A Past, Not Yet Come to Pass

is a Quest in Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker.
==Objectives==
* Speak with Venat.
* Speak with Venat again.
* Speak with Venat once more.
* Speak with Ismene.
* Speak with Venat.
* Search for Timaios.
* Speak with Venat.
==Script==
script 	script
 	
Emetselch 	The problem you present is vexing enough without adding the old Azem into the equation.
Emetselch 	<sigh> And she wonders why these lines upon my brow grow deeper, when she herself wields the hammer and chisel...
 	
Hythlodaeus 	The Azems, both mentor and student, are a force to be reckoned with. I find them a delight, personally, but they have a habit of making Emet-Selch look as if he bit down on a sour grape.
 	
Venas 	Thank you again for your timely help. Now then, 'tis time I returned this stolen property.
Venas 	If you would go on ahead to my accommodation, I will join you as soon as I have attended to that task.
Venas 	Follow the path straight ahead to the building at the top of the slope. I have the entire place to myself, so we can speak without fear of being disturbed or overheard.
 	
Emetselch 	Yes, this will be far more comfortable than interrogating you on the side of the road.
 	
Hythlodaeus 	You needn't be nervous around Venat─those white robes mark her as one of fair and impartial reasoning.
Hythlodaeus 	Aside from the emissary, Elidibus, such garb is worn only by those who have stepped down from public office to serve as advisors. Whatever you have to say, she will listen without judgment.
 	
Venas 	Welcome to my temporary abode. Please, make yourself at home while I put on some tea.
 	
Venas 	Shall we begin our investigations, then?
Venas 	I am acquainted with Hermes, of course, but only as a visitor received by the chief overseer of Elpis. Of the man himself, I know only that which is common knowledge.
Venas 	Thus I suggest we fall back on the tried-and-true method of conversing with the locals. The observers who live here can surely tell us more of Hermes and Meteion, and I have a good idea of where we might begin...
 	
Ismene 	Ah, there's nothing like enjoying the fresh air after being cooped up inside writing reports.
 	
Venas 	See you the woman standing in front of yonder building? Her name is Ismene.
Venas 	She is the one who made arrangements for my stay in Elpis, and from what I recall, she has held her position here for quite some time. Chances are she can provide us with some insights.
Venas 	Go and ask your questions. I will help with drawing out answers if need be, but I leave the choice of topic up to you.
 	
Venas 	Let us speak with Ismene. You know more of this coming calamity, so I think it best that you lead the conversation.
 	
Ismene 	Questions? For me? Well, I suppose I have no other pressing duties at the moment...
 	
Venas 	Greetings, Ismene. My friend here is desperately curious about Chief Hermes, and I was wondering if you might indulge her/him.
Ismene 	Certainly, Mistress Venat. Anything to be of service!
Ismene 	What do you wish to know?
 	
Ismene 	Well, I can only answer from my own experience, but...
Ismene 	I would describe him as a quiet man─reserved, you might say─and occasionally somewhat poor with his choice of words.
Ismene 	His reticent nature, however, does not prevent him from carrying out his duties as chief overseer.
Ismene 	The man is a walking archive when it comes to life-forms. He can discuss any species in incredible detail, and is the leading authority on concepts with the power of flight.
Ismene 	...His interests?
Ismene 	Well, he is an authority on flying life-forms, and has expansive knowledge of living creatures in general. Is that what you wished to know...?
Venas 	How would you describe him as a person? As a colleague?
Ismene 	He is a quiet man─reserved, you might say─and occasionally somewhat poor with his choice of words.
Ismene 	His reticent nature, however, does not prevent him from carrying out his duties as chief overseer.
Ismene 	I hope that answers your question. Was there anything else?
 	
Ismene 	I cannot rightly say... As the chief's personal creation, Meteion has not been subjected to observation and study like other concepts.
Venas 	So one day, she was simply there. And what do you make of her abilities?
Ismene 	I understand that she is a highly unusual familiar, able to read emotions and communicate directly with one's mind. Exactly how she was created with that talent, however, is a mystery to me.
Ismene 	It's no secret that she is a highly unusual familiar. Of late, the chief often makes his rounds with her, like a mother hen raising her chick.
Ismene 	I understand that she is able to read emotions and communicate directly with one's mind. Exactly how she was created with that talent, however, is a mystery to me.
Ismene 	My apologies. I wish I could explain her nature in more depth, but I've not had occasion to discuss it with Chief Hermes.
 	
Ismene 	The chief may not be the most gregarious individual, but he engages with us as is necessary for everyone to perform their duties. I wouldn't want to intrude upon his privacy for the sake of curiosity...
Ismene 	Though if you wish to learn more about Meteion, you could try speaking with Timaios─another expert in the creation of flying concepts.
Ismene 	He should be conducting his observations on the banks of the stream, somewhere to the east. Oh, and, uh, unless you take a particular joy in rambling discourse, I suggest you keep your questions concise.
Ismene 	I...beg your pardon? I've known Chief Hermes for many years. Though I cannot say we are close, he has never withheld information to the detriment of our duties, if that is what you mean...?
Venas 	Forgive us, we seem to have veered slightly off course here. Is there perhaps someone else who could tell us more about Meteion?
Ismene 	That would be Timaios. He has a similar expertise with flying concepts, and is more than eager to discuss the subject.
Ismene 	You'll find him conducting his observations on the banks of the stream, somewhere to the east. Oh, and, uh, unless you take a particular joy in rambling discourse, I suggest you keep your questions concise.
Venas 	We shall keep that in mind. Thank you for your patience and your insight.
Ismene 	Think nothing of it. If there is aught else you need during your stay, please, do not hesitate to ask.
Venas 	Come, [Player Name], I think we've taken enough of Ismene's time.
 	
