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

To Tiamat of the First Brood,

This is not a love letter, per se, but if Valentione’s is about more than mere romantic love, then none should be more deserving of this letter than you in your permanent exile of sorts.

I haven’t forgotten you. You, trapped and alone in Azys Lla, refusing to break free from your bindings in an act of penance. You, who have lost so much.

I understand. You’re grieving a great loss and trapped by your own guilt. Me too. I lost family, friends, and loved ones when the Garlean Empire chose to raze Doma, crushing it under its heel for having the gall to rebel. As you lost your most beloved, I too lost those that I love to war. I was powerless to stop it. I’ve thought time and again that if I had any way of bringing them back, I’d do it.

What I mean to say is that I understand your choice, even if you keep yourself trapped in Azys Lla – a living monument and a cautionary tale that it doesn’t do well to dwell on the past. All we can do is stand and move forward.

Maybe you might too, one day. Maybe not.

Just know that you haven’t been forgotten. Happy Valentione’s Day.

-Akiudo no Kirisame

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Character Name: Kirisame Akiudo
World: Balmung
Prize Desired: Noble Barding

It seems like eras since the day I first stumbled into your tent-ring. Do you remember it, my dear?

I was so young then, on my first class and not yet level 20, a lamb lost and uncertain. My gear was shinynew and upleveled, but there was always this lingering... not-there I couldn't quite put my touch-finger on.

And then I met you, my special-close teachy-one, and bigeyes!: it all started to fit together, like the interlocking gearteeth and cogwheels in one of your contraptions. They say the eyes are a window to the soul; it was in the reflection of your gobbiemask that I first came to understand the truthsense of those words. When you showed me how fighty-tools drink in airyself to make stonyshine, name of materia, you hand-led me on the first steps toward understanding myself and my place in the world.

Your tongueflaps filled my braincase with knowings and my stomach with flutterbugs as your stonyshines filled my gear, and through it all I came to understand, little by little, the subtle, furtive threads among and between -- the echo and the aether, the lifestream and the soul; all the airythings and oncethings and not-yet-things that bind us together in this crazy world.

And so, on this special day, I return to The Bonfire, to the place it all began -- not as the lost lamb I once was, but as a Grandmaster of Magic, wielder of weapons of legend and slayer of eikons -- to ask you a most important question:

Mutamix Bubblypots, will you be my heart-Elezen specialfriend?

(Also, do you know where I could get a set of Noble Barding?)

C'saka Kahjai of Balmung

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To my dear Kazagg Chah,

I don't know if you have similar customs as my people, but today is a special day in our culture known as Valentione's Day. On this day we share our love an appreciation for the people in our lives, and that is what I wish to share with you today.

The first time I saw you I knew I would be safe with you. You put me at ease with your words, which were somehow both strong and gentle. You helped me grow in my journey within black magic, and though I no longer practice the art, the lessons I learned from you have stuck with me all this time.

I would share my heart with you, if you'd let me. I know people wouldn't approve if we were to be together, but if given the chance, I would give you my heart. I would wait for you to share your feelings in your own time, your own way, and if the Twelve saw fit, I would lay in your strong arms until the sun rose. My heart, my soul, and my body would be laid bare for you.

I am a better mage and a better woman for having you in my life. My heart is yours, waiting.

-Chachapo Chapo

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Chachapo Chapo
World: Faerie
Prize: Scarf of Wondrous Wit

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Baderon,

You saw the Light in me when I was no one. You didn't give up on me when I struggled with my greataxe, or when I spent nearly a whole moon moping around the Wench. You cheered me on when I was just Pepper- not the Warrior of Light. You kept me company while I tried to write the funniest Raise macro, and listened to all of my ale addled stories and fears without interruption. You sat patiently while I fretted about putting down my greataxe and picking up what would become my beloved rapier.

You provided the spirits while I sat and shook, telling you about Bahamut Prime and how it felt to die.

Through all of it, you were patient and kind; a man as strong as stone against the ocean tide. You know so much about me, and yet I cannot even say your nameday with certainty. I want to know so much more about you, and who knows? Maybe the next time I'm visiting the Wench I'll gather the courage to ask you on a real date, to ask you all those little things about yourself that I lie awake pondering.

