Story from a C-Tier Raider
“Come heroes one! Come heroes all! To aid our suffering souls!
The waves they break upon the shore, the serpent wakes below!
We need the best, but I attest… They’ve all but come and gone.
Their gear is got, their battles fought. So now your lot is drawn.
The simple white mage lalafell who heals the best he can.
A sprout affixed above his hood, green weapon in his hand.
A scholar fighting for his life, but tasked to raise the dead,
A ninja dancing toe to toe, with rabbit on his head.
A bard who knows a single song, but sings with great intent,
A black mage slinging fire and ice… until their mana’s spent.
A grim-faced, veteran Paladin picked to lead the band.
Through all the wipes and miss-steps, he stood with sword in hand.
A warrior screaming top of lungs, he’s in it for the fun!
While ignoring all the Sahagin killing everyone.
And last the skittish dragoon, ready with a quip.
His words as sharp as steel as he jumps right off the ship.
Perhaps you’re not the heroes that we wove into our songs,
And maybe there are those that say you simply don’t belong.
But every time your group would fall. You’d push to rise again.
Every time you’d want to stop, you’d turn to see a friend.
And in the end, you did succeed, because you were a team.
And when you worked together, you were more than what you seem.
So rejoice great heroes of Eorzea, The Serpent hath been sunk!
Now roll upon your greatest prize…
The weapon of a monk."
Signed,
A C-Tier Raider.
https://i.imgur.com/eIThPQm.png
I hope this finds you well.
To my hero, my shining star in this morbid darkness.
I remember the day very vividly. The day where I was all by meself barely awake in Kugane, my face smashed against the lumber with cheeks flared red. The only thing I can't really remember is how many bottles of sake I drank that day, not like that'd matter much to the hero sort like you. I struggled to stand up when you walked into the hostelry. You walked past me without a second thought, why would you? I was a empty broken shell of a woman, clinging to the alcohol and nothing else. I'm unsure if it was my stupor or the sorrows blinding me as you walked past. I saw someone I once loved, someone who were the stars to my dearly cloaked night. I reached out to you with everything I had and I did catch the tail of your coat. You had no reason to stop or even notice me that day. Still... still you looked over, seeing this drunken lalafellin woman clinging to you with teary eyes. Neither the Twelve or I knew aught of what would come as a result of my stupidity. I doubt you even knew either.
You took me with you, to some place I barely remember. The faint scent of roses were all that I recall in that night. The following morning, you sat across from me and asked me why I tried to stop you that night. I know naught of what to tell you and yet... my chest tightened, my heart screamed to paint the still air between us with the colors of my tale. I tried to laugh it off, saying naught more than I was seeing only an illusion in you. You knew better somehow and decided impossibly to take me along with you. You saw my emptiness, you saw my heartbreak and you still accepted me. Every night we'd share a lovely tale and drink til I passed out. I fought the Garleans with you, I crafted concoctions of myriad purposes and I comforted you in the darkest days. Through Doma we liberated, through Ishgard you brought peace and in the lives of millions, you've brought hope. I know this letter may not mean much now if you still remember who I was.
I loved you for the sins you forgiven in me and the happiness you've brought me. We were as close as family and I hope that even now as you read this. You'll look fondly back on our adventurers when I was still here. When I still lived. My time is going to be up soon. I hope this letter finds you well, Warrior of Light. I can't even begin to thank you for everything you did for me in those short summers. Our adventures together were the happiest I've ever been and I'll remember them fondly even in passing. I hope the warmth and the love you're brought me will bring you peace one day. You... deserve it more than anyone else, dear friend.
Signed,
One of your many admirers.
(If I were to win I'd like bluebird earring.)
The Fleeting Memories of an Ancient
The story of Shadowbringers was very touching and heartfelt. I honestly found myself relating to and yearning to know more about the Ascians and almost crying at Emet-Selch’s last words. I would like to put forth a short narrative from his perspective in his final moments. If any of this is in any way shape or form similar to the actual future plot of the game, etc, it is only coincidence!