Ismene 	You are a familiar, yes? Belonging to Mistress Venat? You couldn't have been blessed with a finer master.
 	
Venas 	Our investigation is off to a fine start, wouldn't you agree?
Venas 	From here, I propose that we split up. I shall continue making inquiries with the resident observers, if you could track down the colleague Ismene mentioned.
Venas 	Given how you steered that previous conversation, 'tis plain you need no assistance from me.
Venas 	While I did feel compelled to interject once or twice during that previous conversation, you seem more than capable of drawing forth the answers you seek.
Venas 	Although I felt compelled to take the reins of that previous conversation, your, uh, “fearless” style of interrogation will eventually lead you to the answers you seek.
Venas 	All I ask is that you watch your footing around the stream! We can meet back here once you've finished speaking with this Timaios.
 	
Venas 	I will start from one side of the compound and make my way through, speaking to as many people as I can. We should have plenty to discuss upon your return.
 	
Timaios 	Yes, yes, I am Timaios, but please keep your voice down. You'll startle the birds.
 	
Timaios 	...So, what is it you wished to speak about?
 	
Timaios 	A fellow enthusiast, are you? Well, settle in, and we can discuss the finer points of this fascinating craft!
Timaios 	My deep and abiding love of avian artistry can be traced back to when I was but a young boy, stricken by the transcendent beauty of a glorious, golden-feathered creature my father had designed. It was then and there that I vowed to one day surpass that masterpiece...
 	
Timaios 	...And thus did I secure an observer's role here in Elpis, and at last realize my childhood ambition. Here, the dreams I once dreamed are an everyday reality, in which I find fulfillment through the research and creation of new flying life-forms!
Timaios 	An abridged recounting of events, as was doubtless to your disappointment. Is there any specific part you would like me to expound upon...?
Timaios 	...Hm? You were hoping for my opinion on Chief Hermes's creations? Then why didn't you say so!?
Timaios 	Chief Hermes's work? A worthy subject, indeed...
Timaios 	Those beings which soar through the clouds, majestic and graceful, are ever a favorite of creators. Even now, with so many varieties in existence, the flood of newly imagined concepts continues unabated.
Timaios 	What sets the chief's creations apart, however, is how they benefit from his boundless knowledge of the celestial realm.
Timaios 	Birds that climb so high that they disappear from view. Others which traverse the boundless sky in moments, and all without riding the currents...
Timaios 	I know of none save he who can conceive of such marvels. Even we who prize elegance of form above all else are dumbfounded by his genius.
 	
Timaios 	What!? You mean plagiarize!?
Timaios 	Now, see here. When I take up the threads of creation and begin to weave, I must do so in the belief that I am giving birth to something beautiful. If, in my heart, I knew I was appropriating another's inspiration...
 	
Timaios 	...And such an unconscionable, disgraceful act would be deserving of the utmost scorn!
Timaios 	Therefore, despite my admiration for Meteion as a concept, I have made a conscious effort not to delve too deeply into the inner workings of her nature.
Timaios 	My opinion on that matter would be superficial at best...
Timaios 	Despite my admiration for Meteion as a concept, I have never delved too deeply into the inner workings of her nature.
Timaios 	I know that she has a gift for communicating via emotions, but otherwise, her abilities are a mystery to me.
Timaios 	If Chief Hermes should choose to submit Meteion's concept to the Bureau of the Architect, then will the design be registered for public scrutiny. Analyzing a colleague's creation before that step is...frowned upon, to say the least.
Timaios 	Of course, if he came to me─a fellow artisan─looking for advice, that would be an entirely different story.
 	
Timaios 	Dynamis and...entelechies?
Timaios 	Those terms do sound vaguely familiar... Was there not a flower made here in Elpis which exhibited properties of one or the other?
Timaios 	It must have been centuries since I last heard anyone speak of such things. Has there been a resurgence in interest?
Timaios 	No, no, no! Did I not just explain how that was frowned upon!? I couldn't possibly circumvent conventional practice by...
Timaios 	...Hm. Unless you were sharing such information in the hopes of receiving a constructive opinion...on the application of advanced creation techniques...then I would be practically obligated to...
 	
Timaios 	...So you see, ethically I have no choice but to allow you to disclose Meteion's lesser-known qualities!
Timaios 	Dynamis...and entelechies?
Timaios 	Those terms do sound vaguely familiar... Was there not a flower made here in Elpis which exhibited properties of one or the other?
Timaios 	It must have been centuries since I last heard anyone speak of such things. And you know how they relate to Meteion and her design?
Timaios 	Then why bring up the subject? I'm flattered that you sought my insight, but I cannot afford to neglect my duties for the sake of idle chatter.
Timaios 	Now, I really must return to my observations. Surely you have your own tasks to attend to?
 	
Timaios 	As I said, I have work to be getting on with. If you wish to speak more, you'll have to wait until I've finished for the day.
 	
Venas 	Back already? That was quick work. You were obviously clever enough to head off any of that “rambling” Ismene mentioned.
Venas 	Ah, good timing. I finished my own investigations not long ago.
Venas 	At last! You were gone so long I was beginning to wonder if you'd slipped into the stream and banged your head, or something equally unfortunate.
Venas 	So, have you any new findings to share?
Venas 	I see. Even an expert in the field had little understanding of Meteion's capabilities, let alone an awareness of dynamis.
Venas 	My questions resulted in much the same answers. Hermes's colleagues view Meteion as his personal project, and could provide no details beyond those which you just told me.
Venas 	Which leads me to believe that the only person with any significant knowledge of dynamis is Hermes himself.
Venas 	Yes, we've made some progress here...but more information is needed if we are to reach any definitive conclusions.
Quest complete.	Quest complete.
Category:Endwalker Main Scenario Quests in Final Fantasy XIV