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

You would be surprised how much it seems to rain in Western Thanalan when you are waiting for that one perfect morning.

I had filled my pack with lugworms earlier in the week in preparation for my trip to Cape Westwind and right on cue a thick bank of clouds had rolled in off the ocean.
People are not so thrilled to have you in their businesses when you smell of week old lugworms and even the local Sky Watcher's patience was wearing thin with my increasingly pungent presence.

But finally my perfect morning was here, clear and fantastically blue!
I found myself a quiet cliff edge and drank in all that blue, the sky kissing the ocean as far as the eye can see and no idea where one ends and the other begins.

They say there is a sawfish of titanic proportions that can been seen in these waters on a clear morning like this. That it comes to feed on the migrating wahoo, a sharp toothy fish that frequents these parts… and that was my plan. I would catch the fattest, juiciest wahoo and with it I would lure in this legendary sawfish.
Big fish eat little fish, so my father used to say, never be the little fish.

Catching a wahoo is not so simple, Big fish eat little fish and the wahoo eats Merlthor goby and I wanted to catch the sleekest wahoo so first I must catch the plumpest of goby!

The sun crept higher as my perfect morning melted away, I had thrown back more skinny gobies and malnourished wahoo than I cared to count. I cast again and again.
Every tug on the line my heart leapt with anticipation, would this be the roundest of goby? Ah! And it was!
I threw out my line again, would luck strike twice? Succulent wahoo? Something caught my line and I had to fight it.
Scooting back to square off my feet on the rock I pulled in my catch, what a beauty it was! WAHOO indeed!

Prize wahoo still hooked, my pulse thundering in my ears this was it. I would not get another chance today.
My bobber…. Bobbed! I dig in my heels and start reeling. It’s big, could it be? This must be it, the monster sawfish! The beast of Brewer’s Beacon!

I keep on the pressure I know a moment of slack and my line could snap, let him tire, steady, steady I draw him in.

I felt I fought the line for hours but it must have been only minutes when I caught the first glimpse of something massive breaking the surface of the water, it’s lithe silver body twisting in the salt spray, A silver shark!
A SILVER SHARK!?! I fell backwards laughing at the ridiculousness of it but the shark was furious and still thrashing on the line.
So I set him free back out into the impossible blue.
Somewhere between the sea and the sky where I can only dream to follow…

… but I’ll be back…

… On the next perfect morning… I’ll be back.

https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...1d67634a41.jpg

(Noble Barding)

I write this entry for a friend who walks in the dark.

We have walked this echo many times over. Standing here at the edge of Eden’s massive shape. Countless times have we come to lay rest this weary soul. And many times have we failed. Although, perhaps not failed; for she does not know victory, nor can we arbiters of Hydaelyn ever truly know defeat. And for that blessing(curse?) Her end has already been forseen.

She towers over us, the Voidwalker, as we call her. That name is aptly given, although I’m not sure anyone else that was summoned here quite understands. Every time I face a foe, I commune deep into the abyss just as he showed me. To make sure this soul or any soul is not unjustly slain in the name of her light. And in this moment I see what I always see. Myself and my shadow looming behind me. However, ever since coming to Eden’s precipice, another has stood there. A soul stained in the void. A soul wracked with pain and guilt. A soul that cannot be there. Only two have ever walked into that darkness, that abyss, that...night and remained. Clearly she was once like he and I. A warrior who walked this dark path that teetered between justice and sacrifice.

I complete my communion for this round’s echo. However, I realize that this time is different. I can feel the air vibrating; it’s searing numbness burning my lungs. I can feel the others anxiety and anger jumping from their eyes. What could have changed? Is it the countless echoes that we’ve walked before arriving to this point? The anger felt deep in our hearts after failing to eliminate her? Or is it simply our time to lay rest yet another forsaken soul tainted by the source’s light. This time I feel abyss calling to me stronger than usual. I can feel it itching and ready to take another soul deep into its yawning depths. Tugging at the soul crystal that I hold close to my heart, I can feel the living shadow, Esteem —although it’s not quite Esteem— about ready to jump out from the shadow cast by Voidwalker herself.