With a New Sun rising, I'm penning this letter in hopes that my affection will reach you before I'm in the thick of trouble once again. Know that I will always have a story for you, because while I'm out there helping the inhabitants of this star solve their problems, I want nothing more than to be by your side once more.

Until we meet again,
Pepper

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|Pepper Somerset|
|Sargatanas|
|Bluebird Earrings|

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachmen...216_043134.jpg



Dearest Cid,

Please don't tease nor poke fun. I know I’m not one so open to expressing these kinds of feelings but in the spirit of Saint Valentione’s I hope that you will accept this as a token. And yes I did sneak this letter into your shop. It couldn't be helped! As I said this isn’t something easy so forgive me if I sound like a prattling mess. Better in a letter than stuttering and babbling in person making a fool of myself though. I suppose however fools fall in love is the phrase I’ve heard.

You know I’ve often thought of the many beginnings that have been given to me. The day I came to Eorzea, the day I met Y’shtola, when she introduced me to the Scions. Every adventure I've been on since I began this journey, I like to believe that they have all led me to you. When I met you, it felt as though we were kinsmen outsiders lost in a new land unknown to us. Perhaps I am the only one that has this feeling but there is this sensation of a certain connection that draws my curiosity ever closer to you. I know they say curiosity kills the cat, but I simply can no longer suppress it.

Eorzea has become such a wonderful home I dearly love and will continue to protect it no matter what and I hope that you continue to be by my side. To soar alongside you is an experience I shall not soon forget. If…it I would be alright and to your liking I would very much wish to give you some chocolates. I've heard it’s a tradition. And if you will have me I would very much like to be yours.

Yours Stubbornly Shy,
Nyx

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Character’s Name: Nyx Hoshiko
Server: Siren
Choice of Prize: Noble Barding

To Lord Scaeva,

I know that you’re a busy man, so I will keep this brief. As your newfound expedition companion, I’ve felt rather conflicted about your past actions, and how they might affect our performance (my survival) in the future. Simply put, I feel that we should review and repair our relationship before we continue to risk our lives together.

To that end, I wanted to recall a pivotal moment in time, the downfall of your imperial career.

Do not take offense; everyone has a low point in life.

But, do you recall when we first locked eyes? I do. I was afraid, I was confused, but I was fascinated. When I first gazed upon you, I was caught by surprise. A single man stood before the might of eight warriors. With no magitek cannons, why would he not flee? I remember you answered my inquiry with a swift and powerful strike to my temple. I still have scars from that encounter with the wall. But, as I regained my senses, I saw a vision: A vision of a magnificent vermillion warrior, dancing amongst a field of lightning, his weapon's momentum guiding his grace.

Though we destroyed your ancient weapon, you slipped from my sight before I could react. For months after, I had nightmares of your vengeance, fear of the ceruleum-powered terror that got away. Can you imagine how I felt when you suddenly appeared in Mor Dhona? Or Azys Lla? Or in Rhalgr’s Reach? Well….By then I was expecting you.

No, I know your eyes (all three of them) are forever focused on science. But, I hope that this letter has at least expressed how I feel about you. Should you ever want to pursue reconciliation, or maybe even more, you need only send for me.

-Ange'sona Mysidia, Grandmaster of Magic

(Character: Ange'sona Mysidia, World: Gilgamesh, Requested Prize: Ahriman Choker)

For my dearest Arenvald!!
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My Dearest Arenvald,

After our last entanglement with Lakshmi, I was left wondering “What if he hadn’t have made it? What would I do then?” I was left breathless and felt my heart shattering and crumbling all in one beat. I’ve loved once before and lost tragically due to my inability to protect him. The very thought of not doing the same again had almost defeated me right then and there. Seeing you hold your own and even helping me save everyone in the throne room that day…

I’ve not harbored feelings like these for quite some time. You would think being The Warrior of Light gives you extra courage, especially for something like this… that would be further from the truth! Though I’m never sure where my travels take me, know that no matter the place or time… you’re on my mind and in my heart! Try not to be so hard on yourself, I might be a proclaimed Warrior of Light, but you are just as much a champion of Hydaelyn as well. You are the strength I’ve needed for so long to continue on with my journey of saving the realm.

