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

[SirLordKingEsq]

I am a rather simple person at heart. All it takes for a game to capture my interest is a funny moment and a few friendly faces. Luckily for me, I just so happen to have known someone who was a part of this game for a while and was in a Free Company, so when I finally decided to actually play the game (instead of using it just to make portraits for my Dungeons and Dragons characters), I was able to jump right into a group of relatively friendly and welcoming people. However, that is only one of the pieces of the enjoyment puzzle.

The other piece is what really got me hooked.

There I was, as my blue-haired Thaumaturge, with a dorky name and dorkier face. I had just met up with my friend for the first time on the outskirts of Ul'dah, when he suggested that I took a look at the Free Company's house. He flew off on his fatter cat (whom he has named Chubbs, for obvious reasons), and I did some more questing. Then, right before I logged off for the night, I decided that maybe I should visit the FC house. This decision, had it come a little late, or a little earlier, would not have affected me the way it did. It was the perfect timing for my love of the game to form.

I was just waiting for the game to load when I heard a beautiful sound grace my ears. It was a familiar sound, but entirely unexpected, especially in the form of a harp. This song, this wonderful song, played at the perfect moment, was none other than Megalovania, being played by a Bard out in front of the house. What would've been nothing more than a silly joke turned out to be all it took for me to appreciate the freedom of this game, and for this game to hook me. After all, if someone could play the most iconic song known to memekind on a harp... what else was possible?

As such, out of all the silly moments, and out of all the fun conversations, this one meant the most to me. A perfectly timed song turned what I figured was going to be a brief interest into a passion for this game.

So thank you, random harp lady. You have done me a great service.

(If I am picked, I'd like to choose the Gaelicap. Thanks for reading my lil' story!)

[SunDriedRainbow]

I normally solve my problems with scouring fire. So far, it’s a winning strategy. But when I first saw you, the captain of your guard was right there, and she’d done nothing wrong. You wanted to go someplace more private, which suited me fine.

Hearing your voice for the first time was a surprise, I’ll admit. When your words aren’t stabbing me in the brain, you’re rather nice to listen to. But everything you said, every excuse about “the salvation of two worlds” stoked my anger more. How could I stand there in the middle of the road just listening when you were the one who…

Yes, your city is impressive. Parading me in front of all these innocents is very clever. This isn’t the first time I’ve been manipulated, you know. You’re not the first to dangle the lives of thousands in front of me.

In your ridiculous Ocular, I nearly did it. Aether pours off the walls in the Tower. Just a thought, and I could have wrapped you in flames that never went out, until you suffered as I had. Until someone who loved you would have to look down at your body, lying still on a bed, and know that some power had stolen you away, with nothing to be done.

I don’t like being told there’s nothing to be done, Exarch. It’s never true. That’s the only thing that saved you that day. I had a path to save my friends, and by Nymeia’s Wheel I would take it. You weren’t going anywhere. Alisaie probably wants a piece of your skin, too.

*

Gods damn it, not again!

I can’t hear what Urianger is saying over the Light. I can feel it, pressing against my skin, my ears, blotting out everything.

Then, like coming up for air, it’s you. All I can see is you, trying to help me stand one more time, letting the Light come for you instead. No, you have to get away! I’ll kill you, can’t you see that, Exarch? Take the Scions, leave me on this mountaintop!

A stupid quirk of the wind finally pulls back that hood, what I’ve been longing to do for weeks. At first, all I see are the pieces - the scars filled in with azure crystal, the scarlet hair bleached to colorlessness at the tips, the pointed ears flicking to and fro, just like my own. And a pair of blood-red eyes, staring at me with more intensity, more desire, than I ever dared hope I might see.

Blood red eyes? A Seeker, pale-skinned to my Keeper’s dark? The barely-visible mark of an Archon, under the crystalline scars?

Your name bursts out of my throat, a desperate cry. You have to leave, before I kill you all, G’raha, no! Yours can’t be the last face I see!

And then a gunshot.

And then you fall.

And he’s there. I can’t even process what he’s saying. If I could make my muscles work, if I could pick up my fallen staff, I could use all this Light, somehow, I know I could. I could save you the way you’ve been asking me to save this world, this world that isn’t yours -

But I’m frozen, powerless, useless. And he takes you away.

And the sky is boiling with Light.

