Conscious of the many practical difficulties facing the newly formed Crystal Braves, Minfilia asks that you place yourself at Alphinaud's disposal. Find the boy commander within the Rising Stones, and offer him your aid.
Grateful for your offer of aid, Alphinaud bids you speak with Captain Ilberd, his second-in-command, to be briefed on the sensitive matter in which he requires your assistance.
Ilberd reveals that a Garlean spy known as the Ivy has infiltrated one of the Grand Companies. A suspect was identified among the Immortal Flames, but the man proved to be but one of many in the agent's employ. Accompany Ilberd to his meeting with Raubahn at the Hall of Flames, and remain on hand in the event that the Ivy chooses to make a move.
You learn that Raubahn and Ilberd have been friends and rivals since before the fall of Ala Mhigo. Under the guise of a long-awaited reunion, the two men discuss the matter of the Garlean spy. At the meeting's conclusion, it is agreed that both parties will continue their inquiries.
BACK AND FORTH
With Raubahn now informed of the Garlean spy in his midst, your business in Ul'dah is concluded. Accompany Ilberd back to the Rising Stones and report to Alphinaud.
Upon returning to the Rising Stones, Alphinaud informs you that a unit of Crystal Braves was ambushed by Garlean forces during your absence. Worse, it seems that one of the unit's members was captured and taken to Castrum Centri. With no time to form a rescue party, Ilberd asks that you lead a mission to free the prisoner. Make your way to the Tangle, by the entrance to the imperial stronghold, and receive further instructions from Alianne.
Alianne fears that her wounded comrade may not survive the rough treatment of her Garlean captors. Accompany her and the 4th Unit as they infiltrate Castrum Centri, and find Crystal Brave Rhesh Polaali.
You find Rhesh Polaali alive, but in no condition to move unaided. Seeing this, Alianne asks you to create a diversion, that her comrade might be borne away unmolested. Make your way around the castrum, striking down any imperial forces you encounter, and thereby ensuring that all eyes are on you. You have wreaked considerable havoc within Castrum Centri, hopefully affording the 4th Unit a chance to bear away their wounded comrade. Head outside the stronghold and search for Alianne.
You are relieved to find that Alianne and the others made it to safety. Return to the Rising Stones and report the mission's success to Alphinaud.
Back at the Rising Stones, Alphinaud and Ilberd take turns congratulating you on the success of the rescue mission. You have little time to glory in your triumph, however, as Alphinaud goes on to reveal that your work for him is not yet done. It is time to set down your weapon and don the hat of diplomacy, for your presence has been requested at a meeting with an Ishgardian dignitary...
COMING TO TERMS
Alphinaud has been granted an audience with Ser Aymeric, Lord Commander of the Ishgardian Temple Knights, who will be acting as a representative of the Holy See. Keen to ingratiate himself, Alphinaud has asked you to accompany him to the meeting, as Ser Aymeric has expressed a desire to meet the famous Warrior of Light. Minfilia will surely give you her blessing once she learns of the plan.
Ever since the Battle of Silvertear Skies, the city-state of Ishgard has kept her neighbors at arm's length. Not even the threat posed by the VIIth Legion was enough to coax the reclusive nation back to the negotiating table. Now, however, after two decades of near silence, they have reached out—but to what end? Regardless of Ser Aymeric's agenda, Alphinaud is resolved to advance his own. Travel with him to Camp Dragonhead and speak with Lord Haurchefant upon your arrival.
As always, you receive a warm welcome in Camp Dragonhead, and are informed that Ser Aymeric is already present and ready to meet with you and Alphinaud. Weary though you may be from your travels, make your way to the intercessory and prepare to meet the Ishgardian ambassador.
