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

To my darling Hildibrand,

The season of love is upon us once again, my one true Manderville man, and I'm reminded of how we met. Oh, how I was certain that I was to meet my end at the hands and jaws of those terrible zombies! But then I heard it for the first time! Your voice, calling out to me...

Most women would be repelled by the five years' worth of neck dirt built up upon those broad shoulders and the grave stench that you reeked of but not I! I, your randy Roegadyn admirer, was intrigued. Who was this mysterious stranger come to save me and my new friend?

It was you, Hildibrand. And that was only the beginning of my longing for you! It has only grown through all our adventures together from the hot, sultry sands of Ul'dah to the endless skies of Dravania. I hope to see you soon in Kugane, where we will be reunited...

Nashu and I continue to search for you every day. I spend my every waking moment dreaming of when I will see you again and I can hold you in my muscular arms (I'm very chiseled!) while the scent of cherry blossoms surrounds us.

I pray to Menphina you feel the same way about me and you're thinking of me, too. I'll keep you in my thoughts, as always, until we meet again.

With love,
Annmarie

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Written by: Annmarie Daring
World: Excalibur
Prize: Noble Barding

To my dear Ysalye,

When my friends and I were flying to Azys La to face Thordan, I had so many things I wanted to tell you. That the snow reminded me of your hair. The very stars made me think of your eyes. That whenever I faced death you were the one I thought of. At some point, I had fallen in love with you. Did you know? I think you did, or at least that’s what I tell myself.

When we came back, I had an idea. Your dream was to see Ishgard and Dravania at peace with each other, that the Dragonsong war would finally end. When it was all over and peace finally reigned, I was going to ask you if you wanted to go on another little journey. You and I would go some place warmer. We would have a vacation away from all of this. Something in the world would eventually call us back, but for a little while we could tell it to wait. You deserved at least that much.

Hraesvelgr said that you were not a reincarnated Shiva, but so what. You were the strongest woman I ever met. Look at what your actions have accomplished. Nidhogg is gone, the truth revealed and accepted, and the Ishgardians and the dragons are at peace. Things are better and you were one who opened that path.

I miss you.

Love, Jing

Jing Royale
Exodus
Scarf of Wondrous Wit

To my good friend Naago

I hope this letter finds you well. This took me a while to bring myself to take up the courage to write this letter. When we first met I thought not more of you than just a simple messenger for the Scions. But as we fought together on the battlefield you caught my interest with your fervor and passion as you did all you could to help free Ala Mhigo and it's people. As I took my detour into Doma to help free it's people my mind kept wandering back to you hoping you were well and safe. When I returned to Eorzea and Ala Mhigo I quickly went searching for any sign of your safety and full glad I was to see you unharmed in my absence.

After we had finally freed your homeland I was absolutely enchanted by your kindness to others and how much you wanted to help even though your job as a soldier was mostly over. Every week when I hand over supplies to help the resistance and it's allies and families you tell me that I have a heart of gold but you seem to scarce give yourself any credit. You are such an amazing person that would be a blessing to spend a lifetime with. And I was hoping that I could spend mine with you.

With love and materials

Naku Nyame


Naku Nyame of Balmung
Scarf of Wondrous Wit please

Alphinaud,

I think “Valentione’s Day” a bit silly, but at the same time, it’s an opportunity to convey my feelings to the people I care about; one I will gladly take.

I couldn’t really stand you at first. You were incredibly conceited and overbearing. At times, I almost felt like your tool, but I put up with it because I knew we were always trying to do the right thing.

I’m not sure when my feelings towards you changed.

You’ve not afraid to open up to me about your hopes and fears, but you’ve never asked for my pity or praise. When the Crystal Braves turned on the Scions, you took complete responsibility for what happened, even though I was the one who thought Laurentius was deserving of a second chance…

You were quaking in your boots at the mere sight of Garuda, but you still mustered the courage to pry Nidhogg’s eyes off Estinien. I also know you asked Arenvald to help you practice swimming because you were afraid you might hold us back... You’re always trying to better yourself; I admire that about you.

