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

[Shukie]

The time of the year has come once again: The Rising. A time to relfect upon the memories, friends, encounters, all that shape us into the adventurer we are today. Countless people have touched my life since I stepped foot into Gridania as a brand new adventurer. The battles, victories, and even defeats made me stronger, more determined, and remind me not to lose sight of what's important. Reflecting upon my past adventures, I pick the bottle up and remove the note from inside.



Lanterns fill the sky above, each one telling its own story. Flickers representing so much that was lost, memories of those who once stood at our sides and suffered. I close my eyes as I slowly release my own light. Quietly I watch my lantern join the countless multitudes which gently rose into the night sky.

"For my friend who long since parted", I whisper as I remember his smiling face. The one who sacrificed his life to protect my own.

Warrior of light, it was not until this moment that I truly understand what the title means. The impact of the realization both astonish and overwhelm my senses. I opened my eyes and scan the faces that stood with me, their eyes shining with their own light. I study their expressions each one in turn, old and young alike. A bounty of smiles surrounds me where sorrow once prevailed. Hope. The image I would carry with me no matter where my adventures take me.

"It would never happen, stranger", I remember the words spoken to me when I first arrived in the Doman lands. The magnitude of despair the Domans and Ala Mhigans endured was unlike anything I had ever seen. Dreams smashed, hopes fleeting, lives no longer mattered greeted me in plenty. The mere thought of freedom was like a flimsy bubble ready to pop. We encouraged them to never give up no matter how hard the struggle. We stood tall even when they turned their backs on us. So many sacrifices were made to break the chains of oppression. Countless lives lost, bodies littered the battleground where we made our stand. A long, near impossible, journey turned into the greatest adventure we could have hoped for. I smile knowing the fallen were smiling along with us.



The letter from the bottle rest in my hand as a tear travels down my cheek. -Thank you, An overjoyed Doman.

How that moment changed my life words could never explain. Each battle that was fought, their faces gave me strength. When I was close to giving up, they became my resolve. I wish the person who wrote the letter in the bottle was standing before me, for in that moment it is I who wants to give them my thanks.

(Thank you for reading, if I am selected I would like the Gaelicap)

[himealaya]

To you, my love,

Not a day goes by that I don’t miss you. That day at Ghimlyt Dark still haunts me while I sleep. Your side of the bed feels empty without your warmth, and I find myself missing you more and more with every day.

Do you remember that day, the day we got married? Beneath the stars on the only clear night in Ishgard. I remember it clearly, the way you held my hand, the way that you looked under the stars. There’s nothing about that day that I would change, only that I want to relive it again now that I am without you.

Raubahn has said he’d prefer me to a hundred soldiers. It’s burned into my memory. Am I nothing more than their weapon? This feeling haunts me, that I am disposable. The savior of Eorzea, the Warrior of Light, nothing more than a tool to be used.

The world while you sleep moves on. News from the frontline comes to my room in Foundation, no news of the scions or their state. Like them, you sleep soundly, unaware.

The calling has grown stronger, strong enough to have met with the one in question. Surrounded by stars I didn’t recognize, I wonder if where you are the stars are different as well. I hope you’re safe, alive and well even where I can’t protect you.

It pains me to not leave this letter for you when you wake, on your bedside table in the event you return while I am gone. It feels impersonal, like you are not even there. I sometimes sit at your bedside hoping you wake. I long to see your smile, to return to something simple. There’s no way that would happen, even if I pray it might. I’ve never quite been one for religion, but for you I’d try and try again.

I hold on to this, in hopes on the First that we can meet again. Ever of stalwart soul, I rewrite stars so that we may be brought together again.

Orion

( noble barding! )

[Esper]

Hello Reader!,

I hope this letter finds you well and in good health. It is likely you have experienced much in your time, as the same can be said for me. Often I wonder what my favored memory is, spent in this realm. Yet I could honestly state, it seems a bit different from others experiences.