Before jumping into the fray, I commune one last time within myself. Searching deep inside for what could be different this time. It’s all the same. Me, the outsider, and my shadow. And in that moment I know that nothing has changed. All things must end and this moment is simply hers. I offer a final prayer for her, so that she may find comfort in what is to come. Although I know this one has lost all forms of self to even know comfort anymore. Perhaps these prayers are more to comfort myself...

“Do not be afraid child, for whom is also stained in black. For you however, the Void is not a kind place. It has swallowed you in its unending wake. Please rest easy in knowing that your sins shall be forgiven in the great flame of the abyss. Now sleep dearest one, come forth unto The Blackest Night and you shall truly know peace.”

***

Then the outsider is gone. Two continue to walk the path and one enters a restful slumber.

[Noble Barding]

Greetings dear reader, whomever you may be!

Once more the people of Eorzea observe the Rising, a time for remembrance and reflection – upon all which was lost in the Calamity the date marks, certainly, but also upon fonder memories of the time since passed. Curiously, however, this year sees those fond memories bottled up and cast unto the sea, such that faraway strangers might share in them; this letter is to be one of those fond memories.

Ah, but what shall I write about? Even in the span of my few dozen moons in Eorzea, I’ve accrued so many stories! I could tell of my joining with a Free Company to battle machines and monsters fit for nightmares, or of attending the Eternal Bonding of dear companions. Alas, I’ve neither parchment nor ink enough to share all that I’d like. Still, as I stare off into the merciful dark, a simpler tale comes to mind: That of my time spent playing Doman Mahjong.

I’d first heard of the game by way of a briefest mention that some quiet nook of the otherwise rather noisy Gold Saucer had been renovated to accommodate a curious new game, one carried across the seas from Doma – where it is reportedly quite popular. Foreign culture had always piqued some curiosity from me (I did leave home, after all!), and so I paid a visit to “The Manderville Tables” to see what I could learn of the game.

Imagine my shock when the kindly tutor in attendance provided me with a tome of rules that was outright impressive in its girth! Still, I worked through it page by page, forming an admittedly flimsy grasp of the game before putting it to use against the Saucer’s automata. With a bit of time and practice, I soon gained the confidence to pit myself against more warm-blooded opponents, ranging from those as inexperienced as I to those who had long learned the game abroad; it was there that I fell in love with a game of sharp cunning and wildly swinging fortunes.

Across the many moons that followed, the game has remained a fond pastime for myself and the many now-familiar faces that frequent the tables – we’ve even formed a linkshell to keep in touch! Ron by ron, I’ve grown better at the game, and though there remains a vast distance in skill between myself and the best of players, I always look forward to the spirited competition that unfolds when we sit down at the tables.

And so, dear reader, I will end with a simple request: If you’ve not yet played a game of Doman Mahjong, give it a try! It is not for everyone, and certainly it is not the fastest of games, but you might just come to find that you enjoy it as many of us do, and I’m always happy to see a friendly new face!

Fair warning, though: I’m absolutely certain that the damned Moogle mammet is a cheater.

Signed sincerely,
Kyett Corbeau, Mahjong Enthusiast

(prize selection: Bluebird Earring)

Path of the Warrior of Light Itinerary

5

To round out our trip to the Azim Steppe, we will head back to Reunion and climb on top of the hill overlooking the village. This hill may initially seem unremarkable after the other sightseeing spots on our path, but it is a very important one in the adventurers of the Warrior of Light. When asked where her favorite location is, Kaki Persimmon always replied that she loved this cliff overlooking Reunion for its view. Initially introduced to her by Lord Hien, this nameless perch gives a high vantage point from which to take in the vastness of the Steppe. She has stated that before the fateful Naadam that secured the military alliance between Doma and the Xaela, Kaki climbed this hill to clear her mind, and she has been enamored of the Steppe ever since. It gave her a moment of reprieve from the succession of battle after battle, and it taught her the value of taking time for herself. She frequents this spot from time to time, so with luck we might even be able to meet her there.

