History WIP

[byheartandblade]

Born to the pirate captain Usyntu Fraespyrsyn and Fraethota Syhrhimalwyn, Syhrgeim Usyntuwyn was the first of five children. She was followed swiftly by four brothers: Maetifyr, Blyntoum, Loeteidin and Keltathyn. Due to being pirates, she was raised to be tough and bloodthirsty--but still, ship and crew came first. They were as a large family, sailing the sea since she was but a lass. And she was a good marauder in those days, no doubt--one of the best in the crew, second to her father.

Her mother was lost to the sea when she was young, swept overboard while securing everyone else's lines and never recovered. She remained strong through that. But then came a horrible series of storms that wrecked many a ship on foreign shores. She nearly drowned due to her own lifeline dragging her under and toward the depths when the ship was dashed apart. Her own family's vessel wrecked, and the few survivors of her family--two of her brothers, Blyntoum and Loeteidin--worse for wear, Syhrgeim vowed her pirating days were over in the makeshift hospital for those who had washed up.

It was here that she met the young, starry-eyed adventurer Lhuna Laiatku. While the girl was hardly a chirurgeon, her endless energy and enthusiasm as she told stories of her home--Gridania--and adventures helped to soothe the pain in Syhr's heart and give her new purpose. Fearing the sea and her temper, Syhrgeim decided to turn her lessons as an old-blooded pirate to adventuring on land. She bid good-bye to her brothers, who blessed her and bid her remain safe, and so she went off.

Together, Lhuna and Syhr became adventurers, and the young arcanist and marauder began to journey. It wasn't until four and a half years later that they heard about the Calamity due to their not paying attention to anything unless it spoke of adventure. At that point, Lhuna, fearing for her family, desired to return home. And so the two did, making port in Limsa Lominsa, where they joined the local adventurer's guild while they awaited making the funds for an airship.

It was during this that they learned of missing persons cases, and Syhr found herself taken with the rogue's guild. Finding irony in this, she joined up, and helped out--despite being much larger than any of those currently calling the guild home. The missing persons case was eventually found to be the fault of the Serpent Reavers, and along the way Syhr and Lhuna met up with Y'shtola, a mysterious woman.

Time went on, they became heroes of Limsa together after saving a very important ship in the making from being destroyed and eventually were directed to be the Admiral's emissary to the other Grand Company leaders. The two agreed and made the rounds, and upon reaching Kan-E-Senna learned much of the Garlean threat. They also went to see Lhuna's family, reassuring themselves of their safety and survival from the Calamity. From there, they returned to the head of the Lominsan Adventurers Guild, Baderon, who turns them onto a case in the nearby Sastasha Seagrot. There, they defeat the Serpent Reaver and Sahagin threat stationed inside. Baderon then sends them toward Mother Miounne in Gridania, who sends them to clear out the nearby Tam-Tara Deepcroft which has been taken over by the cult, the Lambs of Dalamud. Then, after this, Lhuna and Syhr were sent to take out the problems in the Copperbell Mines to free them for use again.

Upon returning from this, the duo protected a refugee woman from a merchant and his bodyguards causing trouble. There, they met up with Y'shtola who recruited them into the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. Sending them to the Waking Sands out in Vesper Bay, the duo met up with Minfilia--the leader. After hearing of what their purpose was and the dark secrets resting beneath the already tumultuous waters of the Eorzea, as well as learning of the Echo, Syhrgeim and Lhuna pledge allegiance to the Scions.

Almost immediately, they were sent to Camp Drybone to investigate recent events suspected to be of Amalj'aa origin. Along the way, they discovered that the merchant from before had been recruiting people to be tempered by Ifrit. Soon after, in an attempt to ambush some Amalj'aa, the duo and the company they were with are ambushed themselves thanks to betrayal by their supposed double agent. They were dragged deep into Amal'jaa territory and offered up to the Primal Ifrit as sacrifices. However, due to having the Echo, both Lhuna and Syhr were immune--and so they slew the Primal before them.

However, the people they were with were not so lucky. As they were tempered, they had to be put to death and Thancred blamed himself. Upon returning to the Waking Sands, they found themselves being scouted by the three Grand Companies. Minfilia told them to go see the remembrance ceremonies before deciding on one, and there they met Alphinaud and Alisaie. Ultimately, Syhr and Lhuna decided to stick with Limsa Lominsa through and through and chose to join the Maelstrom. Their recruitment test ended in them rescuing Biggs and Wedge of the Garlond Ironworks.

Soon after, they were sent to deal wit Sylphs and ended up befriending the parts of the tribe that didn't agree with having Ramuh summoned. After working out the strained relationship with Gridania and the Sylphs and rescuing the Sylph elder from the Ascians, Syhr and Lhuna returned. Noraxia joined them as a diplomat and honorary Scion of sorts.

However, the Ascian threat wasn't to be ignored and they were sent to Highbridge and then to Little Ala Mhigo, were they saved some youths from essentially summoning a Primal themselves. With this taken care of, Lhuna and Syhr were sent to investigate some disturbing happenings in Fallgourd Float. Upon learning of the death and mutilations of young women, Lhuna freaked out and became gung ho due to having sisters still in Gridania and fear for their safety. Their investigation ultimately lead them to Haukke Manor, where the former lady of the house had become a monster that sacrificed young women for her own beauty.

When this was over, every mission was put on hold due the Kobolds summoning Titan. Seeking aid from the Company of Heroes in hopes of finding out how to defeat the beast that had once been felled by them, Syhr and Lhuna were instead put on a bunch of dangerous quests to retrieve rare foodstuffs for a banquet that was, ironically prepared for them. After enjoying themselves, they learned of how to access Titan and went to face him. After a long and perilous battle, they emerged victorious.

However, all was not to remain so joyous.

Upon returning to the Waking Sands, Syhr noticed that a group of people had gathered outside. She instructed Lhuna to wait outside, and quelled the beginning of an argument with the statement that if anything happened, Lhuna could more easily escape to get help. Syhr wandered inside alone, blades out, and discovered the remains of the carnage of a Garlean assault. Within the antecedent's office she found Noraxia where she lay dying. As the Sylph reached out, both Lhuna and Syhr received a vision from the Echo--and learned of the assault. Minfilia and the higher up Scions at the Waking Sands were captured by Livia sas Junius. Despairing at everything, Lhuna and Syhr fled to the Church of Saint Adama Landama.

There, they mourned quietly and, feeling defeated, took on random tasks with no real direction, helping Marques--a survivor the Calamity. It wasn't much later that Alphinaud arrived, declaring he would resurrect the Scions. He also revealed that Marques was none of other than the missing Cid nan Garlond himself. With Garuda growing steadily stronger, and purpose renewed, the band sent out to Coerthas to find the Enterprise, Cid's ship.

There, they had to prove themselves allies as the High Houses were embroiled in conflict with the heretics. Although they were frustrated, the duo worked hard and earned trust--with the help of a new friend who was all too eager to help, Haurchefant. After finding out that the Enterprise had fallen within the Stone Vigil, they had to then prove the local "inquisitor" a fraud. Now fully respected and trusted, they delved deep inside--only to be confronted by Lahabrea. After defeating the dragon he awakened, they made an escape on the damaged airship.

After fixing the Enterprise, then came the problem of getting to Garuda through her wind barrier. After a series of annoying fetch quests, Lhuna and Syhr finally gained a corrupted crystal that would allow them to pierce the barrier. Once this was fixed to the Enterprise, they took off and faced Garuda.

However, she was still not bested even after a battle. Before she could do anything else, though, Gaius van Baelsar arrived to test the Ultima Weapon--which consumed Garuda, as well as Ifrit and Titan, whom she had forcibly summoned. Although the small band of Scions escaped, they didn't really know what to do against the ancient Allagan weapon. With no other ideas, they returned to the Waking Sands. There, they found Yda and the few uncaptured Scions. Relieved, the group decided to plan.

And so they decided to break the other Scions out of Castrum Centri. They tracked down Biggs and Wedge in Coerthas, who had sabotaged the prison ship they were on. From there, they headed to Revenant's Toll in Mor Dhona. The plan was decided to pretend to be Imperial Soldiers to break in. They managed to steal not only uniforms, which are repaired, but a Magitek armor that ended up named Maggie. Because of her mammet core, she ended up sentient and after defending her, she becomes a staunch and loyal ally.