If my entry is selected, I would like the Gaelicap.
It has been countless millennia since the sundering of our once beautiful star.
O how mine heart aches as I recount all that is now lost to the three of us who remain; the families that may no longer dine together, the vast and extraordinary creations that were brought forth by our creative imaginations, the unfathomable cities we wrought, the infinite mysteries that we scoured.
These hobbled creatures who now inhabit the shards know nothing of what has been lost. Fools, the lot of them! They think themselves worthy of even a mere existence? They know not what they set themselves against. They know not how Hydaelyn manipulates them to do her bidding. To mock us and scoff at those of us who sought to save our star.
O dear friend, how mistaken you were to set your will against us. To turn against the Convocation as you did. Your soul is lost, sundered just like the very star that you sought to protect. You brought wisdom to the Convocation that the other members scant could match. Your conviction to your ideals burned bright and hot. A light that smote every corner and bore all reason to bear.
It was you who plotted against Zodiark. It was you who, with your mere force of will, moved many hearts to join your cause. It was you brought about the creation of Hydaelyn. It was you who helped usher the final days upon us. Yet despite all that this entails, I cannot bring myself to fault you. You are still dear to me, friend.
I remember the ages we spent together, you and I. Always were you the caring one, the one who shouldered every sorrow, who sought to salve every wound. Your resolve was indomitable. I do not believe that anyone cared more for our star than you did, and I do not believe that I cared for anyone more than I cared for you. You moved me in ways that no other could. It is no wonder that you found a multitude to flock to your cause.
My life flashes before me now, eons unfathomable in length to the pitiful creatures of the shards. All the weight that I have borne is lifting now. With this, I feel as though I now have some inkling of the soul that stands before me. It has a familiar color… A color that I would recognize anywhere, no matter how fragmented. I must make one final request now before I am lost to the aethereal sea permanently.
You must remember… remember us. Remember that we once lived… goodbye, dear friend. May you one day remember who you truly are.
Thank you for reading my entry.
A Most Gentlemanly Man...
It had all started when I met the miqo'te Nashu Mhakaracca. She had been so desperate to find her missing partner (boss?) that I could not help but oblige. She seemed so sincere. Following her to the Sagoli Desert and unceremoniously beating up a few gentlemanly zombies, that's when I met him (and learned Nashu was a pyromaniac).
The man...
The legend...
Hildibrand Manderville.
I was in awe! I was inspired! I was...A little weirded out but I knew I was in the presence of a legendary inspector. And thus he took me on the weirdest adventure I had ever been on. Missing jewels! A purple octopus! A red man named Gilgamesh! It was all so exciting.
And at the end of it all?
Even I became a little bit more....
Gentlemanly.
https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...7edf34895d.png
(if selected id like the noble barding!)
Memoirs of Adventure (Selected Prize: Scarf of Wondrous Wit)
Truthfully? No one memory would serve to justify my time in the world of Eorzea. Defeating bosses with the Free Company? Or maybe socializing, and meeting the best people in this game? Perhaps alone, rather, the first time I stepped out, and looked upon the rolling hills of the Steppe, or the icy plains of Coerthas. None of these memories served to settle that feeling I get in my soul when I reminisce on this land. For in reality, no one experience could do it justice. Eorzea is a place of many wonder, not one. From putting the soul of Nidhogg to rest, to liberating Ala Mhigo. Bringing darkness to the First, and keeping the light of hope burning. This is what this Fantasy means to me. A collection of memories, glittering like the stars in the sky, and just as beautiful. And for this I thank the Creators, and remind all adventurers young and old, new and veteran, to keep these stars glittering in your heart for as long as you can. One light the night sky doesn't make, one memory Eorzea is not.
Thank you, Kawa Kagon (Jenova)
Words Unsung From the Mute Bard
Weary Wanderer,
Follow my song
A love-
A love now far lost
To the farthest reaches of the land and sea.
