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

[Rynamir]

I was new to the game as the game itself was new to everyone else. I had stopped playing for a good while, having been unsure if i wanted to get into another MMO or if that MMO would be final fantasy, so after the beta I had decided that I would see where things went. Heavensward hasn't launched yet so I was simply gathering tomestones and doing what was back then the max level content. I remember sitting in Gridania, walking back and forth, then moving to the Shroud. I was recently in a new Free Company. I interacted with them but didn't really know them yet. Then it happened. The coloring of the sky darkened and i noticed small particles of light raising from the sky. Being my first time seeing it, I thought at first my graphic card had finally bitten the dust. Then i noticed the weather icon was different and hovered over it. Tension? What's that? I asked in my FC chat, and the leader came to where I was.

"Oh yeah, You haven't seen Odin before."

He seemed happy to show me. We ended up running into the central shroud. We ran close to a spot where I could see a bunch of attack animations going off. At first I had no idea what was happening, there were so many people that I couldn't see what they were targeting. Until I finally did. Odin was sitting atop his horse and the fate information FINALLY popped up for me. I asked if we we're going to help and he had his avatar shake his head and said they they were "going to wipe". Me still being new but not new, was confused about how you wipe a Fate. My FC lead laughed and said that there wasn't enough people to finish the Fate and that I would see. We watched on and I was curious about what was happening, they did manage to get Odin down pretty low before the boss stopped actively attacking.

"Here it comes!"

My FC lead said, his avatar sitting beside mine. It was a few moments later I remember seeing a bright flash and had the biggest lagspike of my life! For a few seconds after that I remember just sitting there staring at my computer screen at ALL THE DEAD BODIES!

"REZ PATROL!"

It was a memory I remember fondest because It was my first time ever seeing Odin, and it actually inspired me to try things like getting groups together for content and fates. It also wasn't until after that experience that I went to my FC lead for things like extreme Primals and things that we're outside of the main story. We called them Feats, and to this day, I thank him for showing me that there was more to the game and pretty much rekindling my fire to keep playing.

(Chosen Prize: Bluebird Earring)

[EhreKinrizu]

Dearest,

I still think back on those days often. We must have looked quite the sight, if anyone was watching - a pair of revolutionaries, a matched set of heroes, riding off across the land side by side with our cats running close behind. Surely anyone who saw us would have thought we were off to some new battle, some new cause that called for our aid. After all, a common cause was what had brought us together.

But that day, as we rode through forests and deserts, rivers and snow, mountains and hills, the only ones we were riding for were one another.

I remember you holding onto your hat with one hand, laughing as the wind caught us both and threatened to knock us off our course. I don't think I'd ever seen you giddy before that, and I delighted to realize there was still so much more of you to learn.

After all, everything I had found about you - your determination, your will, your kindness, your compassion - I loved all of. You who could be the blade of the people one moment, sword held in your hand like an extension of your own arm, wreathed in blood-red light but still smiling. You who would sit by my side by the firelight the next moment and talk with me of a better world, your cat happily purring on your lap, your eyes sparkling with hope.

You who I love, and who I love more each day.

We found the stones, one by one, brushing away moss or frost or dust. We sat together on cliff-sides and watched fireflies dance, we marveled at caves where worn grooves in the glittering rock pointed to a thousand others who had come before us. Your hand found mine, again and again, and the metal of your ring brushed my own. When I looked to you, I always saw you smiling.

Oh, there was much to come, still. The endless debates over the clothing I should wear, with our friends helping me (and gently teasing me) as I vacillated between one top or another. The distribution of the invitations, and the delight when I found I had closer friends than I had been aware of, all eager to join me in celebration. And, of course, the ceremony itself - the way the light caught on your hair, the blaze in your eyes, and always, always that smile...

But I think, looking back, what I will always remember will be that journey by your side across the land, and the warmth of our fresh-forged rings on our fingers.

I set this letter aside feeling that perhaps I am being a touch too sentimental and maudlin. I am a scholar, not a poet, and my words are given to dry academic texts, not to capturing the depth of my feelings.

But I love you, I love you, I love you, and perhaps, someday, if this letter crosses your path, you will see just a touch of how much.

I hope I will be by your side then, and our fingers will still be intertwined.

[Chosen prize: Gaelicap. Thank you so much!]

[SpaghettiHairball]

The little one flitted up to the big one.

“Your majesty! Your faithful Feo Ul has answered your call! What would you ask of me, oh mighty Titania!”

