You certainly seem to be coming into your own around here. Though you may not be aware of it, you're quite the talk of the town. But there will be time enough for praises later.
For now, Dunstan is still to be found. ^[1] The rangings of the guilds' patrols are growing larger and longer, and more frequent besides. No doubt they would welcome the aid of an adventurer such as yourself.
If you've a mind to help, I suggest you head over to the Quiver's Hold. The archers will see you put to good use.

Our rangings keep us busy. An adventurer of all people should know the significance of what is transpiring here.
Ah, so it is precisely that which brings you, is it? Very well. Bowlord Lewin is within holding counsel with Brother O-App. I doubt they will be too much longer.

How have we not found the bastard? ^[2] We've combed every bloody ilm of the Twelveswood, yet the unrest of the elementals continues.

The fault lies with me, I fear. It was I who was unable to deter Dunstan from entering the forest. Still, I beg of you, Lewin, leave Fye to me. ^[3]

Hm, you? Ah, yes, I suppose Miounne did mention you might come stumbling along. So, you have a mind to take part in a ranging, do you?
Well, I'm in no position to refuse help, however meager. Dunstan will stop short of nothing to get what he wants. He must be found!

It is as Bowlord Lewin says. Dunstan will stop at nothing to find that which he searches for.

Bowlord Lewin! Trouble in the wood!

Where?
The western Hedge?
Make ready all units! Depart immediately!

I feel a great disturbance in the forest...as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror. The elementals...
We must leave at once!

Set forth into the wood?

No, everybody needs to calm down.

Yes, there is no time to lose!

Khrimm!

Something approaches.

No, no, no, no, no!

I can explain!

The outsiders!

Stand down!

No, not Khrimm. He wouldn't...

Kupo!
No, no, no, it's too late!
This cannot be undone, kupo!

The greenwrath is awoken...
The spirit comes!

O benevolent spirit, warden of
arbor primeval, hearken unto me.
Pray expunge us our woodsin,
that we might honor thee pure.

Brother E-Sumi!

The elemental's aspect has changed!

Forename, pray come to me!

I have need of you. Take this ward and cast its magic over all here. It will protect against the element to which it has been attuned.

Which element do you wish to ward against?

---

• Wind.
• Earth.
• Water.

I am attuning the ward! A moment, pray!

The ward is ready! Bless all with its magic!

We are through the worst of it. Yet the elemental's greenwrath is still upon it.

Pray tend to the boy.

Brother E-Sumi plans to hold counsel with the Seedseers. For now, we must send word to the conjurers still within the wood to return.

This bodes ill.

Aye, that it does.
The greenwrath has been wakened before by the strike of a spark—and it brought about an end of the elementals' vigil over Gridania.
At length, they forgave us the fire, but none shall forget the loss of life that was suffered.
It must not come to that... Not again.
Seek out Fye, Forename, as the elementals have asked of you. Something tells me you will not meet with much difficulty in finding her.
And now it is I who asks a favor of you. Even if found, Dunstan and Fye will not be out of harm's way. Nor will we. The wrath of the elementals will continue. It is best that they leave Gridania and the Twelveswood altogether. Please, Forename, convince them of this.

Aye, that may well prove best for all. You are wise as ever, Brother O-App.

I'm sorry, you're searching for whom? Fye?
Please, do not speak that name to me. Such a tragedy, what that lass has been put through. I do not wish to be reminded.

You've come to ask about Fye and Khrimm, have you not? And with good reason. Come, let us speak.
So, it was Fye's brother Dunstan who brought down the Hedge, after all.
<sigh> I cannot imagine how lonely Fye must have been. I suppose it was only natural for her to wish to bring her brother back, even if he were a wildling.
Fye and Khrimm were always close since before they could walk. He made every effort to help her forget the past and look forward.
It's to that end he insisted the elementals didn't exist. And why he sought to burn down that tree. All for her sake, it was.
But surely even you have come to see the truth of it by now—the elementals are very real.
His soul was soaked in woodsin, and woke the greenwrath. It was certain the boy would become a wildling himself, were something not done to save him...

Zezekuta, is it true? Is the forest going to take Khrimm away from me, too?

Oh, dear child...
Hush now. Khrimm is well, sweetling, quite well. Shhh...
He's with the conjurers now. They'll take good care of him, you'll see. Brother E-Sumi and the moogles will set things right with the elementals.

I tried to go into the wood last night—to find my brother...
But Khrimm stopped me. He said he would find Dunstan and talk to him for me.

Khrimm went to see Dunstan!?

But how could he find him? I have to know. I just have to! I need to see Dunstan, too!

