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

[Milkbeard]

I got it..

I got it!!!

I skipped 3 days of college for this!

And now its mine!



Gaelicap!

[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.”

(Bluebird Earrings)

[Iloru]

My adventures began before the Battle of Carteneau, when the land of Eorzea seemed a wholly different place. Conjury was my calling, even in those early days as an adventurer, but I struggled to find my place. I provided aid during countless battles, yet my own role within the world seemed to leave no lasting impact. True, I offered healing and succor to those who were wounded and weary from battle, but my efforts seemed hollow. Was I truly helping to change Eorzea for the better? Did my actions truly matter when so many continued to suffer at the hands of both man and monster alike?

It wasn’t until a chance encounter, some years later, that I was finally able to understand. My individual actions were so easily lost in the chaos of tragedy, but it was when I acted together, as part of something bigger, that change could truly occur. True, it took time for me to acclimate to this new life. So many years spent wandering alone made it difficult, at times, to speak up and make my views known. Yet you always welcomed my words and reminded me that I was no longer a single voice, but part of a greater whole. Together we grew, together we celebrated, and together we mourned.

I still recall the day our adventures began and it is one of my most precious memories. I do not doubt that for you it was simply another day in Eorzea, but for me it was the day that my world changed for the better. For if I hadn’t found you, if you had not accepted me into your fold and welcomed me as a friend, I might still be doubting my own worth within these lands. From the bottom of my heart I thank you, my friends. There is nowhere I could be happier than in your company.

- exerpt from the journal of Shiori Tsukuda



((If this entry is chosen, I would like the Noble Barding, please.))

[P0W3RK1D]

As i strolled down to the Southeast Derelicts below the towering city of Eulmore i decided to stop by and check up on a rather new friend, a child miqo'te gazing up into the sky amungst the trash heap she called home.
"Compowsa!"she screamed her broken speech with a cat-ear to cat-ear smile watching me emerge from the atheryte.
"Hello kiddo, ready to continue the story?
"mmhm!" she jubilently nodded.
As we sat down i begun to tell the story where i left off , the warrior of light soon to embark on his first treasure hunt as a new member of an FC. through-and-through the story of my fondest memory soon lead to its climax.

"It was the third spin of the wheel in the enchanted room, we had spun three Gold tiles in a row and the room around us magically filled to the brim with wealth beyond my imagining -- ours for the taking if we emerged victorious. the light flashed underneath the symbols on the floor : 1 gem, 3 gem, elephant, demon, gold -- the anticipation was maddening, the realization that no monster could take us down, but the cruel finger of lady-luck could seal our fate in an instant. The seconds stretched on as the magical spinner came to a stop. The demon tile begun to glow and my heart sank in my chest, as the dust from around the room began to spiral to the center, summoning a monster, a familiar beast with a wormhole for a stomach -- it appeared that our luck had run out. We starred to the demon , it stared back, and without hesitation it opened its mouth -- uncontrollably we begun to fly through the air into the monster's bottomless mouth. It was over....or at least would have been, had it not been for one special miracle i can only imagine the gods themselves orchestrated...but as of now thats where i shall leave off, little one"

"Awww, Tell me another one Compowsa!" She cheered.
"Woah, slow down hun, save some stories for later." I smiled, brushing the stray food crumbs off of her lip.
Getting up from the weathered log i began to pick up my things and walk away, i caught a glimpse of the child's face, along with her drooping kitten ears -- as if her fun had suddenly came to an end.
"Will you come back tomowwo to play with me?" She sadly asked. Turrning back around with an easy smirk i grabbed her like a baby, lifting her up.
"I dont see why not -- ill even bring a treat IF mommy tells me youve been good." I smiled and nodded over to a woman preparing what food she could scrap together in a distant tent; she heard my words and smiled.
"Yayyy" the child celebrated, hugging me tight before leaping down with her ears popped back up, and stubby tail wagging like that of a dog while she skipped and danced away to her tent -- still starring up at the night sky as if she had only seen it for the first time.