With everything prepared, Syhrgeim and Lhuna broke in with Biggs and Wedge. Once inside, they gathered information and then launched an assault that culminated with the escape of the Scions aboard the Enterprise. However, they were forced to leave Maggie behind, who sacrificed herself for their escape.

Syhr almost cried because of this. It was quite embarrassing, but she had grown fond of the Magitek armor.

At their escape, they learned, however, of a presented ultimatum to the leaders of Eorzea--and that Lahabrea had taken over Thancred's body in his weakness and doubt. Sensing that they were running out of time, they quickly flew to Ul'dah and interrupted the meeting of Leaders just in time. After rallying them with Alphinaud, it came time to plan a final attack.

They took out Rhitahtyn sas Arvina after a hard battle, and then infiltrated Castrum Meridanum and eventually confront Livia herself.

Everything ended with Syhrgeim, Lhuna and a select group of other strong adventurers entering into the Praetorium where Gaius and the Weapon were located. Reunited with Maggie, the duo eventually faced off against the Weapon. Although the battle was hard, they eventually triumphed--freeing the Primals in the process. They defeat Lahabrea and save Thancred in the process. As the Praetorium began to explode, Syhrgeim and Lhuna rode Maggie out to safety--and reunited with Minfilia and the rest of their friends.

With this, the Seventh Umbral Era came to a close. A party was held in Mor Dhona to celebrate, where the Eorzean Leaders vowed unity. However, the entire party was cut short by an ominous echo and then the roar of a distant Primal. News of Bahamut's stirrings had reached them.

However, they could do nothing at the moment. They had to await further information. And when it came, they found themselves working with, of all people, Alisaie--Alphinaud's twin sister. They are sent to Wineport to meet with her and one who works for her, who directs them to the nearby Castrum where they must secure a path. And so they do, and then descend together into the depths, facing Allagan machinery, various monsters and, at the very bottom, a captured dragon and the slowly regenerating remains of Bahamut. Thy shut down the coil, and then leave. Alisaie does further research, and the realization is met that they can stop Bahamut's full reawakening and banish him back to the aether by shutting down the colossal devices binding him to them.

The second Coil is near Fallgourd, and there, after checking that the path is secure, they travel into its depths--discovering a hidden entrance cloaked by illusion. They travel to its depths, running into Nael van Darnus himself along the way. They chase him down, only to meet him in battle--and realize that he is in fact a woman. Confused but forced to fight, they are forced to fight for their lives against a powerful enemy--and the thrall of Bahamut herself. Upon felling her, she returns to her senses, and speaks to Alisaie briefly before an unknown force puts her out of her misery. Their eyes fall upon none other than Louisoix himself--for her, too, is a thrall of Bahamut now.

Returning to the surface after shutting down the Coil, Bahamut healing more and more, they meet once more at the Waking Sands and from there run into a problem after discussing their next course of action. The final Coil requires a roundabout way to enter. It's risky, but the group does manage to make its way into the coil--with Alphinaud beside them. Within the Coil, they realize the terrible truth of what is driving Bahamut: captured and sleeping dragons. And finally, they come to Louisoix himself, who transforms into the Primal Phoenix. Only with his defeat is he freed from Bahamut, and there explains the truth of five years ago--how he intended to destroy Bahamut with a sacrificial surge of aether and release it to the world again, only for him and the aether both to be pulled in by Bahamut.

Saying their farewells to their grandfather, the twins carry on as he opens a way to the final control panel. There, before they can banish Bahamut to the aether, it strikes out with a blast, knocking both Alisaie and Alphinaud to the ground and setting fire to the area. Refusing to give up, both twins stand together, conjuring a powerful barrier that withstands a second blast. Finally, they launch the Warriors into Bahamut's core to destroy it--which they succeed in. The coil is shut down, and all sleeping within finally know peace. Those present vowed to not speak of what happened. And so they left, all going their own ways. The two heroes reported to Urianger, with the twins not far behind. An argument eventually broke out, albeit a short one. Urianger and Alphinaud departed to inform the leaders of the city-states and seal off the Coils, and Alisaie requested the lovers accompany her somewhere after a change of clothes. And so they traveled to their destination: near the Warden's Mark. After a heartfelt conversation, Alisaie went her own way to walk her own path.

So things returned, more or less, to normal. In this time, during the brief reprieve, Lhuna and Syhrgeim were eternally bonded. The cathedral was packed due to the recent victories and momentary lull in anything happening. Among those in attendance were many they had helped along the way, the members they were closest to from their respective guilds, the friends they had made along their job questlines, the Scions and even the three leaders as the eternal bonding had become a kind of extension of their victory.

With everything on a high note, and the winds changing, soon after the bonding and a honeymoon spent helping a very... Interesting man of intrigue solve a rash of crimes (Lhuna enjoyed it, Syhr will never perform that dance again even if you ask her), an issue began to arise. Since the victory over the Garleans, many had come attempting to bribe the Scions into being mercenaries for hire. A decision had to be made. Staying in Ul'dah was no longer a choice, as it seemed to be picking sides. So, they chose Mor Dhona. However, Minfilia was reluctant to leave due to rumors of her adoptive mother being alive. These rumors proved true, and with mother and daughter reunited, it was time to move.

There were many chores the duo had to do including helping F'lhaminn repair an earring by running into dungeons. There were even more chores in Mor Dhona, to help further establish it as its own place and draw in adventurers and others. With that out of the way, they finally can say they're finished moving in.

As they finish the move, however, they learn that King Moggle Mog XII had been summoned by the Mogglesguard. Adding another Primal notch to their belt, the duo returned to the Waking Sands to make the final walk from there and close it as a base. There, however, they were confronted by Elidibus, an Ascian, who ended up leaving them with more questions than answers. With the Students of Baldesion no longer responding, the Scions were forced to move forward. While the move happened, Syhr and Lhuna slew the three Primals they first slew again, and began to think on things.

Not much later, there was a theft of crystals. While searching for the culprits, they find that Vesper Bay has been sought out by refugees from Doma. After hearing of the massacre (with Syhr worrying about Tsubame), the group went to Ul'dah to petition refuge for the Domans. They were, however, denied by the Syndicate who saw no value in people and more refugees, save for Raubahn himself and a Lalafell named Teledji Adeledji.

Meanwhile, a war of succession raged in Garlemald because the emperor died. With no proper heir, an internal war had broken out.

With few options for the Domans, Raubahn suggested them moving to settle in Revenant's Toll. Given the budding town was in need of actual settlers, this seems opportune. To not raise questions, the Domans moved in small groups with rides provided by Teledji. Syhr and Lhuna rode with some young ones who had became enamored with the adventuring couple.

At Mor Dhona, however, they are called for an emergency. The Sahagin had been behind the crystal thefts and would undoubtedly summon Leviathan. Merlwyb, fearing what may happen if the Lord of the Whorl rose, decided to stage an attack. While the attack was almost successful, Leviathan was still summoned--and Minfilia and the duo learned that the Echo could be granted.

With no other recourse, they were forced to plan an aquatic battle. Eynzahr Slafyrsyn, the Admiral's second-in-command, proposed a way to do battle. By using corrupted crystals and limiting Leviathan's control over water while providing a platform between two ships for the battle, they found their way to take the battle to the serpent before he unleashed a tidal wave to destroy La Noscea. Syhrgeim needed to be talked down in private by Lhuna, aware of the trauma Syhr would have to work through. Things didn't go exactly to plan, but Leviathan was taken care of anyway. In the aftermath, Yugiri was put in touch the with Rogues Guild and things began to settle.

Y'shtola sought a private audience with Merlwyb and discussed with her and warned her of the actions that drove the beast races to the summoning of their Primals. Merlwyb defended her decisions, and Y'shtola eventually left.

Back at the Rising Stones, Minfilia realized that what happened with the Sahagin priest meant the Ascians themselves could be killed in the future, as well. The answer, however, of how to do this escaped them. And then bad news arrived: the island the Students of Baldesion had called home had been destroyed by a power similar to Ultima.

