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

[Zeta-Uma]

“So, if I remember correctly, the final aethercurrent should be in a broken building near here,” Sarangerel said as he looked out on the frozen pre-dawn horizon of what was once thriving farmland, before the Calamity, “and then I can take you to the Sea of Clouds”.

Niamh was, as a duskwight, used to be the tallest person in the room. But the dark purple xaela towered over her. She leaned against an ice-encrusted hay bale. Standing next to her in his armor, Saran effectively acted as a wind block.

“Thank you for leading me here, Saran,” she said. Her breath came out in white puffs as she spoke.

“It’s not a problem- I love helping,” he sounded so sincere, but she couldn’t help but wonder.

He was the first person she’d ever met in Eorzea, back when she’d first wobbled off the airship, lost and disoriented among the twisting docks of Limsa Lominsa. Everything had been confusing. She’d even wondered if she was even cut out for this, this supposed hero’s work. And then he had been there to adjust his glasses and calmly explain how to get where she needed. And when she first had to dive into dungeons, when she faced off with primals, and when she had her final showdown against the Ultima Weapon, he’d been there to support her.

“Do you ever get tired of helping me?” she asked.

Saran adjusted the sword on his back. “What brings that question on?”

“Ever since we met, you’ve been helping. Not just me- everyone you come across. Does it ever get tiring?”

Saran closed his eyes.

“There’s a part of me that’s sick of it. Often times I’ll break my back for someone without a thanks, and then turn around and have to do it again. So many people need help all the time, and they rarely acknowledge those who give it.”

There were shadows under his eyes she’d never noticed. A lump formed in her throat.

“Plus, sometimes when I’m running around doing things for others, I can’t do the things I want to do, or the same people refuse to help me. Yeah, it gets exhausting. But-” Saran paused for a moment as he jumped up onto the icy straw- “there’s good in it too. Back when I was doing the things you were doing-”

“Finding aethercurrents and playing whack-a-mole with Primals,” Niamh offered.

“Yes, exactly. Back then, I was really rushing through it. It’s a blur I barely remember anymore. Helping you means I get to see it all with fresh eyes.”

Niamh nodded. “I think I understand”.

“There is one other benefit to helping people,” Saran added, “I get to see them happy”.

“I want to see you happy, too. So one day I’ll catch up to you. I promise,” she swore. One day I can support you, too. Saran grinned from above.

“Until then, hurry up; I want to get to the Sea of Clouds before sunrise. You can’t imagine how beautiful it is.”

Niamh got up and, together, the two friends ran off to meet the sun.

To my best friend who’s helped me through this game, thank you.

(Noble Barding)