 Thank you for coming. I wish to speak with you both in a place where privacy was assured. We quite understand. What was it that you wished to discuss? With my father's passing, the seat of the Archbishop lies vacant. And so, in accordance with canon law, I have assumed his responsibilities. I should stress that this is a temporary measure. It was never intended that the Lord Commander of the Temple Knights serve in this capacity indefinitely. Quite the opposite. The statutes specify that I should surrender my powers as soon as a conclave of the senior clergy and the high houses have named a new Archbishop. But in light of recent events, that would not seem appropriate. I confess I did not expect you to divulge quite so much quite so soon. The details of the Archbishop's plans perhaps, but the true origin of the war and all its entails? I too had concerns. But when the warrior of light is witnessed returning to the capital upon the back of a dragon, one's options are rather limited. May Hap I could have concealed certain details, but for how long? And at what risk? Should the truth have come to light in the meantime, how would the people have viewed my silence? After a thousand years of lies and secrecy, I could not well abuse their trust and hope to be believed. The time for deception has passed. I only wish the people agreed that some would deny the truth I had anticipated, but not this many. And among the few who acknowledged that my father had to be stopped, no small number questioned our methods. If they suspect a coup, it will not be long before some turn to violence. It has already begun, and that on both sides. Men and women of the cloth are being harassed in the streets. Some have even been assaulted in the broom. Hilda and her people have formed a watch to help us maintain order, but such measures will not prevent the unrest from spreading. For all our talk of peace, the people remain frightened and confused. For their sake, we must bring the dragon song war to a definitive end. And we should be glad to help you, Sir Emerick, but what precisely would you have us do? We wish to treat with the dragons of Annex Trine. To that end, I would trouble you for an escort and an introduction. Annex Trine? You would speak with the Vadoff near then? We must need to open a dialogue between our peoples. Acting as my representative, Lucia will extend an invitation to their leader that she might visit us here in Ishgard. But she's still with us. I would of course have beseeched Iselle's assistance in this matter. But as she is not, I must ask that you aid us in her stead. Will you do us this favor? Thank you, my friends. Lucia, I leave the rest to you. In the wake of the Archbishop's fall, the nation of Ishgard trembled, the faith of her people shaken to its very core. For a thousand years had they fought and died, certain of the justice of their cause, only to be told that their holy war was born of the sins of their forefathers. What then for those brave men and women, thus stripped of their righteousness but to despair, to deny the truth and decry its speakers? And what then for those whom they defamed but to hope on? To have faith in a brighter tomorrow. A tomorrow in which man and dragon might live together in harmony, then as distant as the very stars in the heavens. Yet while we dare to hope, deep within his lair, the enemy lay, gathering his strength. Nidhogg, now possessed of his two eyes and the body of the azure dragoon, prizes to which he had laid claim at the very hour of the hero's triumph. As desperately as we sought the solace of peace, the great worm craved the misery of war. Nor was he alone in his misbegotten desire. Terribly terribly sorry to have kept you all waiting. You need not apologize. We arrived but a moment ago ourselves. Pray, allow me to introduce Kryl, who has recently come from the Sharlian motherland. She has generously offered to assist us. Oh please, think nothing of it. A trip to Aorzia was long overdue. You must be the warrior of light. Yes, you certainly do look the part. A pleasure to meet you at last, miss. And who is that I spy but young, alpha-no-leviure himself? I daresay someone's grown in Ilmore too in my absence. Or are those lifts in your boots? We, um... Miss Kryl and I met at the studium years ago. I shall forever be indebted to her for her sage guidance. There was no small task keeping him out of trouble, believe you me. The youngest ever to enter the studium, him and his sister, eleven-year-old prodigies. Suffice it to say social graces were not among his list of talents. Striding up to his seniors on his first day, head held high. What was it he said again? Thank you, Kryl. For what? I haven't finished yet. Would you care to attempt a more dexterous deflection? Um, may have we should save this delightful conversation for a more fitting occasion when pressing matters do not demand our undivided attention? A bit much, but better. I can tell you have been putting your skills to use here in Aeosia. Henceforth, I trust you will dazzle me with your eloquence at the first time of asking. Right, on to more pressing matters. Finding Minfilia and the other missing scions. I gather you have new information to share with us. A new approach, actually. Tataru recounted the tale of your escape, and it gave me an idea. Simply put, assuming Thancred left some manner of trail when you whisked him away, as is almost always the case with teleportation magics, I am confident I can find and follow it. Then what are you waiting for? The wherewithal to do it. The fact is my abilities aren't quite up to the task, not in themselves anyway. If I had Master Matoia's crystal eye on the other hand... Then let us all call on her forthwith. I think it best that you explain your plan to her in person. Is that trouble I smell? Or did you forget to wipe your boots on the way in? Forgive us, Master Matoia. We will be sure to wipe them on the way out. And may I say how glad I am that age has not yet deprived you of your senses. Ever so quick-witted, aren't we? To the detriment of your manners? Well, out of it then, what do you want? Pray allow me to introduce myself, Master Matoia. I am Kryl, of the students of Baldessian. I hope you will excuse our unannounced visit. Baldessian, you say? Oh, yes. The old coat set up shop on the Isle of Val, didn't he? Regrettably, our order's headquarters and the Isle itself were obliterated by a magic of immense power. I have the blessing of light to thank for my own preservation. Kryl, you too possess the Echo. Well, yes, of course I do. Our order is devoted to uncovering the mysteries of Hydelyn and interpreting her will, particularly through the study of her gift to us. It was in the course of these studies that I met and subsequently befriended Minphilia. She and I have rather a lot in common. I had no idea. You weren't supposed to. Not that I wanted to deceive you, you understand, but precautions had to be taken. Yes, yes, that's all well and good, but you still haven't told me why you're here. The students of Baldessian are gone, and there is