her elation. Her companions laughed their congratulations.
The thumping in her heart slowed and she settled in to watch the fruits of her labors, to learn the answers to her questions. She grinned the whole way through the cutscenes, her heart and mind on cloud nine.
The final line of dialogue had been delivered, the last note reverberated through her speakers and she had been content; at peace in a way that she had never been before. All because of a game that she had given a chance only half-heartedly. A chance that she had not regretted. She had made friends, defeated enemies, and her life would never be the same again.

Hymn Of Love

In the driest and hottest time of the year, I decided to take a visit to the jewel of the dessert; Quick Sand. From there i came across a tall, tanned, Xaela Au Ra being entertained by various women. All hoping to win your praise through dancing on your lap and kissing your cheek. I thought of nothing and quickly retreated to my room until our eyes met. You possessed beautiful silver eyes that captivated me with a simple sentence. “Be my girl.” I was astonished as I knew you were nothing but a dangerous stranger talking to a fellow Au Ra. Were you interested in me because I was from the Orl tribe? Or did I somehow invoke your desires with my scarlet hair and sapphire eyes? I nodded my head and smiled. I did not know what the moment had meant to be until I decided to make my mistake. You spoiled me through gems and treasures. You erased the loneliness that consumed my heart. I wasn’t expecting much until it was too late. There you took me to the flowers of Il Mheg, the Lucius pink petals that danced between us as you kneeled down before me asking for my hand in marriage. As tears streamed down my cheeks I rushed in and nodded with a smile.
Quickly after your loyalty to this Au Ra faded after you had met a beautiful Viera named Nova. I was crushed and torn to pieces. If it weren’t for you I would not have met my cherished friend.
https://i.imgur.com/xoACjTD.png
I quickly ran to Goblin seeing my favorite Miqote. I embraced him in tears as he asked what was the matter? At the moment, as painful as this memory was, I had learned much about myself and what Eorzea meant to me. It was a place where I could make mistakes and go adventuring with friends. An enriched culture to where I can dance as I throw my chakrams to my enemies.
There I place my home at Shirogane learning from my mistake and to ensure that my heart would not turn to glass. I will stand by my friend whom I hope will stand by me for as long as I breathe. At first I could not get you out of my mind but now I realize you were nothing but a con man. My true friends who worried for me, cried with me, fought with me, and stay with me are my true treasures.
For that I am grateful to have met them after the injuries I had received from you.
I woke up the next day and saw you waiting for me to return to your arms. I shook my head no and smiled.

“You never loved me, however, thank you for teaching me the most important lesson”.
Love is expressed through many ways that fills our hearts with joy. As lonely and grim my world gets I know I am in good hands. I returned the ring to him and said goodbye. I walked away with my favorite miqote as I heard you shout my name. I have not once looked back or searched for you. This place is my safe haven and I will fight for it.
https://i.imgur.com/GYfB44c.png
“Maybe it’s time for me to rest my weary heart.. Maybe someday I will find happiness”.
(Chosen reward: Bluebird Earrings)

To one just beginning their adventure,

How long have you been on your journey? Months? Weeks? Merely days? Even after all these years, I still remember when I was in much the same position as you.

I recall the day when I first stepped into Gridania, not knowing a single thing about the world around me. So many unfamiliar faces, little did I know that they'd soon become familiar friends and acquaintances, all happy to support my endeavors across Eorzea. From Mother Miounne in the Carline Canopy to master Lyngsath in Limsa's Bismarck, I've been happy to help them all, and lucky to receive their support myself.

Of course, I never would have made it to where I am without the help of other adventurers. Whether friends who came with me to Eorzea from other lands, or new allies met on my travels, or simply strangers trying to solve the same problems as I was, every adventure was only possible because of them, and every day I'm thankful I had that help. No matter how tough, no matter how frightening, and no matter how impossible the odds seemed, there were always those willing to lend their aid, and working together we could accomplish anything.

That's why I write this letter, hoping it comes into the hands of someone who needs its message. Whenever you are lost, whenever you have no idea what to do, whenever you feel like you'll never finish your journey, remember them, your allies across the world. Remember us, your fellow adventurers, trying to save everyone. Remember me, your friendly local Lalafell, always willing to lend a hand. We're all here to help you, just like so many strangers helped us so long ago, and so many strangers will continue to help us as time keeps moving on.

Wishing you the best on your quest,
Miriam Webster

(Prize: Gaelicap)

Despite his reputation, Horikare Shadowborne, called the Warrior of Light and the Warrior of Darkness, wasn’t a brave Miqo’te. He did what he had to because the utter fear in his heart when he faced down the monsters and gods, giant machines and whole armies, was better than the shame of not facing them and allowing innocent people to die, or worse, be tempered into mindless slaves.

He grew angry and frustrated, sometimes, when people asked him to put himself in harm’s way. Or assumed that he would go out and blithely face death for them. Still, it never occurred to him not to help. It wouldn’t be right.