After favoring you with a few kind words, Ser Aymeric and Alphinaud proceed to debate Ishgardian policies at length. Alas, the ambassador is not easily swayed, and it becomes apparent that the Holy See has no intention of rejoining the Eorzean Alliance. However, Ser Aymeric eventually reveals that he came to the meeting with a different purpose in mind... You learn that the astrologians of Ishgard have foretold the return of Midgardsormr ─ the fallen guardian of Silvertear Falls ─ and that Ser Aymeric wishes to enlist the Scions' aid in keeping watch over the great wyrm's remains. In exchange, he will ensure that the shipments of aid from House Fortemps to Revenant's Toll will continue unabated. Content with the arrangement, Alphinaud agrees ─ only to learn moments after that the latest shipment has been waylaid by Iceheart and her followers...
THE INTERCESSION OF SAINTS
Given the decidedly unfortunate timing of Iceheart's most recent attack, Alphinaud cannot help but wonder if the gods themselves are conspiring against him. Yet even if they were, he would not hesitate to defy them. Follow him and speak with Lord Haurchefant to learn more of the heretics' activities.
The route taken by the caravan was known only to a few, yet by all accounts, the ambush laid by the heretics was executed flawlessly ─ a fact which does not escape Aymeric's subordinate. In spite of this, Alphinaud believes that a thorough examination of the ambush site must be conducted before pursuing other avenues of inquiry. Travel to Boulder Downs and question the House Fortemps knights keeping watch there.
One of the knights investigating the scene shares his thoughts with you regarding the attack, speculating that the heretics came prepared with their own wagons to transport the crates. He also makes mention of a squire who survived the attack, who is currently receiving care at the Observatorium. With luck, he will have regained consciousness by the time you arrive.
The wounded squire's words paint a grim picture indeed. Disguised as pilgrims, Iceheart and her brethren slaughtered the caravan's guards, and the young man only survived by feigning his own death. As he lay still in the snow, he heard the heretics speak of "Shiva's resurrection" ─ the thought of which fills the squire with disbelief and dread in equal measure. Alphinaud must know what the squire saw.
Apostate to the Holy See, patron saint to the heretics, Shiva lay down with dragons long ago. But she is long dead, and the dead are forever lost to us...are they not? The heretics seem convinced that her resurrection is nigh, but Alphinaud believes it to be something far worse: the summoning of yet another primal, made possible with the crystals stolen from the caravan. If he is right, Iceheart's plan cannot be allowed to come to fruition.
STRENGTH IN UNITY
Having discerned Iceheart's true motive for attacking the supply caravan, Alphinaud quickly devises a plan of action. You and he will journey to Whitebrim Front and speak with Lord Drillemont, whose knights have been scouring Coerthas for the heretics ever since your encounter with them near Snowcloak. With luck, he will have information which may lead you to their lair.
According to Lord Drillemont, a party of pilgrims resembling those who attacked the caravan was seen transporting a large number of crates towards Snowcloak, where they vanished without a trace. Convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that Iceheart's followers have gone to ground somewhere in the vicinity, Ser Aymeric declares that his Temple Knights will join in the hunt for Iceheart. Not to be outdone, Alphinaud responds that he has already summoned a unit of Crystal Braves to Whitebrim Front for the same purpose. With so formidable a force devoted to the task, the heretics cannot hope to remain hidden for long. Alphinaud, however, would leave nothing to chance, and bids you explore other ways in which Iceheart might be found.
DARK WORDS, DARK DEEDS
In an effort to weed out any enemy sympathizers within the ranks, Lord Drillemont ordered a covert evaluation of all stationed in Whitebrim Front. One man in his service was thus identified as a possible heretic, though these suspicions have yet to be confirmed. If the suspect is indeed in league with the heretics, Lord Drillemont believes he will attempt to warn his allies of the impending search operation. Observe the man as he reports to Ser Jeantremont in the yard and discreetly track his movements.
His duty complete, the suspect makes for the southwest gate. Follow him and continue to observe at a safe distance.
The suspect proceeds along the road to the east. Continue your surveillance.
Straying from the road, the suspect pauses to survey his surroundings before proceeding south towards Daniffen Pass. Follow in his footsteps.
From a distance, you observe the suspect meeting with a robed man. Though you cannot make out the entirety of their conversation, it is clear that the stranger is one of the heretics, and that the movements of the Temple Knights and the Crystal Braves are already known to them. Worse, it seems that the heretics have formulated a plan to prevent the allied forces from completing their search ─ though quite what the role the tunnels in Boulder Downs will play you cannot say. Perhaps Lord Drillemont will be able to make sense of things.