naught I can do to change that. But the science of the Seventh Dawn can yet be restored, and my dear friend found. You have in your possession an ancient crystal of light, one you call your crystal eye. I believe I can use it to focus my abilities and locate one of the missing scions. And there I was thinking you might want to make use of my use of experience. Oh, wait here. Long did I ponder the nature of this crystal and its familiar radiance, but never did I suspect it was a crystal of light. On the cusp of an umbral calamity, souls blessed with the power of the echo invariably appear. To aid these her chosen warriors, Hydeline bequeaths to each a slither of her strength in the form of a crystal of light. But as her strength wanes, so too does the potency of her gifts. This crystal, born of an earlier era, is infused with a power far greater than those of this age. You could travel the length and breadth of the land and not find a crystal even a fraction as pure. Its value is beyond measure, as are the risks inherent in its use. No two manifestations of the echo are alike. I, for example, can converse with beings of every shape and size, accepting beasts contrary to what others would have you believe. Language has nothing to do with it, of course. Rather, I am sensitive to the whispers of the soul, their intent, their very essence even, the traces of which serve to guide the elementals to Yish-Tola. Far-fetched, though it may sound, I believe that with your crystal eye, I may be able to pick up where they left off and follow the remaining trail to Thancred. That is, if I have your permission. Well, the poor sod's not going to find himself. So, as long as you don't drop it or take it out of my sight, you may do, they brought you will. Thank you, Master Metoya. Then let us begin. From the black shroud, the trail continues to the north and west, towards a mountain, the foot of Somme Arle. It was a near thing, but he was not deposited within the rock. I think. The Hunters of Telfet know those lands well. I say we begin our search there. Who else could be? Thancred. It could be Thancred. We must hurry. This day, we reclaim the reins of history. This day, we rid ourselves of the Ascians forever. Bulls playing at heroes, all of you. Is this how you believe you can save your world? We can and we will, Ascian. You shall see. Or perhaps you will not. So you are the Warrior of Light, the Saviour of Eorzea. It's a wonder you didn't come sooner, but with the primal and all. Lost a step, have we? Have care. The ether moves strangely around him. It would seem we share a common enemy. May Hapiwood tell us who you are. Shall we show them? Not very sporting of you to interrupt. But so be it. Mark well our faces, Warrior of Light. For we are the Warriors of Darkness. Walk is of a different path, and we shall meet again. Warriors of Darkness? Really? Thancred, are you all right? Pleasantries can wait. I'd rather not be here when the Nath arrive. Agreed? Suffice it to say, our reunion was not at all as I pictured it. Waiting until the last instant to join the fray. Tis plain you have not lost your appetite for the dramatic. My appetite for the dramatic? Have you forgotten the circumstances of our parting? The heroic last stand? The tunnel filling with light? And then, had I known you intended to use forbidden magics to deliver me to some god's forsaken wilderness, I would have thanked you in advance. Thancred. If nothing else you might have warned me that I would emerge from the life stream in the altogether. Eventually I managed to fashion knives from some obsidian I found and set about hunting for meat and hides. Given that I am not all that skilled in leatherworking it's probably for the best that I met the Vath before I was reunited with you. So you were the fleshling clothed in skins of whom the storyteller spoke? A description which fit me as ill as the skins themselves. Happily I was able to trade with the Vath for garments better becoming a man of refinement. From them I learned of Ravana and of the great warrior who had once laid him low. And thenst did you conclude that were you to track the primal's movements? It would surely bring you into contact with the Scions once more. It seemed a reasonable assumption. I could think of no one else with your enthusiasm for slaying beastmen gods. Until now, that is. Ah, yes. The self-proclaimed Warriors of Darkness. It is only fitting that they stand in opposition to the Warrior of Light, I suppose. I glimpsed the leader's past if only for a moment. They were confronting a man in black. An Ascian, I think. If these warriors are capable of doing battle with Ascians and primals both they must be possessed of powerful protection, protection not unlike the Echo. Even as the Scions celebrated the return of a long-lost friend, honourable men plotted to deprive them of another. Honourable men, to whom Sir Emerick was no hero but a scheming patricide. Honourable men who would feign wash the paving stones of foundation with the tyrant's blood. Honourable men whose knife in the dark was the spark which set the city aflame and who sang as it burned. I do not mean to diminish our accomplishments, but until we identify the ones who ordered the fire set, our work is far from finished. Between the various conservative and religious factions in Ishgard, I dare say there's no shortage of parties who would like to see the status quo preserved. Do any likely suspects spring to mind? Far too many to count. Lord Commander, your wounds. Are healing well. Thank you. Time is of the essence. Lest we forget these men would sooner put their own city to the torch than see it change. When our enemies learn that we have apprehended their arsonist, there is no telling how they will react. Lord Commander, an armed mob has seized control of the vault. And now we know. Tell us what happened, sir. Spare no detail. We were directing refugees into the Basilica, as you ordered, when all of a sudden, men brandishing weapons were all around us. It happened so fast, my lord. We had no time to respond. They've taken the refugees hostage and barricaded themselves inside the vault. And they sent you to deliver their demands? They, the true brothers of the Faith, demand that a conclave to select the next Archbishop beheld forthwith. Furthermore, they declare that you, Lord Commander, are guilty of patricide and high treason, and that you must surrender yourself at once to receive of the fury's judgment. Ridiculous! And do they honestly think that executing Sir Emerick would change anything? That the truth will somehow die with him? These fundamentalists rage against the passing of the old ways. Unable to accept, there can be no going back. Given the fanciful nature of their demands, a peaceful resolution does not seem likely. If the hostages are to be rescued, it will be by force, I fear. Agreed. Lucia, take a contingent of knights and establish a perimeter outside the entrance. At once, Lord Commander. Hilda, I need your people out in force throughout the broom. When word spreads of the situation, the friends