(Scarf of Wondrous Wit)

[Lucian_Azure]

The Bringers of Light

The journey's and expectations of the Warrior of Light really takes a toll on you as time passes. It seems like the world expects everything from you and you carry on because this world needed saved. Yet, who can save the person that needed it the most? The Rising Stones were always there for me but as time continued there was a small rift slowly expanding causing us to drift away. The emptiness continued to grow as well. It wasn't till I realized that the Warrior of Light shouldn't be battle alone and taking all of the responsibilities. I was not alone, I stood with many Warriors of Light coming together to strengthen our bonds, driving out darkness, and making memories. Without all of Warriors of Light coming together darkness would've feel upon my eyes because we're not strong alone but we are strong TOGETHER. Godspeed

[SkeletonCrew]

“Mailmoogle, at your service! Kupo!” A familiar, welcomed chirp, but Eorzea’s most faithful delivery service isn’t always the most reliable. Curious moogles might tear into the more tempting packages, parading it’s parcels like a well-earned trophy; The nosiest could dig through personal mail if they wanted, discarding and disregarding the intended recipient in favour of their own entertainment! One such moogle had that in mind, leaving the tattered remains of an envelope strewn across the lawn of whom it had intended to reach in one piece.

“Kupo!” The irresponsible moogle cleared his throat, and began to read the letter…

Ifri, darling, a woman after my own heart~

May this letter reach you well. The shores of the Far East are beautiful this time of year, though I crave naught more than to return to your side as quickly as I can. Seeing young lovers on these gentle roads turns me into a fool, and made me reminisce of the years we had first met. Do you recall? You seemed lost in Eorzea, an adventurer fresh off a caravan, taking her first steps into the salty, biting air of Limsa Lominsa as a fledgling arcanist. You’d tell me about your adventures, and I’d cling, maybe a bit too eagerly to every word. I watched you grow, I heard your tales, I shared what ailed you, and through the good and the bad, I looked forward each day to seeing you yet again. It reminded me that times… will get better. Even when they seem at their darkest hour. A ‘beacon of hope’ would be a cliché unworthy of how much you’ve come to mean to me, but it’s hard to say you’re not that and more to this old miqo’te. (Or, ‘mongrel’ as you so lovingly deemed me when we first met.) I remember your advice when I need it, and I look to you for inspiration, your guiding words driving me further and further to my own goals so that in their end, I may help you with yours.
Besides, you put up with me. What more could I ever ask for?
I still believe the day we first spoke wasn’t by chance, it was fate, and our Eternity Rings are proof that the Twelve haven’t abandoned us just yet! As each year turns, I’m still reduced to an eager, purring kitten in the time we spend together. And soon - quite soon, I hope! - the home we’ll share in the Lavender Beds will radiate with the afterglow of your companionship.

Safe journeys to the First and back, and may you forever walk in the light of the crystal,
C’rik Tia

...naughty moogles. In the end, the letter had been jammed haphazardly into it’s proper post box!

~♥~

~♥~

◘((Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed it. The memory I hold the closest to me is probably a bit overdone, but through Final Fantasy 14, I bonded with who is now the most important person of my life. ♥ I owe so much more than a simple ‘thank you’ to this game.))

◘((If selected, I would like the Mandragora Choker, please!))

[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)

[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

[scurryfox]

The first crash could be felt for miles. A shockwave of pure energy, wiping over the landscape of the forested Shroud, sending an eerie rustle through the trees. The second and third equally powerful, sending 10-foot-tall waves over the decks of Limsa Lominsa, and kicking up sandstorms in Ul'Dah. They were near instant, alarums and shouted warnings through the three cities echoing to the outer settlements and housing districts with high speed. It was during this time that a particular residence- the Dreamers free company- stopped all motion. Five children, all girls, looked to the sky, where the Lesser Moon, Dalamud, didn't seem as far off as it did just a few minutes ago...

"Girls!" A thin, lithe Miqo'te female shouted, her voice sharp and urgent. "Get inside!" They were obedient, for a welcome change, and filed inside quickly, not bothering to grab the toys they had been playing with.

"Litani." A crackling female voice issued from a linkpearl tucked into the feline's ear, tinged with the barest hint of breathlessness, as if she couldn't believe her eyes. "Something's going down. It's hell on Hydaelyn out here... Make sure the kids are safe."

"Aye. Already done."

"Good. Keep them inside until we get home." The female voice changed to a different channel on the linkpearl, to the open channel for the clan. "Fey, Sully. I... Chi and I are in Ul'Dah right now. There's voidsent everywhere, and Dalamud is on its way down. Reports are saying it's the same in all the city states... Chunks of Dalamud are crashing, some settlements are being leveled... Be fuckin' careful, you hear me? I'm not coming home to hear any of you didn't make it back. Am I clear?" Without waiting for an answer, her voice softened to a tone she didn't take too often. "I love you. Do what you have to. Make it home."

(I would like the Bluebird Earrings if selected.)