Memoirs of Adventure Creative Writing Contest (NA) - Discussion/Practice Thread

[Kanzy0]

Kanzashi had been waiting in the Quicksand for ten minutes. She set down her now emptied cup of juice next to the two others. She looked around the room for any sign of Rohubu, but was not able to see him.

“Waiting long?” asked Rohubu as he walked up to the table. Kanzashi’s ears perked up as she turned to face her friend. She immediately looked away as she tried to stifle her laugh. “What are you wearing?”
Rohubu was covered in steel. The head, shoulders, and arms were all connected together and was a dark green color. “You like it?” Kanzashi was now laughing openly, much to the surprise of the other patrons. “You look like a turtle!”
“Wait, don’t tell me the armor is green!” Defeated, Rohubu took off the armor and sat down at the table. “Had I known I probably wouldn’t have bought it.”
“Let me guess, it was on sale?” Kanzashi had a mischievous smirk on her face.
“How was I supposed to know? I’m colorblind.” Rohubu’s ears drooped to match the frown on his face.

A waitress placed a new cup on the table. “Here’s another juice. Can I get you anything, sir?”
“I’ll just have an ale,” Rohubu muttered.
The waitress gave a slight bow. “By the way, I thought the armor was lovely. It matches your hair.”.

“Uhh, Hubu? You alright? Your face is pale.”
“Be honest. Is my hair green?”
“Of course it is.” Rohubu’s face slammed into the table with a loud ‘thump’. “How hard is it to find a Fantasia again?”
“The elixir that lets you change who you are? You’re going to use something that rare and powerful to change your hair dye?”
“YES!” Rohubu slammed the table so hard that the empty cups fell off. Realizing he had caused another commotion, he apologized and paid a few extra gil for the trouble.

Kanzashi took a long sip of her juice. “You said you had something to tell me.”
“Oh, right. You’re looking at the newest gladiator!”
“A class change, then. I thought you liked lancer?”
“I did,” Rohubu nodded. “But I felt like I was always missing something. When I put on the shield it all started making since. I need to be looking down the face of death. That’s where I truly feel alive.” Rohubu wanted to throw his fist into the air, but decided better after the trouble he had made.

“I see.” Kanzashi smiled as she finished her cup. “That means you’ll be on the front lines, you know. Looks like it's up to me to keep you in one piece. Please keep me safe.”
“You keep me alive, tree hugger.” Kanzashi’s face grew red with anger, much to Rohubu’s amusement. “I’m not a tree-hugger! You don’t even understand what conjury is, do you?!?” Rohubu’s roaring laughter echoed through the tavern as he ignored the lady bunny’s angry protests.

(If I had the honor of being chosen, I would like the Ahriman Choker. Thank you for your consideration)

[ArtaVallian]

My husband and I started as friends many years ago who met while going on the same adventures. I found his enthusiasm and youthful wonder to be endearing, and he helped me notice the beauty of the world around me. He brought me into his social circles and encouraged me to try new things. I fell in love, and to my surprise he reciprocated. On the twelfth sun of the third astral moon that year, we became a couple, and so started a wonderful chapter in my life.

Across Eorzea we’ve traveled together, defeating fearful monsters and diving into forsaken holes looking for treasure, experience, and adventure. We’ve aided each other, covering the other’s weaknesses, pushing onward to our goals, comforting each other during the losses and frustrations, and picking each other up after a fall. We’ve even learned how to effectively use my scholarly healing skills with his dark tanking techniques.

We decided to join in a permanent bond, so that we could always be together through the highs and lows. On the twelfth sun of the third astral moon this past year, Ourenji Tsurugi and Arta Vallian married in the Sanctum of the Twelve. My husband-to-be wore a handsome white suit and a sheathed white katana at his waist, as he would never be without a blade. (I, however, left my grimoire in the dressing room.) I dressed in a gown of white, with purple roses in my hair and purple, crescent shaped dangling earrings that matched perfectly.

The flowers and tapestries in the chapel were orange, Ourenji’s favorite color (mine is of course purple), and gentle music floated around us during the procession. As we walked down the aisle, with our friends seated on either side smiling and waving, and our Moogle officiant waiting at the end to receive us, I felt a flood of gratitude. I--we--had been so blessed to have each other and many devoted friends to experience our adventures with.