and family of the hostages may try to take matters into their own hands. I will not give these militants more targets. I shall lead the assault on the vault. Master Alphano, can I count on the support of the scions? Of course. We are in your debt. I shall join you as well, Lord Commander. Your assistance is most welcome, Lord Atwarell. To arms, then, friends. Time is against us. Where is he? Where is he? Closer! You have nowhere to run. Release the girl and surrender. Surrender to whom? The blasphemer who throws wide the gates to our enemy, who breaks bread with him and calls him brother? Ungodly swine! I would sooner die than surrender to you. Is it godly to spill the blood of an innocent child? To burn the homes of your brothers? Tell me, priest, is that godly? Do not speak to me of godliness, heathen. Your father's blood is on your hands. As it has! Daphne! Well met, knight. May I have chosen an inopportune moment? Not at all. Pray forgive us this most unworthy reception. We are honoured to have you with us and right glad of your aid. Fortune delivered the child unto me. I had but to receive her. Thank you for saving me. Thou art welcome, child. Never did I think to be indebted to so unexpected a saviour. But full glad am I to be so. Friend of Izal, warrior of warriors, I had hoped to meet with thee, there a message from my sire. From Freisfelder? Upon returning to our lands, Nidhogg's shade did sing unto his brood, and they for skies unknown did then take wing. This thou must know, for your fates are inextricably bound. What of Estinian? Is he truly lost to us? Such matters are beyond my ken. I but bear my father's words. Take from them what thou wilt. Fare you well, mortals. So it is as they say then. A great white dragon swooped down from the heavens to rescue an innocent child. A most unexpected turn of events, but not an unwelcome one. The people will not soon forget this day. Yet how will they choose to remember it, sir Emmerich? And will these events serve to bring man and dragon closer together, or drive a deeper wedge between brothers? After a thousand years, the world these men once knew is changing, and with un-gentle swiftness to boot. Though their actions are misguided, their sentiments are only to be expected. You may be sure that others will rally to their cause. I share your desire for a lasting peace with the Jovalians I do, but I would not see it built on the bones of our countrymen, nor on our own. I see much of Horsesha fine you, and I could not bear to mourn the passing of another son. Lord Edmund. That Vadofnia should chance to arrive even as the girl fell. Truly, I could not have planned it better myself. Ah, good. We were afraid you might have left. A shield, my lord? Fit for a true knight. An expression of our gratitude to you and yours, long overdue. But there is something else I would discuss ere you part, something which cannot leave this room. My father will soon step down as head of our house. Seremaric was not the only one to fall under suspicion following the death of the Archbishop. There are some who believe my father complicit in a coup d'etat. Thus he intends to renounce his title to absolve our house of suspicion and secure the support of our peers. Surely there must be another way to convince houses during day and a mile. So I said to him, alas he will not budge. Ever since I was a child I knew that I would one day succeed my father. The thought of it filled me with pride. Yet once I learned the day was at hand my heart was filled with naught but dread. Our legacy is built upon the lies of our forefathers. In accepting this title, am I not perpetuating this injustice? Why should I become the next count? You sound just like him. I... I suspect that is what Horsherforn would have said. To aid those in need. When you look on that shield, I trust he will remember his words. And should I once more find my resolve wavering, I ask that you show me the way. You were a sister to Horsherforn. Will you be a sister to me as well? Come, my manalane, there's much to be done for Father and for Sir Emerick and for Ishgard. To think we share the same blood. Pray excuse us. Those were the days of promises and vows of tentative first steps into an uncertain future. A future shaped by the choices we made in ways we could never have foreseen. Born of good and evil, of light and darkness and shepherded by our hand. Be it for will or be it for woe. Well done, Sir. And with that, I believe we are ready to proceed. Let us be about our business then. The next patrol may not be so credulous. I must you be so disappointingly brisk. You're not as tall as Minfilia described, you know. I don't think you've favoured me with so much as a single compliment since we set out. Tell me, did your time in the wilderness sap you of all your charm? Or are you holding it in reserve for your beloved? This is neither the time nor the place. Well, call me old-fashioned, but when I'm risking life and limb infiltrating an imperial castrum, I like to be sure of my comrade's motivations. I see now where Alphano gets it from. Minfilia is dear to me. It is true. But not in the way you think. Fifteen years passed when she was still but a child. There was an incident at a parade. A gooboo broke free of its fetters and ran amok through the streets of Uldar. Had I been more attentive, I could have prevented it. But I was distracted and her father was killed. I feared she would never recover. But in the years that followed, she showed herself to be more resilient than I had ever imagined. And when she learned of her gift, she did not flinch from the responsibility, but sought to guide others on the path. She touched the hearts of all around her. Mine, Louis Soir, every science. In those dark days following the calamity, she was our guiding light, our hope for a brighter future. She had so many dreams, and I would give anything to make them come true. My apologies. I can see she means the world to you. I did not mean to pick at old scars. No harm done, I assure you. But fair is fair, my lady. What is Minfilia to you? You mean you don't know. Only my dearest friend. When I finally emerged from my torpor, I learned that Neri a day had passed without her asking after me. She never gave up hope. And neither will I. And for Minfilia's sake, let us pray that these vestiges of Heidelin's intervention will lead us to her. Feel. Think. Through time and space, has thou journeyed unto me, as I knew thou wouldst. We are the word of the mother. We, who were once called Minfilia, time has passed for thee since the bloody banquet, since, since I hearkened to her word. Mother Heidelin guided me towards Yeesh-Tola and Thankrid, that I might be swept up in their flow and delivered unto the ethereal sea. There, adrift and alone, her voice silent once more, I prayed for those we had lost, for those we can yet save. To her I would make an offering. We speak now with one voice, one will, one word. Unto thee we bequeath the most precious of gifts, the truth which lieth at the heart of this world. Thus do we beseech thee once