The big one had been looking over the lake, but now her great head turned with a rare sad smile.

“My dear Feo Ul, your king would have a request for you.”

Tiny fists jabbed the air. “Say the word and I'll knock him out, your majesty! I'll give him the ol' one-two, he'll never see it coming!”

A chuckle, and a large hand lowered to stay the angry fists. “Nay, you will not fight with us tomorrow. You shall have a task of greater importance.”

“What could be more important than ridding our lands of those foulsome Sin Eaters!”

“Even if I defeat the Lightwarden, I fear that I will nonetheless fall.”

“You? Fall? Never! You are the invincible Titania, King of the Pixies, the thirteenth of her name! The mightiest, the bestest, and the least boring ruler of all the realms!”

The big one turned giddy. “Yes, yes! I am the mightiest, the bestest, and the least boring ruler of all the realms, am I not!” The smile faded. “But I am not invincible. If Titania were invincible, there would not have been twelve before me, yes?”

“I suppose not.”

“Feo Ul, hold your head high! For your king demands that you go forth and find the one who can rid our realm of this cursed light once and for all!”

“But where shall I look?”

“I don't know.”

“What will this one look like!”

“I have no idea!”

“Then how will I know who is the one!”

“This I can answer! You will know, dear Feo Ul, for when you meet the one, the first thing you shall say is 'Ah ha! You've the heart of a pixie!' ”

“The heart of a pixie? But what does that mean?”

“I don't know!”

“You ask the impossible, your majesty!”

“Perhaps! But if there is one who can do this, it is Feo Ul. For you are the bravest, boldest, and most curious of us all!”

“I am, aren't I!”

“Yes, you are! You have scoured the ends of the earth ten times over and counting! I have no doubt that when the one with the heart of a pixie arrives, you will be waiting with open arms!”

“I will find the one, your majesty! I promise!”

“Pinky promise?”

“Pinky promise!”

The little pinky finger pressed against the giant one, and two smiles glowed.

Years later

As a bemused Crystal Exarch looked on, a gleeful Feo Ul fluttered about the confused Viera in the middle of the Crystarium. Feo Ul was not sure why her heart beat so fast, as she had forgotten the old promise. But when a pixie made a pact, she always honored the pact. Even if forgotten.

“How wonderfully exciting! You've the heart of a pixie, you do!”

The Exarch chuckled. “Whatever do you mean, Feo Ul?”

She threw up her arms. “I don't know!” She then pointed at the Viera. “But you! Aye, you! You know what I mean, don't you!”

The Viera shared a look and shrug with the Exarch. She then smiled at the pixie and patted her chest in agreement.

(If chosen, Gaelicap!)

[Excaliburnina]

I discovered a journal left in the room of a tenant. I knew her name and her dark hair, but that was all I could know about someone who paid for a room. To pass the time left on my cleaning shift, I decided to open it and read whatever entry I found myself at. I found a poem, but not an artistic one. This was a recalling of events—a memoir.

A minstrel rumoured, far and wide
To carol ballads (outrageous lies)
His grail and cause—neither for gain
But to tell a tale: The Weapon’s Refrain.

"'Tis only a dream!"
The minstrel exclaimed
"But gird thyselves…
...will thou lift their pain?"

The myth advanced across the realm
A bard's song, a foe to be felled!
Allies assembled, strategies were contrived
A raven-haired girl, a dream to realize.

She collected her friends to challenge the tune
Naive to its nature, they would receive soon
A nightmare of strife, warbled by a man
This psalm was of the damned!

Spirited away, the girl and her friends
The Vortex sought to apprehend
She tore at their spirit with putrid gales
"No longer," knew the girl "is this a mere tale!"

The barrage of the Vortex posed an onerous task
Following her defeat was no light to bask
Next came the Inferno, his hellfire consuming
The girl began to feel her undoing!

Conflagrations from purgatory, ashes to swallow
Soon the Inferno's collapse, too, followed!
The trials imposed had yet to cede
Next came the Crag's stampede!

The field shifted around them with every ultimatum
Who would emerge, who would save them?
The Crag's besiege would soon be ended
Was there faith, any course to be mended?

The next came, emerging from darkness
An Ascian from memory? (or maybe his carcass…)
The only preservation: to break their own limits
But to the might of the Weapon, this was no finis!

Clad in azure, beaming gold
This was not the tale expected to be told!
Ruthless in Its methods, indulging in Its rage
The Weapon had set an ultimate stage!