(Chosen item: Mandragoria choker)

[CaduceusDeus]

Caduceus steadied his hands. He continued to work the fabrics spread out before him: Serge, Felt, Wool. The fireworks were thundering outside from The Rising celebrations. His listened to them and let his mind wander as he started to work. He shut his eyes as another firework peeled in to the sky; he could not forget that day.

***

Caduceus fled from the meteor. He left Ul'dah with the few gil he could ply from stitching cotton underclothes; the prospect of the calamity bearing down on Eorzea, watching it descend closer each passing day, was too much. He felt his insides twist whenever he looked in the sky. What safety could the walls of Ul'dah provide against a twelves-forsaken celestial moon, Dalamud? Not to mention the imperial forces pouring in to Mor Dhona. He would flee. He had to. What other choice was there?

And so he packed his few belongings and left with his fiancé, Emilia. Most overland travel had ceased between nations when Dalamud's proximity to Eorzea began affecting all wildlife. Beasts were more aggressive, monsters began appearing, and reports of empire scouts waylaying supply caravans made travel, at this point, a dangerous proposition. Regardless, he secured passage through a dear friend. A Miqo'te, who called himself 'Fenrir' who had bade him to retreat to Gridania.

"We'll be there soon." Caduceus said as much to console himself as he spoke to Emilia. She grabbed his arm.

"I hope so." Emilia said. They both stared outside the carriage at the moon for awhile before they began to hear the sounds of battle from afar. First the horns of Grand Companies, then the shouts of men, explosions--screams. Even those not sensitive to aether could surely feel the swirling maelstrom of energy from Carteneau.

And then it happened: a brillant flash above Carteneau, and fragments of the moon, each perhaps a malm long, exploded in every direction. Caduceus and Emilia last shared a glance at a Mercydian nightmare from a forgotten age. Bahamut. They saw one beat of its wings, the flares streak across the sky, and then blackness took them both.

***

"It's already been another year," Caduceus said to himself aloud as he worked the final stitch in a 'fat cat' sofa. He stood up, stretched, and instinctively rubbed at the mark between his shoulder blades. Another year since the Wood Wailers pulled their unconscious bodies from the ruined carriage just beyond the Rootslake. Another year since since he devoted himself to Conjury to repay the mercy the elementals granted him. Another year since Emilia and he took up adventuring together. Another year since Emilia had mastered the secrets of thaumaturgy. And another year since they married in the Sanctum of the Twelve. He felt guilty for fleeing in Eorzea's time of need all those years ago, but he returned. He had finally heard Hydaelyn's call, and he would not forsake it again.

(Noble Barding!)

[dreamyproject]

It feels like we met just yesterday.

You were always quick to remind me that you`ve been here with me long before I ever realized.

I remember those precious moments where I came running down the steps of Foundation to your side, day after day without fail. You were always exactly where I left you, and I was always breathless, all too eager for you to train me. And though you were the first one to tell me how much I was coming up short, I knew it was only for my sake. To remind me that I was better than that. To remember my true value.

In a world where many people have tried to tell me who I am and what I should be, you taught me that only I can call my true name. You told me that I could choose who I wanted to be. I should hope this letter answers that question.

“Find comfort in my words,” you said. Isn`t it about time you took comfort in mine? Hold this letter close to your breast. Not just see, but feel how much you`ve changed my life for the better. Just as I held your words to my heart when I was forced to wander alone against the deepest, darkest terrors of the world. For there in the blackest night, you were the light that illuminated my heart. I could hear your voice cut through the darkness, telling me, “this isn`t the end.”

Of course, by the time this bottle arrives at your shore, you`ll have already read it. After all, you always know the whispers of my heart.

So even if this message wanders out to sea, never to be seen again, you`ll always know, because the answer isn`t on this paper, but inside of the two of us.

