Previous posts in this series:
I'm not even going to apologize for my verbosity any more. This is mostly captured from the in-game Journal, the Gamer Escape wiki, and in-game cutscenes. It's pretty much EVERYTHING that happens in Il Mheg. I'd suggest setting aside time to read it, because it is long.
At the end of our last summary, we had just rescued Minfilia and made our escape from Ran'jit, a general of the Eulmoran Army intent on stopping us from vanquishing the Lightwardens. We had also seen a man identified only by ??? sitting on a rooftop, saying that "the plan has gone awry"...
The scene then shifts to the party entering Il Mheg. Alisaie asks Thancred what brought him to Laxan Loft, and he says he was after Minfilia. The two had been traveling together when she suddenly ran off as they approached Lakeland. Thancred was too late to save her from being captured by Eulmore, but when he saw the Crystarium on the move he consulted the Exarch, who gave him certain instructions. Should the situation make a turn for the worse, Thancred was to see you all safely to Il Mheg.
Urianger resides in Il Mheg, but Alphinaud laments that he and Alisaie have never had the chance to visit him here. Thancred says it's not the sort of place one easily visits, but since he and Minfilia have been here before they know how things work around here. Thancred says, "Sooner or later, the Eulmorans will come after us. But before they do, the Exarch bids us accomplish two things. First: Rendevous with Urianger, and second, eliminate the Lightwarden of this land."
Alisaie then asks Minfilia what made her leave Thancred behind. Minfilia looks down, then look at you with her pupil-less eyes. "You," she says. "The hero from another world." Minfilia says she was afraid Thancred wouldn't let her go see you, what with the commotion in Lakeland. Thancred says, "And would I have been wrong? Had I arrived a moment later, you would be back in your cell in Eulmore." He takes an angry step toward the girl. "And now we have Ranjit snapping at our heels. You really have outdone yourself this time."
Minfilia bows her head. "I'm sorry. Thank you for saving me." Thancred takes a step back and his face softens a teeny bit, then a voice says, "Aww, poor thing, being scolded so." The party looks around, and giggles erupt from unseen folk. Alisaie says, "Who said that? Should yourselves!" Voices say, "Come now, put away that frown and have some fun with us!" The giggles and voices continue, but Thancred ignores them and asks Minfilia, "Ugh, which way was it to Urianger's?" Minfilia pauses, then says, "We've been there so many times, but I'm not… I can't.. Why can't I remember?" You and the twins react in alarm, and Thancred says, "Damn it all. We're already caught in their spell!" The voices continue laughing.
From what little he is able to make of the mischievious voices, Thancred believes that the pixies wish to play with you. He reasons that they may therefore allow you to find their village, Lydha Lran – if nowhere else. At his suggestion, the party continues along the path.
You soon arrive at the pixie settlement, but see no sign of its residents. Convinced this means their games have already begun, Thancred suggests that you search for a plant with a furled tip called a ‘looking grass' which should allow you to see the pixies. Before you set about your task, you are warned not to respond to any voices that call to you, lest you fall prey to further mischief.
You succeed in finding the looking grass, but not wholly unscathed – voices indeed tried tempting you to reveal your name or respond in other ways, but you successfully remained silent. You hurry back to Thancred that he might put an end to the pixies' games.
Thancred puts the looking grass to use, holding it to one eye and saying a phrase in the pixie language, and moments later the pixies pop into being all around you. Unfortunately, they prove disinclined to let you continue on your way, and after a moment's discussion declare that you must lend them a helping hand. Heaving a heavy sigh, Thancred suggests splitting up to tend to the pixies' chores.
After being subjected to a host of menial tasks and pranks, you conclude that the pixies will never be satisfied and let you leave. While discussing your options, you remember a useful detail: you have a pact with a pixie. You decide to turn to Feo Ul for help, attempting to summon them by saying their name out loud.
Though Feo Ul hears your call, the pixie is in a black mood having been neglected for so long. Some groveling may be in order. You attempt to placate the pixie by saying out loud, "Please, Feo Ul, I need you."
Feo Ul is not satisfied with your entreaty and compares you unfavorably to a sodden log. It seems you will have to try harder to quell the pixie's displeasure. Trying one more time, you call out, "O loveliest of branches, please grant me your succor!"
The third time's the charm. You succeed in winning over Feo Ul, who promptly coerces the other pixies into letting you go. With the illusion lifted and the way revealed, Thancred is eager to continue on to Urianger's abode.
After Feo Ul reveals themselves, they admonish you for being late in calling them. Looking on, Alisaie remarks, "Another self-important little brat. Just what we need." Alphinaud says, "Hmm. Reminds me of my childhood." Alisaie turns to her twin, giving him a dirty look, and grabs him by the lapels, causing Alphinaud to stutter that it was just a joke.
Thancred informs you that Urianger has taken up residence in the abandoned manor of a nobleman and scholar: a place known as the Bookman's Shelves. You set off north to the manor along with Thancred and Minfilia, while the twins stay behind to entertain the pixies.
