Golden Sacrifices/Plot Details

< Golden Sacrifices
Golden Sacrifices - The Quicksand
Momodi: Looks like another criminal was exiled from the city. There's some areas in the mines that are off-limits for safety reasons. They're sayin' someone got back there and caused a cave-in.

Momodi: And by the way, remember that flower you sold off to the goldsmiths? Well, seems certain beasts can't stand the things. A ward against monsters is never a bad thing to have on hand, I reckon.

Momodi: Come to think of it, there was someone in town askin' about them flowers a while back. Ended up gettin' exiled, though, for some reason or another.

Thancred: A flower to ward off the multiplying villainies of nature, you say?

Momodi: No less. Seems Niellefresne has made it his business to collect 'em. Quite valuable, I'd imagine.

Momodi: Then he went handin' them out to townspeople at the parade. Was only able to cover a couple of streets, he was, but generous of him all the same.

Thancred: Yes, I do believe I recall said flowers.

Momodi: Oh, but Thancred, I'd prefer one of your sweet songs to a flower any day. Hahaha!

Thancred: Nonsense, my dear. Such a tender and delicate muse as yourself? I fancy the gods themselves made those flowers to protect you and you alone.

Thancred: And with all this troubling talk of war with the Garleans about, I fear more with every passing day that the very ground upon which we stand may soon be a battlefield.

Momodi: That reminds me! The heir of a rather influential Ul'dahn came calling for you.

Momodi: He and his friends seem to think they have evidence that Garlean spies have infiltrated the city.

Thancred: An heir? Whomever could you mean, love?

Momodi: I speak of Niellefresne─aye, he is son to the Eshtaime guildmaster. Seems the shop's proprietor, Lord Lolorito, has taken quite a liking to him, as well. His future is bright as can be with those connections.

Thancred: I see. Is that the reason why Niellefresne is so often out and about for his clandestine little meetings?

Momodi: You don't miss much, do you? Aye, the heirs of Ul'dah've been congregating lately to discuss how best to go about dealin' with the Garleans.

Momodi: You're familiar with the Platinum Mirage, yes? The gamblin' hall in the north of Ul'dah? That's where they meet.

Thancred: The Platinum Mirage! Now that sounds like a true Ul'dahn establishment. Such a grandiose and luxurious ring to it.

Thancred: Forgive my abruptness, but I feel the makings of a song coming on. If you would be so kind as to excuse me.

Momodi: You, there. There's something I wanted to tell you about.

Momodi: Word is there's an opening for a mercenary over at the Platinum Mirage. They're likely to welcome any able-bodied adventurers. Why not head over and have a look-see?

Momodi: You'll be charged with sorting out any kind of problems dealing with the Mirage's funds. Sounds like an opportunity to get to know all kinds of people, rich and poor alike.

Momodi: Chances to make coin start with getting out there and meeting people. Sounds like it might be just the thing for you, no?

Golden Sacrifices - Platinum Mirage
Gagaruna: Welcome to the Platinum Mirage, sir/madam. Home to all the pleasures in Eorzea─old and new, traditional and exotic!

Gagaruna: We strive to provide our guests with whatever it is their hearts desire─and their coin commands! Momodi has spoken to you of the work available here?

Gagaruna: Very well. I shall make word of your coming known. Proceed through the door at the foot of the stairs within.

* * *

Qoqoba: Hello, there. I do not believe we've met, have we?

Qoqoba: I pride myself on never forgetting a face─especially those of our clientele.

Qoqoba: By the by, that room there cost a small fortune to put together. It's reserved for members only.

Qoqoba: But if you would like to enter, the elite of Ul'dah are coming and going all the time. I suppose I could introduce you to some of them.

???: You cheatin' whoreson! Tryin' to swindle me out of my coin, are you!?

Qoqoba: Gods be good! What's going on in there!?

Greinfarr: What's that, ten hands in a row, now? Ain't no man that lucky, bard or no!

Thancred: Now, now, let us not lose our temper. I told you from the onset that I was born under an auspicious star, did I not?

Greinfarr: Is this mummer's farce your doing, Qoqoba!?

Qoqoba: You forget yourself, Greinfarr. Of course I had no hand in this. You know full well that sorcery is not possible within the Mirage.

