When the Dust Settles

When the Dust Settles

Quest giver

Alphinaud

Location

Steps of Nald (X:10.8, Y:11.5)

Quest line

Post-Shadowbringers Main Scenario Quests II
┗ Dark Reprise Quests

Level

80

Experience

 22,440

Gil

 5,000

Previous quest

The Flames of War

Next quest

The Company We Keep

Patch

5.5

Links

EDB GT TC

---

Main Scenario Progress: 695 / 978 (71.1%)

   

Shadowbringers Progress: 154 / 157 (98.1%)

   

“

Alphinaud is minded to share his account of the events that unfolded in Paglth'an with the sultana.

— In-game description

Rewards

Unlocks

•   Not for Naught

Steps

• Speak with the Phrontistery chirurgeon.
• Speak with Alphinaud.
• Speak with Alisaie.
• Return to the Rising Stones.
• Speak with Tataru.

Journal

• Alphinaud is minded to share his account of the events that unfolded in Paglth'an with the sultana.

• Upon disembarking at the airship landing, you are met by Nanamo, who reveals that one of your friends has been gravely wounded. Realizing at once that she must mean Arenvald, Alphinaud departs for the Phrontistery in visible distress, prompting Alisaie to suggest that you and Estinien go after him.

• At the Phrontistery, you are told that the chirurgeons have done all they can for your comrade, but that his fate yet hangs in the balance. When Alphinaud subsequently thanks Fordola for bringing Arenvald back, she lashes out at him, condemning his idealism as naivety. At this, Estinien interjects that those who uphold such ideals are the ones remembered as heroes. Alas, his words seem to fall on deaf ears.

• At the sultana's invitation, you join the rest of the Scions in the Fragrant Chamber, hoping to hear the findings of Arenvald and Fordola's ill-fated mission. You duly learn that a creature resembling Ifrit was waiting for them inside the tower, and that further such entities have been sighted in the vicinity of other towers across the realm. Anticipating your response to these grim tidings, Nanamo assures you that the Grand Companies are ready to deal with the threat, and bids you take the opportunity to recuperate from your recent exertions.

• Outside the Fragrant Chamber, Thancred notifies those stationed at the Rising Stones by linkpearl that your party will soon be returning. In the ensuing conversation, he learns that Krile has several matters she wishes to discuss, one of them involving Estinien.

• Scant moments after welcoming you home, Krile announces her intention to depart for Sharlayan to petition the Forum's aid in uncovering the Telophoroi's true motives; a proposal which raises eyebrows among her fellow Archons, but one to which they ultimately acquiesce. The surprises do not end there, however. Krile also reveals that the investigation she recently conducted alongside Y'shtola concerned the apparent lack of communication between Hydaelyn and Her chosen champion─you. This, she declares, is another question to which she hopes to find answers during her trip. Acknowledging that her departure will leave the Scions a member short, however, she turns at last to Estinien, and invites him once more to join the cause. And, perhaps most surprisingly of all, he accepts.

• With Lunar Bahamut slain, and the Scions' ranks bolstered by the presence of a singularly capable new member, now would seem the perfect time to rest and take stock. Though Fandaniel and the Telophoroi remain a threat, you may be sure that Tataru will call upon you when the time comes to face them again.

Dialogue

Accepting the Quest

Alphinaud: <sigh> Standing around here worrying is not going to help matters. Come, we must discuss the day's events with Pipin and Her Grace.
???: Brave Scions!
Nanamo Ul Namo: Would that I could treat you to a hero's welcome ─ but I bear urgent news from the Phrontistery.
Alphinaud: Your Grace! Whatever is the matter?
Nanamo Ul Namo: As our troops withdrew from Paglth'an, they came upon the two scouts sent to the nearby tower. I have yet to hear a full account, but it seems that one of them ─ your friend, I believe ─ had been wounded, and was being dragged away by the other.
Alphinaud: Oh no...
Alphinaud: I-I must go. Forgive me, Your Grace!
Thancred: Can you tell us aught of Arenvald's condition, Your Grace? The wounded scout.
Nanamo Ul Namo: Naught save that it is grave. The chirurgeons tend to him even as we speak.
Alisaie: The infirmary must be inundated with the wounded. If all of us go, we'll only get underfoot. [Forename], Estinien ─ would you mind going after Alphinaud? He may need some support ─ from someone other than me.
Estinien: Very well.
Alisaie: Thank you. The rest of us will see that the relevant people know what took place in Paglth'an.
Estinien: Come on, then.

Optional dialogue

Estinien: ...I take it Alphinaud is fond of Arenvald.
Estinien: I know how he feels. But hand-wringing isn't going to help anyone. You had better have a word.

