Retainer Ad-Venture Contest (EU) - Entry Thread

[Jimboselecta]

Verma hastily took the Venture Coin from Jeuno's moist palm and glanced at it for a moment, it had lost its shine and was defaced on both sides with small claw like scratches and it was...wet. She looked up, gazing longingly into Jeuno's eyes and smiled, through gritted teeth... "Anything else?" Jeuno shook her head, turned away and proceeded to stomp down the Rosewood Stalls, knocking over a Lalafell disturbing his 99.9% HQ craft... SMASH! as the crystal imploded showering him in smoke. The smile faded quickly, she pushed the venture into her breast pocket and turned away before quickly turning back, clutching the small silver bell and yanking the pin from the top "no distractions this time!" Verma took off towards the Aetheryte Plaza.

Several hours later she stumbled out of the Drowning Wench, her purse lighter, head foggy and in one hand, a small pouch that wiggled constantly "Whooooo shays I needs to go outs there to complete a Woodshlands Exporations!" Surely Jeuno would have returned by now and would be eager to see the results of her endeavor. Upon returning to the Stalls she gazed up and down the stalls "obvioushly out shaving the world again...hic!" She replaced the pin into the bell and then slouched against a wooden beam as a haze came across her, suddenly she realised she was very, very tired, she fell to the floor, the pouch hit the floor with a thud and a squeek!

Several hours later she awoke to see Jeuno towering over her with an awkward grimace across her face, she snatched the bag from Verma's grasp, squatted and tipped the bag upside down, spilling the contents across the floor, with military precision she tossed aside almost all of the contents and snatched at anything with the slightest shine "Wait there was...." Verma paused, whatever was inside had obviously escaped during her nap and was no doubt terrorizing the local Lalafells "nevermind..." she sighed. Jeuno rose to her feet, towering above her again, her height made Verma feel dizzy and rather ill, Jeuno reached round into her back pocket, pulled out another venture coin and tossed it in Verma's direction, nodded and then stomped off down the halls. "Why me......!" Verma cried out and began to sob into her hands...

Name: Jeuno Maru
Realm: Shiva
Prize: Mandragora Choker

[Fanghelsing]

Character name: Fanghelsing
World name: Ultors
Choice: Ahriman Choker

"Oh, I'll get busy, I'll get very busy, indeed" Neltharion replied as his miqo'te master handed the venture tokens over.
4 hours have passed and Neltharion has ventured all over the flourishing forest that is the black shroud looking for that tiny tapir his master really wants, but to no avail.
Another 4 hours have passed, and Neltharion has searched all over the scorching and ever changing lands of Thanalan for that minion, and yet it eluded him.
Neltharion was starting to get annoyed, he just wanted to quit right now, but his master was expecting him to return with the minion and the minion he was going to get.
Yet another 4 hours, and Neltharion has travelled to the furthest corners of Mor Dhona, Corethas, Dravania and the Abalathia's Spine, yet this minion his masters wants hasn't appeared.
Neltharion at this point was almost on the verge of raging and slaughtering everything around him.
He had 1 more area to cover, and that was La Noscea, but after searching for about 2 hours, it was obvious that he wasn't going to find this tiny tapir.
"Screw this, I'm going to go and relax for awhile" he said angrily as he treaded off to his 'chill' place, which just so happened to be in OuterLa Noscea.
Neltharion has been relaxing at the hermit's hovel for about 3 hours now, just sitting in the hot springs without a care in the world, when he looked at his watch and cursed under his breath.
"Well, it's about time I get off my ass and started heading back" he said as he stood up, got dressed and started his journey back to his master's side.
As he was leaving Outer La Noscea, Neltharion sensed something was behind him, but shrugged it off as just the wind.
As he was passing through Central Thanalan, he sensed something again, but brushed it off yet again.
Just as he entered the Central Shroud, Neltharion sensed something yet again, this time turning around and see 4 coeurls right behind him.
"What the...... did these damn coeurls follow me all the way from Outer Noscea?! Well, looks like I have to get dirty"
Half an hour has gone, and Neltharion, all battered up and bloody, is now surrounded by 4 dead coeurls.
"At least i now have something to give my master, I dread what she would do if I returned empty handed" he said with a sigh of relief.
When Neltharion finally returns, his armour was bloody and torn in places, with something bloody in his hands and a slight frown on his face.
"I renew my objections to that pointless endeavour. Informally now and by affidavit later" he said as he handed over the coeurl meat.
"Not the item I was hoping for, but I guess that will have to do", his master replied, and sent him on the same venture, hoping for that tiny tapir.