In Ul'dah, Teledji Adeledji wickedly smiled and planned for revolution.

Not too long after, an outbreak of violence by refugees in Ul'dah happened. Investigating everything, it's discovered that someone was arming them. In an audience with the Sultana and Raubahn, Syhr, Lhuna and Alphinaud learned that Teledji Adeledji was using the refugee crisis to leverage a bill that would claim the remains of the Carteneau Flats for refugee living--for his own gain. There, discovered among the ruins, was Omega--the sibling creation to Ultima. He sought it to gain ultimate power from the ancient Allagan tech.

Sensing a growing problem, however, the meeting was cut short. Ramuh needed to be taken care of, and they were sent to negotiate with him. Upon meeting him, however, he was angry until Syhr and Lhuna presented the crystal they had been given by the Sylphs. Seeing a sign of trust from his children, Ramuh issued a challenge to test them. A trial. Pass and the two would bear the burden of righting wrong and defending all of Eorzea, fail and he would rain down judgement on all. Urianger watched, trying to learn more.

After passing, they all returned to the Rising Stones, where the process of death and how the Ascians circumvent it was talked about and explained. They decided to make a blade of pure aether, but couldn't figure out how. Alphinaud, meanwhile, founded the Crystal Braves--a grand company for a united Eorzea.

It came to the attention of the Crystal Braves and Immortal Flames that there was a spy among the Flames simply known as the Ivy. Ivy needed to be uprooted as they were passing information to Garlemald. Raubahn briefed Ilberd, Lhuna and Syhr on what was happening. They returned to Mor Dhona, where Alphinaud tasked them with coming with him to speak to Ser Aymeric of the Temple Knights of Ishgard. They attempted to plead with him to bring Ishgard back into the Eorzean Alliance, but he stated that they had not the forces to spare even if he had influence on politics.

He stated that he can ensure that House Fortemps could continue sending Mor Dhona supplies, which the other houses had spoken out against, in exchange for the Crystal Braves keeping watch over Midardgsormr/the Keeper of the Lake. An agreement was struck.

Within moments of that, they were told the latest shipment of goods had been hijacked by heretics following Iceheart. She wished to revive Shiva, a saint who laid with a dragon (literally) to put an end to the Dravanian war. Fearing a Primal awakening, they needed to find a way to catch them. After uprooting a heretic, they found a way into Snowcloak and navigate through it. However, after speaking to Iceheart, she left by a nearby aetheryte which she destroyed behind her. With no way to follow, they are forced to retreat. The Scions realized they knew virtually nothing about Ishgard's origins or even what started the Dravanian War. Many things were coming to a head with few solutions present.

Luckily, a merchant in contact with the Ivy was apprehended in Coerthas as they were leaving. Unfortunately, the war of succession ended at about the same time, with the late emperor's grandson taking the throne. This meant that armies would arrive soon, meaning that they really need the Ivy removed--and they now knew who she was: none other than Raubahn's second-in-command, Eline Roialle.

She was found to be in Gridania, and they followed her around only for her to escape dressed as an adventurer. She was caught communicating with Imperials, outing her for sure. She was arrested but feigned ignorance, which meant only time would tell what would happen.

Back in Mor Dhona, Moenbryda arrived to help on multiple fronts: the Ascians and Iceheart. Using white auracite, she decided to attempt finding the aether current that moved between the two aetherytes and send the married couple along that. It could mean death, but it could succeed. With no other options, they attempt it--and successfully find Iceheart.

However, she then used her own body as a vessel to summon Shiva as a Primal. They are forced to defeat her, where she reveals what she knows and that she, too, possessed the Echo. She also sent them to the Keeper of the Lake. With no other options, they alert those at Camp Dragonhead of Iceheart's defeat and her summoning of a Primal into her own body. From there, they return to the Rising Stones. With what little info they could bring forth, they now question the very definition of Primals. Unfortunately, Roialle escaped and was quickly making her way to Castrum Meridianum.

She was recaptured and lectured by Ilberd and Alphinaud went to inform Raubahn of events. Meanwhile, Moenbryda shared information about the white auracite and how it would help with the Ascian threat. They could absorb an Ascian into it and then destroy it, so long as they hit it fast. They didn't have all the answers yet.

Meanwhile, tensions rise in Ul'dah as Raubahn learns of how far Roialle's reach was and who she sold things to, which included the Monetarists. As he discussed this, Nanamo revealed her plans to abdicate the throne and disband the Syndicate to Merlwyb and Kan-E-Senna.

Minfilia expressed concerns over everything with regards to the Scions and the Braves. Alphinaud reassured her these are the right decisions, and then stated intent to aid the citizens of Ul'dah. They had tracked down the weapons source for the refugees. Syhr, Lhuna and a group of Crystal Braves were sent to deal with it, but some shady things happened. The black marketeer was killed, the shipment that was supposedly huge ends up one crate, and Riol states that something is up, though he isn't sure what yet besides there being more weapons. Before they could really discuss it, Tataru summoned them back for a conversation with a representative from Ishgard.

Lucia, Aymeric's companion, delivered the news that there were rising fears about Midgrdsormr's resurrection. With little choice, and the new that Imperials had begin to search the wreckage for parts, Lhuna and Syhr are forced to head into the Keeper of the Lake's wreckage/corpse.

Upon climbing to the top, however, they found that the dragon was indeed alive, and would not hear their case. Instead, he stated that Ishgard would burn and considered killing them where they stood. He noticed, thankfully, Hydaelyn's blessing. He second guessed his decision, and then sealed away the Echo and then forms a covenant with them instead. Reeling from this, the two returned to the Rising Stones and explained, and were told to keep most of the events a secret. Minfilia was told privately about the Echo, but there is nothing that can be done. Concerns about the upcoming Dravanian assault were expressed, but they cannot interfere unless asked. Moenbryda then revealed she had discovered a way to solve their Ascian problem, she just needed to test it.

After doing some chores around the local processing plant, they met Moenbryda to test her siphon. However, despite the successful tests, Nabriales, an Ascian, showed up to remark on things, only to discover the loss of the duo's Echo and the breaking of a seal. He went to the Rising Stones with this, seeking a powerful weapon to become the strongest Ascian. Sensing danger, Moenbryda and the two rush back, only to find Minfilia in trouble.

Nabriales explained the staff and that it would allow him to summon his god, Zodiark, with few if any consequences. Minfilia refused to relent and so he just grabbed her, too. Moenbryda was injured trying to stop Nabriales, and the two Warriors of Light end up going after Minfilia. They soundly defeated Nabriales, who just resurrected. With no other choice, Moenbryda and Minfilia trapped him. However, the blade of light was not strong enough. With no time left, Moenbryda made the ultimate sacrifice to add strength to the blade and finish Nabriales for good. Everyone was told of the sacrifice, and she was mourned, especially by Urianger. They mourned her at the Mark of the Scholar. Midgardsormr appeared and states that this had been a fair trade and many similar deals would be struck.

They cheered Yda up but were interrupted by Dravanians flying overhead toward Coerthas. The three were called back and sent to defend Ishgard, where they learn that the first border had been broken by Iceheart. Estinien revealed the force was sent by Nidhogg, one of Midgardsormr's first brood. Alphinaud tried to gather more forces, but none of the Grand Companies obliged more than token forces.

The two ended up having to defend Ishgard from a particularly nasty dragon, but managed. Growing steadily more weary, the two kept on and reported back. Ishgard was saved, but Nidhogg was still out there. Nanamo decided to hold a feast for the defense of Ishgard, and until then, Lhuna and Syhr were tasked with watching over Tataru who had decided to try being an arcanist.

Lhuna was excited, and temporarily rejuvenated the two went to watch her. However, they had to save her as she could not control her familiar. Instead, she decided to make blood pearl charms for the Scions and returned. They were then tasked with protecting a man doing aetheric readings and in doing so discovered the body of the Crystal Brave Wilred. With things beginning to ramp up again, everyone is on guard.