Alphinaud: Please, tell me something! Anything!

Fordola: Instead of standing there gawping, why don't you tell your friend to stop whining like an underfed dog? People are fighting for their lives in there.

Speak with the Phrontistery Chirurgeon.

Phrontistery Chirurgeon: Another one come to see the lad in silver armor? Master Damielliot is attending to him as we speak. If you would be so kind as to wait─
Alphinaud: What did Master Damielliot say? Tell me his exact words!

What will you say?
> Enough, Alphinaud. This isn't helping.  
   Alphinaud: But─ ...You're right. Forgive me. <sigh> ...When we said our farewells to Arenvald, I was afraid that something like this might happen, but now that it has...
   Alphinaud: ...All we can do is wait.
> Let the chirurgeons do their work. 

| Voiced cutscene | 
Alphinaud: Fordola... Have you been waiting here all this time?
Fordola does not give him a reply. 
Damielliot: We have done what we can. The rest is up to him.
Alphinaud: May we see him?
Damielliot: I...do not think that wise. You must let him sleep.
Alphinaud: Thank you for bringing him back. He owes you his life.
Alphinaud: I just... I just wish I'd been there. Perhaps─ I don't know. Perhaps I could have...
Fordola shoves Alphinaud. 
Fordola: Could've what? Got tempered!? Don't flatter yourself. You can't save everyone. No one can. Not even the Warrior of bloody Light.
Fordola: People die all the time. For no good reason. And those who take up the sword die quicker than most.
Fordola: If you're going to shed a tear every time a soldier falls on the battlefield, you'd best stay away. It's no place for the weak of heart.
Alphinaud: It may be...
Alphinaud: That victory cannot be won without cost.
Alphinaud: But all life is precious, and I refuse to shrug at its loss!
Fordola: “All life is precious”? Hmph. You need to grow up, little man ─ before your sparkling ideals get everyone killed.
Fordola walks away, but pauses as she passes by Estinien. 
Estinien: You're right. He is idealistic. But the world has more than its fair share of realists like you and me.
Estinien: It's people like him who dare to dream that things could be better ─ and make it happen, against all the odds. They are the ones whose names live on forever. The heroes.
Fordola: The battlefield's littered with would-be heroes. At this rate, you lot'll be next.
Fordola: And what'll become of your precious dreams then!?
Fordola: They'll be gone ─ like dust on the wind!
Estinien: Dreams worth fighting for don't die so easily.
| Voiced cutscene end. | 

Optional dialogue

Estinien: That woman... She plays at scorn, but her eyes are filled with sorrow. Sorrow deep enough to drown in.

Speak with Alphinaud.

Alphinaud: I know... I know. There is nothing more I can do here. Come, let us rejoin the others.
Flame Herald: Ahem. Her Grace invites the Scions of the Seventh Dawn to join her in the Fragrant Chamber.
Flame Herald: Your comrades have already arrived. Will the three of you be joining them?
Alphinaud: We will.

| Voiced Cutscene |
Alphinaud: Your Grace. Pray forgive us our lateness.
Nanamo Ul Namo: Think not of that. I understand a close comrade of yours was wounded in the line of duty. Arenvald.
Nanamo Ul Namo: It was at the Alliance's behest that he risked all, and we are grieved to hear of his condition. Rest assured, he will receive the finest care our chirurgeons can provide, on that you have my word.
Nanamo Ul Namo: Now...we would share with you the findings of the mission.
Nanamo Ul Namo: Pipin ─ pray relate to our guests the details of Fordola's account.

Thancred: First Bahamut, now Ifrit. Or “Lunar Ifrit,” as Fandaniel would doubtless have it.
Urianger: 'Tis now all but certain that the towers were conceived to facilitate the summoning of primals by those imprisoned within.
Urianger: Less certain is the means by which the Telophoroi constrain the wills of said entities to enact their designs in defiance of the pleas of their victims.
Y'shtola: Mayhap they do not. If mere proximity to the towers is enough to make loyal servants of the Empire's mortal enemies, it stands to reason that the same is true for those held captive.
Y'shtola: They invoke their gods for the good of Garlemald, and in their disturbed state of mind summon a primal whose form reflects their own alteration.
Thancred: It all begins to make sense. Upon closer inspection, I realized that the towers bear a striking resemblance to a much larger structure which Urianger and I observed from afar during our visit to the imperial capital.
Thancred: Assuming it too is capable of tempering those in its immediate vicinity, it would go some way to explain the swiftness with which the Telophoroi managed to rally so many imperials to their cause.
Nanamo Ul Namo: While the situation in Garlemald is indeed troubling, I fear we have more immediate concerns.
Nanamo Ul Namo: Ifrit was not the only primal summoned. At approximately the same time, observers at several other towers bore witness to the emergence of further such entities.
Nanamo Ul Namo: For a blessing, none appear to wield aught approaching the destructive power of Bahamut, and the Grand Companies are moving to deal with the threat even as we speak.