Stepping inside the manor, you enjoy a warm reunion with your old friend Urianger, who's become a practiced astrologian. After listening intently to your account of recent events, he proceeds to share the unsettling vision he witnessed as he drifted across the rift. In his tale he explains how the surge of light in the First will amplify the potency of the alchemical weapon Black Rose, thereby giving rise to the Eighth Umbral Calamity in the Source. Though the science behind the connection is somewhat complicated, its implications for you are simple: to forestall tragedy in both worlds, you must eliminate all of the Lightwardens. The being you have come to vanquish in Il Mheg is apparently ensconced withing Lyhe Ghiah, the castle which rises from the lake. Though gaining entry will require that you turn to the pixies for aid, Urianger assures you he has become adept at courting their cooperation. After your recent travails with the fae folk, you can only hope his confidence is well founded…
With your help, Urianger prepares a set of gifts for the pixies. He then retrieves some white auracite, which he had newly forged for your use. He reveals he chose to reside in Il Mheg as it is rich with aether, the better to fashion a trap for the Ascian's essence.
Minfilia, who had previously been banished from the abode by Thancred, now enters, bearing some ammunition she has imbued for Thancred. Thancred explains that although he doesn't have a physical body here in the First, his soul came over bearing its same limitations: he cannot manipulate aether. He took up the gunblade for its defensive advantages, but cannot imbue the ammo himself. Luckily, Minfilia has quite a talent for it.
Urianger then tells Minfilia she is free to choose a book or two to take with her on the road, as it will be quite some time before they return. She runs off to look at the books, and Urianger asks Thancred, "Hast thou spoken to her of thine encounter with the Minfilia of eld?"
Thancred: "Well, I suppose now is as good a time as any. As you know, I freed young Minfilia from captivity in Eulmore some three years past. Not long after, the two of us journeyed to the south of Amh Araeng. To the edge of the Empty, where the Flood was halted. It was there that she awakened. The Minfilia of old. My Minfilia…"
Your Echo kicks in and you see a vision of the past.
Thancred stands before the young Minfilia in Amh Araeng, speaking passionately and desperately. "Tell me, tell me! What must I do to bring you back!?"
The Oracle of Light shakes young Minfilia's head, and speaks, "My dearest Thancred… As I am now, I am no different from an Ascian. This child is but a vessel. One of many I have used, that I might spread word of Her enduring blessing and preserve the flame of hope." Minfilia hugs herself, and speaks on: "In my name, each has died, never having lived her own life. I have taken enough from these children. I will take no more."
Thancred says, "But what of your suffering? Your sacrifice!? This isn't fair! I will not stand for it—I cannot! There must be something we can do. Tell me!"
The Oracle of Light responds, "Should the day come when this child grows weary of fighting, and wishes to cast it all aside… Then shall I take up her burden. But should she wish instead to become the master of her own destiny… Then shall I bequeath to her my all. Imbued with the strength that I reserve for rebirth, she may come to wield my powers as her own."
Thancred takes a few steps forward and says, "And what of my wishes!? What of F'lhaminn's!? What of all the people who love and care for you and want nothing more than to see you again!?"
The Oracle shakes Minfilia's head again. "It is not their decision to make. It is hers, this child's. This Minfilia's."
Thancred looks down, and the Oracle turns Minfilia's back to him and takes a few steps closer to the Empty. "You have ever watched over me, Thancred."
Scenes from Thancred's past flash by, showing him looking over the original Minfilia in her younger days.
The Oracle turns to look at Thancred again. "Now I ask that you do the same for her. Protect her. Teach her. Stand by her as you stood by me. There is much and more she does not know. She needs a guide to show her the ways of the world, or she will never find her own path. When the time comes, you will find me here. Until that day…"
The Oracle closes Minfilia's eyes. Thancred reaches out to her. "Minfilia, wait!" he cries.
Minfilia looks around, and speaks in her normal voice. "What… what happened?"
Thancred looks down, and the vision ends. Returned to the present, Thancred is speaking, "And then she was gone. Minfilia—the girl—claims to have no recollection of any of it. I've told her many things—where we came from, what we fight for. But of that day, I have not spoken."
You have a choice of saying, "How do you want this to end?" or remaining silent. I chose to speak. Thancred doesn't answer, and you and Urianger exchange glances.
Urianger says, "With the coming of another possessed of the blessing of Light, the First hath begun to rise up in defiance of its fate. The question remaineth, however… Who shall take up the flame of hope which Minfilia hath borne for so long? Whether we will it or no, the choice must soon be made."
Thancred still has his head bowed, not looking at either of you. You turn as Minfilia enters, a book in her arms. The party then sets off for Lydra Lran.
