So we had just prevented Ran'jit and the Eulmoran army from invading Il Mheg. Feo Ul had become King of the faeries, and had promised to come to your aid should you need them. It was time to move on from Il Mheg.
You go back to the Crystarium, where things look to be just fine. A cutscene happens.
Alphinaud: "All seems well at the Crystarium."
Alisaie: "Yes. Eulmore was plainly more concerned with finding us. How flattering."
You turn at the sound of footsteps slowly approaching.
???: "You certainly took your time. I had half-resolved to complete the task myself."
The rest of the Scions turn as well. Alisaie tilts her head and asks, "And you are?"
Urianger puts out a hand to stop Alisaie from approaching, and his eyes narrow. "Were one to study the annals of Garlean history, one would find yonder visage on many a page," he says. "Though by rights its youth should long since have faded."
???: "Well, well, we have a historian in our midst. That spares me a lengthy explanation. I am Solus zos Galvus, founding father of the Garlean Empire. And, under various guises, the architect of myriad other imperially inclined nations. As for my true identity…" He waves a hand over his face, and an Ascian mask appears. He bows. "I am Emet-Selch. Ascian."
You step forward, as does Alisaie, who says: "Gaius spoke of you! A native of the Source…"
Thancred puts a hand on his gunblade, readying it, and says: "Equal in rank to Lahabrea. And you came all this way just to introduce yourself to us?"
The mask fades from Emet-Selch's face, and he throws his arms up dramatically, looking to the night sky. "Behold, the sky, restored to its former glory! Have you ever seen a more affecting spectacle? Ohhh, it is truly, deeply…" He drops his arms in disappointment. "...Infuriating. Do you have any idea how much you have delayed the Rejoining?" He turns to look at you again. "Following the Flood, the First had been listing ever further towards the Light—towards stasis. The end was in sight! Enter man and his indomitable spirits. He would haul the world back from the brink! And adding his lumpen weight to the power of growth, he duly tipped the scales, if only by a fraction. Yet a fraction was enough to spoil the perfect imbalance needed to bring about a Rejoining! Had mankind continued to live in idleness under Vauthry's rule, all the conditions would have been met…"
The camera zooms in on you, still looking shocked. Emet-Selch points his finger at you. "But you had to come and ruin it all! Thanks to your meddling, Light's supremacy is in doubt, and our painstakingly laid plans are in tatters!"
Thancred: "Well, I should begin by thanking you for confirming Urianger's theories on the inner workings of the Calamity. He will be most pleased. As for what happens next, might I suggest you admit defeat and walk away?"
Emet-Selch: "Happy to let me go, are you? Because the murderous glint in your eye suggests otherwise. Indeed, it is enough to make me think better of confronting yo alone. Look, it did cross my mind to simply side with Vauthry and kill you all. But that's no different from what Lahabrea did. And we all know how well that ended for him."
He takes a few steps closer to you, speaking on. "And so, while it is liable to be troublesome, I have settled upon a different approach…. Cooperation! I will not raise a hand to hinder your hunt for the Lightwardens. If you desire it, I will even lend you my knowledge and strength."
The Scions all react in surprise. Alphinaud speaks: "Since time immemorial, you and yours have labored to rejoin the thirteen shards, at the cost of countless lives. Do you expect us to believe that your objective has suddenly changed?"
Emet-Selch looks at him. "Nay, our objective is the same as it ever was—though I daresay you do not know our motive. A war waged without knowledge of the enemy is no war—it is mere bloodletting. Just once...might we not seek to find common ground? For good or ill, I am immortal. Provided I have the inclination, I can always begin anew. Scheme and conspire to my heart's content. But this time, I thought that I might instead try to see eye to eye. To understand what drives the hero of the Source. To determine if our goals are truly incompatible,. So come. Shed your preconceptions. See beyond the unscrupulous villains you take us for. When all is said and done, we may find ourselves pleasantly surprised. The proud discoverers of a path of cooperation rather than opposition. Think of it."
Urianger hurls a card at Emet-Selch, who dissolves into dust. Urianger then speaks: "Thou hast delivered thy proposal, and we would not dismiss it outright. If I may offer thee counsel, however: to make thy case via an illusion reflecteth poorly upon thy sincerity."
