The Key to the Castle

«Courting Cooperation

071201.png73A Visit to the Nu MouMainquest1 Icon.png A Visit to the Nu Mou»

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You couldn't have returned at a better time. The pixies had just decided that it would be amusing to have Alisaie and I exchange outfits...
Ahaha, thank the gods you arrived when you did! Any later, and I don't think I would've been able to live it down!
When you have a moment, be sure to show your appreciation to the twins. They've endured a great deal on our behalf...
I dare not ask what happened in our absence...
Full glad am I to see that our gifts were gratefully accepted. Confident though I was in our choice, there is no accounting for mood.
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So, what is it that you desire? Rusty old coins like you mortals are wont to collect, perhaps?
We are resolved to vanquish the Lightwarden of this land. To that end, we desire entry to Lyhe Ghiah.
What a strange thing to wish for! You might as well ask for your death!
But if that is what you want, who are we to argue? Very well, I shall speak with the others.
You've clearly been busy, Urianger. Would you be so kind as to tell us what we've missed?
...So that was the purpose of the gifts.
Is there anything you can tell us about this Lightwarden?
Aye, my lady. By circumstances most tragic, the Lightwarden of this land...
...Is our king and ruler, Titania.

It was not always so, of course. Our king fought the first Lightwarden that threatened our home, you see. Fought it, and won.


But all the horrible light that came out went and corrupted them, turning them into a new Lightwarden.


Now, they're king only in name. Naught remains of the wise and just ruler that used to be. We had no choice but to seal them in the castle.


The magick for breaking the seal, we divided into four, and wove each into a different relic, to be kept apart until the time was right...


And this dress is one of them. It's been in our safekeeping for years and years, but we've decided to entrust it to you.
Are you sure?
Of course. Custom demands it.

Though you're most certainly going to your deaths, we thought we should at least let you try. That way, we get to watch what happens!


Of course, you can't break the seal unless you have the other relics too.


The shell crown is with the Fuath, the stone scepter is with the Nu Mou, and the crystal shoes are with the amaro.


Good luck finding them all!
The facts thus disclosed confirm mine own understanding. Our quest lieth now before us.

First, let us hie to the lake, there to claim the shell crown from the Fuath.


If we call to them before the Untouchable Gate, they will answer.
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What a lot of leafmen...
I was about to say the Fuath couldn't be any more unreasonable than the pixies, but that's just asking for trouble.
During our sojourns in Il Mheg, we avoided the lake at all costs. Let that suffice to warn you of its dangers.
I was taught never to talk to the Fuath under any circumstances... Are you sure this is a good idea...?
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Through the gate lieth the domain of the Fuath.
Hearken to me, O spirits of the water. We are come with an entreaty.
Not in a talkative mood, apparently.
I'm not exactly sure how the gate works...
But if the Fuath are water spirits, perhaps we should take our search into the lake.
O-Oh? I...I suppose a brief dip wouldn't hurt...
We all know Thancred swims like an eel, but what about you, Minfilia?
I can swim well enough. Thancred taught me.
Excellent.
What about you, Urianger? I'm not sure I've ever asked.
...Rather than swim, mayhap it would be more...expeditious to walk upon the surface by means of magic.
You too, Urianger!? That you should be a kindred spirit!
Worry not, my friend. I know some helpful tricks, and I should be more than happy to share them with you. Together, we shall conquer the waves!
Well, well, aren't we a lively lot! And you have an entreaty for us, you say? An entreaty from mortals─what a treat!
Aye. My comrades and I are on a quest to vanquish the Lightwarden.
To that end, we would humbly beg the loan of the shell crown, which we are given to understand is in the safekeeping of your people.
Oh? Is that all? Of course, of course! You may have it! You shall have it!
Just like that? What do you want from us?
Ohoho, no need to be so suspicious! The crown simply doesn't mean much to us, is all.

As a matter of fact, nothing means much to us. For we Fuath, it's over before it's begun, and we couldn't care less what becomes of the faerie king, nor the world for that matter.


Having said that...we do so seldom have mortal visitors, and it would seem a shame not to make the most of you...


Touch the Untouchable Gate, and come hither to our domain, Dohn Mheg. In your tongue, it means “forbidden realm.” Sounds forbidding, yes?