I was willing to shine my brightest
I was willing to surpass thee.
Following made days dark and uncertain.
Reality ever changing-
Until the call for the final curtain.
Love Lost to me-
Fueled my despair and anxiety.
The fondest memory is in the aftermath of my love’s bounty
One he could not share with me.
Alone,
Shoulders heavy with a head I could not hold high
And my fondest memory-
Is of those that found me,
And the land that embraced me.
To those I’ve met- unknown unto you wanderer;
Deathisper gave me care-
L’iaho gave affections.
Gatrish taught me to laugh-
And also to practice patience.
Kairithian an elder brother-
And Raven the younger.
Both who would protect without hesitation, one another.
To Nayru and Akuma, who moved to a far reaching land-
Still give us their time, to give a smile and do what they can.
Lilandria had gifted our fellows with hearth and home,
And Bot who blessed such endeavors-
Even when instinct beckons to leave and roam.
All assisted with Devia-
Even if his was a lost home.
Lucifer and Alucard as a pair that brings love and comfort
Even in the darkest places they go.
Know Raigo and Liasi, awkward yet true
Saw our progress, helped us grow
Rogi, the newest addition
And still others unmentioned
Friends from other lands,
Those that followed me to Eorzea-
To quell the calling of temptation.
Adair, my lost love-
Gifted this memory to me.
Though foreign his affections now
The fondness keeps it clear to see
I was but a fledgling,
Bow and arrow settled in trembling hand.
As I am now-
Singing anthems to my found family band.
My fondest-
Are the gifts Eorzea gave me.
Gifts of courage, love, and place.
Now given home-
A place of welcome warmth.
One where my name is known-
The love they also have for me is shown.
Weary Wanderer,
My tale reminds me of all that has been lost-
Reminds me of what there still is to gain.
If your struggle is one that weighs heavy in your heart
If the world beyond gives a pain filled start
The names that this world gifted to me-
I hope you find comfort in the coming days
Fret not, for those names will appear to you in many ways.
Know this wanderer-
The climb may be more than you expect yourself to take
Fear not the darkness
But do not allow your life to be what is at stake
Your journey is far from over,
If you keep going you will be sure to find
One that you will recognize in time.
Should you ever find yourself lost in the dark
Know that your fondest settles warmth in your heart.
Names you never knew before-
Will fill you with impossible drive to soar.
Banish the dark, or the light-
Know that you still have the ability and strength to fight.
And when you fear all hope is gone-
Press on and remember my song.
A Friend,
The Mute Bard.
(If selected I would like the Scarf of Wondrous Wit)
Message in a Bottle - You Can’t Spell Dragonbreath Falls without D-A-R-N T-O-A-D-S
Countless memories I have of my life in Eorzea I would put pen to paper on; nearly three summers’ worth, in fact. However, I feel moved to recount my tale of a foray into Dzemael Darkhold and how I inadvertently caused what should have been an otherwise mundane run to go horribly wrong by my own hand. A curious memory to choose above all else to be sure, but for one reason or another few stories bring a retrospective smile to my face like this one.
I was a fledgling adventurer then. We had entered Dragonbreath Falls in the Darkhold, the place you cannot spell without D-A-N-G-E-R on its sheer cliffs. I had known that the Bone Nixes – almost as if they had been strategically placed there on the cliffside – had a tendency to knock adventurers off with their Labored Leaps. I had no intention of being such an adventurer, until I discovered too late that my toe was caught in the line of attack. To make the situation even more damningly awkward, my back was not facing the wall.
I tumbled down the cliff and hit the bottom faster than I could shout out any sort of profanity. Above me, my party did not seem to notice my fall and were moving on ahead. As one of the two damage dealers in the group, I was absolutely unexpendable. I had to get back to them quickly.
