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

It was supposed to be simple. I had sought out the assistance of my friends in slaying the Primal, Titan. I, armed with only my skill and knowledge of bare knuckle brawling was to serve as one of the attackers, while my friend, sword and shield both, was going to serve as the decoy to protect us. We entered, and sure enough, my friend had made a mistake. A very costly one. He had forgotten to save his gear set, and swapped back to Paladin...armed with only a sword and nothing else. Suffice it to say, the cool breeze of the afterlife was not the only breeze he felt that day as the earthen primal tossed him around like a ragdoll. In the end, we managed to slay the primal by the skin of our teeth, and we had both learned a valuable lesson that day. The first being to always make sure to keep your gear sets updated, and the second being to always let the guy who's actually dressed do the tanking.

Prize: Gaelicap

The Cairn of Passage silently emits the same pink glow, piercing through the gloom, illuminating the faces of a Hyur, a Lalafell, and two Mi'qote. They stand with their backs to each other, watching, waiting, in a silence magnified a thousandfold by the eerie lighting of the dungeon. They came here for one reason - to get to the bottom of this, no, two - making some gil along the way. They are seasoned fighters, ready to leap to action at a sign of -
"Oh my Thaliak," exclaimed the Lalafell. "I forgot to summon my egi."
The shorter of the Mi'qote buries her face in her hands, while the remaining two burst into laughter so raucous, the nearby worm almost aggro'd.
"Angelic, please," sighs the taller Mi'qote, the grin on his face eradicating any trace of disappointment.
"It's like what, floor 77, and you just realized?" wheezes the Hyur.
"Guys, it's not that funny," protests the shorter Mi'qote, the giggles escaping from her cheeks undermining her own words. She was laughing too now, because everyone else was.

Friends. Laughter. It had been too long since she'd had those simple, beautiful things. I know this better than anyone, dear reader, because she was me. The Mi'qote red mage was my paramour, the Hyur paladin and Lalafell summoner, our friends. We met them on the chaotic battlefields of Sigmascape (Savage), just faces blended in to the crowd of eager adventurers, weapons in their hands, loot in their eyes. We bonded over nights slumped on the ground in front of a mad clown, reviewing mistakes and strategies and standing up to try again.

We continue to descend into the endless depths of the palace. The snow - no, ash, won't stop falling. It's too bright.
"This place is so cool," remarked the paladin.
"Will, remember, dragon in ram out," I said to him, referring to the chimeras that patrolled the halls. "Repeat after me."
"Dragon left ram right," he replied cheekily.
"I'm being serious! This is a matter of life and death," I retort, after I caught my breath.

Hearts pounding, we stand in the Cairn of Passage on floor 199.
"This boss is super hard," says the red mage.
"Yeah, we'll explain when we get in," I add.
"Do we have enough pomanders?" worries the paladin.
"Of course," replies the summoner casually.
We run down the ramp in a sea of white. At the end is no boss, just a Firecrest and a familiar bench.
"I got bamboozled," sighs the paladin.
Laughter rings through the expanse as we run to our prize.

Dear reader, my adventures have not been bereft of more sizable triumphs. I have killed bosses right as everything went black, earned millions crafting for ambitious adventurers. There is a reason I did not write about these things. Please, fellow adventurer, treasure every moment with the people you treasure. And if you have none as I once did, keep an open mind, and an open heart.

My friends, if you're reading this, I love you.

- Mihli
Gaelicap
https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...713fbc2be3.jpg

When first coming to Eorzea with my harp in hand, I only truly expected an adventure with no reward at the end of the tunnel. A road with myself and myself alone was a lonely adventure but I was willing to manage it fine. Little did I know of how many colorful individuals were housed within the Eorzean borders of the main three city-states, especially Gridania. It was the place where I learned to better hold an arrow in my hand, no longer shaking as I held the quiver awaiting to strike. It was the place that I learned to better hone my musical talents to play for the many bystanders who needed their spirits lifted when their worlds were dark and gloomy rather than cheerful. It was the place where I met many a good face, similar adventurers who would then be my greatest allies making an impact in my life.

It was here where I met you for the first time. My life instantly changed from a path that one walks alone to you walking by my side. You felt the same and understood the plight that my heart carried deep inside, but you allowed me to stay with you anyways. The more I think about our first meeting, I feel grateful that you are in my life and give me the reason to fight for what I believe in. You have me underneath a spell that I wish not to break, a constant song that keeps me bound to only you.

Thank you for meeting me and being one for me. And worry not, I will be home soon. The distance is temporary, however our paths are still the same as they have once had, as we both walk together. Soon we shall both walk a thousand more roads together. The two of us and the people we love most in life. Keep strong and I will stay strong in return.

Forever yours,
A lovestruck adventurer

( Prize choice: Bluebird Earring )

The wind blew across the island, giving a certain Miqo'te travelling across it a chill. Celine didn't particularly dislike the Sea of Clouds, but its novelty wore off quickly. Alas, she wasn't here for sightseeing, as the sound of a fight nearby attracted her attention. She ran over the hill to find Vanu locked in a territorial battle. She wasn't normally one to interfere, but her venture today required her to be a busybody.

Drawing her blades, she ran toward the conflict and immediately launched herself at the nearest threat, a Vundu warrior threatening a group of Gundu. Her aim struck true, her blades meeting the side of the warrior's head, quickly dispatching him. Celine briefly acknowledged the Gundu's thanks as she scanned the area, realizing the situation was not to their favor. The Vundu outnumbered her and the remaining Gundu two to one, owing to the proximity of their territory.

No matter. She thought. She was the Warrior of Light after all. With that in mind, Celine threw herself into the fray, evening out the odds. Her aid was much appreciated but she was still one person, as the Vundu quickly surrounded some hapless Gundu while Celine was occupied. In that moment, a rain of arrows and magic materialized from the distance, bearing down unexpectedly on the Vundu.

“Let's do this!” came a yell as a group of three adventurers came in to assist. Their combined force overwhelmed the Vundu eventually, forcing their retreat. With a sigh of relief, Celine finished aiding the Gundu and came over.

“Thank you for the help.” Celine bowed. The leader miqo'te seemed to be a little shocked at the politeness, giving a nervous laugh.

“Don't mention it, uh...” He trailed off.

“Celine.”

“Celine it is! My name is Syrus! Now, what are you doing adventuring solo in this really windy place?” He chirped. Celine had a moment of hesitation but to her, they seemed like a friendly enough bunch.

“I was... looking for some elemental crystals for a weaponsmith.” The group gave a look of mild surprise and Syrus brightened up upon hearing that.

“What a great coincidence! This researcher fellow was asking around in Idyllshire for something similar, and we all thought it'd be an interesting way to make some gil. Would you like to come with us?”

Their question was met with a brief silence as Celine failed to answer. She wasn't really used to friends or companionship outside of the Scions, too many things to do, too many lands to save. And yet, these adventurers felt a bit different, or maybe it was her that's different now. Maybe she did need some friends.

“Only if you can keep up!” She smiled brightly.

Celine made her first friends that day, and from there she made another, and another, and more that watched her grow, and those that grew with her. All from a single party invitation.
[Chosen Prize: Gaelicap]

An hour ago, Viktor Blackthorn could see the sands far below the Nimble Warrior jumping course. How he loathed the sight. Yet as soon as the rain began, the highlander had cursed himself for wishing the view away. Now, as he shivered upon one of the narrow planks near the top of the course's imposing tower, the rain swiftly picked up, the wind carrying it diagonally to pelt his body. Holding a beam, he dared to look down, only to find a void of speckled gray below, the shore drowned in the haze of the storm.

Vik clenched his eyes shut, attempting to regain his waning equilibrium, and then turned his gaze upward, at those last few planks above. Each jump mere fulms away, the very end a handful of yalms. Such a short distance, but for one who had just spent hours hopping and climbing, it looked beyond perilous. His muscles burned with his exertions, the man finding pains in places he never knew could ache. His only respite now was in the sheets of rain that slapped against him, cooling the sunburns under his chest harness even as they threatened to plunge him to the beach below.

Taking a deep breath, the Highlander bit back the pain in his knees, squatted, and leapt! Arms outstretched, one hand barely caught the edge of the next plank, enough for the man to pull the rest of himself up. After a brief pause to wipe his rain-soaked hair out of his eyes, he turned, wobbled like a cat ready to pounce, and then leapt again.

Slip!

Despite the traction of his boot soles, Vik immediately found his feet swinging above his head. Coated in rain, the narrow slab of lumber may as well have been dipped in oil. Tumbling backward, the highlander barely managed to catch himself, slapping a gloved hand over the top of the plank.

