Growing Light

With that, our obligations here are concluded.

Y'shtola receives a linkpearl call from Nidhana.

Oh, Nidhana. What news from Thavnair?

They've returned, then? Wonderful. Rest assured all is well with us too.

...Is that so?

We would be honored, of course. I shall relay this to the others.

A great feast will be held in Radz-at-Han to celebrate Azdaja's homecoming. We have all been invited.

Alphinaud

I'm afraid my sister and I must decline. We have only just returned home; to leave again so soon would be inconsiderate to our parents.

Urianger

With regret, I too must excuse myself from attendance. A prior commitment requireth that I remain in Sharlayan for a time.

Let not our absence deter you, however. Pray enjoy yourselves to the fullest.

Estinien

I've no plans in particular, so you can count me in. I may as well visit the Radiant Host while I'm there.

How about you, Forename?

What will you say?

Far be it from me to turn down free food!

That's the spirit.

Ah, but what about the memoria crystal? 'Twould be remiss of us not to deliver it promptly to our friends in the First.

I have a delivery to make to the First.

Ah, of course. The memoria crystal. 'Twould be remiss of us not to deliver it promptly to our friends.

Also, if they are to transfer Light and Dark between worlds, they will need command over the Crystal Tower.

In which case, I shall give you my spirit vessel to take again. When you arrive in the Crystarium, the sentry at the tower should be able to round up everyone for you.

Once you have seen to matters there, come and join us at Meghaduta.

Alisaie

Give everyone our regards, you hear?

End of cutscene.

Optional dialogue

'Tis good to see you, Forename. If you're come to discuss what became of your mission, perhaps we should speak in the Ocular that Ryne and Lyna may join us.

So the mission was a success. That is well. Let us go to the Ocular and share the glad tidings with Ryne and Beq Lugg.

Speak with the Crystarium gatekeep at the Dossal Gate.

Crystarium Gatekeep

Welcome back, sir/madam. Mistress Ryne is still in the Ocular. Will you be joining her?

Enter the Ocular? (Yes/No)

Crystarium Gatekeep

Very good. If you would care to head inside, I shall send for Captain Lyna and Beq Lugg at once.

Start of voiced cutscene.

Ah yes, the king has already shared what they glimpsed in the Source. The day is won, and the danger passed.

Hearing the tidings lifted a great weight from my shoulders. Never before had I taken on such a monumental request.

Small though it was, we are glad to have played a role in saving the Exarch's home, and yours.

Furthermore, the endeavor served to reaffirm the bond between the peoples of Norvrandt.

Nurturing this bond, we will strive to be an example for the world Zero aspires to restore.

The player takes out Zeromus's memoria crystal.

Is that...a memoria crystal? I can feel it... The tremendous Darkness within...

Using Darkness from the void to restore balance to this world... If such a thing could be done...!

Well, well... Though night has returned to our world, Darkness cannot arise of its own accord, much less in abundance.

But if it could be brought here in like manner to how we channeled Light to the void, it may well be possible to restore the Empty in its entirety!

Ryne takes the memoria crystal.

Do you still have that spirit vessel with you?

If so, I beg you loan it to me for a time. I would use it to investigate a way to have the tower receive rather than send energy.

The player hands over the spirit vessel to Beq Lugg.

If the player has completed

A Bounty of Hunters

Thank you. I shall commence my work at once in concert with Unukalhai, and rigorously explore the possibility.

Otherwise

Thank you. While I make no promises at this stage, I shall rigorously explore the possibility.

I too need to explore new possibilities for my powers. My recent experience at Nabaath Areng has taught me that.

To that end, I will set aside botany for a time, and focus instead on myself.

Knowing Zero is out there, doing her utmost to restore her own world... It inspires me to redouble my efforts!

If the player has completed the Eden questline

Gaia enters the room.

There you are.

I waited and waited, but you never came. What have you been doing here?

Gaia!

Oh!

Do I know you?

What will you say?

Don't tell me you've lost your memory again?

Oh, I'm just teasing. I wouldn't forget you in a hurry.

I'm still keeping my diary, adding new memories to it every day.

Not only that, Gaia's writing a story too. I can't wait for it to become a book!

We promised to go for coffee biscuits, remember?

Ugh.

I never agreed to anything of the sort.

Besides, coffee biscuits are old news. I'd rather try something else.

What? I thought you liked them too... Well, no matter. The Second Serving has something for every taste, so let's just go!

Enough about that. What were you talking about?

Harnessing Darkness from the void... Now there's an idea.

Of course, if you're dealing with Darkness, Ryne alone won't cut it.

Next time, call on me as well. All right?

End of cutscene.

Optional dialogue

For so long I was loath to trust in others, fearful of my research being misused again. That it may serve noble ends comes as a relief. I shall spare no effort to restore balance between Light and Dark!

Ryne

If the player has completed the Eden questline

Hmm... If I had Gaia's help, I wonder if I could take in Darkness the same way Zero took in Light...

Otherwise

A brighter tomorrow awaits. Zero's Light will shine the way.

