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

[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, throwin’ 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 tryin’ 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 talkin’ 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 sinkin’.” 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 lookin’ 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 ))

[Seriva]

Recently I decided to finally decorate my house. I was initially excited to purchase it and stayed up late to buy it when Shirogane houses became available, but like a cat that had finally caught the prey it always wanted, I didn't know what to do with it.

Looking back, it was like that for a lot of my life. First I became a white mage because I wanted to help people, then progressed to summoner because I had grown tired of helping others, and all the while, nothing seemed to fit me.

Such it was with my house, as well. I had thought to make it like my apartment, full of books to study and a cozy fireplace, but that didn't fit. At the end of the day, I'd lock my house up in Shirogane and go to my apartment in Mist, my real home, to sleep.

When I first went to Ishgard, I picked up a dark knight's sword because I had thought that a combination of helping friends and hurting others would be the best of both worlds. I was right. My friends were safe and I had found my calling. But in hurting others, even in the name of good, you also hurt yourself.

Across the way from my house is a free company’s mansion. To keep up appearances, I decorated the outside and rotated holiday furniture as necessary. My neighbors saw this and were impressed. They wanted to see the inside as well. What they would have seen was that the outside was just a facade and that inside all that waited was nothing. Emptiness. They couldn't know that what they were truly asking was that they wanted to see what was inside of me.

A dark knight's duty is to protect, yes, but also to harm. To swear to protect others is to swear to violence to achieve that goal. More often than not, that protection ended in the death of the aggressor. A single killing was easily shrugged off, but the weight of them all overcame me. It had become too much and my dark knight soul crystal cracked in two. From it, my feelings of regret and remorse for those I killed manifested as Myste. And though he was defeated, his message was not.

One day while in my house and contemplating what I should do with it I realized that I was not actually thinking about that. The emptiness and peacefulness had lulled me into other thoughts. Thoughts of those I had slaughtered to protect friends. I tried to remember my victim's faces, and names, and I found it was a sort of penance. At that moment, I knew what I had to do with my house. It would not be a house to live in, but one to reflect in. The inside would remain empty, with a few token items to make it more comfortable and peaceful and serene.

When I was finished, I was finally comfortable with letting my neighbors see the inside. But even now that is also a facade. They see peace and serenity in the space I have created. What I see is a space dedicated to those I have killed, and those I have yet to kill. This space, empty as I am when I protect others, is my forgiveness to myself for what I must do.

(Ahriman Choker)

[ArosErlic]

My name is Aros and I have been known by many names across Eorzea: Warrior of Light, Eikon Slayer, Liberator of Ala Mhigo, and...”Little Sapling” thanks to some adorable Fae. And yet, I’m always thrust into all these dangerous situations by the Scions and it’s not as if I have any say in the matter; I can hardly get a word in edge-wise before Alphinaud whisks me away to the Sigmascape lies a type of technologically constructed holoscape, or some such (I just smile and nod as Cid speaks his techno babble). Together, the Scions and I (by that I just mean “I”) ventured forth to do battle with whatever fanciful phantasmagoria await us. In eager anticipation, I thought to myself: “If experience has taught me anything it’s to...Oh shite! Is that a Godsdamn Train?!”
As always when things take a turn for the worst, I blame Alphinaud! Yonder Train seemed a tad peeved, for it had jettisoned me across the cart and into hands of a smiling specter.Before I could take the time to collect myself, I spotted the vile Train following parallel our train cart. Pressing the advantage, I leaped across the gap that separated us, delivering a ferocious flurry of kicks at the smock stack atop yon loathsome locomotive’s head. Without warning, “Acid Rain” began to burn my flesh as the “Diabolical Whistle” rendered me almost deaf. And just when I thought I couldn’t stands no more, Leo and his ilk returned for another go…
“Enough is enough!” I screamed in unbridled anger, ready to unleash my “Limit Break” on the steel beast. Summoning all my strength, I smote the Ghost Train and caused it to derail.