For just a moment, he let himself dangle, and in those few seconds reflected. "Why am I doing this?" he growled through the din of the heavy rain.

Casting his eyes upward in frustration, Vik looked just in time to see lightning streak across the sky. For less than a breath, the beach was illuminated, the edge of the very top of the Nimble Warrior cutting through the view of the clouds.

Memories of his mountainous homeland flashed through his mind, of rocky climbs every bit as challenging as this, with lightning so close it made one's hair stand on end.

It was the only reminder he needed.

A grin spreading over his scarred lips, Vik gritted his teeth and hefted himself up to the next plank.

A deep breath and another leap, the longest of them all. He felt the plank wobble under his muscular weight, his balance briefly thrown. Arms flailing, he fought with his own body, righting himself. And then, pulling upward, he sloshed himself like an exhausted slug through the water at the very top of the Nimble Warrior.

For a moment, he just laid there, panting, smiling. The rain all around him ceased, quieting.

A few breaths later, all of the beach could hear a roar of victory booming from the tower above!

(Gaelicap)

We all started on the same foot forward, even if the environment was different. The road we all eventually wound up on, is also different. Some of us became the most revered fighters of renowned skill and glory. Some of us rose from ambitious entrepreneurs and grew into masters of the market. Some of us became artists who mastered the brush and canvas. Some of us took to pen and paper to scribe our adventures and stories, as I am doing now. Some of us became entertainers beloved by all!

Some of us became mentors to help those who will come after them by sharing their own experiences and wisdom. And some of us just decided to stay humble and obscure, out of history's scrying eye. Whichever path we took and what road has lead us, know that my favorite moments have always been in spending time with you.

We may never speak to each other or even run into one another. We may only speak greetings in a dungeon or in a perilous trial. We may start conversations from out of nowhere and become the best of friends and allies. We may scold and yell at each other for every mistake and reckless behavior that cost us dearly. We may cry on each others shoulder, we may offer a hand in need, we can laugh, cheer, dance and sing.

We can spend time at each other's abode or in our free companies home. We can meet up in the city, or out in the wild where we hunt for treasure or marks. The greatest thing about us as adventurers is that we will always meet someone different at every corner.

And as we continue on our daily tasks, I felt the need to stop and write my fleeting feelings on paper and share my thoughts, lest I lose them. My words may be a whisper in the wind, here in an instant and vanishing just as fast. It can be lost in a crowd or heard by a captive audience.

But you, my dear personal stranger, I wish to say thanks for taking time out of your busy day to read a wayward sentimental letter. However this came to be in your hands, all I wish to say is that I appreciate you. You made my time in Eorzea and in Norvrandt most memorable.

https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...a96b9ce399.jpg

The sounds of battle rage all around. Garlean forces fight against the alliance of the three Grand Companies, desperate to conquer, even as the red moon of Dalamud looms ever closer in the heavens, firebombs raining down upon the Carteneau Flats and the realms beyond them. The leaders watch the tides of battle, even while a group of adventurers dives into the heart of the fray, fighting as long as they have strength. They must fight. They must win.

Then, from above, one of the pillars that pierces the Dalamud comes free, landing in the middle of the flats. The stunned warriors regain their senses, only to see the very moon itself crack open, but the horror does not end here; from within, a great dragon bursts forth, full of fury and destruction, which he rains far and wide, changing the very face of Eorzea. Most who look upon this incarnation of fire and death see only the impossibility of facing it, awed and despairing at its power. Who could possibly tame or end its wrath? Foes and allies alike scatter to the winds, praying for their lives as they go.

Just when all seems lost, however, a shield rises, protecting them from an oncoming blast. The adventurers cast their gaze upon a nearby outcropping, where the Archon Louisoux stands, determined and unflinching, the staff Tupsimati held aloft. Aware of the threat Dalamud posed, he and the other Archons had formed a plan—a desperate but vital one, where they would summon the power of the Twelve in order to seal away the danger that lurked within.

While the immediate threat was averted, Louisoux’s shield falters against a new attack, until it shatters completely, leaving all exposed to Bahamut’s wrath. It seems all hope is lost—but no! The other Archons, in their various locations, work to channel the power that has been released into a new form. Glowing light begins to form a new prison for the enraged primal, while the symbols of the Twelve appear around it, all directed by Louisoux himself. Hope shines as brightly as the light working to seal the dragon away.

But it was not to be so. The Elder Primal Bahamut breaks free of his prison, scattering the power that had been summoned against him, and even shattering Tupsimati. Louisoux seems to sigh within himself, and turns his attention from the dragon to the group of adventurers below him. Summoning up the last of his power, he steals them away to a safer place—a safer time—where they might prove of great benefit to the realms once more. One by one, they are stolen by the light, until their leader has but time to cast one last look up at the man who saved them by sacrificing himself.

“In one fleeting moment / from the land doth life flow / In the same fleeting moment / thou must live, die, and know.”

And so, each day, I live on, inspired by his selfless heroism.

(Scarf of Wondrous Wit)

Aye, pull up a stool. Name’s Rolfe. Reckon you’re wanting to hear about my best time galivantin’ around Eorzea, eh? I suppose that’d be the time we fought that rocky whoreson of a kobold god.

So, picture this, see: I’m with my pals, Jon, Flynn, Whyn'tir, and Kiyohana. We’re pretty deep in our cups when Flynn says, “Ya heard Tidus was back?”

I says, “Who?”

“He means Titan.”

“Shut up, Jon,” says Flynn, throwin’ down more ale. “Anyway, they say he’s downright ‘extreme’ this time. Last time he was just hard.”

I laugh. “That’s what she said.” No one else laughs. They just roll their eyes. I get that a lot.

“Well,” says Flynn, goin’ on, “whatay’all think?”

“Reckon we aught to take care of him,” I says.

Next thing I know, Jon calls Flynn a fool, on account of tryin’ to “sink us” before the fight. I have to admit, at this point I was thoroughly confused—and a bit drunk. “Sink us?” I ask. “I didn’t even know we were gonna be usin’ a boat.” Why do we need a bloody boat? Aint no water ‘twixt us and Titan! They keep yappin’, and then they turns to me. They ask me, “Sinked or unsinked?” I have no clue what they’re even talkin’ about, and I don’t know much about boats on account of bein’ a “landlubber,” but I know sinking is never good. “I don’t know what bein’ at the bottom of the water is gonna do for us, and I’d like to avoid sinkin’.” They have the cheek to look at me like I’ve sprung sylph wings on me back, so I just gave ‘em a shrug and finished my drink.

Next thing I know, there we are, face to face with the big ugly. Didn’t never even get in a boat. Now I’m even MORE confused. But I aint got time for that. Titan’s lookin’ right at me, so it’s time to rumble. Flynn goes runnin’ in, yellin’ something about “Tidus” again. Got knocked right out. I would’ve laughed, but that weren’t the time.

Now Jon—he’s usually a right moron. But on this day, he did some moves that inspired me to take up bein’ a ninja. Well, I say that, but I never did, truth be told. But he was savin’ lives and stealin’ wives—least he was till he got knocked out too. Still, me an’ Kiyo ended up downin’ him. Put a proper beatin’ on him, we did. Well, all’s except Whyn. She got trapped in one of them rock prisons he likes to call out of nowhere. We broke her out, just in time for the big lug to send her flyin’ off the edge. Never saw her again. Reckon she died.

And that, ladies and gents, is the story of the mysterious boat ride what never happened.