Emet-Selch appears again behind the group, and the Scions all turn. He speaks: "My apologies. You will forgive me if I am not entirely at ease in the presence of a famed Ascian-slayer. I felt it only prudent to take precautions. Nonetheless, your counsel is duly noted." He turns and waves, saying, "I take my leave, my friends. Re assured we shall meet again soon."
The Exarch is waiting for you in the Ocular, so you go to see him. The rest of the Scions are already there. It's quiet as you enter. Alisaie turns as you enter, and says, "Ah, there you are. You're just in time to welcome our guest…"
The camera pans to show Emet-Selch standing in the middle of the room. Your eyes widen, and he reacts as if disappointed. "Please. Did I not explicitly tell you that we would be meeting again soon?" he says. "Lest you forget, I made you a promise. I have no intention of meddling with your mission. I come only to observe. Your Exarch friend in particular has piqued my curiosity. Summoning you all like that. Most impressive. "
You take a step forward. Emet-Selch smiles. Thancred lowers his head, threateningly, and says, "You honestly expect us to believe you've come only to observe? Or that you might deign to lift a finger to aid our cause if called upon? Even if there were a sliver of truth in your words, I would never accept your help. Not in my darkest hour--not after all the suffering your kind has wrought."
Emet-Selch: "So petty. I meant what I said and I said what I meant. Wage your war against the sin eaters. Put each and every Lightwarden to the sword. Prove yourselves heroes brave and true, and I will be glad to embrace you as allies. Allies worthy of bearing the burden of truth. Surely such a partnership would be preferable to yet another round of fisticuffs?"
The camera pans over the Scions, who all have their arms crossed and say nothing.
Emet-Selch: "….And thus did the olive branch wither and die. Pity. Well—let no man say I did not try, futile as it was. Though I suspect you will seek me out when you grow tired of making the same mistakes. Difficult decisions lie ahead of you. Decisions best made with the benefit of knowledge to which only the eternal are privy. For now, I shall resume my shadowy vigil. Whatever you choose to do, make sure it's worth watching, would you. "
He takes a few steps and disappears into a shadowy portal. Alisaie uncrosses her arms. "What was that all about?" she asks.
Thancred: "A vain attempt to make us doubt our chosen course, most like. As if we'd believe a word that passed his lips." Thancred turns to you. "Unless you think there is some truth in what he says?"
You can say:
I picked the last line.
Alphinaud: "I am sure you will. But consider a moment: if he meant simply to lead us astray, he could have done so without revealing himself. At least, not in the manner he did. It goes without saying that an alliance with the Ascians is out of the question. But since we have no way of knowing where they might be hiding, it seems only logical to press on with our mission—even if our enemy seems content for it to succeed. "
The Exarch steps towards you now. "Then let us discuss the sin eaters." he says.
"I would begin by thanking yo all for your efforts thus far. In striking down the Lightwardens of Lakeland and Il Mheg, you have accomplished more in your short time here than all of our forces managed in the last century."
Thancred: "That may be, but the Wardens of Kholusia, Amh Araeng, and Rak'tika remain."
Crystal Exarch: "Indeed. And their precise whereabouts are as yet unknown. Which is why I propose we divide our forces and conduct a systematic survey of each region. Once we have found our quarry, we may then determine how best to proceed."
Alisaie steps forward: "I'll take Amh Araeng, in that case. I know the lie of the land well enough."
Alphinaud: "If there are no objections, I will make for Kholusia. I have connections there both in and around Eulmore that may prove useful."
The Exarch turns to the rest of the group. "Then I would ask that you journey to Rak'tika. There you will fin Y'shtola. With her assistance, I doubt the Warden will evade your grasp for long."
Minfilia: "Is Y'shtola the conjurer you and Urianger used to talk about?"
Thancred: "That's right. Though we haven't spoken much since she left for the forest."
Crystal Exarch: "I fear I may be to blame for that. I had every intention of relaying the news of your arrival, but she is...disinclined to speak with me."
The camera looks over the Crystal Exarch's shoulder at Urianger as he asks. "You have visited her, have you not? Might I trouble you to…?" His voice falters as he asks the question.
Urianger: "‘Twould be no trouble."
Crystal Exarch: "My thanks. While you are all out in the field, I shall be here attending to business. I had somewhat fancifully contemplated joining the search myself, but other matters demand my attention." He holds up a sealed envelope.
Alisaie: "What's that?"
