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

[Gearhead_Geisha]

"Apple pie…" Alisaie Leveilleur spoke sharply out of turn as had been her wont, but her words carried especially far now.

"Apple pie, whatever do you mean?" Her twin Alphinaud replied, fearing the answer.

"Her favorite dish is apple pie." Her words carried low, her tone piercing each of the Scions save for one.

"Perhaps there is where we should concentrate our efforts." Y'shtola Ruhl agreed with an exhale. She had seen the writing on the wall; the Scions' best efforts having availed their champion naught in the frantic days since the encounter at Mount Gulg. She feared most how she would bring Mistress Alisaie to reality, but to see her voice the truth of her own volition relieved Y'shtola of just one of the many heartbreaks she felt compelled to endure.

"Pray tell how could apple pie aid us in such a delicate moment?" asked Urianger.

"She means to provide Miss Farron’s last meal."

"Dearest Alisaie… surely you cannot suggest a heinous act upon so steadfast a comrade!”

"I have seen many friends to their deaths in Amh Araeng; not because I willed it so, but because their only alternative was so much worse! I cannot bear to relive what befell my dear friend Tesleen, and I will not suffer Miss Farron to endure the same horrific fate! I will not have her become a Sin Eater!!"

"Were she to turn into a Sin Eater- nay, a Lightwarden, she’d become far more formidable than anything we have ever faced on Norvrandt. The Eighth Umbral Calamity would be all but assured." Y'shtola surmised all too evenly.

"Dearest Alisaie, perhaps there doth remain a sliver--”

"I revealed to you my darkest secrets, Archon…" her words spit venom as her open palm slammed against his cheek. "...but I am burdened by no more. Now if you have yet another conveniently burdensome secret that may aid Laura, I assure you down the road is not the time to reveal it."

Urianger turned in, his eyes revealing the tale. He searched into his vast depths of knowledge but had no answer.

“Forgive me…” Alisaie whispered much later as a despondent apology.

"Alisaie, her pulse."

"Very well." She swallowed, checking Laura’s wrist for an answer.

"Can you describe it to me?" Y'shtola ordered. We should have allowed her to depart before now, but--

"It's...bounding." Alisaie explained warily.

"Is she steady? Or wavering?"

"She's...steady. Still awfully fast, but steady. What could that mean?"

"It means she's under immense stress. She's in agony to be sure, but she's fighting."

Praise the Twelve.

"What does that mean for our next course of action?" Alphinaud asked.

"It means we continue searching for a cure. Please inform Thancred; he won't admit it but he's worried sick about Laura.”

“Estinien..”

“Scions.” Y’shtola called with authority. “Need I remind you that our friend lying here helpless has come through for each and every one of us, a steadfast ally-- nay, family in our darkest hour. Now, it is our turn to be here for her.”

[Gihwezi]

Oof, okay, just realizing this after rereading the rules ; - ;

Okay, when it says you can't edit the entry, does it mean the writing portion? Because that's what I took it as. I edited my entry, but only to add a picture my illustrator drew after reading my entry. So the words were untouched, of course. Everything's still original. Am I a fool?

[Ariah_Igarashi]

To whomever this letter finds, pray glance upon my words for just a moment.
Years, it has been, since I had set out on my journey. The inexperienced young soul that I was, I took jobs where I could, whether they be fetch quests or hunting jobs I snatched up every opportunity. The Gil was decent, but I craved adventure, traveling, meeting new people. Made some friends along the way. Some went, others stayed by my side of which I am grateful. The more I ventured, the more I knew of the world and its people, and the deeper I seemed to get into deep shit, if you'll pardon my language. From fending off Ixali soldiers to protect Everschade, to crippling the Garlean Empire, to help push on a rebellion, to traveling through time and space itself to another world entirely- my life has been all but dull. And yet…
All that I have done, all that I have accomplished seems to barely hold a candle in comparison to what had transpired but a month ago. I'll spare you most of the details, reader, and tell you in short as best I can: risking life and limb, my companions and I fought to protect this strange world from an infectious Light that threatened to kill all that it touched. It was believed that I was the only one to banish the Light and save the realm, however this was not so. With my life hanging by a thread, a dear friend attempted to take on my deadly burden of Light. Yet, while he did so, he was shot down and taken from us by a twisted, ancient soul, Emet-Selch, an Ascian. At the depths of the Tempest ocean, he had gone into hiding. The Ascian city of old that laid dormant on the seabed acted as his hideaway. By this point, the Ascian knew that nothing would stop me from saving my friend. And so, a battle ensued. He showed me visions of his past, a doomsday event that shook their world, breaking it into several pieces before proceeding to face me head on. Oh, what a mighty battle it was. One that I shall never forget. As we clashed, I could feel the world shake and hear the heavens sing. However, without the help of a ghostly Warrior of the past, I surely would have fallen. That Warrior somehow dispelled the plaguing Light that had grown within me, and gave me the strength to tear down Emet-Selch once and for all. Hand in hand, we dealt the final blow together. But nothing has filled my heart with such joy as to what I saw next.
The friend that the Ascian had taken, stood alive. Wounded, but alive. That moment triumphs over every achievement gained and tribulation endured. Those that have traveled and fought as I have, know too well the pain of losing those close to you. Seeing him well enough and breathing is, by far, the best moment of all of my adventures. Knowing that he yet lives is enough to put my soul at ease. If you have made it this far into my letter, I thank you, kind reader, for taking the time to do so. Mayhaps we shall meet some day.