I was only vaguely aware of the beasts along my path, and in my haste I neglected to remember that dungeon monsters worked differently from those in the overworld in that your very existence is so offensive to them that once they’ve begun to chase you, you could run to the ends of Hydaelyn and they will not relent until one of you is dead.
As I ducked into the cavern with my team members at long last in sight, I finally looked over my shoulder and realized that every last beast – along with their mothers – had followed me up. I turned back and attacked the other monsters my party was already fighting with a peculiar calm, as though ignoring the grisly fate quickly approaching us would make it all go away.
It did not.
I recall the last haunting words of our healer, wrought with so much terror that any and all punctuation was bereft in their tone…
”what the”
”where did all the enemies come from”
We were slaughtered as sheep before the wolf… Blessed with the Echo as we were however, death was but a fly to be brushed from our shoulders. The story is not without its happy ending of course, we cleared Dzemael of its ghastly denizens without further tragedy. My embarrassment over the incident long since passed, I look back on it and laugh knowing how far I’ve come since then. Though I likely will never see those people again, I can’t help but wonder if they remember and look back on it with a similar fondness?
(If my tale is worthy of a commendation, I would like the Ahriman Choker, which in its resemblance to the All-seeing eye makes a fitting commemoration of my (mis)adventure through the Darkhold.)
Reflections of a Retired Raid Leader
Morale is tricky, I mused, putting pen to paper. When leading others into battle, you need to find a balance between unwavering support and a relentless push to be better, to do better, in the heat of battle.
I paused, glancing at the quiet waters beyond the Lavender Beds. I could never take our home for granted, something we worked so hard to rebuild. Yet here I sat, on the bench where I was privileged to reflect on some of our greatest and most unbelievable adventures.
There are countless examples I could share, but one in particular comes to mind. Deep beneath Eorzean soil, some time after Bahamut ravaged the land, my friends and I were tasked with confronting the beast — which, thanks to the remnants of Allagan technology, was swiftly being reconstructed.
I knew this story was something I had been asked not to share, but with everything that has happened… I did not want our tale lost to the ages.
After defeating his gatekeepers, we finally found the Dreadwyrm's burning heart. Here, time seemed to stand still, while the power of the Echo allowed us to keep returning to the moment before engagement. Her blessing enabled us to retain all we had learned in our previous encounters, which proved to be an invaluable boon.
But… after several weeks of trial and error, we were all exhausted. And that’s when the regression set in.
"No; don’t do that," I shouted to the white mage in the back lines. Sure enough, he ran into one of Bahamut’s conjured aetherial energy orbs and immediately lost consciousness, leading to our inevitable fall. This was my breaking point.
"Don't be a hero," I growled through gritted teeth. "We need to share the responsibility; you are of no use to us dead!"
He looked down as he formulated his response. "I'm sorry, I—"
"No! No more apologies. No more excuses." I took a deep breath and sighed, looking over the rest of our team as we prepared for our next encounter. We were all frustrated — at ourselves, and at each other. I knew my next words would be important.
"We've been here for months. We’ve seen everything he has to offer. We all know what to do. All it takes is one perfect attempt. One perfect run of it. And we save Eorzea." Tired eyes met mine with hesitant determination. “Now let’s go.”
With that, the paladin rushed forward, and our trial began anew. What followed left me in awe. Even before I could announce what was coming next, our team sprung to action with exacting precision. When Bahamut finally fell, there was a moment of stunned silence, followed by cheers and relief.
The moral of this story, and any heroic tale, is that nothing of worth is ever accomplished alone. Beyond skill, strength and experience is an even more important trait: a belief in yourself, and a belief in your teammates. If you can inspire this, you can save the world.
I tossed my message-in-a-bottle to the water, hoping it would reach willing eyes.
(Prize choice: scarf.)
Best Friends, Now and Forever
“What is your favorite thing about being an adventurer?” The small Miqo’te child looked up at me like she was about to burst with excitement upon meeting the Warrior of Light.
