Into the Mist (Quest)

Exhaustion aside, Krile sustained no injuries you need worry over.

After that battle, I think we all required a moment. You had better get some rest too─I mean it.

To think Miayli knew Krile's mother... I too am eager to hear the details.

Accepting the quest

Curious, isn't it? I want to know. More than anything. Yet part of me is still terrified...

But having come so far, I can't turn from the truth now.

If everyone is feeling up to it, let us go and have our answers.

Speak with Miayli.

Optional dialogue

While the key is to be the main topic of our conversation, there is no telling what else Miayli might reveal...

It's alright. I'm ready to hear it.

I find myself feeling anxious on Krile's behalf...

I had every confidence Lumull would be safe in your company, but it heartens me to see him unharmed nonetheless.

Lumull

Ah, our new friends! Do you know why Grandmother called us here? Both Eyaney and I neglected to ask...

Eyaney

How are you faring? I hope you've recovered from your brush with the Doomtrain─and did I hear something about a behemoth...?

Start of voiced cutscene.

Ere I begin my tale, there is something about our family that you need to understand.

We are descendants of the Speakers of eld, and I myself am the latest to inherit the role.

Even as we do our utmost to ensure our people's welfare in our adopted home, it has ever been our duty to find a means to return whence we came.

Alas, our ancestral treasure never did answer our prayers. And that left my elder sister, the previous Speaker, mired in doubt.

It was then, when she was at her most vulnerable, that Preservation reached out to her.

Flashback to Alayla and Robor's lines in Living Memory.

Alayla

The key is none other than that relic, and it has been in the safekeeping of our people since time immemorial.

Robor

Yes. When lightning threatened this world, we attempted to use the key to flee again like our ancestors once did.

Alas, no matter what we tried, we couldn't invoke its power. We had all but given up when Preservation approached us with an offer of partnership.

End of flashback.

We've heard this part before. From my parents' memories...

My mother... Was your sister?

She was. Which makes you an heir to the Speaker's legacy.

The last message I received from your parents said that, in order to thwart Preservation's design, they must send away both their daughter and the key.

I now understand what became of the former. As for the latter...through conversing with your friends, I gleaned with whom it currently resides.

And...is it your wish that we give it back?

We Milalla are the people of Treno, now. Here is where we've put down our roots.

The moment Alayla relinquished the key, she relinquished our claim to it as well.

But be that as it may, my sister gave up not only her life, but her darling daughter to prevent its misuse.

It is my duty to ensure that its new bearer is worthy. So...

Should it answer your call as it never did ours, how would you use the key's power?

What will you say?

To explore worlds yet unknown to us.

For some, that might be a self-serving end. But your deeds are proof that I needn't worry.

To save lives, and perform other such feats of heroism.

For some, that might be a self-serving end. But your deeds are proof that I needn't worry.

I'm still not sure, frankly...

The very fact that you don't have an answer is proof that you understand the weight of this power, and do not take it lightly.

And what's more, there's your friendship with my niece. I daresay that speaks well of your character.

By the by, do you have any records pertaining to the key here in Treno?

Would that we did, but Alayla took everything with her when she joined Preservation. If aught remains, it would be in Alexandria.

And so we find ourselves returned to our original course...

Shale may have made some progress. Perhaps it's time to bring our visit to an end.

Ah! Er...

B-By that, I don't mean to say that I don't feel welcome in Treno... You've all been so kind and accommodating, and in many ways it's my hometown! I-It's just that...well...

Miayli holds Krile's hands.

It's all right, my dear.

It is true that some feel bound by blood or birthplace... But I don't believe that your parents would have wanted that for you.

They devoted their lives to understanding the key so that future generations would not be burdened by it.

As we have chosen Treno, so too should you choose the place you call home. A place where you can bloom and grow with fearless joy.

...I will.

We must give you a proper send-off, though. Wait for us by the gate, will you?

A word of caution, keeper of the key.

As you know, it is a relic that has traveled across centuries and worlds, passing through countless hands...

...Oft beckoning to those ruled by ambition or avarice. Indeed, some have wondered if it chooses its master.

But I believe differently. I believe that some inexorable force─call it “fate” if you will─ushers it from one bearer to the next.

Be wary, for fate's regard now falls upon you.

End of cutscene.

Wait at the destination.

