#dewlala

[paparitoffxiv]

Finally got around to drawing Dewlala. Thinking early on about other characters that Lolorito and Papashan would interact with and, given Lolorito’s position (an asshole with a ton of money and power, probably surrounded by ass kissers daily), I thought that Dewlala could be a good fit for a “friend”.

More thoughts under the cut.

Though if you would ask either of them they would NEVER call each other that. Colleagues or co-workers, AT BEST! But the fact is that they are two (I believe) pretty smart people in positions of power who don’t have many other people in the same situation who they can just relax and shoot the shit with.

And given that they probably also have pretty different ideologies and opinions on everything (a capitalist and a nun, I mean cmon), they would also be able to have engaging conversations with and even, maybe, have some pretty personal talks that they wouldn’t be able to have with anyone else (under threat of death to each other if any of it is used against them).

I like that Lolorito would have someone who can call his shit out on him when needed. And someone with whom he can be allowed to show more than just a veneer of smugness and pride.

They wouldn’t exactly be nice to each other; in private, he would call her hag and she would call him a dick fart and they would bicker and talk shit about the rest of the Syndicate over a drink and pastries until they were tired of each other’s faces and then do it again next Tuesday.

He probably donates to the Order. She probably gives it straight to ala mhigo refugees to fuck with him.

He makes fun of her taste in hats; she makes fun of his taste in men. You know, friends!

And of course, from the scene where Lolorito comes clean with Raubahn about the whole Nanamo plot, beforehand Dewlala was nagging his ear off to get it done once she figured things out and so HELP HER she will drag him by the ear if she has to!

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

wip-- truce

Dewlala leaned back in her chair.  Her fingers itched to snatch up the spell-foci in front of her—a gift, all but handmade by the Warrior of Light herself, all but peerless among the realms for her spellcrafting--  Instead, the high priestess of Nald’thal throttled her greed, and eyed Riven closely.  She could refuse of course, and demand that Riven leave her presence.  After all, nigh on a decade to settle grudges?  She was well within her rights, and so Riven knew this too.  But then the sultana and others would possibly get involved.  Especially since Nanamo had made no secret of her inviting Riven to a private tea.  The grapevine was in overdrive, had the sultana been able to settle the mighty resentment the Warrior of Light held towards the Monetarists?  Although it was very entertaining to watch Lolorito bend over backwards to appease the brunette’s wrath…

Godbert said he’d been able to talk to her.  And of Riven, Godbert had nothing but the highest praise.  And if this was her way of settling the business from that accursed night…  The lalafell sighed.

“You had every right to be angry.”  She admitted.  Riven’s eyes widened in shock.  “In that, you were correct.  Ultimately one of your friends died as a result of that night.  I would have had a hard time choking down my anger in that situation, even for it being for the good of the realm.  But you understand why, do you not?”

“I didn’t fully at the time, but I do now.”  Riven replied.  “I would ask your forgiveness and understanding, I was wrapped up in my own…naivete as well.”  Dewlala chucked.  She leaned forward to pick up the spell-foci, repressing the urge to squeal in delight.  The stone felt happy beneath her fingers, and oh the intricacy of the metalwork upon it, waiting for fresh spells to be laid into it—

“We were all young at some point.”  She said.  “Young and naïve.”  With the gift of hindsight, Dewlala could only shake her head at the idealistic young woman she’d once been.  It had only been wits and good advice that had kept her from making many bad mistakes at the start of her political career within the city.  And Riven…well.  Teledji and Lolorito’s machinations had drawn first blood and broken her, but Ishgard had reforged her.  A predator sat in the seat facing Dewlala, one who knew now how the upper echelons of society—any society worked—and used that knowledge to her advantage.   With a wry smile, Dewlala eyed Riven’s clothing.  The Warrior was dressed in a very modest set of robes, richly embroidered and dyed in the metallic sky blue that many were beginning to consider her signature color.  Dewlala recognized that it was the work of an up-and-coming seamstress in the U’ldan fashion world. Riven’s hair was still cut short, but it was tastefully arrayed with jeweled hairclips.  Tasteful gold drops in the shape of roses were in her ears, and the rings on her fingers were small and understated.  All possibly made in the city, and given Riven’s tendency to promote those who made her clothing and accessories…

Perhaps a little thick, but then it’s been ten years.  Better for a little overkill than none at all.  And given the situation, perhaps the whole thing was fitting.  Not only was Riven apologizing to Dewlala, but she was making a restitution to Nald’thal.  The crafters who made her garments and jewelry were more than likely staggering now under the weight of the orders that were being flung at them—and in turn, they would come to Nald’thal’s temple to give thanks and make offerings.

Dewlala had to admit, she was impressed.

[yirafiel]

"#1 Trashiest Romance Novel" - The Harbor Herald

"I never expected to find the most reliable picture of modern Eorzean political dynamics in a smut novel" - Dewlala Dewla

thanks xiv twitter

[kaynnvonar]

Dewlala Dewla had requested that Kaynn escort a group of fledgling magi to Thal's Respite so that they may offer their prayers to the Trader there. Kaynn had gone ahead to make sure there were no stray beasts using the cave as shelter, but when he arrived, an ambush greeted him. A group of bandits lay in wait to rob anyone wealthy enough to make the journey. While not their usual mark, the bandits figured even just one mage's robes and staff would still be worth a bit of gil. Before they could strike, however, they were paralyzed with fear as they realized Kaynn wasn't truly alone.

"What seems to be the matter? I'm just one mage after all..."

[semi-imaginary-place]

more job quests

paladin: mylia got friendzoned and solkwyvewrbjn didn't shwo hsi face. a good day. wow they totally pretended the paladin quests just didn't exist (tbf they were bad)

warrior: did we ditch curious gorge who going to be stuck on a ship to the far east for who knows how long. is it me or have the warrior quests gotten progressively more goofy like the maurader ones were pretty serious.

dark knight: esteem totally wrote that letter. are we going to end up in whitebrim? was gundobald one of the one's to witness one of the pc's very public mental breakdowns? *slaps roof of wol* this bad boy can hold so many personalities. fray/esteem, myste, ardbert, the reaper demon, im forgetting someone

monk: oh yeah wasn't widergelt revealed to be a secret prince or something. "please wait for me half way on the other side of the continent" huh weren't they going back to ala ganna anyways. hi lyse. i thought we were setting up a provisional government. how's that going. YES YES YES I am so happy about this, was a little disappointed this didn't happen in sb but i guess it's the structure of the quest system. these are made to be done after 5.0 those were meant to be flexible enough to be done during 4.0. rhalgr's reach is THE temple of the fist of rhalgr and the Resistance is there and I wanted widergelt to go there so badly.

dragoon: baby orn kai

ninja: there's no way this works. karasu better not fake his death a 3rd time. or well tht could be pretty funny actually. spiderman meme. uhh i choose underpants boy. eyyy got that one right i wasn't sure. and the adventures continue. nin is different in that way in the others so way have been about wrapping up loose ends or more like an encore.

samurai: i forgot this storyline.

white mage: a alaqua the worst job questline in the game. what do you mean she wasn't able to take down a treant wasn't the whole thing about how powerful a mage she was. also e sumi still sus af for letting sylphie roam around and take charge of the gatty situation. sooo we're not gonna talk about her dead family at all?

scholar of all jobs is the only one to have combat. i forgot about setoto and h=may have gotten her confused with surito carito

astrologian: so between 3.x and 5.x is less than a year. i'd say this is a deviation from all the politics of 30-50-60 but this did all start with janne's crush on her dad. my aro queen. wish this had more to do with sharlayan as that shows up in 6.0 but well she did fake her death. hope grandpa is ok.

machinist: hilda! I wanted to her to show up in a mch quest. oh hey i have to kill something again remember the bad ol' days where ever job quest was to go kill something

black mage: i feel like the game usually forgets dewlala exists

did the writers forget that cocobuki is like half yayake's age. i don't exactly remember but buki's like 27 and yayake's in her 40s. because buki was never this rude.