[ZephyStar]

Rora's link pearl rang as she ducked into an alley off of the Sapphire Exchange. After looking around to make sure that no one had spotted her, she answered the call. “Hello,” she said exasperated.

“This is the retainer's guild, you have been summoned to Ishgard – in the Jeweled Crozier district.”

Rora sighed, “Can't you just tell her to come to Ul'dah? Why do I always have to travel to her?”

“I don't make the rules, I just am the messenger,” came the disembodied voice from the link pearl. With that everything went silent. Rora glanced around to make sure that no guards were watching her before she used the aetherial current to travel the hundreds of malms to Ishgard in less than a moment's time.

It took the petite and under clad Au Ra even less time to feel the difference between the two city states as it had taken her to travel between them. The bitter cold wind of Ishgard sent a chill through her bones, quickly taking any warmth she retained from the burning Ul'dahn sun. Rora changed into a heavier robe before going to find her mistress in the market.

Her mistress, the esteemed mi'qote adventurer, Zephyra, stood waiting impatiently. She waved to Rora as soon as she saw her, “There you are! I already met with the other two, what do you have for me? Please tell me it is not a fish.”

I went through so much trouble to steal this fish, Rora thought as she quickly searched her pockets for something that was not a fish. She found a potion that she had on her and handed it to Zephyra who took it with a confused look on her face.

“Ummm,” Zephyra said, “Did you buy this from a shop?”

“No,” Rora said, “of course not.” I stole it from one. “I got it from the Aurum Vale or... Yeah.”

“Mhmm.” Zephyra shook her head, “Okay, well I already have alchemist, fisher, and culinarian leveled up so please no more potions or fish.”

“Leveled up?”

“Nevermind,” Zephyra's tail twitched. “I'll be back in an hour, please have something better by then.”

Rora nodded and went on her way. She was not sure how she was going to find something of worth in an hour, especially with only 115 words left. This was the Jewled Crossier, there had to be something here, she thought just as she spotted the most delicious looking pie.

Quickly she drew her grimoire and called out her carbuncle. She petted it, “Carby, go distract that person.” Carbuncle blew a wind into the pie cart knocking it over and causing the surveyor to chase it. Meanwhile, Rora grabbed a pie and disappeared into the crowd.

That was easy.

Soon enough Zephyra showed up again. “What do you have for me?”

Rora presented her with the pie. Zephyra inspected it before frowning, “It's a fish pie.”

“Well,” Rora smiled and shrugged, “At least it's not a fish, right?”

Zephyra Aurora
Shiva
Ahriman Choker

[KurganLoweena]

Hey there!
Character name: Kurgan Loweena
World: Moogle
Reward: Bluebird earring.

Retainer: Josaluli
(forgive the poor quality image)

___________________________________________________________________________

The Secret Life of Retainers

“Time to Shine! Tee-hee!”

Her master nodded slightly, clearly eager to do other things. Josaluli waved goodbye enthusiastically as he disappeared into the marketplace sighing with relief once he’d gone.

“Can’t believe I need to act like that each time, ugh, adventurers are so demanding.” She moaned reaching up to rub her temples before examining the two small venture tokens in her hand. “Welp time to get to work…” she said with a knowing smile.

Moving through the Pearl Lane walked a familiar route, not even needing to look anymore for the small tiny symbol carved onto one brick in the wall. Stepping up on the strategically-placed pile of boxes, she reached up and rapped on the hidden door. The brick with the symbol on it retracted into the wall as a set of eyes peered out from the dark space behind the wall.

“Hey there friend!” Josaluli pulled out her venture tokens “Got some work to take care of!” she stated holding them up to ensure the eyes could see them.

Nodding in silent recognition, the eyes disappeared as the hidden door opened onto a stairwell. Smiling, Josaluli ventured down into the darkness, until she arrived at another door.

Throwing the door open, Josaluli entered the hidden city of retainers. People running each and every way, waving items of all shapes and sizes. One Lalafell attempted to desperately push a roof, clearly too big for them, across the marketplace. Josaluli grinned as she watched rookie retainers frantically scrambling to help. She waved fondly to them, after all once upon a time she had to work that hard to please her master. The markets down here dwarfed the markets above, each shop containing splendours from all corners of the land.