Predation for Its prey
"The strongest spell", they say.
Suppression for Its blasphemers
But no hearts were ablaze as theirs!

Radiant hope and trembling fear
Intertwined, their true foe was here!
The allies joined closely for their mightiest blow
Strength so terrific, the minstrel would know!

A flash of radiance, new stars in the sky
The Weapon had met the end of Its time
Foes knelt before them, their victory was pure
But was it all really for sure?

The figment faded, dreams came to a halt
The minstrel was before them, absconding from fault
Dream? Reality? Could they tell where they stand?
All that remained was an idol in her hand.

I only heard whispers of heroes in this world; fairy-tales, at best. Someone so quiet doesn’t fit the frame of a hero who slays gods.

She checked out the next day, and I felt something as I gazed into her eyes; something different. She held that journal as she walked away, and I smiled. It really was her.

Chosen item: Gaelicap

[Dunce007]

I will never forget the day I joined my FC. It was years ago, while most brave heroes were tackling the dragon threat in Ishgard, I had just returned from a break after laying low the Ultima Weapon. An old friend rings me up, and asks me to join them on fighting an even stronger version of Leviathan. Having only bested the strongest Garuda, I was worried but willing. I entered with them, a lowly level fifty, surrounded by level sixties. Without knowing what I was doing, I was cast off the barge time and time again, but the fight was still bested.

They asked if I would speak with them, and I accepted. However, when I greeted them, it was not the voice one might expect to come from a female Miqo'te. They were greeted with the deepest most masculine voice they had ever heard, and the laughter that started there lasted through a dozen more attacks on Leviathan. After the festive night, they asked if I needed a free company to join, and without hesitation I join. A group of people who laugh and fight alongside you, sometimes laughing at or fighting you, but who, when life had you down, were always there ready to aid you. To be the shoulder to rest on when you need it, to be the anchors when life tries to blow you away, to be the friends that stand side by side no matter how many times you mess up mechanic. That is what an Free Company is to me, and why years on, I remember the moment I joined them.

And so I say, here in the halls of the free company Valhalla, to my fellow champions. Here's to four years of drunken revelry, to challenging the hardest fights, and to enjoying the company of your fellow champions! Skål, To all our past accomplishments and failings. To the day Andrea became known to you as Andre. Andre the deep, Andre the giant, Andre the drunk, Andre the healer. Skål to all the accomplishments and failings to come. To savage raids bested, to new people met, to friendships formed, and to all the endless adventures to come. For in Valhalla, the brave may live forever!



Scarf of Wondrous Wit

[KhaDz]

Just a warrior lost in the sea of battles. Alone here I stand or so I told myself until I met you. I thought perhaps this burden lay only upon me and then your smile met my gaze, a hand reached out to help me, guide me.

There I was before you, light peeking into the Solar as you stood there tall and proud juxtaposed by your small frame. In your eyes gleamed a hope for the future as you looked at me. I could sense the billowing pride when you spoke to me before those awaiting officers.

That day I became a hero because you believed in me.

And I will never forget that day, nor will I ever forget you. Your deeds, your determination, and sheer will to do what's best for the greater good will always live within me. You will always be my beacon of light, my hope to move forward towards a better future.

In Living Memory,

A Fellow Scion

(If selected, I choose the Bluebird Earring.)

[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!)

[Sice_Al-rashia]

Small Bottle, Letter I: Whilst mining for ore within The High Bank, I heard a call after a clank. "How does one get to the aether current up there?" I heard someone shout. Sensing your plight of the aether in sight I said with care knowing the journey would be ripe with despair. "You must traverse the tombs of the Kings and through The Royal Hunting Grounds you must excurse." "Or... we could take the Regalia."

"I like that idea!" you said in flash.

A notion of thanks was in motion as we rose with the thrusters below us. I nodded and inquired, "if you're up for a ride, we can locate the others?"
"Yes, please!" you proclaimed. And off we traveled through Loch Seld and the Quarter discussing nothing of import while in search of currents athwart.

To the North we did fly as you gazed through the sky at the whole of The Lochs, with us passing by. In search of the last we did yet yearn but only to find it within the Casern.
With the final current found and the chocobo unbound I couldn't help but smile at a trip all the worthwhile.

A seat always open,

The Happy Helmsman

(if selected, I would like to choose the Gaelicap)

[MisoRyn]

“Miso, are you ready for this?” Kit asked.
“Of course,” I replied.
“Good luck. See you tomorrow.” Kit’s pointed ears twitched as she waved goodbye. She sauntered away, her Miqo’te tail swished back and forth.

