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

Shortly after the defeat of Ultima Weapon and the XIVth Legion, Lily Catts found herself in the streets of Ul'dah, dressed in plain clothes in search of solitude. Much had happened since she had set out as an adventurer, and she was slowly coming into terms of what that entailed. She had slept in places she would never have dreamed of, rested her head underneath the open skies, and more.

She needed, as Thancred had put it, a break.

A crisp chord caught her ear. It was a familiar tune, one from her hometown. Lily looked around and saw a crowd huddled around a group of performers on a stage. An Elezen woman skillfully plucked chords from her harp, singing lyrics Lily had known as a child. A Hyuran man clapped on the drums and a Lalafellin woman added texture with her playful flute. Despite her vow to remain incognito, Lily found herself making it to the front.

They had endured much in their travels. As an adventurer, Lily could tell that their garments had not been mended for a while, though their instruments were well cared for. Nevertheless, they carried their performance with dignity. Lily's heart was filled with yearning for home.

As the performance finished, the crowd dispersed, but not without parting generously with their coin.

"Pardon me," Lily called out to the performers, who were collecting their earnings. "By any chance would you be from--"

"You're Lily, right?" the Hyur said. "The child living with her grandparents? You're all grown up now!"

Lily pouted as the troupe asked her all sorts of questions. How were Gridania and the other city-states? How's the adventuring life? Are you seeing someone?

"Please!" Lily said. "Tell me about my grandparents. Are they fine?"

The Elezen harpist smiled. "They're waiting for you to come home."

"I..." The words hurt more than Garuda's howling winds. "I would love to... but I can't." She looked around. "Surely you've heard about the rumours?"

"About the new Warrior of Light?" asked the flutist.

"The biggest mountain of a Roegadyn to walk Eorzea?" quoth the drummer.

"It's a Hyur, and a woman at that!" the Elezen snapped. "With hair as pink as a lilac and-- oh Twelve..."

"It's me," Lily said. "I'm the godsdamned Warrior of Light. Or so they say. All these people have put their hopes on some adventurer who misses her grandparents dearly..."

"Know that they have never been prouder," the drummer said.

"We all owe our lives to your parents, who saved us when the Calamity struck," the Lalafell said. "Your secret is safe with us."

"We'll tell them that you're alive and well, unless you want to add something?" the Elezen said, winking.

Lily smiled. "Pray tell them that I have made many friends, and that I am safe. Tell them that I love them."

"That we will," the harpist said. "Would you stay for our next show? Perhaps sing a few songs on stage with us?"

Lily produced a lute from her bag. "That I shall!"

---

[Prize: Noble Barding]

She had to go on, she knew. Emet-Selch was waiting. The light was overwhelming her. But…

The moment she and the Scions had walked out of the twisting caverns carved out by the sea, they'd all fallen into a stunned hush. What lay before them was something none of them could have foreseen.

The light within blinded. But the light before her, the soft glow of the towering buildings stretching out into the distance, buildings like none she'd ever seen before… that light was different. Gentle. Soothing. Like it was calling her home.

As the Scions spoke in whispered words behind her, she walked over to the edge of the cliff and gently sat down, her eyes fixed on the landscape stretched before her. She'd expected… a tower, perhaps. Maybe a fortress. Not this. Not a city, beautiful and strange.

Was this what the Ascians had lost? Was this the original world Emet-Selch had spoken of? The way he'd spoken of the world that had once been, back at the Ladder, of the city of… Amaurot, that was the name. It had touched her then, but now, seeing it for herself, she could truly believe it. Truly believe that they'd had something worth mourning.

But then, didn't they all?

(Oh, do not look at me so. A smile better suits a hero…)

She couldn't know what she would find when she descended into the city. Something beautiful, to be sure. Something breathtaking. Something wondrous. She knew that, on a level beyond anything Emet-Selch could have instilled in her.

(For the last time… I won't say goodbye…)

But she'd known beauty. And she had known loss. The people who'd sacrificed all they had to bring her to this point. The lands devastated by Calamity and by war and by Light. The struggles and the sorrow. And the hope.

