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

[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.)