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

[SeeressLumi]

It's been so many years since that day.. May I have your attention for but a moment, as I remember my fond memories of a time long gone?

I met them so long ago, the friends I knew I would share my fondest times with on FFXIV, a home away from home. They weren't anything big as I had soon thought, just a few people with extra time on their hands, close enough to reach but far enough away that I couldn't make out if this was a long term stay, or a short term memory.

Over the years, I've had many laughs, many tears shared with them, be it fooling around outside the FC house, joining together for dailies, even doing events.. Slowly but surely, I found that my heart ached at the thought of leaving them. I couldn't bare the thought of them disappearing right before my eyes, my breath catching in my throat whenever I imagined the house I once danced in with them, empty.

I still dance there today, a fond warmth in the back of my heart as I remember every person I've spoken to, played with, laughed with, cried with.. I continue to hope that all the friends I've made, atleast know that deep down, I care more for them than they'll ever know.

But don't be too sad, for now, they're still with me.

A happy atmosphere amidst the busy lives they now lead, I'll miss them all dearly one day, when they tire and we lose contact, however I'm just happy to have known other brave Warriors of Light that walked with me. I can't thank them enough, truly. I hope to never forget them and that they'll remember atleast my name when they carry on ahead and outrun me. Everytime I can, I make sure to tell them to be safe when they're about to leave, flashes of the laughs we've all shared and the want for those memories never to fade, to be forevermore. You'll always be special to me, I sincerely thank you for helping me experience the warmth of a family.

I love you, my idiots.
-Your Airhead
(Choice: Gaelicap)

[Silentfall]

When I started playing FFxiv, I was at a very dark time in my life. Thoughts about myself and thoughts about others. And then I stepped through the infinite doors of Eorsea and I saw a light finally at the end of my dark tunnel. I got to know the characters you so carefully crafted and realized that they are only human too. The stuggles we went through together and the victories. That is why I keep coming back for more. The story is what I am here for. It gets me through my day. But if its a specific part: I would have to pick the time I met Urianger in Waking Sands for the first time. He has been my favorite character from the beginning. So mysterious and cunning. He continues to see darkness and not subcome to it. He is my role model. Each day that I come to Eorsea is another day I can laugh and cry along side your characters. Thank-you

[GladiusKalkatorra]

Gladius' axe dug into the trembling earth as he was forced back, his teeth grit from the force of the blow as he was knocked backwards towards the edge of the ever-shrinking arena. Despite strength of arm and combat prowess, he felt himself flying back towards the edge unto an dizzying fall. Just before he lost his balance, a pull of aetheric energy coiled out to him. He seized onto it desperately, trying to regain himself as Arioche's light pulled him back from the brink.

"I've got you!" she yelled, rescuing him from certain death. Her gown fluttered wildly with each stomp of the gigantic monster that stood before them.

Gladius shook the bells from his head, swinging his axe over his head before nodding to her and charging back towards the monstrous primal Titan glowering down at him.
"The kobold's certainly didn't hold back this time..." He thought. They had triumphed easily twice before over the makeshift primal god of the ratlike species, but this time their desperation truly showed in the strength of this manifestation.

He raced past his friend Tatl, who looked to him worryingly as she continued to cast spell after spell with her reflection of the primal Garuda following form at her side. Despite their best efforts, the thrice-damned "god" would not fall. Gladius leapt forward, bringing his axe down across the chest of the stone monster.

There! A crack!

It seemed that his allies' efforts had not been in vain. They had managed to weaken the monster enough to bring forth it's stone heart. Gladius' axe ripped into the chest of the beast, wresting the heart free where all three heroes of light managed to concentrate their efforts into a single blast, shattering the beast's heart. The creature tottered, as aetheric energy bled from it, then finally fell.

A cheer rang out among the adventurers. They had bested their toughest opponent yet.

(Thank you for reading my story, if I do qualify, my chocobo Alfred Von Chicklesby would love the Noble Barding. Special thanks to my fellow Warriors of Light Arioche Aristotle and Tatl Tael for bringing me into this world I love so much. Even if we're apart now, I'll always treasure our time then.)