Never have I experienced the excitement behind defeating enemies. Nor have I reveled over such as triumphs. What has always been my favored times upon this realm, is the journey towards it. The people I have met, the smiles they have brought. The tears they have forced me to shed.

However, more important, is the courage and happiness there company has brought me and the journey we have tread together. I have traveled through many realms and made many different friends along the way. Some have had to leave us for another life calls, and yet saying goodbye will never be easy. To them and to you I would like to leave this letter.

Enjoy the journey and cherish those whom wish to be around you. For a day will come when we all move forward. It is not a sad time, no, more or a time to remember and keep those memories for as long as your mind might be capable.

Yours always,

The Wandering Adventurer, and friends.


(Ahriman Choker)

[Alyris]

“I can see it!” I exclaim breathlessly, “I can see the top!”

With the better part of an afternoon all but spent on the La Noscea Bloodshore, what little remained of my sanity waned with every apprehensive step taken on this tower stretched seemingly endlessly into the clouds above. Having exhausted all the platforming techniques I knew— from popping sprint to jumping backwards— I stubbornly blundered my way onto each new plank. Determined was I to reach the top, I knew to pay absolutely no mind to my character’s cries of agony in breaking what was likely every bone in her body from falling for the two hundredth time. Nevertheless, with every fall to the bottom, I became faster, my jumps grew cleaner, and my aim grew keener.

And now, I find myself within reach of my goal.

“Come on, I can do this. This is going to be the one!” I grit my teeth hard, damp fingers jittering on the keyboard with anxiety.

“...You know you can just teleport to me with the Eternity Ring.” My husband, who has been waiting patiently atop the tower for hours now, remarks in amusement. “All this effort just for the sake of watching fireworks with me...”

“Shush, you’re ruining my concentration!” I hiss back willfully. He turns away chuckling as I reposition my camera in preparation for the next jump.

Then with one firm press of the spacebar, I push off onto the next plank. Followed by the next one… and the one thereafter. My hold on the W key ever calculating, my mind fixed solely on victory. My heartbeat accelerating rapidly as I closed in on the finish line, voices are cheering in my head as my eyes lock onto the final plank.

There it is, the final plank…! This will be my last jump!

I pause to take a deep breath, reflecting on the countless trials and struggles I have had to endure to arrive at this point. The end had seemed so far away, so impossibly out of my reach… And yet, here I am. Thus, I sharpen my focus, positioning my character dreadfully fastidiously before taking a final, hopeful leap——





[If chosen, I would like the Scarf of Wondrous Wit, please and thank you!]

[Zaikyu]

The war in Ala Mhigo had been grueling and brutal from the start. I was still new to these lands, but I had risen through the ranks quickly and proven myself in battle after battle. My shield was battered and beaten, the beads of sweat across my brow were dark with the grime of this conflict, and my blade glistened crimson with the blood of the garlean soldiers who had stood in my path. There was nothing that would stop me from getting to him now. He who had done so much damage. He who had hurt so many. He who would be stopped this day. “Zenos!” I shouted at the top of my lungs, my voice echoing across the Ghimlyt. I wanted him to know I was coming.

I remember facing him for the first time in Rhalgr’s Reach. I swore then he wasn’t human. Little did I know then how true that would come to be. He was like no enemy I had faced before. He seemed impossible to hurt and the strength in his sword swings was like getting struck by one of the many primals I had faced, maybe even more so. I remember the rage I felt when he struck down Y’shtola. I was to hurt to be able to do anything about it, which only stoked the fire burning within me. I would have vengeance.