summoner once again continues to be the most msq relavent job despite never being featured in the trailers. smh and with the ascian saga ended with ew the devs lost their chance for a summoner meteor. that is the question someone is born (or made in foldora's case also offies zenos also has that implanted echo) to do something well, should they do what they're good at or not?

red mage: still think arya should have minmaxed into thaumaturge/black mage. wow how come its all the magic jobs that get combat. what's to stop other tomb robbers?

wow we really did tell the whole realm that there's multiple worlds and we went to one.

did you know that if you rotate your character near a wall at just the right angle you can see that they are empty inside except for the floating insides of their mouth?

role quest capstone

doing the job capstone. see this is a weird take because up until this point we are led to believe that it was the decimation of the First's native dark aether that unbalanced the shard to light. but here the shadowkeeper is revealed to be from another world (the 13th?). yeh 13th, wasn't that like thousands of years ago tho, well source time who knows about 13th time but that doesn't explain how she's still alive. ah she's echo'd too and friends with unukalhai wonder how he's doing..

these 2 statements seem to contradict each other. is Cyella talking about a symbolic radiance because she was trying to lose. instead of Cylva's death the Flood was triggered by by ardbert killling mitron and longhrif. im assuming cylva was the bait so that the ascians could better control the flood and bring the shard "to the brink" instead of over it as she puts it. ardbert and co then killed themselves and jumped shards. ascians got vauthy to transform the party's corpses into cardinal virtues. time continues to be a mystery. why is she alive. huh her goal was to kill them... uggg i nned to think this over

hmm but the lightwardens didn't have that thrall effect. but then again everyone who came close died. cant tell if sin eater conversion is related or not. oh his dialogue predicts going to the first. should have talked to him earlier woops

[autumnslance]

(Thinking a lot about languages lately, have a small random headcanon that popped into mind...)

Nanamo had a headache.

Her own fault, really, trying to mediate the most recent round of trade negotiations between the Eorzean Alliance and their various new allies. Trying to keep the Monetarists--represented, of course, by Lord Lolorito--reined in was taking all of her patience.

It helped a few of the former Scions were present; G'raha Tia was along with a Sharlayan Forum member, while the Warrior of Light...well, she'd been roped into it, unfortunately, while visiting to aid Nanamo's pet project.

They were both itching to continue their adventure into the tunnels below the city, but this day's meeting had to be brought to a close first. And that meant surviving this working lunch where the various delegates spoke casually while making their cutthroat deals.

Nanamo noted that Aeryn was watching the proceedings with a thoughtful frown; not one of impatience, the Sultana thought, as she watched her friend's eyes flick around the delegates.

G'raha sidled up to Aeryn, his own ruby gaze taking in the room. Then he spoke, quietly as befit the murmuring tones of the room--though the only word Nanamo thought she could identify was 'Thavnairian.'

As a child ruler, Nanamo had been subjected to moons of language studies, to be diplomatically conversant in a variety of common tongues. She could not claim true fluency in any, but she knew enough of a half dozen languages to get by with the ambassadors sent to her palace, or when she had a need to visit other nations.

Whatever G'raha was saying was absolutely outside of Nanamo's experiences and understanding; certainly unlike any language she had ever heard. It was likely from that other realm he had once pulled his comrades to.

Aeryn's response was more familiar, but too quiet, rapid, and specific for Nanamo to glean more than a basic understanding. Something about the Nagxian delegation.

G'raha nodded and made his way to Lady Yugiri. Aeryn sighed and drank from her glass, attempting to avoid conversation with any of the delegate...at least until the hrothgar bodyguard of the Bozjan leaders stepped up, and she gave him a genuinely warm greeting as he hailed her in his own language.

The Echo was certainly handy in some ways, Nanamo thought, before turning her attention back to the urgently gesticulating Dewlala and whatever Lolorito was up to now.

She was definitely going to need something for this headache.

[tri-toxikon]

Rali Fresa and Dewlala for Magical March day 10: jungle !! They're based on rafflesia and sundew respectively :>

[roegadynroost]

FFXIVwrite 2023 - 16 Jerk

The journey that resulted in the defeat of Thordan and his Heavensward had come to an end. The threat of the Ascians Igeyorhm and Lahabrea was no more, and Ishgard had once again become a member of the Eorzea alliance. 

Though much work was still left to be done, the danger of Nidhogg once again looming, Steel and the other brave warriors of Bloum were given a bit of time to themselves. She did not question. With Estinien serving as the vessel to the bastard wyrm, it was only a matter of time before things became heated again. She would not squander her vacation. 

So to her small apartment in the Shroud she did return, after a quick stop in Gridania to check with her retainers. Steel, after finding their work in order as usual disappeared to the Lavender Beds for what she hoped would be a week of catching up on rest. 

She set a pot of tea, using herbs from her personal collection, and went to her desk, apprising the papers she had left before her leaving. As nothing seemed to be dire, she took out her journal and penned the most outstanding of her journeys and life events. The sun had long set by the time she began to feel tired, but alas she let herself rest then and only then.

Steel slept in until well past noon the next day, only bothering to rise when there came a knocking at her door. She jolted away immediate, grabbing for her silken dressing gown and going to see who was calling for her. Could it be that the scions needed her already?

No.

The courier was all smiles, though Steel herself was only half awake while she signed his ledger for the delivery. A basket of flowers. When finally alone again she quickly deposited them on her desk. She needed to get breakfast before she dealt with anything more. Brewing herself a cup of tea took no time at all getting out her breakfast was simple enough. Bread with a bit of herbal butter.

Steel plucked the card from the flowers, finding it empty other thank a quickly scrawled signature.

Skah'to Rahn. 

Steel paused mid-sip, finding herself smiling. Though they're gone about their adventures as if naught had happened, she still found herself worrying that she'd overstepped with her Miqo'te friend. 

---

"Well, what are you going to do when playing by their rules gets more of our allies hurt?" Skah'to had chidded, and Steel was quiet for a while. 

"None of us take on the work without knowledge of the risk Skah'to." Steel replied. There was more she wanted to say, but the ordeal was leaving her mentally frazzled. Surely he realized none of them enjoyed the politics right? Save maybe Alphinaud, the boy seemed all to happy to wag his golden tongue at times.

Skah'to chuffed and paced a bit before taking a seat on the chair nearest him that he'd not acosted, tail still wriggling to and fro. At least he wasn't trying to get back inside. Steel took the small victory, her posture softening just a bit. It was quiet, other than the sound of her armour as it clinked with her movements. She'd leaned against the stoop outside the hut. 

They'd spent the rest of their time outside in quiet. Even once Lororito and Dewlala had made to leave, followed by the Raubahn, the traitor Meriel, Pipin and Papashan had made to leave, he didn't look back at them.

Yugiri and Alphinaud apprised them of the situation, Raubahn being reinstated as the General of the Flames. They'd wasted no time in catching up to the others, and going on with their adventurers after that. Once the scheming lalafell was no longer around, it didn't take too long to things to start getting back to how they were, but still it did not sit right with her.

She'd worried about it for a long while. But not anymore.

[jefarawol]

We waited patiently for Raubahn to be seen and suitable clothing to be aqquirred. I worried that the general may not be able to function as he could before. How does one cope with the loss of a limb like that?

I cannot complain. Thanks to Higiri and her ministrations, I've regained much of the strength I lost during my imprisonment.

I gather you have made progress in the search for Her Grace.

Aye, some good fortune at last. A few days past, Dewlala informed us that a sizable shipment of alchemical supplies had been delivered to the palace.

With Papashan's assistance, I set out to ascertain the source and nature of the shipment. My inquiries led me to Frondale's Phrontistery. There I learned that an order had been placed for a curious substance designed to sustain patients trapped in deathlike slumber─an invention of the former head alchemist, apparently.

A deathlike slumber...? This cannot be a coincidence!

It lends some weight to Dewlala's claims, aye. Her Grace is likely somewhere within the palace─abed but alive.

