Beneath a Star-filled Sky

is a Quest in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.
==Journal==
* Disinclined to dwell on the unpleasant question of Ga Bu's fate, Alphinaud bids you apprise the Maelstrom of your victory over Titan. Yet as pleased as Commander Bloeidin will be to hear the news, he will inevitably demand that a decision be made...
* Commander Bloeidin is greatly relieved to hear that you have spared him the burden of sending good men to their deaths. In a show of gratitude, he invites you to stay the night and celebrate with the Maelstrom forces, and you accept─yet as the evening wears on, you become aware that Alisaie is nowhere to be seen. You find her outside the camp enjoying a moment of quiet solitude with Ga Bu, and after joining her, she tells you of her struggle to understand her grandfather's motivations and to find her own path having parted ways with her brother. The story of her journey seems more than a little familiar, as does the answer she found at the end of it: that in a world where high-minded ideals and earnest efforts all too often fall short, where the good suffer and the evil prosper, one must nevertheless aspire to a higher ideal. Her heart thus unburdened, Alisaie bids you share some tales of your time in the north, and you duly recount an adventure near and dear to your heart. Looking up into the starry night, you reflect on your own journey and what drives you to carry on...
* In the morning, you find Alphinaud packed and ready to depart. He reveals that he has been in contact with Thancred and Y'shtola, both of whom have apparently discovered crates bearing defaced Ishgardian seals during the course of their investigations. Armed with this information, Alphinaud thinks it prudent to consult with Urianger once more, and is eager to take to the road. Alisaie, however, is nowhere to be found─and neither, you realize, is Ga Bu.
* No child should be forced to confront death firsthand, much less that of a parent. Though she knows she can never truly understand the depths of his despair, Alisaie takes a moment to comfort Ga Bu one final time. Having given up hope of eliciting a response, she surrenders him into Commander Bloeidin's care, entreating him to show the young kobold every kindness. But in that instant, the child breaks his silence, thanking Alisaie for everything she has done. All is not lost─Ga Bu may one day recover from his trauma. With hope in your hearts, you set forth for Thanalan.
* Back at the Waking Sands, Urianger shares his latest findings. Per Alisaie's request, he has studied The Gerun Oracles and discovered a passage which suggests that a Rejoining would result in the deaths of all those living upon a reflection of the Source. Yet in death there is seemingly life as their souls would then be returned to the Source, where they might be reborn anew. Drastic as it sounds, Urianger speculates this may yet be preferable to the alternative, for it is possible that a world which falls to transcendent Light or Dark may ultimately be transformed into an unfathomable void.Even as you pause to contemplate the implications of these theories, Urianger reveals that the Ishgardian smugglers supplying the beast tribes with crystals have been identified as remnants of the criminal network established by Eline Roaille─the infamous Garlean spymaster, the Ivy. What is more, the group has recently supplied crystals to another party: refugees devoted to the cause of Ala Mhigan liberation. Wasting no time, Alphinaud bids you and Alisaie accompany him to Little Ala Mhigo to track down the shipment's recipients and find out what they intend.As you round the corner and head for the exit, you and the twins are contacted via linkpearl by Thancred, who proudly informs you of the latest developments in Ishgard. When he subsequently hears that you have obtained the same information, however, his disappointment is palpable. A troubled Alisaie then confirms that the raid on the smugglers' hideout was conducted less than an hour before, and that only a select few should know the group's true identity, and the destination of their final shipment...
* Alphinaud is unsure what to make of his sister's recent behavior towards Urianger, the two of them having always been quite close. As one of Louisoix's most dedicated pupils, Urianger was practically a member of the family. Yet her treatment of the Archon during your past several visits has suggested nothing of the sort. On the contrary, her words and actions seem to indicate a deep-seated suspicion. But why?
* Having spent the journey to Little Ala Mhigo turning the mystery over and over in your mind, you press Alisaie for an explanation, but find her reluctant to say anything more than that she is prepared “to do what must be done.” Whatever has passed between her and Urianger remains unclear for now, but you sense it will not be long before the truth comes out─for better or for worse.
==Objectives==
* Speak with Bloeidin.
* Speak with Alphinaud.
* Search for Alisaie.
* Return to the Waking Sands.
* Speak with Alphinaud.
* Speak with Alisaie in Little Ala Mhigo.
==Script==
script 	script
 	
Alisaie 	I know what happened. Gods help me, I was there. But the thought that we might have to... Seven hells, he's just a child!
 	
Ga Bu 	...
 	
Alphinaud 	There is naught to be gained from dwelling on an eventuality over which we have no control, much less one which may never even come to pass. Let us tend to more immediate matters─informing Commander Bloeidin of Titan's demise, for example.
Alphinaud 	You may be certain that he will be glad of the news. Would you be so kind as to break it to him?
 	
Alphinaud 	I expect the commander would enjoy hearing the tale of Titan's defeat from the woman/man responsible, don't you?
 	