(For those we've lost. For those we can yet save.)

She stood, feeling her resolve growing inside her. Emet-Selch had lost much, and more than ever she could feel for him. But looking down on the wistful beauty he had created, she saw that his was a path leading backwards. A path that cast off tomorrow.

Hers was — hers had to be — the path that led to the future.

A future they could yet save.

———

When I first saw the beauty of Amaurot stretching out before me, I was overwhelmed. It was the most unexpected, most beautiful thing I'd ever seen in the game, and it heralded some of the finest storytelling I'd ever seen in the final act of 5.0. I had to try to recapture how it made me feel — and how I felt it would make my Warrior of Light feel.

Prize: Ahriman Choker

It feels like we met just yesterday.

You were always quick to remind me that you`ve been here with me long before I ever realized.

I remember those precious moments where I came running down the steps of Foundation to your side, day after day without fail. You were always exactly where I left you, and I was always breathless, all too eager for you to train me. And though you were the first one to tell me how much I was coming up short, I knew it was only for my sake. To remind me that I was better than that. To remember my true value.

In a world where many people have tried to tell me who I am and what I should be, you taught me that only I can call my true name. You told me that I could choose who I wanted to be. I should hope this letter answers that question.

“Find comfort in my words,” you said. Isn`t it about time you took comfort in mine? Hold this letter close to your breast. Not just see, but feel how much you`ve changed my life for the better. Just as I held your words to my heart when I was forced to wander alone against the deepest, darkest terrors of the world. For there in the blackest night, you were the light that illuminated my heart. I could hear your voice cut through the darkness, telling me, “this isn`t the end.”

Of course, by the time this bottle arrives at your shore, you`ll have already read it. After all, you always know the whispers of my heart.

So even if this message wanders out to sea, never to be seen again, you`ll always know, because the answer isn`t on this paper, but inside of the two of us.

- Your Other Half

https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...24bbe3756e.jpg

(I have selected the Scarf of Wondrous Wit if I place)

Through the stars, I heard a voice calling for strong warriors to defeat one of the most powerful Ascians to ever exist. Surrounded by a pillar of light, I was whisked away.
When the pillar vanished, it was clear who our target was, Hades. There were 8 of us in total, and we would need to work together to crush this monstrous foe. With a quick nod of agreement, the Scholar, Urara, was the first to attack by sending out a bolt magic without hesitation. The rest of us followed her into battle, except for Mjrn. Stumbling from her sudden summoning to our location, Mjrn was disoriented. Chaos ensued as the battle began. With giant fists, Hades launched his counterattack.
Leaping in front of the Ascian, Matt blocked the punches with his mighty shield. With the power of my draconic blood, I, Shadow, leapt above and pounded the foe. My dance partner, Nivea, was matching my actions with her own damaging moves. Lowering her gun, Marlo blasted lead in the Ascian’s face while Amethyst threw out black and white magic at the fiend. Despite the efforts of Lucca and Urara, the dazed Mjrn unfortunately fell to an attack from Hades. Lucca resurrected Mjrn who was ready to join the fight. We weaved between Hades’ attacks, assaulting him with our weapons and healing ourselves.
Infuriated, Hades went on the offensive by channeling his energy as well as drawing power of the dead. The puppet audience of the battle were called into the fray. Aggressively, they charged us. They pinned us down. As we struggled to break free from the clutches of the puppets, unhindered Hades gathered the energy needed to release his true and sinister form. This new form was accented with long talons and the faces of the dead. Using this new power, Hades unleased a pulse of darkness as we lunged at him.
With sharp claws, Hades slashed us. We struck back. With black magic, Hades cursed us. We renewed with healing magic. We pushed Hades into a corner where he beseeched the dark powers of Zodiark. He bound us in chains, consumed all the light
and prepared to wipe us from existence. Using Hydaelyn’s “United States of Smash”, we broke free and withstood his attack. Weaken but not beaten, Hades sent out pulses of darkness as a last-ditch effort. After the first wave, half of the party fell. Alone, Urara worked to keep the rest of us alive. After each wave, some of us would come up, some of us fall back down. Until, at last, Hades began casting Black Cauldron. It was the battle ending spell. To be victorious, we needed to stop Hades before the completion of the spell. Panicking, we laid down every means of attack. Unfazed, Hades finished the cast sending out deadly damage. It knocked all of us to the ground; all hope was lost. Until we saw Nivea rise from the ashes as Hades fell backwards into the darkness. Nivea hoisted a bloody chakram above her head.
One by one we stood in shock and disbelief. Though weary, we let out a joyous cheer, “HAZZAH!”
We won the battle.
(Prize: Noble Barding)

