A Dragon's Resolve

If Cagnazzo's intent was for his parting words to give us pause, then he has succeeded.

To embrace death, to find satisfaction in oblivion... Perhaps it is indeed true that many voidsent yearn to return to the Lifestream.

The eye explains how they managed to cross over, but we still don't know why they chose this time and this place for an incursion.

Why does he look so defeated? We are closer to finding his sister, are we not?

Accepting the quest

Oh, Azdaja... What has become of you, that even your eye should be so spent of aether...

I cannot bear the thought of her being held captive a moment longer, but how will I find her? What must I do?

Calm yourself, Vrtra.

I appreciate that you are upset, but such passion clouds your judgment. You must endeavor to remain composed.

When your mind is clear, we may consider how to proceed with our search.

<sigh> You are right...

In the meantime, I will help Alphinaud and Alisaie back at the village.

That sounds like a fine idea. We should go as well.

Optional dialogue

Pray give me a moment longer.

Travel to the vicus messorum? (Yes/No)

Optional dialogue

Oh, you've come too.

Leave Vrtra be. He needs time alone with his thoughts.

Let us take comfort in the knowledge that the voidgate is closed, and that the people of Garlemald need fear the voidsent hordes no longer.

We're to help Alphinaud and Alisaie, are we? There's little else of interest here, so I wouldn't be opposed to the diversion.

Speak with Alphinaud.

Start of cutscene.

I don't see Vrtra with you. Is everything all right?

He needs a moment to himself. While he is indisposed, we thought we'd lend you a hand.

I've just finished patrolling the area, so we're fine on that front.

There are no signs of voidsent, and I doubt we'll see any more now that the gate has been closed.

As for Alphinaud, he's set his sights on the ceruleum spring. We're hoping to take as much of the stuff as the snowcraft can bear.

That much fuel would keep the people warm for a good while.

We've managed to procure a few suitable containers for transporting the ceruleum, and were about to return to the spring.

If you've a mind to scrounge up more containers, I can take what you have now and get them filled.

Thank you, Estinien. The more we can load into the snowcraft, the better.

Would you and Y'shtola mind helping us with our search, then?

You'll need to take any suitable containers to the spring, and then back to the snowcraft once you've filled them with ceruleum.

End of cutscene.

Optional dialogue

Any luck finding a container?

Hmmm, will this be solid enough?

It is a welcome change to have Zero helping of her own volition. Perhaps she is finally beginning to trust us.

Search for a leakproof container.

Bottomless Barrel: (X:11.0, Y:9.9)

This is less a container and more a sieve, given its poor condition and visible holes...

Dilapidated Barrel: (X:11.3, Y:10.4)

This is less a container and more a sieve, given its poor condition and visible holes...

Hole-poked Barrel: (X:12.3, Y:10.5)

This is less a container and more a sieve, given its poor condition and visible holes...

Sturdy Barrel: (X:12.0, Y:10.9)

The container appears to be well suited for repurposing. It would be a fine choice for ceruleum storage.

Travel to Fons Manalis? (Yes/No)

Optional dialogue

We just need to carry this liquid fire to the snowcraft? Sounds simple enough.

Fill the leakproof container with ceruleum at the ceruleum spring.

Ceruleum Spring: Fons Manalis (X:12.4, Y:10.8)

The container is now filled to the brim with ceruleum.

If that one has been filled, you should hurry and take it to the snowcraft.

Estinien has already seen to the rest.

Go on ahead. The others asked that I remain here in the event they find more.

Optional dialogue

Good work, my friend. I expect we'll have a sizable load to deliver.

Deliver the ceruleum-filled tank to the designated location.

The snowcraft is all but overflowing with ceruleum containers. However, several of your comrades have yet to arrive. Perhaps a nearby vantage point will afford you a more favorable view of their return.

Wait at the designated location.

Start of voiced cutscene.

Is Vrtra not back yet?

My apologies for the delay.

Are you all right?

I am. As distressing as this turn of events was, the eye itself gives me cause to hope.

While it is no longer possessed of Azdaja's will, it may yet lead us to her.

Were it not for your encouragement, I would never have dared to embark on my search, much less come this far.

I will not lose faith. I will find my sister, wheresoever she may be.

We'll return the eye to her together.

Though tainted, the eye has not fully succumbed to Darkness. Azdaja herself may have been able to resist its influence.

Well, as much as we'd love to take part in your next foray, we can't abandon our efforts here.

Indeed. We'll need to keep a close watch in case the voidgate opens again as well.

Though should it prove safe to do so, I have some ideas for how we might put this village to use.

Do what you must. We will manage.

To free Azdaja, I expect we will have to deal with Golbez once and for all─after which you may undertake your work without worry.

We look forward to the glad tidings.

You'll take good care of everyone, won't you?

What? Why do you ask me this?

Because comrades look out for one another, and I can't think of anyone more qualified to keep them safe.

True. I will do no less than I've promised.

If our respective plans are settled, then let us head back.

End of cutscene.

Optional dialogue

It was good seeing you again. I hope you'll remember to call on us sooner the next time you need help.

Vrtra has quelled the tempest within his heart. He should be fine.

That Azdaja's eye hasn't succumbed to Darkness bespeaks her incredible resilience.

So let us trust in this sign that she yet lives, and be not deterred in our efforts.

I'm not your keeper, nor do I know what you expect of me. But I will keep my word.

I must apologize for my bout of melancholy. To be so easily shaken ill becomes a great wyrm.

You have remained at my side and ever offered me support and encouragement. I haven't the words to thank you.

Speak with Alphinaud.

Start of cutscene.

I suppose this is where we part ways for now.

Though we have every faith in you, we will pray for your safety all the same.

I'm glad we had the chance to talk, Zero. Take care, and till next time!

Zero waits until the twins have left.