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

[Aynslesa]

Dearest… no. Not Dearest. That sounds… weird. Not us. Well. Not me.

My love… okay no, that’s definitely you.

Okay. Starting over.


Dear Thancred,

First off – stop laughing. I’m writing this on kamuyback, and I only have the one piece of paper. So just…ignore everything above the greeting. And ignore the handwriting. You try writing while a large blue wolf is flying you through the sky and you’re having to use your thigh as a table while attempting to balance so that you don’t fall off. I’m a monk, not an acrobat. So you just… stop. Laughing.

So. Anyway. I…I don’t know what’s possessing me to write this. You probably already know everything that I’m going to say anyway, and you could probably say it better. It’s strange that we haven’t known each other all that long, jumps through time and amnesia notwithstanding, but you can still read me better than anyone else. I envy you for your ability to always know just what to say or do when I need you to. Other people might tease you for being sappy or corny, but… well, I guess those things are what I find to be charming and endearing about you.

You’ve been with me from the start, since that first meeting in Ul’dah and all the way through the rest. Even when you weren’t there, physically, somehow you’ve still stayed with me. Even five years of not remembering my name or face – I will never not tease you mercilessly for that – wasn’t enough to pull you away.

Even if we aren’t together, Thancred, we walk the same path. We each have our roles to play, and I perform mine knowing that my heart is full of my love for you, and yours holds mine in return.

Yours across time,
Flaire
______________________________________

Flaire Takira
Excalibur
Noble Barding

[Rick_Punchbot]

To the Ever Dutiful Proprieter of The Quicksand


My dearest Momodi,

Ever since that first fateful day that I came to Ul'dah, there was something about you that struck me. Your firmness, your smile, your ever unwavering guidance; all of these things and more drew my heart to you. So much has happened since that first day. Even though I don't much care for titles, I'm sure you've heard of the many things I've come to accomplish. But with everything I've done, I've never done them alone. And sadly many have been lost along the way. But I will never forget them, nor will I forget those who remain. Especially you, Momodi. Were it not for your help at the very beginning, none of this would have ever been possible. I'd just be wandering about aimlessly around Ul'dah. It was thanks to your aid first granted to me that I was able to go on to help so many others.

Oh sweet Momodi, every excuse I have to come speak with you makes my heart sing. Especially with how sparse those have become due to our busy schedules. But I am writing this letter, less as a direct confession, and more as a heartfelt thank you for all you've done for me and many others. I can say with certainty that the realm, much less myself, would not be the same without you. While I know that we can never be, know that you will forever have my deepest gratitude; and my heart. May the light of the crystal ever be with you.

Most sincerely,
Richard Puncher

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Character: Richard Puncher
World: Goblin
Desired gift: Noble Barding

[ClaireFaye]

Zenos Yae Galvus

I know not how to even start this letter. Most would never understand, but this is the only way that I can put my thoughts into words and curb the turmoil inside me. I will speak plain: I believe you to be a monster. To any sane person, you are a creature born only for hatred and for the love of war… a monster who knows only how to destroy and kill.

Three times did we meet face-to-face, and twice you could have killed me… yet you didn’t. I couldn’t fathom your intent. But when we met the third and final time… I felt that I suddenly understood. Before, I wanted only to grow stronger and make you pay for the horrors that you inflicted upon others. I swore that I would grow stronger and would not stop until I defeated you. Yet, you helped to make me stronger than I ever thought possible. You pushed me and became one of the few who could force me to break down the walls that surrounded my own limits.

You had said before that you and I were the same and perhaps I am afraid that you are right. Perhaps we are more alike than I could ever care to admit. But, that is also why I felt that you could understand me in a way that no one ever has. For perhaps, it is only on the battlefield that we are able to expression ourselves.

We fought and you fell. And so I must know, did you find the answers that you were searching for?

No matter what the answer is, know that I won’t forget you, though I will wish with all my heart that I could.

Your enemy… and friend,
Claire Faye




Letter by Claire Faye, of Lamia. If this piece is selected as a winner, I would like to receive the Noble Barding as my prize.