- Your Other Half



(I have selected the Scarf of Wondrous Wit if I place)

[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 would 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 you 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


Prize: Gaelicap

[Alacer]

I was a lone wanderer for many a moon. The only companions at my side my Egi and my faithful Chocobo Whistler. We journeyed together from the cool and breezy shores of Limsa Lominsa, all the way through darkness and void to the first. It was really just the three of us, and yet there was always a longing for more. Much like so many, I joined up with others in the cause, fighting the good fight, grimoire tattered and worn, flecks of blood and ink adorning the pages. I prized myself on my skills, and yet, when the journey was done, and we would part ways, I would look back and wonder on what was missing for me.

It was such a simple gesture on that lonely Limsa night. Having just completed a task as set for me by my Grand Company I stepped out towards the aft castle and was immediately beset by a rather energetic Miqote waving to me with such exhilaration. We talked for a moment and he invited me to join his small band. Having been alone for some time I could not see a reason to say no. The invite was sent, and the pack agreed. I became Alacer D’orianna of the Starlight Serenity.

The first few days took some getting used to. All the buzzing and action in my ear almost seemed unwarranted. So used to the silence and solitude. Yet, in such a short time so many new friendships emerged. I wasn’t alone anymore. I still had the loving and caring companionship of my egis and whistler. But now there was more. There was Maia, Suz, and Mark. Tye jumping about the house trying to climb the roof. Together we faced the many challenges of Eureka, more than one falling the seismic force of Titan. We were more than just a gathering. This was my free company and I was so pleased to call them my friends.

When we moved to a new home, I was so pleased to see that a room was available for me. I set up my own personal space from which i could find respite. Just a small location from which I could some quiet. Yet, I know that people were sneaking in, the crumbs of pilfered sandwich’s always made me smile as I sat at my desk writing in my grimoire of the fantastic feats that we had accomplished. Through our combined efforts I not only surpassed my own skill as a summoner, but progressed further with both Black and Red magicks. I had a purpose now. I wanted to be useful to my friends. I wanted to give back all that they had given me.

When we fought we would joke and laugh, we learned when to dodge, when to attack, we learned that sometimes you fall, but we would always be there to raise or ascend someone from the depths. It truly is a magical experience. For when you have a Free Company, you truly are the most free.

I am Alacer D’orianna, High Summoner for the Starlight Serenity. And my fondest memory, was finally finding a home.

Thank you for this opportunity. I would feel honored to ride around with the Noble Barding if I am so lucky to place.

[Kurutoto]

(Noble Barding)

It was hot, even a mere 18 suns past Heavensturn, on the day we gathered in Southern Thanalan to award an errant tiger to one of our most devoted Hunters. It was hot, yet it was a momentous day for The Clan Centurio, and the whole of the land was there.

There were delegates from Ala Mhigo, once exiled nearby, stoic Hingans, and we Ishgardians, wilting under the sun in our Coerthan robes. The Mythril Eye, Harbor Herald, and Raven had sent their reporters, delivering blow-by-blow accounts of the scene into their linkshells. On the southern slopes a few curious Amal’ja eyed the event, keeping their distance to avoid provoking the crowd.

And a crowd it was! Even on a normal day an S Rank attracts dozens of the realm’s finest warriors, and this occasion had doubled its size. The golem Nunyunuwi idled at the fore, its disinterest a stark contrast to the buzz of excitement around it.

“Is Kage here? Is this his 2000th S Rank?” a Hunter shouted.

“So the legends say,” another replied.

“Let’s let him pull!”

And so they did – the crowd parted, and the miqote-of-the-hour, in his trademark red crown, strode forward and began to cast.

Adventurers themselves drive the Hunt, without the militant prodding of Grand Company orders, or the urgency of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn missions. Those thrillseekers who labor to draw out the most dangerous of Rank S marks do so of their own desire, as do those who trek the realm bell after bell battling even the smallest of Rank As. For many moons they, not we, had counted down in anticipation of one of their own reaching the goal we had set, and today rallied about him.

