The "Be My Valentione!" Creative Writing Contest (NA) - OFFICIAL ENTRY THREAD

[Zetaboo]

Alisaie,

I've been thinking about this for awhile now. You know I'm not the best when it comes to this sort of thing, let alone writing it down. But humor me for a bit, alright?

It hasn't been very long since we started traveling together and having you around has been... different. In a good way. Your brother has his merits, but as intelligent as he is sometimes he lacks... perception. (I don't even want to begin thinking about how horrid it would have been trying to get him through the Ruby Sea. Maybe we can give him some lessons when there's time?) Our initial relationship was a tad rough, but having the both of you by my side-- you with me now, has been enlightening.

The Calamity took many things from us -- namely people we loved. I've... also lost many people since then. Friends, family, loved ones... and it never gets any easier. But when the people I care for are with me, I feel like I can change that from happening again. To help them through any battle, any chaos. To lend a hand when the work is hard, and a shoulder when the times get rough. And I know they feel the same, because we all have someone we wish to protect. I know you do, even if I don't know who. Your eyes are always so determined, like a fire that can never be quenched. It reminds me of one of my younger sisters. I think you two would've gotten a long well.

So... you know.

I'm not sure where I was going with this but. Do me a favor? No matter what happens... stay with me.

Because I want to be there for you.

Yours,
Sela


(Sela Rahtree - Diabolos - Mandragora Choker)

[Lamooregalore]

My Beloved Haurchefant,

It's been two years since you've gone, so you can call me the slowest-moving warrior in the world. "Life is not a race, my friend..." you would say. Well, at least I'm keeping that true. I'm writing this letter to come out and say what we both hinted at for a while, and what I'm finally saying now.

As you know, I'm not one for talk. Where one word can suffice, the need for two vanishes, a nod or a meaningful look can portray much. But I need these words to carry on! I need to write everything out, because this is all I can do to reach out to you from...wherever you are.

I love you. I love you more than I realized when I first met you. I never realized that a noble knight from the snowy Coerthas mountains would be the one that I gave my heart to, but here we are, words finally ringing true in the full silver of the mountain air above Ishgard. You gave me life, and now I give you my heart completely.

My soul aches for one last chance to be next to you, to see your smile, to hug you in the tightest embrace and keep you so closely that you will never leave me again. Everything was right with you around, and I...felt right when you were here.

I still come visit you everyday. Maybe one of these days, I'll bring some lilies to give you company when I'm gone. Until then, I look forward to the day when we'll see each other again, and I hope to see you...when all is finished.

But before that day comes, I shall burn ever bright, and carry you in my heart forever. I'm ever yours, my radiant one.




Nova Dragomir, NA Siren, Bluebird Earring

[Laristy]

To my dear friend and Lord Commander Aymeric,

When first we met, I was surprised to see
someone from your sheltered homeland
thought of me as someone so grand,
though I only thought you suspicious, honestly.

Admittedly, your words were quite flattering.
That was exactly what made me so wary.
“Yet another person who wants to take advantage of me,”
I thought, ready for yet another day of suffering.

Over time, we've come to see eye-to-eye
as we've come to work closely together.
We've come so far in the coldest weather,
and through thick and thin, you've become a great ally.

You've always been a person of great caliber
of whom I’ve always longed to be;
though I suppose in your humility,
in comparison, you think yourself an amateur.

So precious are the few moments we have between us,
and with adventure always calling, it hurts to say goodbye.
I've already fallen for you, I think, though Gods know why
...though it's something I would rather not discuss.

I have a bit of hope this letter does not reach you.
I mean, it’s just embarrassing! And you’re always busy now.
…But if this letter reaches you someway, somehow,
it would make me happy to know your feelings, too.

But maybe never knowing would be for the better;
after all, we both have our own roles to play.
So that next we meet and never lead the other astray,
we should stay friends, and you’ll never think of this letter.

Although I yearn for you to be mine,
forever we live in two worlds that now rarely meet.
So for you my heart will continue to beat,
but even this distance between us is just fine.

From your Warrior of Light,
Mari Edakumi

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Written by Mari Edakumi from Adamantoise
Desired prize: Noble Barding

[Ephillet]

Hien,

Perchance it is remiss of me to speak so forward, knowing well your duties that bind you and mine own which takes me from your side far more often than not. Not a day goes by where the winds urge to whisk me back to Doma, that I might be there in your endeavors; that I can see your smiles rebuild the realm you so adore. How I cannot pry my mind from the vision of you atop that hill in the Steppes that day.