Lord Drillemont's face darkens as he listens to your report. Convinced that the heretics in Boulder Downs pose a genuine threat to the allied forces in Snowcloak, he declares that they must be stopped...
FIRST BLOOD
According to Lord Drillemont, it had long been suspected that the heretics used secret tunnels to travel throughout the highlands of Coerthas undetected. In light of the information you overheard, he is convinced that the heretics encamped in Boulder Downs now plan to make use of such tunnels to ambush the allied forces in Snowcloak. He has ordered a contingent of House Durendaire knights to begin searching for the ambushers, but he believes that your presence would do much to bolster their efforts. Travel to Boulder Downs and rendezvous with the House Durendaire knights.
You arrive in Boulder Downs to discover the knights of House Durendaire slain after what must have been a desperate battle with Iceheart's followers. Before you can take stock of the situation, you find yourself surrounded by the surviving heretics, who are plainly hungry for retribution... Though they fight with the passion of true believers, they are no match for you, and soon they too lie motionless in the snow. What now? For want of a better idea, search the heretics' bodies for anything which might offer some insight into their plans.
You rifle through a heretic's knapsack and find a curious parchment with dates and times writ upon it. Could it be of significance? Lord Drillemont will know.
Lord Drillemont recognizes the parchment as a timetable of guardsmen's shift changes from the outpost in Snowcloak. With it, the heretics could pass into and out of their tunnels without fear of discovery, and thereby prepare an ambush for the allied forces searching the area. Despite your best efforts, it would seem the Temple Knights and Crystal Braves are still in danger, and Lord Drillemont has no choice but to send reinforcements.
THE PATH OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Lord Drillemont fears that the heretics may fall upon the allied forces at Snowcloak before reinforcements can reach them. Lest they be taken unawares, he bids you make haste to the frozen wall and warn Ser Aymeric of the danger.
Your warning comes as little surprise to Ser Aymeric, who reveals that he had been anticipating an attack. Keen to reassure you, he pledges to place his knights on high alert. Perhaps Alphinaud will wish to do the same.
Even as Alphinaud laments the search operation's lack of progress, two heretics reveal themselves and charge towards the startled young man. Before you can rise to his defense, Yda appears as if from nowhere and subdues the heretics with a flurry of blows. The battle for Snowcloak has begun, and for a moment, Alphinaud is concerned ─ until the fortuitous discovery of a promising tunnel serves to brighten his spirits. Alas, the tunnel is rather narrow, and will not accommodate more than a handful of troops at a time. Given that additional numbers may prove more a hindrance than a help, it is decided that the task of charting the tunnel should be entrusted to a small and highly mobile party of seasoned adventurers. Speak with the stalwart Temple Knight to learn the location of the tunnel's entrance.
Were it not for the knight's directions, you would never have found the tunnel's entrance, which even now appears to be nothing more than a continuous piece of ice. What dangers lie within Iceheart's secret fortress? You know only that the heretics are expecting you ─ and that it would be a pity to disappoint them.
※Snowcloak dungeon.
“What we do, we do for the greater good.” ...The words of a true believer, spoken in all solemnity by the woman once known as Ysayle. It is plain that she will not be swayed from her path. Though weary from your previous encounter, you prepare yourself for battle, only to see your foe make instead for the nearby aetheryte and teleport away. Iceheart has eluded you.
Though you failed to apprehend Iceheart, you have driven the heretics from their lair. Hopefully Alphinaud will take comfort in this partial victory.
Alphinaud receives your report with surprising optimism, turning his thoughts to how recent events might contribute to the Crystal Braves' good repute. Of course, everything is contingent upon the successful prevention of Shiva's summoning. But with the aid of the Scions ─ and you in particular ─ the young commander is confident that all will turn out as it should.
