The Color of Joy

Our apologies again. I hope we didn't force you to conclude your conversation prematurely.

Like his sister Tiamat, Vrtra is possessed of a gentle soul. I'm glad they're on our side.

Accepting the quest

The attendant was kind enough to give me directions to the High Crucible. First, let us return to the mulberry orchard.

Optional dialogue

I understand the mulberries are for the silkworms. Grown a stone's throw away from the satrap's residence... It gives it the quintessential Thavnairian flair, don't you think?

Speak with Alisaie.

From here, we're supposed to follow the path left and past the mulberries...

Optional dialogue

The word Yuj apparently means “bind” in the local tongue, and this district is so named because it connects all others in the city.

If we manage to come this far, we shouldn't have trouble finding the High Crucible ─ or so I was told.

Speak with Alisaie again.

Where the street turns, enter the door straight ahead then descend the steps...

I thought the Crystarium was confusing, but it doesn't compare to Radz-at-Han. The architecture and decorations make it even harder to get your bearings.

Anyway, let's see where this door takes us.

Optional dialogue

Whew, it seems we're on the right track.

Speak with Alphinaud.

And here is the aetheryte plaza. So far so good, and there isn't much further to go.

From here, we just need to cross to the other side of the hall, then pass through the larger of two doorways. The High Crucible lies beyond.

I suspect the others have already collected the warding scales. Come, let us join them.

Optional dialogue

Urianger

Though this land hath been afforded a respite, in turmoil do many others languish still. Our work is far from finished.

You took your time. Got turned around, I take it?

Estinien

As I heard it, after you defeated Nidhogg, his scales found their way into the hands of the Firmament's artisans.

Steeped in power as they are, it's no surprise that they were coveted. Still, it is a strange legacy for the vengeful wyrm.

I'm quite well now, I assure you. As they say, the stronger the taste ─ and stranger the color ─ the more effective the remedy.

With my body trying to replenish the aether I spent, however, I'm feeling rather famished...

I think a sampling of the local delicacies is in order. Hamsa cuisine would be a good place to start, perhaps?

The Students have previously turned to Radz-at-Han's alchemists for help with the analysis of various artifacts.

That is how I became acquainted with Nidhana. I'm glad we could rescue her, and pray she makes a full recovery...

What an immense laboratory... How many such places were enlisted to help forge the warding scales, I wonder.

Excellent. You're in time to hear the latest good news.

Speak with Alisaie.

We're last, of course, but at least we found the place.

Start of voiced cutscene.

The camera shows three boxes containing warding scales.

These are the talismans we were promised?

Yes, and I made a quick count: there are far more than we could have hoped for.

Enough to outfit an entire company of soldiers, in fact. Considering the involved process, that they were able to manufacture so many in such a short span of time is nothing short of a miracle.

Once we have distributed them to our allies in Eorzea and the Far East, we'll have a fighting chance to bring down the other spires ─ just as we did with the Tower of Zot.

Or, we could use them to invade Garlemald proper, and strike directly at the Telophoroi's base of operations...

Of course, we would need to consult with various Alliance leaders before such a drastic measure could even be contemplated.

To which end I could set out forthwith and present the idea to each of our allies in person.

Urianger

Pray allow me to undertake some few of those journeys. I find myself restless, and in need of purposeful duties.

I can head eastward. Bozja and Dalmasca are just a short hop from here, and Doma's shinobi network should come in handy for passing on the word.

We shall share the burden, then.

Meanwhile, I think it best that you and the others take the talismans back to the Baldesion Annex. We must keep them safe and secure until we've decided upon a course of action.

Please, I must speak with you!

Nidhana!? You're awake!

Yes. When I spoke with the carer at my bedside, she told me that one of the Scions ─ a young woman ─ had cleansed me of the tower's corruption.

It seems I've been asleep ever since the treatment... But when I awoke and learned you were all still here, I knew I had to come.

As you said, Nidhana was captured only recently.

Such a brief exposure is swiftly cured, so I tended to her before we gathered at Meghaduta.

And I am truly grateful that you did! I cannot thank you enough...

All of you ─ for everything you've done. Destroying the tower, rescuing our people...you've saved Thavnair from an awful fate!

