Currying Flavor

Forename, 'tis good to see you. Have you any news from Old Sharlayan?

We've yet to hear from Y'shtola regarding her search for a means to return to the void. I must confess that her silence has left me feeling...restless.

Nor am I alone in this—Estinien has such an excess of energy that he has been helping to train our soldiers with nary a grumble.

As for Zero...

Is something the matter?

No, no. Forename paid us a visit, and so I was appraising him/her of recent developments—or the lack thereof.

Are you heading somewhere?

Aye. To replenish my aether.

...Would you like to come?

A rare but most welcome invitation! Timely too, I might add.

I myself was thinking of venturing out into the city. It would be my pleasure to join you.

You will accompany us, of course?

Come, then. I've an errand to run at the bazaar first.

End of cutscene.

Optional dialogue

You're with Mistress Zero? How rare to see her with others!

If you would gauge the city's prosperity, there is no surer way than to visit the bazaar and observe the people. This I learned from Ahewann and his predecessors.

Speak with Zero.

I'm picking up some more spice. Mehryde told me to do so before my next visit.

Mistress Zero has quite the tolerance, you see. The Sisters know we Hannish are fond of spicy food, but I doubt any of us could keep up with her.

With just the spices they normally have on hand, the meyhane can't quite satisfy her. Which is why I'm happy to provide what they need to achieve more rigorous flavors!

Now then, variety being the spice of life, perhaps you'd like to choose something extra to blend with Mistress Zero's usual?

It'll help to keep things interesting! What do you say?

Fine by me. You can appreciate the nuances of this world's sustenance far better than I can, I expect.

Optional dialogue

What impressive samples. You'll not find a larger or finer selection in all the world.

So long as it's stimulating, I care not what you choose.

You're welcome to sample the spices, but bear in mind that what I recommend to Mistress Zero is potent!

Select a spice.

A colorful array of spices peer out from hempen sacks.

Which will you consider?

The lustrous crimson powder.

Bright red in color, this powder is hot just to look at. It will likely induce a healthy sweat when consumed.

The aromatic black corns.

These corns tickle your nose with their pungent-yet-enticing aroma. One can imagine them lending dishes an appetizing accent.

The little red husks.

These tiny husks give off a citrus-like scent. Perhaps they will imbue dishes with a zesty note.

The coarse yellow flakes.

These flakes appear to have been grated from a thick root. Their sharp aroma suggests a bracing flavor.

Never mind.

Conversation ends.

Select this spice? (Yes/No)

Ah, that's a fine choice. But don't take my word for it─here, have a taste!

Zero may wish to observe your reaction. It would be considerate to sample the spice in her presence.

Optional dialogue

I doubt you need to be told this, but have care not to take too much at once...

Well?

Go on, then! Have a taste and see what you think.

Taste the spice in Zero's presence.

You tentatively place some of the spice on your tongue...

If you chose the crimson powder

A veritable blaze engulfs your mouth!

If you chose the black corns

An intense and aromatic heat fills your nostrils!

If you chose the red husks

A tingling, tangy numbness grips your mouth!

If you chose the yellow flakes

A jolt of fire courses through your entire body!

Your reaction speaks volumes.

That will suffice, then.

Always a pleasure, Mistress Zero! And do give Mehryde my regards.

Optional dialogue

I am pleased to see that Zero has become a regular here, and so much so as to bring her own spice.

Give Mehryde my regards!

Welcome to Mehryde's Meyhane!

Speak with Zero.

Start of voiced cutscene.

My usual, please. But with this spice.

Zero hands over the Bag of Spice.

Of course, Zero. It would be my pleasure.

Well now, this is enough to make a whole kettle of your special curry!

I don't need that much...

Rest assured, it's easy enough to make a serving just for you. Or we could make the kettle and share it?

There would be enough not only for your companions, but other diners as well. I daresay everyone will be delighted.

Very well. A full kettle, then.

Excellent. We'll prepare it at once.

And for Your Excellency and our esteemed adventurer? Are you happy to try a bowl of Zero's curry? We can make yours milder, if you prefer...

Grateful though I am for the offer, I cannot fully appreciate the flavor with this vessel. Another time, perhaps.

Do not hold back on my account, my friend. Eat and enjoy.

What will you say?

Then I'll have His Excellency's helping!

If I could have mine a touch milder...

Understood. Please, make yourselves comfortable.

At a table with the player, Varshahn, and Zero.

It gladdens me to see you taking to life in Radz-at-Han, Zero. In the area of our cuisine not least of all.

Spicy dishes have long been favored in our sultry clime for their ability to whet the appetite and cool the body.

Of course, spices also have the effect of preserving foods, which makes them highly coveted in foreign lands.

All of this has given rise to a thriving spice industry, and the wealth it brings has allowed our nation to prosper while maintaining its neutrality.

So you trade your spices. Seems rather more complicated than trading in aether.

Varshahn chuckles.

In the beginning, this land was no more than refuge for me.

But now it is my home, and the people of Radz-at-Han my beloved children.

Together we built this vibrant nation. And naught would please me more than to show it to my sister one day.

Vibrant... Rubicante said the same when he described this world.

A reminder of all that has been stolen from us... What many who remember doubtless yearn to take back.

The player recalls Rubicante's words to them.

Rubicante

Our home is a lost cause, our only choice to begin anew.

In this world, where we may reclaim our mortality.

Nonetheless, it's wrong to damn another to save yourself─as I told Rubicante. As I found myself moved to speak...

I still do not understand what made me feel this way. Nor what compels you mortals to help one another. But I hope to someday.

We, too, hope that you will find the answers you seek.