Once back in Lydra Lran, you speak unto Sol Uin (one of the pixies) your desire: entry to Lyhe Ghiah, that you might vanquish the Lightwarden of the land. Only then do you learn that your quarry is in fact the king and ruler of the fairies: Titania, who defeated a Lightwarden that had threatened Il Mheg, only to be corrupted by the aether that was subsequently released. Though the pixies are convinced you will perish in the attempt, they readily agree to cooperate—if for no other reason that it would prove interesting to watch. They duly bestow upon you a white dress, one of four relics required to lift the seal over the castle. If you are to obtain the first of the three remaining items, you will need to set forth for the Untouchable Gate by the lake to request an audience with the slippery Fuath.
Standing before the Untouchable Gate, you call out to the Fuath, but there is no reply. While the party considers other ways to reach out to the creatures, the watery voice of a Fuath rings out. It agrees to give you the shell crown relic, but in exchange you must brave the dangers of their domain, Dohn Mheg, in a show of "thrilling sport". With no other recourse, you make ready to sally forth into unknown waters.
The Fuath toy with you throughout your journey in Dohn Mheg, but you face them head on. Finally you reach the hall where the shell crown awaits. As you approach it, eyes begin to glow around you.
"Hah hah! Well fought, well fought!" says an amused Fuath. The victory theme plays as more eyes glow and join the chorus of cheers. You turn to the Fuath, a frog-like creature wearing a vest, large ruffled collar, and feathered top hat. It speaks on: "But I would have it no other way! Seldom have I enjoyed such sport!"
"We have satisfied thy demands. Wilt thou now satisfy ours?" Urianger asks.
"Of course! Of course…" Aenc Thou says. "There it is, the relic you seek! Yours for the taking. Have care you do not break it though, yes?" The camera focuses on the crown, floating in a protective bubble. You look to the twins, who nod and approach the crown. The camera focuses then on Aenc Thou, looking at you intently. It speaks as the twins near the crown. "Ah, but you, my friend… You are mighty indeed… and pleasing to the eye besides!" The victory theme has stopped and ominous music now plays.
"More! I want to see more of her!" the amused Fuath says.
"Yes, yes! I could watch her forever!" says a mischievous Fuath.
"Why don't we just make her one of us?" says an enthusiastic Fuath.
"Yessss! One of us!" cries a delighted Fuath.
The voices call "One of us! One of us!" The twins stand alarmed next to the crown. Aenc Thou smiles. "Wahaha! What a fine idea! Why ever didn't I think of that!? You may have the crown… but in exchange, we will have you!" it says.
The waters shoot up and overwhelm you. You brace yourselves as they hit. The scene goes black. There is the sound of water and a voice calls out to you. It's Ardbert. "Wake up! Wake up, damn you!"
You open your eyes. You are underwater, and Ardbert is floating before you. "Oh, you're alive!" he says. "Thank the gods. I don't know where you learned to breathe underwater, but it's lucky you can."
You look to the side, then swim up to Ardbert, who speaks on. "I'm sure you had your reasons, but the first rule of dealing with the Fuath… is do not deal with the Fuath. It's said that they are born from the souls of the drowned. Were it not for your little trick, you'd have joined them." Ardbert looks up. "Your friends are safely back on dry land, in case you were wondering. They'll be searching for you, I expect."
You look away, and the camera pans over some houses that lie at the bottom of the lake, covered with moss. Ardbert looks too, and remarks, "That's the royal capital of the Kingdom of Voeburt down there. It's seen better days. They were a stubborn lot, the Voeburtites. Set in their ways. But once you got to know them, you couldn't find a more welcoming people. It always froze over in winter, being up in the mountains, so we'd pull up our chairs round the fire and trade tales over steaming bowls of lamb stew, while the street lamps burned hot and bright outside…" He closes his eyes. "All dead and buried now. Them and anyone else who might remember. Everything we did… everything we gave… What was it for?" He looks up at you. "I wond—I hope you'll have a better answer than this when all's said and done."
You close your eyes, and see scenes of Ishgard. People smile, and the scene then flashes to devastation—fallen Ishgardians everywhere. You open your eyes and look at the area where Ardbert was, but he's gone. You swim up to the surface.
Your comrades are relieved to see you none the worse for your soaking, and Alisaie presents you with the shell crown by way of reward for your doggedness. At that moment, Sui Uin flutters in with word that armed men are drawing close to Il Mheg – the Eulmoran Army in all likelihood. While the twins return to Lydha Lran with the pixie to assess the situation, you and the others agree to continue your quest to collect the remaining relics.
Urianger suggests visiting the Nu Mou next, for they are closer. On the way there, he has a conversation with you once you reach Good Jenannna's Grace, a grass-filled pass in the mountains.