Before making any attempt to extricate the sultana, however, it seemed prudent to learn what manner of substance was used to induce her torpor. To that end, I made inquiries as to the whereabouts of the one most like to have administered it─the lady-in-waiting, Meriel.

We shall find our cat's-paw in the Silver Bazaar.Raubahn: But we must tread carefully. The market is not the bustling place it once was, and someone is sure to mark our coming. Should they inform the Monetarists, we'll have a fight on our hands.

We must be prepared for the worst─and being short an arm, I thought it wise to take another in its stead. What say you, Warrior of Light? Will you lend me yours?

Of course I will. I, for one, would like to not have Regicide still charged against my name. I will lend you me sword should you need it.

Then I pity the bastard that stands in our way. Come, my friends! For Nanamo...and for Ul'dah!

[queenraikichi94]

Raubahn, Kaewaly and Pipin are ready for the Starlight Celebration! They will celebrate it also with Zasha (Kaewaly and Raubahn's baby daughter) but in the moment of this photo, she was sleeping at Dewlala's house

[merfolk-are-the-best-folk]

FFXIVWrite2021 Prompt 3: Scale

As the door to the hidden chamber opened to let a small shadow slip through the opening, a sliver of light illuminated the solemn scenery hidden in half-dark for just a moment. It revealed a mostly empty room, dominated by a big bed that was way too oversized for the person resting in it, trapped in an everlasting slumber.

The small shadow stepped up to the nightstand next to the bed, which was adorned with a golden scale, richly embellished and decorated with gemstones. Candles were placed on both pans, and with a small snap of the fingers, the shadow summoned a small flame, lighting them up.

The faint, flickering light illuminated the face of the woman and reflected off the bespectacled eyes.

Dewlala Dewla, the Head of the Order of Nald'Thal, sighed before she spoke a small prayer. Her heart, normally steeled by years of backdoor politics and the work for the god of the dead, always sank for just a bit when she came here. But she would not let that oaf Lolorito handle the delicate process to measure up the tonic that kept the Sultana just on the brink between the realm of the living and the dead.

No, only she was to be trusted with this. So she opened the drawer, revealing a small assortment of tools to administer the... medicine. But just as she began to mix up the concoction, a small sigh escaped the lips of the resting sultana, startling the other Lalafell dead in her tracks.

Dewlala could not help to take a break from her work, turning her gaze to the young sultana. She was maybe half her age, even though this was hard to notice for anyone, since Lalafell tended to be graced with a long-lasting youthful appearance. But in these few years, she had seen so much hardship. Even though she had been a thorn in the side of quite a few endeavors of the Syndicate, even though her last decision would've thrown Ul'dah into quite possible a civil war, the priestess could not help but acknowledge her resolve.

But alas, the balance had to be restored. Luckily, the sultana did not overplay her hand as much as that ineffable swine, Teledji. Maybe one day the sultana would be allowed back to the realm of the living, but only time would tell.

"Not that I want to experience it first hand, but I cannot shake off the curiosity about what would have happened if we had allowed you to move forward, sultana.", Dewlala mumbled.

The sultana stayed silent.

It really was an unfortunate situation, the priestess thought to herself. And one her god was certainly not smiling upon. Neither Nald, nor Thal could have been happy with the sultana being trapped from both of their realms. But as she continued to prepare the tonic, she insisted that it was necessary to keep the balance.

She once again turned to the sultana. What would happen if she were to wake? What would happen if she were to die? Both options could be considered to be merciful ones.

And Dewlala was currently capable of bringing forth both alternatives.

Maybe she should let the sultana have her eternal rest? Maybe this one death would counteract many possible deaths in the future. And what awaited her in this life? Her foundation, her most important aide was imprisoned and maimed. The people she once trusted had disappeared between the cracks of Eorzea or fled to Ishgard. She would just suffer, and maybe break. This was no life for the puppet that so badly tried to cut her strings and ended up strangling herself with them.

"Maybe I should just let you go." The voice of the priestess once again disturbed the silence ever so softly.

The sultana stayed silent.

No. She had no right to decide this. Lolorito had even less. The sultana was the rightful heir of the house of Ul. She was the one the twins had decided to rule the city-state. Her crest was adorned with the very symbol of the god Dewlala served. Maybe her fear of progress did push her to side with Lolorito? Maybe what she had done had been wrong? But didn't she save countless lives with the decision to stop her? Ul'dah was in a state of unrest following the loss of the sultana. The situation had grown worse with each week after the banquet. The plans of the Monetarists to bring Ul'dah back to glory stood on shaky grounds at best.

Was the one thing the city-state really needed, her ruler?

The pans of the golden scale slowly rose and sank under the changing weight of the burning candles, just as Dewlala's mind swayed from one point to the other. This was no decision to be made lightly. And whatever she did, it would have lasting consequences for so many people. Not only in Ul'dah, but in Eorzea. And maybe even in all of Hydaelyn.

The priestess shook her head. Swiftly she finished the preparation of the tonic and then closed the drawer. Today was not the day to make this decision. The balance had to be protected.

She took the vial and leaned over to the bed. The sultana lied below her. And just as her eyelids began to flutter in an ever so slowly lightening slumber, Dewlala administered the poison.

Within not even a minute, the breath of the sultana slowed down to a crawl, pushing her back down into the abyss between the realms.

"I hope one day, you can forgive me, your highness. I hope one day, you will understand.", Dewlala mumbled as she extinguished the candles and made her way out of the room.

The sultana stayed silent.

[potassium-pilot]

FFXIVWrite 2022, Day 19: Turn a Blind Eye

It was a scorching hot day in Ul’dah, the Syndicate meeting this day to discuss the usual politics. As normal, Nanamo sat at the head of the table, and Pipin to her side. Once the meeting came to order, discussion began.

“Our first order of business is the Ala Mhigan people”, Nanamo stated with her usual professional tone.

“Ah yes”, Lolorito began, “That investment is coming along nicely. The salt trade has picked up once again, and the businesses are thriving. I daresay it may become a civilization again soon. Not the most impressive one, mind you, but a start.”

“Of course”, Nanamo attempted to hide her disdain for the idea of treating real Ala Mhigan people as an investment, swallowing her contempt, and moving on. “With that in mind, we still have refugees that await succor outside, and transportation efforts by the Immortal Flames to return them home have been ongoing.”

“Indeed, Your Grace”, Dewlala chimed in, “Soon, the refugees shall not harry us further, and we may return to some semblance of peace.”

Even though Nanamo had not a single problem with the refugees other than Ul’dah’s internal problems making it hard for them, still, she swallowed her pride. “Very well. Was there any other issue that anyone wished to bring up?”

“I have one, if Your Grace would allow me”, Dewlala spoke up.

“Of course”, Nanamo allowed, “Please, state your business.”

“Thank you. My issue concerns not profit, but security.”

That confused Nanamo. The universe was saved. “Are you accusing the Immortal Flames of some failure in procedure?”

“I do not. The Immortal Flames continue to provide the finest security that Ul’dah could ever ask.”

“Then what issue with security do you have?”

“The Warrior of Light.”

That raised eyebrows of everyone in the Syndicate. “I beg your pardon?” Nanamo asked.

“When the Scions were focused entirely on world-saving efforts, it was easy to dismiss whatever concerns I may have had. After all, she was far too busy with the efforts to fell dragons and stop wars and defeat Ascians. Now, all these threats have been quelled, and to make things worse, the Scions have announced their disbandment.”

Nanamo blinked. “If the concern is that of possible primal encounters, please keep in mind that the alchemists of Radz-at-Han have already created a way to prevent tempering so that anyone strong enough could fight any possible primals that may appear in the future. Not to mention that with our agreement of the Grand Company of Eorzea, primal summonings seem far less likely to happen.”

Dewlala sighed. “I was hoping I would not have to be blunt about this.”

“About what?” Pipin asked.

“The Warrior of Light is a threat and I move that we should contain that threat.”