As I write this, I can’t help but think back to that day in Limsa Lominsa where my long journey first started. Young and unfamiliar with the ways of Eorzea I set out, axe in hand, eager to make my place in the world.

But as a sprout I should have known growth takes time and tending and sadly, just starting my journey, I had no one to watch over my mishaps and short comings. So, it would be that I would continue to struggle alone. At least, that’s what I thought, till I met one kind stranger.

I didn’t know what to think of her and only saw the worst in myself. “Why would anyone take interest in a Marauder with so little to offer? I know nothing.” I thought to myself as she continued to try to get me to talk.

“I’m not very good,” I told the stranger, willing to admit my short comings.

“That’s okay, I can teach you.”

It was at that moment I remembered the words of Chief Admiral Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn, “Victory is a far-flung shore. Mark the skies, abide the tide, trust your crew - and she will be yours.”

After training for a few weeks, I continued my journey, at times still failing. But little by little, more strangers came along, helping me through my trials and tribulations. I saw growth and improvement, and they did too. I found that more and more of my one-time allies were now friends who came to me for help with their own problems.

As I sit on the docks of Limsa Lominsa where it all started, I just want to give thanks to that first friend, and all the others that followed. Thank you all for reminding me the that a real adventure isn’t meant to be taken alone, but to be shared with others who share your same feelings.

May the navigator guide on your journey till the sea swallows all.

Always at your service,

The Maid in Blue

(Bluebird earring)

Eternally Bonded

The Twelve taught me what it meant to be an Eorzean.

Halone struck down my foes, that her fury might show through mine blade. Menphina blessed me with compassion, that others may see her love through me. Thaliak graced me with his wisdom, that I may know the word to say and the knowledge to seek. Nymeia weaved my destiny, that my story might not end before it is over. Llymlaen and Oschon protected me in my adventures, that my load be light and the wind at my back. Byregot guided my hands, that I may create in his honor. Rhalgr tested me, that I may know discipline in times of destruction. Azeyma lit my path, that I may know truth. Nald’thal gave me life, that I may know peace in death. Nophica kept my health, that I may reap a bountiful life. Althyk filled my hourglass, that I may know the past to understand my future.

But it was not until that day, in the Sanctum of the Twelve, that I truly learned. Flanked by a motley crew of adventurer companions and softly serenaded by the kupos of Moogles, we were bonded. Amidst cheers and congratulations, I finally knew…

By Halone’s shield, I now knew the extent I would go to protect you. By Menphina’s love, I now knew the depths of my heart for you. By Thaliak’s wisdom, I now knew what it meant to know another. By Nymeia’s thread, I now knew what it meant for fates to intertwine. By Llymlaen and Oschon’s travels, I now knew what it meant to be home. By Byregot’s hammer, I now knew what it meant to build a family. By Rhalgr’s trials, I now knew we could survive anything. By Azeyma’s light, I now knew that our lives would forever be filled with light. By Nald’thal’s balance, I no longer feared death. By Nophica’s scythe, I now knew life itself. By Althyk’s hourglass, I now knew to cherish every last grain of sand.

Through the Twelve, I learned what it meant to be. Through you, I learned what it meant to be whole.