I'm sorry, child, but you cannot. You must not. Not yet. The forest is far too angry. It is not safe for you.
The conjurers are not allowing any to enter the wood without the consent of the Seedseers.

What? Brother O-App wishes for Fye to persuade Dunstan to leave the forest?
But that simply cannot be. Surely you are mistaken!

Zezekuta!

Wait here. I shall look into this.

It's all my fault.
Khrimm went to give Dunstan the mask I made.
He even found the wood for me to make it, because I...I couldn't do anything. I was just crying and crying, and…
And now the elementals are going to take him away from me, too, just like they did my brother. It isn't fair!

Fye, dear, hush now. All will be well, you'll see. Run along now, back to your room.

<sigh> Gods be good, this ordeal grows more painful with each passing moment.
Khrimm was brought back from the very brink of death. The conjurers of Stillglade Fane summoned forth all their powers in a rite of cleansing to save him, so great was the woodsin upon him.
If you wish to know more of what happened that day, you must ask the conjurers themselves. Whether they will choose to answer your queries, I cannot say.
I have not the heart to speak on these matters any longer. Pray leave a weary old man to his rest.

Forename, there is word of a commotion over at Stillglade Fane. Haven't been to see for myself, but I've heard talk of wildlings.
From childhood, we forestborn are taught that bringing woodsin into the city brings the greenwrath upon everyone in it. There is no greater danger in all the wood.
Times like this, there's naught for the commonfolk to do but trust that the conjurers and moogles will calm the wood.

Welcome, Forename. Please, feel free to join the others within.
Brother O-App has been expecting you.

Well met, Forename. Pray tell me, were you able to find and speak with Fye?
I see... So, she is attempting to fashion a mask for her brother—a purification mask. Then her purpose is clear. She meant for him to take part in the purification rite.
What has become of Khrimm, you ask?
You speak of the boy who set fire to the hedgetree? He...

Wildling! Wildling!

But how!?

It's Dunstan!

The saviors of the wood return! And we've caught your dreaded wildling!

Pray tell us, where might we find Brother E-Sumi?

He is within, but...

Please, do all that you can to save this man—as you are doing for Khrimm.
Come.

A wildling within the city... I fear we have all been placed in great danger.
Brother E-Sumi will know what to do. He always does.

I don't know what to make of all this. I've never seen the greenwrath so fierce.

Truly, my heart goes out to the poor lad, but is it wise to bring one so tainted to the Fane?

What does Brother E-Sumi mean to do? If there were some way to assist him, we would, but...the truth is, the rest of us don't have the first idea how.

Dunstan was next in line to command the Wood Wailers until he was...taken from us.

My head... It pounds. And my ears scream with ringing. The voices... The elementals are in great distress.

This Papalymo and this Yda... Where in the bloody hells have they come from? They wield powers unlike any we've ever seen.

My gut tells me Bowlord Lewin may be hiding something from the Quiver. But that would mean Brother E-Sumi is, as well. Could it be?

The grand rite is one of conjury's most sacred and powerful acts. It requires all of our order to come together as one.
I must do all that I am able to aid Brother E-Sumi. We cannot fail!

So you have returned to us, Dunstan.

Forgive me, Brother E-Sumi. Forgive me a thousand times. I did not intend to...to...

Do not apologize. There are some here who are glad to see you returned. Are you aware that your sister has been searching for you tirelessly? The poor child has been beside herself with worry.
None of us were able to deter her, not even Khrimm. She is a strong girl, Fye. Stubborn, to be sure, but strong.
We have held counsel, and decided that a grand rite will be held to reclaim you from the forest.

A grand rite indeed. And I imagine Dunstan will have rather a grand tale to tell afterwards.

Brother E-Sumi, I... I don't have the words to thank you...

Still, I cannot say with certainty whether Khrimm's woodsin can be cleansed or no.
To do so... Dunstan, in the end, I fear it may cost you your life.

My life!?

I wouldn't think you the type to kill to keep secrets, good Brother. You'd have to kill Papalymo and me as well, no? Oh, did I not mention? We know everything.

Gridania intends to wage war against the Empire. We have come here to observe the army with which you mean to do so.

I am well aware of this, and far more. But it is for no army's sake that Dunstan may be forced to give his life.
To save Khrimm, his greenwrath must be quieted. To do so may require us to give one to the elementals in his place, should they demand it.
And that soul must be one who played a hand in that same damning act. One who bears responsibility, just as Khrimm himself.

No... It was all my fault. It should have been me. The boy's woodsin should have been mine all along.

The grand rite will be held. All should see to the necessary preparations at once.
And speak nothing of this until after the ceremony. This rite is of the utmost importance, and we can afford no more distractions. It may well determine the safety of Gridania—and mayhap its fate.
After the grand rite, I will tell you all that you wish to know. But only after...