How much knowledge has been lost over the centuries ─ over the millenia? And how differently would we view the world had we a better understanding of its past? Little is known of Shiva's life and deeds, yet the heretics venerate her as a saint. Ser Aymeric's ancestors are said to have founded Ishgard by the will of Halone, yet he admits that scripture only tells so much. Ultimately, however, the details of his people's war with the dragons are irrelevant. Regardless of how the conflict began, it is destined to continue ─ unless Iceheart's plan succeeds, which the Scions cannot allow. While Minfilia and the others search for a means to breach Iceheart's sanctuary, you are to assist Yuyuhase and the 3rd Unit Braves in tracking down the heretics who attempted to ambush the allied forces.
The heretics were last seen heading towards Daniffen Pass, and the 3rd Unit Braves are already in pursuit. Yuyuhase leaves to join them and bids you follow. Do as bade and speak with any 3rd Unit Braves you find.
Many of the 3rd Unit Braves are unaccustomed to the frigid conditions in Coerthas, and the young man you find kneeling in the snow is no exception. Having twisted his ankle, he is no longer able to keep up. Press on without him and join the others south of Daniffen Pass.
You come across several sets of tracks which appear to belong to the Braves and their quarry. Follow them southwest and keep your eyes peeled for both friend and foe.
You find a solitary Brave. Though not seriously injured, he is clearly disoriented and in no condition to fight. According to him, the heretics split up, prompting the Braves to do so as well ─ and Yuyuhase followed one trail alone. Search for the officer in the woods to the east.
You rescue Yuyuhase from certain death, slaying Iceheart's followers before they can deliver the telling blow. Speak with the Crystal Brave and confirm his condition.
Yuyuhase reveals that he was able to slay one heretic, and was in the process of searching his victim's body when the dead man's comrades surprised and overpowered him. With a grin, he then produces a piece of parchment and proceeds to read you the message written thereon. It would seem to be an escape plan devised in the aftermath of the heretics' failed ambush at Snowcloak. The plan mentions a rendezvous point near the Observatorium, as well as a merchant sympathetic to the heretics' cause. Search the outskirts of the Observatorium and seize the fugitives before they escape.
Outside the walls of the Observatorium, you chance upon the merchant and a single heretic, who subsequently attempt to flee. However, they are stopped in their tracks by the unexpected arrival of Captain Ilberd, Alphinaud, and Yugiri. After Ilberd takes them into custody, Alphinaud explains that they had been seeking the merchant in connection with their investigation into the Ivy. Wait with Alphinaud outside the gates while Captain Ilberd interrogates the merchant.
The interrogation of the merchant is not expected to take long, but Alphinaud is doubtful that it will yield any useful information. The Ivy would surely not be so careless. Be that as it may, all you can do now is wait and hope that your fellow Scion is wrong.
TENDRILS OF INTRIGUE
At the Observatorium, Ilberd furnishes you and Alphinaud with a progress report on his hunt for the Ivy. It is revealed that one of the imperial spy's confederates, a Flame stationed at Revenant's Toll, had been selling secrets to the merchant you apprehended, who had in turn been passing information to the heretics. Yet even as this revelation explains how the heretics came to possess knowledge of the caravan routes, it raises the question of how they and the imperial agents might be connected. Could it be a purely financial arrangement, or something more worrying? Whatever the answer, Ilberd seems confident that he is drawing closer to discovering the Ivy's identity. After issuing the captain further orders, Alphinaud bids you accompany him to an emergency meeting between Alliance members. Speak with him again to be informed of the particulars.
The council of Alliance leaders will convene at the Lotus Stand in Old Gridania. Alphinaud bids you join him at Nophica's Altar prior to the meeting.
The council of Alliance leaders will be convening shortly. Speak with the silent conjurer to be shown to the Lotus Stand.
At the Alliance council, you learn that the Garlean war of succession has concluded with the crowning of Varis zos Galvus, the late emperor's grandson. Under his leadership, it is feared the Empire will soon resume its march upon Eorzea. If the realm is to stand against the reinvigorated might of Garlemald, it seems clear that the Alliance must not only regain its former unity, but find a way to entice the long-estranged Ishgardians back into the fold. Speak with Alphinaud to hear his thoughts on the matters discussed.