The ceremony was beautiful. Our officiant stumbled over his lines (Moogles, I have noted, are not naturally attentive to detail), but we exchanged rings and, with his ingenuous help, shared a heavenly kiss. The reception was full of dancing and merriment, followed by a race in the Coerthas Central Highlands.

We each drove a Regalia Type-G, a sleek new motorized vehicle by Garlond Ironworks that was all the rage. Our cars plowed through the snowy landscape as each of us rushed to make it first to the Steel Vigil. I don't recall who won, but it hardly mattered. It was a memorable night with people I love.

I am thankful for those who helped our special day be one full of fun, laughter, and friends. Thank you for letting us build memories in this beautiful world.

Sincerely,
Arta Vallian

(P.S. The Ahriman Choker is a lovely wedding gift.)

[ForestShade]

The burning sun. The gritty sand. Heat waves warp my view of the sprawling Sagolii Desert.
Nothing new, as I frequent this spot in my hunt for the mythical Helicoprion. Conditions are perfect today, but they’ve been perfect many times in the past. Maybe this will be the day, the morning, the cast. But my mind is plagued doubts as I assemble up my rod and tackle.
I silently cast my line as I think back to my adventures in search of the “living legends”. Hiding from boars in the South Shroud, sneaking past the ghouls of the Umbral Isles. Fond memories of my time spent fishing in the quiet gloom of Mor Dhona, as I pull a storm rider from the sand. Not big enough to attract the legend, but a good start to the day. Affixing a wriggling sand leech to the line, a sharp wind blows through. A wind that brings me back to the Privateer, the tumultuous Rhatano Sea threatening to take the vessel down to the depths below. It was on this night that I finally brought peace to the waters of La Noscea when I tore the Nepto Dragon from its home beneath the waves. I remove my hook from inside the gills of a dustfish and sigh. Many challenges have I faced, but none as disheartening as this. With each passing day and each failed attempt, my hope and determination wane just a little more. Who knows which day I will leave and never return?

After an uneventful morning the sun was high in the sky and I knew my time was running short. Laid out next to me were the catches I managed to reel in thus far. A few breams and sandfish, next to a decent pile of storm riders. A notable days catch, but not that which I seek. To finally net this jagged-toothed horror is what I came for, not these small fry. With a scowl I set my line once more. After a time, a twitch, and on the other end is a storm rider. A storm rider with a certain feel. A special storm rider. Special enough to draw out my mark, I’m certain. I take a second to calm myself before casting it back into the swirling dust below.
One second.
Two seconds
Three seconds.
Four seconds.
Suddenly! I feel an immense and awful tug that strains my rod as it has never strained before. I set my stance, firm. This was the fight I came for. A few tense seconds pass, each lasting an eternity, as I struggle against the beast. Then, in a moment of opportunity, I pull back with all my strength, falling to the ground as my rod shatters to pieces. Next to me lands a creature, large enough to shake the earth below. My heart stops, my eyes widen. For there, squirming on the desert floor:
Was a Magic Carpet.
A wind of change passes as my window of opportunity closes. I sit solemnly amongst the sand before having the heart to rise up and begin packing up. I quietly begin the trek back to town. Slowly as I walk, the peaceful tranquility of the desert lift my crushed spirits, and my face breaks out in a small, but hopefully smile.
Next time.
Yes, maybe next time.

I hope you enjoyed my tale. An Ahriman Choker is my choice.

[comware]

My brothers originally got me into Final Fantasy XIV five years ago by giving me a copy of the game for my birthday. This was the first MMO I had played and I was uncertain what to expect.

Things began slowly. I remember queuing into Sastasha for the first time and feeling apprehensive, nervous, and shy. The three of us queued in with a stranger and we let him know we were new. He was very patient and kind as we fully explored every nook and cranny of the dungeon. We celebrated upon clearing, pausing to take a screenshot with our new friend.

That was five years ago and many things have happened since which Final Fantasy XIV has influenced. We welcomed a new puppy into our family which we named Kupo after the moogles. I was invited to attend the real-life Ceremony of Eternal Bonding between two friends from the game and had the honor of participating in their wedding party. Another friend from the game flew over 2,500 miles across international borders to meet and hang out in real life – a friendship which had grown nearly exclusively from time spent together in Final Fantasy XIV.

This game has provided many of my fondest memories in recent years but, perhaps, the most inspired moments of comradery I’ve experienced came when I discovered raiding. Those early days were a struggle. I didn’t begin raiding until Gordias during the Heavensward expansion, and the first time going up against Faust opened my eyes to the world I was entering rather quickly.

