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

Ser Aymeric,

The first time we met, I knew I was smitten. The way your voice warmed my soul when I was in somewhat of a dark place, the smiles that melted my heart, the way you carried yourself. When we shared dinner, I felt the connection, that this could grow and be something more. We were interrupted, and would always continue to be. Perhaps fate didn't match us as two hearts beating as one, but how I long for it. Ishgard became a home, regardless of the cold and bitter chills. The people were no warmer to a Miqo'te, but home it became if only to stay near you. When we parted as the world saving went on, I feared I might never hear your voice again. I wept bitterly as I rode away, as destiny carried me forward and yours kept you stationary. But it was not our end. In my hour of need, you came, armies ready to fight by my side. My heart leapt once more, and I was filled with determination to finish what I had started. Someday, I hope to finish that dinner, to share more stories of our lives and to continue to weave them as one.

Yours always, Mab Nimue

(Character is Mab Nimue, Maetus, and the prize is that beautiful Noble Barding! Thank you!)

Dear Alphinaud,

You know I'm not the type to write letters. It's embarrassing for me really, to put thoughts to words. But it's easier than speaking is, that's for certain. I hope Alisaie is doing alright too, she seemed rather spunky during our recent outing, glad to see her in good health.

But I wanted to write this for you today on Valeontine's Day. You came from Sharlayan and you've been alone in a lot of ways, a stranger in a distant land, like me. Who would've thought a boy your age, would've done so much though. A foreign dignitary who followed his grandfather's footsteps, trying to pave peace in a land so many considered to be filled with 'savages'. You were haughty, arrogant at first. Sometimes downright insufferable. But underneath all this prickly pride, was an earnest desire to do good.

You had this amazing idea for Eorzea, one I didn't share at first. I was just going with the flow. But the more I listened to you, the more I could envision it. And together we got the Alliance to form again. And we made some missteps, sure. (I'm sure no one's let you live down the disastrous Crystal Braves unfortunately.)

But through our trips in those shards of Dalamud, Ishgard, Ala Mhigo, and exotic Kugane? You've shown concern for me, and others. Tempered yourself (bad phrase I know) and sympathized more with plights instead of being overly frustrated you couldn't get your way. Some days you're STILL a know-it-all but...

Thank you for staying by my side as a true companion Alphinaud. Some days are harder than others, but when I look at the Eorzea we've started to build together, I can't help but find a smile on my face. Hope you find a smile today too.

---


Vorean Vilris of Siren, Scarf of Wondrous Wit

Dear Tsuyu, or rather, Yotsuyu -

Though you're confused and lonely right now, and your memories may soon return, I know that either way we won't be able to spend much time together.

But in the midst of all this, I want you to know I'll always be here... With a plate of dango.
....

Ani I'ora @ Lamia , Scarf of Wondrous Wit

https://image.ibb.co/iTQy1H/Blushing_Ultros.png

My beloved Ultros,

Wrap thine tender tentacles around my heart.
But this weak muscle cannot contain my love for you.
Oh, woe! But if I could have eight to love you more!
Like the mighty wind of Typhon my affections would be!

Oh, slyly turn thine ruby gaze my way.
Raise my squalid soul like phoenix down!
Calm the thirsty tempest of my tumultuous longing,
With thine potent octennial caress.

Pray, shroud me in resplendent purple.
Hold me fast against the foul gale.
None shall tear me from thine muculent grasp!
My heart, it screams "FUNGAHHHHH!" for only you.

Ever your fervent admirer and slimy soulmate,
Popochi Pochi

(Popochi Pochi of Midgardsormr - Prize pick: Noble Barding)

https://i.imgur.com/0qqgvJ2.jpg

My dearest innkeep, Antoinaut.


Our encounters are brief, but pleasurable.

Your welcoming smile is the first thing I see in the morning, and the last thing I see after a long day of 'venturing.

As I write this, your voice beckons--nay--grasps the heartstrings, conceiving melodies
that of which puts my orchestrion to shame.

What can we do for you this evening? you ask this weary adventurer who seeks
succor in a cozy room, in his comfy feather bed. We hope you have a pleasant stay you express, after I confirm I wish to retire for the night.

You wasted nary a moment or breath, quickly getting this grateful adventurer to his free inn room the past 4 years, and I must confess--as I have taken free residency in your room, you have taken free residency in my heart.



Most grateful, Kalelius.


---
Written by Kalelius Kaldorei on Leviathan who would LOVE the Noble Barding if selected as a winner.

Dear Zenos yae Galvus,

We are mortal foes, on opposite sides of an escalating war. Any time our eyes meet, our fleeting interactions are destined to end in the clashing of blades. You once told me that you relished these moments; to finally fight what you perceived as a worthy opponent. I cannot quite recall when I began to share the same sentiment. When we met for the last time in the city of Ala Mhigo, we both fought with joy in our hearts. When you extended that final offer to stand at your side, I was truly tempted. However, our circumstances again forced that fateful moment to end in bloodshed. My tears fell that night, powerful as any sorrow I've felt at the loss of a friend.

When I learned that you yet lived, my heart soared. A fire lit in my heart, roaring and bright. The thought of meeting you on the field of battle, with both of us at a new pinnacle of strength, invigorated my weary soul. There is no greater foe in all of Eorzea, nor a better partner to my own blade. I assure you that one day we will meet again, and when that time comes... I shall defeat you once more - with all of my love.

