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

[Cayotic]

Dearest Friend,

I can still recall the day we met a few years ago in near perfect detail. We were strangers. We had no mutual acquaintances. Yet, when we encountered one another I immediately felt drawn to a kindred spirit. We struck up a conversation, but not a single word was spoken. We use gesture after gesture to express our thoughts. At some points our actions were comical, others they were serious; but most importantly they were genuine and heartfelt. Though time has passed since our initial meeting, and we have since had many more conversations (some actually using spoken words) I still cherish the memory of our first meeting so fondly. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done to make me feel understood and accepted; though I am certain you would argue you had not done anything special.

Your Loving Lalafell Friend


*Desired Prize: Gaelicap*

[Kiwi-chan]

Valeria staggered into the Quicksand and dropped into a seat at the bar. Her armor was dented, and she could smell the monster slime sticking to her breastplate. Momodi set a cup of ale in front of her before bustling off to help some other patrons.

Valeria took off her helmet and stared into the cup of ale. She had survived an encounter with the primal Ifrit and been recruited by the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. She should be able to handle anything without running back here like a novice. She flinched when she felt someone touch her hand. She looked up into Momodi’s ruby eyes. "You all right?"

Valeria took a shaky breath and began taking off her gauntlets. "Momodi.. I don't think I can do this job. Everyone in the party expects to know exactly where to go in a place I've never been. I’m supposed to rush in and stand strong while some horror pummels or poisons me. I can’t...” She stopped halfway through taking off the second gauntlet, face scrunched up and holding back tears.

“Sometimes, when the road gets hard, it helps to think back to why you started in the first place. Why did you become a gladiator?”

“I.. I don’t really know. When I first came into Ul’dah, I saw them recruiting outside the Coliseum and figured I could do it.”

“And you have done well for yourself. I’ve seen many adventurers try to be a gladiator. Quite a few come back here after an hour with so many cactuar spines they can’t sit down.”

Momodi patted Valeria’s hand. “Don’t doubt your skill, Valeria. You have the talent to defend Eorzea. But maybe it’s time to try a different road. Have you ever considered trainin’ for a different role? Y’say you don’t much like being front and center in combat. How about off to the side in a support role? There are guilds out there who would love to have a skilled adventurer train with them for a spell.”

“I’m allowed to do that?”

“Oh, yes. I’ve seen plenty of folks do it when they find that their first guild wasn’t the best fit. Maybe you have the skill for healing. Many folks the wild rose picks have some skill in that area. Even if you don’t have the talent, the conjurer’s guild in Gridania is a good place to go to take a break from the rough adventurin’ life.”

“Conjuring.” Valeria echoed, turning it over in her mind as she finished taking off her gauntlets. Healing others instead of waiting to be healed while she felt her life drain away. Taking a step back from the battle to see the battlefield. Valeria felt a spark of hope. She wasn’t a total failure. Maybe there was a better road. “Yeah, maybe I’ll give that a try. Thank you, Momodi.”

Momodi smiled, opening her arms wide. “That’s what I’m here for.”

[bluebird earring]

[ArdentEmbers]

“Where’s the Mailbox?”

It was another hot, dry day day in the cobbled streets of Ul'dah. The blazing sun casting a red-warmed hue onto citizens and visitors both, reminding them who the true master of this city was. General chatter could be heard from all directions; the exchange of coin, boisterous laughter, and the rhythmic beat of drums aiding the provocative steps of some street performers. In all, just another day in the Jewel of the Desert.

Be that as it may, however, it also provided a most difficult terrain to traverse for one newly come to the city, still dressed in the traditional garb of Roegadyn Adventurers, and having no clue as to the workings of such a large city. I wandered around for hours, taking in the sites, but keeping to my nervous self for fear of accidentally offending some devious lalafell. The adventurer's guild could only help me so much.

Don't get me wrong, Momodi was very helpful and succinct in telling me how I might gain employment, directing me even to a man who could help me better myself as a hand-to-hand fighter. A pugilist. She even directed me to the markets where I promptly bought some better gear then the basic drab I had come with.

But.

I needed to find a mailbox.

It was extremely important to me that I find one, or at least someone who could deliver mail, as I needed to tell you that I have arrived safely. I did by the way, arrive safely I mean.

Eventually I got over my initial anxiety in the city, and approached a fairly professional Dragon city at the Adventurer’s Guild bar called the Quicksand. His name was Playne Montae, and not only did he finally direct me towards a mailbox (A moogle actually, that is how they deliver mail here. Funny little creature), but he offered me a job and a place to stay in his Free Company as they call it here.

So be rest assured, my dearest little sister, my life of adventuring has begun smoothly. I look forward to when you can join me.

Sincerely,
Achteyri.

P.S. The moogle threatened to drop my letter in the ocean if I did not give him a Kupo Nut as payment. I tried to find something similar but if it fails then to whoever finds my letter please try to get it to my sister?

(If selected I would like to receive a Gaelicap please!)