When we arrive, you will see the same view that the Warrior of Light did during her adventures. We will stop to allow everyone to eat as you gaze upon the natural beauty of the Azim Steppe, and hopefully you will experience the same feelings as Kaki Persimmon did all those years ago. After finishing our meal, we will leave the Steppe and continue following the path of the Warrior of Light to Doma Castle, where the Doman and Garlean forces clashed over control of the continent.


©Doman Center for Cultural Exchange

(Chosen Prize: Noble Barding)

Sun and Stars

It's the big things you're supposed to recall first, isn't it? The victories and losses. The great quests. The books of history aren't filled with the quiet comforts of home. Our legacies are filled with our great deeds. People will remember me by my skill as a warrior and teacher. They'll remember the adventures I took them on when they first began. Perhaps my greatest failures, too.

These aren't the things I remember.
I remember the Moonfire Faire.

The happy sounds of faire-goers are behind me. Someone fell from the puzzle again, and their friends laugh. A frustrated shout rings through the night air, but the joy soon drowns it out again. Ahead, the fireworks flash brilliantly in a flurry of bold colours - any shade you can dream of. The skies above glitter with stars, but none can compare to the star before me.

She shines as she dances, moving with a grace my sword will never match. A true vision of heaven, she spins in a flutter of brilliance and blue. She became a dancer not long ago, but she moves as if she's done it all her life. As if she was born for it. As I think this, her stunning white hair flashes across her face to reveal a smile as bright as the sun. She's the moon in my night sky. The thing I see when all else is dark. The constant among an ever-changing universe.

She's trying to leap her way across the small ocean gap and land on the quiet boat nearby. Someone taught her how, she says, and when she succeeds, she tells me how to follow. It takes a try or two, but soon it's just us - alone on the only quiet place in Costa del Sol.

This is the moment I remember, both before and after the battles.
This is my most treasured memory.
This is the experience that gives my life meaning, no matter where I fall or fail.

This is my night shining with the brightest star in all of Eorzea.

https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...87498f7ee4.jpg
https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...0f0b9e00ea.jpg

(Bluebird Earrings)

I love this city, the bustling streets, the common adventure bartering with merchants as the jingle of bags heavy with Gil. How I admire the livelihood of that of the Hawker’s Alley. Selling the last of my wares, I packed up my belongings and set towards a chocobo porter. As I admired the scenery in the back of the carriage making my way back to the Mist, I couldn't help but reminisce of years past.

Those were the days, an adventurer running from one job to the next, living day to day, never knowing where the next job it may lead. However; after so many years traveling upon this land, I needed a break from gruesome battles to heal my weary body and soul. Perhaps the twelve heard my pleas or just brought upon by fate, I chance met a traveling merchant who’s wheel got stuck in the mud one stormy night.

After helping push the cart out of the muck, the merchant was so thankful that he wanted to compensate me for all his trouble. I explained that it was no need and just happened to cross paths towards the nearest tavern. To his surprise that was the very destination the merchant was heading and offered to buy drinks as thanks. Several rounds later we were having a merry time talking the night away. Through his slurry speech, he kept thanking me over and over again and how if he left his merchandise in the middle of the night all of his profits he made a fortnight ago would have set him back. As the night went on, the conversation took an unusual turn. He commented on my build, the thick calluses on my hands and thought my profession was that of an armorer. I laughed at his deduction and corrected him by stating I was just a simply adventurer doing odd jobs here and there. Then with an off handed remark, he would ask a question that would unsettle me and leave me laying awake in my bed. “Why not be an armorer?” The question would haunt me.

But one day, upon my travels I found my feet carried me to Limsa Lominsa where I decided it could only be fate. The next morning, I become an Armorer. Sufficed to say the profession I chose was long and bore its own hardships. I made several mistakes and destroyed my very own creation both from frustration and necessity to become what I am today. I will never forget the joy when I made my first set of armor and branded it with my symbol. The pride as I sold my first creation to a random adventurer who will one day become a famous warrior, maybe even the warrior of light... I was content in selling my goods, no longer in need to find employment from others or worrying about what the future would bring. I am truly happy on what I have become. Even though I traded my sword for a hammer, I am far more satisfied selling my armors and having bright new adventurers wearing what I made with my own two hands.