I discovered I had much yet to learn and realized the importance of rising together as a group. Raiding is truly a celebration of a team’s success rather than an individual’s victory. Since Gordias, each new raid tier has brought with it its own highs and lows. Along the way, I discovered my current team which have become like family to me. We met in Stormblood battling Omega and have grown closer as we tackled The Weapon’s Refrain and The Unending Coil of Bahamut.

The newest Ultimate raid encounter coming in November will mark the second anniversary of playing Final Fantasy XIV with the same group of friends, and I feel it merits pause for reflection. The time we spent working toward clearing either of the previous Ultimate raids, in many cases, is greater than the time spent with some real-life friends. The relationships built are true.

When I think back on my fondest memory playing this game, it cannot be reduced to a single moment in time. For me, Final Fantasy XIV is a feeling. Final Fantasy XIV is comforting. It’s a way to diffuse stress. It’s a way to engage and build friendships with real people around the world. It’s a platform to get excited about others’ common interests.

Final Fantasy XIV has introduced me to some of my closest friends and my fondest memory is having the opportunity to meet those people.



Prize (if selected): Gaelicap

[ScionKenward]

Where do our adventures lead us?

I have often pondered over this question ever since I first took to Eorzea and her myriad peoples. My journey started out not unlike any other adventurers’, nor does it hold any import to the time of the present. Yet in all the time I have spent traveling & seeing the many wonders of Hydaelyn, the question still lingered, especially one fateful day in Limsa Lominsa.

I received a summons from my dear friend & rival, Alia Mewrilah, whom I met during my earliest days of dueling in Wolves’ Den. Alia requested a meeting at the lower decks of Limsa, stating only that they had someone they wished for me to meet. I could only wonder who this stranger was, though anxiety plagued me. After being in a slump and on a personal hiatus from the Den for the winter, I worried myself with thoughts of a new challenger looking to train with me and the many duels that would ensue, yet still I made my way there.

“There you are! Come, come! Let me introduce you to a friend I made down at the Den!” Alia made her presence known quickly as I felt my shoulders slump down at the idea of being proven right, however bittersweet of a victory it would prove to be. I made a valiant but vain effort to hide my exhaustion after being told that this stranger was looking for someone to teach them how to be a better Samurai.

“Relax, Kenward! There’s actually another reason I wanted you to meet them.” Alia’s fluffed ears twitched before giving me a look of pure honesty. “Listen, I can't explain it, but I really feel that you and her are meant to meet each other.” With one last playful wink, Alia turned me towards the figure approaching from among the usual Lominsian crowd. A lone Lalafell stood before us, her twin-tailed hair the color of a wild chocobo. She was geared up in Garland Ironworks armor with a katana at her side.

“So you’re Alia’s teacher? Well then, teach me how to be a Samurai! Right now!” She stomped up & down excitedly, catching me off guard. Yet even then, I still found myself gazing at her. It was not her demeanor nor her looks that had me captivated, but her eyes. They spoke to me in a way that, looking back now, I could only describe as one thing.

Confidence.

“I’m only kidding of course! The name’s Adai Nazengine, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Ken!” Adai chuckled at her outburst and keenly smiled at me. Alia meanwhile scurried off, mentioning something about browsing the market while we got to know each other more.

And so we did. We talked at great lengths until the sky grew dark, exchanging stories and memories. She told me tales of her journey to Eorzea and through every detail, every conflict, every victory and loss, I could see her growth through it all, the confidence in her eyes giving truth to every word.

Even now I still remember this, the day a dear friend introduced me to my future wife, and the adventures that lead us to where we needed to be on that brisk afternoon in Limsa Lominsa.

(Gaelicap)

[CaduceusDeus]

Submitted.