(Gaelicap)

Little did I know that we would be outmatched by an anomaly waiting for us– no, waiting for Lambda. Fortunately, Kaede managed to escape the chaos to warn him, but not before a Temple Knight had sent a messenger to bring my brother into custody under charges of blasphemy. I’ll never forget the look of fear on his face when he saw me on the ground, having been bested by the greatsword-wielding simulacrum he referred to as his “master.”

“Rosie!” Lambda cried out, rushing to my aid, only for a surge of aether to knock him back and form an impenetrable barrier separating us from Kaede. “What have you done, Master!?”

The shade laughed. “‘Surrender your weapon’? After what happened in Ul’dah? They must be mad,” he said, then turned around to address my brother. “Pay attention, Lambda DiMaria. This could be the greatest moment of our life… That is, if you could stop denying the truth that's been staring you in the face since the moment we met.”

“What the hells is this about, Fray?” growled Lambda. For the first time since the murder of our mother, I could see the full extent of his rage. The morphochromia he inherited from her side of the family was on display for all of Whitebrim to see– his mahogany eyes were now burning crimson.

“Say my name,” continued Fray, venom dripping in his voice. “Say it. My real name. Our real name!” It was as I suspected. The soul crystal Lambda found in the Brume had taken a shine to his anger and hatred, and formed a separate entity born of the abyss within my brother’s heart.

“Come now, you knew Fray was dead from the beginning, but you didn’t care! You had a sword and a soul crystal. But what you wanted was a mentor. A mentor with the gifts and the knowledge. A dark knight who could guide you on the path– who you could aspire to become.” The shade looked at his hand for a moment. “A man who was free to say and do the things that you would not… Even now, you continue to deny it. Well. Deny me all you want. You cannot deny what we have done.” Fray shot a menacing glance at me and a handful of injured knights.

“What ‘we’ have done?” shouted Lambda. “You hurt my family!”

“Have I not been good to you? Have I not given you everything I promised?” retorted Fray. “Did I not help you to hear the whispers of our very soul!?” His eyes emitted an ominous glow as his aether gathered into a dark aura. “Open your eyes. Look. Do you see now? Do you see?” Suddenly, Fray collapsed on the cold stone of the plaza, but the aura he exuded moments ago took on another form– the spitting image of the man who shares my blood and family name.

“Everything up to now has been your story,” proclaimed Lambda’s dark twin, drawing his weapon. “And everything after now will be mine!”

Lambda had no choice but to respond in kind, and so began their duel. This was the opening I needed to find cover.

(Thank you for reading my excerpt. I'd like to receive the Bluebird earrings.)

"For whom do you fight?" He asks. His voice muffled thru his helmet, is one of harsh character. A man who has seen and done much in the name of his cause. Through the actions of his soldiers and his subordinates, many who opposed the will of the Empire and the Emperor were broken. Nations were crushed and brought to heel. Families were split apart, loved ones forced to travel to distant lands or to a land where none but the dead may journey.

My comrades are of the latter group, cut down defending their hopes and dreams within the Waking Sands so that others may yet live. They lives they yielded for those that followed them may have the chance to be free one more day. I face The Black Wolf now, hearing his words, his reasoning, his grim determination to carry out his plan and bring these lands to his master.

I feel it within me, the torch of freedom. Of light, that was ignited by the sacrifices of those within the Waking Sands. No matter what happens on this night, I will see the light thru until dawn. The darkness will not swallow it within its concealing depths. The light and those it touches, will endure.

[Prize: any]

I waited. A gentle breeze brought the acrid, sulfuric air from the kobold's mines, attacking my senses with the same ferocity of the earthen primal's thralls. The glint of the waning afternoon sun reflected off the decorative flourishes of my drachen mail armor.

From my perch atop the natural northern wall of Camp Overlook, I waited, not just for the inevitable rumbling quakes that would signal Titan's renewed vigor, but for those I lost, who I knew would return. Five years, I waited, that we might adventure together again.

"It's been four hours," said a nearby guard.