Having bent your ear with his philosophical musings, Alphinaud informs you that Ilberd has made further progress in his hunt for the Ivy. Seek the captain in front of the Adder's Nest in New Gridania, and place yourself at his disposal.
You have reported to Ilberd. At your word, the final hunt for the Ivy will commence.
CHASING IVY
Ilberd reveals that the Ivy is none other than Flame Marshal Eline Roaille, Raubahn's second-in-command. He believes that she has come to Gridania with treachery in mind, and means to catch her in the act. Join him in watching her every move. Eline Roaille appears to be bound for the Blue Badger Gate. Continue to shadow the suspect.
Eline Roaille has entered the Carline Canopy, and Ilberd bids you look for her within. If she is not on the upper level, take your search to the landing area below and speak with Crystal Brave Ephemie.
Ephemie is certain that Eline Roaille has not boarded an airship. Make your way back outside the Carline Canopy, and report her mysterious disappearance to Ilberd.
Ilberd believes that Eline Roaille may have availed herself of a room at the Roost to throw pursuers off her trail. While he conducts a thorough search of the premises, speak with the Crystal Braves posted at Gridania's four main egresses—the Blue Badger Gate, the White Wolf Gate, the Yellow Serpent Gate, and Westshore Pier. If the flame marshal has left the city, one of them will surely have spotted her.
It would seem that none of the Crystal Braves stationed around Gridania have seen Eline Roaille. Report your findings to Ilberd, who awaits you at the Aetheryte Plaza.
Just when it seems as though your quarry has eluded you, a shinobi of Doma appears with word that Eline Roaille has left Gridania by way of Westshore Pier. Your hunt will next take you to the East Shroud.
DOMAN CONNECTION
Thanks to the Domans' watchful eyes, you have picked up Eline Roaille's trail once again. Rejoin Ilberd at Sweetbloom Pier in the East Shroud.
After joining Ilberd at Sweetbloom Pier, the two of you are met by Yugiri, who informs you that Eline Roaille is headed in the direction of the Hawthorne Hut. However, your reunion with the Garlean spy must wait, for another matter requires your immediate attention. An imperial squadron has set forth from Castrum Oriens on a mission to destroy an Alliance communications-jamming device in the South Shroud. If they succeed, Eline Roaille may well abort her secret rendezvous, thus depriving you of the chance to secure damning evidence of her treachery. Make haste to the South Shroud, and seek out the shinobi at Quarrymill who will brief you on the situation.
The shinobi informs you that the advancing imperial squadron is presently near Amdapor Keep. Intercept the Garleans, and destroy their magitek weapons.
You have destroyed all the death claws. Report your success to the shinobi who awaits nearby.
With the imperial squadron defeated, the jamming device is now safe. As such, Eline Roaille will have no choice but to communicate with her accomplices in person. All that remains is to catch her in the act.
IN FLAGRANTE DELICTO
Having thwarted the Garleans' attempt to destroy the jamming device, you are now free to resume your pursuit of Eline Roaille. Make your way to the Hawthorne Hut in the East Shroud, and report to Yugiri.
You arrive at the Hawthorne Hut to find that Eline Roaille has already departed for the Bramble Patch. Rendezvous with Yugiri ahead of what promises to be the dramatic conclusion of your hunt.
With the Domans' aid, you have apprehended Eline Roaille in the act of meeting her imperial contact. Her guilt is now surely beyond dispute. Speak with Yugiri to hear her thoughts on the mission.
Yugiri promises to attend to the aftermath of your hunt, leaving you free to report your recent adventures to Minfilia, back at the Rising Stones.
Minfilia is shocked to learn of Eline Roaille's arrest and the accusations that have been brought against her. Setting aside her dismay, she informs you that the Scions have made progress in their quest to gain entry into Iceheart's sanctum.
It would seem that Minfilia's claims of progress on the matter of finding a way into Iceheart's sanctuary are somewhat premature. After a lengthy discussion with Urianger, the Antecedent has concluded that the Scions in Revenant's Toll lack the expertise to develop a solution and must therefore turn to another for assistance ─ a Sharlayan colleague who is currently en route to Mor Dhona. Minfilia invites you to accompany her to the northern gates, where she intends to greet the newcomer's arrival.