A flash of frenetic activity, and in an instant the rocks that made up the terrific golem faded into the landscape. Silence fell and the Hunters looked about to see what came next. The Chairman wove through the crowd, stopped before Kage, and proffered a summoning horn. With a broad smile, he loudly pronounced, “Adventurer… You Got Game!”

Cheers and {Congratulations!} erupted. Fireworks and chimes echoed through the arid canyon. Though blushing, the wag in the miqote’s tail betrayed his joy – surely this would become one of his fondest memories. The Hunt may rival Ishgardian lawn tennis for its petty politics and competing factions, but today he had united it in celebration.

Kage kept his remarks brief, for it was a hot day. He thanked those who lured the marks from hiding, those who ran the Hunt linkshells, and most of all those who had hunted alongside him on his long road.

We wish here to echo these sentiments. The Hunt is not something that can be done alone, but nor is cooperation the natural state. Thank you, adventurers, for overcoming differences, for working together. Your camaraderie has taken The Hunt to places we never imagined it could go.

With humblest sincerity,
The Clan Centurio

[Lizabelle]

To say that Elizabeth’s evening was going rather poorly would have been an understatement so large even a ravenous Goobbue could not swallow it. Having been allotted the most impossible of Grand Company requests, this pint-sized Blacksmith was of a foul mood as she stomped down the Emerald Avenue of Ul’dah. Eager to drown herself in a tankard of cheap booze from the Quicksands, she turns to walk up into that bustling tavern; before pausing quite suddenly as something catches the corner of her eye.

To her left, standing by the Gate of Nald, is an adventurer staring out the huge portcullis. The adventurer (a gladiator, she guesses by his equipment) is a sun-kissed Miqo’te lad of few years, a mess of sandy, unkempt locks framing his boyish face, a rough messiness only rivalled by the rest of his shoddy armour, which to Elizabeth, was shocking to say the least. The worst offender was the boy’s shield, which was made from nailed wooden planks so rotten as to be unsuitable even for firewood!

Approaching the lad with an aura of pure indignation, the diminutive Lalafell slaps the boy’s shield. “You would defend others with that?!” she exclaims, the Miqo’te turning to peer at her with no small measure of surprise upon his face, his dull yellow eyes going wide. Elizabeth huffs before crossing her arms, furrowing her brows as she looks the boy up and down. “How much gil do you have, boy?” she adds, gesturing to his coin-purse.

Looking rather bashful, the Miqo'te lad clears his throat. “Not… much.” he says, his hand moving thoughtlessly to touch the pouch, it squishing quite flat indeed.

“Well… we can’t be having that...” Elizabeth murmurs, frowning harder, before suddenly clicking her fingers. As the Miqo’te watches in curiosity, the Lalafell drops her shoulder-bag onto the cobbled stone road. Flipping the bag open, she rummages through, taking out two plates of shining bronze and a small length of maple lumber, along with a small folding table with a vice attached. Pulling some tools from her belt, the Lalafell sets to work right there in the street, hammering and polishing the bronze into a greater sum than its parts.

In what feels like just a few scant moments, the small blacksmith presents the fruits of her labours to the Miqo’te; a Bronze Hoplon; high quality, of course. The adventurer stares down into the burnished steel, his face staring back with equal surprise in the reflection. “For… free?” he asks cautiously as he lowers the shield to look down at the woman.

Elizabeth nods, and the boy takes off his old shield, buckling the new one onto his arm as he tries the fit, finding it perfect for his size. With a wide grin, the Miqo’te thanks the smith again before going on his way, now slightly less likely to end up a monster’s lunch; and that was enough to make Elizabeth’s day.

~ Crafting a set of HQ gear for a new player is one of my top FFXIV memories!
Prize: Bluebird Earring