Calm down, child! You can't see him now. It's too dangerous.

You cannot pass, Fye. Trust us, it is for your own good.

Let me in! I have to see him! I have to see Khrimm!
You'll help me, won't you, Forename? Find Brother E-Sumi, or Brother O-App. Tell them I'm here!
I have to see Khrimm. I have to talk to him. To tell him I...I'm sorry.

You are searching for Brother O-App? Have you come to ask after Khrimm?

So Fye has come, has she? It pains me to say, but I'm afraid we cannot permit her to see Khrimm for now.
The boy set flame to a hedgetree of the Twelveswood.
Much has happened in a short time, and the forest is restless and frightened. The greenwrath of the elementals is at its height.
There is much to be done. But come, you must meet with Dunstan. I will summon him.

I would like for you to meet Dunstan, brother of Fye.

Who is this man, Brother O-App?

This is Forename, a dear friend to your sister, Fye. I think he may be able to help you a great deal.

A friend of Fye's is a friend of mine. It is an honor to meet you, Forename.

We are thinking to have Dunstan here take part in the purification rites—secretly, of course.
By all rights, he should not even be in Gridania. Should the townsfolk discover he is planning to attend the ceremony, it would cause an outcry. His mere presence would seem to them to invite disaster.
But if he is present, then there is a chance of he and Fye meeting. And that, Forename, depends entirely upon you.
The rites are about to commence.
Forename, should you see Fye again, please tell her. Tell her that her brother is waiting for her.
Forgive my bluntness, Dunstan, but of you I ask only this—do nothing to sully the ceremony.

The purification rites are about to beg— What? A grand rite? Since when!?
Well, gods damn it all, whatever it is, it's about to start!
I daresay it'll be quite a relief to have all that woodsin off your back.
Not that there are any guarantees when it comes to cleansing the stuff. Oh, but I'm sure you'll be alright. Now stop wasting time and run along to Mih Khetto's Amphitheatre!

Forename, you've come—and just in time! The rites are about to begin.

I can't wait for the festival to start! I can't wait, I can't wait!

Please be patient for just a little longer. We will all go forth together when the time comes.

Look, look! Moogles!

They came! They came!

I knew they would come! I just knew it!
They're so fluffy!

Hello again, Forename. The elementals have a message for you, they certainly do.
The great arbor spirit of Everschade has spoken, and we have listened.
Those beckoned by the forest are here as messengers of Nophica herself—to bring the words of the Matron to all.

Messengers of Nophica?

You...

This grand rite shall be the most important in recent memory. We can afford no mistakes—all the woodsin must be purged. And if the children and the rest enjoy themselves in the process, so much the better.

What strange and ridiculous dancing! We have nothing like it back in Sharlayan—thank the gods for that!

They put on joyous airs, to be sure, but there is a sick desperation in their dancing. They fear this greenwrath—that much is obvious.
And our presence here isn't making things any easier for them. Regrettable, that, though I suppose it can't be helped. We must see our work done, after all.

We like to think that even the elementals are soothed by the laughter of innocent children.
But I fear that Khrimm's treachery in the wood may have placed the rest of our younglings at the greatest risk. I pray the conjurers are able to keep them safe.

You are no forestborn. What right have you to take part in this...er...rite?
Brother O-App, you say? Hmph, I will look into this, I assure you. Twelve save you if you have told me false.

If Dunstan flees, Khrimm's life would be forfeit. No, he will not run. Not Dunstan. He was— He is a man of honor.

Who can say what will come of all this? The greenwrath is so thick about the city, even I can feel it—and I'm not even a bloody conjurer!

I bet the moogles would come if we had some Pearl Clover Fruit. Moogles love Pearl Clover Fruit!

Dance! Dance! Dance!

Mother? Mother? Mother!? Moootheeer!? I've lost my mother...

'm gonna dance as well as I possibly can. Then the elementals will have to save Khrimm!

The rite will start once the conjurers gather. Since it is to be a grand rite, Brother E-Sumi and many others have returned from the wood to take part.

This festival has an interesting history. Originally, it had nothing to do with appeasing the elementals. It was simply a harvest festival—as unremarkable as that might sound.

Once all are onstage and the rites begin, the forest takes on a very solemn air. And when all is done, that is replaced by an air of peace.

So you are to be cleansed too, are you? Don't remember seeing you around before. An adventurer, I take it? Try not to make a mess of things.

Afraid you're going to stick out like an Ul'dahn whore in an Ishgardian church? Hah! Don't worry, it will be over before you know it.