The curry is brought out.

Passing Patron

What is going on?

What? What's happening?

Compliments of Mistress Zero, the satrap's honored guest, we are serving a special curry for anyone who wishes to partake. But be warned: it is not for the faint of heart!

Oh! By all means, I'd welcome the challenge!

Passing Patron

Sisters have mercy...the smell alone is...

The passing patron collapses.

It burns! It burns!

The daring diner collapses in pain.

To better maintain the facade, the alchemists ensured that my vessel was capable of consuming food...

However, I fear Zero's curry would test the limits of their design.

Apologies for the delay. Please relax and enjoy your meal.

“Relax”? I don't have time for that. I've been waiting for this...

Come, let's replenish our aether.

The scene cuts to after Zero and the player eat the curry. Several more patrons have collapsed from its spiciness.

What will you say?

My whole life flashed before my eyes—and it was exhilarating!

I thought the spices we picked were perfect.

I trust you have eaten your fill.

I shall have Mehryde prepare a meal for us to take to Estinien. I suspect he too is overdue a “replenishment.”

By this hour, he will have retired to his chambers at Meghaduta. Come, let us pay him a visit.

End of cutscene.

The spicy curry has left you slightly flushed and set your heart racing. Whatever challenges await, you are ready to face them head-on─and with feeling!

If you chose "Then I'll have His Excellency's helping!"

You receive Spicy Circulation XXII for 30 seconds (Description: Reforged by the flames of truly challenging curry.)

If you chose "If I could have mine a touch milder..."

You receive Spicy Circulation I for 30 seconds (Description: Warmed and invigorated by a bowl of hot curry.)

Optional dialogue

I did not expect so many to take up the challenge, but I am glad to see everyone enjoying themselves.

I'm satisfied.

Well, that proved to be an exciting event! I daresay word of Zero's singular curry will draw more diners to our establishment.

Mihleel

What a remarkable curry! I must try a bowl myself─when I can muster the courage, that is!

Rhulmeira

Quite an adventurous crowd we had today. A few drinks will do that to you. For better or worse...

Ardaraca

A traveler, are you? Well, I'm no layabout. I'm simply recovering from that fiery devastation, you understand.

Darfiye

Drink, dance, and damned good curry! It couldn't possibly get better than this in Radz-at-Han!

By the Sisters, I thought that curry would be the end of me. I...I must eat it again.

Passing Patron

My poor nose... It still tingles...

Speak with the Meghaduta attendant.

Meghaduta Attendant

Welcome back.

Master Estinien? Yes, he has returned to his chambers. I shall be happy to escort you.

Proceed to Estinien's chambers? (Yes/No)

Start of voiced cutscene.

Estinien, are you there? We've brought something for you.

Aye... Enter...

A shirtless Estinien is doing one-handed push-ups.

Squid masala from the meyhane. I thought you might enjoy it.

Masala, eh? I prefer my squid dried, but I'm sure it won't disappoint. My thanks.

Idle as I am in our sorceress's absence, I see. I can't offer much in the way of entertainment, but make yourselves comfortable.

Zero stares at Estinien.

Shall we disrobe as well?

No, no. We simply caught our friend unprepared. He will make himself presentable at once, I am sure.

The party sits at a table after Estinien dresses. Urianger enters the room.

At last. We've been looking for you.

My friends! Tell me─were you able to devise a way to return to the Thirteenth?

I believe so. It required a visit to the moon, where I took the opportunity to enlist Urianger's assistance.

Urianger

Y'shtola hath told me all. I should be glad to help you free Azdaja and put an end to Golbez's dark plot.

If Rubicante spoke true, both Golbez and Azdaja are on the moon of the Thirteenth.

Unlike here in the Source, however, we have no means of making the journey from the surface of the star itself. The technology simply does not exist.

Therefore, I propose that we employ a gate to deliver us directly to our destination.

Is such a feat possible?

In theory. Having once been a single whole, the Source and its reflections share striking similarities in geography.

And according to a certain someone who unceremoniously whisked us away to the First, the same locations across the worlds are intrinsically bound.

All of which is to say, were we to pass through a gate on the Source's moon, it should lead us to the moon of the Thirteenth.

Of course, there is the risk of voidsent gaining entry to our world. Thus did I decide to seek Urianger's counsel.

Urianger

Both the watcher and the Loporrits are aware of our proposed endeavor. While they are yet deliberating precautionary measures, they have pledged their full cooperation.

You've been busy. I presume you've also found a way to open this gate?

Be it in Radz-at-Han or Sharlayan, scholars have long cast their gaze unto the endless dark of the void.

And so, with Hannish insights to augment our knowledge, we have indeed conceived of a promising plan to pierce the veil.

A plan I am confident will succeed precisely because the moon is our stage.

The preparations will be extensive, and we will require vast quantities of aether.

After all, our gate must be large enough to accommodate another great wyrm.

My proposal entails delivering copious amounts of aether to the Tower of Babil in Garlemald.

As you will recall, Fandaniel used the structure to destroy the brands imprisoning Zodiark.

And we, in like manner, will use it to channel aether to the moon─and thereby open our gate.

I see... Then we shall need someone on the moon for the necessary rituals.

Just so, Your Excellency. I intend to head back anon for that very purpose, as well as to help devise our strategy to deal with invading voidsent.

Along with our lunar allies, we will once again require the assistance of your alchemists, Nidhana not least of all.

May I trouble you to serve as their escort?

Fine by me. The room was beginning to feel constraining.

Urianger

For my part, I shall oversee the requisite tasks on the star. Might I prevail upon you for your assistance?