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

[nakicatpachino]

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

[Vanilina]

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

[HaliaArde]

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)

[Altaeciana]

Dear Miounne,

I continue my adventures in the now distant lands of Doma. But upon this time of Valentione, I can only think of how much I miss what I once called home.

I pray that this poem reaches you so that it can inspire others who followed you, just as I did before.

My mognificent Miounne,
more motherly than the moon.

From first findings,
to Hydaelyn's hollowed howlings.
Eorzea ever endeavors,
to stifle sudden surrenders.

Remember the Motherly Miounne,
who withholds our realm reborn.
Fight for even greater glory,
so songs sing not of an arrival awry.

Delightedly doubtful a Dalamud,
But a moon my Motherly Miounne.

Do not mistake it for a love poem, but a remembrance that home has a heart. So please keep Gridania thriving and beating as you always have. In due time I shall return!

Name: Hibiscus Syriacus
World: Excalibur
Preferred Prize: Noble Barding.

[inhaledcorn]

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

[Shonah]

Jacke,
I never thought I’d be writing this… but it’s time for me to share.
Ever since day 1, I knew it would be hard to shake these feelings. As I fled and landed in the rogue’s guild, the others stared openly, their gazes flickering to each other in shock.
“What’s such a delicate princess doing here?” a roegadyn man jeered.
The rain-drenched bustier had seen better days.
I kept my gaze focused on the floor… But then you came in.
“Lassie--“
You placed your arms on my shoulders. I looked up, a single tear rolling down my cheek… I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I leaned into you as you held me, soft sobs escaping my lips. That’s when I knew.
My crying hiccups slowed as you held me in your warm embrace…
“Who did this to you?” your compassionate gaze fell to the side of my face as you gently caressed the red scar on my cheek.
“The man on the red ship… “
You nodded and beckoned to your guildmates, their initial laughter having subsided to concerned gazes. The roegadyn from before stood up to join you, as did a few others, as you led them outside the guild. A Miqo’te woman who I would later know as V’kebbe tended to me before everything went black.
…
It’s been months since then, but my feelings have not changed. I find myself gazing at your often… but when you catch me, instead of looking away, you smile.
This façade of mere friendship can only last so long… I am deeply in love with you, Captain Jacke-- You’ve taught me the ways of the dagger, but now, let me teach you… of love.
Please be mine.
-Shona
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character: Shona Corwynn
world: Mateus
prize of choice: mandragora choker

[Frich]

To a special Manderville man,

I had to gather up a lot of courage to share a secret with you. However, I must admit to you, and myself that I admire everything you do. You may be well... a bit idiotic, but you have the best intentions in mind. It would be a dream come true to become your personal assistant, but I suppose you have Ms. Mhakaracca already. Although, it pains me to see her with you every moment, I must accept the fact you two are inseparable. Hah, I shouldn't of even bothered writing this knowing nothing could come of it, but my heart aches holding my feelings back anymore. I'm sorry for having to make you read this letter to be honest. I hope to see you again soon for a new investigation. Please, don't let this make anything different between us.

Yours respectfully,
Mira Owns

---

Written By: Mira Owns of Malboro
Prize: Noble Barding

[Orcmd]

Dear Tsuyu,

We once stood at odds, twice even meeting in battle. I long thought you gone from this world, only for news of your and Gosetsu's survival to reach me. Relief filled my heart when I confirmed this myself in Sakazuki. I first thought it to be of learning my dear friend Gosetsu yet lived, but as we found ourselves on a ship towards Isari, I found my eyes drawn to you. Confusion, joy, and perhaps something more filled my chest with every smile you made, and every accidental look you sent my way.

But I digress. I would simply have you know that you are not just watched by Gosetsu. I, too, have experienced the simultaneous fear and wonderment of memory loss. Though others find it difficult to believe it to be genuine, I knew it to be true when I laid eyes upon you. A spark of familiarity was there.

I do not know what the future holds, and the cruel hand of time does not stop for any. I pray you are able to find answers in yourself in this momentary peace. It is selfish of me, but part of me hopes your memories remain just beyond your reach, that you may stay. That we may become friends, or something beyond.

I would have you take away at least this, dear Tsuyu, from this tangentially inclined letter: Should your memory return, and you wish to flee from Doma, I will understand, though I will be sad to see you go. Should your memory return, and you wish to stay... I will stop at nothing to allow you this wish. Neither Hien nor Asahi can decide your fate, and I shall defend your decision.

Pray enjoy the dango attached to this parcel.

With love and understanding,
Koke

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Written by Koke Moks on Coeurl. If this letter is selected as a winner, I would like the Bluebird Earring as my prize. Thank you for holding a writing contest!

[Kukajoo]

Toebeans

You're the cat that's got my tongue
Feline like im number one
Your tiny paws and wide-eyed stare
melts my heart without a care
When we first met it was a dream come true
long and hard i searched fur you
i braved hundreds of battles all for a chance
to touch those toebeans upon your hands
Little Gaelikitten i love you so
The best friend i could hope fur
You scratch my back I'll scratch yours
You'll have all the fish you could ever ask for
I'm pawsitive this is fate, so before this tail comes to an end
Gaelikitten, will you be my Valetion friend?

[Kukajoo]

Toebeans

Forgot to include this in the original post i hope its still alright
Quin Decim
Behemoth
Ahriman Choker