more. Hear, feel, sing. Before there was life in the depths of the ethereal sea, light and dark did once dwell as one. But the darkness coveted power and the balance was broken. Thus was I forced to banish him unto the distant heavens to forever remain apart, a moon bound. In sundering the star did we cry out and the barriers twitched plains chance to falter. Across ten and three were we then divided. Reflections of the source each possessed of a shard, zodiac longeth to be made whole. For his restoration, for his resurrection, his servants labour without cease, they seek to tear down the barriers which surround the source. Thus do they rejoice in their ardour, in your calamities, for each marks are rejoining. Seven times have they succeeded. Seven times have the darkness grown stronger. Seven times have I failed. The Ascians cannot be suffered to continue. This, this is my final. The crystal's power is all put spent. With what remains, I will return you to the shore of the ethereal sea. Blessed children, go forth and seek. Thank the twelve! Did you find her? Did you find Minfilia? The word of the mother? I'm not sure I understand. Nor am I. Cryer? As unbelievable as it sounds, I see no reason to doubt her. The words tale. No one was more sensitive to the will of Hydalin than Minfilia. And if Hydalin has grown so weak that she can barely make herself heard, it is not hard to see why Minfilia, having joined with her, might struggle to maintain her own form. What? Why would she need to maintain her own form? Are you saying, are you saying she's gone? But that cannot be. Not now. Not after all we have accomplished. We were meant to wash her in the dawn's light together. She threw herself on the fire to fuel your dawn's light, boy. You'll just have to usher it in on your own. Must you be so un-gental? Tell me about the Sions, boy. That the Sions of the Seventh Dawn lay before Eorzea's salvation. Whenever the realm is threatened, be it by primal, Ascian, Galleon or any other, we take up arms in her defense. That all in Eorzea may live to see a brighter tomorrow. And that's very noble of you. But in chasing after these lofty goals of yours, you seem to have lost sight of some basic truths. To win a war, you must be willing to do whatever it takes to fight, to kill, and, if necessary, to die. The path you've chosen is paved with the dead. Walk it with your eyes open, or not at all. I know the truth of which you speak and have from the first. If the Sions will go to any length to resurrect their God, then we must needs be as committed to our cause to unmask them and their schemes and to crush them both utterly. Come, there is much to be done. Yes, of course. Thancred, wait! No, this is all wrong. A pleasure to see you again, my friend. I take it you received our invitation. Good, good. You of all people should be present. When the true brothers of the faith seized control of the vault, I feared the worst. Yet in adversity were we blessed with the promise of peace between man and dragon, through Vadofnia's timely rescue of an innocent child. Timely, I say, though miraculous or providential, might better describe the event. The gods themselves could not have devised a more fitting symbol of hope. Needless to say, we could scarcely let such an opportunity pass us by. Which is why I set about making formal arrangements for a peace conference between our peoples. You and yours have done more to bring us together than any, and it is only right that you attend. But I confess that is not the only reason I would be glad to have you there. Given Nidhogg's implacable opposition to the peace, it is possible that he and his followers may attempt to disrupt proceedings, in which event your presence would be a comfort to all in attendance. I understand I have no wish to invite the worms higher, but if our fractured nation is to heal, if we are to move forward as a people united, then we must do whatever is necessary to bring about lasting change. It is nothing. It is nothing. Lucia cautioned me against giving vent to my passions, lest my wounds reopen. It has not been easy reaching out to our opponents in Ishgard, many of whom sympathized with the actions of the true brothers. But in so doing, we have limited the influence of the zealots. The people are ready, my friend. This conference must go ahead. I knew you would understand. The conference will take place on the border of Ishgardian and Dravanian territory in Falken's nest. Lucia is there, seeing to the final preparations, even as we speak. Pray join her at your earliest convenience. It would not do for the guest of honor to arrive late after all. Oh, and, uh, one more thing. A drink. We should make time for one. Once the conference is concluded, I mean, by my reckoning, it is long overdue. Welcome, welcome. Find yourself an empty seat, and I'll be with you in a moment. Ooh, to hell, Annette. Here, a mug on the house. Let's get some color back in them cheeks. Eat food will be a bit longer than usual. We've got a lot of hungry folk to feed, what with the conference and all. Oh, so many people were caused to celebrate, to think there could be peace in our time after all them years of fighting. When I heard about the conference, I knew I had to come. I knew I had to be here to do my bit. My husband, he... He died fighting the dragons, you see. And here we are, about to break bread with him. You were right, mother. You were tired. Wrecking could be a good long rest. All you've done, I say, were dead. Sleep now. Sleep. Sleep and leave us to our affairs. They told me he walks in her lonesse halls. Him and the rest of his unit. They told me the same. They expect they think it's comforting. Every time I come, I cry. I cannot bear to remember, but to forget would be a thousand times worse. Yet that is what they would have us do. Accept this truth for the sake of peace. Bury the past and look to the future. That he was my future. My flesh and blood. My heart. Is this it? We're the only ones with the courage to oppose this madness. Cowards, a lot of them. They think only of the prize. Of the peace, Sir Emerick promises them. They know in their hearts it's a lie, but they go along with it anyway. Desperate fools, but not I. Not I! I see the worm that killed my brother in my dreams every night. Rest until he lies broken at my feet. Him and every last one of his accursed kin. All this nonsense about Kings of Eld, as if I care what they did or didn't do, makes no difference to me and mine. Have the dragons sued for peace in a thousand years, and they bollocks. It's a bloody ruse is what it is, and Sir Emerick and the rest of them bloody fallen for it. But what can we do? They believe and not we can say will ever change their minds. Whether we like it or not, man and dragon will come together at falcon's nest, and all will be forgiven. Forgiven and forgotten. No. I will not let that happen. They will remember the true face of the enemy. I will show it to them, and we will rise up against them once more. This is no time for napping. Do you have your wits about you? Good. Come with