[Silanja]

I remember the first time that I saw you.

To be honest, I would not have ever guessed that you would go on to impact my journey the way that you have. Our first meeting - if you can even call it that - was more a technicality than an actual encounter, and I dismissed you as forgettable.

How wrong I was.

Our every interaction that followed left me curious, enthralled, engrossed: you captivated me in a way that was completely unexpected. My story and your story intertwined time and again; unpleasantries became intrigue and eventually empathy. I never gave you permission to break my heart but in the end, you did. Walking this journey knowing the path you walked will color every decision from now on. I don’t know if I should thank you or be angry. At the very least, I learned something.

Sincerely,
An Impatient Traveler



[ If selected, I would like the bluebird earrings. Thank you for your time. ]

[gwydion78]

The sun had since gone down, and meals were being prepared. Dozens of plates of meat, steaks, links, whatever sorts of food would keep the company going. I'd hunted the creatures for the ingredients, and thought it best not to tell the men what I had been cooking. It was satisfying work, albeit boring, so I'd taken to singing while I cooked, and had been informed on many occasions that I should absolutely continue cooking and not follow any whims of being a minstrel.

"What IS that that you're singing, Lieutenant?"

The Captain was asking, so it was probably best to answer. "It is a Hrothgar tune." I smiled, remembering the one who sang it to me. "A lullaby."

"Oh? What does it mean? An Adder should always endeavor to learn more about his officers and the cultures they come from."

"Of course! It loses a little in translation, but...

Rest my cub
My precious dear
Your prey will drown
In blood and fear

Before they creep
My trap is sprang
Their necks shall meet
My gnashing fang

They cannot harm
Their blood will drip
Their jugulars
My fangs will rip

Your mother follows
But one law
Your safety won
By savage claw

When hunting prey
One shan't fight fair
Their abdomen
Mother will tear

Their pain is silenced
They cannot cry
My wicked talon
Takes their eye

Rest now my cub
My precious dear
Your prey has drowned
In blood and fear"

The captain blinks quite a few times. "That... is a lullaby?"

I tilted my head, confused. "Of course. All mothers sing that to their children. If you think the males of my race are vicious, Captain, pray you never draw the ire of our queens."

(Noble Barding)

[Haruka-Akemi]

i remember when i first got to uldah it was a sunny day as always full of people running around and that parade that went wrong years ago remember? remember fighting to save someone after the parade went to heck in a hand basket ... it was odd to say the least hahahaha. but then again i think that event led me to belive that this place had more to offer than a single bunch of gobbues and mammets running around.. after that many things happen and many stories where writen.. unil dalamud fell from the skies... i still remember that day as if it was yesterday, friends and fc together fighting to repel the garlean empire from mor dhona and the main cities.. and who can forget the noble sacrifice of the people who made the gobbue wall possible those brave souls dedicated to protect uldah (or at least thats where i saw it and decided to join in) many years have come and go after that day.. and still lingers on my mind like if it was yesterday. but back in the day u and me never had that connection as we now have... after we finally got to know each other back in ishgard... remember when i told u to let me lead the way? and u as always said no? that day was something that i will not forget. but just u know i love you more than anything i this world... because together we beat twintania and put an end to nael once and for all.. we faced defeat many times.. we faced sadness countless times... we got our heart broken by who at the time we said that it was the love of our life... but we never gave up.. we never gave up... and yes Haruka i must say thank you for letting me be part of this story.. because u know? im happy that we get to see everything until the end and im happy that in some way of another i was part of it even in the smalles of things.. we not only overcome the bitterness of our hearts after we lost her... we not only overcome our grief of our mother... we get to see the end of a world together and the lenghts of how a man can go only to be remembered.... that for me are the fondest of memories i could ask for... and i hope u and me would be always together even if u decide not to let me come out and play.. and yes that trick u learnt doesnt count hahahaha.. anyways thanks for letting me write this down and feel alive again. remember how much i love you Haruka... ---------- Memories of my Darkside-------- (the prize i want if i win is the noble barding)

[OceanWilds]

I knew we shouldn’t have gone into the house. I could feel the evil energy radiating from its ancient doorway as we drew closer. My hands gripping tightly at my staff as I followed closely behind the three in front of me.