Gaia will only appear if the player has completed the Eden questline.

Come to speak with Ryne, have you? Well, don't keep her for too long. I was planning a trip to Il Mheg, but knowing how devious the fae folk can be, I asked her to join me.

I also wouldn't mind visiting Amaurot someday. It's been on my mind of late, and it would be interesting to see where those two lived in the time of the ancients, if only once.

Speak with Lyna.

It was a mighty struggle, but I had faith that you would be victorious in the end.

And I doubt not that the people of Norvrandt will cheer when they learn that the Warrior of Darkness managed to save her home.

I know you are a busy man/woman, so don't let us keep you. Rest assured that we will continue the work we've begun.

Optional dialogue

If the Crystal Tower is to be used for research, it may be prudent to bolster its security.

It is the Exarch's legacy, and we must spare no effort to keep it safe.

Speak with the accommodating official at Meghaduta.

Accommodating Official

Master/Mistress Surname, you honor us with your presence!

Though I am but a humble servant, I offer you my heartfelt thanks for rescuing the satrap's beloved sister.

But without further ado, the great feast to celebrate this joyous occasion is about to begin! The venue is Mehryde's Meyhane, and you are a guest of honor!

Start of voiced cutscene.

The feat is being held. A child offers a meat skewer to Estinien. Nahbdeen is emotional and has had several drinks.

Nahbdeen

It cannot be...

Oh, Varshahn, my darling little brother... To think that I will never see you again...

Nidhana

The way you carry on, anyone would think he was actually your brother...

Save your tears, now. His Excellency still has one of his eyes.

And he has made it clear he intends to continue using his vessel. You'll see Varshahn again, never fear!

Nahbdeen

Truly? But...will it be the little one?

Nidhana

Personally, I prefer the adult vessel. It cuts a gallant figure, and has superior functionality besides.

Nahbdeen

Bah, I don't care about such things!

My little brother is...

Little! And adorable!

Nidhana (no text)

Sisters give me strength...

'Tis a fine thing being so loved.

The player gets up from their table and looks out the window.

Estinien

Had enough of the revelry, have you?

So, what's next for our hero?

No need to decide just yet. You'll recall our escapades in the void began with a treasure map I paid entirely too much gil for.

You can't force an adventure. It'll happen when it happens, and you'll know when the time is right.

Till then, it's good to lend an ear to others and their tales. And speaking of others...

Discussing each other's plans, are we?

Alas, I have nothing exciting to share. I foresee an extended confinement in my Sharlayan chambers, compiling my theories on cross-rift travel.

My research may be classified, prohibited by the powers that be...

But so long as a bond exists between people, ever shall our worlds be connected. As it stands, a means to travel to the First is within reach, and I would be satisfied even should my research not exist in an official capacity.

And what of you, Estinien? Have you any plans?

Estinien is already gone. Y'shtola chuckles.

He never was one to stay put for long. Though I've no doubt he will make himself known when needed.

Outside, Vrtra and Azdaja take turns calling. A response is heard from the distance.

End of cutscene.

Speak with Y'shtola.

'Twas a lively feast, was it not? And it impressed upon me once again how dear Vrtra is to his people.

Well, as much as I should like to linger, 'tis past time I took my leave. If you mean to depart as well, I suggest you call on Vrtra before setting out.

And before I forget─thank you. For everything we learned, and for everything we accomplished, I couldn't be more grateful.

Till next time, take care.

Optional dialogue

Azdaja

Vrtra's friend... I thank thee.

Azdaja regards you with keen interest.

Head to Meghaduta.

Start of cutscene.

Varshahn

Forename, I hope you enjoyed the festivities. To be able to celebrate Azdaja's return with everyone was...moving beyond words.

Lest you wonder, I've chosen to use this vessel for now, the better to escort my sister about Radz-at-Han.

This leaves my true form without an eye, but I do not anticipate having need of it in the immediate future.

Long have I dreamed of showing Azdaja my beautiful city, a glittering jewel born of unity. And I shall relish every moment of it.

Now then, I believe both Y'shtola and Estinien have embarked on their respective journeys, but have you yourself business elsewhere?

If not, you are welcome to remain here as long as you like. Should aught of import arise, we will inform you─but until such a day arrives, I bid you take your ease.

End of cutscene.

Start of voiced cutscene.

Meanwhile, in Old Sharlayan...

Everything appears to be in order...

Finished at last.

So time-consuming... How nice would it be to have a mammet to handle such tasks.

Krile looks at the letter.

Now then, let's have a look at you.

Quite old, this letter. We'll need to store it carefully.

Krile opens the letter and begins reading. She gasps.

Addressed to Grandfather! And come all the way from Tuliyollal, from a Guloo...someone.

The ink's too faded. Hardly anything is legible.

Come on, give me something...

A commission to investigate the golden city...in Tural!?

How odd... No one ever mentioned such a commission, nor have I seen any records.

Hm? Something else in here...

Krile finds an earring shaped like a three-leaf clover.