My sweet beautiful Arenvald, I hope one day I can live up to the hero the realm sees me as, especially in your eyes. Always remember you are worth it and no matter where you come from… you are always my hero. To say that being near you and your warmth is a gift in itself isn’t something I wish to have every day would be a lie. It’s hard to say this, especially since I feel I’m just fumbling over myself now… but Arenvald, I love you! I just hope you can love someone like me as well.

Sincerest Regards with love,
Marik Destiel

Character: Marik Destiel
Server: Hyperion
Prize: Scarf of Wondrous Wit

My Sweet Scathach,

I have never been predisposed to romance. As a young man, I found tales of courtly love to be trite and foolish. And yet, when I glimpsed your delicate form in that tome of Voidal lore, my heart stirred for the very first time. I was captivated. I had to know more. Thus began my daily rituals: Every night, I would find a site strong in aetherial energies and away from prying eyes. I would build a shrine, my monument to you. Then I would attempt to call forth your perfection into this world. Each failure was maddening, and it is only now that I understand why.


The nocturnal rendezvous... The whisperings by candlelight... The thirtyfold offerings... The fear of punishment, thick in the air... These things are the hallmarks of forbidden romance, are they not? Such musings led me to at last realize the depths of my feelings for you.


Scathach, Sovereign of Shade... I adore you. You steal my breath as surely as the hangman's noose. I would gladly pay any price to see you in the flesh. My blood? Yours. My soul? Also yours. I know not if these words will reach your eyes, but if, perchance, you ARE watching, I beseech thee: Grant me a boon, a token of your favour, and I shall bear it until the end of days as proof of my undying affections.


My people, the Hellsguard, have long fancied themselves gatekeepers of the underworld. I say let us throw the gates open, that we might bask in tenebrous brilliance... together.


Your humble devotee,


Grinning Abyss
https://img2.finalfantasyxiv.com/acc...a63216b1ed.jpg

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Character: Grinning Abyss
World: Malboro
Requested Prize: Ahriman Choker

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It is impossible to want anyone but you. From the first moment your crystal eyes pierced my being, time stopped. Only you held me. Nero, my favored.
Your wit. Your mind. Your scent, your touch. Your lips. They call to me.
I yearn to feel; no others could be as soft or as sweet. Let me drink your breath, intoxicate me with your taste. I have bore witness to your passionate spirit, and I inveiglingly implore: Submit to the gift of my caress.
Let me take you those heights that only a God can. Kneel and take my love.
You shall want no other; you are mine.

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Dio Brando
Goblin
Mandragora Choker

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/...20160125161258
Arbert,
I know you no longer reside within my realm after our last battle. I often prayed that your soul has found its way home... However, I wish this would reach you. I have never been good with words as I’m a woman of action. I always despised these unrequited feelings I hold for you as it pains me. The moment we meant I knew I had fallen deeply for you. Whether it may be the mystical beauty of your aquamarine eyes that were clouded in darkness; which often worried me. What was your pain? What made you lose your way and relinquish your title of “Warrior of Light”? I had so many questions I wished to ask of you. Only to realize... I have fallen in love you.

I sweat in the night dreaming of our fearless battle. Neither one of us backed down to see our ideals come to fruition. Your axe heavily disarmed me, while I countered with the power of darkness. Yet… I was able to fight my inner demons and beat my shadows and fears. Oh… how I wished to have rescued you before you surrendered your blood, flesh, and dreams to the Ascians…

I understand I cannot save everyone and that I should not lose my way… I remember the words you had spoken to me… as they lie dormant within my heart. “Light…Dark… it doesn’t matter. What matter is how you choose to use them. Please forge a different path”. I promise you, I will not lose my way… I hope to meet you in the next life and properly ask you…

“Would you be my Valentione?”

Yours Truly,
Frixell Aenir

Character Name: Frixell Aenir
World: Mateus
Prize: Bluebird Earring