"If the path striketh thee as precipitous, ‘tis because it was once a mountain trail," he says. "For where the lake now lieth, there was a valley in whose midst thrived the city of Voeburt. "Twas only when the Fuath came, in the wake of the Flood, that the settlement was drowned. We stand now upon its former outskirts. Grazing lands where shepherds once tended their flocks. Though one cannot help but feel a pang of loss when faced with such a spectacle, one can scarely blame the fae folk for so altering the land. The blame for that lieth rightly with the Light – a force terrible enough to bring an entire civilization to its knees. An entire world. That it should have been allowed to rise up unchecked is the greater regret. Yet, in spite of all the tragedy which surroundeth me, full glad am I for the chance to be here. ‘Twas these hands which brought together the Warriors of Darkness and Minfilia, lest thou forget. Therefore, even were there no Eighth Umbral Calamity to forestall, it seemeth only right that I strive to deliver the First from its doom. Only right, I say, though such words ill convey the strength of my resolve. In truth, I can no more ignore the plight of this world than I can choose to stop breathing. And thus do I labor – for those we have lost. For those we can yet save. The coming struggle promiseth to test us to our limits, but so long as we stand together, I doubt not but that we shall prevail."
A pair of pixies then happens upon you, and wanting to play, casts a teleportation spell on the pair of you, sending you further back down the mountain. In response, Urianger casts an invisibility spell on you that allows you to make your way to the Nu Mou's home without further detection.
Once you meet up with Thancred and Minfilia, you enter the Nu Mou village where your arrival causes much excitement.
Tyr Nee: "Ah! Ahhh! Mortals! Mortals are here! Lots of them!"
Thancred, to Urianger: "I thought you said the Nu Mou were men's best friends. The poor thing was beside itself with fear."
"'Twas besides itself, perhaps… but not with fear," Urianger responds.
The elder Wyd Aenc now speaks. "This is unacceptable! Unacceptable, I tell you! To have so many mortals appear at once.. it's more excitement than we can bear!"
Urianger says, "Greetings, Elder Wyd Aenc, Tyr Nee. It hath been a while. Pray forgive my brevity, but time is against us. We are come to borrow the stone scepter of the Nu Mou."
"Th-The stone scepter?" Wyd Aenc says. "Then… you mean to lift the seal over Lyhe Ghiah!? That is unacceptable! Unacceptable, I tell you! If the King is set free, none here will be safe! Unlike our fae cousins, we Nu Mou have called this land our home since time immemorial. Leaving is unthinkable. Thus did full many of us lay down our lives to seal away our King when they were corrupted by light! If we do as you ask, our sacrifice would have been in vain!"
You have the choice of saying:
I chose the first option.
"But then you'll only become another Lightwarden! It chances nothing!" Wyd Aenc says.
"Honored Elder, pray believe me when I say this woman is possessed not only of the strength required to vanquish the King, but of something still more valuable: a means to resist the resultant corruption. Indeed, she hath already laid low the Lightwarden of Lakeland, all without succumbing to the influence of Light She is yet a stranger to this land, ‘tis true, but she harboreth the self-same desire to see the sin eaters eliminated as we do. Wilt thou not lend us thy hand, that we might see thy beloved home restored to its former glory?"
"Hmm…" Wyd Aenc says. "You have always done right by us, Urianger. If you have placed your faith in this woman, then so shall we. As you say, we want nothing more than to be rid of the sin eaters. Be that as it may, this is not a decision to be made lightly. We require more time to deliberate. A turn of the moon, perhaps…"
"We don't have a turn of the moon," Thancred says. "Unless we want to debate this with the Eulmoran Army."
"Elder…" Urianger says. "Given all that is at stake, I cannot well expect thee simply to roll over, and acquiesce to our request. But even now, a powerful foe draweth near, and I fear I must beseech thee to hasten thy deliberations, that thou mightst fetch us the scepter while there is yet time to use it.
"R-roll over!? F-Fetch!? Ahhh! Ahhhhhh!" Ty Nee says.
"You know full well that naught gives us greater pleasure than to render aid to men!" Wyd Aenc says. "You know full well, yet you speak the words of power regardless? It's unfair! Unfair, I tell you!
It is agreed. There's a series of fetch quests to do. One such quest takes you to the unfriendly tribe of the Nu Mou to retrieve bottles of ink they have stolen. Minfilia accompanies you, and on the way back has a conversation with you. You catch her looking up at the castle in the distance, and she turns as you approach.
"Oh, thank goodness," Minfilia says. "There you are. Those Nu Mou were rather frightening. I'm glad you're safe."
You can respond:
I chose the second line. She continues: "Thancred taught me – but I'm still a novice. The Minfilias before me battled sin eaters as part of the Eulmoran Army. But that had all changed by the time I was found. They held me captive so that I wouldn't follow in the others' footsteps. I'd still be in my cell now had Thancred not spirited me away. When he found me, I knew nothing of the world. I didn't know how to live, let alone fight. Thancred once told me that if the efforts to summon you failed, it would fall to me to face the Lightwardens. I realized then that is was the only reason he kept me close – as a contingency. The truth is, he can't stand to be around me. Because I'm not her. I'm not his Minfilia."
You open your mouth in surprise, and she sighs and speaks on.