me. We have a crisis on our hands. Hey, brothers and sisters. Do not be fooled by the honeyed words of the Trevarnians. The peace they promise is but a prelude to slaughter. Remember your husbands and wives never returned from war. Your children torn apart by fang and claw. All your loved ones shown no mercy. Does not your heart cry out for vengeance? Your blood boil at the injustice. Remember the face of your enemy brothers and sisters. Remember it and strike back. Don't just stand around gulping. Do something, man. Stop her. Yes, yes, my lord. Hear the true nature of the high-born. With lies and deception they lead us to our doom. And dare we raise our voices in dissent? Death is our reward. This is the choice they have given us, brothers and sisters. Death by dragon's fang or death by nobleman's command. Death to all we hold, dear. For choice is nobleman. You will take no more from me. No more, no more. What have you done? Only did as you ordered, my lord. I gave no such order. I did not. I never meant for anyone to... No. What have they done to you? Honour, honour. Is that you, my lord? You seem rather flustered. Because of you, you imbecile. What in the seven hells happened to you? My... My apologies. Some few of the guests expressed a wish to leave. And I implored them to stay. It would seem they took issue with my request. Oh, gods forgive me. If I had only been more careful with my words. Do not blame yourself, my lord. I know. I know that you and your brother have Ishgard's best interests at heart. That poor woman. She lives in the past. Clinging to the memories of the lost. But the future holds so much promise. So much joy. And you. You know that better than any. Calm yourself. The boy will live. But it's imperative we get him inside and into the care of Akai Rujin without delay. We were so close. Why does it all have to fall to pieces? You want to live in peace, don't you? You want to be happy? We all want the same thing. And still, still it falls to pieces. Tell me what, what was I supposed to do? Someone, anyone, tell me what was I supposed to do? Stop looking to others. You make your choice and you live with the consequences. And what would you know about consequences? You who always know just what to say and just what to do. Your every deed is created with a round of applause. You know nothing about me. I have fought tooth and nail for the people I hold dear. Done everything in my power to save them. And I have failed. Learn to live with it. I have. Lord Commander, if I may, I wish to speak with you before the Grand Millet. Proceed. How do you do it, my lord? How do you lead with such certainty when so many of our countrymen will not hear of peace with the Dravanians? Some of them hate you almost as much as the dragons themselves. They decry you as a patricide in the streets. They even try to kill you for God's sakes. Yet still you march on, undaunted, where no archbishop dared to tread. What is your secret? Where do you find the strength? For centuries, our nation has been punished for the sins of our forefathers. If our punishment is to end, I believe we must right the wrongs of antiquity and move forward as a nation united. Needless to say, my father did not share this opinion. He did not believe the people strong enough to bring about their own deliverance, trusting only in himself. Tyranny seemed to him the only solution. But I have faith in the people, Lord Emanuel. I have faith that they will weather this storm and overcome every trial we set before them. Many have fought and died to see this blight upon our nation's history cleansed and I would not let their sacrifices be in vain. Though we invite reprisals, the risk is worth the reward. Lord, I want to believe. I do. Lord Commander, through my careless orders a pall has been cast over these proceedings and I beg the opportunity to make amends. I, Emanuel Ender Forton, do hereby request leave to take part in the Grand Millet. Who am I to deny such a heartfelt plea? We would be honoured to have you join the fray, my lord. You will take charge of the Ishgardian forces. All my other responsibilities, I am still Lord Commander of the Temple Knights and I would not soon yield this duty to another. The esteemed Sir Emmerich leading the Temple Knights and the watch into battle along with my youngest, I could wish for no more. Then you wish for too little, my lord. There is another who might yet join the fray, an indispensable ally to whom we owe much and more. An adventurer, beholden to none, who nevertheless chose to champion our cause, who has shared in our suffering and in our glory. A warrior without equal, who I am privileged to call a friend. There is no one I would rather have fighting by my side. I ask this in full knowledge of your obligations and will not think less of you should you refuse. But if your conscience will allow it, might you oblige me, my friend. One more time. Together we shall give the people a spectacle for the ages. A celebration to mark the dawning of a new era. Let all here present heed well the rules of engagement. For the honor and the glory of Ishgard. All is ready then. Very well. Did... did she win? Then we... we... Turia's ours! Ishgard! Ishgard! Well fought! Well fought, my friend! You truly are the warrior of warriors. Thank the fury you were on our side. Oh, my lungs are burning and I can barely stand. I didn't think I could do it, but then I did. We did. We faced the alliance's best and together with one heart, with one purpose, we prevailed. After a thousand years of hardship, of strife and bloodshed, we are strong enough to rise to any challenge, be it on the battlefield or beyond. The future holds so much promise, so much joy. We need only show them the way. Holy magnificent display, Sir Knight. While doubtless, less than pleased, I am quite sure the grand companies are honored to have been bested by such valiant warriors. The honor was ours, your grace. I am pleased to see that Ishgard's proud martial tradition is being upheld. When the time comes, I trust you will fight alongside your brothers and sisters in the Eorzean alliance with the same fervor you displayed in opposing them. Note that our friend elected to take the field in Ishgardian colors. At my behest, your grace. If we have given a fence, the blame lies with me. Stop, Sir Knight. It was a surprise, nothing more. And any hint of your feeling was thoroughly dispelled by the spectacle of our mutual friend's jewel with General Raubahn. The subject of surprises. I could not help but marvel at the passionate unity of purpose displayed by your countrymen, given the troubling reports we have received of late. I shall take that as a compliment, your grace. The events to which you elude are the price of change. The end of the Dragon Song war marks the beginning of a new era for our nation, and for the people, high and low-born alike, who will lead her into the future. The people. Change is indeed a perilous thing. For we who seek it, and they who fear it, I shall pray for Ishgard and for you. Well, that made for a refreshing