Here Be Dragons

Estinien Wyrmblood, the Azure Dragoon...! His was another name that featured prominently in the history books, and it will be fascinating to meet the man in the flesh.

I get the impression Arenvald is a lot more apprehensive than he lets on. He will have been grateful Alphinaud was there to see him off.

Accepting the quest

So Estinien was bound for Ishgard...

Whatever it is that brings him home, we must hope it will keep him there long enough for us to find him. Come, there is no time to lose.

Optional dialogue

Optional dialogue in Rising Stones

Thancred

On the way back from Garlemald, I spotted one of those towers on the horizon. It appeared to be located in occupied imperial territory, but what purpose would it serve in a region that's already been conquered?

Urianger

The methods used for summoning primals are of Ascian invention, so it cometh as no surprise that Fandaniel is extremely proficient in the manipulation of such entities. I fear Bahamut is not the only primal at his command...

Tataru

You know, Krile and I have quite a talent for finding those who don't wish to be found. I even considered using those skills to make a bit of extra money on the side, but our work with the Scions hardly gives us a moment to spare.

Krile

I must've traveled the length and breadth of Eorzea searching for Estinien. Now that you and the others have taken over the hunt, I might finally have time to investigate a few things with Y'shtola.

Y'shtola

In case you were wondering, Krile and I have yet to confirm anything worth sharing with the rest of you. We will reveal our findings in due course.

Optional dialogue in Ishgard

I have only visited Ishgard once before, after the devastation of the Eighth Umbral Calamity. To see the place in all its former ─ forgive me ─ in all its original glory is a tantalizing prospect indeed.

Assuming we find him, this will be my first encounter with the famous Estinien. And if he's half the man Alphinaud claims, I fully expect to go weak at the knees. Perhaps do a bit of fainting while I'm at it.

Speak with Alphinaud in Ishgard

All present? Good. Let us split up and search for Estinien.

Since we're relatively new to this place, G'raha and I will look around the open spaces ─ the squares and markets and whatnot. You and Forename can delve into the nooks and crannies.

Very well. Let us reconvene at the airship landing later, with or without Estinien. Good luck.

I think I shall begin at the Skysteel Manufactory, so perhaps you could try the Congregation? Lucia may well have heard news of our friend's return.

Optional dialogue

Optional dialogue at Skysteel Manufactory

It seems like only yesterday that the Dragonsong War was an inescapable fact of life here. And now Ishgard is united in healing the wounds left by centuries of conflict. Perhaps later, there will be time for us to see for ourselves how the restoration is proceeding.

Optional dialogue east of Durendaire Manor

I spied a few Elezen with spears, but they were all Temple Knights. None of whom had seen Estinien.

Optional dialogue south of The Supreme Sacred Tribunal of Halonic Inquisitory Doctrine

Ishgard in its prime... Would that those I left behind could see it too.

Optional dialogue in Congregation of Our Knights Most Heavenly

Handeloup

Day by day, the people strive to restore Ishgard to its former glory. Yet the Telophoroi would seek to undo all that we have achieved and threaten not only our fair city, but the entire world. As ever, we Temple Knights are ready to fight to the last.

Speak with Lucia

Lucia

Good day to you, Warrior of Light. Lord Aymeric sent word that you would be attending the meeting in Ala Mhigo, so I gather you have not come in search of him. To what then do we owe the pleasure of your visit?

I see. No. We were not aware Ser Estinien had returned to Ishgard, but as I expect you remember, he is wont to come and go as he pleases.

Mayhap he came seeking an audience with Lord Aymeric, only to find him absent?

In any event, I am afraid I cannot help you. Perhaps one of your companions has fared better.

Optional dialogue

Lucia

Many who pass through Ishgard do so via the airship landing. Were I you, I should linger there.

Ser Estinien is every bit as elusive as Urianger suggested.

Speak with Alisaie at the airship landing

Start of voiced cutscene.

No sign of him. Not that I've ever met him before. But the way Alphinaud goes on about him, I'm fairly sure I could pick him out in a crowd.

Speaking of which, it does seem awfully quiet. If the erstwhile Azure Dragoon had returned to Ishgard, would it not be a source of general excitement?

Estinien arrives.

First the Scions' coinkeeper, and now you. I'm beginning to think these meetings are more than mere coincidence.