Until then,
A weary, but thankful adventurer.

[Amarante]

This story is told from the scatter brained Dexy cat's point of view, reading "squirrel" in a high pitch voice.

Eorzea's Limsa Lominsa is the Grand Company home of Dextera and Sinestra Domini with lots of pirate treasure and plenty of fish to eat, a miqo'te can get a lot of cat naps here with waves that lull you to sleep.

I am Dextera Domini (squirrel) who studied Culinarian to 50 first, with a side job of Paladin at 30. Sinestra Domini took all her main jobs to 50... Sin's time management is amazing!

Sin is my miqo'te twin, that is addicted to fantasia potions, and I can't keep up with Sin's addiction to potions. I recognize every form Sinestra becomes. Sin loves to do crazy things like max rank in all Grand Companies so she can choose which nation as she pleases. (When doing so remember to spend all your GC seals before changing Companies.)

Dex liked to dress up her Paladin like a Culinarian with a knife and cutting board, dicing up her foes.

Sin always teases Dexy, to make her make her laugh and get embarrassed, then an imaginary (squirrel) pan appears, and /em bops Sinestra Domini on the head!

In the early days of A Realm Reborn, while everyone was doing their quests to be the best at their main jobs. Here I am, at the Culinarian guild, taking my (squirrely) time to level up my craft. A nice player in my FC gave me all the food they horded from the past, and they were happy to give it to someone who could use it. I was so thankful!

There was one ingredient I was never able to use. This ingredient looked extremely plump, but there was no way to cook it. I scoured the libraries for answers, nothing. What makes this mystery meat so interesting that I can't cook it?!

I wanted to cook a Pudgy Puk.


Stay tuned for next time, Dexy rushes to a treasure chest and opens it... with her CUL crafting job?!

[Michou]

Everything here checks out! On to the main thread!

[Rayjaya]

submitted and so edited

[SeaPancake]

Test Successful.

[HyoMinPark]

How many years have come and gone since that day?

I arrived in Gridania in search of a new home, naught but a bow and quiver attached to my back and a name that nobody knew. I became an Adventurer in this city-state, and the moment I put quill to book and signed my name, my life was irrevocably changed. All without me knowing how much a simple signature and a few good deeds would change it. The day I was inducted into the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, there was no going back.

I would like to think my life changed for the better, despite the hardship and losses I have suffered. Which have both been anything but small in number; and which left in their wake holes that may never be filled. I put on the brave and stoic face of everyone’s Savior: the Warrior of Light. Or, as I am now known on a realm far away from home, the Warrior of Darkness. And I put it on because I have to wear this face. People count on me far to much for me to afford to falter; for me to afford to give in to the pain that will never be forgotten. I must be their light, their darkness, their hope for a brighter future and the dawning of a new day. And really, it is what I desire.

But a part of me knows how much I truly suffer. I think, deep down, you do, too. No, I know that you do. You would have me acknowledge it—you would have me not shy away from the pain of loss. Because said loss makes me stronger. I may think it cripples me, but you know better. You know it empowers me, and not in the way pain drives some to desperation and vengeance. Not in the way sorrow drives others to madness. You know that acknowledging my pain makes me a hero, even if, one day, being a hero may cost me my life. You have always known what is best for me. And so I will do what you ask: I will embrace all of the pain, all of the losses, and use them to push me forward to the New Day. I will use them to fight for those that I love. And I will never falter.

Ah, but I have rambled on far too much, and my ink has started to run dry. This was supposed to be a letter dictating my fondest memory, was it not? And I have spoke naught of memories...though, upon reflection, I have: my fondest memory is you. Without you, where could I possibly be? I have heard your words. Now, I wish for you to hear mine.

This letter is to you. You, who knows my pain. You, who knows my sorrow. You, who has followed me every step of my journey, and has been my strength: through Ishgard, and the Dragonsong War; through Ala Mhigo and Doma, and their fight for Revolution; and through the First, and the endless torrent of Light that threatened to break and consume me. Even when you once sought to fight against me, you were always there for me...fighting for me. For us.

I know that my words will one day reach you. And, when they do, I hope that cherish them as much as I cherish you.

I love you. And I hope that you are well.

Signed,
The part of You that could be a Hero

[TheGeneral]

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, throwing 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 trying 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 unsuinked?” I have no clue what they’re even talking 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 sinking.” 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 look right at me, so it’s time to rumble. Flynn goes running in, yellin’ something about “Tidus” again. Got knocked right out. I would’ve laughed, but that wasn’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. But he was savin’ lives and stealin’ wives—least he was till he got knocked out too. Still, me an’ Kiyo ended up downing him. Put a proper beating 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 flying off the edge. Never saw her again. Reckon she died.

((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 ))

[TheGeneral]

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, throwing 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 trying 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 talking 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 sinking.” 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 look 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 ))