Jaws dropped. “What do you mean?” Godbert asked. “What has she done that would possibly make her a threat?”

“Think about it. This woman has travelled to the end of creation itself and destroyed the fall of all civilization. That’s untold power resting in the heart of one woman. Don’t you think the risk of her setting eyes on domination is there?”

“I do not. Not when my darling Julyann has scared her off with her frying pan before. Understandably so.”

“Aside from that, Ishgard reports that Dia is recovering from grievous injuries in the care of their chirurgeons. She’s not invincible”, Pipin added in ardent defense of his friend.

“And may I remind you of what happened last time we tried to contain any of those Scions?” Lolorito added as well. “Needless to say, I’m still trying to make amends with the group, even after their separation.”

“And the Amajina and Sons Mineral Concern owes much and more to her for braving ruins to save our people. I cannot rightly say that she is indeed a threat”, Fyrgeiss chimed in.

“You all are relying too much on the past”, Dewlala declared. “Yes, she has done these things for us before, but the power to overthrow any government rests within her. She has the support of the people, she has the physical strength, and she has very good reason to want to change Ul’dah. Especially because of your actions, Lord Lolorito. Does it not seem prudent to assume that maybe, just maybe, if not full containment, then an extra set of eyes in the case that she should get any ideas?”

“It’s hard to keep eyes on a woman who is beholden to no nation”, Nanamo countered, “Nor do I see any reason to worry that she would do anything of the sort. Are you not aware of the development that Dia has retired the title of Warrior of Light?”

That made Dewlala raise her eyebrows. “…no, Your Grace. I was not.”

“I would assume that anyone who would wish to overthrow any nation would continue to use such a title to her advantage. People know and love the Warrior of Light, and not for no reason. She has established a reputation for her efforts. Would it not seem prudent for someone who has such a reputation to continue pressing it?”

“…if she is not the Warrior of Light anymore, then what is she?”

“Simple. She’s Dia Sito, a famed adventurer.”

Dewlala became perplexed. “All that power…she saw the end of the universe itself…and she would simply continue being a lowly adventurer?”

“Correct”, Pipin answered. “If you knew anything of the woman, you would understand why.”

“Forgive me, but that seems incredulous. More likely to me is the idea that she simply has put on a ruse to bring down suspicion against her.”

“Dia’s not known for sneaking”, Godbert countered, “She won’t oil herself down like my son once did, and to her downfall, if you ask me.”

“And as you may or may not know, she is romantically involved with one of the leaders of the Eorzean Alliance. Breaking apart this alliance by overthrowing governments seems entirely out of the interest of someone so personally involved”, Nanamo kept defending. “She is my friend and friend to many in this room.” The rest of the room nodded except for Dewlala. “There simply are far too many personal consequences for her to even consider it, and knowing her, she has no interest in such a thing. Don’t you also believe that politics may not interest someone who has gone so far beyond them?”

Dewlala remained silent. Clearly, she was not going to win this fight.

“I move we end discussion of this with a vote and move onto any other concerns”, Godbert proposed.

“Very well”, Nanamo replied, “All in favor of Dewlala’s proposal to contain Dia Sito?”

Not a hand was raised except for Dewlala’s.

“All opposed?”

Every hand except Dewlala’s raised.

“Then it is agreed by the majority. Dia Sito is not a threat, and to contain her would be folly. Now, are there other topics?”

Financial concerns came and went. Soon, the meeting was done, and everyone started returning to their own business. As Dewlala walked, Lolorito appeared and asked, “Is that what had bothered you so this past week?”

She nodded. “I’m still unconvinced that her motives are entirely pure.”

“I can assure you that they are, having heard the reports from my associate in the Far East. Though you seem preoccupied with the notion that she’ll have nothing better to do, yes?”

“That’s right.”

“I can also assure you that she will soon.”

Dewlala’s snapped her gaze from the floor to Lolorito. “Wh…are you quite sure?”

“Very much so. The word is that for the first time in centuries, she may visit Meracydia.”

“Meracydia?”

“The very same. After all, she and the erstwhile Scions freed Tiamat from the Allagan prison structures. It’s time to see how that returns.”

Dewlala learned perhaps a bit too much about the former Warrior of Light. “That…does make me feel better. Thank you.”

“Take heart, Prioress. She shan’t trouble anyone in our fair city. Not that she ever would.”

Dewlala nodded and watched Lolorito walk away to return to his office for the East Aldenard trading company.

[themidlandcabbage]

[haillenarte]

rescuing raubahn;

By request, here are translations from the main story quests “In Search of Raubahn” and “Keeping the Flame Alive” — or, in more familiar terms, the patch 3.0 Raubahn rescue mission.

I’m sorry this took quite a while! This was requested sometime around Christmas, but between the holidays, Final Fantasy XV, Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and obligations from work and school, I kept putting it off. I feel doubly bad because this particular requester actually donated to my tip jar, but that... didn’t expedite the translation process... because I’m an idiot...

As usual, I’ve provided the Japanese text, my own translation below, and the official English localization in blockquotes. However, I’m missing a lot of the English lines from this particular part of 3.0 — mostly from the rescue instance itself. 

I was not sure what the requester was looking for, or what they expected to see from the Japanese text of this questline, so for this particular translation I have prioritized loyalty to the Japanese above most else. It tends towards being overly literal at times, but I hope not to a distracting degree.

IN SEARCH OF RAUBAHN “in search of raubahn”

ドウワレ : ……そろったようだな。 こうして「暁」のお二方とともに、��士道」に背きし、 裏切り者に立ち向かえること、心の底より喜んでいる次第だ。 ドウワレ : 肝心の「ユユハセ」らの行方だが…… 奴らは、南の「ハラタリ修練所」に向かったようだ。 ドウワレ : かの地は「コロセウム財団」の施設だが、 例の一件以後は、砂蠍衆のロロリト殿が管理していたらしい。 そんな場所に武装兵が向かったとなると、いよいよ怪しい。 ドウワレ : 「ハラタリ修練所」の様子は、 我が同志「ホウザン」が見張っている。 彼の下に急ごう。 DOWARE: ...It seems we have all arrived. I confess, I am delighted by this opportunity to confront the traitors alongside your members of the Scions. It is ever my duty to punish those that have forsaken their codes of honor. DOWARE: Yuyuhase and his men are headed toward Halatali, to the south. DOWARE: Halatali is a training ground for Ul’dahn gladiators, but we believe it has fallen under Lord Lolorito’s management. It is unusual for armed soldiers to be guarding the place. DOWARE: Hozan is presently keeping watch over the entrance. Let us make haste and join him.

LOCALIZATION Doware: I have been expecting you. Time is of the essence, so I shall be direct. Doware: Yuyuhase and his men are bound for Halatali. Doware: We believe that this is where they intend to carry out the execution. Doware: My colleague, Hozan, is presently keeping watch over the entrance. Let us make haste and join him.

ホウザン : 良いところに来てくださいました。 先ほど、クリスタルブレイブ総隊長、イルベルドがやって来て、 修練所に入ったところです。 ホウザン : これはもう「アタリ」ですな。 ラウバーン殿は、「ハラタリ修練所」に収監されていると見て、 まず間違いないでしょう……。 ホウザン : 相手の出方次第ではありますが、 突入するとなれば、荒事になりましょう。 ホウザン : あの御方も来てくださる手はずですが、 戦の備えだけは、ぬかりなくお願いします。 それでは、準備が整いましたら、お声がけください。 HOZAN: You come at a good time. Just now, Crystal Brave Commander Ilberd arrived and entered the training grounds. HOZAN: Now is our time to strike. We are now certain that General Raubahn is being held somewhere within Halatali. HOZAN: Once we have secured the movements of our enemies, we will storm the gates and show them the full force of our fury. HOZAN: We will need your assistance as well, friend. Please prepare for battle, and proceed with caution. Tell me when you are ready.