((If I win, I’d like a Scarf of Wondrous Wit))
((Don’t have any screenshots, but I did upload the fight way back when. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vm-G6qJZQ0Y ))

It was long ago at night I sat staring at the sky and the gleaming tower. As I did so on so many occasions before its my favorite spot The Anchor Yard.
At that time my long distance relationship had ended. I was depressed and angry. "Pfft what a waste of time all that work just for it to end like this? I have rotten luck with women" I thought. All of a sudden a stranger came running, a miqote. She looked around as if searching for something then stood there. Tali Hena her name was."You here for any special reason?" She suddenly turned her head to look at me, I stood on my feet tilting my head to look at Tali.
"hm?" She replied. Waiting for someone?" I asked.
"me? No, just watching the fireworks and playing a game of hide and seek xD" she said. "Lol cool" I then faced forward looking at the fireworks. "you?" She asked. "This is my favorite spot and idk why im telling you this but im here to cheer myself up i suppose" I muttered brooding. Her gaze shot back up at me seeing me finally reply "ahh :o"she replied. Then suddenly Nagi Amaterasu points at Tali Hena. A lalafell walked infront of Tali proceeding to point at her 2 more times."Heh spotted" I said. Nagi then danced sprightly for Tali showing her his uncontainable jubilation! I sat back down brooding. "Anyways you two have a great evening." I told them.Tali responded "you two :3." Nagi then marched towards me to my left then stopped to give me a big hug. My heart warmed at this slightly "Thanks" I replied slightly embarrassed. "And you found me, time for a new spot I suppose" Tali said as she walked to my right she then patted my head then walked away stopping a bit before the cavern turning to look back. "^^ Ty you two" I told them as I briefly glanced at the kind lalafell behind me.
"you needed a hug" Nagi said as he proceeded to give me another big hig. He then walked to join Tali who was waiting for him. They stood there awaiting my response "Im tough but ty ^^" I assured them but i was really trying to act tough. I then turned my gaze from them back towards the skies. Tali patted Nagi's head. I then got up abruptly and bowed my head at their act of kindness. "everyone needs a hug sometimes" Nagi bounced back in response. I smirked at this trying to be tough but realizing he was right. I then returned to sit with my legs folded. Nagi smiled at me Tali then bowed to me in the same manner I did to them then she ran off exiting through the cavern tunnel. Nagi waved at me excitedly his whole body moving which he followed by a bow as well. He started walking off when I said "Bless you two have a great evening" Nagi then stopped and turned around to face me. I waved goodbye at him. "you try to too or imma hug you again" he threatened. I chuckled at this "lol" was all I can think of to reply and Nagi hurried through then left. I stood up taking in the moment looking at the skies and being grateful for the kindness of strangers and cheering up. Thanks for reading my story.
(Gaelicap)

Surely, enough time had passed by now. Blade held out his completed paperwork to the residential caretaker, a tiny Lalafell standing in front of a vacant plot of land in the Goblet. There were gasps and several others held out their paperwork similarly. The Lalafell looked up and spoke her cruel, disappointing words, “This plot is not yet ready for purchase.” There were sighs of disappointment.

The Grand Companies had established the residential wards with the intent to provide adventurers a permanent place to live that didn’t involve crowding up the local inn. However, certain… ‘entrepreneurial’ minded adventurers had taken to using the system as a means to line their own pockets by reselling the houses to individuals for exorbitant prices. It was only a matter of time until the Grand Companies turned their eye to the problem and chose to handle it with a somewhat unusual method: all houses sold or abandoned would need to remain vacant for an unspecified amount of time before being put up for purchase. While this had alleviated a problem—it had, in fact, generated another… crowds of adventurers standing before a placard, all hoping that it would be them who would pick the right second to hand over their paperwork to the residential caretaker.

The Lalafell folded her arms. She turned her head and looked up at the sun. As did everyone else. Was she using the sun to tell the time? Was there some hint they could glean from her actions? No one really knew how the residential caretakers determined when to release the plot for sale, although many a Scholar had tried.

As always, a large gathering had formed. Aside from those who were dreaming to purchase this plot of land, applications in hand, there were also neighbors who had gathered, sitting atop their rooftops, waiting to see who would get lucky. One of the would-be homeowners had brought his Free Company along. They were cheering him on. Some brought out instruments to play, putting on a whole performance. Blade focused his eyes forward and tried not to distracted. Intimidation tactics. The Lalafell continued to shake her head as applications continued to present themselves to her.

These adventurers—they were competition. And yet, they were all experiencing a shared pain. There was a comradery here, even if it was a bitter one.

Blade held out his paperwork and he didn’t even notice that the Lalafell accepted it. There were gasps as the Lalafell nodded and announced “Sold—to the Dark Knight!” Blade looked around for the victor—until he realized it was him. There was a pained silence around him, and he dare not look anyone in the eye. A quiet, defeated, shuffling sound behind him as all packed up and moved on. He wished them well, silently, but said nothing, so as not to gloat. He stepped onto the green grass of his newly acquired plot, and collapsed, exhausted. For he, savior of the realm, had finally conquered real estate.

(Choice: Bluebird Earring)

Oh nightly rains and withering winds, why must you assail me so?
Astern on privateer Rhotano, I beset by moonlit glow
My quarry, my fish - nay, my dragon! Swims the depths below
A dragon, a prize, for the heart of Privateer Captain Rhotano

Stormy seas were but a home to he, who truly was Saltsworn
Large boots, nice hat, and always set to sail before the morn
By ferry, by skip, off the Costa del Sol, a fated love was born
With each broken line, snapped out of time, my love grew ever forlorn

The old miqo'te and the sea, that classic adventure in a book
Has nothing to say of a Nepto Dragon, Northern Krill, and the hook
Three Little Thaolos, a fisher's intuition, by the Twelve, is all it took
Plus, endless luck, long hours, and spite for Wawalago's dish to cook

Just what will it take to finally reel him in?
Oh captain, my captain, just let my love win
Nepto Dragon by Krill, or just by plain gumption
And there, upon the darkened surf, the legendary fin!

To catch, to impress, to mooch a smooch at last
I wait with baited breath and hook as I cast
With the tide on my side, and my heartfelt past
I reel in the Dragon, as long as ship's mast!

And now for the day which I have truly wished
Yet the captain looks away, for another fish undished
Many hours and weather windows have come and vanished
For the cat-girl at sea who ended up catfished!

What prize for she, who could barely place third
In the heart of man, with a tale so brazenly absurd?
A small momento would do, it has just occurred
For happiness yet to come, earrings of the bluebird.

Prize Choice: Bluebird Earring

Recently I decided to finally decorate my house. I was initially excited to purchase it and stayed up late to buy it when Shirogane houses became available, but like a cat that had finally caught the prey it always wanted, I didn't know what to do with it.

Looking back, it was like that for a lot of my life. First I became a white mage because I wanted to help people, then progressed to summoner because I had grown tired of helping others, and all the while, nothing seemed to fit me.

Such it was with my house, as well. I had thought to make it like my apartment, full of books to study and a cozy fireplace, but that didn't fit. At the end of the day, I'd lock my house up in Shirogane and go to my apartment in Mist, my real home, to sleep.

When I first went to Ishgard, I picked up a dark knight's sword because I had thought that a combination of helping friends and hurting others would be the best of both worlds. I was right. My friends were safe and I had found my calling. But in hurting others, even in the name of good, you also hurt yourself.

Across the way from my house is a free company’s mansion. To keep up appearances, I decorated the outside and rotated holiday furniture as necessary. My neighbors saw this and were impressed. They wanted to see the inside as well. What they would have seen was that the outside was just a facade and that inside all that waited was nothing. Emptiness. They couldn't know that what they were truly asking was that they wanted to see what was inside of me.

A dark knight's duty is to protect, yes, but also to harm. To swear to protect others is to swear to violence to achieve that goal. More often than not, that protection ended in the death of the aggressor. A single killing was easily shrugged off, but the weight of them all overcame me. It had become too much and my dark knight soul crystal cracked in two. From it, my feelings of regret and remorse for those I killed manifested as Myste. And though he was defeated, his message was not.

One day while in my house and contemplating what I should do with it I realized that I was not actually thinking about that. The emptiness and peacefulness had lulled me into other thoughts. Thoughts of those I had slaughtered to protect friends. I tried to remember my victim's faces, and names, and I found it was a sort of penance. At that moment, I knew what I had to do with my house. It would not be a house to live in, but one to reflect in. The inside would remain empty, with a few token items to make it more comfortable and peaceful and serene.

When I was finished, I was finally comfortable with letting my neighbors see the inside. But even now that is also a facade. They see peace and serenity in the space I have created. What I see is a space dedicated to those I have killed, and those I have yet to kill. This space, empty as I am when I protect others, is my forgiveness to myself for what I must do.

(Ahriman Choker)

I still remember the day we fought the Eyes.

You joked consistently about my "mage tanking" before the fight, back when I still had a tether on some slight healing magic. I teased that someone had to keep my 'goon alive. Neither of us took the battle too seriously - we'd fought it dozens of times. Why would we ever take it seriously?

Then the Tonze wiped out half the party at the midpoint of the fight. We didn't panic, we just kept fighting. We had done this hundreds of times to protect Coerthas. We could do it - we always did. Then I heard our tank yell as down she went, quickly followed by half the party.

And then the Eye turned to me.