While you and Minfilia converse upon matters deep and profound, a carriage arrives in Revenant's Toll. A tall Roegadyn woman disembarks from it, whom Minfilia introduces to you as Moenbryda, an accomplished Sharlayan scholar and an authority on aetheryte technologies. Now that your new colleague has arrived, it would seem a good time to trouble Minfilia for a plan of action.
Eager to resolve the situation in Snowcloak, Minfilia and Moenbryda return to the Rising Stones. Join them in the solar where you can discuss the matter in private.
It turns out that Moenbryda's meeting with the other Scions is less an introduction and more a reunion ─ a particularly emotional one, in the case of Urianger. Setting her mind to the problem of the missing aetheryte, she quickly devises a solution involving white auracite, a material she has been researching for the purpose of capturing Ascian souls. By using it to channel a burst of concentrated aether into the aetheryte by which Iceheart escaped, she believes she can recreate the beacon at the opposite end. If successful, it should theoretically be possible for you to teleport to it. Should it fail, of course, any such attempt would result in your death ─ a painless death, to be sure, but a permanent one nonetheless.
THE INSTRUMENTS OF OUR DELIVERANCE
According to Minfilia, Alphinaud has asked to speak with you before you join your fellow Scions inside Snowcloak, where preparations for Moenbryda's plan are already underway. Though she believes with all her heart that you will survive, she nevertheless thanks you for all you have done in service to the realm. Bid farewell to the Antecedent and rendezvous with Alphinaud at Snowcloak.
Accompanied by Alphinaud and Moenbryda, you journey to the heart of Snowcloak, where the assembled Scions channel their aether into Moenbryda's white auracite. The scholar then directs the flow into the nearby aetheryte, which begins to glow brightly. At Moenbryda's instruction, you attune to the giant crystal, opening a path to Iceheart's sanctuary... probably. Speak with Alphinaud one last time before teleporting to only the gods know where.
Given the likelihood that Iceheart is now aware of your plans and making haste to complete the summoning ritual, Alphinaud advises you to assemble a party of battle-hardened adventurers capable of felling Shiva if necessary. However, before you do so, he bids you speak with the stalwart Temple Knight, who bears a missive from Ser Aymeric addressed to you.
The lord commander of the Temple Knights is appreciative of your efforts, and he prays that Halone will see you safely home. Call upon your allies, place your faith in Moenbryda's plan, and put an end to Iceheart's crusade.
※The Akh Afah Amphitheatre (Hard) trial.
Those driven to the brink of despair are ever the most dangerous of foes, as you are reminded when Iceheart offers her own body as a vessel for Shiva's soul. The resurrected saint of eld lashes out with a righteous fury, pushing you to your mortal limits...yet the battle ends as it began, with the young maiden kneeling in the snow, cursing your ignorance.
“Hear... Feel... Think...” Of Iceheart's cryptic parting words, her final three leave the deepest impression, for few indeed are the ways in which one could come to know them. Could it be that Hydaelyn speaks to your enemy too? For the time being, put aside such troubling thoughts and inform Moenbryda of your victory. Moenbryda is understandably skeptical about your description of events. However, she is willing to give you the benefit of the doubt for the time being ─ on the understanding that you did not suffer any form of head trauma. Certain of what you saw, you elect not to inform her that cranial injuries are only to be expected when doing battle with a primal.
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED
Seeing little point in pondering the implications of your tale in Coerthas, Moenbryda declares that she and the others will return to the Rising Stones. Before you join them, journey to Whitebrim Front and inform Alphinaud that you are still alive, among other things.
Alphinaud's voice swells with pride as he asks you to recount the events in Snowcloak. Though he is disappointed and concerned by Iceheart's success in summoning Shiva, Ser Aymeric advises him to take solace in your victory. As further comfort, he reveals that some of the supplies stolen from the House Fortemps caravan have been recovered and will be delivered to Revenant's Toll forthwith. The lord commander then requests that you accompany him to Camp Dragonhead, as it seems a certain lord has been praying for your safe return.