That didn’t mean he was brave. At least, until today.

Rika glanced over his shoulder. To one side stood Mari, a Lalafell healer as skilled as she was adorable, her presence calm and focussed, supporting the group with her good sense as well as her spells. Before him, Kattey with her massive sword over one shoulder, as tall as her slender Au Ra frame, eyes bright with anticipation. Fearless and funny, keeping their spirits high.

And beside him… He reached out and twined clawed fingers with his husband, Davien. The tall, graceful Miqo’te gave him a warm smile, squeezing his hand gently. Dark haired, blue eyed, strong and determined, as handsome as he was deadly with the twin blades at his hips.

This time, Rika didn’t have to face the unknown on his own. For the first time his stomach fluttered with anticipation, not fear. Taking a deep breath, he gripped his rapier with his free hand and nodded, head high as they stepped together through the doorway to face the unknown.

For those that they had lost. For those that they could still save.

(Dedicated to everyone in my Free Company. Thank you for reading. I would like the barding if I am chosen.)

It started with awe.

Flying around on my black chocobo, I was mesmerized when I saw you riding a glowing winged horse, magnificently flying by. At that moment, a great yearning grew within me and I had a new purpose -- I need to get that glowing mount!

Hoping that it is obtainable in-game, I asked fellow adventurers, and with ease, I found out that the mount was called Kirin.

Though getting it would prove to be a challenge. For in order to get the majestic Kirin, I would need to acquire six horses from six different primals. What made matters more challenging was I would have to fight them at their strongest, defeat them, and then pray to the god of luck that I obtain a whistle if and when it drops.

At first I battled them alone, but the task was too tough. I eventually looked for like-minded adventurers and together we endeavored to beat the primals, with the promise that each and every one will have their own steed.

It took days, but we eventually triumphed. I know that we had big grins on our faces when we went on top of Rathefrost cliffs, and there we each called on our very own Kirin.

And then we did birds…

And then we did wolves…

And now we try for dragons!

So, to you who inspired me to take this on, I will forever be grateful. And I am hoping that I will see you once again and we can ride with our radiant companions.

Cheering you on,

Tamer of Steeds
Tamer of the Undying Flame
Kyubi Tamer

(Prize Selected: Gaelicap)

Was it yesterday last I basked in the warm glow of the hearth in our Shirogane home? A week perhaps? Two? I'd lost track. Surely it couldn't have been that long...

I let my eyelids shut to collect my thoughts.

I'd fought this foe a hundred times at least. Each time a mortal blow I'd strike, each time they'd rise again. A forever struggle.

Maybe I'd always been here.

I open my eyes.

A waft of salty sea air passes as I survey the battlefield. Our fledgling conjurer Y'shtola charges forward, her snow white braids whipping in the wind, cat ears pinned back as she jumps headlong toward the enemy commander; Merlwyb, a towering woman dressed all in black. They clash, my feline friend sent reeling by her attack, but I look past them to the leather-clad gunslinger, Hilda, who'd flanked behind. Her pistol thunders, her aim ever true as the commander slumps to the floor.

We've only a second to regroup before the opponent is back on the offensive. From the shadows a hulking Roegadyn leaps toward Hilda, the steely visage of the legendary pirate king Mistbeard adorning his helmet. But, no sooner had the pirate appeared then came a flash from above as the bristling dragoon, Estinien, fell upon him like a bolt from the black night sky, sending him sliding back into the darkness. We nod to each other and turn toward the remaining skirmish.

On the other edge of the arena a figure in a sea captain's tricorne, Rhoswen, pistol in hand, sends a volley of shot towards the dragoon. Her other hand wields a cutlass fencing with a chainmailed Vieran knight, Lyna. Their slight frames are both dwarfed by the titanic primal Leviathan looming over their battle, toothy maw agape, ready to devour the victor.

I know I, the Warrior of Light, will decide this contest. This selfsame scenario has played countless times before. I help up an out of breath Y'shtola, her magicks spent but spirits still high. I step forward, shoulder to shoulder with Estinien, busy brushing off flecks of shot which had grazed his armor. We take just a moment and turn to meet the giant sea snake Leviathan in final combat. We've done this so many times, it's reflex now...

I let my eyelids shut to collect my thoughts.

Maybe this will finally be it? No. I shouldn't get my hopes up.

I open my eyes.

8 to 2, another victory. O'kalkaya's familiar face stares back at me, ever cheerful. I wait for her to pass over our wager. 68 Manderville Gold Saucer Points, same as always.

Hmm... but what's this?

She's passed a card along with the coins. This one feels different. The stock thicker, the edges sturdier, the corners rounder, the faces smoother, the smell richer. Could it be? I slowly turn it over... 1... 2... 3,4,5 stars!

YES! This is it! My never-ending battle has finally come to an end.

I place the pristine Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn Triple Triad card into my deck, and give O'kalkaya a bow as an uncharacteristic smile sneaks onto my normally stoic face.

