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

[OkitaSouji]

Translation from Eorzean:
My Dearest Friend,
It sure has been a while since we last talked, hasn’t it? I hope that where you are, you are OK. Did you hear? I was able to help Doma and Ala Mhigo regain their homes! It was pretty hard, even scary at times, but I’m sure you would be proud. I wish you could have seen it. Speaking of, I feel like I saw you in the final battle against Niddhog... Was it truly you?

Dearest Haurchefant, not a day goes by where I don’t think of you. I miss you so much to the point that it hurts. Every day without you is a struggle, and it’s really hard sometimes, but I keep trying to move forward.

I never got the chance to say how truly grateful I was for the times we had spent together, and all of your help when I needed it...but from the bottom of my heart I wanted to tell you that I am deeply thankful, I miss you, and I love you.

Yours,
Okita Souji
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Okita Souji / Sargatanas
Desired prize: Noble Barding

[astaraelsong]

For my dearest Saint Shiva,

It is such a strange and near-wondrous feeling to know we shall never meet again-- and, should by some fortune we do, I shall have to end that meeting. The wonder in it leaves me awake late at night, pondering. How is it that knowing we are to forever be apart only makes my fondness grow deeper? That the absence of the chill you bring makes my desire only stronger? To be frank, I worry what would happen were you to be brought back into this world for one glorious moment. You must understand, it is not through distaste that I would end your existence; it is simply my lot in life, the one meaning I have gathered from the constant turbulence this land brings. And yet, there is the smallest hesitation in me. Were you to appear, I would come before you, as always-- and yet would I do so with weapon in-hand, or to prostrate myself at your feet? There are nights when I lay awake, contemplating how it would feel to be a statue of ice at your beck and call.

I cannot say I would oppose it.

Perhaps Ysayle's demise was for the greater good, after all.

Yours,
Nena

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Nena Neirmhuyo of Mateus. I would very much appreciate the bluebird earrings, if I won!

[Rhialda]

To Her Excellency Admiral Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn,

I'm not a stalker, I promise. I didn't apply to the Yellow Jackets in hope that I could be the one selected to bring you your morning tea, and I'm not upset they rejected my application. Whoever told you that I sit in the same seat in the Bismarck every day on the off-chance that I can catch a glimpse of you walking to your private barge has an active imagination indeed. I certainly wasn't hoping to make contact with those pale, icy eyes colder than Leviathan's locker that probably conceal a heart warmer than Ifrit's abode. I'll admit I'm impressed that you've managed to bring together so many disparate pirate crews under one banner and wrangle them into behaving themselves, but I honestly don't fantasize about you disciplining me, and definitely not in ways unsuitable for public discussion!

What's that? Lyngsath says I asked what your favorite meal is? Well, there's a perfectly logical explanation for that: I figured that a woman who's so well-traveled, who manages a trade hub as active as Kugane, and who rubs elbows with so many diplomats must have truly fine dining taste. I swear, I didn't order it along with my usual meal and fantasize about dining with you. I was just unusually hungry that day.

No, I don't know who left the bouquet in Bulwark Hall. I'm sure Zanthael was mistaken when he reported a gorgeous dusky Elezen fleeing the scene. But perhaps I can be of assistance in figuring out who it was? Let me know when your schedule permits. I'll be the one wearing the low v-cut red silk dress.

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Character: Rhialda Nemanna | World: Gilgamesh | Desired prize: Bluebird Earrings

[aethernoise]

Dear Aymeric,

I feel lucky to be able to address you so. I can only imagine the amount of ink spent writing out each and every one of your titles. As much as I may enjoy writing them regardless, I know, perhaps better than most, that you may grow weary of them. You wear your titles with bravery and such grace, such unrelenting passion, that I often find myself at a loss for words—a rare occurrence, in my case, as I’m sure you are aware, but such is the ferocity of my affection.

As bizarre the metaphor may sound, you have always helped to carry the weight of my titles, perhaps by simply choosing to regard me as the woman who wears them. Even in the beginning, you treated me as a person first and foremost, and for that alone you are worthy of my undying devotion. You both remind me of and honor my humanity--both my strength and my weakness, and this is a kindness I fear I'll never properly repay.

I know that the titles given to you by the world are heavy, so I would hope to lighten them both in returning that same kindness, and with the titles I give you myself: for you are my light, my clear blue dawn, my inspiration. You are my calm in the storm, my “welcome home,” my Knight Most Heavenly, my dearest friend, my most trusted comrade, and the man I love.

Call me old fashioned, but Valentione’s seemed as good an excuse as ever to lavish you with words, no? Later I most certainly intend to lavish you with wine and confections befitting the holiday, and only the titles of your choice.

Yours, for that is the only title of my own I need sign,

Alyx


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Name: Alyx Vance
World: Adamantoise
Prize requested: Mandragora Choker
Thank you!

[SoniMatsu]

My dearest Lord,


I appreciate that it's been overlong
since I've last written, and longer still since I've last seen you, but I promise you that I'll be home soon. Be sure to keep the fires warm for me.
I would've forgotten had my sister
not reminded me, but Valentione’s day is fast approaching! And silly though it may be, when I return I would ask you to be my Valentione. Assuming you want to, anyways. I must confess that I'm not exactly used to this sort of thing in relationships, I'm a bit inexperienced in romance in general if I'm being honest. However, I hope that you see that I'm sincere in this gesture.
My sister knows much more about
Western Customs than I, and has been helping me plan this for you, so I do hope you enjoy what we've planned!
At the risk of sounding a bit sappy,
I can't help but think about how you and I met. I was just a simple traveler in lands unfamiliar, and you offered me shelter from the snows. I'd be lying if I didn't say I was immediately captivated by you, and all that you did to make me feel at home. I hope that what I have planned can truly express my feelings towards you! Take care, my dear. Hoping to see you soon!
Your loyal knight,
Kaolan Norreathem

Character Name: Kaolan Norreathem
World: Sargatanas
Prize: Noble Barding

[Larana]

Lord Aymeric,
I wonder if this message will come as a surprise or if you have always known. Thank you for pretending to believe me when I said that toy doll of you was a joke, a gift from Tataru. I can hide the truth no longer.

My love for you burns hotter than the fires of Ifrit. It is purer than flawless crystal. I think of you constantly, and I keep your image with me always. That doll, so silly it may seem to some, but he cheers me on my darkest days, when the cold reaches of Ishgard are ever in my thoughts - and the man who waits there. When will I see you again? Look, even now, the doll raises his little sword, and I imagine your face. I wonder if you think of me too, sometimes, if this letter and this token will mean as much to you as your image means to me.

I am an adventurer and must wander free. You are a Lord and cannot leave. I know this well. But on this Valentione Day I would have you know the truth of my feelings for you. I hope that one day.... But no. It cannot be. I know this.
Now and always
Yours truly
Larana Entievan, Warrior of Light



Name and world: Larana Entievan Exodus
Gift choice: Chocobo barding

[NakuNyame]

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

[Arivess]

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

[Alash]

I love you Garuda, and I especially love your...

Deep in the valleys of Coerthas
Resides a kind, sweet lass
Whose radiance blooms 'neath the moon
To who even the heavens swoon.

And so, on one afternoon in a quiet room
I confessed my feelings to a friend Whom
Had asked in jest who it was that made melted my gouda,
to which I ejaculated "Garuda!"

My words carried on and on
Which fell fast upon the ears of my neighbors
Who said that my love was wrong!

But screw those unwashed rubes
Because I love you Garuda
And I especially love your boobs.

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Character: Richard Dodgin'
World: Tonberry
Selection of prize: Noble Barding And a 1.0 legacy server