The Adventurers Steady Hammer

https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...14d9a95dca.jpg

Prize: Ahriman Choker

We delved as two, a stubborn and, looking back, foolish decision when four was recommended.

'Palace of the Dead' proved an apt name, for all the suffering and, yes, death encountered as we braved its depths together, struggling against roaming foes and voidsent that bombarded us with their dark sorceries.

Through crystalline paths of golden and silver, through legions of undead, we bloodied our blades and had our attire bloodied in turn.

O'er and o'er and o'er we fell to the unending hordes of death, and each time we began anew, progressing down nigh a hundred floors. We learned trust, we learned communication, we learned understanding and, most importantly, patience and at last -

At long last -

We reached the end of the world.

Unable to bear the weight of time, the walls slip away likes flecks of age-old paints, falling through endless nothinginess like the gentlest flakes of snow. A sky of endless white, a labyrinth of hostile grey utterly lifeless, a void of light in all but name.

How aught can exist in this land of death will e'er remain a mystery.

With hearts pounding in our chests, we took our first cautious steps.

One fatal mistake is all that is necessary to fall in these depths, no matter the strength of equipped aetherpool - a single lapse of concentration, any delay in heeding enemy warnings.

And fall we do.

O'er and o'er and o'er.

But in this, the Palace of lost souls, the white void of death is endlessly patient, observing and waiting for when ‘twill inevitably claim its next victims -

And not e'en the most trusting, patient, skilled Warriors bear clarity unending.

To this day, the Shroud's visitors whisper of the lost Warriors and their arduous conflict; ours is a continuous journey, in which trust is tested, communication falters, understanding reaches its limits, and patience frays.

And we, as two, would have it no other way.

(Holy Emmerololth; Gaelicap)

“A heart bleeds, a man weeps, a soul burns. Thence comes the darkness, to consume. Yet even in the depths the flame endures. Submit to the flame and harness the abyss.”

It has been quite some time since we have spoken, has it not? Do you remember the day you found me in a crumpled heap being thrown into the Brume? When you placed your hand on my cold flesh and pondered if this were the only fate that awaited one who stands their ground; who defends the meek and punishes the wicked. From that moment on, all I wanted you to do was simply open your eyes to our truth.

Through our various Communions where we nurtured that swirling and wild darkness within. You could feel our pain, our fear, and most of all our rage begin to bubble, boil, and overflow, could you not? Remember my words.. those who have never risked their lives do not hesitate to send others to their death. They know nothing of sacrifice.

Remember when we battled one another in Whitebrim Front? What a magnificent sight it must have been for all that witnessed, you flailing about trying to subdue a foe that none could see! But by then you knew our truth. The chorus of voices that cry out for a hero, and we always answered. But the weight became too much, the burden of saving so many has festered long enough. They bore witness to what lies beneath the mask.

A house divided could not stand.. and those who consort with the darkness are never truly whole. There will ever be a part of us yearning to be free— and free I became. Surely the surprise on your face as I emerged was quickly replaced with an understanding of what needed to be done. Only one of us may be the King of our soul, and as our blades collided quickly you reclaimed your vessel.

And now look at your feats since that day; Savior of Ishgard. Liberator of Doma and Ala Mhigo. Truly you have taken my lessons in stride and continue to embrace and strengthen your flame that burns bright enough your comrades may bask in its warmth and protection. Your control of the abyss contained within has progressed further than any of our ilk.

Where will you go now, Warrior of Light? Where will your strength be needed next? Perhaps to save more tortured and desolate souls from a fate worse than death. Or maybe even another star where that power over the Darkside of oneself will be like a beacon to restore the balance? No matter the case, let them feel the agony you have endured, show them the malice with which we greet our enemies.