And so it should, for we are one with the water, our home wrought of ripples and waves and currents. Find your way through. Give us thrilling sport. And we will give you the crown!
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So they desire sport. It seems safe to say we must proceed fully prepared.

I'll take sport over pixie chores. Let's give the Fuath what they want.

When we sally forth, allow me to lead the van. Bearing the brunt is my specialty these days.

While I was in imperial territory, I learned how to wield the gunblade, but I subsequently let my skills go to rust for want of the ability to replenish my own ammunition.


When I decided to rescue Minfilia, however, I knew I needed a more defensively-minded style, so I placed a special order at the Crystalline Mean, and the rest is history.

I can fight too. I promise I won't be a burden.

'Twas never like to be simple. Hard though it may seem to believe, the Fuath's love of games surpasseth even that of the pixies.
And in the name of their games, full many men have drowned. We must needs take all care if we are to avoid meeting a watery end.

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Amused Fuath
Hah hah! Well fought, well fought!
Ohh! You do not hold back...
But I would have it no other way! Seldom have I enjoyed such sport!
We have satisfied thy demands. Wilt thou now satisfy ours?
Of course! Of course...

There it is, the relic you seek! Yours for the taking. Have care you do not break it, though, yes?


Ah, but you, my friend... You are mighty indeed...and pleasing to the eye besides!
Amused Fuath
More! I want to see more of him!
Mischievous Fuath
Yes, yes! I could watch him forever!
Enthusiastic Fuath
Why don't we just make him one of us?
Delighted Fuath
Yesss! One of us!
Wahaha! What a fine idea! Why ever didn't I think of that!? You may have the crown...but in exchange, we will have you!
Wake up! Wake up, damn you!

Oh, you're alive! Thank the gods. I don't know where you learned to breathe underwater, but it's lucky you can.


I'm sure you had your reasons, but the first rule of dealing with the Fuath...is do not deal with the Fuath.


It's said that they are born from the souls of the drowned. Were it not for your little trick, you'd have joined them.


Your friends are safely back on dry land, in case you were wondering. They'll be searching for you, I expect.


That's the royal capital of the Kingdom of Voeburt down there. It's seen better days.


They were a stubborn lot, the Voeburtites. Set in their ways. But once you got to know them, you couldn't find a more welcoming people.


It always froze over in winter, being up in the mountains. So we'd pull up our chairs round the fire and trade tales over steaming bowls of lamb stew, while the street lamps burned hot and bright outside...


All dead and buried now. Them and anyone else who might remember.


Everything we did...everything we gave... What was it for?


I wond─ I hope you'll have a better answer than this when all's said and done.
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<puff> <wheeze>
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I'm...<huff>...I'm going back in.
Nay, my lady. Exhausted as thou art, thou wouldst only endanger thyself. I prithee, rest a moment.
There was nothing where we looked.
Forename!
Dear gods... Were it not for Soroban's blessing... But I need not labor the point. I am glad to see you safe and well, my friend.
Have you any idea how worried we were!? To wash up on the shore, only to find you weren't with us!?
Oh, but I'm forgetting─here's your crown, Your Majesty! The Fuath kept that part of the bargain, at least!
While there were certain twists and turns, our work here is done, with everyone none the worse for wetness.
Oh! Thank goodness you're still here!
Sul Uin! Is something amiss?
A great big mob of mortals is marching to Il Mheg. Mortals with ugly weapons and uglier faces!
They wouldn't happen to be your friends, would they?
Rather the reverse, I fear. The Eulmoran Army, at a guess.
Meaning...we can play with them?
As much as you like. But just to be sure, I will return with you to confirm their identities. If they are who we suspect, we will require your aid.
If Alphinaud is coming, then Alisaie will be too, yes? Can't have one without the other, you know!
<sigh> All right. Just remember, we're not your playmates this time.
I'm afraid we must leave the rest of the relic hunt in your hands.
What will you say?
Don't worry. I've done this sort of thing before. It's fine. Defeating the Lightwarden would always have fallen to me.
Indeed you have! Very well, then. See you afterwards, my friend!
Perhaps. But I would feel better if we were there to assist you. <sigh> Back to cheering you on from afar. See you afterwards, my friend.
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