* * *

F'lhaminn: A loss is a loss, Niel. And a bet, a bet. Give the man his due and proper.

Thancred: Excellent! Shall we lay it all bare, then? For clarity's sake.

Thancred: Clearly, you are all opposed to war with the Empire. I have traveled to the northeast and observed firsthand the fate of Ala Mhigo with mine own eyes.

Thancred: I have heard accounts from the lips of her refugees, and I know now what strength the Garleans command.

Thancred: There are merchants here who would well have this war, with an eye only for the profits it may yield them. And warriors who would gladly take up arms, blinded by their lust for fame and glory, paying no heed to the might of their enemy.

Thancred: I am of the mind that it is precisely these people who must be warned of the true calamities such a war would surely invite upon them.

Thancred: But I was far too naive in my contrivances to go about this, my lords and lady.

Thancred: For it is you, Ul'dah's elite and her endowed, who are fanning the flames of this war.

Thancred: You are attempting to defame your mothers and your fathers, and in the process garner favor amongst the people and establish yourselves as their heroes.

Thancred: The incident at the festival─it was all part of this damnable ruse, was it not? You placed the people in danger, and then appeared as to save them in their time of desperation.

Corguevais: Wh─!? Is this the truth of it!?

Thancred: Your scheme was as childish as your motives. You likely considered the cost in terms of naught but coin. But one man has been made to pay with his life.

F'lhaminn: The man... He has died?

Thancred: He has. And left a daughter orphaned. A daughter with none to look after her, and no means for a proper funeral.

Niellefresne: Enough. I will not sit here and be persecuted for this nonsense.

Thancred: Do you mean to leave behind your chips? If I recall, that was not part of our wager.

Niellefresne: Hmph, do with it as you will. Give it to the girl, if you are so genuinely concerned for her.

Thancred: That just might serve, I think. Corguevais, see to it this money makes its way to the child.

Corguevais: A-are you sure? But you─

Thancred: Aye, the wager was never about the money. I sought only to confirm my suspicions, and I have done just that─the Syndicate seeks war.

Moruith: Excuse me, sir/madam?

Moruith: Sir/Madam, I'm sorry, you are not permitted to be here. I hope for your sake that you were not eavesdropping. I'm afraid I must insist that you come with me.

* * *

(Adventurer's Guild Linkpearl)

Momodi: How'd you like the Mirage? No doubt you'd rather be rolling the dice than guarding the vaults, but work is work.

Momodi: By the way, F'lhaminn herself came by asking after you. Hells, I wouldn't have thought the likes of you to be friends with the Songstress of Ul'dah!

Momodi: Might be you can find her over at Sunsilk Tapestries. She's known for her performances at the miners' alehouse, but she herself is of the weavers.

Golden Sacrifices - Sunsilk Tapestries
Deaustie: Ah, a customer. Oh, and an adventurer besides, from the looks of it. Have you come to reinvent yourself? To drape your frame in the latest fashions and trends?

Deaustie: F'lhaminn? You are not a...crazed admirer, I hope?

Deaustie: She is off practicing her song and dance, as always. The miners of Amajina & Sons are a very demanding audience, you know?

Deaustie: I suppose I can tell you where she is, but pray do not disturb her long. Come, show us your map.

Golden Sacrifices - Central Thanalan
Seserukka: Easy, brother.

Popokkuli: Just promise us you'll think about it, F'lhaminn. That's all we ask.

F'lhaminn: There's only one person for whom I can sing.

F'lhaminn: Oh, the adventurer! So good of you to come all this way. I heard from Momodi that you had a Velodyna cosmos.

F'lhaminn: Such a blossom is extremely rare, and valuable besides. I held a basket full of them once, and passed them out to the townspeople at a festival in town.

F'lhaminn: But that day... That day ended in a great tragedy.

Ascilia: F'lhaminn, F'lhaminn! I found one, I found one!

F'lhaminn: You did? Quite the little treasure hunter, aren't you? Where is it, then?

Ascilia: Who are you? I'm Ascilia, queen of the mines! If you ever want a stone of any kind, just ask me!

F'lhaminn: Oh my, this is a cat's eye! And a lovely one, at that.

Ascilia: I told you I was a great miner!