 What will you say?
> You need only tell me where they are, Your Grace...
   Nanamo Ul Namo: Though we are aware that the task will not be easy, we would call upon the Scions only as a last resort. Pray conserve your strength for now.
> The Grand Companies, Your Grace? Is that wise? 

Nanamo Ul Namo: After all, it was not so very long ago that you rid us of Bahamut. On which note, I am pleased to report that our talks with the Amalj'aa have reached an agreeable conclusion. They have pledged their full support to our cause.
Nanamo Ul Namo: It is our hope that this historic agreement will encourage other tribes to join us at the negotiating table. And I know that I speak for all of the Allied leaders when I say that we will welcome them with open arms at such time as they do.
Nanamo Ul Namo: Of course, this was only made possible by the feats of heroism performed at Paglth'an. Moreover, we shall not allow the sacrifices of those fallen in battle to have been made in vain. As hope leads to victory, shall victory lead to a new dawn for Eorzea.
Y'shtola: May these words ever be our guide, Your Grace.
Nanamo Ul Namo: Now, if you will forgive me, I must consult with the Syndicate on the matter of our new allies' integration. Till next we meet, my friends, I bid you safe travels and blessed respite.
| Voiced Cutscene end. | 

Optional dialogue

Estinien: If there is no reason to linger, I will take my leave.

Y'shtola: Amidst this great push for peace with the beast tribes, we would do well to remember that old prejudices yet remain. It is a delicate political dance, and I do not envy the sultana her task─nor any Alliance leader.

G'raha Tia: Alphinaud knows only too well that sacrifices are an unavoidable part of conflict.
G'raha Tia: But knowing something does not change how one feels about it. You yourself have shared adventures with Arenvald, have you not? ...Then I shall say no more.

Urianger: With the secrets of the towers thus laid bare, our duty to prevent further abductions taketh on new import. Fail in this and our enemy shall punish our negligence with a plague of primals.

Thancred: Even without the threat of tempering to contend with, the Grand Companies have quite a task on their hands.
Thancred: Regardless of Her Grace's protestations to the contrary, it may be best to dispatch a few of our own to assist in the endeavor. Remind me to mention it to Tataru, would you?

Alphinaud: Though we have won our first battle against the Telophoroi, and made significant discoveries to boot, the war has scarcely begun. We must steel ourselves for what lies ahead.

Speak with Alisaie.

Alisaie: Right, then. Unless anyone has any objections, I think it's about time we returned to the Rising Stones.
Alisaie: And that includes you, Alphinaud. Arenvald is in good hands here.
Alphinaud: ...Of course. He would doubtless mock me for pacing about the infirmary.
Alphinaud: Let us retire, then, that we might regain our strength in readiness for the coming challenges.
Thancred: If all are in agreement, then, I shall let Krile know to expect us. A hot bath and a hearty meal shouldn't be beyond arranging with the time available.
Alphinaud: It will be good to be home. I have some thinking to do...
Thancred: Yes, I'll try asking him. ...And thank you, I shall look forward to it.
Thancred: Our comrades eagerly await our return. And Krile, in particular, has a few matters she is keen to discuss ─ one of which concerns you, Estinien, believe it or not. You will join us, won't you?
Estinien: ...Fine.
Alphinaud: ...Really? I thought you said you were avoiding “that Baldesion woman.”
Estinien: If I refused, she would only pursue me.
Estinien: Let's get this over with, shall we?

Return to the Rising Stones.