Crystal Exarch: "A missive from Lord Vauthry. He invited me to join him in Eulmore to discuss the recent conflict at Lydha Lran."
The scions all react in alarm. Alisaie speaks on: "And? Did he even bother to offer any bait? It's obviously a trap."
Crystal Exarch: "I should be surprised if it were not. Nevertheless, I must seize this opportunity to speak with him, even if only a few words are exchanged. Though my power will be much diminished so far from the tower, it is a risk I am willing to take." He puts the envelope in his pocket and looks at Alphinaud. "Master Alphinaud—might I impose upon you to accompany me to Eulmore, prior to beginning your reconnaissance?"
Alphinaud: "Of course."
The Exarch nods. "Then let us make ready. Safe travels to you all.
Before you set off, the Crystal Exarch makes a request. On the way to the Rak'tika Greatwood, he asks that you stop at Fort Jobb and search for a particular tablet in the ruins. It is a holy text he believes may be of interest to Y'shtola, who presently resides with worshipers of the Dark—The Night's Blessed.
A shorty journey north from the Crystarium takes you to Fort Jobb. Urianger hopes to keep the search brief, that you might begin your journey to find Y'shtola and slay the Lightwarden in earnest.
Before you set forth to meet with Y'shtola, Urianger treats you to a brief lesson on the Night's Blessed in which he reveals that it is their custom to adopt the names of their forebears. They do this, he explains, in the belief that it will protect their true selves from the blighted touch of the Light. In accordance with this practice, Y'shtola has adopted the name of her mentor, Master Matoya – a fact which you must keep in mind if you are to avoid cauisng offense. Thus forewarned, you make at last for the border of the Rak'tika Greatwood.
As you enter the Greatwood, Urianger comes to a stop. "We have arrived." he says. "Vast though these woods may be, they are, by and large, uninhabitable. Not so the swamps of Citia, however, whose sparse foliage permitted man a foothold."
Emet-Selch walks up behind you. Thancred turns to look at him, glaring. Emet-Selch walks through the party, then throws out his arms as if to embrace the forest, saying, "No lands must remain beyond our grasp. Go forth. Conquer. Rule." He drops his arms as if in defeat. "Forgive me. A sudden pang of nostalgia for those halcyon days. Exploring virgin territories, subjugating primitive peoples. All for the glory of Garlemald!"
"If you brought your ivory standard, I'll be happy to tell you where to stick it," Thancred says.
Emet-Selch looks unimpressed, and sighs. "Can we not simply take a moment to enjoy the view together? Or would you rather I spied on you from the shadows?" he says. "Much more of this, and I may very well begin to regret my show of good faith."
Thancred crosses his arms and shakes his head. Minfilia then speaks: "If… if you really want to stay, then help us fight." Thancred looks at her with surprise.
Emet-Selch shrugs. "Mmm… No, I think not. I am an observer—nothing more. Even shielded by the shadows of these boughs, I feel the Light's presence most keenly. To accompany you is taxing enough. To fight is out of the question."
"I will suffer your company if I must, but not your commentary," Thancred says.
Emet-Selch bows, and the scene ends.
The next scene opens on the party in a deserted, run-down fort. They look around. Urianger says: "I see little sign of recent activity, nor hath any meaningful progress been made with the reconstruction… Mayhap Y'shtola sought shelter elsewhere. Come, let us quit this place."
You nod. Just then, people run into the scene. "Now! Surround them!" the Blessed Leader cries. As you're surrounded, Urianger raises his hands, followed by you and the others.
The Night's Blessed surrounding you has drawn their bows, ready to shoot. The Blessed Leader then says, "These sin eaters—they are not like the others!"
"There's a reason for that. Lower your weapons, please. We mean you no harm," Thancred says.
Blessed Man: "How is it they can speak?"
Blessed Woman: "It's a sin eater trick! They mean to kill us all!"
You have your choice of saying:
I chose the first.
Blessed Man: "Perhaps they speak the truth."
The Night's Blessed grumbles among itself at this. The camera turns to Emet-Selch, still with the party, his hands raised. "oh, for the love of…" he says. "I had hoped that by accompanying you, we might come to understand one another, but all I have come to understand is that you have a knack for inflaming the natives. You're committed the cardinal sin of boring me. And so, I retire to the shade." He smiles. "Good luck." He then disappears into a portal.
Blessed Man: "There! Did you see that one disappear!?"