The ringing of metal against metal brings me back into the moment as another garlean bullet ricochets off my shield. “On your left!” The dragoon calls out as two more garleans join the fray. They bring their swords to bear against my shield as I dig into the dark soil to hold them at bay. I can feel the sudden rush of heat against my face as a fiery explosion from behind them immolates them both. I glance over my shoulder as the black mage gives me a nod from beneath the brim of his hood. Just then a suit of magitek armor bursts forth from debris in front of us and takes aim. I leap in front of our white mage and bring my shield up, digging my heels into the dirt as the magitek beam blasts forth. It takes everything I have to hold on as the beam forces me back, my heels digging small trenches in the blood-soaked earth. The little lalafell that had been tending to our wounds huddled behind me as I bared the brunt of the attack. Unfortunately for the pilot of the magitek armor, he didn’t see the dragoon leaping through the air from behind him and bringing his spear down into the back of his neck. As the beam abated, I took a moment to catch my breath as my small friend healed me up. The migo’te who had been showering our enemies with the elements gazed out at the battlefield ahead. “Zenos has spared no expense on this battle.” My fellow Au Ra, the man with the spear laughed a little at her observation. “Me thinks he may be a coward deep down. He hides behind an army when he used to fight his own battles.” I finally stand and give them both a terse nod. “He may yet realize that his time has come. Let’s not disappoint him.”

Shortly after this I finally faced Zenos, but that is a story for another time.

(That and I ran out of words!)
(If I win I would like the Scarf of Wondrous Wit)

[KenjiChan]

The World of Darkness. It was back during the ARR days, where everyone was still getting their feet wet, seeing what the game had to offer. I had run this world countless times, and so had many others. The voidsent and abominations, though formidable, often proved no match for our swarming might.

But this time, it was different.

Hefting a shield and joining the raid, I swiftly realized that this run had been populated by new meat. Those who didn't know the terror of these creatures of darkness. We wiped the on Angra Mainyu. Someone needed to take charge, if only so we can get this done.

So I explained mechanics, and with other veterans guided the players like a well-oiled machine. It was all successful... until Cloud of Darkness. We were doing fine, but the clouds started rolling in, and I watched with trepidation, then shock, then horror - they were getting through. It looked like they were getting through. It seemed we would fail...

'Wall of NOPE!'

I slammed the Limit Break button, and the rock solid walls came down, shielding us from the inevitable particle beam catastrophe. We defeated the abomination, and I was praised by everyone... and by everyone, I meant five commendations from my party of eight.

Still feels bad.

[Fal_Kearst]

The day I received my Chocobo companion was the most memorable day I can recall. Working to get Lunaire her tank barding which was unheard of back then since we could only choose one path and healer was the one most people started with. I always imagined Lunaire looking at me and thinking "Kweh. Do we really have to go training again?" Yes. Yes we did. Hours upon hours of blowing up Natalaan hordes with holy just to get that precious thing to level 10. To my excitement and her chagrin the level cap was raised to 20. Back out to training we went. Good times great times.

Noble Barding

[NyxAshkala]

Ul'dah was unlike any place I'd ever been before... not quite as cheerful and quiant as the manicured lanes of Gridania, but the cobblestone streets had an excitement all their own. The energy that swirled around me made my focus falter and my eyes failed to take in one thing at a time. The dancers giggled and sashayed as the crowd nearby tossed gil their way, almost enticing my attentions with their magical performance.

That's when I noticed you standing there, back against the sandstone walls near the Quicksand. You'd been watching me for some time, my indecision and outlandish garb not being lost on you. That's when you made the first move... you spoke to me with candied lips about a promise of adventure. Perhaps I was a bit too stubborn with you, but the thrill of the chase was rewarding enough, I suppose.

It's funny how life works... I never expected I'd find someone whom I'd so closely ally myself. We've fought off countless enemies and braved the storm together, so I cannot imagine the malms we shall walk together, nor the lands we'll visit with both fear and wonder in our hearts. I will gladly take those steps with you, every ilm of the way.

There's no telling how many years we've ahead together, but the ones we've spent so far have been the most important of my life. We've nothing but this strange land and even stranger tale to thank for starting our own chapters, but thank them I shall.

To many more years together, my love.