Urianger

Yet who hath truly saved whom?

Due in no small part to thine inspirational courage, the alchemists were successful in reproducing warding scales of proven efficacy.

Replications of thy work now stand ready to travel across the seas, unto the hands of those who might wield them against this rising evil.

The talisman? Is this true!?

Nidhana approaches the boxes.

I was so groggy from sleep, I didn't even think to ask.

Our great work, sent across the seas...

It was worth it. It was all worth it!

The player's flower glows yellow.

Look at that! Its color is completely changed!

What do you have there...?

How unusual. I wonder if the effect is a reaction to akasa.

I'm afraid I'm not familiar with that term.

Akasa? It is one of the unseen energies defined by Hannish alchemical theory.

Though a gross oversimplification, some describe it as an essence influenced by feelings.

You imply that it is distinct from aether?

Foreign scholars often conflate the two, but we see them as separate concepts.

Aether is an energy which permeates the land. It exists within animals, objects, even the air we breathe, affecting all through which it flows.

Akasa, on the other hand, exists in a domain beyond our reach. A gift bestowed from on high ─ or torn from the heavens, in some traditions.

Akasa can neither be created, nor destroyed. It is beyond our power to purposefully alter or manipulate.

The only thing observed to influence it is an abundance of...I want to say “spiritual emotion.”

As a veteran of the battlefield, surely you've experienced moments of desperation or exaltation when you've transcended the usual limits of your capabilities?

That is a manifestation of akasa, the invisible essence harnessed by heart, mind, and unyielding spirit!

I really must hear more about this theory! Our disciplines are based entirely upon the idea that aether is the fundamental form of all energy.

I'm glad my haphazard explanation has piqued your interest.

But even for us, akasa is a somewhat abstract field of study. A lack of practical application lends itself poorly to formalized research.

Which is why my analysis of your flower can amount to little more than idle speculation. I am sorry...

Nonsense, you have nothing to be sorry for. Your insight is much appreciated!

Shall we depart for Sharlayan, then? I will see to it that the talismans arrive at the annex.

And we will be in touch once our talks are concluded. I suggest you rest while you can ─ from here onward, sleep is bound to be in short supply.

End of cutscene.

Optional dialogue

The last thing I remember before being absorbed into the tower was you rushing towards me...

I can only imagine the hardships you and yours must have had to overcome to rescue us.

No amount of words will suffice to express my gratitude, but I hope the flower's radiant glow says everything I cannot.

At the Baldesion Annex:

Ojika Tsunjika

Ah, you are returned!

Speak with Krile at the Baldesion Annex.

It's good to be back, and with the fruit of our labors safely in storage!

For now, we have but to wait for the others to return from their respective meetings with the Alliance leaders.

As Thancred suggested, you should get some rest in the meantime!

Optional dialogue

Your chamber is comfortable, I hope? If it's cold in there, just let me know─we have plenty of blankets to spare.

Speak with Ojika Tsunjika.

Ojika Tsunjika

Welcome back, Forename! Krile has apprised me of your recent accomplishments. What an amazing feat to eliminate a tower, and pave the way to deal with the rest.

While it isn't much, I've changed your sheets and plumped up your pillow. After all, there's nothing like collapsing in a nice clean bed after completing a major malmstone, be it penning a thesis or defeating deiform entities!

So, would you like to take a look at your new and improved lodgings now?

Start of voiced cutscene.

In the Andron room, the player places their flower on the desk by the bed. They then look out the window.

Vrtra (in flashback)

Take heart and protect them well.

The door opens, revealing G'raha Tia, Alisaie, Alphinaud, and Krile, each carrying brown bags.

Good, you're here! You haven't eaten yet, have you?

We've brought quite a spread if you're interested. Only the finest dining from the Last Stand!

The party begins eating. G'raha Tia enjoys a burger. Alisaie removes a pickle from hers.

Lest you wonder, we invited Estinien as well.

But he refused with a rather grim-faced “No, thank you.” I suspect Sharlayan cuisine is not to his liking...

Oh, I don't know about that. Perhaps our lone wolf just needed some time apart.

What, to perfect his brooding stare!?