"Ugh," Thancred says. "I think I preferred Lahabrea."
Someone approaches – we see their boots. "Enough. Runar, report." the person says.
The Blessed leader turns to her. "Master Matoya!" he says, identified as Runar. You turn your head, surprised.
Runar: "We apprehended them as you ordered, but… are you certain these are sin eaters?"
Y'shtola: "The intense light of the aether I saw was unmistakable. If not sin eaters, then what?" You and Urianger exchange glances. Urianger speaks to you softly: "‘Tis passing queer that Y'shtola should mistake us for the enemy, is it not? Mayhap it hath been too long since last she beheld the radiance of thine aether…" He turns now to Y'shtola. "Master Matoya. Hath time truly made stranger of us?"
Y'shtola's eyes narrow ever so slightly. "Nay. I recognize you, Urianger, Thancred. And this is Minfilia of the First, of whom you spoke before."
Urianger: "Just so. And knowing as thou must that we come in peace, might I prevail upon thee to have thy comrades lower their arms?"
Y'shtola: "First explain this other presence in your company. The one I know not. There is but one manner of creature in this world whose aether is suffused with such an abundance of light."
The camera pans to you, a surprised look on your face.
Urianger: "Mine apologies, Master Matoya, but thou art mistaken. Before thee standeth our dearest comrade. The truest hero among us. Though she is but recently arrived here in the First, not one but two Lightwardens have already perished by her most puissant hand."
Y'shtola's eyes widen at this and her jaw drops slightly. "It… It cannot be!"
The camera focuses back on you, and you have the choice to respond:
I chose the second line. Y'shtola closes her eyes and brings her fist up to her chin in her classic thinking pose. Runar turns to look at her. "Master Matoya?" he asks.
Y'shtola opens her eyes. "Lower your weapons," she says quietly. The Night's Blessed does so. She speaks on: "Forgive us this hostile welcome. Come, I would give you a proper introduction to Rak'tika and its people."
Runar nods to his tribe, and they turn and walk away. The scene ends.
The next scene opens by the aethryte in thee tribe's camp. "Slitherbough is the largest of the Blessed's settlements," Y'shtola explains. "They worship no gods, instead revering Darkness itself. It is a curious kind of faith, but one which has granted them the strength to persevere in the wake of the Flood."
You look around. A mother and daughter greet you by bowing and covering their eyes. You nod back at them.
Y'shtola: "I hope you weren't expecting a grand feast by way of welcome. They are a simple people."
You nod again.
"Y'shtola: "Now, I would hear of your travels away from prying ears. Come." She leads you to her room, where Thancred and the others explain all that has occurred. "I see," she says. "And now you seek the Lightwarden of Rak'tika. In the days after I arrived in the First, I too relied upon the Crystal Exarch for guidance. But his penchant for secrecy and the telling of half-truths soon lost him my trust. And thus did I strike out on my own. My work eventually led me here to the forest, which I have come to know like the back of my hand. I cannot say with certainty where your quarry is hiding, but I am confident I can narrow the search."
"Well...go on, then." Thancred says.
Y'shtola: "Some few thousand years ago, this forest stood at the heart of the empire of Ronka. A great many relics of that civilization can still be found to the east in Yx'Maja. Or rather, could be found—were the area not fiercely guarded. Yx'Maja, you see, is home to a tribe of warriors whose lineage is said to date back to the time of the empire. Any attempt to enter their territory is met with lethal force. They offer no warnings, and suffer no trespasser to escape. Needless to say, my every attempt to survey the area has been thwarted."
Uraigner: "Mayhap the Warden hideth there full knowing none may approach it for fear of these protectors."
Y'shtola nods at him, then turns to look at the tablet you retrieved from the Church of the First Light. "As for the tablet…" she says. She shrugs. "I find the timing of its discovery suspiciously convenient. If I did not know better, I would think someone was trying to curry favor with me." She does her thinking pose again. "Regardless, it will take time to decipher these writings. Yet I would not be at all surprised if they somehow held the key to entering Yx'Maja unmolested. The Exarch has a nose for serendipity."
Urianger: "If there is aught I can do to assist thee in unraveling their secrets, thou need'st only ask."
Y'shtola: Thank you, Urianger. I may well take you up on that offer." She turns to you. "While we set to work. Might I suggest you take a tour of the city? Should you be in any doubt as to the importance of your role as the ‘Warrior of Darkness,' the people here will surely cure you of it."