Finally she arrived at her own house, a grand two-story mansion that far eclipsed her master’s little room. Entering into her house, her own servants bowed low in reverence for their ruler. Settling in onto her comfortable little throne she reached out and rang a small summoning bell as her own retainer ran up to her.

“Milady! I have returned from my mission.” The servant said bowing low and offering their findings. Josaluli’s eyes lit up at the treasure he had returned with. It was worth at least 2 million on the market board, not that she could let her protégé ever catch on to the value of such things. Handing him her ventures, she shook her head.

“FOOL!” she spat, causing the retainer to shrink in fear. “This is never going to please the adventurer!” she roared hiding the treasure away to sell later. “I am profoundly disappointed in you.” She said coldly glaring at the retainer while he grovelled for forgiveness. Josaluli mused over what to do...her master hadn’t seemed especially pleased to see her today. A cruel smile played upon her lips as a wicked idea came to mind.

“Get him a fish from the kitchens! Only the finest quality for my master!”

[Xaya]

---------------------
Advoco Yamixaya
Cactuar
Ahriman Choker
---------------------

My master tells me if i tell you what on my ventures my master might win a prize. I'll take that challenge, far be it from me to deny you i say.

As one of the many new Au'ra to arrive from across the sea, having spent many a day fishing on the voyage i had arrived and found myself in the employ of Master Advoco Yamixaya, I thought what a weird name and i read it as avocado yummy xaya at first thinking what does that mean, is it a question, but as i was given new gear to fish with work with i decided i will work as hard as i can.

After being payed with venture coins I embarked upon my first waterside exploration, i didn't really know this new region so i looked upon a map and thought Little Ala Mhigo, now that sounds like it will have the best fishing spots so off i went. little did i know the area was filled with sand as far as the eye could see.

After stumbling around in the desert i met a tribe of Amalj'aa, but there was also a Miqo'te girl with them. I must of been the first Au'ra they has seen as they accused me of being a demon and remarked that i bore some resemblance to a primal the called Ifirt. i don't know what this Ifirt fellow but i guess if he was female and an Au'ra then maybe i look something like him

Thankfully instead of being attacked they talked with me, i explained i was out fishing for my master Advoco. To my surprise they knew of her, she had apparently help them out as some point, what luck. they helped guide me safely out of the desert and just as we were about to part ways they gave me a gift, a fat little cat they had been taking care of and said i should gift this to my master. i secretly wanted to name it Loonh Gah after the girl i met that day but it was not for me to decide

needless to say that was the last time i will ever try to fish in the dunes, what an absurd idea

my master was happy to receive her new pet and send me off right away, another challenge but far be it from me to deny her.

Au'ra'ra

P.S. here is a picture to show you who i am

[Gavrenon]

Character name: Gavrenon Whitelock
World: Tonberry
Prize: Bluebird Earrings

Belle of the Hour

Annabelle, having only recently taken up fishing ventures for her mistress, Ms Whitelock, needed all the time to practice and improve. Being placed on a Waterside Exploration I Venture, this short tale chronicles her first day's attempt...

8:00AM
Ding ding "You couldn't have picked a more inconvenient time."
"Annabelle, how do these earrings look on me?" says Ms Whitelock, full of glee.
"Splendid, madam, now if you'll excuse me, the fish await..."

9:10AM
Ding ding "What is it now, madam?"
"Annabelle, I just bought these new sandals, don't they look divine?"
"Yes, they certainly do - now please, if you may be so kind to let get back to fishing."

10:32AM
Ding ding "For the love of Azeyma - I mean, is there aught amiss, Madam?"
"Want to play Triple Triad, Annabelle? I've become quite bored."
"Retainers are not authorised to play cards, madam."
"Oh bother, go return to your fishing then..."

4:50PM
Ding ding "Argh! My line tugged just as you - ahem, how may I help you?"
"Annabelle, my party is not filling up, I want to go into a dungeon!"
"It helps if you set the item level to below 200 for Copperbell Mines, madam."
"Hahaha, where would I be without you?"

8:20PM
Ding ding "Another fish lost, what is it now... madam?"
"I'm just letting you know I'm heading off to bed soon. Long day adventuring!"
"Sleep well, madam." Finally, I can venture forth for fish uninterrupted for a while...