| Voiced cutscene | 
Krile: Welcome back. I expect you must all be exhausted. Ere you take your rest, however, I would beg a moment of your time.
Krile: Thanks to Arenvald's selfless efforts, we may now be confident that we understand the function of the towers. But many questions remain regarding the reason for the summonings and what lurks behind the looming edifice in Garlemald.
Krile: Until such questions are answered, we will struggle to devise an effective strategy for thwarting the Telophoroi's stated aim: nothing less than the destruction of this star. And so, given the gravity of the situation...I move that we petition the aid of Sharlayan.
Urianger: 'Tis possible the ancient knowledge preserved within their archives may hide a clue to our enemy's methods. But given Sharlayan's established policy of nonintervention, our former colleagues are not like to aid us in its discovery.
Krile: Oh, I well remember what they're like. The Forum's barefaced refusal to assist you in the days prior to the Calamity must rank as Sharlayan's most shameful act since the exodus.
Krile: But were the Final Days to be reenacted, it would spell doom for us all. Surely even they cannot turn a blind eye to that.
Krile: I trust we are all of the same mind on this matter... Urgent as it seemed, I took the liberty of petitioning the Alliance for leave to act as Eorzea's emissary. And have since received their blessing.
G'raha Tia: I presume your role as a Student of Baldesion will carry some weight with the Forum?
Krile: One can but hope. If truth be told, our organization has been a shadow of its former self ever since the disappearance of the Isle of Val ─ but the name does still retain some degree of prestige. I only pray it will be enough.
Krile: If there are no objections, I shall depart for Sharlayan at once. But before I do, I should also mention the other matter to which I would devote some time during my stay.
Krile: After hearing what transpired in the First, I began to question the true nature of Hydaelyn's blessing. A topic I have discussed at some length with Y'shtola...
Y'shtola: We were wondering: when was the last time Hydaelyn spoke to you directly?

What will you say?
> Near the end of the Dragonsong War.
   Y'shtola: When you regained Her blessing, was it not? But never since ─ not in all your time in the First, when you faced the unsundered, the very heart of Zodiark.
> That day in the Crystarium.
   Y'shtola: When Elidibus sought to make Warriors of Light? That was the voice which calls constantly to all who might hear it. I spoke of direct communication, when Hydaelyn communed solely with you. A far rarer occurrence.
> ...

Krile: History shows us that Hydaelyn is able to awaken the Echo in Her chosen, convey Her will directly, and grant the blessing of Light.
Krile: To our knowledge, however, She has not sought to intervene in man's affairs for some considerable time.
Urianger: Might not the explanation for that lie with Her choice of champion? Mayhap She is content to trust in his judgment.
Y'shtola: Mayhap She is. But following my initial discussion with Krile, I made inquiries of my own, and as far as I am able to tell, Hydaelyn has not made Her will known to anyone.
Thancred: During my time in the First, the Oracle of Light spoke to me through Ryne. But that was not the will of Hydaelyn. It was Minfilia herself.
Y'shtola: Indeed. And while she and Hydaelyn were inextricably linked, Minfilia yet acted of her own volition. A messenger, yes, but one who spoke with her own voice.
Krile: I wonder, could Hydaelyn's silence suggest the presence of some disruptive force, perhaps? Some obstacle to communication? While I share Urianger's high opinion of your conduct, I see no reason why She would deny you Her guidance altogether.
Krile: Then again, who am I to say? The fact is, we simply don't know. But if the explanation is to be found anywhere, I can think of worse places to look than the archives of Sharlayan ─ and their research on the aetherial sea in particular.
Krile: Resolved though I am to go, believe me when I say that I take no pleasure in the thought of leaving you a member short. Now of all times.
Krile: Estinien ─ we stand on the eve of a struggle that will decide the fate of this star. One in which we Scions may play a telling part. Yet we are but few in number.
Krile: And so I must ask you again: will you join us?
Estinien: You see the world the way you want it to be. I see the world the way it is. You are idealistic to a fault.
Estinien: But I know you would never turn your back on those in need. Never close your eyes to their suffering. And somehow, your deeds lend truth to your words, giving the lie to my doubts in so doing.
Estinien: I have seen others draw strength from your belief. In Ishgard, in Ala Mhigo. You inspired them to stand up and fight. To win, no less.
Estinien: And even when you lost those you held dear, you carried their spirit with you, and made their memory your guiding light. The burden of so many hopes and dreams would be too heavy for most to bear.
Estinien: But you bear it willingly. As you have shown me, some dreams are too important to let go.
Estinien: If you have need of my strength, it's yours. After all you've done, how could I refuse?
Alphinaud: Thank you, Estinien...
Alphinaud: Whatever challenges await us, I shall not falter. You have my word.
Krile: And now I may bid you farewell, safe in the knowledge that all is as it should be ─ in this little corner of the world at least.
Alphinaud: You will be sorely missed. Tread warily in Sharlayan...and do try not to let the Forum embroil you in their politics. A forlorn hope, I know, given the individuals involved...
Krile: I shall do my very best. Farewell.

Meanwhile, in the imperial palace...