Awaiting that fateful battle,

Your Moth in the Flame

-----

Character: A'lyhhia Tahz
World: Diabolos
Prize: Scarf of Wondrous Wit

https://imgur.com/wVqiZU1

To my best friend,

I’m sorry. I knew I should have said something sooner. I was so stupid to assume after everything was done I could have said what I was feeling. And now, I know these words will never reach you. Still, it's better late than never, I suppose.

When the world turned on me, you opened your arms and your home to me without hesitation. You extended your arm to my family to give them shelter from the storm of betrayal and hate. Even from the moment I first met you, you were always this way. It was so hard to fathom how even I, the hero everyone relies upon, could have a hero of her own to save me. I mean, whenever I was in trouble, you never hesitated.

Even to your last.

In the moment I was losing you, I couldn’t bear to let you go. I would have raged against even the Twelve if it meant I could keep you here, no matter how futile it might have been. Even as you laid there, struggling to breathe, fighting for your words, you asked me something so simple - to smile. And, for you, despite all the anger and the sadness, I did. You meant that much to me. I only hope that maybe, somewhere, deep down, you already knew that you were the most important person to me.

But, even now, I won’t cry. After all, a smile better suits a hero.

============================

Inhaled Corn of Hyperion, Noble Barding

Zenos yae Galvus-

To a man who knows nothing but of strength and the joy of battle, it would appear from the outside that you are unloveable. That there are no redeeming qualities to you that would make a heart swoon or yearn, but I say to them that would tell me it is 'impossible' that it is not so.

As we stood atop the menagerie, your true passion so all consuming, there is a man within you that makes ache in my chest no person could truly feel. Knowing there was a fierceness we shared, a common thread between to test our strengths to their limit... I still remember the day, within the Reach you left me to the ground, how your will to power lit a fire in me that would not extinguish.

To rise to your level, and then overcome it.

I am only one woman, simple, humble, quiet, but you.... You have taken my nature and twisted it onto it's head. You pushed me, you made me into the woman I was, standing tall across from you, stronger, burning with passion and desire to fight. You wanted a battle for the ages, and I gave it unto you.

I can only hope, from Aether stream in which your soul lays rest, you continue to watch me. Because I will only get stronger from here- and a part of me wishes you were still here to witness it, to revel in what true strength looks like, to feel the same fire you once gave me to surpass and feel it down to your very marrow as I had, and know me. Know my soul in ways I knew yours, and feel the passion I was struck by, and never be allowed to forget me.

-Naki Catpachino
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Character: Naki Catpachino
World: Coeurl
Prize: Noble Barding

To one of my dearest friends, Lord Hien,

Or at least that's what I believe us to be, but I shall stop before I go off topic.

I write this letter to use the many words I have in my disposal to share my feelings with you, for as you know my spoken word is quite lacking.

It has been quite some time since we first met and I remember that meeting very well.
I had been aiding Yugiri and Gosetsu in helping the Domans and seeking you, wondering what kind of man was capable of instilling such hope and loyalty in such amazing people.
Then, we came upon you at the Azim Steppe and I remember the sight of your figure, sitting atop that hill with your back turned toward us, seeming quite wistful.

https://78.media.tumblr.com/15457674...14xao1_540.png

You who had lost so much and would continue to lose everything if it would help your people, I feel once upon a time I had been like that as well.
You had been able to move from your past while I was still shackled by mine.
But with every word and action you took, I began to wonder, if you could regain happiness, would I be able to do the same?
You restored to me feelings of hope, as well as finally easing the overwhelming loss I had felt since my time in Ishgard.
The night when I discovered your childhood name, our closeness and laughter filled my heart and truly brightened my world.

What I would have been like without having met you, I can no longer imagine.
I started this journey believing I would do it alone, but that has changed.

Now,
I want to continue on with you and the future you bring.

--- Miminu Minu

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Character Name: Miminu Minu
World: Diabolos
Desired Item if Winner: Bluebird Earring

http://78.media.tumblr.com/cb7faf0d5...glmo6_1280.jpg

To Nero

Admittedly, the first time we met wasn’t under ideal circumstances -- we were on opposite sides, after all, and you were trying to kill me. But when you spoke of your troubles (well, shouted them down the linkshell at Cid), something struck a chord. I wasn’t sure what at the time, and I had other things on my mind.

But when I watched you at the Tower -- when we saved you from the Darkness -- I think I began to understand you. And I’m glad of it; you deserve to be understood.

A brilliant mind like yours doesn’t deserve to feel second-best. All of the things you’ve done, the things you’ve created and restored -- you’re incredible. You deserve to feel so much more than worthless, so much more than trapped beneath Cid’s shadow. And with how happy you seem to be with the Ironworks I feel blessed to be able to see you flourish here.

You’re so much more than what you want people to think you are, and I can see that -- and my feelings for you, they’re for the man I can see beneath all your bluster.

I love you -- and I love you for you, for everything you are, everything you cannot see yourself to be. And I always, always will. Whatever may come, my heart is yours.

Alan Shinui

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Letter written by Alan Shinui of Sargatanas! If selected as winner, my reward of choice is the Scarf of Wondrous Wit.