A Woman Who Love Hath Conquered



_______________________________________________________________

G'iselle Bellerose - Balmung
Prize of Choice: Noble Barding
Art by https://twitter.com/Neri0r

[Lidia_Mist]

My most fond memory of Eorzea is not of slaying a vicious primal, navigating some intricate dungeon or triumphing in a grandiose quest. Instead, it was a simple stroll down a housing district.

On a unremarkable and routine trip to Limsa, I decided to make conversation with a random Viera because I thought she had a cute outfit and wanted to know how I might achieve the same. We soon became fast friends, with her going so far as to join my Free Company and even take part in the Ceremony of Eternal Bonding with me. But none of that was my best memory.

It was taking a slow sunlit stroll down the streets of our housing district together, while she led me by the figurative hand to explore all the strange and unique homes people had careful crafted for themselves. One across the street from us was unexpectedly eerie, with spooky snake-women arranged in a threatening display, eating a hunk of meat roasting over an open fire. Another mansion turned out to be a surprise shopping mall, with carefully arranged rooms set up as boutiques. Yet another was a casino of sorts, with people performing on a grand stage and pouring each other drinks. We took our time to carefully investigate each nook and cranny, and ended up meeting new friends along the way.

The magic of this game is that her and I just happened to be in the right place at the right time to meet each other and in turn got to experience this fun moment together. It might not be as epic a tale as many others posted here, but it was special to us, and I’m glad this game allows special moments to be had with one another across the world.

(If selected I would like the Noble Barding please, thank you for this contest!)

[chronocraft]

If you are reading this, lt means that I'm DEAD...nah, I jest. But now that I've got your attention I'd love it if you read me out.

What's your fondest memory, adventurer? Was it the first time you set foot in a dungeon with a party? Was it when you realised you had a whole company of friends? Or was it the time you fell in love with someone special? It's hard, isn't it? I will tell you mine while you think yours.

I was on an expedition to a mystery land called Eureka. One of the craziest places I've ever been to. Monsters that could kill you in one hit, treacherous paths full of deadly traps, hordes of people running from one place to another, shouting their personal business no one wanted know… it was madness but, in a twisted way, (though I'm sure not everyone will agree) also fun.

In the midst of chaos, between dozens of people, I noticed this person. A beautiful miqo'te with silky long blue-ish hair with piercing green eyes. It took me by surprise but as I was admiring her, she was doing the same with me. In that moment, we smiled at each other and the world stopped. There was nothing else going on in my head. It was me, her and that wonderful smile. To even further the "out of space and time" situation, we said hi at the same time. To say that I was completely overwhelmed with sweet feelings is a bit of an understatement.

We fell in love with each other immediately. It took 3 days to confess our feelings and even less days to move in together. We connected in a level that I really can't explain. It was right off a fairy tale. Everything was perfect.

You may be thinking now how lovely this is...or the alternative "ugh, this a bit too sweet for my taste" eh? Haha, yeah, I don't blame you...it was. It really was like that. But truth is: things didn't go well. Maybe in another time I will write another message in another bottle about it, but for now let's just say we weren't meant for each other at that right moment of our lives.

What a depressing turn of events, right? I can't deny it. Again I say: It really was that way. But you know what? The moment when I met her, it still is and will always be one of my fondest memories. Nothing could change it. Not even the worst stuff you can imagine. I'm so happy and grateful for what I could live with her and that's enough.

So, my friend. Even though your fondest memories are long gone in the past, even if things didn't turn out alright, even if they ended up bringing sadness or despair to your life, that doesn't make them less valuable. What I'm trying to say is: cheer up. Happy can turn sad, yes, but no one can't take that happy moment from you. And if you were once happy, you can be it again. I mean, isn't that the point of fond memories? To remind us that life doesn't always suck? Heh. Anyways, I'm starting to ramble now. Thank you, for taking the time to read this...but you should move on, adventurer. Go make your own stories.

Sincerely,
Someone who needed to write this.