1:42AM
Ding ding "It's the middle of the night! What are you ringing me for now? I'm sharpening my knife..." Annabelle was nearing the end of her rope!
"I had a fright! Then I realised: I forgot to set the alarm!"
"But you don't have an alarm, madam."
"Well, Annabelle, why did you think I had this bell installed for!? It's not just to ring you, it's my alarm bell too! I named you Annabelle for a reason, you know. Fishing's just to keep you occupied till you wake me up!"

At this point, Annabelle gave up in protesting her incorrigible mistress, too embarrassed at her mistress' reason for naming her so and promised to ring the bell when the sun rose. As long as she could just stop the ringing for a bit longer... Annabelle retired to her quarters in Ms. Whitelock's home. She'll just have to settle for the pittance of experience gained. Well, that's one more answer for why retainers don't catch anything after a Waterside Exploration I Venture!

Ding ding Please ring responsibly!

[Akataras]

Character name: Vincent Valourheart
World name: Balmung (I reside in the UK, I just play on a different Data Center)
Choice of Prize: Scarf of Wondrous Wit
- - - - - -



- - - - - -
The thief's hand wasn't long out of the nobleman's pocket with its prize before the alarm was raised. He might have wondered what made him so obvious a pickpocket, if not for the hooded scarf and goggles concealing his face, worn indoors, in broad daylight.

Fortunately, Erithae's feet were as swift as his reflexes, and the young Miqo'te found himself enjoying a merry sprint through the alleyways of Ul'Dah. The Brass Blades chasing him however, were far less happy about the situation, and much less happy to have tripped over the piece of rubble that Erithae had so deftly skipped over mere moments ago, and not thought to point out to them, for fear of ruining the surprise.

It was that same generosity that left his pursuers in the dust. Outpacing them however was not enough for the flighty footpad, and as he turned into an alley that should have been a dead end, he nimbly hopped his way up a stack of crates and scrambled up the wall onto the roof.

His stride continued over the rooftops, and he clambered quickly amidst the buildings of Ul'Dah, moving higher up in the city with each passing moment. When he reached a spot high enough in the city skyline, he stopped to admire the view below, savouring his victory.

He sat there for a time, content and gazing at the people below, before reaching into his pockets and pulling out a pair of emerald earrings, watching them shimmer in the sunlight as they dangled in front of his face.

'You must be very expensive to cause such a fuss.' Erithae thought, his attention drawn away from his prize to the sky above as a small airship passed overhead. 'That should be him.' He mused, and rose to his feet, pocketing the jewellery.

He stretched and let out a yawn, and took one last look at the city from on high. Erithae then began his descent, making the trip down look effortless as he hopped between rooftops as if each one was a mere step on a staircase. Once he was on the ground again, he removed his hood and goggles, and with a swish of his tail, sauntered into the crowded Ul'Dah streets.

He made his way to the Sapphire Avenue Exchange and approached his master, who stood beside the Summoning Bell, greeting them with an eager wave and by name.

"Vincent!" Erithae smiled, and showed him the spoils of his venture.
"Very shiny." Vincent stated upon seeing the earrings.
"A noble was just giving these away... when their back was turned." Erithae responded with sly smile.
"Business as usual?" Vincent asked.
"Business as usual." Erithae replied “Take from the rich, give to the poor, just like you taught me.”
"I believe I owe you a drink." Vincent grinned, ruffling Erithae's hair, and the two of them wandered to the tavern side by side.

With grins so smug, and matching mugs, the pair made a toast to “Honour among upright thieves.”

(Word Count: 500)
- - - - - -

[Mjuffsan]

The following is a reenactment based on a true story depicting the conversation spoken by the warrior of light and the internal thoughts of her retainer:



"Wow, I am so lucky! I get to be the Hero of Light's personal retainer! People dream of this position, and I finally made it my own. This is going to be so amazing I can barely contain myself. Oh, wait. I should probably listen to what she is saying. Come'on, pay attention brain! What is she saying?"

- All right, listen up. We don't have _much room_ for useless things, so bring me back _something good_ to decorate the living room with this time.

"She definitely said... 'We don't have mushroom'. I'm certain of it. She also mentioned to bring 'something good', which means she wants something good to eat. And mushrooms are edible, right? I see all these other retainers running around, fighting these scary monsters and sneaking into houses. I'm glad I don't have to do such chores. My mistress only wants me to bring her back a mushroom, hah!"

"Well lucky me again, here's one right here. A shriekshroom. And I didn't even have to ward off any monsters to get it! The mistress will be so proud. That didn't take very long, I guess I can just slack off for the remainder of the time, as she didn't want me to return within the hour."

