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

[FaerieAura]

A Chance Encounter, An Eternal Bond

To my love,

It was getting into the late hours of the evening when it happened. I had been working, you see, at the Machinists’ Guild. The turrets that we were using were fine, but we were commencing development on a prototype – an automaton that could engage enemies in melee. I had reached the end of my limits, and I needed a drink. Thank the Gods I left when I did.

The snows were falling to the stone streets of the Brume when I first saw you, stumbling along the pavement, looking as lost as I had been the moons before when Ishgard had first opened its gates to a select few. It had long been my dream to study under the machinists of Ishgard, and yours, it seemed, was to learn to read the stars.

I approached you slowly, trying to seem as friendly as I could. It’s hard for a Viera to lose the natural stern countenance nature bestows upon us.

“Uh… h-hi… c-can I help you?” you stammered as you nearly tripped over your own axe.

“You look lost. I take it you are from outside of Ishgard as well? Tis rare to see a Miqo’te in this city, and I don’t know if you can tell from the ears, but my kind are equally rare. Mayhap you could use a guide? My name is Sjel, formerly of Arda.”

“That would be lovely. I am of Gridania. C-can you help me find the Astrologians’ guild? I-it’s freezing out here!”

“Follow me. We can get you someplace warm, and in the morning, we’ll get you sorted out.”

Twas over the next two moons that the two of us came to nurture a burgeoning friendship, though our lives could not be more different. You were ever the mystic, focused on your spiritual training and nurturing your inner beast, and I on my technology and craftsmanship. As we both became embroiled in the plots and intrigue of Ishgard, however, there was only one constant: each other.

Eventually, on a rare quiet day for both of us, I asked you to come with me to the Black Shroud, as there was an urgent matter that required both of our attention. As we made our way to the Shroud and I directed our chocobos to the Sanctum of the Twelve, I sat beside the lake with you and told you of my feelings.

“Since that day at the Brume, you have been my only constant. My only light. I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my days with you, no matter what comes next.”

You said yes.

On the day of our ceremony, as we looked into each other’s eyes, preparing to exchange our rings, our friends from our Free Company looking on, I still imagine what would have happened had I not had the urge to get a drink that night. The happiness I felt as I saw you, dressed in your finest suit and I in my dress, makes me realize that despite the dangers that this world holds, the beauty that can be found in the people around us makes it all worthwhile.

With all of my love and hopes for the future,
Your beloved eternal partner

[i would like the bluebird earrings]