(Gaelicap)

It’s been a long, winding road since I first returned to the Black Shroud of Gridania and enlisted in the Order of the Twin Adders. So much has happened. So many trials faced, friends made, enemies vanquished, allies lost. The good and the bad…

I’ve often been asked to reflect upon my life, and then select one moment, one memory as the greatest of them. To then regail my audience with such a tale of bravery and glory that would captivate even the most talented of bards and wisest of historians. Yet, when I am put on the spot as such, I instead find myself at a loss for words. How can I look back at the long tapestry of my history and pluck free a single thread to hold up as the grandest of them all?

I could share a more personal anecdote perhaps. About how I met someone, another wandering soul of Eorzea who wished for companionship on their journey. Someone whose smile never failed to lift my heart, whose humorous antics brought me to tears of laughter over and over again. Someone in whom I found a kind love I had believed beyond my reach. Someone who I have chosen to intertwine my tale with forever onwards. I could tell you about him, yes.

But even then, I am overcome with so many moments, so many meetings, and adventures, and conversations, that I again fail to single one out among the others as my most precious.

From felling the first primal I ever encountered -- the blazing embodiment of fire, Ifrit -- alongside fellow adventurers who would eventually become my dearest, trusted friends; to traversing the rift of space and time itself to aid a world on the brink of being consumed by eternal light, every step has been important to me.

Every step has changed me, forged me into this person that I am today. This Warrior of Light.

There are still pages left unwritten however. I have many more steps I intend to take before I find my rest. Many more journeysI wish to share with those dearest to me. Many new faces to meet and exotic locations to visit.

We are each writing our own tales. And if there is one thing I could ever hope to fully impart upon another Eorzean who, too, yearns for adventure, it is that your story is just as important as mine. It is just as beautiful, just as breathtaking, and just as worth telling. Your triumphs and your tragedies, each and every moment. So tell it, please.

The pen is yours.

With warmest wishes,

Another Grateful Storyteller



(Thank you for reading my submission. If selected, I would like the Bluebird Earring as my selected prize.)

To those I leave behind

To my dearest beloved Astrid,

I pray to the twelve that this letter never reaches you, that I might hold you in my arms again and feel your warming embrace. That I would see my son's face for the first time, I would give all that I have and more. Alas I will not withhold any truths from you. Come the dawn I will be heading to the front lines.

Despite our victory over Castrum Novum and even with the Warrior of Lights help, we were unable to stop the Garlean Empire's plans. You may see it in the sky even now, as it looms overhead, the red moon. Archon Louisoix has devised a plan, and we are to engage the enemy on the fields of Carteneau whilst he prepares.

The alliance between nations has held strong. Those we once thought petty, or weak, or dishonorable have become my brothers and sisters in arms. I tell you now, there are no differences between us, and I have wept for those lost on the battlefield.

However, despite my loss and sorrow, I fight on. Not for Eorzea, not for my country, not even for the Warrior of Light, I fight for you and our son. That one day we will be reunited, that I might hear my son's cries, and that I might hear your gentle whispers before I lay to rest for the eve, I fight on.

I pray that both of you are safe, that the cries of war do not reach your ears. I pray you never have to witness the horror that has been created by the Empire, that this is just some unseemly nightmare we have yet to wake from.

Know that I am with you, and though we may not see one another again, that I love you with all of my heart. If I do not return to you, I ask that you live on. To not close your heart off to others, and possibly love once more as you have loved me.

To my son, I hope you grow to be kind and strong. To listen to your mother even when you may not want to. To know that are you loved, always. Remember to ask your mother about me, the good and the bad, for there is no man without faults, and that we learn and grow from our mistakes. Know that I am no hero, and tales of grandeur ill suit me, but I would go to the great beyond and back for you and your mother.

The dawn draws ever too quickly. There is more I wish to say, and hopes that I will be able to say it once we meet again.

Yours, forever and always,
Alden Rivers

(Noble Barding)

Kari,

I had no idea what I was doing when we met (I literally had you going in circles. I'm so glad Aedan picked us up that day, even if he isn't.)

Can I say thank you? Without you, I would not be here, fighting my own Primals and EX Trials. There were so many detractors and so many people who said that we couldn't do it. And instead of looking at what we couldn't do, you just... Did it. No complaints, no anger, some frustration, and a lot of joyful tears. First with Shinryu EX.

Again with Suzaku EX.

And then we took on the Baldesion Arsenal with so many others and defeated Proto Ozma (the first in your Free Company at the time to do so).

You have changed my outlook on so many things. I know now that life doesn't have to be perfect and I don't have to be perfect to make others happy. You have been such a wonderful moral compass to influence me, my family, and countless others.

Please do not ever stop being the strong, independent, charismatic Au Ra that has defeated so many fierce forces in the past. When life gets you down, remember to "take one more step."

Love always,

Kari ~Purveyor of Hats~ Morganos.

(Bluebird Earrings)