"...Once, we journeyed to Nabaath Areng together. To the place where the Oracle appeared and stayed the Flood. As we drew near, I felt as though… I was fading away… I shut my eyes and covered my ears, and then… And then… I'm not sure what happened after that. I have a vague feeling that I said something to him. Only it wasn't me at all. It was her. Afterwards, Thancred didn't say a word. Only kept to himself and brooded. There's nothing I can do for him. Nothing I can offer but my presence – though it only reminds him of his loss. She should be the one to live on. That's why I tried to find you – because I knew that was what she wanted. But now that you're here… I'm not entirely sure what is was she intended me to do. Was I meant to tell you something? Or bring you to someone? Or somewhere? I can feel the answer at the edge of m mind, just out of reach--"
Suddenly, there is a loud sound that appears to be coming from the castle. It's an otherworldly roar.
"Ahhh! What… what is that!?" Minfilia cries. You hold your hand up to your temple. Is it a vision you see? The screen goes black and filled with static, and then a figure appears. It's the faerie king, Titania.
"Why?" Titania says. "Why did you imprison us? Such boredom… such tedium have we suffered. It is unfair! Unfair!! Come. Come and play with us."
The vision ends, and you and Minfilia stand with the castle in the background, looking at it.
"It came from the castle," Minfilia says.
You look up, where silvery wings extend from the castle spire. Minfilia turns to you and gives you the ink she recaptured.
"This is everything I have. Please see it delivered to the Nu Mou. I will bear word to Thancred and the others."
She runs off, leaving you looking at the castle.
You return to the friendly Nu Mou village, and quests complete, meet with the elder.
"Ah, there you are, Wyd Aenc says. "I'm informed that you've been an excellent patron to our people. For that, you have my thanks. Now then, you will be pleased to hear that we've come to a decision regarding the scepter. If you would gather your companions, I will deliver our answer."
Once everyone is gathered, they speak on: "Before I begin, please allow me to express my gratitude for your kind patronage. Having been deprived of purpose for so long, our people are overjoyed at being able to serve again. But on to the matter of the stone scepter. During our deliberations, we were forced to concede that we will never have the power to deal with our fallen monarch. We can release Titania neither from the castle nor from torment. In light of this, we have decided to entrust their fate to you. Take it─the stone scepter of the Nu Mou."
"This makes three relics. One more and we can arrange a meeting with the Warden," Thancred says.
"Ere you continue your quest, allow me to enlighten you as regards your foe," Wyd Aenc says. "Know that Titania is not a name, but a title bestowed upon one chosen to lead the pixies by the grace of nature. This leader, upon Il Mheg's founding, arose as ruler of all fae folk to bring order to our riotous kind. In our turn, we fae folk render our blessing unto nature─unto water, wood, and wind─that our king might be further empowered. Though they are become a sin eater, their powers remain unchanged. When you face them, be prepared to face the full fury of nature."
"Oh dear... Is there anything else that we should know?" Minfilia asks.
"Anything else...? Hmmm... Only that if you feel unready for the challenge─and none here would blame you for it─you are welcome to remain among us awhile longer," Wyd Aenc says. "After all, I myself have yet to enjoy your patronage, and who knows when I will next have the chance? We would see that you were comfortable, of course, and do all in our power to make you feel...at home. Eh heh heh…"
Feo Ul springs into the scene. "Oi!" they say. "Honestly! I look away for one moment, and every faerie and their nuncle tries to steal my sapling from me! This is my sapling! Mine, do you hear!? Not yours and not the Fuath's! And anyone who so much as thinks about trying to seduce her will wish they hadn't!"
"The final relic is a pair of shoes wrought of crystal. They are held in the amaro's safekeeping at their settlement, Wolekdorf," Urianger says. "It beareth mentioning that these amaro are unlike those which thou hast heretofore encountered. Owing to a peculiarity of evolution, they are capable of speech, and thus we might negotiate with them as we have the fae folk."
"Though it saddens us to see you leave, we wish you well on your way," Wyd Aenc says. "When you arrive in Wolekdorf, seek out the largest of the amaro. His name is Seto, and he is their leader and the bearer of the relic."
You make your way to Wolekdorf, and approach the large amaro. You have the choice of saying one of the following:
I chose the second line. The amaro responds: "Ard...bert?" After a moment, he speaks on: "...Oh. Forgive me, I was...having a dream. Seldom do men visit us. What brings you to our village?
Did I hear you aright? You desire the crystal shoes...that you may confront the Lightwarden? No. No, you mustn't think such thoughts. Even if you are indeed immune to the Light's corruption, as you claim, vanquishing the king will bring you naught but sorrow. Forget this folly. Return whence you came."
"While we appreciate your concern, we have no choice in the matter. Will you not reconsider?" Thancred asks. Seto responds with silence.
"Come, my friends, let us leave him with his thoughts," Urianger says. He leads you a short while away. "Hmmm... 'Tis harder by far to change the minds of they who mean well than they who mean ill."
"Forgive me...but I'm not sure I understand…" Minfilia says.
"And little wonder," Urianger replies. "'Tis the first time thou hast set foot here. 'Twould behoove you all to learn something of the nature of this community, I think, and there is no surer way than to speak with its members. In such wise, you will come to understand Seto's reason for refusing us─and, I hope, gain an insight into how he may yet be persuaded… So I bid ye seek out the amaro and make yourselves known unto them. A gentle touch shall suffice by way of a greeting."