Not that I'm complaining. It's been too long.

“Too long”?

You look an ilm taller and twice as rugged. It suits you, Alphinaud.

Estinien pats Alisaie on the head.

Quieter, though. Have you been giving him lessons on how to be the strong, silent type?

I...

...am not...

ALPHINAUD!

If the two of you are such firm friends, perhaps you should remember what he looks like! And what do you mean, “rugged”!?

Ungh! Had my brother mentioned what an oaf you are, I'd never have bothered looking for you in the first place!

Estinien Wyrmblood, the Azure Dragoon... He who fought and felled the dread wyrm Nidhogg at the Warrior of Light's side!

To think the day would come when I should see this living legend with my own eyes!

Would someone mind explaining what is going on?

Is everything all right!? I thought I heard Alisaie shouting...

Estinien! It's been too long!

No, no, it's quite understandable. That was hardly the first time we've been confused for one another. Nor, I suspect, will it be the last.

Well I for one will not be making that mistake again.

What I will say...for the second time today...is that you've grown. Inside and out. I can tell.

One can't remain a spoiled little lordling forever, you know.

At least someone's having a good time...

You know, when we were growing up, Alphinaud would never befriend other boys because he couldn't stand the thought of not being in charge. But maybe that's changed. He seems just as happy around Estinien as he does Arenvald.

What will you say?

Perhaps he sees them as the brothers he never had.

Hmph. Good luck to them. It hasn't been easy being his sister, I can tell you that.

I think he learned how to talk with people rather than at them.

I wouldn't be so sure. He still loves nothing better than the sound of his own voice.

Well... you can't keep him all to yourself forever.

Keep him to my—!? You're joking, aren't you? I'd be glad if someone would take him off my hands!

No rest for the righteous, eh? Speaking of which, I was just on my way to borrow an airship to take me to Azys Lla.

Azys Lla...? How could I forget? The dragon with whom Bahamut shared the deepest of bonds...

Aye, Tiamat, his mate. Even now, she remains imprisoned on Azys Lla, though her remorse binds her faster than any shackle.

I see... As the one who first summoned Bahamut, you believe she may be able to shine some light on his latest incarnation.

Might I suggest that we make the journey to Azys Lla together? I'm not sure if Tataru mentioned this, but we Scions have an airship of our own now.

I see no reason why not...assuming your sister can bear the thought of sharing a deck with me.

Be my guest. But confuse me with Alphinaud again, and I'll throw you overboard.

Estinien walks away.

Ugh! I don't know who he thinks he is, but he's nothing like Alphinaud painted him to be!

I will admit, he is not exactly as I imagined him either. Based on what I had read of the man, I think I was expecting someone a little less...blunt?

End of cutscene.

Optional dialogue

Not to complain, but I didn't expect to find myself here again quite so soon.

So this is the Delta Quadrant, where countless dragons yet lie imprisoned...the great Tiamat among them.

Tiamat summoned Bahamut once before. She may have again─willfully or no.

Speak with Alphinaud in the Delta Quadrant

Start of cutscene.

It has been quite some time since last I set foot in Azys Lla, but I understand the three of you were here rather more recently. I don't suppose you chanced to meet with Tiamat during your visit?

Alas not. We had no cause to set foot here in the Delta Quadrant. But I have studied the relevant records ─ which is not to say I wouldn't appreciate a firsthand account of your dealings with her.

Well then, Forename is the person to ask. As far as I know, he's the only one of us to have met Tiamat face-to-face.

What will you say?

Even now, she remains a prisoner of the Allagan Empire.

Ever since the end of the war with Meracydia, yes. <sigh> To have been held captive for so long...

Let's just say, it helped that Midgardsormr was there to introduce me.

Ah, yes! You were a friend of her father!

...

Some things are hard to put into words. I can only imagine what it must have been like to be the first mortal to speak with her after all that time...

I too have met with Tiamat.

After the Dragonsong War came to a close, I came here to speak with her─a wyrm who had fought her own war against man in another age.

I wished to know if she yet harbored thoughts of vengeance, and asked as much. She said no.

"My hatred for your kind was extinguished long ago.“

But the guilt she feels for resurrecting Bahamut burns on undimmed. It torments her, even now.

...I see. Then your original reason for coming here was out of concern that Tiamat had been forced to summon Bahamut.