Bloeidin 	Ah, you're a sight for sore eyes! When the others came back without you, I feared the worst, but they said you had matters well in hand.
Bloeidin 	All settled then, is it? I'm glad to hear it. But not half as glad as my men'll be, believe you me!
Bloeidin 	Regardless of whether or not he was summoned properly, a primal's a primal. And there ain't a soul in the Maelstrom that hasn't lost a friend to one.
Bloeidin 	Don't get me wrong, like─we were all prepared to do our part. But we weren't so naive as to think we'd live to tell the tale.
Bloeidin 	Thankfully, of course, it didn't come to that─which, my friend, sounds to me like cause for celebration! Now, I know you lot have places to be, but why not stay the night? We'd be honored to raise a glass to the triumphant return of Titan's Bane!
 	
Bloeidin 	Ahh, I haven't slept that well in weeks!
 	
Alphinaud 	What ho, [Player Name]. I trust you had a good night's rest?
Alphinaud 	I was but this moment speaking with Thancred and Y'shtola via linkpearl. They had some interesting news to share.
Alphinaud 	Apparently, during the course of their respective investigations, both came across crates which had once borne Ishgardian seals. 'Twould seem that someone in the capital has been very busy indeed.
Alphinaud 	Accordingly, the Temple Knights have launched a full-scale investigation. Ser Aymeric believes that it is only a matter of time before the culprits are found, but we shall have to wait and see.
Alphinaud 	In the meantime, it seems only prudent to look into the recent activities of the other tribes, in case they too are flush with Ishgardian crystals. And with that in mind, I suggest we pay Urianger another─
Alphinaud 	Wait. Where is Alisaie? She was here a moment ago...with Ga Bu.
 	
Alphinaud 	Would you be so kind as to look for my sister? She is doubtless somewhere in the camp, but... Well, I am sure you will find her.
 	
Ga Bu 	...
 	
Alisaie 	Ah, let me guess: it's time to leave, isn't it?
Alisaie 	My apologies for disappearing again. If it is any consolation, I have already packed my things.
Alphinaud 	...How is he?
Alisaie 	Brother. Commander Bloeidin. Something tells me you are not solely here out of concern for his welfare.
Alisaie 	But to answer your question, there has been no change. He will not speak or eat─I'm not even sure if he slept. If he did, he seems none the better for it. He just...shuffles about with that same expression on his face...
Alisaie 	You will look after him, won't you, Commander─and treat him with every kindness?
Alisaie 	He's still in there. I know it. Beneath the anguish and the despair, he's still fighting with all his heart.
Alisaie 	He deserves to be given that chance. Until he comes back to us─until we know for certain what has become of him.
Bloeidin 	Aye, aye, you needn't worry. If he hadn't risked his neck to warn us and help you secure the better part of the crystals, this could've turned out a damn sight worse than it did. We'll not soon forget that, and nor will Maelstrom Command.
Alisaie 	I'm so sorry, Ga Bu. I truly am. You should never have been made to... And I know I cannot possibly understand...
Alisaie 	Mayhap there is nothing I can do or say. The pain, the anger...the helplessness...
Alisaie 	...Hold fast to the memories of better times. Remember them as they were.
Alisaie 	And when it hurts so much your heart feels fit to burst, let it burst. Let it burst, and fill up again with your love for them. And never, ever forget.
Bloeidin 	...Come along, little one.
Ga Bu 	I...I will remember them. And you, Alisaie. Thank you...
Ga Bu 	...
Alphinaud 	Have faith, Sister. Your words have reached him. In time, he will recover...
Alphinaud 	And those who orchestrated these events will be made to answer for their crimes.
Alisaie 	A thousand times over, aye. There will be a reckoning.
 	
Bloeidin 	Judgin' by what the little feller said, I doubt he's been corrupted. Sayin' that, we'll keep him close till we've heard a bit more─just to be on the safe side.
 	