As always, you looked so regal. Dignified. Compared to the radiance you exude, I feel as if I am merely the moon which glows through your aid. Yet you as the sun works, does it not? Down to the core, I shall seek the sun. And were I to be honest still, I must confess that many a day I would try dazzling you with my raw strength, that you might look my way but slightly longer as you do upon your homeland. Tis silly, I know. But it is the only way I knew how.

Until this moment, that is.

How oft have you shown me the prowess of words? That it is a courage to speak your heart and that strength comes from more than mere physique. For that, I write this letter to you in hopes you receive it in sound mind. That this newfound strength might at last garner your gaze. And if not, then I will bear it so, knowing well the bond we share is enough for me to be by your side. To fight together alongside you, here and now, is all I would ever ask of you. Know this, if nothing else, to be true.

Forever and Always,
Nhuji

Letter written by M'nhuji Tia from Hyperion. If I happen to get lucky, I would be interested in the Noble Barding!

[lundjames]

Dearest Hilda,

I see no lesser blood in your piercing amaranthine eyes,
no weaker arm along nor feckless heart within you.
Where High Houses whisper your name in dogged bigotry,
I sing it tenderly in hopes your ear be caught.

Together we earned the soot and grime of a thousand bullets,
bathing the snows of Coerthas in steaming crimson.
Would that your unerring gaze fix upon me,
as steely and sure as your aim finds its mark.

Let us run fierce and wild - as Hounds should!
Leave the Brume and the cares of Ishgard behind you!
Come swim, laugh, dance, hunt with me;
where'er we go will be home if I might be with you.

Yours, wishing someday to be held in the warmth of your love,

Rhael Amariyo

___________
of Siren, desiring of bluebird earrings by which to remember my love's merry laugh.

[Jonasan999]

To my dearest, Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn,

Admiral, how I really can express on how I really like you so much? On that fateful day when I once gazed you upon my eyes as our eyes first meet. That moment afterwards that I couldn’t stopped thinking about you as that I have been endlessly thoughts about you. You have beautiful looks as it glows around you. For you being Roegadyn Sea Wolf as like I am, I am proud to be one of us.

On that day when I came to Eorzea, I might be a Gridanian native but however I am just a Roegadyn being; I have travelled to Ul’dah to take training to become a Paladin that I sworn to protect you and the people of Eorzean, then when I once came to Limsa Lominsa, I have pledged myself to serve The Maelstrom so that I could serve under you, my Admiral. As I worked so hard that you hereby declared to promote my ranks as that I am just getting closer and closer to you!

Other day when I was tasked to go to Western La Noscea to escort Yugiri, as when Sapsa came and tried to attack us, you did not hesitate and pulled your guns and showed them no mercy on you, I was so very moved!

So on the day when the peace is once for all, perhaps do you want to go out with me together and grab some meal and drinks and we can talk our days as much as you like to till end of days?

May Till Sea Swallows All!

First Storm Lieutenant, Jonasan Braveheart

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Jonasan Braveheart of Sargatanas, the prize I am keen on is Noble Barding.

[Excaliburnina]

Dearest Lord of the Hive,

To thee, my interests lie solely (and humbly) in creating some form of expression that truly encompasses your endless valor and might. Your unbending steel, both literally and figuratively have caused my bosom to stir beyond what it had ever been stirred afore. The roses you cast upon those who would oppose your strength not only bloomed red on the battlefield, but bloomed in my heart as well. At this length, I hand over to you (hopefully) delivered faithfully by a Gnath emissary the fruit of my efforts and admiration for you, my Lord.

Low on low I bow, gazing up to see
The lord of war accepting me!

Red bloometh his glory, his conviction, his valor!
And red floweth the blood in my veins!
Yes, the most crimson flower bloometh in my chest!
Only passion will accommodate!

And my love, it flows like a torrent!
The affection, it defies reason!
My Lord, ever does he fight
To carve legends into the world!

Yes!

All those fools, they should fall
On their knees before their Lord, my Lord
Pluck my petals of love, throw them to the wolves
Use me as fuel for your conquest!