LOCALIZATION Hozan: You come at a good time, my friends. But moments ago, the traitor Ilberd arrived and entered Halatali. Hozan: From this, we may be certain that General Raubahn is being held within. Hozan: There is no time to lose─General Aldynn may be executed at any moment. You must enter Halatali and free him from his captors. Hozan: Please see to your preparations, and tell me when you are ready to proceed. One of our own will accompany you inside.

アルフィノ : ラウバーン局長の「コロセウム財団」が保有する場所を、 処刑場所に選ぶとは……イルベルドめ、何と趣味が悪い。 ALPHINAUD: The very idea that Ilberd would use one of Raubahn’s own territories as an execution ground... Truly, he is a man of repulsive taste.

LOCALIZATION Alphinaud: Raubahn's ties to Halatali are well known. That Ilberd should choose this of all places to stage his execution is no coincidence. The fiend... Are there no depths to which he will not stoop?

ユウギリ : ……待たせたな。 アルフィノ : ユウギリ殿！ ユウギリ : フフッ……。 少し見ぬ間に、アルフィノ殿の眼にも、 武人の輝きが戻ってきた様子……。 アルフィノ : あの時は、情けない姿を見せてしまった。 しかし、いつまでも落ち込んではいられないからね。 ……それに、今の私には仲間がいる。 ユウギリ : 一連の騒動の後、我らドマの忍びは、 行方知れずとなった「暁」の者らを探すため、 クリスタルブレイブの動向を監視していたのだ。 ユウギリ : 未だ、ミンフィリア殿や賢人の皆については、 有力な情報が得られてはおらぬのだが……。 アルフィノ : ラウバーン局長を救出することは、 ウルダハにとっても、「暁」にとっても、大きな収穫さ。 ユウギリ : ホウザン、お主はドウワレやヒギリとともに、 入口の警備を引きつけよ。 ラウバーン殿の救出は、我ら3人で行う！ ユウギリ : ……参るぞ！ YUGIRI: Forgive me my lateness. ALPHINAUD: Lady Yugiri! YUGIRI: <giggle>... Master Alphinaud, I am pleased to see that the warrior’s spirit shines in your eyes once more.  ALPHINAUD: How pitiful I must have looked when last we met! But I could not wallow in my misery forever. ...Moreover, I now have comrades to stand by my side. YUGIRI: After the events at the Ul’dahn banquet, my fellow shinobi and I have shadowed the Crystal Braves’ every step in hopes of locating the missing Scions. YUGIRI: Unfortunately, we have not yet been able to learn anything about Minfilia or the Sharlayans...  ALPHINAUD: It is enough that we can rescue Raubahn now. Believe me, you have done us all a great service. YUGIRI: Hozan. You, Doware, and Higiri will draw the attention of the guards at the entrance. The three of us will rescue Raubahn. YUGIRI: ...With me!

LOCALIZATION Yugiri: Pray forgive me my lateness. Alphinaud: Lady Yugiri! Yugiri: Master Alphinaud. I am pleased to see that the light of resolve shines in your eyes once more. Alphinaud: Ah, yes... How pathetic I must have seemed to you when we last met. I am ashamed to recall it. For a time I was well and truly lost. But with the aid of my comrades, I have since refound my purpose, and I shall take care not to misplace it again. Yugiri: Since your escape from Ul'dah, my fellow shinobi and I have shadowed the Crystal Braves' every step in hopes of learning the Scions' whereabouts. Yugiri: Regrettably, our investigation has yet to yield any useful information. Pray forgive us. Alphinaud: You need not apologize, my lady─we are grateful for all that you have done on our behalf. Besides, Raubahn is no less a friend, and we cannot well abandon him to his fate. Yugiri: Hozan─the three of us shall attend to the Flame General's rescue. Pray draw away the guards by the entrance. Take Doware and Higiri with you. Yugiri: With me!

アルフィノ : やはり、コロセウム財団の職員の姿はなしか……。 気をつけろ……イルベルド配下の兵が潜んでいるはずだ。 霧隠のユウギリ : <Player>殿、先導を任せる。 ALPHINAUD: The Coliseum staff is conspicuously absent... Be on your guard. Ilberd’s men must be lurking nearby. YUGIRI MISTWALKER: <Player>, the lead is yours. We shall follow.

霧隠のユウギリ : いたぞ、ラウバーン殿だ！ しかし妙だな……警備が手薄すぎる……。 アルフィノ : ご無事ですか、ラウバーン局長！ ラウバーン : ぐっ……お、お前たち……。 来てくれた……のか……。 YUGIRI MISTWALKER: General Raubahn is here! And yet, how strange... the security here is much too thin... ALPHINAUD: Are you unharmed, General? RAUBAHN: <cough>... Y-You all... You came... for me...?

ユウギ��� : 魔導装置で拘束されておられるようだ。 無理矢理に破壊すれば、何が起きるか……。 アルフィノ : 拘束を解くための認証鍵を、 クリスタルブレイブの隊員が持っているはず。 手分けして、奴らを探そう！ YUGIRI: He is bound by some manner of magitek device. But if we force it open, who knows what might happen...? ALPHINAUD: The Crystal Braves should have the device’s authentication key. Let us split up and search for them.

LOCALIZATION Yugiri: He is bound by some manner of magitek device. Yet I dare not force it open─it may well be booby-trapped. Alphinaud: I have heard of such devices. The Crystal Braves will possess the key. Let us split up and look for it.

ユユハセ : その必要は、ありませんよ。 ユユハセ : 個人的な怨みはありませんが、これも仕事でしてね。 私たち家族が、貧困から這い上がり生き残るためには、 汚れ仕事であっても、貴重なんです。 ユユハセ : 大丈夫……苦しみはしません。 錬金術師ギルド特製の「毒霧」で、 安らかにザル神の御許に旅立ってください……。 YUYUHASE: That will not be necessary. YUYUHASE: I have no ill will towards any of you, but this, too, is simply work. You see, I was born into a family constrained by the fetters of poverty. I’m afraid I learned from a very early age that even foul jobs have value. YUYUHASE: Fret not — you shall not suffer for long. This poisonous mist was specially made by the Alchemist’s Guild. May it deliver you safely to Thal’s realm.

LOCALIZATION ???: That will not be necessary. Yuyuhase: Pray do not take it personally, my friends. You are the victims of harsh economic conditions. Yuyuhase: Happily, you will not suffer for long. This poison will convey you swiftly unto the bosom of Thal, where I hope to join you, after the passing of many prosperous years.

霧隠のユウギリ : くっ、東方水薬の効果が薄い……！ 毒霧の効用だというのか！？ 金眼のユユハセ : あまり、見苦しい真似はなさらぬことです……。 それではご機嫌よう……。 YUGIRI MISTWALKER: A poisonous mist?! My Doman antidotes were not made to counteract anything like this... YUYUHASE OF THE GOLDEN EYE: Pray do not struggle in too unsightly a manner. And with that, I wish you all the best...

ラウバーン : ゲホッ……ゲホッ……。 き、貴様らだけでも……逃げるのだ……。 アルフィノ : <Player>！ 鉄柵を破壊して、奴を追うぞ！ アルフィノ : くそっ、毒素を好む魔物が！？ RAUBAHN: <cough><cough>... Run... while you still can... ALPHINAUD: <Player>! Let us destroy this gate and give chase! ALPHINAUD: That fiend! He certainly has a taste for poisons!

アルフィノ : よし、鉄柵を破壊したぞ！ 霧隠のユウギリ : だが、まだ毒霧の発生が続いている。 根源を破壊し、止めなければ！ 霧隠のユウギリ : 私がラウバーン殿の応急手当をしよう。 毒霧の根源の排除と、認証鍵の入手を頼む！ ラウバーン : クリスタルブレイブの隊員が…… この装置を解く鍵を……持っているはずだ……。 ALPHINAUD: We’ve done it! We’ve destroyed the gate! YUGIRI MISTWALKER: But this poisonous air is still being generated. We must needs destroy it at its source! YUGIRI MISTWALKER: I will administer medicines to General Raubahn. You must eliminate the source of this fog, and then acquire the key to this device! RAUBAHN: The Braves... The Braves have the key...