Seeking to appease the spirits of the monks who had lived in days long past, I called forth the ghost of Ivon Couerlfist, the mightiest of our order and one who wore a beard like no other. “Insolent cub! Why have you interrupted my slumber?!” the spirit bellowed at me. Taken aback, I responded; “Forgive me Master, but I bring good tidings; I’ve felled a Phantom Train and gained prestige for our order! Mayhaps I can take my place with our greatest Monks including yourself with a modest statue?” “Enough of your blubbering, boy!” the great Ivon wailed, “Look yonder at the statue still yet preserved.” The elder Monk pointed in the direction of a massive statue carved into the bedrock, what I found was a giant of man holding high a train over his head, ready to suplex the locomotive into the ground. Investigating further, I found a plaque upon the statue’s base, the name inscribed read: “Sabin Figaro”.

Thank you for listening to my story. I'd be interested in the Royal Barding is applicable. May you walk tin the light of the Crystals.

[leukocytosis]

“Have you ever seen a flying whale?” I asked the barkeep.

When he shook his head, I smirked, “then I’ve a story for you.”

“I recall an evening spent with my Free Company,” I said to the barkeep, nursing an ale, “we were farming extremes for mounts, and simply having fun with each other.”

I finished my ale and motioned for another, “five adventurers, all told. We had two tanks, two damage dealers, and a healer. We rotated roles, and fought our hardest.”

“We were on an island in the sky to fight this flying whale, so it was unsurprising one of us eventually fell off. What we weren’t expecting was that it was intentional. Our healer, the fool, had decided to jump into the abyss below.”

“Granted, this was not our first time dealing with an ally who’d fallen off the ledge, though this was the first time we were taken by surprise. When our healer had jumped off, he’d dragged the tank to his side and made him jump off with him.”

“After ensuring everyone was okay, we had some laughs. We tried again to kill the beast, and lo and behold, the healer did it again!”

“It wasn’t long before it became something of a competition to see who could do this in the most humourous of situations. This happened in other fights too, such as against the Primal, Titan.”

“The one hero who was never dragged to their doom was me.”

“I enjoy spending time with my Free Company and having friends in game. They help me strive to be better, because they do content I traditionally have avoided, such as raids, as I long to join them. Keep your friends close, everyone. Perhaps close enough to rescue,” I said, winking at the barkeep, placing my payment on the table, and taking my leave.

“Never forget, everyone, even heroes, need fun.”

- Yet Another Dragoon
(Choice: Gaelicap)

[cheffdonty]

To our Unrequited Chaperone,

I’ve traveled a hundred thousand malms and heard just as many myths, but if ever I were share mine own I should think to share the myth of you. Our village elders would relay their scripture of Oschon, but even The Wanderer himself can seem small next to the allure of heroes of your own age. I can recall now how my friends and I would chance to slink away to reenact the stories we would hear of Eorzrean adventurers. Roving the realm, felling beasts and claiming glory; perhaps one of those stories was of you? I am honored to have played a part in at least one of your tales…

Our meeting was auspicious: a party of six assembled in Northern Thanalan under the pretense of felling a revenant of The Calamity in an expedition lead by none other than the kin of Louisoix. The circumstance of their trek seemed so incredible that I was made a mere witness, nevermind that my foray into Eorzea proper did not come about till long after Dalamud fell. I had spent most of my life in Abalathia and Eorzea was hardly my realm to avenge. I was out of my element and perhaps out of my depth.

Between the battles the lot of us spoke of what had brought us here. A dragoon came in search of Allagan tomestones, a summoner came to document “wondrous tales”, and for the part of my friend and I; we only sought to see this story through. You apprised us of a curious detail amongst the ramblings. You fought with sword and shield that day but you came in search of a grimoire born of the Dreadwyrm himself, and that for all your fighting down here you had never once seen any trace of the relic. Surely the familiarity with your search was the catalyst for your insight in these trials.

Our summoner was forced to retreat before the final battle, and in the heat of the fight I envied him. I had never anticipated to share in all the fear and agony felt all those years ago, but there hung the silhouette of Menphina’s Loyal Hound. One by one, strike after strike we fell upon his power, but how you shone! You did not waver on that day, in fact it seemed as if you slew the damned thing all yourself! You carried all of lives that day and I will not forget the deed in my life!