I was pinned between cliffside and stone, just a robed Black Mage with so much magic, I was the one of the party left to draw its ire. I couldn’t take hits from a small Cyclops, much less Steropes, and deign to live. But here we were, down to barebones of the warriors we started with. And the Eye was looking directly at me, charging. I remember shrieking something, I don't remember the words, but I was fully prepared to die at that point. But if I died, I was going down in a Fire III of glory. My magic blazed around me as all I could see was Steropes, raising his club--

Then I heard you yell, and down he fell, the great Cyclops defeated. Slain at the hand of you, my 'goon. Rewards met us but all I remember is a half-shriek of relief.

We didn't stop laughing in relief and disbelief for what felt like hours. And even now, looking back on it, I cannot help but smile in disbelief.

A Dragoon and a Black Mage, we make an odd pair. Our friends together are different, wild. Warriors of Light, of Darkness, of Whim perhaps. But I wouldn't have it any other way.

-Ryu Mral

(Prize Choice: Bluebird Earring)

https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...819e722855.jpg

Something doesn’t feel right.

Nothing has felt right for her since Hraesvelgr’s trial. As the clamour of battle grew closer, she and all of those with her knew which side the battle favored. The bridge that connected Ishgard and Coerthas came into view. Its stones adorned with the bodies of soldiers and dragons alike. It was a miracle the bridge still stood. Eventually the mismatched group landed on the bridge to support the dwindling soldiers.

Fighting to protect their homeland. It was a sweet thought. The Warrior of Light smiled as they landed. It was difficult to avoid thinking about the times she failed, but this time she was there. She wouldn’t fail again. To the soldiers, seeing Aymeric, a Scion and the Warrior of Light descending from the dragons that had frightened them a moment ago was a well needed reprieve. Artoriel approached them. “You’re late, Warrior of Light”.

The dragons now appeared as their saviors, escorted by the one who had been working against the darkness that Nidhogg and his brood had raised against Ishgard. Surely, the tide had turned in Ishgard’s favor. That mighty dragon with scales akin to the untouched snow, as large as the one that had been plaguing them, the one that had been lusting for vengeance and death. That very dragon that they heard rumors and stories about. Hraesvelgr was here for them. And then... They spoke. Even though they could not understand the booming voices of the dragons, their meaning was clear in their minds.

“Wherefore standest thou with these vermin, Brother” Nidhogg exclaimed.

“Abandon this war, shade”. It seemed, to the soldiers’ delight, Hraesvelgr was truly on their side. “The suffering thou sowest serveth no end. The traitors’ progeny have learned of their forefathers betrayal, and seek now to make amends with our kind. Never shall our grief be assuaged nor our loss forgotten, but reconciliation may yet halt the spread of this plague of enmity. Forsake thy vengeance and be at peace.” Hraesvelgr truly was benevolent. Perhaps with his brood brother convincing him-- perhaps they could forgive the loss of their brood sister, all those years ago?

Nidhogg roared, drowning all of those that stood in the heat from his breath. “What soft-headed ramblings are these? Thy dalliance with that vile maid hath robbed thee of thy wits! Mayhap her cloying perfume hath made the forget the stench of our brood-sister’s lifeblood!” Peace had been a fleeting hope, the rage within Hraesvelgr was rekindled with Nidhogg’s words, his eyes ablaze.

“Thou darest speak thus of my beloved!?”

“Ah! So the flames of rage may yet be kindled! I feared thy heart’s fire had since gone out. But waste not thy fury on words, Brother-- thou shalt have need of it for the battle!” The two brothers roared at each other, prepared to fight to the death. The rest of the soldiers, and even the Warrior of Light, were no more than spectators to their infighting.

[Choice: Scarf of Wondrous Wit]

My name is Aros and I have been known by many names across Eorzea: Warrior of Light, Eikon Slayer, Liberator of Ala Mhigo, and...”Little Sapling” thanks to some adorable Fae. And yet, I’m always thrust into all these dangerous situations by the Scions and it’s not as if I have any say in the matter; I can hardly get a word in edge-wise before Alphinaud whisks me away to the Sigmascape lies a type of technologically constructed holoscape, or some such (I just smile and nod as Cid speaks his techno babble). Together, the Scions and I (by that I just mean “I”) ventured forth to do battle with whatever fanciful phantasmagoria await us. In eager anticipation, I thought to myself: “If experience has taught me anything it’s to...Oh shite! Is that a Godsdamn Train?!” https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...5f2b8960d3.jpg
As always when things take a turn for the worst, I blame Alphinaud! Yonder Train seemed a tad peeved, for it had jettisoned me across the cart and into hands of a smiling specter.Before I could take the time to collect myself, I spotted the vile Train following parallel our train cart. Pressing the advantage, I leaped across the gap that separated us, delivering a ferocious flurry of kicks at the smock stack atop yon loathsome locomotive’s head. Without warning, “Acid Rain” began to burn my flesh as the “Diabolical Whistle” rendered me almost deaf. And just when I thought I couldn’t stands no more, Leo and his ilk returned for another go…
“Enough is enough!” I screamed in unbridled anger, ready to unleash my “Limit Break” on the steel beast. Summoning all my strength, I smote the Ghost Train and caused it to derail.
https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...0c726cbb07.jpg
Seeking to appease the spirits of the monks who had lived in days long past, I called forth the ghost of Ivon Couerlfist, the mightiest of our order and one who wore a beard like no other. “Insolent cub! Why have you interrupted my slumber?!” the spirit bellowed at me. Taken aback, I responded; “Forgive me Master, but I bring good tidings; I’ve felled a Phantom Train and gained prestige for our order! Mayhaps I can take my place with our greatest Monks including yourself with a modest statue?” “Enough of your blubbering, boy!” the great Ivon wailed, “Look yonder at the statue still yet preserved.” The elder Monk pointed in the direction of a massive statue carved into the bedrock, what I found was a giant of man holding high a train over his head, ready to suplex the locomotive into the ground. Investigating further, I found a plaque upon the statue’s base, the name inscribed read: “Sabin Figaro”.

Thank you for listening to my story. I'd be interested in the Royal Barding is applicable. May you walk tin the light of the Crystals.

I initially wasn't going to do this. But reading others' experiences here, made me reflect upon my own. And I am compelled to open my heart, to submit my own message in a bottle. I want to contribute to this wonderful mural of stories.

I came to Hydaelyn to escape my own life, where dark thoughts, doubts and anxieties plagued me, and my future was uncertain and terrifying. To find refuge in the bright land of Eorzea.

But I was unprepared for the beauty in this world. In Zenith, the ruins of Dravania filled me with awe and sorrow, a monument to what people could do in cooperation, and the destruction wrought by the greed in our hearts. Our world, reflected in story. In the endless plains of the Azim, I felt a tug on my heart as wanderlust seeped into me. And in the Crystarium, where the residents had made their world a better place through cooperation. Hope from hopelessness.

And finally, when we stood atop the ruins of Amaurot, opposite Emet-Selch, I felt that tug again. When he looked at us with sad, tired eyes, and said "Remember us", and my character merely nodded and smiled. She would remember them, that they had lived.

This hit me hardest. All throughout our journey, I had seen my character help out so many people. Without hesitation and no expectation of reward, she would jump to action, aiding those in need. Even as I, the player, only did things with expectation of reward. This is the greatest strength of my character as the warrior of light; her compassion. Her unerring tendency to lend her strength to those in need. My character is a reflection of me in this world, and yet where she is a shining beacon of hope and solidarity, I am at best Fray, a distrusting cynic. It's made me want to become a better person; to become a warrior of light in our world, just as my character is in this one.

XIV is a game, but to say it is only that diminishes its impact. In our world, the emotions in my heart easily overwhelm, and in my haste to convey them to others, words tend to tumble from my mouth. It's hard for me to connect with others. But here in XIV, I've met many wonderful friends. I found the other half of my heart. I walked lands that took my breath away. I found home.

And I'm not the only one. From reading other entries in this thread, XIV has touched the lives of so many. People have found loves and homes of their own in this beautiful game. And so many people have felt that same tug on their hearts, and been changed for the better.

So I wanted to say thank you, to everyone who had a hand in building this beautiful world. Thank you for the stories and the music and the wonderful experiences you've all given me. And when I must eventually close the gates, and step away from Eorzea back into our world, I will always cherish the memories that this place has given me. I'll remember the lessons my warrior of light taught me, that I may become a warrior of light in our world as well.

“Why did you just charge in like that?”

Thryss looked towards the voice, roused from her tavern musings. A blonde miqo’te woman appeared to be arguing with a rather indignant au’ra male twice her height. Lover’s quarrel, the adventurer thought with a wry grin to herself. The Quicksands never failed to provide a spectacle.

“Why didn’t you follow my lead?” The au’ra man said with annoyance, looking down at the cat-eared woman, “we could have taken the whole pack if you’d just kept up. It was the fastest way to get you to your goal.”