Fandaniel: Well? Does this one meet with your approval?
Fandaniel: Apparently not. Or...could it be that you're still upset about the dragons?
Zenos yae Galvus: You are unwise to remind me of so costly a failure.
Zenos yae Galvus: It will not affect our plans, I trust.
Fandaniel: Oh, hardly at all. Though, admittedly, the chances of us being able to procure any more Meracydian dragons are rather slimmer following Tiamat's reappearance.
Fandaniel: But the seeds have been sown, my lord! We have only to wait for them to quicken. 
Fandaniel: Speaking of preparations, is it safe to assume that you will be ready to control you-know-what?
Zenos yae Galvus: The hour draws nigh. This nation, forged for Ascian ends, will finally prove its worth.
Fandaniel: A mighty Empire, now no more than an instrument of this star's destruction! What a pleasure it will be to put it to use!
Fandaniel: Which brings me back to our earlier topic. My lord ─ while I appreciate that it is not an easy decision, it really is past time you chose your weapon.
Zenos yae Galvus: There is one that I have been meaning to test...
Fandaniel: Well, well... Not quite what I was expecting. Though I will say, it does seem rather apt.
| Voiced cutscenes end. |

Optional dialogue

Alphinaud: If I am to pursue this course, I must be prepared for the hardships that lie ahead. 

Estinien: If you've need of my lance, I'll be ready. If not, I'll be reserving my strength in preparation of the next battle.
Estinien: But since you're here, I have a question. The Scions are in close contact with the East Aldenard Trading Company of Kugane, yes? I was wondering if they could place an order for some sun-dried squid. I don't seem to be able to find it in these parts.

Urianger: Though we know not the full extent of the Telophoroi's schemes, preventing further abductions must take precedence above all else, for therein lieth the key to depriving our enemy of its most potent weapon.

G'raha Tia: The sudden appearance of the towers will surely not have escaped the Forum's notice. I would like to think they would be receptive to Krile's request for cooperation in investigating the matter, but unfortunately, their reputation would suggest otherwise.

Thancred: It strikes me as odd that rather than marching on one of the city-states, the Telophoroi have so far made only sporadic attacks. I doubt they'd go to the trouble of putting up all of those towers if that was all they had in store for us.

Y'shtola: None can deny that Hydaelyn's blessing has been a great boon to our cause, but much remains unknown with regard to Her true intentions.
Y'shtola: Given everything we have learned from our encounters with the Ascians, we must keep our minds open to any and all possibilities.

Alisaie: Amidst all the fighting, it's easy to forget what we've achieved, isn't it? I mean...we cured Tiamat. Tiamat, for heavens' sake!...You will tell me if I become insufferably smug, won't you? Because the way things are going, it feels like a definite possibility.

Ephemie: We've sent Coultenet and the others to be our eyes and ears in the field. Wherever the Telophoroi appear next, we'll be among the first to know.

Clemence: Alisaie has been teaching me how to cure tempering using a porxie. I must say, the thought of being in such close proximity to one of the afflicted is rather daunting...

Riol: I've been keepin' me good eye on the towers and tellin' others to do the same. 'Course, I don't mean just us Scions. I've got a whole network of scouts to keep me informed.

Alianne: When the tower rose up in Yanxia, my first thought was to stay in Doma to keep my grandfather safe. But when we heard the news of Bahamut's return, he bid me return to the Rising Stones to aid my fellow Scions. He sends his regards, by the way.

Aenor: Hoary Boulder certainly cut a fine figure as he set off on his latest mission. I was sad to see him leave, and my nights will be lonelier with just the one brother to keep me company...

Ocher Boulder: Although Arenvald and I both served as Scions, I am afraid that I have had few opportunities to speak with the lad. I do hope he is fit to return to active duty soon.

Speak with Tataru.

Tataru: Well, it looks like I'm going to have a busy few moons ─ not that they ever seem to be anything but.
Tataru: Thancred's got me dispatching troops to every corner of the realm. Which is not to say I don't trust the Alliance, because I do. But when it comes to putting down primals, nobody does it better than us.
Tataru: Well, than you lot, more accurately. You won't catch me trading blows with a primal in the near future. But for every fell fiend you vanquish, there's countless meals to arrange, baths to fill, sheets to wash, stores to replenish, and the list goes on.
Tataru: Which is where I come in. And gladly, mind you. It's the least I can do to support the Scions who risk life and limb ─ like poor Arenvald...
Tataru: <sigh> I wish there was something we could do for him. But we'll just have to settle for saying the odd prayer and keeping a roof over our heads.
Tataru: It wouldn't do to have him come back to a complete shambles, now would it?
Tataru: ...But that's enough of my rambling. Off you go and get some rest. If there are any developments, I promise you'll be the first to know!

(Optional)
Tataru: As of this moment, you are under strict orders to get as much rest as possible. After all, we need our lady fighting fit when the Telophoroi rear their ugly heads again!