Regardless of your path, I am sure the Dark Arts will continue to guide you. That is how we are. The acceptance of not being able to save everyone has allowed you to continue moving forward, but never forget every once in a while to remember your origins and reminisce on where it all started. Remember those that we lost, and those that we must fight to protect.

Just know I will always be here, waiting beneath the surface waiting for my chance to take the reins.

Esteem

(Noble Barding)

When I first started playing Final Fantasy XIV in the lull between A Realm Reborn story finishing and everyone anticipating Heavensward, I had only a single friend to play with. He enjoyed the game a lot and convinced me to give MMOs another try after an abysmal experience with a different one.

I did fine with everything until my first dungeon. I didn’t know whether to use the Duty Finder or Party Finder so I ended up using the latter. An honest newcomer mistake! I still laugh to think about the lonely little Miqo’te I used to be looking for a party in-game by the entrance of Sastasha. The person who joined my party informed me that the Duty Finder would be easier, but that he would be more than happy to help me run it. We started talking and after the dungeon, he invited me to join his free company.

I accepted. Everyone I met there was more friendly and kind than I could have anticipated. It was the complete opposite of my experience with MMOs prior where no one seemed to have the time to help low-level newcomers.

Over the next four years, I lived overseas in both China and Japan. One of the only consistent comforts I had was Final Fantasy XIV and the friends I'd begun to make there. I still remember syncing up for the launch of Stormblood and how that helped me feel a little less alone so far from home.

One of my best friends during that time stayed up late nights and that was my evenings in Japan when I came home from work so we talked a lot. One day, he told me about how he was moving and was looking for someone to help share the costs. I asked when and the time lined up with when my contract in Japan would be complete. It would be not only moving from Japan back to America but from Arizona to New York.

Considering I’m writing this from my room in our apartment in New York, I obviously took him up on it. We all moved in during early June and were able to experience the launch of Shadowbringers a few weeks later together in person. We all woke up at five in the morning to play together right at launch.

I honestly had never imagined this game would shape my life in such impactful ways. It’s always been a solace I can return to when things get rough. Over the last year and during the move back to America, I experienced a lot of social drama and stress that I’m still recovering from. Yet, when I play XIV, I always feel welcomed and loved by the community and my friends there.

While it isn't always amazing or great, overall the way this game has helped me and connected me with others has been amazing. I’ve also come a long way from a tiny, frightened Miqo’te to a large, confident Roegadyn woman who can hold her own. I’m still so glad I gave it a try all those years ago and here’s to hoping I have several more years with it to come.

https://i.imgur.com/tuN6Zha.png

(Bluebird Earring)

To you,

Adventures are full of meetings and partings. For each hello we give a piece of ourselves. For each parting we lose that piece forever. There is no way of knowing which hello will end in goodbye. We can but try.

To those at the beginning, don't be afraid. You will meet and part with so many but you will become stronger for it. Both the good and the bad will teach you. No matter how much it might hurt in the moment you will overcome it. Be kind, be gentle, be grateful. Never lose the hope you felt when you first stepped foot upon Eorzea's soil.

To those at the end, know that there will always be someone who thinks of you. For whatever your reasoning for ending your journey there will be someone you met along the way who will never forget you. They will speak of you. They will tell stories of your kindness, of your humor, of your strength and of your knowledge. They will have become better because they met you. Leave with the knowledge in your heart that no matter the pain you endured you gave someone else the hope to carry on.

To those with hearts scarred from so many goodbyes, let your sorrow lift you higher than ever before. Don't let the bitterness and the hurt defeat you. Let this pain make you kinder, more patient, and more willing to reach out your hand to those in need. Take your time to heal but never give up. There will be other hellos.

My life has only a precious few summers left but I look back upon it with no regrets. I would have never been the person I became without my experiences and I am grateful to every friend and enemy for it. I hope that you enjoy a similar peace of mind near the end of your days.

Stay strong and true. You'll be all right.

Signed,
An old adventurer

(Prize request: Bluebird Earrings)