Riol revealed Teledji bribing members of the Braves and stated that Wilred was likely looking into things too much for the likings of the corrupt members. Despite that, things had to wait as the feast soon. As soon as Lhuna and Syhr arrived, though, they were told to go meet Alianne outside. However, she never showed, and instead Lhuna found an empty bottle and they ran into Laurentius, a former traitor who seemed to want to turn over a new leaf. As they left, he spoke into a Linkpearl.

At the feast, as things seemed to proceed smoothly, Lhuna and Syhr were called back into Nanamo's chambers for a private talk about the future of Ul'dah. Things suddenly went south after Nanamo drank from her wine glass. She began to convulse and then fell to the ground, no longer breathing. Syhr and Lhuna at first stared in shock, but then attempted to rush to her aid as they realized what was happening. Before Lhuna could even attempt any kind of healing spell, Teledji entered with some Brass Blades and cried for the arrest of Nanamo's "assassins." Events spilled into the banquet, and things began to unravel.

Aymeric was forced to leave because of a renewed Dravanian assault, while the Eorzean leaders were forced to watch helplessly as Teledji made wild accusations about mind control, the Scions plotting Nanamo's murder and other things. He used the vial that Lhuna had picked up earlier as proof, stating it contained the same poison that killed Nanamo. Realizing it was a trap, the bound Syhrgeim angrily growled while Lhuna reeled at what happened and Nanamo's apparent death. Meanwhile, Alphinaud was taken hostage by the Crystal Braves, who also took over the hideout.

Raubahn broke, accusing Teledji who smugly put the blame off and just smirked. Angered, Raubahn slices Teledji in two. With the banquet then in a panic, Kan-E-Senna and Merlwyb helplessly are forced to leave to not get caught up in international affairs even though they had obviously wanted to stay. Lolorito then claimed that Raubahn must be a traitor, too, and that his actions were against the law. Thinking Lolorito the true mastermind, Raubahn rushed for him onto to be cut down by Ilberd who taunted him. Raubahn lost an arm, but picked up one of his blades in his remaining arm and dueled Ilberd. In the ensuing fight, he freed Syhrgeim, who then freed Lhuna. The Scions were forced to flee so they could clear their names. They met with Thancred as they fled, and ended up being pursued by Braves and Blades.

Yda and Papalymo decided to cover an escape for the others, breaking a gate down. They urged them to leave, and fought off as many as they could. The rest of the group fled into some Sil'dihn tunnels, where they were quickly pursued. Y'shtola and Thancred chose to stay behind, stating they would meet up again later. However, they were very aware they would likely die. As Minfilia, Lhuna and Syhr ran through the waterlogged tunnels, Minfilia was suddenly struck with a message from Hydaelen. At first, she denied what was asked, but then took to heart what was said. She stated she had to go back, and although Syhr and Lhuna both protested, she stated this was the only way.

Now alone, the two watched as Minfilia went to meet her fate. With tears in Lhuna's eyes and a furrowed brow on Syhr's face, they raced to the exit, where they met Alphinaud who had been freed by Raubahn's adoptive son, Pipin Tarupin. They were also met by Brennan, the merchant the two had met upon their arrival, who had come to provide aid at the request of Alisaie. On the ride, they learned about Pipin and his intentions to save his father. They arrived at Blackbrush Station where they were picked up by Cid, who delivered them to Camp Dragonhead. Haurchefant offered them safety and revealed that some of their allies had already arrived. In private, they met with Yugiri, who revealed her people were looking for the other Scions, and Tataru, who had managed to escape.

Alphinaud became depressed, and Haurchefant tried to cheer him up. With nothing else to do, they vowed to continue as Eorzea's protectors. Syhrgeim approached the Gates of Judgement sometime after, where Midgardsormr stated there would be no salvation within. Solemnly, Syhr returned and began her new life there in Coerthas.

Over the following months, with no news and no change from outside, things within did begin to change. While Lhuna quietly and faux cheerfully played the healer for the Camp, Syhr took on missions that often took her outside. In the months that followed, both women found their relationship with Haurchefant deepening. The three eventually entered into a mutual polyamorous relationship in private.

A few months after the assassination, good news finally arrived. House Fortemps had decided to take them in as wards, and they would be brought to Ishgard. There, they met Haurchefant's father, Lord Edmont, and his two half-brother, Emmanellain and Artoirel. They were greeted as guests and told to take their time. They were also given a tour of the city. Upon noting the damage and wishing to actually do something, Alphinaud, Lhuna and Syhr all offered their aid. They were with chores and helping out the two brothers in their endeavors, a welcome distraction after being largely aimless.

They first aided Emmanellain in the Sea of Clouds, with Syhr rolling her eyes at the boy's attempts at bravery. He was clearly not cut out for any of this, even if Lhuna found it endearing. Right up until he nearly got captured by Vanu Vanu. After a hard battle to free him, they were rescued by Cid who happened to be in the area... Only to be given a nice glimpse of Bismarck, the local Primal.

They aided Artoirel after that in Falcon's Nest, where they did odd jobs and went on a rescue mission. Some knights had gone missing looking for heretics, and while they found the sole survivor of the knights, they also found heretics and followed them to an abandoned house in the frigid locale. There, they ran into Lady Iceheart, who was stopped from fighting by none other than Midgardsormr. She revealed she did indeed have the Echo, and that it had allowed her to see the true history of the Dragonsong War. She also revealed she did not mean for so many innocents to be slaughtered, only to end the war. With regret and doubt weighing her down, she retreated. Ishgardian knights ended up then looking over the place to try and find clues to her whereabouts.

With both tasks completed finally, they returned to the city. After scoldings by Edmont, however, things went directly south as unfortunate tidings had arrived. Alphinaud and Tataru were unfortunately arrested as believed heretics, and would need to be rescued. Since Tataru could not fight in trial by combat, it was decided that Syhrgeim would take her place--being the far beefier of the two. And she did, swiftly putting down the two with her "stabbers" and some well-placed techniques. Alphinaud and Tataru were declared innocent, and were free to go. Haurchefant rewarded his paramours with a fully grown and trained black chocobo for this. Soon after, Syhr and Lhuna were summoned to speak to Archbishop Thordan. There he revealed the Ascians had spoken to him, but he had planned to use them and then destroy them as they gave him information. While alarmed, they accepted this. They returned and told the others of this, and cautiously decided to continue forward. Especially because of a rumor Tataru heard: Raubahn was to be executed soon. A prison break was planned, and with the help of Admiral Merlwyb and Doman shinobi, Lhuna, Syhr and Alphinaud were able to find the fallen Flame General.

However, it was a trap, and the Crystal Braves first attempted to poison them, and then attempted to murder them. After that, they are invited to the Waking Sands and there met Dewlala, a Syndicate Member who implied that Nanamo might indeed not have died. With a bit of renewed hope, all they could do was wait for word. Just as this was decided, they were forced to return to Ishgard due to an incoming assault of dragons. With few solutions that wouldn't waste lives and cause harm to innocents, it is decided to try and enlist Iceheart. Estinien, the Azure Dragoon, decided to join them as he could move more freely than Aymeric. While a gamble, there was little other choice besides slaying Nidhogg himself.

So they returned to Falcon's Nest and worked with nearby dragon hunters to find how to contact her. When they finally did, and they explained their plan, she explained the truth of the Dragonsong war. They learned that over a thousand years ago, Elezen sought to live in Coerthas. This sparked a war because the dragons weren't really keen on sharing their land. In the midst of this, Shiva fell in love with the dragon Hraesvelgr. When the idea that she would eventually die was raised and Hraesvelgr became depressed, Shiva asked him to consume her so they could always be one in spirit. Although reluctant at first, he eventually gave in and peace began for nearly two hundred years. However, eventually the Elezen betrayed the dragons and stole Nidhogg's eye. No longer being entirely sure of what had happened, even though he was quite reluctant, Estinien did begin to doubt. He then revealed the eye he had on him, and that Nidhogg had become consumed by his hatred and rage. With parley there no longer an option, they instead decide to try to speak to Hraesvelgr. Seeing this as a good option, Iceheart, revealing her name to be Ysayle, led them into the Dravanian forelands. Upon accepting this mission for peace, Lhuna and Syhr found the Echo beginning to reawaken.

