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

[Rodger]

Ponette,
Lost and now found. Such silvery hair and warm hearted disposition. You had asked me to join you on a journey one day, of which you never returned. Here to do and well as wealth. The twin adder has commissioned your servitude with a dignifying cane. Infused with light energy and the Black Shroud’s beauty, the power of your mind has turned the heads of your superiors with this gift.
This branch has come from the far shores of la Noscia, the Raincatcher Gully, shh do not tell. The fallen soldiers of its wake are warm like you, Ashes from its tonic. May it be enrapture at your utterance and a marble serpent to petrify your blissfulness. It has magical properties you will find to your liking, elemental absorption and mana regeneration, and it is weak only in Everschade.
I am Cliff, humble servant of the guild, friend of Pigpen. Unfortunately my years have been long, my road hard of rock. I last say my friend from your departure, he awaits in tranquility. Where at the edge of the wood, not a day older. I am cliff full of fine promises, for I have but a shred of faith left for to believe in. I must urge you do not come with me.
Where by twilight of risen stars befell a lush curtain.

[Saint_Angeles]

My Mender, My Merchant,

How long has it been, now,
since you caught my eye with a smile,
A craft that transcended words
and the strength to carry on?

The little boy you met in the Bannock
with dreams in his heart
and his heart in a harness?
He made his fortune, and fame,
but found that all the world's coin
cannot render lost love untarnished.

It was never words between us.
Sweet smiles under summer's shawl,
heavy hides healed,
arms amended,
belief burnished and resolve restored.

I am still that young man,
erstwhile defender of light,
taken in by this moment,
enriched and enamored,
besubligared and besotted.

I return to you, my love,
to how we felt at the start.
For there is no amount of gil
can mend a broken heart.

While I am in the eyes of my love,
all my Valentione's Days have come at once.

With all the love in my heart,
Saint
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Character Name: Saint Angeles
Server: Midgardsormr
Item: Noble Barding

[InkstainedGwyn]

To the most honourable Ser Aymeric de Borel, Lord Commander and Leader of the House of Lords;

...I can see the expression on your face right now - lovingly exasperated with that twitch just over your left eye. It's no fair - no fair that I can close my eyes and see every expression you make. I miss them all, you know.

And I miss you. Our time together in Gyr Abania was nothing, wonderful though it was (and grateful as I ever am for your support, though it terrifies me each time you go into battle, as I know my antics terrify you, but who else can face a primal?) No sooner were you there than you were gone, back to the cutthroat perils of the politics of Ishgard, and there is always another crisis that needs my attention. Rest is for the weak, they say, and the warrior of light is not weak. You are one of the only ones who knows differently.

There is a solution, however. Is it not time again for House Valentione to spread their cheer? We two fools are the type for whom they toil, and as they are your fellow countrymen, I feel duty-bound to participate. Especially as the festivities are in Gridania, and that is a most wonderful place in the spring - I've always wanted you to see it. I'm sure Kan-e would enjoy our company for tea, as well, should we choose to share our time with anyone else.

So. Will you be my Valentione? Please say yes, for I'd be a wreck if I thought you might say anything else. And save my place at your table, love, for I will be with you again soon.

Ever yours,

Souji

---

Souji Hanamura, Exodus, Bluebird Earrings, please!

[StellarWing]

My Dearest Vidofnir,

I have been missing you, these past few months as I travel between Ala Mhigo and Doma. It is far too warm here. I miss the crisp air of Dravania's peaks, the chill wind in my hair. I miss seeing you perched atop the spires of Anyx Trine, your scales shining and refracting in the sunlight.

In Doma they believe dragons are good luck, did you know that? Perhaps I can take you here one day, and you can be admired in the way that you deserve.

I promise I will return to you as soon as I am able. Until then, I will have to sustain myself through my frequent dreams of soaring the skies astride your glorious form.

Yours Always,
Cookie Cat

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Cookie Cat
Ultros
Noble Barding

[Zephryn]

Three years now. More than actually. To think that’s how long I’ve known you. It feels like it was only yesterday, doesn’t it? The day we’ve first met. The day I first set eyes on you.

You in your blue armor and robes. The sword at your side. I was still a Paladin, still devoted to the order and truth. About ready to break from everything placed on me but still pushing forward. Still willing to do what's needed to done.

I thought you to be one like those stuffy uptight men. Serious to the point and you were. Yet you have a selflessness to you. There was compassion. An honest desire to help. You were different from the Elezens I’ve met in Gridania—conceited and arrogant.

You were kind. Not fearful, suspicious or disgusted. I knew what most saw at first when meeting me.

Demon. Dragonspawn. Voidsent.

You’ve heard of my deeds, placed me on a pedestal and still talked to me as if I was normal. It was comforting to find another person like that.

It still is.

My legend’s grown bigger and I forget some days who I really am.

Sometimes the pressure is too much and it’s why I’ve found comfort as a Dark Knight, which admittedly, you took in stride.

Thank you, by the way. You accepted my choice to lay down my shield. You didn’t question it.

I suppose, that’s why I admire you.

Except admire is too tame. I don’t have a proper word to give you, to explain what I truly feel. Probably for the best. It’s not the best time. Probably never will be.

From one conflict to another.

At least... your home is on the mend.

I’m still trying to find mine. I just wish… I could find one with you.

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Zephryn Trevelyan (Goblin) would like the bluebird earrings if this is a winning entry. Thank you.

[MarinaShore]

My dearest Baderon,

Everyone nose - sorry, knows - of your prowess in procuring tasks for an adventurer in need. You catch the scent of adventure better than any other. It is only because of you that this nose - I mean, rose - was able to bloom the way that I did. I owe you much, as does the realm. Without your odorous - arduous, sorry - efforts, Eorzea may have fallen into great peril.