I felt a tap on my shoulder.
“Hey shortie, let’s go.”
“You know, Jada, I’m average height for my race.”
“Right. Mm hmm.” Jada patted my head.
I scowled. As a Lalafell, I belonged to the shortest known race in all of Hydaelyn. Taller races loved to make fun of us, with our child-like appearance.

A whistle sounded.
“Time to go.” I beckoned Jada to follow me down the hill to the Shirogane docks.
The ferryman was counting gil as Jada and I got into the boat. He pushed away from the dock, and rowed us across the water. We reached Kugane’s docks without incident.
“Drinks?” Jada asked.
“Nope.”
“Pfft.”
“It’s going to be chaos here tomorrow.”
“I see, well, be careful. Don’t get trampled.”
“Are you saying that because I’m a Lalafell?”
“No, Miso, there will be thousands of other people here. I don’t want to see you hurt.”
Jada kneeled down and gave me a hug. I waved goodbye and headed off towards the inn.

Bokairo Inn sat on the northwestern corner of Kugane. I entered the inn, and went to my room. I closed the door behind me. Stretching, I yawned and plopped on the bed. It didn’t take long for me to fall asleep.
My eyes opened, and I panicked. Dawn rose without me. I tucked a pouch full of gil in my pocket before rushing to the docks. I was not prepared for the sheer size of the crowd. It was chaos.
Ferrymen stood at the ready. The crowd pressed forward, and I heard a splash that was from me falling into the water. My arms flailed about.
“Miso!” A voice shouted as I was lifted out of the water into a boat. “Miso, are you okay? Speak to me!” Kit shouted.
“I’m fine.” Looking past Kit, I saw that the boat was moving away from Kugane. I patted my pocket; the coins were still there.
“Kit, what are you doing here?”
“I tried calling your name, but the crowd must’ve been too loud for you to hear. We saw you fall into the water.”

The boat arrived at the Shirogane dock.I hoped that the land I had picked out was still available. I didn’t make it far before I fell. Too much water in my clothes.
“Ow!” I yelled.
“By the Twelve, Miso. Can’t you go anywhere without hurting yourself?”
Kit picked me up, then sprinted up the hill. We reached the top, and she sat me down. The plot I desired was still empty. I touched the wooden sign. A box appeared, and I placed the pouch of coins in it.
“Is something wrong?” Kit asked.
“I paid the price; I don’t know what- “
Kit’s face was shocked. A Hingan mansion appeared.
“Miso, you did it!” Kit exclaimed.
I had a prime real estate. Soon, I could start building a restaurant empire that would rival anything that Rowena could ever concoct.
“This is a new beginning in which I will finally make enough gil to take down Rowena,” I said.


[Noble Barding, please]

[Austell]

How tender is your touch,
how soft your breath,
how light your heartbeat, my love.

While you sleep, I have a tenderness like yours;
while you sleep, my heart is kin of your heart.
It flutters tirelessly while I look at you.

We held hands above the yellow scar of Mor Dhona.
I, too, am scarred;
I, too, must hold my jaggedness aloft
to scrape the sky of its stars,
to score my mark on the ward of the heavens.

You have helped me in this, and so
skewered the sun
on the point of your sword.

Thus do we hold hands,
as above the scar of Ishgard
severing land from land;
as two climbers on a mountain cliff,
as two wanderers fumbling in the dark,
as two women raftless at sea,
as two enemies of fate
mighty
and helpless,
our fingers like knots—
our hearts like butterflies:—
tied together.

We have been all these things,
now.
We have surpassed metaphor—
your longing metaphor,
parched beneath a tireless sun;
my aching metaphor
cracked in half
and in half,
and in half.

We have surpassed it.
We have made our selves real
and carried them as we have pleased,
in our arms, our own possessions, no one else's—
we have taken these selves so far
as to lie here, side by side;
that while you sleep, I might compose poetry
which you will not hear, which I will not speak
on our wedding day.

But you will forgive me
if I do not worry for your sake;
if I am secure
in your hands;
for your hands have weathered storms,
for your hands have weathered suns,—
that clasp mine,
perfect, ardent,
inseparable.

And how fierce is your breath,
how thunderous your heartbeat,
how defiant your presence beside me,
my love.

---

(thanks for reading! if this happens to be chosen, i'd love the Gaelicap.)