So you go and greet the other amaro. One of them, Rispa, says the following: "Well now... It is not often that we are visited by men─much less unglamoured ones. What brings you so far from your own kind? ... Khrrr...khrrrrrr... Ah, how long has it been since last I felt man's touch? I cannot help but be reminded of my master's hand… He was a knight of Voeburt. A noble and valiant soul. But like so many others, he died fighting the sin eaters. Though he is long departed, I remain in this land out of respect for his memory. Such a fine feeling it is to be petted. My master had a heavy hand, made heavier still by his gauntlet, but I loved it nonetheless."
Another amaro, Eo An by name, says: "Are you one of those treasure hunters? There is nothing left for you here. What are you doing? I do not understand...Agh! Th-That tickles! Enough! I never had a master─I'm not accustomed to it! Not that I dislike your kind, you understand. On the contrary, we amaro were bred to be fond of men. In the beginning, we were all of us mindless beasts. But then a mage of Ronka gave us the gift of intelligence, that we might better serve our masters. After that empire fell, those with the gift eventually died out. On rare occasions, however, we are born with the seed of our ancestors in us. If we live long enough amongst men, this seed may quicken, restoring the power of speech to us amongst other things. So it was with me...though I never had a master, as I told you. But I will not bore you with my sorry tale. Let it suffice to say that I am no stranger to abandonment."
"What is all the commotion? Did something happen while we slumbered?" an amaro named Nimbus asks. "Ghrrr… Ghrrr!? What's happening!? Why am I being patted!? It's...it's wonderful… Seldom do we have the chance to enjoy the attentions of men. Your kind are loath to come here for fear of the fae folk. ...But then we are fae folk too. When first we made our home here, we swore an oath to the faerie king, you see. 'Tis easy to forget sometimes. Ghrrr... You may pat me whenever you wish, and for as long as you like. My plumage is very resilient!"
You then return to Urianger, who says, "Thou hast peered into the hearts of the amaro, I take it?
Then thou canst not choose but see the intense and abiding love they bear for men. It is out of concern for our welfare, and not scorn, that Seto seeketh to dissuade us from confronting their king. Yet confront their king we must, and to that end we must needs have the crystal shoes..."
"I see now what Urianger meant," Thancred says. "Our feathered friend is plainly concerned for our safety. We need to show him that we can look after ourselves."
"It's nice of them to worry about us...but we really need those shoes," Minfilia says.
Urianger then addresses you by name, asking, "Might I prevail upon thee to confer with Seto in private? The task of slaying the Lightwarden will ultimately be thine, and it is for thee, I believe, that he worrieth most. Tell him of thy many great deeds. Spoken in earnest, thy words may yet move him to change his mind. Prithee do as I bade and speak with Seto in private. I shall turn my thoughts towards other solutions meanwhile."
So you go and speak with Seto, who says, "You have spoken with my brethren. Then you see it is not out of scorn that I deny you the relic… I simply cannot bear to see men fight and die. Not anymore. None of us can. To lose one who has placed a gentle hand on us even once fills our hearts with untold sorrow, as my brothers and sisters will readily attest."
You're now given a choice to say one of the following:
(Note: the wiki doesn't make it clear if Seto's answer differs on what you say, and it's been too long since I've played it that I don't remember myself.)
Seto responds, "&lgt;sigh> What am I to make of such declarations? Tell me, why do you wish this?
This land is no longer man's to fight for, nor will your doing so compel the fae folk to change. And in order to obtain the other relics, you will already have paid the due price. Naught more is owed. Why then would you risk all to face our fallen king?"
Again, you are given a choice in what to say:
(Note: like before, it's unclear if Seto answers differently depending on what you say.)
"What...did you say...?" Seto responds. "The very words... Could it be mere coincidence? Very well. You may believe what you say, but we shall see if you have the strength to do it. Sin eaters have been prowling the area of late. Prove yourself against them, and I will consider giving you the relic. See that you are well prepared, then meet me in the clearing to the east. There, I will lure out the fiends, that you may slay them."
You meet Seto in the clearing as planned, and easily defeat the sin eaters. Seto is impressed with your strength, but says he still needs time to think. He asks you for a favor: to retrieve a medallion that he lost, which is laying at the bottom of Longmirror Lake.
You retrieve the medallion, and return to Seto. "Ah, my medallion!" Seto says as you lay it before him. "You found it! Oh, I know not how to thank you. It is my most treasured possession – a gift from a dear, departed soul. He was a traveler, and together we journeyed to the ends of the world and back again. When I was young. In those days, I could not speak, but we found joy in each other's company nonetheless. Oh, the memories… This medallion he found during an adventure – fashioned it into a necklace for me, his ‘partner in crime'. I had not the words to tell him then, but it filled my heart with pride. I was so, so happy…"
The camera shifts to a side angle, and we see the ghostly form of Ardbert approach and stand next to a tree.