change. Congratulations on your victory, by the way. Ishgardians certainly seem happy with themselves. I, for my part, am merely glad you did not strain anything in the process of single-handedly winning the battle for them. Tears but a scratch, I assure you, and I will not suffer you to worry over me. Not when we have a dozen far more important concerns. Make that two dozen. Still, as your stolen avatars are telling me, we can but face them head-on one at a time. One day at a time, as Minfilia would have done. Honour, my boy. Shouldn't you be in bed? Thank you for your concern, my lord. But I have largely recovered from my ordeal, and I have naught but several scars to show for it, which I have been told some women may find appealing. I see. And to think I was worried sick of you. I'm not sure I understand, my lord. Well, let's put that theory to the proof, shall we? M-my lord? It would seem that a great many things have occurred in my absence. I thought I might begin to make amends by welcoming you in person. The messengers spared not their chocoboes to bring us word of your victory in the grand melee. I cannot well describe our relation when we heard the news. It called to mind the day we rejoined the Aeosian alliance, and I glimpsed hope rekindled in the eyes of the people. The fury herself ushers us into a new era. Sir Emerick, the time is now. Aye, that it is. Reconvene the conference and summon Vadofnia to Falken's nest. We will make peace with Frace Velger's brood and hasten this bloody war to its end. Yes, Lord Commander. I will send word to Artoirelle and bid him resume preparations. You'll place yourself at your brother's disposal. He'll be glad of your assistance. No stopping it now, is there? We should inform your Stola and the others. My dear friend, I doubt I will ever be able to thank you enough. But when the conference has successfully concluded, I damn well need to try. The appointed hour approaches. She begged leave to watch the proceedings. I saw no reason not to grant it. Should I choose to deviate from my prepared remarks? I ask that you trust in my judgment. Have I ever done otherwise? It hath been since our peoples met thus, children of Thordon, even by our reckoning. Vadofnia, daughter of Frace Velger, we give thanks for your visit and bid you welcome to Falken's nest. Our sire bade us harken unto the whispers of our hearts. They spoke to us of a paradise lost, of bonds of brotherhood which they yearned to see restored. Ours too yearn for such a restoration, and they have guided us here this day, that they might yearn no longer. Brothers and sisters, ye who stand as witness harken to me. Since the days of Eld, when the bonds betwixt man and dragon were sundered by our hand, our peoples have known only war, bloodshed without end, losses beyond counting, and still we fought, and still we fought. Some wounds do not heal. The dead cannot be returned to us, but we the living can yet choose another course. Here and now we can lay down this burden, this hatred, this vengeance. Our forebears fought not so that we could die, but that we might live. So let us honor their sacrifice and spare our children this death sentence. Let us gift them a new legacy, life. Betwixt our peoples, Yornith a divide deeper than the deepest abyss, wider than the widest sea. Generations will live and die, but this divide is bridged. Knowing this, doth thy heart yet yearn for peace, son of Thordan. Look now on the legacy we would leave to our children. A dream of peace inscribed in stone for generations to come. For in his beloved, as they were so long ago, happy and at peace, the dream they shared shall be ours once more. Your bow! Lord of Dravania, art thou grown so forgetful that thou wouldst forsake Kith and Kin and consult with the spawn of Thordan that thou wouldst dare contemplate peace. The final chorus is nigh, and all will be held to account. All will bathe in the flames of retribution. Till the coming of that day, look you on your sins and despair, for none shall escape my wrath. None shall escape my revenge. Seven Hells? Darn you, Nidhog. While he lives, we'll never know peace. It's war till Nidhog is dead and gone! So let's kill the bastard and be done with it! Death to Nidhog! Death to Nidhog! Death to Nidhog! Death to Nidhog! Death to Nidhog! Death to Nidhog! Death to Nidhog! Death to Nidhog! Death to Nidhog! Forgive me, that took longer than expected. You seem puzzled. Oh, these! I thought something warming might not go amiss. It was not all that long ago that we sat here, you and I. In our very own falling snows, as Lord Horsfond called it. I still struggle to believe he is gone. And as El too. I had such hopes for her. Master Matoya asked me what it was all for. Why we fight, and why we die. Were I still commander of the Braves, I would doubtless have replied, for the future of Eorzea, I would doubt that man. Not anymore. I needed a new answer. One that I could live with. And when I saw Estinian at the ceremony, I knew at last what it was. I do not want to be a man who sacrifices his friends and family for a cause. I want to fight for Estinian. And I want to save him. When Nidhog leads the Horde into battle, Sir Emerick and his forces will do what they believe must be done. That is their choice to make. Yet even if Sir Emerick is willing to forsake Estinian, I am not. We must fight for him. For he is our friend and ally. We may struggle. We may fail. But we must try. We will. I know we will. Of all the ways for it to end. Even before his transformation, I could feel the worms hatred swirling about Estinian. The terrible, all-consuming rage. Enough to fuel a thousand-year quest for vengeance. It was all I could do not to run away screaming. But Ishgardians, nay, all Aorzians are made of sterner stuff. They face danger and death on a daily basis and understand what it takes to win a war. Think not too deeply on Master Metoya's words. Her intent was but to steal our resolve. That, and to remind us to look beyond these passing conflicts to trials greater still. To the truth which hides at the heart of this world. So that's your aim, is it? You disapprove. Not at all. I believe it's traditional for the student to follow in the footsteps of the Master. And you are so very alike. Change. That great inexorable wave was upon us. And soon all of Ishgard would bend to its will. For all our sins, for all our scars. The future for which we had long yearned was at last within our grasp. But it would be bought at a heavy price. For in those twilight hours did Nidhogg cry out for vengeance and his brethren raise their voices for the final chorus of the Dragon Song War. We have kept you waiting over long, I fear. Not to worry, Alphano. We had some rather fine mulled wine to keep us company. Truth be told, you could have delayed your arrival a few moments more. Jibriln got the spicing just right this time. His latest batch is not only delicious and warming, but soothing to the humours. Indeed. But it was not to soothe our humours that we gathered here. Ah, no, quite right. The matter of that poor dragon. You