アルフィノ : 毒霧噴霧器は破壊した！　いい調子だぞ！ 霧隠のユウギリ : よし、毒霧が晴れたぞ！ アルフィノ : 次は、ラウバーン局長を捕らえている、 「魔導装置の認証鍵」を探すんだ！ ALPHINAUD: Excellent! The generator is destroyed! YUGIRI MISTWALKER: The poisonous mist is clearing up! ALPHINAUD: Now we must free Raubahn. Let us search for this magitek authorization key!

クリスタルブレイブの槍術士 : あの毒霧を切り抜けたというのか！ クリスタルブレイブの弓術士 : 仕方あるまい、我らの手で！ CRYSTAL BRAVE LANCER: They survived the poison?! CRYSTAL BRAVE ARCHER: Then they die by our hands!

アルフィノ : それが「魔導装置の認証鍵」！？ さあ、ラウバーン局長の下へ急ごう！ ALPHINAUD: Is that the key? Then let us return to the Flame General's cell!

ラウバーン : すまない……助かった……。 ゴホッ……ゴホッ……。 アルフィノ : ラウバーン局長、無理をなさらずに……。 ユウギリ : よし、脱出するぞ！ RAUBAHN: I am sorry... and I thank... <cough> <cough> ALPHINAUD: Do not push yourself, General. YUGIRI: Let us be rid of this place.

LOCALIZATION Raubahn: My...thanks... <cough> Alphinaud: Slowly, General. You are yet weak from your ordeal. Yugiri: Nevertheless, we must quit this place.

イルベルド : さすがは英雄殿……。 小細工では始末できぬか……。 アルフィノ : イルベルド！　貴様ッ……！ イルベルド : 我が道を征かんとするなら、やはり自らの手で、 障害を打ち払わねばならんか……。 仕方あるまい……。 イルベルド : 来い、暁の残滓ども！ 今、ここで！　その灯火を消し去ってくれる！ ILBERD: As expected of the Warrior of Light... I suppose one cannot expect to dispose of a hero with clever artifice. ALPHINAUD: Ilberd! ILBERD: Must I remove all things in my path with my own two hands? Very well, if there are no alternatives... ILBERD: Come at me, vestigial Scions! Here and now, I will erase your feeble light!

LOCALIZATION Ilberd: I should have known. What are clever contrivances to the Warrior of Light? ...Well done, hero. Alphinaud: Ilberd... Ilberd: You mean to struggle on, then? Very well. If you would stand in my way, I will cut you down like all the rest. Ilberd: Come, Scions─let's get this over with.

壊剣のイルベルド : 女王暗殺犯を始末する！ 総員、かかれ！ 金眼のユユハセ : 生き残るため、やられはしませんよ！ 左党のローレンティス : はははっ！ やっぱり、僕は英雄になんてなれないんだ……だからッ！ ラウバーン : ええい……身体が……。 獄中生活で、萎えたとでもいうのか……。 ILBERD THE DULLBLADE: With me, Crystal Braves! We strike down the sultana’s assassin! YUYUHASE OF THE GOLDEN EYE: I will not fail!

I have no idea what Yuyuhase says in English here, but I think “For coin and country!” would be a good alternative. 

LEGLESS LAURENTIUS: Hahaha! I knew, I knew I could be no hero... I...! RAUBAHN: Ugh... my body... isn’t what it used to be...

イルベルド : ここまできて、悪あがきを……！ アルフィノ : そこまでだ、イルベルド！ 剣を捨て、投降しろ！ イルベルド : 投降だと……？ 女王陛下暗殺に関与した罪人がよく言う！ 投降すべきは、そちらの方ではないか！ アルフィノ : さて、そもそもナナモ陛下は「暗殺」されたのか…… そちらも、一枚岩ではなさそうにお見受けするが？ イルベルド : ……さかしいガキが。 ILBERD: Tch! Your resistance is futile! ALPHINAUD: It is over, Ilberd! Drop your sword and surrender! ILBERD: Surrender...? Hah! Fitting words from those who assassinated the sultana! Aren’t you the ones who should surrender?! ALPHINAUD: You speak of the sultana’s assassination, but I wonder... did an assassination even take place at all? ILBERD: ...Clever little brat.

LOCALIZATION Ilberd: This changes nothing! Alphinaud: It is over, Ilberd! Lay down your arms and surrender yourself to justice! Ilberd: Justice!? Justice for what exactly? 'Twas not I who assassinated the sultana, boy! Alphinaud: Ere we debate who is responsible for the assassination, I would ask whether an assassination took place at all. Ilberd: Clever little shite...

イルベルド : 貴様も、気付いているのだろう！ 「暁」やエオルゼア各国は、貴様の「特異な力」を利用した！ クリスタルブレイブに至っては、知名度までもな！ イルベルド : 故郷を奪還したいと願う、俺たちの想いも、貴様の力も、 結局は誰かの思惑に組み込まれ、利用され…… 自由に戦うことすら許されないッ！ イルベルド : それでは救えない！　俺たちの祖国を救えんのだッ！ 俺は必ずアラミゴを取り戻してみせる…… どんな手を使ってもな！ ILBERD: Listen here, adventurer! You’re only being used by the Scions — nay, by all of Eorzea! Think on it! Were not the Crystal Braves built on your name? ILBERD: All I ever wanted was to liberate my homeland. But what I want, and what you have — these things, they’re always being taken advantage of by someone else... to the point where I can’t even fight for my own freedom! ILBERD: That’s why! That’s why I haven’t been able to save my motherland! But I will take back Ala Mhigo with my own hands... no matter the cost!

I think Ilberd’s overall point is that he and the Warrior of Light are the same, in that they are both constantly being used, and that the reason he hasn’t been able to save Ala Mhigo is because he’s always been someone else’s pawn. However, it’s rather difficult to convey that without writing a totally new and original speech, and I’m trying to stick to the Japanese text here. The English sounds fine to me.

LOCALIZATION Ilberd: If you think you fight for justice, lad, you'd best wake up. The truth is, you fight for whoever bloody well tells you to. Can you not see you're being used!? By the Scions, the city-states, even the Crystal Braves. They none of 'em care a whit what you want─only what you can do for them. Ilberd: And how do I know this? Because I'm the same─a pawn to be used as my masters see fit. All I ever wanted was to liberate my homeland, and I ate dirt to make it happen. But what have I achieved after all these years in servitude? Nothing! Not a bloody thing. Ilberd: If we ourselves are not free─free to think and to act─how are we ever to reclaim our homeland? Know this: there is nothing I would not give to take back Ala Mhigo! NOTHING!

アルフィノ : クッ……！ 逃がすものか！ ユウギリ : アルフィノ殿、深追いは禁物だ。 それより、ラウバーン殿を……。 ラウバーン : 恩に着るぞ……。 アルフィノ : 何をおっしゃいますか。 たとえ地に伏し、泥に濡れようとも、立ち上がればいい。 ……その事を、私も学んだのです。 ラウバーン : 元より、陛下の怨敵を討つまで、屍をさらすつもりはないが…… 貴様にそう言われれば、より一層、奮い立つというものだ。 ALPHINAUD: No! You’ll not escape! YUGIRI: Do not pursue him, Master Alphinaud. We have General Raubahn to consider. RAUBAHN: I owe you all a great debt... ALPHINAUD: No, General. You owe us nothing. And do not despair — though you may have suffered defeat, you, too, shall rise again. ...I learned that but recently. RAUBAHN: Rest assured, I was not planning to die until I’d avenged the sultana. But it is... uplifting to hear you say that.

LOCALIZATION Alphinaud: You'll not get away! Yugiri: No, Master Alphinaud. Now is not the time. Raubahn: I'm but a cripple and a fool, and still you came for me... I'm in your debt. Alphinaud: We are all of us fools of fate, General. But even fools have a part to play. Raubahn: Rest assured, I was not planning to die till I'd avenged the sultana... Still, your words are welcome, lad.