“’Twas you who convinced me the salvation of Eorzea was possible.”
Do you remember saying that? Sometimes, I like to think you bolstered your resolve because of me. I guess that’s kind of arrogant...
You’re important to me, you know? The friendship we’ve built brings me more pride than all my victories combined. I know you still feel guilty about the Braves, and are hesitant to step up as leader again. That’s entirely your choice. But no matter what ends up happening…

I wanted you to know that I’ll follow you anywhere.
One day, I hope you can have as much faith in yourself as I do in you.

Forever your ally,
Creme Brulee

https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...cf55d73adb.jpg

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Written by: Creme Brulee
World: Midgardsormr
Prize: Bluebird Earring

Name: Cyneburg Hayle
World: Mateus
Wanted Item: Noble Barding

My Dearest Admiral,

When I walk upon the decks of Limsa Lominsa I feel a sense of pride. La Noscea, my homeland since I was a wee lass, has been under your rule for as long as I can remember. And yet I find when I look up at those Maelstrom banners, they are not the only things that burn red and passionate. My cheeks flush and my heart beats faster when I think about how you’ve led our nation with such strength and commitment! But these beautiful traits are only belied by one more beauty – your own.

How my heart prays for the Navigator to bring us together one day, to weave our fates and to have me perform a task under your orders, for gladly would I slay one thousand pirates just to hear your powerful commanding voice praising me for my hard work. Aye, to see that I could cause even a smile upon your face would melt me like overheated pudding! Just the thought of you has me setting sail into the sea of dreams, playful thoughts of the two of us together on our own little island, away from the cutthroats and Kobolds, no sea devils to bother us. Just you, I, and the finest ale the Drowning Wench has to offer!

Admiral Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn – gods how just the name drives me wild! – I, Cyneburg ‘Hailstorm’ Hayle, possibly unsound of mind due to alcoholic imbibement, do declare that I would serve under your rule happily and gladly. I swear that if you were to take this lowly Highlander as a first mate, or perhaps even second mate, that she will be loyal to you till sea swallows all!

With love,
Cyneburg Hayle

To Estinien Wyrmblood,
My Dearest Dragoon,

Your lance has pierced my heart! Though I am a humble chirurgeon, I hope to fight by your side for times to come. This poem comes from the heart, and I pray my words reach your heart.

My Dragoon,
Be my steel, my sword and shield,
Once you hid your face behind a mask, you now show your steely gaze for all to bask,
Your hair is white and delicate like Coerthan snow, the sight burning my cheeks aglow,
Crimson horns cracked in twain, stained red with the blood of your life’s bane,
A soul searching for peace, who once cried for release,
Now you find yourself wandering free, roaming the sky, stone, and sea,
Stay by my side for eternity!

My heart is forever yours,
Your Beloved Brunhilda

—
Name : Brunhilda Liebe
World : Excalibur
Prize : Noble Barding

Dear Flexing Roegadyn Outside My House,

Would that I had endless time, to marvel at your grace
And would that I were moonlight, to cast upon your face
Would that I could waken, at dawn of wicked day
To find you here beside me, and in my warm embrace.

Am I a man with quiv’ring bow, who shoots his arrow far?
Am I the fool with restless heart, who aims for shining star?
I tell myself I must be brave, and show you how I feel
But cowardice has left me here, across from where you are.

I may not have your name, and know you only by your soul
On me your endless show of muscle, has taken up its toll
And though we’ve never met, my dear, I know that it is true
Our love will be without reproach; a diamond born from coal!

Yours eternally,
Sanja Sinai

https://i.imgur.com/B1kM71J.png

Character: Sanja Sinai
World: Mateus
Prize: Bluebird earring!