* * *

Ascilia: Adventurers get to travel all over to all kinds of places, right?

Ascilia: Have you ever been to Ala Mhigo? I was born there.

Ascilia: Ah!

Corguevais: Please, don't run, child. You must allow me to explain.

Corguevais: Your father and I were entrusted with the same mission.

Corguevais: You needn't say anything. Just take it, please. I beg of you.

Ascilia: No! Get away from me! Murderer!

Corguevais: No, you don't understand. I─

F'lhaminn: Corguevais? What are you doing here?

Corguevais: No, it isn't what you─ I brought coin. T-To cover the funeral expenses. I...

F'lhaminn: I see. But still, surely you must...

Ascilia: There wouldn't be a funeral if it weren't for you! Father would still be alive! You killed him!

F'lhaminn: I'm sorry, Corguevais. Let me explain things to the child. I will tell her that none of this was your doing.

Corguevais: Thank you, F'lhaminn. I am in your debt. Is she...? Will she be...?

F'lhaminn: There is no need for worry. I will look after her. I plan to stay by her side for a verrry long time.

Corguevais: It does me good to hear that.

F'lhaminn: <sigh> Things have become so muddled. But even I am not entirely free of blame in this, I fear.

F'lhaminn: The child will heal in time, I hope. But I wonder how much longer this peace will last─for all of us.

F'lhaminn: Perhaps you've heard some of the rumors. About the great danger Ul'dah will soon face?

F'lhaminn: The truth is, Ascilia's father was returning from Ala Mhigo when he was killed. He was carrying important information, but it died with him. And so now we know nothing.

F'lhaminn: I apologize, my thoughts wandered for a moment... I sought you out at the Quicksand because there is a favor I would ask of you.

F'lhaminn: Have you heard of the Order of Nald'thal? Their kind has practiced a dark sorcery since ancient times. Some say they are even able to converse with the dead. I wish to know more of their powers─of thaumaturgy.

F'lhaminn: The Arrzaneth Ossuary often accepts adventurers into its ranks. I thought that perhaps you could join their sect without rousing any suspicion.

F'lhaminn: I'll understand if you refuse. I certainly do not wish to endanger you in any way. I cannot even say for sure whether or not the rumors are true.

F'lhaminn: But I would be ever grateful for anything at all you could tell me. I assure you, your efforts will not go unrewarded.

* * *

(Adventurer's Guild Linkpearl)

Momodi: Were you able to track down F'lhaminn? Good. She is not the type of woman it is wise to keep waiting.

Momodi: The thaumaturges? Aye, I know a bit of their ways. Theirs is the Order of Nald'thal. Split into two sects here in Ul'dah, it is. And each with its own temple─Milvaneth Sacrarium and Arrzaneth Ossuary.

Momodi: The Sacrarium is notorious for turning away visitors and novices. But the thaumaturges of the Ossuary welcome even lay adventurers into their halls to train.

Momodi: War seems more inevitable with each passing day. No doubt the Order is recruiting any and all they can to bolster Ul'dah's strength. Why not pay Arrzaneth Ossuary a visit?

Golden Sacrifices - Arrzaneth Ossuary
Yayake: Duality lies at the essence of all things. The sun rises in the east, only to fall in the west. Just as life rises in birth, only to fall in death.

Yayake: Your own death draws nearer with every breath you take─this is known. But you must live right to die well. Let us help you, friend, to cross whole and full to the realm of Thal.

Yayake: Ah, yes. You must be the adventurer that Momodi spoke of.

Yayake: She tells us that you are interested in undertaking the thaumaturgical arts.

Yayake: Resurrection of the dead!?

Yayake: That which has been given over to Thal shall not be taken back! Where did you hear of such madness?

Mumuepo: Now, now. There is no reason to scare the good adventurer. She is simply curious. We are always grateful to have someone take an interest in our ways.

Yayake: Forgive me, Master Mumuepo. It was not my place to speak so.

Mumuepo: So, you seek to give breath back to the breathless, do you? I should like to hear more of your desire. Please, follow me.

Mumuepo: Now, set aside the worldly woes you carry, and put your mind at ease. Thaaat's it. It is becoming quiet now. Quiet and so veeery still...