I have missed you terribly since leaving Limsa Lominsa, and have thought of you every day since. It feels like only yesterday you were directing me on my first tasks, my first adventures. Who nose...knows…where the time went. Has it really been so long since I showed up in the Drowning Wench, a fresh new leaf in search of her calling? All nose those years, and you’ve never left my mind or my heart.

I’m thinking of coming back to Limsa Lominsa for a spell. I was hoping we could nosey - or rather cosy - up together with an ale and I would love to tell you of the adventures I’ve born since leaving your home. I hope you would like that, I know you can smell a good tale!

Forever yours,
Marina Shore

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By Marina Shore of Malboro, I would like the Noble Barding please.

[digileon]

There was a time when this world was new to me, this city and its people naught but strangers. I had nothing but a few coins in my pouch and the wind at my back; the world was completely open to me yet I knew not where to go. Suddenly I saw a glow in the distance, a beautiful otherworldly glow that drew me ever closer.

I’ll never forget the first time we touched. I instinctively reached out for you, brought in by some unexplainable desire. A second passed, and then another. We became connected then, with a bond so strong it shan't ever be severed. A bond forged in aether.

The way you sparkle in the moonlight’s glow; the way you light up the room with your incandescent glow. In darkness and in light, in the good times and the bad, no matter the worries and tribulations of this world, you’re always there. I’m never more than an arm’s reach away from your warm embrace.

Until I return from my next adventure.

Yours truly,
WoL



---

Nihlus Jakkya
Siren
Noble Barding

[Kurutoto]

J'ghonako, my Dearest Courtesan--

As Warrior of Light,
I’m, well, a big deal,
(So not sure why I’m still alone),
But now I ask you,
(In 200 words),
Will you be my Valentione?

Your deep dark purple eyes!
That pink bustier!
Like Lakshmi you have me enthralled!
How could they blame me,
For all those days spent,
With you, while the war effort stalled?

I’ve got huge chests of gil,
And a size L house!
I make gonzo MGP every night!
So it’s up to you,
But just so you know,
You don’t have to put on the red… lantern.

I’ve slain mighty Garlok,
And Bone Crawler too.
My hunt stats are waaaay off the chart!
Yet even astride,
My l33t tiger ride,
-You- are top S Rank of my heart!

So just one question please,
Ere I leave to leve,
(Or FATE, or whatever, you know):
I really like u,
Do u like me back?
Please answer with “Yes” or with… “YES!!”

++Kage, your Master Caster


Kage'toro Dreikoenige, Goblin world
Noble Barding!

[Amefurashii]

There is a lot, I think, you would have liked.

Ishgard is the same in many ways, but this city that you loved breathes different now—breathes easier.

Without resentment and lies to feed its brutality, the thousand year war has reached an end. The Archbishop is dead and Nidhogg has joined him in eternal slumber. There are peace talks with the Dravanians—last night I watched them soar above the city in droves and pass on to the West, unharmed.

Stone by stone your city grows, and the people with it. They nurse wounds that went untended for too long. Now is a time for healing, they say. Now is a time for mourning.

I’ve returned to the Rising Stones with the rest of the Scions—I spoke of them before, when I still felt the ache of their loss too keenly. I regret I did not tell you more. They would have liked to meet you.

It is not all good news. There is another war on the horizon—like dampness in the air before a storm, there is something violent, a surge of wanton anger coursing through the land itself. Some want to fight. Some have already taken up swords and soaked the dirt with blood.

Soon, I will be asked to fight.

I have no heart for war, but if I do not fight someone else will—a girl who has to stuff the toes of her boots or a knight who is brave beyond his station.

A knight who was told too little how dearly he was loved.

The people need their Warrior of Light and I cannot deprive them. But allow me this small comfort: a letter that I will never send to one who can never read it.

Rest well, brave knight

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Name: Kai Amefurashi
World: Zalera
Prize: Bluebird Earring

[RaviethArvenel]

Dear Edmont de Fortemps,

I pray this letter finds you well. Well, I hope it finds you at all. I have finally arrived at the Far East, and scarcely have seen a postmoogle. The locale delivers by means of falconry. In fact, that also is one of the preferred modes of transport… Nary a chocobo either, come to think of it. The culture and people here starkly contrast Eorzea. It’s a strange realization that struck me after some time here. Even though we have such a diverse history in our cities, experiencing the people and customs here somehow paints Ishgard and Ul’dah with the same brush.

The architecture itself is artistry. You should see the embassy district! If it weren’t for the nations’ banners, one could easily mistake the area for a garden in which to pass a leisurely afternoon. Well, perhaps not leisurely – I was overcome with a sense of serenity. And veneration. Words can do no justice to capture the majesty. It vaguely reminds me of the sanctity of the air of Saint Reymanaud’s. Cold and lost, then found.

I realize my thoughts are scattered. I’ve not slept more then two bells since we’ve arrived. Even though the Scions have brought me here for – ah, shall we say, strictly business, I have taken every minute to explore the pleasures. Such as this teahouse I sit in at this very moment. This establishment has elevated hospitality to an art form. But somehow, it’s missing a certain something. They hope to make this feel like home, yet it makes me feel… alone? Nostalgic? Empty? I haven’t the time to find the right word. Our beloved travelling diplomat insists we move out in the morning, and I must resign to actual rest.

Goodnight, and pleasant dreams,
Ravieth Arvenel


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Character: Ravieth Arvenel
Server: Behemoth
Desired prize: Scarf of Wondrous Wit