[SerenityIsBae]

Swept not by lechery, but overwhelming passion.
I saw your face that day in Coerthas and the acrimonious winds chilled not my bones. The warmth of your smile protected me from the frigidity of the surrounding mountain snow. With little integrity do my words describe the yearning in my breast when I saw your fetching countenance nor the racing of my thoughts when you bade me have dinner with you...nor even the crippling fear I felt when word came that the Archbishop had you locked away. With all haste did I plunge into the Vault to rescue you and with the same wild, thoughtless abandon would I bound into the seven hells just to be absorbed in your loving embrace. When I am able, I shall return to see your striking face and hopefully have your ear over a meal once more.

With much love,

Your Auri sweetheart

P.S. Please tell Lucia to stop glaring at me. She’s so very jealous of my eye-catching looks.

Letter written by Rizen Arcraft of Siren to Ser Aymeric
Trying to get that Ahriman Choker

[Arashi_Keis]

I’ve never seen a man light up with so much passion and enthusiasm. Initially, you were only an acquittance, but then your kindness opened doors in my mind that I thought nonexistent. The affection which you had for me was so natural that it took me by surprise. Fighting primals being a habit, when I learnt your concern, I was extremely touched.

‘It took half a dozen knights to restrain him, I am told. Pray do not think less of him.’

Those were the words the Lord Commander spoke. Instead, it only made the flame within my heart burn brighter. And when I fought by your side, a profound excitation overtook me. But the higher we fly, the lower we fall, as they say.

‘You… you are unharmed? F-Forgive me… I could not bear the thought of…of…’

Unharmed…
I would have taken that blow in your stead. The Spear of the Fury… it not only pierced your shield but also shook the living shite out of me, and tore my life apart. A smile better suits a hero… but how can I if you were the reason of it? Halone be damned to have you by her side.

I gave into dark arts, for I could not longer wield the spear.

‘A knight lives to serve. To protect. To sacrifice. There is no greater calling...’

But I shall endure. For those we have lost, and those we can yet save. And as I watch the stars slowly move forward from Providence Point, I know that ever will my aching soul gaze Heavensward as it has done for so long.

Your forever dear,
Arashi Keis

World : Diabolos
Prize : Scarf of Wondrous Wit

[OrenjiStar]

Gaius van Baelsar,

When I left my home in the deserts of Thanalan, I went in search of answers; for something to believe in; to find the strength to help people. What I have found is that the strength I sought was inside me all along; that I am what I should believe in, and in no small part because of your beliefs.

Like you, I want to take the future with my own hands. I want men to rely on themselves. Never have I accomplished something that I credited to any god. I think with our help Eorzeans could have been shown this. You were a shining light amongst your fellow Garleans. Many lack the understanding, reason, and kindness that I have observed. After all, you raised Livia, warned the Scions of Dalamud's imminent descent, put an end to certain inhumane experiments, and did what you could for Ala Mhigo.

Speaking of Ala Mhigo, your countrymen made a real mess of it; so much so that there has been a revolution. Ala Mhigo is liberated and largely by my hand. I had no wish to be involved in undoing your hard work. I would much rather it have been improved upon, but, once again, no one asked my opinion.

I wish that you were back with us so we could go on making the world a better place together; that we had met under better circumstances; that Lahabrea had not been manipulating our encounters. Given the opportunity, I would have joined you. Know that I searched for you until the last possible second. I hope that I could not find you because you escaped the castrum and that this letter finds you safely on the mend, rather than merely being the cathartic gesture of a sad agnostic.

With much love and admiration, Que'rhoueh Tia



Que'rhoueh Tia
Cerberus
Noble Barding

[Vandesdelca]

Zenos,

You fought undoubtedly well, this is something I cannot deny. You fought with the ruthlessness of a wild beast, but the composure of a soldier to whom combat became nothing more than a boring rote routine. In this way, I pitied you. For all your skill and ability and countless, countless victories -- not a single damned bit of it mattered.

You never felt the upwelling of strength as you rise up again from the ground. You never felt the thrill of lunging forward and striking down a foe that had you had cornered mere moments ago. You never learned how sweet victory tasted when the smell of defeat still hung in the air. And I pity you now, for you have finally tasted defeat and will never taste another victory after that.