There, they made their way to Anyx Trine and, before being granted the ability to speak to Hraesvelgr, they had to take care of the Gnath and their primal, Ravana. With a plan that could easily backfire, Lhuna, Syhrgeim and Ysayle broke in the the Gnath hive, seeking to fake getting captured. They succeeded and challenged Ravana to combat. Ysayle transformed into Shiva, and while she did some damage, was easily overpowered. With the only hope left to get him to honor his word of calling off the Gnath invasions left to the duo, it was Lhuna who noted how dance-like Ravana's movements were. Using this to their advantage, the ninja and the summoner/scholar worked together to fell the primal. True to his word, when he was defeated, the Gnath backed off. With this problem now taken care of, they were granted access to Sohm Al as their final trial.

Within, as they climbed to the top, they confronted Nidhogg's consort and felled her. Knowing this would cause more pain, it was a hard choice to make, but she gave them little choice. Now free of Sohm Al, they climbed into the Churning Mists and there saw a Moogle. However, unable to find them again, they returned to Gridania to speak to Kan-E-Senna as well as check up on Lhuna's family. There, Kuplo Kopp offered his assistance, and Kan-E-Senna herself decided to meet these Moogles. With their help, they were able to draw the Moogles out. Given tasks to prove their trustworthiness, they achieved them with a grumble. However, this done, it was revealed to be a distraction while they got the horn to call Hraesvelgr fixed. With this in their possession, the group traveled toward Zenith, but not before helping a local Moogle become one of the Pomguard. Also, Lhuna geeked out with Ysayle about how fluffy and adorable Moogles happened to be.

At Zenith, they confronted Hraesvelgr, with Ysayle attempting to reason with him by stating she was Shiva reborn. He laughed and explained that she was not, and that the Shiva she had welcomed into her body was merely a fictional ideal. Devastated, both by the further truth revealed about the initial betrayal and murder of Ratatoskr and then the near slaying of Nidhogg, Ysayle was left behind after Hraesvelgr left. With no other options, even though Estiniein now believed the truth of this all, they had to slay Nidhogg to hope to end the Dragonsong War.

However, the Aery, where Nidhogg called home, was cloaked in ominous clouds that prevented them from merely entering. Thinking back to Garuda, they decided to seek out Cid for aid. They found him in Ishgard, where he revealed the Manacutter. However, as it was not finished, they needed to wait. About this time, they received word that they had learned something that might help find the comatose Nanamo. Returning to the Waking Sands, they found that the lady-in-waiting had retired to the Silver Bazaar. There, they all split up and eventually found the woman. However, before they could confront her, they were instead met by Lolorito himself. He explained that his aim was to not kill the Sultana, but instead use her seeming death to rid himself of Teledji and Raubahn at once. However, due to the chaos in the aftermath, he decided to instead reinstate Raubahn and allow him to awaken Nanamo. With the sultana now once more awake and aware, she continued her plans to disband the Syndicate and abdicate the throne. In a bid to keep power, Lolorito tried to reason that now was not the time as Garlemald was on the move.

The Scions returned to Ishgard and retrieved the Mana Cutters. From there, with Estinien, they traveled to the Aery. After reaching Nidhogg, they fought on, and only with Estinien's help were they able to fell the beast. Exhausted, the married couple was granted a vision of the past--of the Knights Twelve and the aftermath, where the prince forsook the throne in his regrets. They learned that Nidhogg had lost both eyes then, and returned to Hraesvelger to confront him. There, he revealed that, in sorrow, he had given his eye to his brother to make amends. Wanting nothing more than to be left alone, he left. Now that the war had been brought to a close, and Nidhogg slain, they returned to Ishgard... right on time to end a conflict with the heretics, spilling into the city. Ysayle managed to talk them down, declaring that the war was now over. Quietly, the heretics left, and before the Temple Knights could chase her, Haurchefant redirected their priorities

They then revealed what they knew in private. Sensing civil war coming with nothing to unite the classes now, Aymeric decided that the Holy See needed to answer for their sins. In a bold moved, he decided to go after the Archbishop--revealed to be his father--and the Heaven's Ward. He banked on his heritage saving him and proceeded to the Vault. Edmont was reluctant, but allowed it for the other options were equally grim. Haurchefant sealed the deal by stating that the risk was worth it, for a knight's calling was to defend his people. With renewed purpose, Alphinaud suggested finding allies for Aymeric should they need to break in. So they sought out some low-born people, lead by Hilda the Mongrel. During a conversation with her, however, Ser Charibert arrived and caused a scene. They were forced to fight him, and once they defeated him, he ran off just as Lucia arrived to say that everything was falling apart. They needed to save Aymeric and now.

The Temple Knights secured an entrance to the Vault while Hilda spread rumors to get more soldiers out of the city. So Syhrgeim and Lhuna broke in as a distraction party, aiming to go after Thordan. Meanwhile, Haurchefant, Estinien and Lucia would seek out Aymeric and free him. All went to plan, except that during the attempt to climb the three knights of the Heaven's Ward they ran into all transformed into more powerful enemies. Finally, after defeating Charibert, they found that Thordan was attempting to flee. They chased Charibert and met up with the others, and then when Thordan refused to stay and instead made to get onto his airship, Lhuna, Syhr and Haurchefant decided to go for him.

However, Syhr and Lhuna didn't notice Ser Zephirin transformed on the roof. Haurchefant quickly took notice of the man preparing a spear of light which he aimed toward the larger, beefier Syhrgeim--aiming to kill. He threw his bolt and Haurchefant blocked it. However, the weapon was far stronger than his shield and impaled him while Syhrgeim and Lhuna could only shield themselves. Devastated by their boyfriend now lying there, dying, they stood shocked. Aymeric came and cradled his friend while Syhrgeim fell to her knees. The archbishop and his knights fled, leaving them at the scene of the horrendous crime.

Lhuna frantically tried to heal Haurchefant, but to no avail. Syhr held his hand as he reached for her, while both had tears in their eyes. He stated that heroes like them should smile. Syhr forced one for him, and he smiled back while Lhuna lamented that her spells refused to work. The light left Haurchefant's eyes, and he lay dead before them. Unable to do much more, they left and faced Edmont. He asked them to not apologize, as it was a knight's calling to lay down his life for his comrades. However, he still broke down and sobbed there, causing the mood to grow ever more grim.

From there, they went to speak to Aymeric, who explained what happened. After a vision of the past, he stated it was not his finest moment. Still, the only thing left was to move forward. Aymeric asked them how they were, and Syhrgeim declared that they would have revenge. The archbishop's heart would be pulled out by her hands and the heads of the entire Heaven's Ward would be theirs.

With only the words Azys Lla and the fact they took off in an airship as clues, they took off to the Sea of Clouds to investigate, only to rescue a peaceful Vanu Vanu tribe from Garleans who also sought Azys Lla. Speaking with their chief, they discovered that the key had been devoured by Bismarck, the local Primal, along with the island it was on. With little choice but to face the whale themselves lest Garlemald retrieve the key instead, they concocted a plan--and required Cid's aid in doing it. They decide to tow a small island big enough to fight on behind the Enterprise in order to lure Bismarck, knowing that it is risky. With the aid of the Zundu tribe, they manage to secure a suitable island and take off to do their thing. While the mission is a success, they have to deal with Bismarck ramming the island and his Tempered trying to distract them. While they do managed to finally fight the odds and win, it's a tiring battle.

They key drifts down at the same time another crystal reactivates, causing both women pain as Hydaelyn attempts to speak through a barely-heard and distorted voice. Upon retrieving the key, however, they find their way blocked by none other than Thordan and an Ascian. They wind up bound and the Key taken. The way to Azys Lla is opened with the Heaven's Ward on their way with it. To make matters worse, when they return to Ok'Zundu, the Garleans have launched an attack on the peaceful village. Syhr, Lhuna and Alphinaud attempt to intervene, but are overwhelmed. The new emperor himself arrives, and there's a small debate before the order to execute the Vanu and the heroes is given. Before this can be carried out, explosions force the Emperor and Garleans to retreat. After a brief meeting with Lucia, who had saved them, they make to meet with Cid and take to flight.