ラウバーン : それにしても、イルベルドめ…… この残った腕を、七獄の魔王に捧げてでも、 奴だけは血祭りにあげてくれる……。 アルフィノ : ラウバーン局長……。 ロロリトは、未だにナナモ陛下の死を公表していません。 この意味がわかりますか？ ラウバーン : ……なんだと？ 奴ならば、すぐにでも公表し、 王政を廃止しそうなものだが……。 RAUBAHN: Ilberd... even if I must consign it to the seven hells, I swear upon this remaining arm that I will make it rain your blood... ALPHINAUD: But, General... Lord Lolorito has not yet announced the death of the sultana. Do you understand what this means? RAUBAHN: ...What? That can’t be right. Lolorito would have announced her death immediately, and claimed the government for the Monetarists...

アルフィノ : 確証はありませんが、もしや……。 ラウバーン : ……生きておられるというのか？ ユウギリ : 積もる話もあろうが、今は脱出が先決…… さあ、参ろう。 ALPHINAUD: I have not yet confirmed my suspicions, but... RAUBAHN: ...You think the sultana yet lives? YUGIRI: We will have time to talk later. For now, let us quit this place. 

ユウギリ : 見てのとおり、救出は成功した。 ……ドウワレ、外の状況を教えてくれ。 ドウワレ : ハッ、警備に立っていたクリスタルブレイブの兵たちは、 我ら3人の手で始末しました……。 ドウワレ : ……ですが、その後となると、 人っ子一人、現れてはおりませぬ。 ユウギリ : ふむ……別の抜け道でも使ったか……。 イルベルドを始め、幹部級の何名かが逃げている。 お主はホウザンらと、修練所内外を捜索せよ。 ドウワレ : ……承知！ YUGIRI: As you can see, the rescue was successful. Doware, appraise me of the current situation. DOWARE: Yes, my lady. We three shinobi dealt with the Crystal Braves standing guard without trouble.  DOWARE: However, after that... we saw no one else enter or exit the premises. YUGIRI: Hmm... they must have fled by some other means. Ilberd and several other ranked members of the Braves managed to escape. Take Hozan and search the surrounding area for signs of their passing. DOWARE: Yes, my lady.

謎の使者 : ……「暁の血盟」とドマの方々、 そして、ラウバーン・アルディン局長とお見受けします。 アルフィノ : 何者だ……！？ 謎の使者 : どうか武器をお収めください。 私は、さる御方に仕える者……。 我が主は、貴方様方��敵ではございません。 謎の使者 : す���に「暁」のウリエンジェ殿と連絡もとっております。 ラウバーン局長の身の安全のためにも、 まずは「砂の家」へ……。 謎の使者 : 決して罠ではございません故、ご安心を……。 ラウバーン局長はこちらに…… 人目を避けるため、チョコボキャリッジを用意してございます。 アルフィノ : ……ウリエンジェに連絡を取ってみたが、 どうやら信じて良さそうだ。 アルフィノ : ラウバーン局長の移送は彼らに任せ、 我々も「砂の家」に向かうとしよう。 MESSENGER: Scions of the Seventh Dawn, people of Doma, and General Raubahn Aldynn. I come with a message. ALPHINAUD: Who are you? MESSENGER: I beg you, lower your weapons. I am but a humble servant, and my mistress is not your enemy. MESSENGER: I have already spoken with Lord Urianger, of the Scions. For the sake of General Aldynn’s safety, let us reconvene at the Waking Sands. MESSENGER: Be at ease — this is not a trap. General Aldynn — if you will come with me, you may have use of this carriage, that you may travel safe from prying eyes. ALPHINAUD: ...I contacted Urianger. I believe we may trust this messenger’s mistress. ALPHINAUD: Let us leave Raubahn in their capable hands, and head for the Waking Sands.

LOCALIZATION Messenger: General Aldynn, I presume, and the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. Alphinaud: Who are you!? Identify yourself! Messenger: Pray do not be alarmed. My mistress is a friend, and I come bearing a message of goodwill. Messenger: For your own safety, she bade me direct your steps to the Waking Sands. Know that Master Urianger awaits you there, along with others sympathetic to your cause. Messenger: This is no ruse, I assure you. General Aldynn─if you will come with me, I have prepared a carriage, that you may travel in comfort, safe from prying eyes. Alphinaud: I have spoken with Urianger via linkpearl. He confirms the man's story. Alphinaud: Raubahn is in safe hands. Let us make our own way to Vesper Bay.

ウリエンジェ : この再会をどれほど心待ち、神々に願ったことか……。 ピピン : 義父上……！ ラウバーン : おぉ、ピピンか！ それに、パパシャン殿もよくぞ……。 ピピン : しかし、義父上…… 陛下を……ナナモ様を守りきれず……うぅ……。 URIANGER: Praise be to the Twelve for uniting us at last... PIPIN: Father! RAUBAHN: Pipin! And even Master Papashan... PIPIN: Oh, Father, forgive me... I could not protect the sultana...

LOCALIZATION Urianger: My dearest friends! Praise be unto the Twelve for delivering you from the clutches of treachery. Pipin: Father! Raubahn: Pipin, my son... And Master Papashan besides... Pipin: Forgive me, Father... I should have been at Her Grace's side...

？？？？ : ……ナナモ陛下は生きておいでですわ。 ラウバーン : 貴様は……。 ？？？？ : 皆さまを、ここにお呼びさせていただいたのは、 このワタクシですの……。 デュララ : お初にお目に掛かる方もいらっしゃいますわね。 ワタクシは、ナル・ザル教団の大司教にして、 砂蠍衆のひとり、デュララですわ。 ラウバーン : ナナモ様が生きておられる……誠であろうな？ DEWLALA: ...But the sultana yet lives. RAUBAHN: You... DEWLALA: It was I who called all of you here. DEWLALA: And as I believe I am meeting a handful of you for the first time, I am Dewlala — head of the Order of Nald’thal and member of the Syndicate. RAUBAHN: Is it true? Is Her Grace still alive?

LOCALIZATION Dewlala: Save your tears. The sultana yet lives. Raubahn: You... Dewlala: It was I who arranged this gathering. Dewlala: And judging by your perplexed expressions, it would seem introductions are in order. I am Dewlala, head of the Order of Nald'thal, and member of the Syndicate. Raubahn: What you said about the sultana ─ is it true? Is she alive?

デュララ : そちらの冒険者殿。 貴方は陛下が倒れられたとき、現場にいたそうですが…… 死を確かめた訳ではありませんね？ ラウバーン : しかし、イルベルドの奴は、確かに殺したと！ デュララ : 落ち着きなさいな、ラウバーン殿。 それこそが、巧妙な罠だったのですよ。 ……テレジ・アデレジを排除するためのね。 DEWLALA: Adventurer. I believe you were present when the sultana collapsed. While you were there, did you confirm her death? RAUBAHN: But — but Ilberd would have surely killed her if he had the chance! DEWLALA: Calm yourself, General Raubahn. The sultana’s poisoning was merely a clever ruse... one engineered to eliminate Teledji Adeledji.

LOCALIZATION Dewlala: Young man ─ I understand you were with the sultana when she drank from the poisoned goblet and collapsed. Would I be correct in assuming that you did not personally verify Her Grace's vital signs? Raubahn: Why ask, when 'tis plain you know the answer! Dewlala: Calm yourself, General, and let me finish. The truth is not as you imagine it. You are all victims of a most ingenious ruse ─ a ruse conceived to eliminate the threat posed by Teledji Adeledji.