have discovered something. A means to save him? Let us not jump to conclusions, shall we? Assess the facts presented, then make an educated analysis, as you were taught. Pray cast your mind back to the moment of Estinian's transformation. Do you recall how you described it to us? You spoke of the sudden pangs which wracked his body when he took up both of Nidhogg's eyes and of how his form was twisted thereafter into a shadowy semblance of the Great Worm. When he appeared at Falken's nest, the Worm's eyes were fused to his male. Would that only his armour had been corrupted. Snaking forth from the eyes, I described dark tendrils which entangled his very being. His aether has been all but smothered. Then he is lost to us forever? What did I just say about jumping to conclusions? Yishtola clearly stated all but smothered. As I later discovered, her impression matched my own. Though Nidhogg's presence filled my mind's eye, beneath his seething aura, I sensed the merest hint of something else. And after listening to Yishtola's observations, I became more certain of my suspicion that the something else I had sensed was, in fact, the trace of a different will, submerged in the sea of Nidhogg's rage. You mean? Yes. Tis like that Estinian spirit yet lingers. Can we not rest him from Nidhogg's grasp then? Tear the eyes from the armour! We know not if that would serve to separate Worm's soul from man's. None have ever attempted such a feat. Should it offer even the faintest hope of success, then by the gods I shall be the first to try. By all means, hold fast to your hope, but be mindful of the dangers. Even should you succeed in excising the eyes from the dragon's mail, we have no way of knowing if your friend's soul would survive so violent a separation. And that is to say nothing of the possibility that his would-be saviour might become Nidhogg's next host. But what other choice remains to us? Should the opportunity present itself, I will tear those foul orbs from Estinian's armour and trust in the resilience of his soul, even at the risk of mine own. I found you at last. A messenger of the temple knights came to the manor some few hours past. The Lord Commander humbly requests the company of the Warrior of Light and Master Alphano. Sir Emery could speak with us. Very well, thank you, Anawa. To which seem duty calls. Pray see to yours, and we shall return to ours. Thank you, Yourstola, Kryle. Your words have given me hope where there was none. Come then, say Emeryka waits. Alphano is allowing his feelings for this dragon to cloud his thoughts. I worry he may do something rash. Keep an eye on him, would you? They think more of their friendliness to the difference than their fellow's defeat. Do the history commend their futility or condemn their folly? The conference held at Falcon's Nest was to be a celebration of the reconciliation Twixtman and Dragon. But the lingering shade of Nidhogg, clad in the flesh of the azure dragoon, did mark the occasion by spilling the blood of his own kind. A timely atrocity to remind the children of Ishgard that the Dragon Song War was far from over and when fear gave way to fury, the call to arms rang out anew. Death to Nidhogg. Death to Nidhogg. My friends, I thank you for coming. You have had news of Nidhogg? Alas not. Our scouts range far and wide, but they have us yet found no trace of the Great Worm. We dispatched an elite unit of dragoons to reconnoiter the churning mists, but even they returned empty-handed. A pity. Fear not, Alphano. We shall see the worm again soon enough. His words at Falcon's Nest attest to that. Indeed, he is like to come sooner than we would wish. I assume Ishgard's defences are being bolstered as we speak? With all haste, I mean to call upon every able-bodied warrior at our disposal from the knights of the Four Houses to the men and women of the watch. But I did not summon you to discuss strategy. What, then, would you have of us, my lord? I will speak plain. Now that Nidhogg is possessed of both of his eyes, no mortal force we can muster will repel him. That being the case, we must needs recruit an ally of equal strength. You speak of Grace, Velger? I do. To whom else could we turn? That is Nidhogg's equal, I do not deny. Nor can I name another. But convincing the reclusive creature to do battle with his own brood brother will be... How shall I put this? It will be no small undertaking, yes. Estinian's report was most particular about Grace Velger's unwillingness to involve himself in the affairs of men. But much has changed since your visit to Somal. And if there is even a chance that the dragon may be swayed, I must plead our case. Whatever price the dragon asks of me, I shall pay it. Such was my oath to defend the people of Ishgard. Come what may, my friends. The battle with Nidhogg will mark the end of my tenure as the acting head of church and state. Will you help me discharge this final duty? We will, my lord. Though I fear our involvement offers no guarantee of success. Come then. We will depart at your leisure. Thank you. Both of you. The city is yours, First Commander. My lord. We shall pray for your swift return. Great Grace Velger. It is not lightly that we beg this audience. Pray hearken to our words, for they concern the future of man and dragon, both. Greetings, Grace Velger. I am Emeric de Burrell, acting ruler of the nation of Ishgard. I have come before you to parley on behalf of my people, for sore my intent. And she, this echniteg kasmun ikinim, listen one just an essein, salen mues is sol, sedorsk kom ini nosk dey gan. We understand that in your despair at man's betrayal, you seek only the refuge of solitude. But despite your protestations of spent faith, do you not still nurture the smallest flame of hope? I do. If you claim I see falsely, then tell me. Why did you consent to bear Rizel upon your back? I see esk dey apalsu, nesk kan in esk bar ikin. So you do distinguish between those who acknowledge and repent their sins and those who perpetuate them. Interesting. It seems to me that you have not, in fact, lost faith in mankind as a whole. Rather, you weigh our respective merits by how we allow the past to influence our future. Should we suffotize of blood to bind our hands, then? Nay, if the crime is one of unconscionable evil, we must need condemn it even, should the transgressor be our closest kin. When my father corrupted himself and his followers with the power of a primal, I beseeched the warrior of light to slay him and act alike to patricide, that he did not die by my hand matters little. If anything, it heaps greater disgrace upon my name. But had my father not fallen, he would have drawn countless thousands into a holy war of hellish proportions, which I hold the greater crime. Thus did I order his execution, sparing the lives of my people and yours. Alas, your brother Worm now prepares to murder those whom I sought to spare. What is more, he has taken my comrade's body for his own. But if I must slay my dearest friend to defeat my direst foe, I will not flinch from my duty. Score IH less IH. Cease IH. Sleaze