Next time, I'll drag him out by the ear, sit him down in front of a Sharlayan feast, and see that he eats every last bite.

An excellent idea. Of all people, warriors must take proper meals and rest if they are to maintain a healthy constitution.

Poor Estinien, beset on all sides.

Speaking of one's physical condition, Mistress Krile, I hear you recently played literal host to Hydaelyn Herself...

And what an experience that was. Tiring, yes, but no lasting harm done.

If anything, I should have liked to speak with Her longer... I've not felt a hint of Her presence since.

Hydaelyn instructed you to carry that flower, yes?

'Twill be your guide ─ “test and proof of your conviction.” And then something about seeking joy in darkness, was it?

Come to think of it... Isn't that what happened with Nidhana, back in Radz-at-Han?

The flower did seem to radiate a joyful glow. As if reflecting the elation we all felt. The relief of a people with renewed hope.

Indeed. And in turn, I felt buoyed by that radiance. 'Twas akin to spotting a beacon, and knowing we were on the right path.

I know we've not yet triumphed over the Telophoroi, or learned the full breadth of the Forum's plans...

But even within the midst of our struggles, we find small moments of joy to sustain us.

Rare and hard-won, perhaps. But it is this pursuit of happiness that gives us the strength to carry on, day after day...

Alisaie grabs one of G'raha Tia's cookies.

Hey! That's mine!

To the swift, the spoils! Though I recall that levitation spell of yours was quick enough.

Only barely. And even at my best, I'm still too slow to wield it effectively in battle.

Mayhap I simply require more practice with this new magick...

You unearthed it from the depths of Noumenon, I presume?

Aye, and from a veritable mountain of arcane tomes, at that. 'Twas...necessary to facilitate my solitary explorations.

Or, to put it simply, you used it to sneak around the forbidden archives.

Ah, yes, well...after a fashion...

They're tall, you see...

The shelves ─ they're too tall for me! And I could hardly move the library's platforms without attracting attention now, could I!?

Scions

Oh... <laughter>

The party continues conversing after they have eaten most of the food and it becomes night.

What will you say?

Are we pushing on until dawn?

I'm not that ambitious. But 'tis pleasant to idle away the hours every once in a while.

Shall we call it a night?

One last cup of tea, then. Dickon said this brew helps relax the mind before bed...and gave us some leaves for free!

You do know these are "my" quarters?

Why else did you think we were here? Surrender to thy fate, O champion!

The flower is glowing green.

End of cutscene.

Start of voiced cutscene.

In Garlemald, Zenos looks at the moon. Fandaniel teleports in.

Ah, enjoying the bracing cold, I see. Do you not own a warm coat or a cloak? Something in fur or fashioned from the skins of your enemies, or...? Well, never mind that.

I come to you once more as the bearer of bad news.

Our tower in Thavnair has been toppled, and I need not tell you by whom.

Given how many we have at our disposal, the loss of a single spire is hardly fatal to our plans. It does, however, slow the rate at which we siphon aether.

If they continue to preoccupy themselves with the towers, then all will be well. But should our foe prove bold enough to strike at us here, then the timing becomes...questionable.

Zenos yae Galvus

Our foe is bold enough. Of that, I can assure you.

Yes, very well, then... I suppose I must prepare a proper welcome.

Honestly, talk of your nemesis is the only thing you seem to enjoy. Does nothing else spark your interest?

Zenos yae Galvus

Hmm... No. All else is...equal.

Equally tedious. Equally disappointing. The world is a tepid bog into which we sink, too weak to thrash as the mud clings to our eyes and fills our throats till we blissfully choke.

But then came the light. Blinding and pure and hot ─ so very hot. Enough to set my soul aflame.

I basked in the afterglow...until the void yawned once more. And then I knew the muck would never claim me again. There was naught for me ahead, so I drew the curtain on all that had come before.

Burn, burn. Let the whole star burn. I will have my contest. I will reclaim my moment.

How wonderful that the emptiness of death has not dissuaded you from committing your life to its pursuit once more.

I don't know whether to envy you or pity you...

Zenos yae Galvus

You question my disinterest, but what of yours? Despite your noisome antics, I sense you take little pleasure in this endeavor.