デュララ : 陛下の暗殺計画自体は、テレジ・アデレジの独断なのでしょう。 ですが、それを察知したロロリト殿は、計画を利用した……。 デュララ : 貴方を激高させ、テレジ・アデレジを処断するよう仕向けると、 その罪を問うて陛下から遠ざける。 つまり、己の手を汚さずに、政敵をふたり同時に排したのです。 ラウバーン : ロロリトめ……。 ……では、それでは……ナナモ様は……。 デュララ : 少々手法に問題はあれど、ロロリト殿は、 政商は政治によって栄えることを、一番理解している方です。 ……おそらくは、侍女を買収し、毒をすり替えた。 DEWLALA: The plan to assassinate the sultana was likely Teledji’s to begin with. But Lolorito caught wind of the plot, and took advantage of it. DEWLALA: He provoked you into killing Teledji for him, and then used your sins as a means of keeping you from the sultana. Essentially, he eliminated both of his political rivals without staining his hands. RAUBAHN: Lolorito, that rat... but then, the sultana... DEWLALA: Lolorito is a simple merchant who prospers from the rise and fall of politics. It is easy enough to guess at his methods. Like as not killing her would have presented too many problems, so he bought her lady-in-waiting and switched the poisons.

LOCALIZATION Dewlala: 'Tis my belief that Teledji plotted the sultana's assassination alone, but that Lolorito caught wind of his plot, and exploited it to his own ends. Dewlala: He sought to manipulate you into eliminating Teledji for him, and you duly obliged. At one fell swoop, he removed his two foremost rivals, all the while remaining above suspicion. Raubahn: Gods strike me down for a fool... But the sultana ─ how can it be that she lives? Dewlala: She lives because Lolorito willed it. Her own lady-in-waiting is but one of his many little birds; by her sleight of hand, the poison was switched for a less deadly draft before it could reach her mistress's lips.

ウリエンジェ : なるほど、致死毒から昏睡毒に……。 デューンフォーク族特有の、 ある種の毒への抗体を利用したのですね……。 デュララ : ナナモ陛下は、いずこかに幽閉されておられるのでしょう。 ……もっとも、未だ昏睡状態ではありましょうが。 ラウバーン : おおお、ナナモ様……。 ラウバーン : ……だからと言って、ロロリトを許すことはできんぞ。 URIANGER: Ah, from a lethal poison to a sedative... and Dunesfolk Lalafell are naturally resistant to certain poisons... DEWLALA: Her Grace is most likely being held in confinement... and probably still asleep. RAUBAHN: Oh, Nanamo... RAUBAHN: ...But even so, I cannot forgive Lolorito for his hand in this.

LOCALIZATION Urianger: Some manner of sedative, perchance...of a potency sufficient to induce a slumber like unto death. Dewlala: Were I to guess, I would say Her Grace is being held somewhere, dreaming dreams of a brighter Ul'dah, even as we speak. Raubahn: Oh, Nanamo... Raubahn: I will never forgive Lolorito for his part in this.

デュララ : ロロリト殿に、まったく罪がないとは言いませんが、 陛下の命を救ったのは、紛れもない事実……。 デュララ : 彼は権力志向の強い男ではありますが、 王政の転覆など狙ってはおりません。 デュララ : ワタクシは、王党派でも共和派でもない中立の立場。 だからこそ、東方からいらした方に情報を流し、 貴方が救出されるのを待っていた……。 デュララ : この混乱を収束させるのが先決、そういうことですわ。 ウルダハの宝は民……。 よもや、陛下のお言葉を忘れたわけではございませんでしょ？ デュララ : ロロリト殿には、テレジ・アデレジが遺した権益でも、 くれてやれば良いのです。 デュララ : ラウバーン殿は、ナナモ陛下をお救いし、 再び砂蠍衆として、支えて差し上げる……。 それが、民のため、陛下のためなのですから。 DEWLALA: I do not mean to suggest that Lolorito is in any way innocent, but he did undeniably spare Her Grace. DEWLALA: He desires power, to be sure, but he has no intention to overthrow the crown. DEWLALA: I was always careful to remain neutral between the Royalists and Monetarists. Nevertheless, I offered information to your Far Eastern friends because I wanted to see you rescued from your imprisonment. DEWLALA: Restoring stability should now be our first priority. You have not forgotten Her Grace’s words, have you? “Ul’dah’s most valuable treasure is her people...” DEWLALA: As for what Teledji Adeledji left behind, I think it best to let Lolorito take it. DEWLALA: Do save Her Majesty, Flame General. As a member of the Syndicate, you have my support. For the sake of the people, and for the sake of the sultana...

LOCALIZATION Dewlala: Though Lolorito's hands are far from clean, they did pluck Her Grace from the jaws of death. That must count for something. Dewlala: And though one may call the man's methods into question, it cannot be denied that he knows the value of stability ─ to the very gil, like as not. He craves power, 'tis true, but he has no desire to depose the sultana. Dewlala: I had never taken sides in your feud with the Monetarists, but it was not for want of concern for our nation's welfare. Indeed, 'twas out of the desire to see order restored that I furnished your Far Eastern friends with information, and arranged this gathering. Dewlala: I hope you are ready to work, General, for there is much work to be done. Our first priority must be to bring matters back into balance. Lest you forget Her Grace's words, the true wealth of Ul'dah lies in the health, happiness, and hopes of her people. Dewlala: As for the more worldly kind of wealth, I am content to let Lolorito help himself to whatever Teledji Adeledji left behind. Dewlala: You, meanwhile, must do that which you alone can do: rescue Her Grace and take your place at her side once more. For her sake...and that of our nation.

ユウギリ : ひとまず、ラウバーン殿の救出には成功した。 ウルダハの混乱を収束に向かわせる、 第一歩になるだろう。 YUGIRI: For now, we have succeeded in Raubahn’s rescue. Our next step shall be to see stability restored to Ul’dah.

LOCALIZATION Yugiri: My fellow Domans and I are glad to have been of service in the Flame General's rescue. If there is aught else we can do, know that we are ever at your disposal.

パパシャン : よくぞ、ラウバーン殿を救い出してくださった。 心より感謝しますぞ……。 しかし、局長のあの姿……なんと痛ましい……。 PAPASHAN: Thank you, truly, for rescuing General Raubahn. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. But the way he looks now... it is a tragedy...

LOCALIZATION Papashan: Thank you for rescuing General Raubahn. From the bottom of my heart. To behold him now, gaunt and unkempt... It pains me to think of all the hardship he has endured.

デュララ : ウルダハの混乱を収束に向かわせる…… そのためには、王党派も共和派もありませんわ。 DEWLALA: For the sake of restoring stability to Ul’dah... No more can there be Monetarists or Royalists.

LOCALIZATION Dewlala: If we are to see stability restored to Ul'dah, we must needs set aside our differences. No more can there be Monetarists or Royalists.

ピピン : 義父上の闘志は、まだ燃え尽きてはいない。 それでこそ孤児だったころから、私が憧れ続けてきた、 コロセウムの英雄「アラミゴの猛牛」だ。 PIPIN: I assure you, my father’s spirit has not finished blazing. I admired him even when I was an orphan child, and he was the hero of the Coliseum, the Bull of Ala Mhigo...

LOCALIZATION Pipin: Father's spirit burns as fiercely as it ever has. I was proud of him when he ruled the bloodsands as the Bull of Ala Mhigo, and I am proud of him now.

ラウバーン : 失ったものは、元には戻らない……。 だが、まだ失っていないものがあるのなら、 この命に代えてでも……。 RAUBAHN: What we have lost will not return to us... but for what we have not yet lost, I would give even my life...

LOCALIZATION Raubahn: It avails us naught to dwell upon that which we have lost. Nay, we must focus on protecting that which we yet have.

[aerynaldie]

[driftward]

Zoissette stood outside the door, even as inside the building, the future of Ul’dah was being decided. She could hear the arguments being made back and forth, Raubahn’s rage, Dewlala attempting her idea of reason, Lolorito’s absolute ... smarm. She stayed out of it. She knew that to take action would threaten the Scions and their mission, and would accomplish what? Nothing and less. She heard Raubahn calm as he negotiated a path forward for himself and the sultanate. She just frowned to herself. Whatever Lolorito meant by his machinations, she had a shattered organization, dead comrades, and missing friends for it. Better to stay out of it.