Optional dialogue

If the Milalla's records were in Preservation's possession, I doubt they ever relinquished them. That knowledge must await us back in Alexandria.

I can't believe I have living relatives here...

...And that they make it seem so simple. Maybe it is enough to just be...Krile.

Lumull and Eyaney have gone to summon the other Milalla we've met from across the city.

Krile looks like she's just seen the first ray of sunlight on a cloudy day. I'm glad she found that which she sought.

Start of voiced cutscene.

The citizens of Treno gather by the town gate to send off the party.

Thank you all. For everything.

Lumull

We're the ones who should be thanking you! You fought so many times for us.

I've tended to the people's immediate hurts, but see that they receive appropriate care as they recover.

Lumull

I still can't believe you took down the Doomtrain─just like that! You're my hero, truly. And I'm sure Mum and Dad and everyone else we lost will rest easier now that it can never hurt anyone again.

Eyaney

For my part, I cannot thank you enough for supporting my plan for the barrier. Not to mention that we wouldn't even have the electrope to restore it without your aid.

I can't wait to see what else we can do now that the mine is back in service!

...Krile.

O life, flourish on this faraway shore,
Unfurl your fragile petals with fearless joy.
Let this sky grant shelter from darkest storm,
And here bloom, hand in hand, forevermore.

Remember that, will you? Whatever shore you choose.

Of course. Those words, and our people, will always be in my heart.

After so long without her, I had begun to forget what my sister was like. Her face, her voice...fading like the mist. All I could remember clearly was her resolve as we parted for the last time...

But now, I've seen her again. In you, sweetheart.

Miayli and Krile hug. An image of Alayla briefly takes Krile's place.

Thank you...for bringing her back to me.

It is a joy to have met you, Krile.

You too...Aunt Miayli.

I know your home lies far from here, but to us, you'll always be family.

Come and see us once in a while, won't you?

I will.

My comrades have found a treatment for levin sickness, so I'll bring it to Treno as soon as I can.

My, my! You certainly have no shortage of accomplished friends.

We'll await your return, my dear.

The party leaves Treno. Krile waves goodbye.

Life is full of surprises when one lives in hope. Isn't that right, Alayla?

End of cutscene.

After the cutscene, the player is transported to Living Memory.

Speak with Krile.

Optional dialogue

Once we are back in Solution Nine, I should like to relax with a hot cup of tea.

Though we're still in the Ninth, it hardly feels like it up here. What a wonder.

If safe and reliable airship travel to Treno were possible, it would cut down on the length and danger of the journey...

It still feels a bit like I'm dreaming... But even should I wake, I'll remember it. I'll remember them.

...On a practical note, I am more certain than ever that Shale's work will yield vital insights into the key. I look forward to speaking with her when we arrive in Solution Nine.

If you don't mind, might we first make our way to Resolution? Gossan will be wondering about my absence...

Heavens, yes. I apologize for keeping you from your duties for so long!

Think nothing of it. I was more than happy to be a part of your adventure. And Gossan will forgive me once I tell him of Treno...

Speak with Gossan in Resolution.

Optional dialogue

Though we learned little about the Ascians, our sojourn was more than worthwhile.

We're back!

According to the people of Treno, there are yet other settlements in the Ninth. We shall have to seek them out one day.

Gossan hasn't worn his regulator since his memory was restored. The experience must have affected him deeply.

Gossan

Ah. This explains much.

I wondered why I had seen neither hide nor hair of Your Majesty these past days... May I ask where you have been?

Er... It's quite a long story...

Start of cutscene.

Gossan

However stalwart your companions, traversing the Mist Continent with no knowledge of what awaited was extraordinarily reckless!

Th-That I cannot deny, but it availed us much. We have the opportunity to resume diplomatic relations with a longtime ally.

And as I did not, in fact, come to harm...all is well that ends well?

Gossan

Should you feel compelled to go on any other excursions in future, I expect that you will notify me beforehand.

Yes, of course... It was remiss of me. I apologize.

Duty's call is most insistent. Nevertheless, whenever you require my aid, please do not hesitate to seek it.

Sphena and Gossan leave. Shale arrives.

You're back. How'd it go? Did you find a way down?

The player explains.

Treno... I've heard the name. Incredible that it's sheltered the Milalla all this time.

What's more, the mayor was able to share the story of the key from her perspective. She believes that the historical documents pertaining to it are stored in Preservation's archives.