* 59 minutes later *

"Oh why is she so upset? I hate it when she yells at me. Well, hate is such a strong word. I prefer loathe. Yes, I loathe it when she yells at me. I only did what you told me to do! Or... think what you told me to do... Who would have thought that a shriekshroom would make her scream?"

- OK, that was a _low_ performance but I will give you one more _chance_. I sincerely hope this mistake will not happen _another_ time. Even a spriggan could do _better_. If you do not increase your game I will have to find a better use for a retainer of your _quality_.

"She looks so sinister when she's mad. Every word is like a needle pushing further into... Oh noes, I did it again! I forgot to listen. Darn, stupid, stupid me! Err, let's see here. Ok, let's trace back here. She said something about 'low' and 'chance'. Maybe she thought my finding was just a chance occurrence? I think I heard the word 'another' at some point. She must want another shriekshroom, ofcourse! If I am not mistaken, she also said the words 'better' and 'quality'. If I put these words all together I can deduce that she wants me to find a high quality shriekshroom that is very rare! I'm a bloody genius when I think about it."



Epilogue:
After the second venture when the retainer returned with a shriekshroom HQ, the warrior of light to lost her mind and is now locked up in her house, stroking a mushroom plushie doll. The retainer forgot about her dream of working for the warrior of light and pursued a career at an aquarium, training gold fish.

[Tragoedia]

Character: Tragoedia Darkmoon
World: Mateus
Prize: Scarf of Wondrous Wit
----

Meet Miunilia. A Lalafel retainer.

Do you see those sparkly cute little innocent eyes?... yes?... so cute huh?

Well my friend dont say you haven't been warned.
This little cutesy is a hardcore kleptomaniac. Whatever she sees, she steals...
Theres no telling when she will do it, or how, or even what she will target . She Just Does It !!
Sealife, clothes, boots, jewelry.. anything serves the purpose..

Do you think Imperials are good on demolishing realms ? ... yes?
Well you haven't seen this little one in action for sure.
She can single-handedly, piece by piece, deconstruct any house, small or large, in a matter of hours. No wall is too big. No roof is too heavy. Furniture isn't safe either.

No wall stands in her way, or so it was .. She's evolved.. took fanciness in animal kidnap.
Ocasionally she brings cats and dogs.
She says she finds them. i dont believe her. The cats she brings appear way too well fed to be stray.. and the dogs have a certain air of nobility to be left on the streets on their own.
Kidnapping i say. Rare findings she states.

If you see her hide and pray she didnt see you.
You have been warned !

[Seagrot]

Another hour, another ring.

Leven had been returning from his hourly ventures with vortex rings for a few weeks now. It was unusual to get so many in a row but it was at least better than unappealing fish (EL OH EL, my retainer just gave me a 'chub'," Fen had laughed to her friends over the linkpearl).
---
Another hour, another battle.

With the weathered rod his mistress had given him, he dealt the final blow to the primal. Garuda screamed shrilly as she faded from the physical realm. As the cutting winds calmed and the treasure appeared before Leven, he desperately prayed to the Twelve. Please let this be it...
---
"Mistress, I have returned."

He dismounted from the horse and held out the vortex feather that had fallen from the primal as she had faded away.
Fen the Lalafell glanced at the pony briefly then her eyes widened as she saw what her retainer held. She jumped up and snatched the primal's remains from her Au Ra retainer's hands.
"Ohhh sweet thanks!" she exclaimed and turned her back on her retainer to use her linkpearl. ("Oh EM Gee, look what my retainer just bought back! 'Vortex Feather'. Easy one mil!") Leven waited until Fen had finished her boasting before giving her the news.

"Mistress, it is with a heavy heart that I must end my employ with you..." the retainer said.
"What?" Fun spun around to face him, her jaw slackened, her mouth agape.
"...as my wife demands a more lavish lifestyle and I can't afford to give it to her as a mere adventurer's retainer.
"You're married?" Fen spluttered. Leven reached up and stroked the pony's mane.
"Why yes, I met her on this job, I had been searching for my soul mate for so long..."
Fen stared at her (ex?) retainer then back to the glowing windy pony he had rode in on. The gil dropped. Au Ra, Xaela, traditional....OH.

"Uhhh so she'll be Mrs Goro then?" Fen said with a strained smile.

(Thanks SE for the Xaela lore )

Fen Weiss
Tonberry
Ahriman Choker