The door gave a displeased groan as it was pushed open, reverberating through the air of the musty entry way. Everyone stopped just inside the door but jump as it slammed shut behind us and all our senses became heightened. It became painfully obvious we were not alone in the Manor. The sounds of cackles and creaking things echoed faintly down through the space. It was clear this place was in disarray and had been left empty for all sorts of unholy things to take root.

And take root they did. As we ventured through the house, the living skeletons, succubi, and all other forms of vile creatures put my magic to the test. The elements even seemed to fear this house as I ensured the safety of my team. I could feel the earth around me cry out in pain from all the darkness tainting it. Left and right the cursed advanced seeking to slay and corrupt the intruders who ventured into their stolen sanctuary. However, we had a mission form the people of New Gridania and we had to ensure their safety, especially myself, who prided healing and protecting others above all else. That skill was put to the test as we went against the Manor Jester and Steward, their attacks strong. I could feel the strain as we fought valiantly forward to purify the creatures and lay them to eternal rest. Which we did with much success, but we knew our journey was not done.

Climbing higher into the tainted domain we finally found our mark, the one who ruled them all. Lady Amandine greeted us with murderous contempt as she began her onslaught. It was clear she was a master of thaumaturgy, even our own Thaumaturge had trouble keeping up with her spell casting. Luckily the gladiator that valiantly took charge and drew most of her hatred was able to hold her contempt while we whittled her down. She would not be bested however without a fight. Summoning more of her minions we floated back and forth between protecting our defense and trying to smite the evil once and for all. Several times I came close to reaching a state of mental exhaustion that would prevent me from helping those around me, but taking a few seconds to find my center, I was once again filled with the aetheric energy to keep my party members safe.

When all looked grim, with a mighty cry, our Thaumaturge began to glow and thrusting his staff into the sky, a shower of fallen stars came crashing down. With his mighty attack Lady Amandine gave a feral cry as she faded away into nothingness. With a triumphant cry, the four of us celebrated and began our track back to New Gridania to put the worry of its citizens to rest.

(The Bluebird Earrings)

[Sovasin]

There was something different about you that night. The murmurs of your harp drifted through Kogane Dori, residing impatiently in the background. My eyes alone were drawn to you, but it was clear that they were not the ones you sought. My arms toiled at the anvil while yours danced nervously across taut strings. Silently, I prayed for you - it was clear to me that there was someone you wished to meet under the stars.

Twilight fell, and the moon had finally peeked over the airship landing. Its light shone down on an adventurer, garbed in Eastern scale mail. Your eyes met - and in that fleeting moment I sensed years of companionship. A bond forged in fire and blood. The welcoming smile on your face gave way to words. A conversation ensued - one that I would never hear, nor understand. I didn't need to, though - the ballad you sang that night was all that needed to be said.

He was enraptured. What was going through his mind as the lilt of your harp marched enthusiastically through it? Under his charred visor I could see his eyelids begin to fall. He was oblivious to the crowd that had begun to disperse towards the pier, eager to watch the stars fall. A distant bell struck once, twice, ten times, but the moment you shared continued undisturbed. The eighth verse of your unending lullaby made way for the ninth. My hands had stopped moving completely, and the ingot I held began to glow red - no, golden within my furnace. This tune was one I had never heard before - and yet, what was this overwhelming sense of nostalgia? Even a humble blacksmith like me could tell that this was a chronicle of a calamity long past. I can only imagine what it must have meant to him and yourself.

The moon retreated behind a cloud, and your song had finally come to an end. In hindsight, only moments had passed. But as the adventurer's weary eyes opened once more, I could tell that the respite he found within your lyrics was eternal.

As the last star fell from the sky, the crowd began to coil lazily into Kugane Dori once more. I realized that the ingot I held had begun to cool. I strained to look for the adventurer's armour amidst the crowd, but he had long since disappeared. Your performance resumed once more - refrained, but peaceful.