I didn’t expect to be recognized by anyone while having lunch, but after spotting the wooden sword on the young girl’s hip it seemed one of the staff let it slip to her. From across the dining area I could see her mother watching nervously as if I might crush the girl's dreams. I smiled at the mother and said to the girl, “My favorite thing? It would be making new friends along the way.”
She smiled brighter and asked for more, “Like who?"
I hadn’t expected it but I said the first thing to come to mind, “I met my best friend once I started adventuring.”
“What is her name? What is she like? How did you meet her?” The little girl asked, the questions pouring out.
“What is your name?” I asked in return.
“Sihn.” She said quickly.
I chuckled and gestured to the chair next to me, “Well, Sihn, sit down and I will tell you.” She happily jumped on the seat and kept her eyes glued to me.
“Her name is Alorah and she is one of the kindest, bravest, souls I have ever known. She would do anything if it helped her friends.” I told her and continued, “Unfortunately, our meeting is not so interesting, but it is something I remember as clear as day.”
“I was already a skilled Bard and was in the city of Revenant’s Toll. A place of adventurers who are looking to make a name for themselves.” I told her.
“What were you doing there?” She asked.
I chuckled and said, “I was looking for gear because while I was skilled with a bow, my armor was lacking. Alorah approached me while I searched and upon first meeting, I felt as if I was with an old friend. She had seen I needed new armor and without a word gave me a new set of armor. I had just met her and she was worried for me like a sister. It was a sign that we were meant to meet.”
"Do you see each other often?" Sihn asked. I nodded and said, “Of course. Sometimes it has been hard, but we know through everything we love each other.”
Sihn smiled brightly and opened her mouth to speak, but across the way her mother was waving at her. The little girl nodded and quickly thanked me then said goodbye before running to her mother.
I smiled and reached into my pocket pulling out a small drawing of Alorah and I as I personally recalled our first meeting and everything we had gone through since then. She and I were bound together no matter what.
The waitress came up and spoke softly to me, "Are you ready to order, Ma'am?" I blinked and found myself back in reality where I smiled at the woman, “Not yet, I apologize. I am waiting for a friend.” The woman smiled and nodded, “I will come back then.”
“Thank you.” I said and she walked off. I looked down at the picture once more then folded it again. She would be here soon and I didn't want her to catch me being sappy.
https://i.imgur.com/L5BqmDY.png
by yang yi xing, for ehre kinrizu
How tender is your touch,
how soft your breath,
how light your heartbeat, my love.
While you sleep, I have a tenderness like yours;
while you sleep, my heart is kin of your heart.
It flutters tirelessly while I look at you.
We held hands above the yellow scar of Mor Dhona.
I, too, am scarred;
I, too, must hold my jaggedness aloft
to scrape the sky of its stars,
to score my mark on the ward of the heavens.
You have helped me in this, and so
skewered the sun
on the point of your sword.
Thus do we hold hands,
as above the scar of Ishgard
severing land from land;
as two climbers on a mountain cliff,
as two wanderers fumbling in the dark,
as two women raftless at sea,
as two enemies of fate
mighty
and helpless,
our fingers like knots—
our hearts like butterflies:—
tied together.
We have been all these things,
now.
We have surpassed metaphor—
your longing metaphor,
parched beneath a tireless sun;
my aching metaphor
cracked in half
and in half,
and in half.
We have surpassed it.
We have made our selves real
and carried them as we have pleased,
in our arms, our own possessions, no one else's—
we have taken these selves so far
as to lie here, side by side;
that while you sleep, I might compose poetry
which you will not hear, which I will not speak
on our wedding day.
But you will forgive me
if I do not worry for your sake;
if I am secure
in your hands;
for your hands have weathered storms,
for your hands have weathered suns,—
that clasp mine,
perfect, ardent,
inseparable.
And how fierce is your breath,
how thunderous your heartbeat,
how defiant your presence beside me,
my love.
---
(thanks for reading! if this happens to be chosen, i'd love the Gaelicap.)