“I didn’t hire you just to have you fight at any provocation!” The miqo’te said angrily, “and we didn’t make it, did we? We’re lucky to be alive!”

Ah, business quarrel, Thryss amended mentally with less interest and another sip of ale.

“Because you wouldn’t keep up,” the man said, throwing his hands up in frustration.

Thryss just shook her head in mild amusement. New adventurers were always coming through the Quicksands. Momodi, who happened to run the Adventurer’s Guild as well as the tavern, was usually pretty good about matching up groups, but sometimes those groups just can’t work together. Adventuring was a high-risk proposition at the best of times, and required a group to be willing to learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses to succeed. Edda’s ill-fated end was still spoken of as a cautionary tale.

“I release you from our contract!” The miqo’te said with finality, “I’ll find someone else to help me.”

“Good luck, kitten,” the au’ra said derisively, “I’m the best you’re going to find in Ul’dah,” and stomped off fuming.

Good for her, Thryss thought as she sipped her ale and returned to more sedate introspections and people-watching.

Lost in her ruminations, she didn’t hear the polite cough at first. Thryss looked around, and then down to find Momodi at her side, looking up at her sweetly. And the selfsame young miqo’te adventurer that had been arguing a quarter bell earlier was standing behind her. Thryss groaned inwardly.

“I heard you were out of work,” said the diminutive barkeep with mischievous innocence, “so I found you some.” And with that sauntered off, leaving the two women to size each other up.

Thryss kept her expression neutral and gestured for the other miqo’te to have a seat. The blonde woman sat down with a wary look. The scarlet-haired miqo’te offered what she hoped was a reassuring grin, “so, you’re looking to hire a bodyguard?”

“I don’t need a bodyguard,” the blonde woman replied with annoyance, “My mission simply requires more than one person.”

“Ah,” Thryss said, “you need a partner.”

The blonde woman brushed back a lock of her long hair considering the words, “I suppose I do.”

“I can be that. I’m Thryss Moonwhispers,” the scarlet-haired miqo’te said, offering her hand across the table.

With a tentative smile the blonde woman gave the other’s hand a quick shake, “I’m Z’anne Pennubrae.”

Prize: Gaelicap

Now that I’ve put pen to paper, there’s so much I want to say and not nearly enough time or space to convey it all. What to write, what to write… I have so many fond memories you see. From the day I arrived in Gridania to start my adventure to the days after saving another realm from a flood of light of all things. What a ride it has been and I know there’s more yet to come.
But anyway, as a bard worth her strings, I shall regale you with a tale of one of my fondest memories.

Long time ago, I was tasked with retrieving some stolen goods from some bandits in Southern Thanalan. I snuck into the base, found the goods but couldn’t get out for fear of being caught and outnumbered. So I waited. Eventually a fight broke out and I started making my escape but an adventurer, a dark-skinned hyur with silver hair, offered to see me to safety.

I met this same Hyur many times afterwards. He seemed to have an uncanny knack for finding me in the some of the worst predicaments and yet also found me at some of my earliest, proudest moments. I had shared a few drinks with him here and there, too. I’d since learned to be humble and thanked him for his help each time. But strangely, the stronger I became, the less I saw of him. I like to think I caught a glimpse of him here and there. Then slowly, those glimpses faded into memory, a fond memory at that. I’ve wondered now and then what became of that man, my guardian angel for time it seemed. Was he still an adventurer? Had he settled down somewhere? Or perhaps he found a new frontier to explore? Regardless, I hoped he was doing well. And now years later, I still spare a thought for that memory.

I’m almost out of space and ink. Let’s see… starting a new chapter in life is always the hard part and living through it all can be even harder. But keep moving forward and don’t forget the path you’ve walked. Don’t forget the good and bad you’ve had whether it be by yourself or shared with company. It’s these little experiences combined that shape us. Take those little steps and in time they could become grand leaps of which you could have never imagined possible. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, accept help and offer help. Things will not always go your way but what’s life without a few bumps in the road? I mean, there’s craters too but I hope by the time you come across those, you’ll be strong enough to brave it or at least have those around you to see you to the next dawn.

‘Aight, I think that’ll do. Should you find comfort in these words, they are yours for the taking. Should my brief tale stir the winds at your back that you need to take off on the rest of your life, then please, take a leap, spread your wings and fly, won’t you? And who knows, perhaps one day I’ll be regaled of a tale from your own legacy.

-From the Bard before anything, the Skysinger, the Song upon the Wind… to whom I may never meet, but will regardless, wish you well.
(If I place, Bluebird Earrings)
https://i.imgur.com/wD00JIR.jpg

“Have you ever seen a flying whale?” I asked the barkeep.

When he shook his head, I smirked, “then I’ve a story for you.”

“I recall an evening spent with my Free Company,” I said to the barkeep, nursing an ale, “we were farming extremes for mounts, and simply having fun with each other.”

I finished my ale and motioned for another, “five adventurers, all told. We had two tanks, two damage dealers, and a healer. We rotated roles, and fought our hardest.”

“We were on an island in the sky to fight this flying whale, so it was unsurprising one of us eventually fell off. What we weren’t expecting was that it was intentional. Our healer, the fool, had decided to jump into the abyss below.”

“Granted, this was not our first time dealing with an ally who’d fallen off the ledge, though this was the first time we were taken by surprise. When our healer had jumped off, he’d dragged the tank to his side and made him jump off with him.”

“After ensuring everyone was okay, we had some laughs. We tried again to kill the beast, and lo and behold, the healer did it again!”

“It wasn’t long before it became something of a competition to see who could do this in the most humourous of situations. This happened in other fights too, such as against the Primal, Titan.”

“The one hero who was never dragged to their doom was me.”

“I enjoy spending time with my Free Company and having friends in game. They help me strive to be better, because they do content I traditionally have avoided, such as raids, as I long to join them. Keep your friends close, everyone. Perhaps close enough to rescue,” I said, winking at the barkeep, placing my payment on the table, and taking my leave.

“Never forget, everyone, even heroes, need fun.”

- Yet Another Dragoon
(Choice: Gaelicap)

The entire prospect of it seemed absurd; I almost didn’t give it a second thought.

Almost.

There are always tasks to be accepted, and work to be done. And that’s not even getting into the troubles that are far above your average adventurer – invaders, Primals, otherworldly beings bent on seeing all of this misery continue…

And to think of me, playing in the dirt like some child? It was ludicrous. Absurd.

That’s not to say I couldn’t see that there were benefits to part of it – for the average person, that is. Just nothing that could be of use to me, I had thought.

But the more complicated things became, the more the thought of it took root (no pun intended). To be able to focus on nothing but the soil in your hands, and thinking no further then what seed to plant next. Nothing beyond the stretch of muscles flowing into the swing of the hatchet; the lulling, rhythmic sound of metal biting into wood.

In a time of turmoil, it was peaceful. Cathartic, even. It suddenly didn’t seem so absurd, anymore.

-An Adventurer In Botany

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chosen Item: Bluebird Earring

To our Unrequited Chaperone,

I’ve traveled a hundred thousand malms and heard just as many myths, but if ever I were share mine own I should think to share the myth of you. Our village elders would relay their scripture of Oschon, but even The Wanderer himself can seem small next to the allure of heroes of your own age. I can recall now how my friends and I would chance to slink away to reenact the stories we would hear of Eorzrean adventurers. Roving the realm, felling beasts and claiming glory; perhaps one of those stories was of you? I am honored to have played a part in at least one of your tales…

Our meeting was auspicious: a party of six assembled in Northern Thanalan under the pretense of felling a revenant of The Calamity in an expedition lead by none other than the kin of Louisoix. The circumstance of their trek seemed so incredible that I was made a mere witness, nevermind that my foray into Eorzea proper did not come about till long after Dalamud fell. I had spent most of my life in Abalathia and Eorzea was hardly my realm to avenge. I was out of my element and perhaps out of my depth.

Between the battles the lot of us spoke of what had brought us here. A dragoon came in search of Allagan tomestones, a summoner came to document “wondrous tales”, and for the part of my friend and I; we only sought to see this story through. You apprised us of a curious detail amongst the ramblings. You fought with sword and shield that day but you came in search of a grimoire born of the Dreadwyrm himself, and that for all your fighting down here you had never once seen any trace of the relic. Surely the familiarity with your search was the catalyst for your insight in these trials.