None before could sate,
None mortal could impress.
But thee, Lord of the Hive, Lord of War itself,
Take all that I have to give!

And my love, it flows like a torrent!
The affection, it defies reason!
My Lord, ever does he fight
To carve legends into the world!

Your soldier, forever

Tokata No'saa

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Scarf of Wondrous Wit would be cool thx, Tokata No'saa on Gilgamesh

[steelthorn]

Esteem Fray,

It feels foolish to be writing you a letter in my journal, but it is the only way I know to reach you. Besides the obvious. I was feeling sentimental, though. It must be the long winter.

Sidurgu is doing well. He seems relieved to be a father of one again. The moogles came all the way from Moghome to bring Rielle St. Valentoine’s tidings-- he was not altogether pleased about that. Their presence certainly livened up the Forgotten Knight for the evening. I was worried someone would call the Temple Knights when the dragonets arrived, but it is true that Ishgard is changing for the better these days.

I am so proud of her, Fray. Rielle grows strong, with our ironclad commitment to justice tempered by her own impossible kindness. I know Sid does not want her to follow the path, but I think that even if that is what she chooses, hers will be different than ours. Simply because of who she is.

To address your last entry to me: I do remember. I remember when I met you, and you had no home or hearth to offer me-- only a rock, a sword, and some old armor that barely kept me warm. You told me such terrible things. I always looked forward to seeing you.

So thank you. Of all of them, I think your forgiveness was the one I needed the most. And it goes without saying that I love you, too.

Yours, as always,

Steel

--

Steel Thorn, Midgardsormr, Ahriman Choker

[Redderton]

To Magnai of the Oronir



I hope this letter finds you in good spirits as what I have written is heartfelt and sincere. In truth I suspect what I write may not be expected of me; as brief our meeting was no doubt you could tell the appearance I must keep as the Warrior of Light.

That being said never before had I encountered someone like you before. Someone that would grasp the deepest parts of my mind and heart and never release. I have traveled places many would never imagine, and seen things that I still struggle to believe to this day; yet right there on the dawn throne you sat cupped in the hands of the beautiful steppe and in that visit my breath was taken away twice over. I had seen many people in my travels yet only you have ever affected me this way.

Though you may think this a joke or a ruse know that I would tear myself away from my own role to be by your side in war, in peace, in grief, in joy, and when you are well or you ail and need my healing arts if you so much as gave the word that you needed me. I know nothing but fragments of your customs and way of life, much less if what I am doing is considerably insulting or frowned upon. Though I may never be that Nhaama you seek if you would let me I would be proud to call you Azim.

Interpret my meaning as you see fit whether what I write is that of a lovestruck fool's confession or a pledge of service. When the world no longer needs me know that I will return to your side.

Ever Thinking of You
Redderton Greene

--------------------------------------------
Written by Redderton Greene on Behemoth
My prize if I win will be the Bluebird Earring

[Rahela]

Haurchefant,

I found your letter. I almost missed it, laying in the snow by Providence Point. Right by the Mark of the Lover. Was that intentional…?

I’ve kept it with me ever since.

But consider this my reply.

First, I should apologize. At one point during our time together, my Echo accidentally caused me to look into your memories… And they weren’t happy ones. They hurt. They felt like something you wouldn’t want to talk about, so I never talked about them. You’ve faced far too many hardships, both from within and without your own home.

I don’t want to presume too much, but… I get the feeling that as much as you loved Ishgard, you weren’t happy there. You were duty-bound to serve Ishgard, and you were proud to do it, but in your heart of hearts, I feel that you wanted to walk free. Was that why you admired adventurers so much? Because they could fly off to some faraway place where they wouldn’t be hated just for being born, just as you always wanted to as a child? Did you want to join my adventure?

Because I admit, I dream of just that. How after the War ended, you’d be free to follow your heart. You could join the Adventurers Guild. Join the Scions. Journey to new lands with me. Stand with me through thick and thin. Be loved for the kind, sweet, wonderful man that you are.

When night fell for me, you were the evening star that guided me back to the dawn. My beloved knight, if that was what you wanted, we would stay together forever. I’d say it over and over again, before even the Twelve, upon their sacred altar.

And you’re still with me, even now.

With all my love,
Rahela
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Rahela Uillces of Balmung. If selected, I’d like a Mandragora Choker, please.