[Serra59]

I stared up at the night sky hanging over Ala Ghiri. It was beautiful, and I would appreciate it more if I hadn’t been staring at it for the past half hour. My husband, sitting next to me in the Regalia, had fallen asleep.
It sounds like we're having a lovely date night but we were actually waiting for the FATE “Rattle and Humbaba” so I could try win the Ala Mhigan barding. I really wanted the barding but wasn’t sure I could handle the FATE chain alone so I begged by dear husband to help. He, being the patient amiable sort, agreed to help.
So here we were, patiently waiting for the rare FATE to appear. It was getting to the point where I was wondering if I should go fishing while waiting when suddenly … “It’s up! Let’s go!” The Regalia shot up into the sky.
My husband woke with a start. “Huh? What?”
“Get your axe out!” I cried.
We land at the FATE site, get into battle stance, chocobo companions on standby … and there, standing before us, is the biggest, greenest, muud suud monster I’ve ever seen. We look like toys next to it. My mouth drops open as my heart just sinks. It’s just me, a Red Mage and my Warrior husband against this huge monster; we’re going to need a group to even try this. “I am so sorry I did not realize this was a boss FATE.” I’m a little sad; no way am I going to get that lovely barding now.
My husband looks calmly at me. “We can do this. Let’s go.” I look back at him and remember; the dungeons we ran together, braving the wilds and challenges of Eureka, fighting and defeating Primals. Over that time we’ve learned each others’ strengths and weaknesses and I know I can depend on him. By the steady look he's giving me, he believes in me too. He’s right; we can do this, together. We exchange crazy grins and go rushing in.
It was close, but victory was ours! Now everytime I look at the Ala Mhigan barding I remember the teamwork we utilized to win it, and look forward to many more shared adventures in the future.

If I win, the Noble Barding please thank you!

[Iloru]

Test Successful. ^^

[satockery]

In a land of falling snow and a history that would not be forgotten, the Warrior of Light sat.

The hero had come to earn a moment’s rest, one Char’li Junoh fully intended to make good of. It was still so soon after his endeavours in the First, and regardless of his victories and wellbeing, his body and mind begged for rest.

And so he found himself in Ishgard, not long after Sidurgu Orl, his mentor as a Dark Knight, had bequeathed him with a letter to lead him on a short journey; one that bade him travel back and forth across the lands, a likely story, but came to an end with a much-needed sense of closure. Something he did not realize he needed until he had it. He found himself grateful.

The event made him reminiscent. While his journey through the First bade much self-reflection, it was not the time to become woeful and nostalgic over his past--and so he found himself here.

Without realizing it, his feet had taken him to one of his favourite spots in the Pillars. On a raised platform near the Last Vigil, at the edge of the city proper, he sat contentedly, looking out at the valley the city found rest in.

Once upon a time, he’d seen this through the eyes of someone still so young in his experience, ridden with uncertainty and weak to failure. This spot had become his escape when he gained a moment’s reprieve during his time fighting for Ishgard.

In that time, he had found a home that he could not dwell in. Soon after was the next call to adventure, and with it wrought a sense of longing that made him appreciate the time he’d been taking for granted.

There was so much to be found during his time in Ishgard. Loss made his emotional state a wreck on no few occasions; not only did he lose companions, but family. Friends came and went to leave him lonesome.

And yet: Despite the pain the time wrought, he found a sense of peace here. A story shared with fondness, a warm cup of cocoa on a cold winter’s night. He found a name for himself, a purpose, a will to fight. He found a family that would stand beside him when much of his own would sooner turn a blind eye.

He found friends who he’d come to rely on, adventures he took pride in, and nights where he found himself yearning for the best of days to last a lifetime.

In a day in Char’li’s past, he’d found this spot on a whim, climbing onto the tiles in a vain attempt of finding solace. Yet, unknown to him at the time, it stood right behind him. His journey through the First was all he needed to be certain of that, the possibility of losing this place and the people in it causing him unease. It made him aware of what he had gained--what he had been given.

With a full heart, he closed his eyes in a silent word of thanks, one that may never truly be heard. On his face was an expression most suiting of a hero.

He was so very grateful.

[Rynn21]

I began my adventures six years ago, unaware of the impact Eorzea would have on me.

I traveled with my soul mate those first days, initially split up in Ul'Dah and Limsa Lominsa. It felt like an eternity before we could be reunited and travel the lands together. We had no clue how the world worked, but we were amped to see all she had to offer.
Together we fought many beasts and primals while falling in love with an incredible story about friendship and hardship. We were here to stay.

What affected me to my core, what helped me heal from some personal problems, was finding strangers from near and far to fight alongside. Some came and went, but some became my closest and dearest friends. It never mattered where we lived. We lived from all over the world, yet communicated as if we were face to face. We talk, laugh, and relax together all the time to this day. I'm so thankful to whatever force helped bring us together. My family has grown so big.

Eorzea became a second home to us, and we couldn't imagine our lives without her.


Prize: Gaelicap