Lord Haurchefant is more than a little distressed that you did not think to involve him in your daring endeavor. Though plainly overjoyed that you survived, it is clear that the stress has taken its toll on him. Composing himself, he informs you that Ser Aymeric has requested a private audience with you and Alphinaud in the intercessory, though he makes no mention of what the lord commander wishes to discuss.
The cordial mood between Alphinaud and Ser Aymeric abruptly turns sour when the Scion accuses his counterpart of manipulating the situation to his advantage. In response, the lord commander all but declares his desire to work with Alphinaud for the betterment of Eorzea, while stressing that a man in his position must act with the utmost discretion. Alphinaud relents, having at last gained an understanding of the pragmatic ambassador, and the rift between the two is quickly mended. Ser Aymeric then formally introduces his second-in-command, Lucia, who will act as his representative when he is otherwise indisposed. As a final gesture of goodwill, the lord commander shares the results of the Ishgardian investigation into the heretics' attacks with Alphinaud, which should help the Crystal Braves to dismantle the remainder of Eline Roaille's network of spies. Whatever else Ishgard may be, it is plain that she is no friend to Garlemald.
EYES UNCLOUDED
The implications of Iceheart's actions are not lost on Alphinaud, who is eager to discuss them with your colleagues at the Rising Stones. Return with him to Mor Dhona and report to Minfilia.
Was Shiva a primal, or something heretofore unseen? Did Iceheart truly become her, and if so, did she retain control? Did the Ascians have a hand in her plans? Your tale raises more than a few questions which the Scions are unable to answer. Minfilia is most troubled by Iceheart's final words to you, from which she concludes that the heretics' leader is blessed with the power of the Echo. What drove the young maiden to take such drastic action remains unclear, but if she is to be believed, then the answer may lie with Midgardsormr ─ the great wyrm that perished at the Battle of Silvertear Skies, and that Ishgardian astrologians fear may soon rise from the dead...
THE REASON ROAILLE
Minfilia has scarcely begun to tell you of her intent to study the great wyrm Midgardsormr when some manner of commotion erupts just outside the solar. Do as the Antecedent bids and see if aught is amiss.
A clearly agitated Alphinaud informs you that Eline Roaille has somehow managed to slip her confines and escape. He believes that the disgraced flame marshal means to flee to her imperial masters at Castrum Meridianum. Make haste to Camp Bluefog in northern Thanalan, and join Ilberd and the 1st Unit in their hunt for the fugitive.
You arrive at Camp Bluefog to the news that Eline Roaille passed through scarcely a bell before. Follow Captain Ilberd to the nearby Ceruleum Processing Plant, the next notable landmark on the way to Castrum Meridianum.
You overtake Eline Roaille at Raubahn's Push, but not before she is joined by her imperial allies. Undeterred, you stand shoulder to shoulder with the Crystal Braves and the shinobi of Doma, and engage the enemy, succeeding at length in overwhelming the Garleans and recapturing the fugitive. Wholly unrepentant, Eline greets the subsequent arrival of Alphinaud with a hail of vitriol, and is lambasted by Ilberd for her shamelessness before being dragged away. Ask Alphinaud for his thoughts on the heated exchange.
Alphinaud seems troubled. Though the sordid business of the Ivy is concluded, it has plainly left an unpleasant taste in his mouth.
LET US CLING TOGETHER
Alphinaud informs you that he and Ilberd are planning to question Eline Roaille before reporting their findings to Raubahn. While they conduct their interrogation, you are to return to the Rising Stones and inform Minfilia of all that has occurred.
With the Ivy unmasked and her network of spies in disarray, the Empire's power to observe and influence Eorzean affairs has been greatly diminished. Meanwhile, your fellow Scions have made further progress in the quest to find a means to destroy the Ascians. If their theories are correct, white auracite may allow you to recreate the blade of Light you once used to vanquish Lahabrea.
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theunendingjourney2019-07-07 11:19 pm
Dreams of Ice (2.4)
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