The Lady of Blades

is a Quest in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.
==Journal==
* The Resistance has fought valiantly to force imperial troops to fall back into the castrum, and at last Operation Eagle's Nest can be seen through to completion. Bajsaljen is ready to lead Gunnhildr's Blades into the belly of the beast, and he can think of no better soldier than you to accompany them.
※Players may enter Castrum Lacus Litore via the associated critical engagement.
* Your defeat of the imperial soldiers is almost effortless. Before you can plot your next move, however, Misija appears before you with Mikoto, as well as the crystal focus and the legendary blade Save the Queen. Using Mikoto as leverage, Misija coerces you into activating the crystal focus to explore the memories of the holy blade. Her intent is soon made clear when, moments later, Queen Gunnhildr emerges as a primal-like entity, enslaving the minds of the soldiers bearing the title of her guard. The threat of the queen proved too great, forcing the Resistance to retreat from the castrum.
* After regrouping at Utya's Aegis, you discuss the events that took place in the castrum. Mikoto explains that Misija discovered a way to alter the memories of Save the Queen, thereby allowing her to call forth Queen Gunnhildr in a fashion not unlike primal summoning. Having now lost both the castrum and Gunnhildr's Blades, the Resistance must think long and hard on how next to proceed.
* The Resistance suffered a grave defeat at Castrum Lacus Litore, but they are not discouraged. Marsak informs you that reinforcements from Dalmasca have recently arrived, with more en route from the Eastern alliance. Though it will take time, the Resistance will not rest until Bozja is free from imperial rule.
==Objectives==
* Clear the critical engagement “the Battle of Castrum Lacus Litore.”
* Speak with Bajsaljen.
* Speak with Marsak.
* Speak with Bajsaljen.
==Script==
script 	script
 	
Baishaen 	The time has come, [Player Name]. This day, we shall take Castrum Lacus Litore!
Baishaen 	On behalf of the Resistance, I offer you my humblest thanks. We could not have come this far without your aid.
Baishaen 	What say you, my friend? Are you prepared to rout the Garleans?
 	
Baishaen 	The battle for the castrum will no doubt be the fiercest yet, but do not forget your training. Do not forget all we have fought for. You are Gunnhildr's Blades, and by the queen's grace shall we prevail this day. Now, let us make ready for battle. For Bozja!
Baishaen 	Reports suggest a powerful mage presently commands the castrum, and the continued presence of Lyon sas Helsos will no doubt prove troublesome, to say the least.
Baishaen 	Still, with you at our side, I am confident we will be victorious in the end.
 	
Baishaen 	If we succeed, southern Bozja may very well be freed from the Empire's grasp. With you at our side, I have little doubt we will emerge victorious in the end.
 	
Marshak 	Something troubles you?
Baishaen 	Their soldiers fell so easily, fled so quickly. This all seems...too easy.
Marshak 	We struck before their reinforcements could arrive, as planned, and our soldiers fought valiantly. If you believe our victory came easy, it is because your plan was executed to the letter, sir.
Baishaen 	Perhaps...
Lilja 	[Player Name]!
Lilja 	Is... <pant> <pant> Is Mikoto...all right?
Marshak 	We must split up and search for her.
Meesiya 	I don't believe that will be necessary.
Baishaen 	You are outnumbered and outmatched, Misija. Release her, and we may yet be lenient with you.
Meesiya 	I'm not here to bargain, Bajsaljen.
Baishaen 	Please, Misija. Whatever your grievance may be, I am certain we can find a solution. But you have to let her go.
Baishaen 	We can build a better Bozja, Misija. Together.
Meesiya 	Ever the optimist. And likely the first to go when this is all over.
Meesiya 	[Player Name]. If you would see her unharmed, come over here. Nice and slowly.
Baishaen 	(Ready the Blades, and wait for an opening.)
Meesiya 	How I have waited for this moment.
Mikoto 	[Player Name], I'm so sorry...
Meesiya 	Careful. It would be a pity if I were forced to sully a holy relic such as this.
Meesiya 	Would you care to enlighten our friend here as to its history?
Marshak 	What is she planning? And what is that queer-looking blade?
Meesiya 	Here.
Meesiya 	We are going to take a little trip into the memories of this blade. If you wish to keep Mikoto in one piece, that is.
Lilja 	Mikoto!
Meesiya 	Do it! Do it now!
Marshak 	Misija intends to explore the memories of that blade? Perhaps while she is occupied we can─
Baishaen 	No. It sounds as though Mikoto and [Player Name] will be going with her. Interrupting them may have dire consequences. We must wait for our moment.
 	