They could be. Though our work isn't done yet, we've made progress on the decryption. I was on my way to the containment complex to review the data in situ.

In that case, allow me to accompany you. Though it may be incomplete, I should like to review the information available.

We'll contact you as soon as we've made some sense of it.

In the meantime, might I suggest that our Warrior of Light get a good night's sleep or two? You never know what manner of hellish technology will be after us next.

And Krile, I assume you'll be wanting to familiarize yourself with the care and feeding of porxies.

Indeed. While I'm aware of the principles, I was needed elsewhere when the others were treating the levin-afflicted. I shall have to ask Y'shtola to instruct me.

'Tis the least I can do for my family...

I intend to visit them whenever possible. But my home will always be here in the Source.

There's nowhere I'd rather be!

End of cutscene.

Start of voiced cutscene.

Earlier, in Treno...

Miayli and the Treno citizens are still at the entrance.

Now, there is much to be done.

With access to the mine restored, I'd like to explore methods to expand our food production systems. I look forward to your insights.

The Milalla leave. The scene shifts to a Auri woman in a green dress carrying a gray Mica doll, who has run into an alley.

Frantic Woman

Oh, my poor heart...

I only meant to steal a glimpse while we were in the area...

But our eyes definitely met, didn't they? Oh, that's not ideal...

The woman begins shaking the doll violently.

Frantic Woman

Such fearsome instincts to perceive me as a threat in an instant... But I shouldn't be surprised. It's the Source's vaunted hero, after all...

???

(grunts)

Stop that...

I mean it.

H-Halmarut!

Halmarut throws the doll on the ground in fear.

Oh dear me!

The doll gets up.

???

One need hardly be the Warrior of Light to notice you. You're far from subtle.

As if the horns and scales weren't enough, you insist upon dressing for another century. Those clothes must be as old as I am.

Where is your robe?

You mean the robe that practically announces me as an Ascian?

Not that I don't intend to reveal that detail, but it will be at a time of my choosing.

Besides, if one of us can't help but draw the eye, it's you.

Halmurat picks up Calyx.

Oh, Calyx, how you've grown...

...Smaller, that is. And surprisingly cute...ish.

Put me down.

Halmarut giggles and places Calyx down.

Jests aside, we will be departing the Ninth all too soon.

If you wish to say your good-byes, I could find you a vessel and mold it to match your preferred presentation...

Don't you dare. I will not debase myself by occupying a living body ever again.

And in any case, to travel the rift as you do requires the shedding of one's flesh, does it not?

I apologize if I upset you. Your understanding is, in essence, correct.

The magicks cannot bring a vessel through the rift. Ergo, you must discard it and assume a form of pure aether until you reach the other side.

However, that doesn't mean you need discard everything like so much refuse.

Halmarut spawns a fissure and temporarily retrives an electrope cube.

Using fissures such as this, one can easily send small amounts of matter between reflections.

...Matter such as your archived memories.

All the more reason to remain as I am. At present, I could pass through a fissure myself.

And as this form suffices for surveying the material realm, I see no reason to expend effort searching for a replacement.

I wish only to observe. That is enough.

Very well. I shan't press.

Nevertheless, odd though you may look, I would encourage you to bid farewell to those to whom you have attachment.

For now that you've failed, unless our hero changes course...

...This world is doomed to die.

Halmarut and Calyx observe the Treno citizens.

I had hoped to banish death from their lives.

Why should it come to all, whether they will it or no? Why must any accept this burden and grief?

It was never about any one person. So no, there are none with whom I would exchange fond farewells.

But so long as mankind yet survives, I can hold fast to my faith...

That my life's work might again bring someone salvation.

Hold fast you must, as we press ever onward...

For soon, it begins, and every world shall tremble. The Winterers must be prepared to outlast the great withering to come.

That's your ominous prediction, is it?

No, it's nature's proclamation. Can't you hear it?

It echoes in the silence left by the will of the star.

Banner Text

WHITHER BLOWS FATE'S WANDERING WILL?
FOR GREY CLOUDS PRESAGE WINTER'S CHILL...

End of cutscene.

Optional dialogue

Were it not for my ties to the Source, I would not be able to treat those afflicted with levin sickness, nor potentially aid my people in other ways as well─as I very much intend to.

There are still so many questions I wish to ask Miayli about my parents, and even more I hope to learn about the rest of the family.