Mumuepo: It is as I thought, then. F'lhaminn has sent you. Her desperation must be great.

Mumuepo: The songstress has expressed an unsafe interest in our arts ever since...

* * *

Mumuepo: It is as I have told you, F'lhaminn. There is no way to commune with the dead. At least no way known to us.

F'lhaminn: There must be something that can be done. This man was on his way to warn us of the dangers threatening Ul'dah. If we don't hear what he knew, it may mean the end of all of us!

F'lhaminn: We know from what Niel and the others have learned that the man and his daughter came from Ala Mhigo.

F'lhaminn: They believe that he may have been carrying sensitive information concerning the Empire.

Mumuepo: Sensitive? You mean news of a Garlean attack? And you think the Empire may have killed him lest their plans be revealed?

Mumuepo: It makes no matter. The thaumaturgy to accomplish what you desire simply does not exist.

Mumuepo: Still, I understand the urgency of your situation. The man's soul belongs to Thal now, but his remains belong to the Ossuary. I will...examine them further.

F'lhaminn: The Order bought the corpse!? To what end?

Mumuepo: You needn't lose your composure. And it will do you no good to speak of this to the Syndicate. The Order is within its rights.

Mumuepo: Was it not I who stepped forward to help when there was no coin to be had for the man's funeral?

Mumuepo: Let the dead lie, F'lhaminn. Speaking is for the living. And the girl is still very much alive. There is much my arts could coax from her memory─things of which even she is unaware.

Mumuepo: Should you ever wish to discover more, I would gladly─

F'lhaminn: Ascilia will not be touched! The dark arts are not safe when used on the young. Even those outside the Order know this. I will not allow it.

* * *

Niellefresne: You again? Hmph.

Niellefresne: I have come to pay my respects, no more. I heard the child was orphaned when her father passed and I...

Niellefresne: Hear me well─I had no hand in this man's death. None!

* * *

Mumuepo: So, you had made this man's acquaintance─this Warburton. And you too hail from Ala Mhigo, do you not?

Corguevais: I am Ala Mhigan, yes, Master Mumuepo. And I am also at fault for the accident which claimed Warburton's life.

Corguevais: I therefore humbly ask that you place me in charge of settling his affairs.

Mumuepo: You are quite the good-natured soul. As a thaumaturge it would be remiss of me to entrust matters of the dead to another... But I suppose exceptions can be made.

Mumuepo: My apologies. I pray I haven't kept you waiting long. Have you come to confess your sins?

Mumuepo: As we were discussing previously, the thaumaturgical arts possess no means of corresponding with the dead.

Mumuepo: Such rumors proliferate due to the ignorance of those outside the Order. For they know naught other than that we hold a firm belief in a realm beyond this living one.

Mumuepo: Naturally, this is a puzzle that has engaged the Order for many years. For generations we have attempted to call forth and commune with the souls of the deceased. But our efforts have met with utter failure.

Mumuepo: And so it is with a heavy heart that I must dissuade you from persisting in this folly any farther.

Mumuepo: You are free, of course, to take the Order's vows and temper yourself a thaumaturge. Then, who knows? You may well discover the method yourself. Our doors are always open to those eager to learn.

Mumuepo: Think on it. You need only speak to the attendants should you decide to join us.

* * *

(Adventurer's Guild Linkpearl)

Momodi: What nonsense have you been asking about at the Ossuary? Aye, word did get back to me. I need to have a word with you. Come back to the Quicksand when you can spare the time.

Golden Sacrifices - The Quicksand
Momodi: So what did you blather on about over at Arrzaneth Ossuary?

Momodi: A thaumaturge came by asking about you not long after that. Told him you were harmless enough, but you ought know the Order's eye's fixed on you now.

Momodi: Watch yourself, now. You piss off the wrong person and you're liable to get your arse exiled.

Momodi: But enough of that. There's other news, have you heard? Some gladiators from the Coliseum and pugilists from the Mirage were sent on tasks beyond the city.

Momodi: Doesn't bode well if you ask me. They both serve to protect the city. For them to be running about on missions and such... I've a feeling it could mean something bad for Ul'dah's on the horizon.

Momodi: Seems they all left from the chocobo stables, but gods know where they've gone off to.