"Too long… He said he just wanted to see the monkeys," a softer voice replied.

"Can we spare any of ours for a search?"

"Hmm… no. He’s a big guy, anyway, he’ll be fine."

The Storm’s ranks had been depleted by the same Titanic threat that kept me here. But that’s what adventurers were for, right? I stood in as cool and calm a manner as any could and clumsily jumped towards the cliffs to the north, an area favored by the local ringtail opo-opo. Yes, I am very cool.

"Hey did you see that dragoon?" I heard one of the guards say, who I knew was impressed by my exit.

"Yeah, there was a crowned giant, blue blob on his head…"

Had I heard them say “That looks extremely silly,” I might have corrected them. If I’d heard them laugh, I might have asked what they thought was funny. But I hadn’t, so I carried on my way, dodging the attention of the varied wildlife too agitated to avoid the main paths.

I arrived at the cliffs to hear a voice moaning, an impossibly familiar, deep voice. No… it couldn't be…

A bow lay loosely upon the ground, a yalm from its unpracticed owner's hand. A sea wolf Roegadyn lay prone, arms outstretched as though welcoming the heavens. "Leon…?" I asked as I removed my helm.

Then I noticed the stench.

https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...750ee70106.png

"Noooo…! No more…" the Roegadyn moaned. Then, "O-poop-o… yeah… that's what they should call them…"

I had no doubts left. Though there were more scars upon his face than before, it was him.

"Leon! It's you!" I removed a small tuft of Phoenix down from my pack and applied it to his chest. The wispy feathers dissolved into light as energy flowed through the massive archer's body.

"Hah, I found you, Ali!" he shouted, squinting in the sunlight as he brushed brown “dirt” from his shirt. "They said the outer cliffs of La Noscea, and I knew you'd be hanging out with monkeys."

"Uhh, sure."

"We're putting a crew together, and I want you to help us lead it. Rein's already working on the war chest."

"That smelly hyur is back, too?!" As cool as I certainly was, I could hardly contain my excitement. But… "You can't even fend off the might of a few monkeys, why would people join us?"

"Charisma, my friend. Charisma and bribery."

"A war chest, huh?" I grinned.

And thus a free company was born.


[Bluebird Earring]

Emet-Selch is a Huge Nerd

Well, Emet-buddy, you've put me on a real ride. You almost had me on the hook with your sob-story, but you ruined it when you showed me pictures of Hydaelyn giving Zodiark the smackdown. You showed me how cool your home was, only to ruin it with the wait times in court. Do you realize how many court summonseses I've had to deal with? Summonseses, that's the plural for summons, right? Whatever. You showed me and my friends the armageddon that came down on Amaurot; the armageddon you imagined yourself. You're pretty good at ruining things, aren't you?

Urianger or whatever was right about you. Any nerdst who's lookedesteth at a history book would you you're bad news. Eth. Still working on getting his speech down.

Now you've gone and hurt my friends, and in a way that my injury plan doesn't cover. Granted, my plan wasn't very good, as it was just telling them to suck it up and walk it off. You thought all this light I drank would do me in? Turns out I'm not one to be drunk under that table, because I've got light...drinking buddy...Ardbert! You can add that title to the pile, Dr. Mr. Warrior of Darkness Ardbert, Portable Drinking Buddy Esq.

Emet-buddy, I don't know how to tell you this, but you might be a nerd. In fact, you might be history's biggest nerd, which means there's only one thing for me to do. So, here comes Thuggz Bunny, the light to your dark. The Hydaelyn to your Zodiark. The fist in your face. The...deep-fryer that...fries...your popotoes? Not my best metaphor...I've got a Matchlock Greatclub with your name on it! And soon, it'll have your face on it!

Emet-buddy, history's biggest nerd, I lower my shades with a glare of contempt for you. It's past time me and some of my inter-dimensional gang gave you history's biggest shakedown!

https://i.imgur.com/FbZkP10.png

Side-thought: I wonder if those Gaelicat hats come with holes for my ears...