I remember how we cheered when the thing was done and how you took your praise gallantly. Though our performance was lacking you assured us that someday we would rival your prowess. The story seemed to end perfectly as we found the very same tome you had been searching for in a coffer beneath the beast! However, for our part we are embarrassed. You must remember how my friend had claimed in “need” of it and ended up winning the rights to the grimoire on a technicality? If he could return the book to you I assure you he would, he believed it was the summoner who had left who was searching for the thing…

I digress, we learned much that day and are ever thankful to you. He still fights with the book in his hands to this day! This Rising, I think of you.

-A Hellsgaurd Venturer
Gaelicap

[Kimeraandrel]

I was a thread the weaver of fate misplaced.

However, Lady Luck pushed me into a tragic world where heroes were forged. A dire necessity drove me into becoming a paragon of hope. Friends, glory, fame, and fortune - all soon came easily to me, a once displaced rogue who started out with nothing.

I gained the world, but you - you had lost everything. Throughout my years of adventuring, I saved the have-nots and the broken. How could it be that we stood on opposite sides in the end? I was certain I must have failed somewhere; err’d in my judgment.

You tried to take everything from me, so I could be like you. It wasn’t until the final goodnight that I understood this. The flames burned down everything around me, as unfamiliar faces ran away terrified. My closest of friends lay on the brink of death. You and I had seen the same dire sights, yet in different times. To lose is to live. I found the meaning to my life in that illusion of a city you created. I cannot prevent death without preventing life itself, so instead I will carry on the burdens of history’s ghosts. Your memories will be safe with me as I travel, forevermore pushed by destiny’s hand.

If I were to be struck down tomorrow, I would be content knowing I once belonged to your world.

Dear reader,
Though my words may seem sad, I hope that you will see through to the light within my experiences. Learn the stories of others and you will grow larger than your own life. The hope of everyone will be delivered on our backs.

[Kimeraandrel]

Prize choice: Gaelicap

[RuNiamh]

I had never thought much of the shores of Costa del Sol, and truth be told how my husband and I had come to find ourselves walking along the water's edge that day still escapes my memory. We had wandered aimlessly down the sun-warmed sand, a heavy silence settling between us, though it wasn't uncomfortable. It was as if we were taking a moment to simply breathe, the salt tinged air filling our lungs and the setting sun acting as our guide down the endless shore.

Eventually, we found a shady spot to rest. My husband unceremoniously discarded his bag and staff to the ground, claiming a spot to sit at the base of a tree. Settling beside him, I ran my hands through the sand back and forth, an absentminded motion to sooth my racing thoughts. My husband gave me a knowing look, his eyes coming to meet mine when I lifted my gaze.

"I can practically hear your thoughts from here, love," he frowned, a gentle fondness to his words.

I couldn't help the sigh that escaped my lips, internally berating myself for being so easily read. "I can't help but wonder..." I took a moment to reconsider my words, blinking down at the pattern my fingers had lazily swirled into the sand, before continuing. "I can't help but wonder if we are doing the right thing. Aren't you the least bit worried?"

At my question, my companion gave a moment of consideration before answering. That carefree smirk of his began to pull at the corners of his lips, and I found myself already growing less anxious just from the sight alone.

"Of course I'm worried," he grinned, earning a laugh from myself out of shock, and genuine appreciation, for his pure honesty. "But I also know that even if things change between us and the Company, it won't mean things change for the worse." I hummed in response, eyes remaining downcast. We had been discussing taking a leave of absence from our duties as Officers in our Free Company for some time, the pull of other responsibilities no longer easily ignored. Still, the decision weighed heavy on me, and I know my husband felt the same, even if he was better at masking it. After another moment of silence, the waves reaching for the shores the only sound anchoring me to the moment, I turned back to him with newfound resolve.

"We'll return," I asserted. His brows knitted together for a moment before his expression softened in understanding. I simply smiled then, tears stinging at the corners of my eyes despite my confident declaration.