It's on this flight that they learn of Lucia's past as a Garlean, her sister Livia's sad tale and Lucia's own treachery to Garlemald. It fills the ride, and Cid welcomes another Garlean, but once they break the cloud barrier there's another problem. A powerful barrier magick of some sort bars their entry, and they are forced to retreat. Returning to Ishgard, they try to devise a way past the barrier. With the Enterprise unable to carry enough crystals to nullify the barrier, they instead turn to piercing it. However, Cid had no idea how to construct the ram necessary, instead thinking the Archons would know more as scholars. They seek out Tataru, who finally has some small news and directs them to meet with Pipin in Ul'dah, who hands over Y'shtola's wand while explaining only Brass Blades and Crystal Braves were recovered from the collapsed tunnel. Urianger brings up the forbidden Flow spell, and while Alphinaud is momentarily hopeful, this is cut short when it's explained why said spell is forbidden: few who use it ever return from the Lifestream.

With the wand at the end of the tunnel, Urianger uses it to track Y'shtola's aetheric signature. It leads to Gridania, and since none have seen her since, he reasons she never emerged. With this information, an audience is sought with Kan-E-Senna. They ask for her aid in saving Y'shtola, for only the Elementals can save the Miqo'te now. She warns them that it will not be easy, as there is naught to identify Y'shtola with, such as a relative. Tataru bursts with excitement and mentions Y'shtola's sister, who is currently in Gridania as they speak. After retrieving her, they all meet under the Everschade where the three Senna siblings entreat the Elementals with Y'mhitra's help. With blinding light, Y'shtola is once more brought into the world and out of the Lifestream. She is wrapped in a blanket and carried off, with her fate left in the balance.

After a few errands for Tataru, they finally meet with the awakened Y'shtola who cannot account for Thancred and Minfilia. She is told of recent events, and while she cannot help directly with the aetheric ram, she knows someone else who could. Tataru returns to Ishgard while Alphinaud and Y'shtola eagerly lead the way on a pilgrimage to the Sharlayan colony in Dravania. There, it's explained that Y'shtola's former master remained, stubbornly refusing to evacuate when Garlean began to launch its invasion on Eorzea. However, they find their home no longer abandoned.

Goblins meet them, and while things are tense at first, the Goblin leader is rather amiable and is happy to welcome them to the newly founded Idyllshire--which is in the process of being rebuilt. If they want help, they must give help, and so they disable sentry golems and are sent after one of Slowfix's friends--who turns out to be none other than Brayflox herself. One hectic fight later, they return and are granted passage and citizenship to Idyllshire. Finally, they continue toward Y'shtola's master.

They are lead to a cave and its garden out front. While they are initially assaulted, they get in with largely no problems and meet Matoya. After a brief reunion and reminiscing on the past, Alphinaud--once again mistaken for his sister--quickly changes the subject to building the aetheric ram and Azys Lla. They briefly discuss what is is and then Matoya points them to the Great Gubal Library and its forbidden section. Lhuna and Syhr are sent ahead while Y'shtola and Alphinaud are forced to remain behind. So they depart to the library, and dig through its many traps and interesting nooks and crannies before finally finding the book they need. Another crystal regains its light.

Tome in hand, they return to Matoya. She furnishes them with plans that, combined with Estinien's Eye of Nidhogg, can carry them safely to Azys Lla. As they leave, Y'shtola is pulled aside and Matoya speaks with her, although Lhuna and Syhr do not overhear what is said.

Returning to Ishgard, they wait for the ram to be built and put on the Enterprise Excelsior. During this time, they go and do their own things, saying good-byes to people in case they don't come back. After that, Syhr, with time to kill, ends up overhearing about a man who died in the tribunal--a dark knight. Through a series of coincidences, she discovers him apparently still alive and willing to train her--something she takes up in a heartbeat when she learns the Dark Knights exist to punish those in Ishgard who would otherwise go unpunished. In the process of learning this, once more donning heavy armor (including a helm that masked her identity), she saved a woman's granddaughter from a slew of Ishgardian knights. All with the help of the mysterious man known as Fray.

With this done, and him promising to train her more when she learns better to harness her inner darkness, she finally returns to the airship docks--once more as a ninja. With everything prepared, they finally take off with Estinien in tow to finally hunt down Thordan and end his reign before is begins. They reach the barrier, and Estinien harnesses the power of the Eye. He is nearly consumed but still manages, and the barrier shatters. However, they quickly find themselves under attack by the Garlean airship waiting below. The barrage is too much, they can't really dodge well.

Suddenly Hraesvelgr suddenly bursts through the clouds with Ysayle. Lhuna, Syhr and Estinien can only watch as she leaps off, transforming into Shiva to freeze the barrage in mid-flight. She damages the ship, but in the end cannot keep it up and exhausts her power. Falling through the air, her body dissolves into the aether and Ysayle is no more--leaving the friends she was unsure she had to lament her passing. All they can do is move ahead into Azys Lla proper, and land.

The Ironworks crew manages to get some of the Allagan stuff up and working, especially with the aid of a node that Wedge affectionately names Gilly. They travel from area to area via teleportation, spying on Garleans momentarily before continuing on. However, before they can find the archbishop, they are hindered because of the Garleans once more interfering. After a fight with van Hydrus himself, only ended when he calls in air support due to Alphinaud summoning a newly made carbuncle, Syhr and Lhuna are told to go ahead and are handed the Eye of Nidhogg just in case they might have some use for it.

They travel ahead, but find that further travel is impossible due to the transport being damaged beyond repair. Trapped, with little to do, Midgardsormr manifests and asks to be taken to see his child imprisoned there. The oblige, and meet Tiamat. There, they learn the horrifying truth of what happened to Bahamut--who was slain by Allag. Distraught, Tiamat and her children cried out and summoned the Elder Primal who was imprisoned. She states that her remaining here is her punishment, and she will do so until the end of days, hoping the two Warriors of Light remain true to their path.

With this, stirring tale, the final crystal awakens once more, bringing forth Hydaelyn's blessing in full--and stronger than ever before. Sensing this, Midgardsormr admits he was right in aiding the Warriors, and so offers them the greatest gift of all: a flight on his back to the central island. Together, the three take off to the aetherochemical research facility, and upon arriving, enter and brave its depths. However, deep within the facility, they do not meet Thordan but instead two Ascians: Lahabrea and Igeyorhm. It is then that the realization is made that much of what they had encountered was always for the purpose of creating a Primal of King Thordand and the Knights Twelve in order to hasten the awakening of Zodiark. With the revelation of what the Echo is, the two Ascians begin a battle, and together the two manage to force them into the form of an Ascian Prime. It's a hard battle, but in the end, they triumph. Before more can happen, though, Syhrgeim tosses some white auracite at Igeyorhm--a gift from Urianger--followed by Lhuna using the Eye of Nidhogg to destroy it and the Ascian within. However, that still leaves Lahabrea, who gloats over the fact the Eye is spent and they have no more white auracite.

It is then the archbishop appears, the Heaven's Ward bearing a casket with an unchanged Prince Haldrath in it--merged with the other Eye. Thordan assumes his Primal form ans transfigures the corpse into a sword which he then uses to harness Lahabrea as energy. Thordan welcomes the Warriors of Light to battle him, and then move onward. They chase him and face him in a rough battle that they manage. He dies, dissolving, along with his Ward. In disbelief, he asks what the two are, unbelieving he could be killed by a mere mortal.

Estinien arrives, and takes up the two Eyes with the intent to take them far away and hide them so they cannot be used for evil again. However, they consume him and the two are helpless to do anything but watch as Nidhogg possesses him and takes off. In the end, all they can do is return to Ishgard on dragonback. Aymeric himself awaits, and they meet each other. Aymeric meets Midgardsormr for the first time, and promises to make every effort at peace between Ishgard and dragons. The Keeper of the Lake warns that Nidhogg will return with Estinien as a vessel, and that this promise will be tested, but Aymeric does not waver. In time, Ishgard rejoins the Eorzean Alliance.