Bladesofgunnhildr	Is it done, then?
Bladesofgunnhildr	She does not breathe, and her pulse has ceased.
Bladesofgunnhildr	We were fortunate to catch her unawares. Were we to have incurred the wrath of the blade, she may have destroyed us all.
Bladesofgunnhildr	A quick, painless death. Like as not, she did not even realize what happened.
Mikoto 	Is this...the memory of the last queen?
Queen Gunnhildr 	'Tis true the blade possessed a terrible power. But was this the only way?
Queen Gunnhildr 	I thought myself able to control it, to harness its power for good. And yet...it seems I was found wanting.
Queen Gunnhildr 	At the very least, I shall take heart in the knowledge my people are safe.
Meesiya 	Naught but lies and deceit. They used you, betrayed you, slaughtered you, and dragged your name through the dirt.
Now, rise, my queen. Exact your vengeance, erase their accursed legacy from the pages of history!
Mikoto 	No! Leave her be!
 	
Meesiya 	Go! Claim what is yours!
Stanik 	Death to the deceivers... In the name of the queen...
Baishaen 	Retreat!
Lilja 	Mikoto, no!
Baishaen 	Marsak!
Baishaen 	[Player Name]! We must withdraw and regroup!
Bwagi 	All of you, run!
 	
Mikoto 	Misija always seemed so kind, and caring. Why did it have to come to this?
Mikoto 	I would like to believe the Empire has deceived her somehow but... I know it's not that simple. We have to stop her, [Player Name].
Lilja 	If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe it...
 	
Bwagi 	Nothing is ever simple with you, is it? I only came here to deliver a message from Lady Fran.
Bwagi 	I don't understand what's going on here, but I don't intend on staying long enough to find out. I suggest you keep your time here brief as well.
Marshak 	We were so close. So bloody close... Misija will pay for this.
 	
Baishaen 	So the legends of her power are true, then. We thought them mere faerie tales.
Bwagi 	It wouldn't be the first time one turned out to be true. Trust me.
Marshak 	But she is the protector of Bozja! Why would the queen do such a thing...?
Mikoto 	Misija. She has planted a seed of hatred within the queen.
Lilja 	The queen's memory was altered, then?
Mikoto 	That hatred seemed to be reaffirmed when the queen looked upon the soldiers bearing the weapons of her guard. Misija was likely anticipating that reaction.
Baishaen 	Death to the deceivers they said... Gods, what happened all those years ago?
Marshak 	Let us not dwell on the past. The Blades must be saved.
Mikoto 	I'm afraid the effects of tempering cannot be undone... Or rather, a cure has yet to be found.
Marshak 	Damn it all. Was this part of her plan as well?
Baishaen 	Let us return to Gangos. There is still much for us to discuss.
Marshak 	Understood.
 	
Marshak 	To lose the castrum and Gunnhildr's Blades both... A heavy and most unexpected blow.
Marshak 	It seems that rather than rely on sheer numbers, Menenius had a far more devious scheme in mind all along. And we played right into his hands.
Marshak 	Thankfully, reinforcements from Dalmasca have recently arrived, and more from the Eastern alliance will soon join our ranks as well.
Marshak 	Until then, there is naught to do but wait and plan our next move. Now is the time to rest, my friend. You have more than earned it.
 	
Rian 	Well, well! Word around here is you summoned a primal, is that right? You certainly know how to make a good first impression, don't you lass?
Rian 	I've seen similar from Albeleo and that auracite of his, but a primal summoning? That takes a great deal more aether, doesn't it? And I'd imagine even more to control it.
Menenius 	You have done well. Now, go. Tend to your wounds.
Menenius 	That's an order. We have ample time before the Resistance returns, and when they do, I will have need of you again. Understood?
Meesiya 	Yes, sir.
Rian 	Poor thing. If only she could learn to let go, it would be better for everyone. Well, some more than others...
Menenius 	...What do you want?
Rian 	I trust you're aware of the request from the IIIrd Legion to return to the capital?
Menenius 	Of course I am. But Gabranth is in no position to comply with such orders.
Rian 	I thought as much. Not that it matters. Nerva is just like his father Titus, weak and a coward. Unfit to give orders, let alone lead a nation.
Rian 	Having spent time serving under Basch I understand full well your frustration, but the Garlemald you long for is a thing of the past.
Rian 	Though I must say, your plans to stall for time have proven quite effective. One can only hope you are as prepared as our dear Noah for what comes next.
Menenius 	What is it you are trying to say?
Rian 	Soldiers with potential like her are not something to be used and discarded like an old boot.
Menenius 	I... We have never considered her to be expendable. She is a valuable asset.
Rian 	For now, at least. Like I always say, death finds a way to weed out the unremarkable and otherwise ill fortuned.
Menenius 	<sigh> I almost envy you and your insouciance. Not that you would ever heed my council on such matters, let alone Gabranth's.
Rian 	Says the man who ignores the council of peers and superiors both to defend Bozja.
Rian 	But I really have to hand it to you, enthralling those Resistance soldiers was a fantastic idea. Why bother with persuasion when you have the power to enslave minds? Hahaha!
Menenius 	Flattery ill suits you Lyon, even when false.
Rian 	Perhaps, but dirty tricks like that suit you quite well, don't they? You always were a conniving bastard. A real snake in the grass.
Menenius 	That I shall take as a compliment.
Quest complete. 	Quest complete.
Category:Side Story Quests in Final Fantasy XIV