like IH. Your trial is ended as well, then. Mine was brutal beyond reckoning. That Faulneus seems ill acquainted with the notion of mock battles. Tan-in-in-sis-nas-des-ka-ikin-el-es-et-ga-ta-ishin-es-i-sa. Our negotiations proved rather more strenuous than I had anticipated, but the results seemed well worth the effort. The battle was indeed hard one. Thank you, my friends. I would never have earned Trace Velger's cooperation had you not seen fit to grant me yours. Trace, you're stalwart heroism that moved the heart of the Great Worm at the last. Any gratitude I can offer is but poor reward for your continued service to Ishgard. T'would seem our final reckoning with the Dread Worm is at hand. I only wish we had some inkling as to when he means to strike. It has begun. We must away to Ishgard. Aye. I must return to my city without delay. Sess me. Must until the Lord Commander returns. We must halt. By the fury. That one is the size of Nidhogg, a warrior of light. Yes, so. Liskor unfound ere. Wormo ite to thar an. And this an in. Estinian. The first brood. I am vengeance incarnate. Thou shalt die. This is not your hand, Worm. I would ask one last favor of you, warrior of light. Finish me. Now, while I have the beasts subdued. You waste your time. Kill me. It is the only way. Ending Nidhogg will be my final duty. No. You can't die like this. I won't let you. He lives. Ah, Estinian, my ill-fated friend. Lucia, summon the healers. I want them ready to receive him. At once, Lord Commander. Allow me to do this much, at least. You have my gratitude, Resvelga. Your deeds this day have saved a great many lives. The battle is won. We can do no more for Estinian now than bear him home and wish him well. Even as Resvelga did. The rest we must trust to the hands of the healers and the grace of the gods. The heroes of the hour return. We but did our duty, my lord. It was the memories of fallen friends and not our heroism which saw us through at the last. I gave every ounce of my strength, but my efforts would have counted for naught. Had the warrior of light not arrived to challenge the great worm as a sworn knight of Ishgard, I had hoped to do more for my city. Well, we cannot all be heroes, dear brother. Let us put away our pride for a moment and revel in the valiant deeds of our comrade. For your sterling service to Ishgard, we salute you. And while we're on the subject of valiant deeds, I believe I myself have earned some small measure of recognition. Under my watchful command, the ballistas of the Outer Ward struck down a veritable swarm of Dravanian invaders. My lord's command was certainly watchful. He bravely watched as the siege crews took aim and continued to watch as countless wyverns met their end. Indeed, the ward's defenders proved so well-drilled that my lord had little occasion to stop watching. There will be time enough to determine who is most deserving of recognition later. Our friends are doubtless weary from their exertions. I had chambers prepared in expectation of your return. You are welcome to retire at your leisure. I am most grateful for your hospitality, my lord. But I believe I shall pay a visit to the temple night's infirmary. Pray excuse me. Our master Alfina was grown. The plight of his stricken brother in arms pains him more than his own hurts. In which respect he has come to resemble you, warrior of light. Go then, visit the azure Dragoon and grant him what comfort you may. Estinian! Seize your mulling, boy. It grates my ears. Forgive me. When I saw you awake and I could not... it was such a relief. We feared you might never wake up. Now, now, Estinian. If master Alfina thought any less of you, you would still be Nidhogg's plaything. Or dead. I hiked was but a jest. I thank you, Alfino. And you too, warrior of light. Quite how you managed to persuade Hresvogar to aid in his brood brother's downfall, I cannot imagine. But full glad am I that you did. Yet again, you have achieved the impossible. I, for my part, owe you an apology. When last we met, I did willingly loosen arrow at your heart. Can you forgive me? Not to forgive, Amaric. You but acted in defence of Ishgard as is your duty. Were you any less single-minded about it, I would not follow you into battle, nor trust you at my back. Besides, I had come to the self-same conclusion that I would have to perish for Nidhogg to be stopped. So let us dispense with the hand-ringing. I have heard enough mulling for one day. Uh-oh. The tendrils of Nidhogg's foul presence bound up every fibre of my being. Usurping my senses. But I yet retained some trace of awareness. Worm's mind was as a vast and tumultuous sea. Endlessly its black waters churned. His grief and despair at Ratatoska's murder never calming, never receding. Driven by this surging current came wave upon wave of unrelenting rancour. It was the very image of my own heart. There I saw the dark reflection of the hatred I felt after Nidhogg slew my family. When no path remained save vengeance against dragonkind. Neither one of us had a choice. But I was blessed with something Nidhogg was not. Comrades and teachers to console and admonish me. Had I not had them to gain, say, my obsession, it would surely have consumed me as Nidhogg's did him. And we would have been in all respects alike. Though his shade is banished, his spirit scattered upon the sea of clout. I feel no joy at his passing. Where once I craved vengeance, I now crave rest. Lord Commander, my hunt is at an end. I would lay down the mantle of Azir Dragoon. My friend, he has tired himself with too many words. I doubt not that he will make a full recovery, but he must be allowed some few days of quiet. I too must see my path to its end. Sleep well, my friend. Following the battle with Nidhogg on the steps of faith, Sir Emery called an assembly that he might make his final proclamation as acting head of state. It was there, with one decree, that the thousand-year rule of the Archbishop's was ended, paving the way for a new republic. The governance of Ishgard would now be placed in the hands of high and low-born alike, their ranks represented by the newly founded House of Lords and House of Commons. Church was separated from state. The foundation for change had been carefully laid, and the reforms proposed by Ishgard's new government passed into law without incident. His duty done, Emery De Burrell gladly stepped down from the Archbishop's dais, only to be raised unto the highest seat in the House of Lords. When he strove at first to refuse this honour, the unexpectedly strident voice of the Count de Durandere left him little choice but to accept. And so it was that the winds of gentle revolution came to stir. Prominent among the many honoured guests at Sir Emeryx Investiture were the ambassadors of Dragonkind, a fitting symbol of Ishgard's newfound peace. The people looked on in awe as he soared through the heavens on Dragonback, and by their cheers did they hail him and azure Dragoon for a new age. Thus were the notes of the Dragon Song rewritten, the din of war giving way to a rising litany of peace and hope.