"We shall, when we are ready. And our companions will welcome us home with open arms," he assured. I leaned to rest my head upon his shoulder, fear still tingling at my fingertips, but newfound determination blooming within me. No matter how far we strayed, Eorzea and all those we loved there would always be waiting for us.



(Bluebird Earring, thank you!)

[Korrupture]

I sit here, hands clasped and elbows supported, staring into the past. Surrounded by my own imagination of what once was. Yet, I am vexed by your perpetual involvement. Why is it that you defy me so, scant friend? You do not have a grasp of the story that plays out before you. The threads that have been weaved many lifetimes before your own. Do you deserve such a title as friend or another?

We have crossed paths a myriad of times. Still...you do not sincerely know me and what I fight for thus far. Through my chosen assemblies I approach you as I am bored from watching in the shadows. Times of bickering, insults, arguments and...to some degree...I do hope there is enlightenment in you and your band of friends. I retire when I grow weary of your doubts and questions.

Plans...machinations have been long set in place. You and I are the cast of some grand play. I admit we duel and squabble but nothing is ever direct. These encounters do entertain me to some extent. The quarrels that you have, with those I am ever familiar with, are the most...intriguing yet prohibiting.

My, how you have grown under my intermittent gaze. *Laughs* The greater part of your journey is banal and trifling. The mundane going on your so called adventures. I do not have the patience to attend all your affairs. Loathe to say it, but I do have all the patience in all the worlds. Hasten your stride friend. The hour is almost just. If, by some infinitesimal folly the continuity is broken and my voice is found wanting… Then remember that we once lived.

-Solus zos Galvus

Prize: Gaelicap

[HalcyonHowler]

A smile beamed brightly across Caelestis’s face as she counted her company seals. Finally, she thought, enough for a chocobo of my own! As Cingur approached with the finely plumed bird, Cael’s heart swelled.
“So, what’s his name to be?”
-
My smile rivaled hers as I looked at my own feathered companion – and I instantly knew what the answer was.
-
“Nice to meet you, Howl!”
“Kweh!”
Together, Cael and Howl conquered countless challenges. Through an unseen bond they worked in tandem to overcome fierce opponents, each making up for the other’s weaknesses. Off the battlefield their bond was just as strong, with Howl following his master as she gathered the day’s supply of herbs and ores. A steady diet of the finest krakka roots and a clean stable at their home in the Shroud were her ways of thanking him for a job well done. Through triumph and defeat, celebration and mourning, exaltation and exile, the two stood faithfully by each other’s side.
-
“Here’s your treat for the day, Howl!”
“Tweet!”
The little cockatiel eagerly ripped the sunflower seed from my fingers. He and I have spent years together, and it truly amazes me to see how much personality is packed in such a small ball of feathers. He may not be able to cast Choco Cure, but he has soothed my heart in more ways than I can express. And, like the chocobo he serves as namesake of, he is far stronger than appearances suggest.
Due to a night-fright my beloved companion had broken his beak and lost numerous feathers. I held him in my hands and reminded him of our experiences together, hoping it would give him the strength to hold on just a little longer. When I peeked into the vet’s incubator, I saw him fussy from being force-fed medicine, but still with a spark in those little brown eyes.
He still had that light in him, and it wouldn’t be extinguished any time soon.
-
Cael entered her suite at the Pendants to find a basket of freshly-prepared sandwiches awaiting her, along with Ardbert. The two warriors discussed the Exarch, the Ascians, and bitter memories of the past, before she finally decided a change of topic was in order.
“Tell me about Seto,” she inquired.
The man bashfully replied with musings of his Amaro companion from former days before turning the question on her – “You must have a friend like Seto. Chocobo, perhaps?”
It felt like ages since she had last been asked such a simple question – one without life-or-death consequences or the fate of some world or another in the balance.
“…And then there was the time he kept chasing the rosebear, even after the battle was done! I bet he ran half a malm before he finally came back! And then…”
The two whiled away the hours, discussing their companions until the first rays of morning crested over the horizon.
As friends, free companies, and comrades come and go, every Warrior of Light has a stalwart companion by their side – and I am eternally grateful for my own Bird of Light.

Noble Barding