Urianger 	We have heard the glad tidings from O'Ghomoro, my friends. By the grace of the Twelve and your most valiant efforts, the people of Limsa Lominsa may rest easy.
Alphinaud 	I should like to think so, yes. Though we failed to prevent the Lord of Crags from manifesting, we did succeed in weakening him, enabling our friend to dispatch him before the Warriors of Darkness could make matters worse. 'Twas by no means an unmitigated success, but it will have to suffice.
Urianger 	Then let us speak of another matter─one which weigheth heavy on my lady's mind.
Urianger 	As thou didst request, I sought out The Gerun Oracles, that we might better understand the aims of the Warriors of Darkness.
Urianger 	Though their copious use of allegory defieth any single interpretation, the oracles paint a most disturbing picture─one of worlds parallel to our own, apart yet linked, reduced to ruin with every Umbral Calamity...
Alphinaud 	"Seven times have they succeeded.“ Then of ten and three, only six worlds remain.
Urianger 	Aye. All is as my lady Minfilia spake unto thee.
Urianger 	As for what becometh of these reflections when they and the Source are rejoined...
Urianger 	"Frail flesh undone in Umbral fires,
Each soul surrend'reth to Her call,
To flow unto the endless sea,
There to endure as one and none.“
Alisaie 	Then...then if the Warriors of Darkness succeed, everyone in their world will die?
Urianger 	In essence, aye. The verse speaketh of the renunciation of the flesh, and subsequent return to the Lifestream.
Urianger 	However, this fate may yet be preferable to the alternative, for if the First were to fall to transcendent Light in the manner the Warriors of Darkness described, it would give way unto a void wherein none may know either life or death.
Urianger 	Far better to die, they reason─for in death there is life. The essence of a soul which returneth unto the Source may be born anew. Saved. Such, at least, is their belief, I surmise.
Alphinaud 	If that is true, then... Gods. No one should ever have to make such a choice.
Urianger 	...Ere we speak further on this subject, I would share with thee another recent discovery.
Urianger 	'Twould seem that several sizable shipments of crystals have been delivered into the hands of certain Ala Mhigan parties.
Alphinaud 	Ala Mhigans? Strange... And you believe this to be the work of the same Ishgardian smugglers who supplied the beast tribes?
Urianger 	I know beyond a shadow of a doubt. And lest thou wonder at their motive, I would remind you that the Ascians did once attempt to bring about the summoning of Rhalgr.
Urianger 	The individuals who took receipt of these shipments are refugees belonging to a group devoted to the cause of Ala Mhigan liberation.
Urianger 	It may also interest thee to know that their Ishgardian suppliers appear to be none other than the remnants of Eline Roaille's network of spies.
Alphinaud 	Surely you jest... And yet...it is not so surprising. Bereft of leadership and hunted by the Alliance, I can well imagine such villains being desperate enough to conspire with the Ascians. Assuming they even know─or care─who their new employers are.
Alphinaud 	All of which is irrelevant. Forgive me. We must seek out the Resistance group which received the crystals without delay. [Player Name], Alisaie─will you come with me to Little Ala Mhigo?
Alisaie 	Yes, of course. I should like to hear what they have to say for themselves. Firsthand.
Urianger 	May you ever walk in the light of the Crystal.
Thancred 	Alphinaud, Alisaie, [Player Name]─are you three listening? Good. I have tidings.
Thancred 	The Temple Knights raided the smugglers' warehouse less than an hour ago. A cursory interrogation of the prisoners yielded confirmation that they were in the employ of─and I hope you are sitting down─a man in black robes.
Alphinaud 	Then you have them? And the crystals too?
Thancred 	What few remained, aye. Regrettably, it would seem they dispatched one final shipment in the hours before we struck.
Thancred 	'Twas bound for Little Ala Mhigo, we are told, where it will be received by members of a local Resistance group.
Thancred 	Since Ser Aymeric's men no longer have need of my services, I have a mind to head that way.
Alphinaud 	As do we, by happy coincidence. We learned of the shipments but a few moments ago.
Thancred 	Hah! And there I was thinking I might finally be one step ahead of the Warrior of Light and her/his little helpers.
Thancred 	...Ah! Wait a moment! There is more! And I defy you not to be surprised by this revelation.
Thancred 	The leader of the Ishgardian smugglers was formerly in the employ of one Eline Roaille─the infamous Ivy herself!
Alphinaud 	Once again, Thancred, I fear I must inform you that─
Alisaie 	Thancred─with whom else have you shared this information?
Thancred 	About the smugglers? No one. As I think I mentioned, the raid was less than an hour ago. I was planning to contact Y'shtola next, but is there someone else you would have me notify first?
Alisaie 	No...there isn't.
 	
Urianger 	Pray proceed with all due caution. To what end these refugees covet crystals remaineth to be seen.
 	
Alphinaud 	What in the world has gotten into her? It is twice now that we have sought Urianger's aid, and twice she has treated him as if he were a stranger.
Alphinaud 	The Archon was one of Grandfather's most dedicated pupils, and spent as much time at the Leveilleur estate as we did. He's practically a member of the family!
Alphinaud 	Truth be told, I struggle to recall a day from my childhood when I did not see the three of them laughing together.
Alphinaud 	If this continues, I may have to raise the matter. Later, though─Little Ala Mhigo awaits.
 	
Alphinaud 	Still no sign of Thancred...
 	
Alisaie 	I will get to the bottom of this...
Alisaie 	Oh, forgive me. I was... It has been a long day. Did you have something to say?
Alisaie 	Urianger? Oh, I... I've always struggled to understand what's going on in his head. Now more than ever.
Alisaie 	Listen, [Player Name]─if anything should happen, it should be me who... Just know that I am prepared to do what must be done.
Alisaie 	Right, then. To more pressing matters. Since we have no idea when Thancred might arrive, I suggest we see what information we can gather in his absence.
Quest complete.	Quest complete.
Category:Post-Dragonsong Main Scenario Quests in Final Fantasy XIV