The camera focuses on Thancred. "I must say, Y'shtola… while most of us have struggled to come to terms with our altered circumstances, you seem to have adapted rather well."
Y'shtola: "Lest you forget, Master Matoya and I dedicated our lives to uncovering the truth which hides at the heart of our world. Though separate, the fate of this reflection is nevertheless bound to that of our home. That I would be daunted by such an invaluable opportunity is absurd. But what of you, Thancred? Could it be that you are still struggling to ‘come to terms' with the nature of your young companion?"
His eyes widen and he bows his head. "My ‘struggles' are non of your concern," he responds. "Quite why you would speak thus—and in this company—I do not know. Perhaps you left more of yourself back in the Source than I assumed. If you'll excuse me." And he turns and leaves.
The camera focuses on Minfilia, who looks a bit sad. "He understand that I'm not the same. That I'm not her," she says.
Y'shtola: "Understands, perhaps, but does not accept. The question being whether he ever will. And whether you will, more importantly. As difficult as your circumstances may be, they are yours, not his. ‘Tis you and you alone who bears ultimate responsibility for your life."
Minfilia bows her head, and Y'shtola shakes her own. "But you need not make any hard choices now. Why not go and get some fresh air—clear your head?" The scene ends.
One of the Night's Blessed has passed away. There is a quest to go find her heartstone, which all of the Night's Blessed carry. You do so. With Toddia's heartstone safely returned to Runar, the Night's Blessed are able to proceed with her funeral service. To show his appreciation for your efforts, he insists that you and your comrades attend the service as honored guests.
The people are gathered, sitting on the floor of the cave. You, Minfilia and Thancred stand near the back. Y'shtola and Urianger approach you.
Y'shtola: "It seemed only right that we show our faces. May we join you?" She speaks softly. The camera shifts to the entrance of the cave. Runar walks in slowly, followed by a girl carrying the heartstone on a pillow. "Let us begin." he says.
The cavern is lit with a thousand candles, and Runar stops in front of a large basin filled with water.
Runar: "I thank you all for coming to pay respects to our fallen daughter of the night. In the light, she was known as Toddia. But in the dark, we shall remember her always as Minnine. Let us each take a moment to offer her our prayers."
The Scions bow their heads. Runar lifts the stone from the pillow with two hands, cupping it gently. "We entrust her now to the night's sweet embrace," he says. "In Darkness will she be free from pain and suffering, now and forevermore. May her soul find peace in the sunless sea of heaven, and in the love we bear for her in our hearts." He gently places the stone into the basin. It sinks to the bottom, and takes on a glow. Y'shtola speaks softly: "That vessel represents the night sky. The ‘sunless sea of heaven.'"
As you watch, the other stones in the basin begin to glow. You and Minfilia look on in wonderment.
Runar prays on: "We call upon you now, O Bringer of Shadow, to lead this gentle soul unto the sea. We call upon you, O Warrior of Darkness, to deliver her unto paradise everlasting."
The camera focuses on you. You get a determined look on your face. It then switches to Minfilia.
The service ends, and the people leave slowly while the Scions stay behind. Y'shtola says, "I am told you assisted in the preparations for the service. On behalf of the Blessed, you have my sincerest thanks. The enduring legend of the Warrior of Darkness owes much to the traditions of these people. And none were more ardent in their faith than Toddia. She would have been greatly moved by your presence." Y'shtola looks at you, and you have the choice to say the following:
I chose the first line.
The camera then pans to show Minfilia. "You might not deliver her to the heavens, but if you could deliver the night sky to her people—the real night sky—it would be the next best thing. Their prayers would finally be answered. They could gaze up at the firmament and see their ancestors in every twinkle of the stars. We cannot allow their hopes and dreams to drown in the light. We have to bring back the dark. If we don't, who will?"
Thancred bows his head, closing his eyes, at this.
Minfilia is a bit taken aback, and then says, "Forgive me. Thinking of all those we have lost, I…"
Thancred opens his eyes,. "No, it's all right. We will bring back the dark."
Y;shtola: "Mayhap sooner than later, in fact."
Everyone turns to look at her.
She speaks on: "Urianger and I have finished deciphering the tablet and its contests were most illuminating. Let us reconvene in my chambers. We have much to discuss."