Many moons have passed since then. I've known for a while that there's something going on out there - a war between Good and Evil, Light and Dark and what not. A constant, endless battle amongst heroes and gods that a blacksmith like me could never comprehend. I never needed to, with Kugane being so far from the conflict. Truth be told, all of this was starting to feel like a fairytale, or a myth of sorts. But there was something about that night that reminded me that the world outside Kugane is closer to home than I thought. I don't know exactly what happened that night, or who that adventurer was. But I feel like I've possibly witnessed a legend in the making.

I pray that the two of you cross paths again.

(Gaelicap)

[Sunchaser]

Another years turns, as we walk ever onward.

The thrill of victory, the sting of defeat. The sorrow of loss...and the comfort of love. All these I have known, as I tread my path; but they are not what drives me.

All those who I see standing tall against the odds—who take up arms, be it their end, and hold their ground through sheer determination.

A Lalafellin royal, shy in years yet laden with weight of wisdom; the beaten but unbowed refugee who carried her. The pirate mistress who sails boldly against the wind. A forest sage, intended a life of quiet solitude, bearing the hopes of the realm.

And those who forsook their homeland, so that of others could be saved...so many now lost.

A wise grand archon; a stodgy old mage; a scholarly maiden, scarcely known, who traded her life with a smile. And a young girl lost in the markets, who would one day spare the fate of a world.

A noble knight of lands frost-fringed, and the sorrowful lady of icebound heart.

I carry you all now, as you carried me then—and we walk ever onward.

For the dashing rogue who hides his pain in bottles and between sheets; the gruff elder sister, driving herself to breaking in her mentor's shadow. For the charming bookworm, always so hidden away with his shelves. For the twins—who I rode a carriage with, when I first came to this world, and now know so well as to call them family.

For the would-have-been Scion, always worried of being a burden, who now carries a nation on her shoulders. The Doman samurai who forgave his most hated enemy; the wayward prince who put his people before his crown. And the daughter of the Ruby Sea, who I could not forsake if I tried, so dear has she become to me.

For the new old friend, thinking I didn't see him under that cowl, who calls me 'inspiration' even when he's now bettered my greatest moments.

All of you reached out for the stars...and it made me so happy that I could lift you that last bit to grasp them.

And to those who walked before, I remember—as we lead those who walk after.

- A Warrior of Light and Darkness



(If chosen, I would like Noble barding, please.)

[Zidanjou]

All at once, the security and sanctity of my world, came crashing down. Like one too many pieces had been removed, from the collection of the unity of man. My world, collapsed right before my eyes. What was once sacred, had suddenly been taken from me, right before my eyes.

And without remorse, the cruelty of it all had not seen the fullness of its fruit, until my world fell into darkness and despair. And now, faced with trauma and turmoil, the likes I never thought imaginable.

But we must persevere, for we are the salt of this realm, and the light that must persist through the despair, that would desire us to drown in its sinful pleasures.

So, I ran, but not without regret. And along the way, I was carried away, to your welcoming abode. You, who I once only considered a strong ally, had become my hero of light, in an instant where my world was darkened.

Thank you, for reaching out to me in my hour of need. Without your warm embrace, I would have been lost to the desires of corruption and depravity. I was lost, and you found me, when my hope was found for wanting. I was filled with uncertainty, and you sparked the embers within me. All I can say is, thank you.

Yours is a moment I cherish deeply. A light in the darkness of my world. You, who stood out amongst the shadows, and supported me when I needed it so. The thought rains down on my face, and covers me in both pain and joy. But, because you were there for me, as I desired to do what I could before, I will move onward; strengthened with even more resolve to be strong. Thank you, my old friend.

(My main motif for writing this wasn't to win. But, if I can touch the heart of at least one person, then that is victory in of itself. I guess the Chocobo barding would be cool. I hope though, that my writing, maybe just maybe, helps someone in need. If you are suffering, if you are in pain, I hope you find that special someone. That person, who reaches out, and rescues you in your dark abyss; just like someone had for me.)