Not even the elementals can turn a deaf ear to the festival. They enjoy the music as much as any.

Be quiet! I'm looking for moogles!

I've thanks to give for the year's bounty, and prayers to give for next—if it isn't too late...

The woodsin may fall from you, but take care you don't fall from the stage. Hahaha!

Ohhh, I can't wait for things to get underway. Me own grandson's goin' to be up there dancin' his little heart out, the adorable lit'l bastard.

They are saying that Khrimm has drawn the greenwrath. But could it truly be? I've not seen him out and about of late...

The lad whose parents went wildling? Hmmm...can't help wondering if a bit of their woodsin didn't get passed on to the boy. I've heard stranger tales told.

From the look of things, this rite is going to be quite large. I'm beginning to wonder if those rumors I heard about a wildling attending might be true after all...

When the elementals rage, there is naught we can do but pray for their forgiveness.

I see you have a mask. Will you be dancing, too?
What's that? Dunstan? My brother? He's here!?

All those participating in the cleansing, please gather at the stage.
Again, all those participating in the cleansing, please gather at the stage.

It looks like you have to go now.

I wonder if it will work, this dancing to wash away the woodsin.

Ours? Or theirs?

Theirs, you lackwit. Well, whether it does or no, we must still reveal their secret. We must show everyone what they and the elementals have been attempting to hide.

Dunstan!

Hello to you, forest...

How in the bloody hells did we get here!?

Look, someone's there!

I don't want to keep your stupid secret anymore! All Fye ever does is look for Dunstan. She's going to keep wandering the wood no matter what I say!

Easy, son, eaaasy. We have a duty to fulfill, you know that. When it is done, then we can return home. But no sooner.

But you don't even know if you'll live to make it back!
Take us with you! Me and the other children. Tell them the truth, too! We won't tell anyone else, I swear!

We've been through this before, Khrimm. I'm sorry, but we can't. Someday you'll understand.
However hard it may seem to believe now, you will soon learn that some things matter more than happiness. I know it's difficult, sweetling, but our task is simply too important. None can know of it.

I know... But at least let Dunstan stay. If he doesn't...

Khrimm... Khrimm, what are you doing?

Everyone you left behind is living a lie. I'm going to show them that the elementals don't exist. That there is no woodsin, no greenwrath, no wildlings. That there's no reason to cry for you all.
If you're not wildlings, then at least you might come back someday. I'm going to give them that hope.

Khrimm, no!

You bloody fool! What have you done!?
Come, we must go! We cannot fight the elementals here!

What are you saying!? He is our son! We can't—

Shut your bloody mouth, woman! We go!

Khrimm...

Dunstan! Dunstan!

He is safe, child, thanks to you. That mask you made had a great deal of love in it.
And miracles do occur, it would seem.

What...? What happened?

Khrimm!

Please tell me you just saw all that, too.
It wasn't a dream, because I don't dream. Or at least I never remember them if I do.
Maybe it was a vision. Like the kind the cultists say you see if you eat moogle flesh during a full moon.
Pinch me, Papalymo. I do believe I may be dead again.

No, this is no great beyond, Yda. It was the past we saw. Twelve be good, it was the past! By some strange power...or someone's.

Might you pass me that rasher of—

Never have I seen a sky so dark.

This bodes ill...

Could it be the forest's angered?

I'm frightened.

All will be well, sweetling.

The night is upon us.

What could it portend?

It's...it's beautiful...

Gods be good...

Meh...

The elementals... They cry out in fear.

So it has begun, then. I just pray it is not the beginning of the end.

They're falling towards the lake, Papalymo. Are you thinking what I'm th—

Do you need even ask? We should have stopped it and we didn't. It has begun.
The winds of change have already swept over Eorzea. We are only just now realizing it. The Echo has sounded...
And nothing can stop it now.

You dolt! Don't be so quick to give up!
You and I might still be able to stop it. We can find a way, like we always do. We can do anything!

I knew I kept you around for a reason, Yda. Come on, then!

There's the big-hearted little runt I know!

You, there! Can you hear me? Wake up, now!
Bloody Echo's rattled him good and proper. I'd better find someone who knows the poor bugger.

Good to see you awake at last. Are you in much pain? It's alright, you're here—at the Roost.
It was the greenwrath, more than like. You dropped like a brick in the middle of the cleansing rite.
Oh, and by the way, your friend saw to your expenses.
He did a lot more for you by the looks of it. You may want to thank him when you are feeling up to it.
He asked that I give you a message, as well. He said that if you happen to find yourself in Ul'dah, you should pay a visit to the Waking Sands in the Merchants Ward.
If you've a mind to head there, you need only follow the Lumberline south. Now just you take care, alright?