Familiar Faces

Quest giver: Alphinaud
Location: The Sea of Clouds (X:6, Y:25)
Quest line: Heavensward Main Scenario Quests
Level: 57

Experience: 52,260
Gil: 595
Previous quest: Into the Blue
Next quest: Devourer of Worlds
Patch: 3.0

Main Scenario Progress: 310 / 960 (32.3%)

Heavensward Progress: 69 / 138 (50%)

“

Alphinaud has a mind to start searching the Blue Window.

— In-game description

Walkthrough

After using Lookout for the second time, a straightforward solo duty will begin.
Alphinaud will heal you when needed, and will have a Ruby Carbuncle to help with damage.
Target the healers first to make things go smoothly, as they will restore the health of their allies and make them much tougher to kill.

Steps

Stand /lookout at the isle's eastern edge.
Stand /lookout farther to the north.
Speak with the Lonu Vanu.

Journal

Alphinaud declares that you two should begin searching the isles in earnest for the Soleil. Follow him east and stand /lookout for the missing airship.

Though your vantage point affords an excellent view of the surrounding isles, you see nothing resembling the archbishop's airship. Proceed north and stand /lookout once more.

In the course of your search, you come upon a most unexpected sight: a unit of imperial troops surrounding a terrified Vanu Vanu. Before you can assess the situation, the troops mistake you for Ishgardians and attempt to seize you as well, apparently under the orders of “Lord van Hydrus.” With Alphinaud's help, you manage to defeat the Garleans, thus rescuing the Vanu prisoner.

Lonu Vanu, as he names himself, expresses his profound gratitude for your intervention. Though the presence of the imperials is an unfortunate development, the discovery that the Vanu here are not openly hostile to you and Alphinaud makes up for it.

Dialogue

Accepting the Quest

Alphinaud: Assuming the Soleil is here, I doubt she will come to us. We should begin searching the isles in earnest... 
Alphinaud: Of course, we must remain vigilant for Vanu scouts as well. I would rather avoid needless bloodshed.

(Optional)
Alphinaud: Gods, look at them. So many isles...so many places to hide. No, we must not lose hope. He is out there, [Forename]—and we will find him.

Standing /lookout at the isle's eastern edge

System: You search the skies for the Soleil, but see nothing resembling the missing airship.

Standing /lookout farther to the north

Alphinaud: Mayhap this effort was doomed to failure...

???: >> Begs mercy of netherlings! does not fight! Does not wish to die! <<

Alphinaud: Was that a Vanu being attacked? But by whom?  
Alphinaud: Over there! 
Alphinaud: >> Imperial troops!? <<

Imperial Centurion: Ishgardians!? Seize them! They'll know where the archbishop is!

Alphinaud: The enemy of my enemy... We've no choice. With me, [Forename]! Protect the Vanu!

Solo Duty Dialogue

Imperial Centurion: Remember: Lord van Hydrus wants them alive! That's an order!

Alphinaud: Lord van Hydrus? Regula van Hydrus!?

Imperial Centurion: What are you doing!? You're a disgrace to the VIth! Subdue these savages!

Alphinaud: There's no end to them!

Unarmed Vanu Vanu: No weapons to fight netherlings! No desire to die!

(Optional)
Alphinaud: And so we live to fight another day...

Speaking with Lonu Vanu

Lonu Vanu: Netherlings save Lonu Vanu from certain death! Showers netherlings with thanks like summer squall! 
Lonu Vanu: Lonu Vanu knows not what wind bears netherlings to cloud sea, but warmly welcomes them! Shows gratitude where gratitude is due!