Seto speaks on: "His name was Ardbert, and he was my friend."
"Ardbert, thou sayest…?" Urianger says.
"Everone blamed him for the Flood," Seto continues. "Him and his comrades. Some few spoke up for them—of the many whose lives they had touched. But as the years went by, their voices were drowned out by those who only uttered the adventurers' names as a curse… It was too much to bear. And so I left behind men and their lies and came to this place."
The camera focuses on Ardbert's face as Seto speaks on: "Ardbert was a trusting soul, constantly being drawn into the troubles of others. Yet in spite of this, he never thought twice when he saw someone in need. He always tried to help. It was no different then. The world needed heroes – it needed him. And yet… He was a good man. He deserved to be happy. I wish I could have told him that, at least…"
The camera then focuses back on Ardbert's face. His lips twitch, in sorrow perhaps, and he turns and walks away.
The camera refocuses on you. You have the option to say:
I chose the first. Seto responds, "You remind me of him. Your kindness…. When we amaro were created, we were granted the ability to perceive souls. Thus did we recognize our masters. That ability has long since faded from our kind. But due perhaps to my reversion, I can see your soul. Faintly but surely. It is reminiscent of Ardbert's. Strikingly so."
You react in surprise.
"Of course, you are you, and no one else," Seto says. "We are defined not by the soul we are born with, but the path we walk. Nevertheless… I cannot help but feel that this is more than mere coincidence… ...Which is why I will place my faith in you. The relic – it is yours."
A light glows before Seto. You put out our hands are receive it. Just then, a pixie flies up.
"There's trouble! Terrible trouble!" Oul Sigun says.
"Has something happened at Lydha Lran?" Thancred asks.
The pixie continues: "Together with the twins, we were playing tricks on some nasty mortals to stop them from setting foot in Il Mheg. At first they ran off screaming, which was lots of fun! But then a scary, bony, wrinkly old mortal came along and spoiled everything! None of our tricks seem to work on him, which is no fun at all, and now they're getting closer and closer…"
"Ran'jit," Thancred says. "If he manages to find his way in, all our efforts will have been for naught."
"As thou sayest," Urianger says. "Should we be discovered ere our mission here is complete, and the Lightwarden yet liveth, our task will be rendered nigh impossible. If we are to prevail, we must needs divide our forces. Thus do I propose the following…"
Urianger looks directly at you, and continues, "Whilst thou salliest forth to meet with the Lightwarden, we shall join in the effort to obstruct the trespassers. Should we succeed in staying their advance, all the better. Yet even should we fail, if we can but delay our enemy's arrival long enough for thee to secure victory, our plan may still be deemed a success."
"So the moment the lights go out, we all beat a hasty retreat, yes?" Thancred says.
Minfilia approaches you. "Let me come with you! I have the blessing too!"
"No, Minfilia. You'll only get underfoot," Thancred says. "Now, come." He turns and walks away. Minfilia looks downcast, then back to you. "I wish there were more I could do. Please be careful…" She runs off after Thancred. You and Urianger exchange glances, and Urianger follows after them.
With the four relics now in your possession, you go to the castle. The seal breaks, and you enter. Titania speaks:
"Who goes there? Are you the one who broke the seal? Ah, so much time lost… So much frolicking and feasting left undone… We must make up for it, we must… Beginning by playing with you!"
It's a fierce trial. (No, really – it's not uncommon for parties to wipe several times before winning.) But eventually you beat Titania. They speak at the end: "We can play… no more…" Titania dissolves into white light, which enters your body. Night returns to the sky. You smile, and Feo Ul appears next to you.
"You have freed our fallen king," Feo Ul says. "Not that I expected any less, my [adorable sapling]."
The relics you gathered take glowing form, and spin in the air before you.
Feo Ul speaks on: "The dress, the crown, the scepter, the shoes – the time as come for these relics to serve their true purpose. For they are not only keys to the castle; they are also blessings to be bestowed upon the new king. The way into the castle is opened when it is time to relieve the reigning monarch of the throne. And the brave soul who does the deed has the honor of taking their place."
Your eyes widen in surprise.
"However…" Feo Ul continues. "Should you ascend the throne, you will become one of us, never again to live as men do. My adorable sapling. My precious mortal. We fae folk live forever, but such is not your virtue. To strive for a dream you will never see – to sow seeds that others might one day taste the fruits of your garden – that is the beauty of your kind. Burn bright and shine as only you can. These blessings, your lovely branch will accept in your stead."
Feo Ul flies up and smiles at you, and the relics enter their body. They are transformed into Titania, and speak the fae language to you.
Titania: "[Rejoice and revel, for the Kingdom of Rainbows is forever young.]" They stretch out a hand to you, saying, "Now, shall we attend to those unwise enough to trespass in our realm?"