Our summoner was forced to retreat before the final battle, and in the heat of the fight I envied him. I had never anticipated to share in all the fear and agony felt all those years ago, but there hung the silhouette of Menphina’s Loyal Hound. One by one, strike after strike we fell upon his power, but how you shone! You did not waver on that day, in fact it seemed as if you slew the damned thing all yourself! You carried all of lives that day and I will not forget the deed in my life!

I remember how we cheered when the thing was done and how you took your praise gallantly. Though our performance was lacking you assured us that someday we would rival your prowess. The story seemed to end perfectly as we found the very same tome you had been searching for in a coffer beneath the beast! However, for our part we are embarrassed. You must remember how my friend had claimed in “need” of it and ended up winning the rights to the grimoire on a technicality? If he could return the book to you I assure you he would, he believed it was the summoner who had left who was searching for the thing…

I digress, we learned much that day and are ever thankful to you. He still fights with the book in his hands to this day! This Rising, I think of you.

-A Hellsgaurd Venturer
Gaelicap

To whom this letter may reach,

Where to begin... In all honesty, I am quite terrible with words, though you may have already realized this in my all-too-familiar stoic expression. In fact, one of my few regrets is not having the words to say when I need them.

Right. Maybe that’s a good place to start.

Perhaps it would be the regret of not expressing words of consolation and grief to the father of some of my dearest friends, one in particular, who’s name would echo in Ishgard’s history for many winters to come. I can only recall the extent in which a man of his stature gave my friends and I a place to call home, even after being exiled for falsely accused crimes, only to crumble at the tragic news bestowed upon him. And yet, all I could do was watch helplessly. In that instant, I wished to give up. Retire all these titles and weep for days to come.

But the words of my friends washed those thoughts away. Though my words may be lacking, I knew in my heart I could bolster the actions to make things right. For Haurchefant. For Ysayle. For Ishgard, and for Her children. The rest, you can take a guess.

Mayhap another regret was not taking more time to sight see. As an adventurer, battles may call to you in earnest, but as an Astrologian, the skies do beckon me to read what fates transcribe in the stars, though some might find that as an excuse to go stargazing. I wish you could've been at the Dawn Throne with me that day. The Azim Steppe's sky bled the blues across the horizon, the blanket of stars glittering bright, as if they were telling to stay strong. I felt something stir in me that night... So I pressed on. For Meffrid. For Tsuyu. For Ala Mhigo. For Doma.
https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...c8cc897077.jpg
My trip to the First has taught me to never forsake the simplest things in life. When I first saw how the return of the night sky impacted those of the First, I dared not wish to sit idly and allow the Light to consume their star and their people any further. Their smiles, their joy; it inspired me. But when my attempts to conceal the Light shattered, I felt so.... hopeless. I wished to give up. I failed. I could not even bring myself to leave the Inn and showed my face to those in the Crystarium.

But the people were so worried about it... They all wanted to play some part in helping me rid this realm of Sin Eaters once and for all. Their kind words burned the flames in me once more, and again, I pressed on.

A spot in the First serves as a reminder that where there is war, there is freedom. Where there are friends, there is hope. And where there is darkness, there is light. A favored spot of one of my dearest friends. A spot where friends could one day sit and talk.
https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...4d447f249d.jpg
I hope one day I can see you there.
Sincerely,
Robin Sephirus.
- Gaelicap

Some say “If you can see it, you can believe it" , but maybe If you believe it you can see it. Can you? The garden that has yet to harvest, the fruit that has yet to ripen. Can you taste it? The fruits of our labor, the dreams that were made real. We are so close, but it feels so very far. With every door opened there is another to be closed.
Each time bigger adversity appeared and each time I overcame it. I used to think that the biggest battles would leave the largest or most impactful legacy. I almost laugh at that thought now because it was always more than that. It wasn't about the intense battles or raging wars. For our legacy was and always will be every life we touch. This simple fact is what makes meeting new people and connecting with them and their story so empowering to me.
I never knew how much joy and meaning I would gain from learning others stories and dreams. My own dream was so transparent and fragile back then, I only wished for a nice adventure and some good glamorous along the ride. I could barely navigate my way through the markets of Ul’Dah, or the forests of Gridania never did I imagine to carry the dreams and hopes of millions.
However with every person, every soul met; their passion, their hopes, and their dreams became intertwined with mine and thus my path became more and more visible. I no longer have one goal or push to keep going, I have hundreds and thousands to keep moving. While many aren’t mine. They’re all inspiring and important to me.
( If chosen my item of choice would be the Gaelicap)

I was a thread the weaver of fate misplaced.

However, Lady Luck pushed me into a tragic world where heroes were forged. A dire necessity drove me into becoming a paragon of hope. Friends, glory, fame, and fortune - all soon came easily to me, a once displaced rogue who started out with nothing.

I gained the world, but you - you had lost everything. Throughout my years of adventuring, I saved the have-nots and the broken. How could it be that we stood on opposite sides in the end? I was certain I must have failed somewhere; err’d in my judgment.

You tried to take everything from me, so I could be like you. It wasn’t until the final goodnight that I understood this. The flames burned down everything around me, as unfamiliar faces ran away terrified. My closest of friends lay on the brink of death. You and I had seen the same dire sights, yet in different times. To lose is to live. I found the meaning to my life in that illusion of a city you created. I cannot prevent death without preventing life itself, so instead I will carry on the burdens of history’s ghosts. Your memories will be safe with me as I travel, forevermore pushed by destiny’s hand.

If I were to be struck down tomorrow, I would be content knowing I once belonged to your world.

Dear reader,
Though my words may seem sad, I hope that you will see through to the light within my experiences. Learn the stories of others and you will grow larger than your own life. The hope of everyone will be delivered on our backs.

https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...3919af4afd.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kimeraandrel

---

Prize choice: Gaelicap

I had never thought much of the shores of Costa del Sol, and truth be told how my husband and I had come to find ourselves walking along the water's edge that day still escapes my memory. We had wandered aimlessly down the sun-warmed sand, a heavy silence settling between us, though it wasn't uncomfortable. It was as if we were taking a moment to simply breathe, the salt tinged air filling our lungs and the setting sun acting as our guide down the endless shore.

Eventually, we found a shady spot to rest. My husband unceremoniously discarded his bag and staff to the ground, claiming a spot to sit at the base of a tree. Settling beside him, I ran my hands through the sand back and forth, an absentminded motion to sooth my racing thoughts. My husband gave me a knowing look, his eyes coming to meet mine when I lifted my gaze.

"I can practically hear your thoughts from here, love," he frowned, a gentle fondness to his words.

I couldn't help the sigh that escaped my lips, internally berating myself for being so easily read. "I can't help but wonder..." I took a moment to reconsider my words, blinking down at the pattern my fingers had lazily swirled into the sand, before continuing. "I can't help but wonder if we are doing the right thing. Aren't you the least bit worried?"

At my question, my companion gave a moment of consideration before answering. That carefree smirk of his began to pull at the corners of his lips, and I found myself already growing less anxious just from the sight alone.

"Of course I'm worried," he grinned, earning a laugh from myself out of shock, and genuine appreciation, for his pure honesty. "But I also know that even if things change between us and the Company, it won't mean things change for the worse." I hummed in response, eyes remaining downcast. We had been discussing taking a leave of absence from our duties as Officers in our Free Company for some time, the pull of other responsibilities no longer easily ignored. Still, the decision weighed heavy on me, and I know my husband felt the same, even if he was better at masking it. After another moment of silence, the waves reaching for the shores the only sound anchoring me to the moment, I turned back to him with newfound resolve.

"We'll return," I asserted. His brows knitted together for a moment before his expression softened in understanding. I simply smiled then, tears stinging at the corners of my eyes despite my confident declaration.

"We shall, when we are ready. And our companions will welcome us home with open arms," he assured. I leaned to rest my head upon his shoulder, fear still tingling at my fingertips, but newfound determination blooming within me. No matter how far we strayed, Eorzea and all those we loved there would always be waiting for us.

https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...21d7a1d450.jpg

(Bluebird Earring, thank you!)

I sit here, hands clasped and elbows supported, staring into the past. Surrounded by my own imagination of what once was. Yet, I am vexed by your perpetual involvement. Why is it that you defy me so, scant friend? You do not have a grasp of the story that plays out before you. The threads that have been weaved many lifetimes before your own. Do you deserve such a title as friend or another?

We have crossed paths a myriad of times. Still...you do not sincerely know me and what I fight for thus far. Through my chosen assemblies I approach you as I am bored from watching in the shadows. Times of bickering, insults, arguments and...to some degree...I do hope there is enlightenment in you and your band of friends. I retire when I grow weary of your doubts and questions.