Dear Haurchefant,

I'll never forget the first time we met, beneath the boughs of the Twelveswood, when you asked me to be your steed. Oh, I'm sure you say that to all the adventurers, but young, naive thing I was, I was shocked! Flabbergasted! Speechless! You disappeared, laughing, and I swore in my fury and shame that I would find you and shove those indelicate words of yours where Azeyma's light doesn't reach.

I don't know why I didn't just punch you when next we met, the Twelve know you deserved it. I'd like to believe I'm above being taken in by charming smiles and dubious lines of flattery, but I never expected to meet with your exuberance and sheer audacity. If it weren't for firsthand experience, I'd think you were all talk, but. Well. I'll let you have this one.

Still, don't think for a moment you're off the hook. Next time, at least learn how to properly romance an adventurer, will you?

Observe:

Haurchefant Greystone, will you join me at Providence Point for a night to remember? With the stars over our heads and the finest sight in all creation spread beneath our feet, we'll raise a glass to those we've lost and those we can yet save, and we'll smile all the smiles for those who no longer can.

That is how you do it. I await your answer.

Yours,
Moonshade

P. S. I have something in my possession you'll be wanting back. It may be a little worn, but a shield with a hole is as good as a heart with a hole, no?

~*~*~

Name: Moonshade Butterfly
World: Balmung
Prize: Bluebird Earring

On this most auspicious holiday, I am reminded of, ironically, an auspice. For just as those mythical creatures are divided into the raging aramitama and the soothing nigimitama, and the red magic we wield divided into the destructive black and restorative white, so too dwells a duality in love. For every moment of fiery passion, an occasion of gentle affection must balance the scales. And throughout our adventures with Master X’rhun, I feel like we also have struck such a harmony through our teamwork.

Yet now I feel an undeniable urge for something more. If I were to attempt to describe it, it would be as if a magnificent brazier has been set my mind ablaze, scorching my reason and my judgement to ashes, not unlike how Eikons temper their subjects or how Lilith sought to control you. But this is neither here nor there, but something much more benevolent and altogether new to me.

Lately, whenever I have time between my ever expanding list of duties and adventures, I feel compelled to come and spend that time with you sharing my stories, be they of trouble or of triumph. And during these chats I often catch myself attempting to embellish my feats in an attempt to impress you, not unlike a certain minstrel I know. In all my time as an adventurer and Warrior of Light, never before have I so desired to have someone’s admiration and approval.

Yet for all the excitement in my life, I realize now that every moment I spend with you is worth infinitely more to me than any grandiose battle or dangerous dungeon delve. So if you would humor me with a single request on this celebratory day of love, would you be my Valentione?

Your bumbling hero,
Shizuo

https://i.imgur.com/cVdcAqs.png

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Shizuo Chaosbringer
World: Brynhildr
Desired Prize: Noble Barding

https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...7f1cca6186.png

Dear Unexpectedly Handsome Independent Mender of Mor Dhona,

Chances are good that if you are reading this letter, I am not far off admiring you. First, I must assure you that there is no need to be alarmed: your pillow, which you blamed Wiscard for stealing, has been delicately returned to your bedside after I borrowed it for an evening. Words cannot describe the pleasant sleep I experienced with the scent of your sweaty brow at my nose. Nevertheless, this letter’s purpose is not to waste your time with extraneous details about your missing (but returned) personal effects. My desire is to inform you that I utterly adore you. Every time I see you, I prepare myself for a cardiac arrest. How often do I dream of us walking together, hand in hand, towards Talan’s booth in search for that perfect needle, which you would wield to rescue my purposely-tattered apparel! And oh, what a commotion we would cause if we were to ride together into the sunset on my small (yet large enough to seat two) chocobo!

But, alas. I fear that my love for you could never come to fruition. Despite my best efforts, it does not seem you would speak to me. I do very much wish to know your name. However, I shall be content with admiring you from afar and by savoring the aroma of your manly essence from your bandana. May you be blessed at every step you take.

Captively Yours,
Rana Najjar
Mateus

((Desired Prize:Bluebird Earring))