The scene returns to Lydha Lran, where the sky is still flooded with Light. Ran'jit stands with a platoon of soldiers in the pathway. Hidden in the bushes near a building, and invisible to the eye through the use of magicks, are Alphinaud, Urianger, Minfilia and a pixie.
"Confound it!" Alphinaud says. "How did they get here so fast…?"
A barely visible pixie flies through the platoon, laughing. "Damn these pixies and their tricks!" says the Eulmoran Adjutant.
The invisible pixie flies towards Ran'jit, who thrusts out his hand and catches them.
"How in the seven hells!?" Alphinaud says.
"Listen well!" Ran'jit says. "We come in pursuit of villains who have fled to this land. You know who and where they are. Now, show yourselves and answer me… before I lose my patience."
He squeezes the pixie, who cries out, "Owww! Stop! It hurts, it hurts!" Ran'jit looks at the pixie in his hand, and squeezes harder, and they scream in pain.
Alphinaud turns to the pixie with his group. "Enough! Lift the enchantment!"
Ran'jit looks up as the three approach. "Minfilia," he says. "Willful child. How many times must I come to collect you?"
"I won't return to Eulmore! And I won't let you hurt my friends!" Minfilia says, drawing her daggers.
"What is this stance? Where did you learn it?" Ran'jit asks. "No Oracle I trained wold make such an unseemly show of herself! Know your shame, girl! You are powerless! You have no life or purpose save that which our master sees fit to permit!"
Ran'jit's gaze is focused on Minfilia. Suddenly, Alisaie appears out of thin air off to Minfilia's left. She rushes Ran'jit, who easily dodges, but she does, Thancred jumps at him. Ran'jit stops the blow of Thancred's gunblade with his bare hands, and Thancred kicks off Ran'jit's chest, landing a few steps away.
"Who are you to dictate her purpose? To lock her away and deny her a life!?" Thancred says. "If she was powerless, it's because of you, you sanctimonious swine. But no longer."
"Fool," Ran'jit says. "Defiance only begets more suffering. It is through acceptance alone that one may find solace in this godsforsaken world."
The camera then focuses on Alisaie, who still has her sword at ready. She notices something out of the corner of her eye, and looks up. "Look – the sky!" she says, dropping her guard as the sky changes to night.
"She's done it! The Warrior of Darkness has triumphed!" Alphinaud intones.
"General? What are our orders? What do we do!?" the Eulmoran Adjutant asks.
"We do what we came to do. Subdue this rabble, and find the Warrior of Darkness," Ran'jit responds.
The Adjutant is taken aback for a second, but then gets a determined look on his face and points. "Forward, men! Take the villains captive!" There is no movement around him, and he speaks on: "Are you deaf! I said –" and he turns in shock to see his men have turned into shrubbery.
Pixies fly about, speaking in the fae tongue, rejoicing the return of their king.
An Eulmoran Soldier cries, "What's… what's happening!?" He begins to back up, but steps in a puddle. He looks down at it. "Water? That wasn't there before…" he says. Eyes glow in the puddle, and he is dragged in by a Fuath.
Two Nu Mou sway, chanting, and two soldiers sway along with them, dangling upside down in the air.
The fae folk play yet more tricks on the platoon of soldiers. Shrubberies burst into view around the scene where soldiers once stood.
"What's the matter with you?" the Eulmoran Adjutant says. "Get a hold of yourselves, damn it!" He turns as he spots something. Titania flies at the head of a group of Amaro. You're riding one of the great birds.
"General, they come in greater numbers! We must retreat!" the Adjutant says.
"All who stand with the Warrior of Darkness shall face justice! My master demands it," Ran'jit says. He turns and walks away, and the rest of the soldiers follow.
Titania and you land on the ground, and smile at each other. The heartwarming music plays as you catch the party up on things.
"I see…" Alisaie says. "Well, it's a good thing Feo Ul volunteered to become king in your stead – for all our sakes."
"We are grateful for your timely aid, Feo Ul – or should I say, Your Majesty?" Alphinaud says.
"'Twas the first night in recent memory," Titania says. "We all of us but wished to make the most of it. That's something you must remember about us fae folk. Though our existence may be eternal, we exist only for the present. We live in the here and now, paying no mind to futures that may or may not be. To wit, we are not driven as men are. We cannot fight for such causes as men do."
"Does that mean you won't aid us against the sin eaters?" Minfilia asks.
"Not unless the mood takes us," Titania responds. "But if it was to repay a debt? Well then, that's another matter. To take back as much as is taken. To create as much as is destroyed. To give as much as is received. Such is the way of Il Mheg. By this law, we shall lend you our strength – in return for the beautiful sky you have restored to us. In times of need, do not hesitate to call."
You can say:
I chose the first option.
"Silly sapling, I shall remain at your side!" Titania responds. "Even should my body be in the castle, ‘tis a simple thing to have a little part of me accompany you."
The camera then focuses on the Scions as Titania speaks on. "Treat them as you would your [beautiful branch.]"
You nod. Alisiae crosses her arms and Alphinaud gives a head tilt. The fae all fly off, and the scene ends.