I also, selfishly, pity myself. You were a mere mortal but the victory I took from you was bittersweet at best. It took four of us to push you back, and four more still to finish things. Ala Mhigo is safer now for our shared victory, but I still find myself wishing for one more chance, one more fight, and one more victory.

Just you and me, one on one.

- V

(Vandesdelca Fende from Adamantoise; Noble Barding)

[Erekiteru]

Hail Firkmann, Storm Private of the Maelstrom, stationed in the harbor town of Aleport.

Your dedication to your post continues to impress me. It has been 361 days, 3 hours, and 20 minutes since we made introductions. Even then, you already had held your shift as one of the town's staunch defenders for twice that time. It was you who ultimately directed me towards Satasha, setting me on a path that would one day mark me as the Warrior of Light.

In the brief moments between your watchful gaze over your assigned domain, you confided in me a desire. It is the same desire you have held since you went on duty, and it has pained me that you have not yet had opportunity to indulge in your repast.

When the stars aligned for me to take part in the honored activities of a Grand Company, I first followed the path of Ul'dah, for it is there I first found my calling. However, your constant vigilance has remained at the forefront of my mind.

Without any regret, I abdicated my post as First Lieutenant of the Immortal Flames. It has taken time and effort, but once again I have climbed the ranks, this time laying claim to the position of Chief Storm Sergeant of the Maelstrom. I intend to eventually recover the standing I once had, but for the moment, I have enough authority to carry out my ambition.

Storm Private Firkmann, I hereby approve your request to go off duty. Have yourself that ale you've been dreaming of, and may suitable company join you for the evening.

Take a break, soldier. You've certainly earned it.

Kind Regards,
Erekiteru Daventry of Faerie
Seeker of the Scarf of Wondrous Wit

[MageLordJack]

Dear Master Alphinaud,
While a part of me fears complimenting you in excess would only swell your already impressively sized head to dangerous proportions, another would feel remiss in not offering you some from of praise for all you’ve done not only for me, but for all of Eorzea as well. So, in the spirit of the amorous House Valentione, I would like to offer some words of appreciation to you, both as a colleague and as a friend. First, I have been absolutely stunned at the progress you’ve made as a person, starting off as an unbearable, condescending, egomaniacal pedant and eventually growing into the level-headed, empathetic, and incredibly mature individual you are now. Rarely in my own life have I seen other people change at all, especially to such a degree as you have, and speaking honestly, your transformation has served as an inspiration to me in my own personal quest for self-improvement, so thank you very much. Second, your willingness to stand by my side, especially for as inexperienced as you are, has touched me profoundly. Seeing as you and I have roughly the same martial ability, it always lightens my anxieties to think that you, who has the most right of any Scion to exercise prudence in combat, are so willing to stand and fight, and it rouses me to stand firm and do my best against any foe, no matter how daunting. And third, because I know it will so easily fluster you, for being as absolutely adorable as a Mogling who hasn’t quite grown into its pom yet. Though I usually consider you my equal, there are some times, particularly when the topic of women comes up, that I simply want to pinch your rosy cheeks clean off. Happy Valentione’s Day, you handsome sod.

Bluomwyda Lefleur, Exodus
If i win, I would like the Ahriman Choker

[Anathemar]

My Dearest Godbert,

Too long I’ve shied, but now my will is steal;
The heat of passion’s forge has reach’d its peak!
Like gravity, your pull on me is real;
None can resist your chiseled bronze physique.

I’ve lost myself in thy beshaded eyes,
And long to stroke your beard of snowy hue.
The span of age hath but made thee more wise,
To know what bliss a master’s touch can do.

O, take me to your high Gold Saucer grand,
Show me where El Coloso’s proudly hung!
O, sweep me from my feet with thy firm hand,
And thrill me with your charming silver tongue!

Grant me the joy of loving such a man,
The way only a Manderville man can!

Yours longingly,

Raevyn Runefury

P.S. – Please don’t show this to Julyan!

Entrant: Raevyn Runefury of Siren
Prize Choice: Noble Barding