Plans...machinations have been long set in place. You and I are the cast of some grand play. I admit we duel and squabble but nothing is ever direct. These encounters do entertain me to some extent. The quarrels that you have, with those I am ever familiar with, are the most...intriguing yet prohibiting.

My, how you have grown under my intermittent gaze. *Laughs* The greater part of your journey is banal and trifling. The mundane going on your so called adventures. I do not have the patience to attend all your affairs. Loathe to say it, but I do have all the patience in all the worlds. Hasten your stride friend. The hour is almost just. If, by some infinitesimal folly the continuity is broken and my voice is found wanting… Then remember that we once lived.

-Solus zos Galvus

Prize: Gaelicap

A smile beamed brightly across Caelestis’s face as she counted her company seals. Finally, she thought, enough for a chocobo of my own! As Cingur approached with the finely plumed bird, Cael’s heart swelled.
“So, what’s his name to be?”
-
My smile rivaled hers as I looked at my own feathered companion – and I instantly knew what the answer was.
-
“Nice to meet you, Howl!”
“Kweh!”
Together, Cael and Howl conquered countless challenges. Through an unseen bond they worked in tandem to overcome fierce opponents, each making up for the other’s weaknesses. Off the battlefield their bond was just as strong, with Howl following his master as she gathered the day’s supply of herbs and ores. A steady diet of the finest krakka roots and a clean stable at their home in the Shroud were her ways of thanking him for a job well done. Through triumph and defeat, celebration and mourning, exaltation and exile, the two stood faithfully by each other’s side.
-
“Here’s your treat for the day, Howl!”
“Tweet!”
The little cockatiel eagerly ripped the sunflower seed from my fingers. He and I have spent years together, and it truly amazes me to see how much personality is packed in such a small ball of feathers. He may not be able to cast Choco Cure, but he has soothed my heart in more ways than I can express. And, like the chocobo he serves as namesake of, he is far stronger than appearances suggest.
Due to a night-fright my beloved companion had broken his beak and lost numerous feathers. I held him in my hands and reminded him of our experiences together, hoping it would give him the strength to hold on just a little longer. When I peeked into the vet’s incubator, I saw him fussy from being force-fed medicine, but still with a spark in those little brown eyes.
He still had that light in him, and it wouldn’t be extinguished any time soon.
-
Cael entered her suite at the Pendants to find a basket of freshly-prepared sandwiches awaiting her, along with Ardbert. The two warriors discussed the Exarch, the Ascians, and bitter memories of the past, before she finally decided a change of topic was in order.
“Tell me about Seto,” she inquired.
The man bashfully replied with musings of his Amaro companion from former days before turning the question on her – “You must have a friend like Seto. Chocobo, perhaps?”
It felt like ages since she had last been asked such a simple question – one without life-or-death consequences or the fate of some world or another in the balance.
“…And then there was the time he kept chasing the rosebear, even after the battle was done! I bet he ran half a malm before he finally came back! And then…”
The two whiled away the hours, discussing their companions until the first rays of morning crested over the horizon.
As friends, free companies, and comrades come and go, every Warrior of Light has a stalwart companion by their side – and I am eternally grateful for my own Bird of Light.

Noble Barding

The Warrior of Light kills gods for a living.

Yeah, every time he rolls into a new town, he basically ends up mowing everyone's lawn and taking out everyone's trash, but that's probably just because he's a really nice guy. We all know what the real hero’s business is: killing primals. And he does it like nobody else. The guy is a portable Ragnarok. If you’ve done the math, no less than twenty eikons have met their ends at the Warrior’s hands. Some of them over and over (and over) again.

But I think everyone agrees that one primal stands out. There are millions of Warriors of Light, each of them on their own journey—yet across all those countless parallel stars, on the Source of fourteen sundered shards, there are two words to put fear in the hearts of every one of Hydaelyn’s champions.

Titan Extreme.

You never forget your first fight with the Lord of Crags. I flexed into the Navel full of confidence. Normal modes? Easy. Hard modes? Easy. Maybe I had to sweat a little to kill Garuda, but what could titan bring that would be that much worse?

https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...926f30bc59.jpg

Oh.

I spent hours falling into that pit. Once you fell, you were stuck; no do-overs. There was no coming back from the nap, not until everyone else in your group messed up or decided to start over.

Apparently the canonical explanation for wipes is the Echo shows possible futures that do not come to pass, so I’m pretty sure that my WoL spent more time staring at the possibilities than a certain Doctor did in a movie franchise that will remain nameless.

But this isn’t a story of failure. I refused to be beaten.

https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...7c92221837.png

You bet I was.

I dodged Landslides until I could do it in my sleep. I maneuvered around bomb boulders like it was Dance Dance Revolution. To me, this is what high level raids in an MMO are all about: When you’re confronted with a seemingly insurmountable challenge, you rise to the occasion. Together with your friends, you formulate a strategy, you practice that strategy, and inch by inch, phase by phase, you see it all come together, until that one shining moment of victory that makes it all worthwhile. That’s why so many deep friendships are forged through games online. it’s by sharing in the struggle that people come closer together, and I can confidently say that vanquishing Titan was the most rewarding moment in my whole time in Eorzea.

So, after that, it was smooth sailing, right? After all, what could possibly be harder than Titan?

https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...95a86c7026.jpg

Oh. Titan. Titan could be harder than Titan.

https://i.imgur.com/3ezoFTe.png

Looks like I've got some work to do.

(Prize: Noble Barding)

To my families and friends at home, I left home for travel to everywhere and some adventures. When I arrived at Gridrana, I started to learn many stuff. I became an archer and did some simple quests. Later, I finally went to some different cities to help out. Also, I made some friends. They are not bad. Eventually, I learned something about myself. I have a blessing from Great Crystal. It's called "Echo". It protects me from danger. Due to it, many people started asking for my help. I had positive and negative experiences after that. Recently, I went through an out-of-world experience. You may not believe me, but I literally went to a different world against my will. When I arrived there, I thought that I ended up being in afterlife for sure. It's because of the sky looking differernt and never go dark during nighttime. Later, I met up with my comrades whose collasped out of blue in our world and learned something about the sky. This sky is actually the Light ather. It can corrupt you if you touch it. I decided to stay in that world for a while because I found out if my comrades and I go back to our world now, I will be dead for some reason. Also, I can't leave this world's people facing their demise slowly, so I went ahead and clear all of the sky out of the Light to bring real nighttime back to them. I am really glad to see the people being happy about their sky. They never saw the nighttime sky for a century. There are still work to do in their world. Now I am capable of travel between 2 different world. I realized that I did not tell you of my travel plan before I left home and I never write letters back to home. I am sorry about that. I am fine and am doing well. I will come home to visit you one day after I finish doing something for both the worlds' sake. I need to thank all the people from past, present, and future for saving my life. They did their role to save my life in their time. I hope all of you are doing okay. Please stay safe since we are still at war against the Garlean Empire. Stay alive until I come home to see all of you. I will bring gifts. Your son and friend, Noix G. (I want the Noble Barding if you select my letter)

We've been fighting for what feels like forever.. The dravanian thralls seem endless while our own forces fade faster by the moment. The furious keening of my allies is unintelligible over roaring flames and thunderous dragon-song.. My hair whips wildly around my face as another volcanic blast from the Dragon-Primal surges through our ranks like a molten behemoth. I'm thrown backward by the concussive force as flaming tendrils collide and coil around the barrier spell I'd prepared before. I yelp a quick "Thank you!" to the Bole arcanum for the warning and protection as I scramble to my feet a few fulms away from the edge of the bridge. Sweat stings my eyes as I scan the steps of faith for survivors. The battle falls suddenly silent as the bridge is bathed in bloody light. A cruel and twisted form stands at the center of the carnage.. The shade of the great wyrm now resembles the dragoon.. He's mocking us.. He's mocking.. Me? It's then that I realize everyone else is dead. He's walking toward me now.. but I can sense he's weak, possibly near death, but I can't do this alone.. Damn it!! Fury and shame explode within me. we fought too hard and long for it to end this way! I can't let them down now! In a moment of desperate prayer I raise my starglobe toward the heavens and begin weaving celestial aether into a spell that may give me the chance to take him down with me. As quickly as I begin, I panic and lose control of the aether.. Swept into an invisible current by the wishes and determination of my fallen comrades. The collectives aether burns through my veins like lightning as I'm lifted into the night sky amid a silver storm of celestial energy. I close my eyes, accepting my fate, only wishing I weren't alone in the end... I opened my eyes with the strangest sense of Deja Vu as I'm thrown backward by the concussive force as flaming tendrils collide and coil around the barrier spell I'd prepared before. I yelp a quick "Thank you!" to the Bole arcanum for the warning and protection as I scramble to my feet a few fulms away from the edge of the bridge. My heart swells with hope and pride as it all comes flooding back to me, We've been given another chance, through time! I look around to see all of my friends alive and better than before the astral stasis.. but somethings wrong, The bloody light washes over us again and we're all dead.