No longer fugitives, the Scions begin to search anew for their missing members while those in Ishgard prepare for the dangers of their religion being shown as a sham. Tataru relays that Riol had found F'lhaminn, Hoary Boulder and Coultenet. There is, however, no trace of Yda and Papalymo except for discarded linkpearls in the streets. There is no news on Minfilia, either, and no signs of Thancred. However, a survivor of the Students of Baldesion is soon to arrive.

Aymeric sends an urgent request, delaying their meeting with the survivor. His faith had been misplaced in the truth, and he is unsure to do. Ishgard is split between many different thoughts and with no common enemy is no unity. So he plans a grand gesture, seeking to send Lucia as an envoy to Vidofnir. This could only be possible, he feels, with The Warriors of Light and Alphinaud aiding her. And they accept, traveling there with little ceremony.

There, they tell Vidofnir of what has happened, and beseech her to come to Ishgard to aid in peace. However, she cannot consent without talking to her sire first and she cannot entreat him without the Gnath being pushed back once more. With nothing more to do, the couple and Alphinaud leave Lucia with the dragons of her own volition to go pick up their new ally.

In Idyllshire, they meet Krile, an old friend of Alphinaud's. She had also been one of Minfilia's closest friends. They speak, and she believes they can find Thancred. However, they need Matoya's Crystal Eye. And so they set out to speak to her, and arrive at her cave. There, they learn that Krile only survived because of her Blessing of Light. Matoya retrieves her Crystal Eye and locates the end of Thancred's trail in the aether at the foot of Sohm Al. Now knowing a location, they take off. Alphinaud creates portraits on the way and they split up in Tailfeather. There, they learn of a man with an axe and that the Vath had recently come asking for finer clothes for someone.

Once they reach the Vath, the Storyteller is reluctant until they speak until they reveal they are looking for a friend. He eagerly tells them about Thancred, and how he had left to the Gnath colony because of Primal activity. Fearing for him, the group took off to rescue him--only to arrive just in time to see Ravana felled by a group of adventurers with ease.

When the warrior clad in black turns toward the newcomers, they cause an Echo off of each other and they receive a vision of the group before an Ascian. When they return to reality, Y'shtola gives warning of the aether moving strangely about them. When asked who they are, they instead attack, and make quick work of the unprepared group. However, suddenly, the Warrior is intercepted by none other than Thancred. The Warriors of Darkness declare they walk a different path, and take off. Krile considers the seriousness of this, and then they retreat to safety themselves where Thancred explains what happened with him. It also becomes obvious the Warriors of Darkness also have the Echo. Still, with no answers, all they can do is speak to Vidofnir and tell her that the Gnath's leader has been felled again while Krile returns to Matoya to find Minfilia. Alphinaud explains what's happened along the way.

Vifodnir has tidings: her sire has stated it's her decision, and so she decides to travel to Ishgard. Along the way back to Ishgard, Thacred deals with the revelation that many are still missing. Y'shtola tells him that all will be made right, but notices his lack of magicks. When they arrive in Ishgard, though, they find someone attempted to assassinate Aymeric. And while he recovers, the city has been attacked by arsonists. The Warriors, the Scions, the Temple Knights, and Hilda's men do their part to find who is responsible, and eventually they track it to a group within the church called the True Brothers of Faith. A priest in the order kidnaps a bunch of people, and a small group is sent within in order to rescue the hostages. The only other option is not an option: Aymeric surrendering himself as guilty of patricide and treason, renouncing what he's stated about the truth of Ishgard and the Dragonsong War and calling for conclave to elect a new archbishop.

Within, the Warriors and allies manage to free the hostages and face the True Sons of Faith, only to end up on the roof where the priest throws the child he had with him over the edge when questioned about his godliness. Before she can fall to her death, however, Vidofnir arrives with amazing timing and carries the girl to safety.

However, Vidofnir comes with a warning from her father: Nidhogg has sung for war, and his brood heeds the call. With that on the horizon, all they can do is hope to be ready when the war comes. Y'shtola delays the return to House Fortemps to explain that Thancred has no magick anymore. At the manor, Atroirel presents them with a shield much like the late Haurchefant's. He also reveals that Edmont will soon be stepping down for Artoirel, who had been at a loss for awhile until reflecting upon his now-dead brother. He would take up his position and use it to give aid to those in need.

When they leave, they find that Tataru and Krile have news: F'lhaminn and her entourage are soon to arrive in Limsa. As well, Krile believes she can find Minfilia, and that Hydaelyn has purposely intervened. Thancred and Krile would sneak into the Praetorium while the Warriors would go greet F'lhaminn. When she is told of Minfilia's disappearance, she momentarily breaks down but recovers. They meet at the Rising Stones, and there realize that things are slowly becoming lively again.

Upon meeting back up with the Krile and Thancred in Idyllshire, she posits that Hydaelyn had used the Flow spell to pull Minfilia to Her--whole. Y'shtola reveals that there is a doorway to the aetherial sea that the Sharlayans had attempted to build, but it has long been incomplete and abandoned. They venture to Matoya to ask how to enter the Anti-tower to seek Minfilia's fate. However, while she does allow entrance, she also only sends the two Warriors ahead and holds everyone else back to help around her cave.

After facing the perils of the magical tower and its guardians (including creepy dolls), they hear Hydaelyn's voice once more and are pulled within the sea to speak with Her. However, to their surprise they find another there: Minfilia, transformed into the Word of the Mother to act as Hydaelyn's voice. She explains things: about Zodiark, the form of the world, how things came to be. Everything she can, including the Ascians' goals. However, unable to hold, Minfilia's form shatters and the duo are forced to return and leave the Anti-tower.

They Scions lament what has happened with Minfilia, and Matoya chastises them because this is, indeed, a war and they have little they can do but move forward in the face of missing and fallen allies. There's no choice but to leave and keep Minfilia's fate from all but Tataru and Urianger. Upon returning to Ishgard, they find plans for a peace conference are under way. Hoping that the two could attend, Aymeric tells them and they are more than happy to go--despite their own feelings about celebrating anything.

So they head to Falcon's Nest to attend the ceremony and arrive early. Lucia oversees the raising of a relief, and welcomes them. However, news soon arrives that the Convictors are not backing down from slaying any dragons that approach. Lucia takes Artoirel to talk them down, leaving Emmanellain in charge of defense. However, a quiet conversation overheard hurts poor Emmanellain's pride, and so he strives to do his best. He asks Thancred and the Warriors to do some menial tasks before disappearing into the crowds. They meet up after they dispatch some wolves, and are released from service to go do as they please. The couple goes to wait in the tavern for Thancred, and a waitress serves them wine. However, the drink is poisoned and both fall to it, only to awaken from an Echo (a group of people lamenting what the truth means for their pain). Thancred rushes them outside, where the waitress is crying for revenge for their losses to the dragons.

Emmanellain panics, and tells a knight to do something. Unfortunately, the equally panicked knight shoots the woman, which sows the seeds of doubt even as Emmanellain retreats. Artoirel and Lucia arrive and can only do damage control. With an indefinite delay ahead of them, Atroirel orders his brother to return and speak to Aymeric himself. However, his dutiful servant and friend is missing. They find him, battered and injured. Emmanellain suffers a breakdown, and lashes out--only to be punched by Thancred.

Upon returning to Ishgard, rumor had flown ahead of them. Aymeric blames his own idealism. They worship Halone, after all. And then he realizes a way to bring Ishgard together: a joint military exercise. A grand melee. Edmont says his son should participate to make amends, but Aymeric cautions that it should be his own choice. Thancred cynically muses that the lovers will be called upon to fight for Ishgard, once more taken for granted, when the meeting ends. However, Syhr shrugs and states she's happy right fight for her friends--and it'll give her a chance against some of the people she's wanted to brawl with.

From there it's recruiting form everywhere in Ishgard. Emmanellain offers to fight himself, on his own. He is tired of not making his own decisions, instead meekly waiting for orders and failure. It's time for him to grow. As Syhr and Lhuna, too, take up arms, Thancred himself is stirred (and proclaims that he thinks he has a crush on Aymeric) but keeps from volunteering as well.

