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?

[KraDawn]

I love this city, the bustling streets, the common adventure bartering with merchants as the jingle of bags heavy with Gil. How I admire the livelihood of that of the Hawker’s Alley. Selling the last of my wares, I packed up my belongings and set towards a chocobo porter. As I admired the scenery in the back of the carriage making my way back to the Mist, I couldn't help but reminisce of years past.

Those were the days, an adventurer running from one job to the next, living day to day, never knowing where the next job it may lead. However; after so many years traveling upon this land, I needed a break from gruesome battles to heal my weary body and soul. Perhaps the twelve heard my pleas or just brought upon by fate, I chance met a traveling merchant who’s wheel got stuck in the mud one stormy night.

After helping push the cart out of the muck, the merchant was so thankful that he wanted to compensate me for all his trouble. I explained that it was no need and just happened to cross paths towards the nearest tavern. To his surprise that was the very destination the merchant was heading and offered to buy drinks as thanks. Several rounds later we were having a merry time talking the night away. Through his slurry speech, he kept thanking me over and over again and how if he left his merchandise in the middle of the night all of his profits he made a fortnight ago would have set him back. As the night went on, the conversation took an unusual turn. He commented on my build, the thick calluses on my hands and thought my profession was that of an armorer. I laughed at his deduction and corrected him by stating I was just a simply adventurer doing odd jobs here and there. Then with an off handed remark, he would ask a question that would unsettle me and leave me laying awake in my bed. “Why not be an armorer?” The question would haunt me.

But one day, upon my travels I found my feet carried me to Limsa Lominsa where I decided it could only be fate. The next morning, I become an Armorer. Sufficed to say the profession I chose was long and bore its own hardships. I made several mistakes and destroyed my very own creation both from frustration and necessity to become what I am today. I will never forget the joy when I made my first set of armor and branded it with my symbol. The pride as I sold my first creation to a random adventurer who will one day become a famous warrior, maybe even the warrior of light... I was content in selling my goods, no longer in need to find employment from others or worrying about what the future would bring. I am truly happy on what I have become. Even though I traded my sword for a hammer, I am far more satisfied selling my armors and having bright new adventurers wearing what I made with my own two hands.

The Adventurers Steady Hammer



Prize: Ahriman Choker

[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?!

[LynMars]

It wasn’t until much later that I realized how low things were for me about two years ago. Times were rough, but when aren’t they? A good friend of mine told me to speak to Wymond in Ul’dah, about a lead on a young lady needing assistance. So my friend and I went to the lichyard in Thanalan, where this young woman was mourning her lost colleague, but determined to carry on his work.

This was an uncommon venture from the start, the Echo showing events from the girl’s past--and a hint her colleague may still be alive. So my friend and I went along to investigate the strange undead of the region, until we found their leader--a man not quite dead, as it turned out.

Bombs are no joking matter, yet something about the manic smile that slowly spread on the girl’s face as she drew them out to jog his memory threw me into paroxysms of laughter. I couldn't stop. My friend was giggling because I was laughing; he had known what was coming the entire time.

That was my introduction to Hildibrand Manderville and his...unique way of coming at the world, with inextinguishable optimism and joy. And quite a lot of bumbling and fumbling, across Thanalan and even into La Noscea, my friend and I racing along on their whirlwind ride. I could see why the intrepid reporter and Ishgardian inspector were frustrated and confounded at every turn by Hildibrand’s buffoonery.

Yet, as the stakes suddenly turned from silly to realm-threatening, I noticed something. Along the way, everyone Hildibrand met and interacted with was left...better for the experience. From the wealthy mother and daughter, to the struggling Coliseum fighter, to the heiress taking charge of her own life; even the Ishgardian inspector, and the villains of the story.

And I hadn’t laughed like that in a long time, or felt such simple joy in a “side story” after all the drama of main events--or my personal life. I’m not sure my friend knew how much I needed to meet Hildibrand; I didn’t realize it myself at the time. I’m grateful now for the introduction, though.

Now we seek seek out the inspector whenever we go to a new place, eagerly awaiting the next step in the current investigation. Noting who is left better for the experience of just being helped by a kind, goofy fool of a man, and the healing laughter that follows in his wake (after the sighs of frustration and disbelief).

Until we meet again, Inspector. I’m sure you’ll be along when we need you.

(Selection: Noble Barding)

[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.)

[Cimoreya]

I remember feeling lost and alone, unsure where my destiny lied. Moments of doubt came flooding to me, and past regrets haunted my every thought. I felt cut off from the path that would guide me to my future.

Then, I was shown the Light. Her Light. It was breathtaking, and from that moment, I knew this would help guide me back to my path.

It was hard at first, but over time, I found my place in the world. I truly felt like I belonged. From time to time, doubts about my abilities to help would overwhelm me, but there have been those who stood by me since the beginning. They guided me, encouraged me, and believed in me, and that has helped me to push through the troubling times. Their strength gives me hope for a brighter tomorrow, and I one day wish to repay for all that they have given me. It make take days, weeks, even years, but I will not give up, as they never gave up on me. I will not let them down.

If you are reading this, I would like to thank you for everything. I will make you proud, I promise.

Sincerely,
A Wanderer

[Michou]

Everything here checks out! On to the main 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)