( No one was prepared for astral stasis and afk'd while we wiped at that crucial moment.

( If considered a winner, I'd like the scarf of wonderous wit, please! Thank you for reading! ^^ )

I remember Ifrit and Titan crashing to the earth at Garuda's beckoning, their followers turning to dust at their summoning. I remember carrying my comrades in body bags, loading them up like it was some kind of macabre fetch-quest. I remember the poison that kissed the Sultana's lips and the sight of her tumbling unconscious from her chair. I remember Raubahn having an arm and I remember Raubahn losing it as he lost his temper doing what we all wished we could. We thought most of our comrade's lost.

I remember then being a fugitive in the very city I first began my adventures.

I remember making Ishgard my second home. A home nearly speared apart by the Dragonsong War and shielded only by the sacrifices of those who fought alongside us. I remember Estinian screaming as Nidhogg's Rage subsumed him entirely, and Alphinaud's despair at the loss of his mentor and friend.

I remember smiling until my very psyche frayed and rebelled against my tolerance.

It is these failures contracted that punctuate my victories. It is prevailing through the hopelessness that makes me feel truly spectacular. So,

For these expanses...
https://i.imgur.com/wP65tkBl.png

these eons...
https://i.imgur.com/zRkraJRl.png

these instants...
https://i.imgur.com/JPUqxM9l.png

Thank you.

Sincerely,

a Warrior of Darkness and Light.

(Gaelicap)

There's a weight in my pocket. Miniscule, really. Most days I don't notice. Or care. Then there's other days where I reach inside and knock against it or feel the groves of engraving against my fingertips.

I honestly should throw it away.

Not sure why I kept it.

It's a stupid silly thing--this weight in my pocket. It never meant a thing to me, not even when you first gave it to me.

How long ago was it? How many moons have passed?

It's not like it was special. It became a running joke after awhile. It still is, if I am to be perfectly honest. I’m not sure you remember but I do.

We were so serious at first. So foolish. We knew absolutely nothing about what we were doing. What was expected of us. Not that we cared. We were young. Naive.

Maybe drunk. Who knows.

You showed up in a suit and I in a gown.

And well...

I suppose it was probably my mistake that the intermission ended early and we traded formal wear for the costumes of pirates.

My hat was fabulous; my skirt, too short. Or non-existent. You had an eyepatch, if I recall. Maybe a different version of my shirt. You had pants, that much I was certain. I would've remembered if you had gone without.

I don't think anyone foresaw that turn of events. There was much laughter.

I think I announced it to everyone then and there:

We married for a mount. Well, you did. I just wanted a dress.

Yet despite our selfish reasons and desires for tying the proverbial knot, you and I never really severed ties. Not once everything was said or done. Not even when you left for weeks and days. Leaving me by my lonesome without warning or consideration.

Were we too lazy? Too uninterested in taking that extra step to cut ties?

Or did you just find more enjoyment in keeping the benefits of a free teleport to the Casino and popping out from between my legs before running off?

I may never know. I never asked.

I just remember the day you finally annulled our marriage and “set me free”.

You left me 1 gil.

I still have that bit of mail in mailbox. Read but never redeemed. A reminder of times long gone and a token of appreciation from someone I frivolous attached myself to for material needs.

I wonder where you are sometimes. If you get a laugh or chuckle like I do about our marriage of convenience.

It may not be the fondest memory I have but it really is something. It clearly is something I have not forgotten. Or will ever forget. I don't think I ever will

If you do happen to read this, however, I want to say thank you.

Thank you for the dress, the mount and the memories. And yes, thank you for that 1 gil.

...It’s probably more than I would have given you. Maybe.

You never did give me a chance to repay you in the end. Or compensate, if that is a better word to use for the strange connection between you and I.

Either way, may you walk ever in the light of the Crystal, you cheapskate popoto.

(Reward: Noble Barding, please)

It was a cloudy evening.

The grey skies afforded sight of neither the stars nor moon as the encroaching night wrapped the bright lights of the Crozier in its gentle embrace, causing them to shine ever brighter. I sat on an abandoned bench, waiting. The chatter of the market seemed malms away as the snow drifted lazily down, muffling everything in a cold silence, and I could hear naught but my own thoughts, unwelcome as they were. But they would not be deterred.

The setting sun, washing the immaculate floors in a burning red, had started ebbing away. Gloaming casting darkening shadows that crept toward us, just as the dread beneath the surface of my courage roiled in my gut. I paid it no mind. The Archbishop had to be stopped.

I would have died, were it not for you.

It was a moment that stretched forever, between the hope that you would hold and the dread if you could not, and the relentless regret that I hadn’t the foresight to prevent this from happening.

A sharp ringing filled my ears, the keening growing louder and louder--

And then, silence.

Smile. A simple request, privilege of those who wouldn’t bear the consequences. But a request I had no right to deny, tumultuous emotions burning in my breast.

And then you were gone.

I glanced at my companion, having arrived as I was adrift in my thoughts, and I curled my fingers into a hard grip, seeing the resolve in her eyes that I sought to grasp in my heart. Near imperceptibly, she nodded.

There were things yet to do, that we must do. This was the privilege of those who lived, who had no choice but to accept the consequences. I couldn’t squander the gift you left me, a hope that could not have been known without first having borne despair, and I prayed that I could do for others what you had done for me.

That night, we left the city. City of ash and smoke and bitter solitude, its fleeting lights swallowed by the darkness and ice. And beneath all the fear and pain, a city of hope.

-------------

(prize: Gaelicap)

Coral eyes twinkled with excitement as a pink-haired miqo’te woman’s gaze flickered across the airship-shaped cake baking within the oven. Creaking the door down, she closed her eyes as the pleasant warmth of the baked good embraced her. Opening her eyes, she brought her face closer to more clearly examine the cake.
Its structural integrity was in tact, a testament to her baking abilities, though her artistic talents were few, as evident by the lack of resemblance its shape actually bore to an airship. She shrugged it off with a light chuckle, attempting to hide her embarrassment, and reached into the blazing oven to retrieve her prize.
“Ow!” Her tail shot up in pain as she flinched back from the extreme temperature of the cake pan, her hands distinctly missing proper oven mitts.
"Everything all right over there, Shona?" A roegadyn's booming voice echoed from the linkshell on the kitchen table.
"Y-yes, Kobito!" The miqo'te blushed with embarrassment, thanking the Twelve her FC members wouldn't be able to see her face through the linkshell.
"Alright," the roegadyn continued, "I'm almost done here in Limsa picking up the coke, then I'll be back at the FC estate." The sound of Maestrom officers roaring with laughter (and most likely enjoying a good ale) was mere static in the background as the voice of Raphtalia Demi cut through the chatter.
"I see the Unspoiled Node up ahead. I'll return to the FC estate once I've mined the last bit of Darksteel we need."
"Okay!" Shona replied with glee. "That leaves... Cortez, Cin, and Draco left," she pondered.
"Hiiii!" chimed in Cortez, the au ra, and Cin, the other Miqo'te. "We've picked up the ceruleum fuel!"
"And the paper work is in order." Draco Cyrancia, leader of the Free Company "The Lost City," spoke.
"Then it's time! Everyone, meet up in the workshop!" Cheered Shona.
The group arrived at the workshop, each with their respective supplies. Raphtalia, the red haired miqo'te and head crafter, pushed the 'Finalize' button.
Their airship was complete! "Hooray!!!" cried the group, and they boarded 'The Fat Catalus' for her maiden voyage.


Gaelicap

A memory that lasts forever...
To whomever reads this - know that your place in my heart is one of bond forever more.
as i recall the days we spent together, it is one of great joy and happiness.
as we travelled the lands of yore together, now that we apart i hope to see you once again, perhaps in another lifetime.

Noble barding

The time has come for us to close this entry thread! It's been amazing to see such a wide range of emotion and we are grateful to everyone who took the time to share with us. There's lots of reading ahead for us as there are so many fond memories to choose from!

We hope the Rising was as heartwarming an experience for you all as it was for us. Time is running out, so don't forget that The Rising concludes tomorrow, Tuesday, September 17, at 7:59 a.m. (PDT)! If you haven't had the chance to experience the event, we implore you to do so.

Thank you once more for sharing such important memories from your adventures! :D