Within days, the grand melee arrives. The rules are explained, and it goes on with the two sides remaining dead even (and the Warriors of Light donning the colors of House Fortemps). Raubahn is even on the field, and all enjoy the task--even when it's interrupted by a cyclops. The Bull of Ala Mhigo takes the chance and brings forth a ring of flame to cut him, Syhrgeim and Lhuna off. With Lhuna now a dragoon, there is no healing. They brawl, and the fight is hard even against a man with one arm. They manage to emerge victorious and win the grand melee for Ishgard, reigniting a sense of excitement and unity.

The peace conference is back on, and Falcon's Nest becomes abuzz with optimism, hope and activity once more. As the conference begins, and Vidofnir lands, there is are over the crowd. There is a bit of speaking, and Aymeric tells of wounds that will not heal and dead that won't come back, but they need to look to the future--for their children and generations before them. then Aymeric unveils the relief: an image of Shiva and Hraesvelgr embracing. Vidofnir is moved greatly by being reminded of her father's beloved.

However, the good mood is suddenly cut short by Nidhogg possessing Estinien. He leaps from on high, impaling Vidofnir in her back for her perceived betrayal and declares he will never allow the peace. Aymeric attempts to strike his former friend down, only for the arrow to fail. The final chorus is nigh, the apparition warns before taking to flight in his own form. The crowds then cry for the death of Nidhogg, once more finding a common enemy now that he has made it known any who do not stand with him stand against him.

The Warriors reconvene with Alphinaud at the Falling Snows in Dragonhead, where Alphinaud refuses to give up on Estinien, instead intending to finally save someone. While apprehensive, Syhr and Lhuna both agree. They are tired of failing those they care about. Syhr toys with being a dark knight for the upcoming war, but decides to brush aside her desire to do so with Estinien serving as a warning.

Y'shtola and Krile do agree there's something left of Estinien, but both express doubt he can be saved. Still, Alphinaud dares to hope, vowing to save Estinien's life even if it risks his own. However, Aymeric reminds them once in Ishgard that Nidhogg possesses both eyes now--and will be much harder to defeat than he was before. Because of this, Aymeric asks for help in beseeching Hraesvelgr for aid. There is little option, despite the difficulty it might pose.

Alphinaud suggests visiting Vidofnir, and so they do. She will heal, much to their relief, but provides no help. So they can only continue on, headed up to the summit of Sohm Al. There they meet Moghan, and he wishes them well before going to speak to Chief Moglin. Then it's off to Zenith.

Hraesvelgr greets them with disdain, and before Aymeric can utter a word shoots down the idea and says that the only reason that he doesn't join Nidhogg is because of Shiva's soul. Alphinaud states that Hraesvelgr should speak plainly if he thinks there's no hope, but there is no denial. However, Alphinaud presses further by saying that his actions with Ysayle shows her thinks people capable of redemption. Aymeric finally finds his words, and speak to Hraesvelgr. He declares all who have done wrong should answer for their deeds, and that he would even kill someone he cared deeply for if it spared many more lives, no matter how much it hurts. When Hraesvelgr is unconvinced still, his father manifests and berates him.

Finally forced to concede when his father calls him on his clinging to his brother's shade as if it were actually Nidhogg returned to life, he tasks them with proving their conviction in Sohr Kai, Ratatoskr's home before her demise. They arrive and must split up for their trials, with Syhr and Lhuna taking their own route through the dangers of the floating place. They run into Chief Moglin and face him, slightly annoyed, and then eventually face Hraesvelgr in the fight of their lives. Finally proving their worth to the wyrm, he is stirred to action. He declares that what hope there is can yet be rekindled or extinguished by the actions ahead. And so they head off to face Nidhogg at last before Ishgard burns.

They arrive to a large battle, with both dragon and man fighting to the death. Artoirel had just begun to lament their loss when Hraesvelgr and his children turn the tide, helping to cut off reinforcements of the Horde. They meet Nidhogg on the Steps of Faith, and Hraesvelgr tries one last time to convince his brother to let go. However, Nidhogg basically does the equivalent of calling Shiva a whore and Hraesvelgr no longer has any doubts as to what must be done. It was basically an exchange of, "YOUR WAIFU IS SHIT" "FUCK YOU" and it was glorious.

The brothers fought, nearly evenly matched in the skies. It was nail-biting to watch. But in the end, Nidhogg ripped off one of Hraesvelgr's wings and he fell. However, as Nidhogg tries to claim his victor, he realizes the deception: Lhuna, garbed as a Summoner once more, now wields an Eye that Hraesvelgr left in her care. Together, the two Warriors of Light charge into battle against Nidhogg. And oh, is it a fight, the ninja and summoner trading heavy blows with the beast. Eventually, Nidhogg takes Estinien's form, drawing on the Azure Dragoon's power. However, he is unable to hold it, and when he begins to fail, Estinien wrestles control back. He begs for them to kill him, but the refuse. Instead, Alphinaud, Lhuna and Syhrgeim try to instead pull the Eyes from his armor. They are unable to alone, but suddenly find a calming presence at hand. Even while the Eyes retaliate, Lhuna and Syhr are aided by their lost lover, while Alphinaud is helped by the woman who thought of him as a brother. Together, they are able to pry the Eyes from the armor--causing an ethereal explosion of power as Nidhogg's weary shade rises and dissipates. The ghosts of Ysayle and Haurchefant watch on, before smiling down at those they cared for. They turned and wandered off to their rest, leaving behind those they cared for, once more safe.

Aymeric calls for them to discard the Eyes into the abyss in a panic, and so they do. Estinien yet lives, and healers are summoned. He personally carries Estinien to safety. Hraesvelgr lands before them and tells them of their victory, of how the Horde has retreated with none to lead. Lhuna returns his eyes and collapses from exhaustion and relief. He commends Lhuna on her skill, stating it was that and not his power that saved them. And so the Dragonsong War ends at last.

All they can do is await news. They visit Estinien, with Alphinaud at his side as much as possible. Aymeric relates the tale of how he met Estinien then, and as he finishes, they receive news of the dragoon awakening. There, they speak to him. He is in control of himself, and he holds nothing back. He says he will be the Azure Dragoon no more. Nidhogg was no more, and so he too would move on. He wondered if what saved him from the same fate as Nidhogg was the friends and loved ones he had gained. He requests time to rest, then, but vanishes when none are looking.

Aymeric's final act as the head of state is to sever church and state, creating the House of Commons and the House or Lords. However, no sooner had he laid the foundation did he find himself suddenly elected the head of the House of Lords. All attempts to refuse the honor was denied by the head of House Durendaire himself. Vidofnir and Vedrfolnir attend his investiture, with Aymeric leaving on his new friend (Vedrfolnir). The scene causes many to hail him as an Azure Dragoon for a new age. Estinien takes his spear and a bouquet of flowers and leaves without a word to reflect on his future.

The Warriors of Light quietly fly over Zenith with Midgardsormr and Hraesvelgr. As they part ways, the latter gives out a might roar, sparking a new song of hope and peace. Edmont finishes penning the story of the Warriors of Light's coming to Ishgard. Soon after, he steps down and Artoirel takes his place.

The Warriors arrive in Ishgard and meet Aymeric at the airship landing. He reflects their current similarities, and then gives good news to them about how the myth now lies in tatters. However, he also wonders for the future of Ishgard, given how he built upon the previous system in a way. However, he also answers that these are questions for him to decide the answer to. He also states that it is not in man's nature to change overnight, and that they must remain careful but vigilant as they press onward. It is not, after all, for them that they do this, but for future generations. After affirming this, Aymeric relays Estinien's disappearance and asks that the two deliver a message should they run into him.

They return to Fortemps manor and end up deciding to go on their own pilgrimage of reflection. I takes them along their path through from arriving in Ishgard to the end of Thordan's Reign. It's a long journey, but seeing the effects brings to mind how much has changed in such a short time. In the end, they arrive at the gravestone of their former lover and kneel in prayer--but only for a moment before standing tall once more, looking out to Ishgard.

The shield still rests against the marker, and below it, fresh lilies. Closing your eyes, you kneel, and breathe deep of the cold northern wind. There you remain for no more than a moment, before rising to take in the view. The city still stands, and so do you. - FFXIV: Heavensward, patch 3.3: "The Burdens We Bear"