(Aymeric, Count Edmont de Fortempts, and his son Artoirel are walking through the cobblestone streets of Ishgard in the evening while in the midst of discussion. They’re so engrossed they barely notice a young man passing them by until he walks right into Aymeric, seemingly on accident--until they notice the dagger sticking out of Aymeric’s gut. Aymeric grasps the dagger as he collapses, and the Count rushes to his side. The young man attempts to flee, and Artoirel catches him before he can escape, pinning him to the ground.)
Demands of the reactionaries: 25:19-36:25
(Setting: At the Congregation of Our Knights Most Heavenly, the headquarters of the Temple Knights, the Scions and co. are discussing recent events: reactionaries and fundamentalists have been causing problems in Ishgard in the wake of the end of the war, unwilling to accept peace between the formerly-warring nations. One of the more damaging outbursts has been a series of fires set in the Brume, an area in the city where many lower-class families live.)
LUCIA: I do not mean to diminish our accomplishments, but until we identify the ones who ordered the fires set, our work is far from finished.
THANCRED: Between the various conservative and religious factions in Ishgard, I daresay there is no shortage of parties who would like to see the status quo preserved. Do any likely suspects spring to mind?
(Aymeric enters, wincing from his recent injury, but determined.)
AYMERIC: Far too many to count.
LUCIA: Lord Commander, your wounds!
AYMERIC: Are healing well, thank you.
(He gives her a reassuring glance.)
AYMERIC: Time is of the essence. Lest we forget, these men would sooner put their own city to the torch than see it change. When our enemies learn that we have apprehended their arsonist, there is no telling how they will react.
(At that moment, a Temple Knight runs into the room, frantic.)
TENSE TEMPLE KNIGHT: Lord Commander! An armed mob has seized control of the Vault!
(Everyone is immediately taken aback.)
AYMERIC: And now we know. Tell us what happened, ser. Spare no detail.
TENSE TEMPLE KNIGHT: We were directing refugees into the basilica, as you ordered, when all of a sudden, men brandishing weapons were all around us. It happened so fast, my lord. We had no time to respond. They’ve taken the refugees hostage and barricaded themselves inside the Vault.
AYMERIC: And they sent you to deliver their demands.
TENSE TEMPLE KNIGHT: They… the True Brothers of the Faith demand that a conclave to select the next archbishop be held forthwith. Furthermore, th-they declare that you, Lord Commander, are guilty of patricide and high treason, and that you must surrender yourself at once to receive of the Fury’s judgment.
LUCIA: Ridiculous! Do they honestly think that executing Ser Aymeric will change anything? That the truth will somehow die with him?
ARTOIREL: These fundamentalists rage against the passing of the old ways, unable to accept there can be no going back.
COUNT EDMONT DE FORTEMPTS: Given the fanciful nature of their demands, a peaceful resolution does not seem likely. If the hostages are to be rescued, it will be by force, I fear.
AYMERIC: Agreed. Lucia, take a contingent of knights and establish a perimeter outside the entrance.
LUCIA: At once, Lord Commander!
AYMERIC: Hilda, I need your people out in force throughout the Brume. When word spreads of the situation, the friends and family of the hostages may try to take matters into their own hands. I will not give these militants more targets.
(Hilda nods.)
AYMERIC: I shall lead the assault on the Vault. Master Alphinaud, can I count on the support of the Scions?
(Alphinaud nods. The Warrior of Light, Y’Shtola, and Thancred do the same.)
ALPHINAUD: Of course!
AYMERIC: We are in your debt.
ARTOIREL: I shall join you as well, Lord Commander!
(Aymeric spares a quick glance at Count Edmont, Artoirel’s father, who nods.)
AYMERIC: Your assistance is most welcome, Lord Artoirel. To arms then, friends! Time is against us!
(Inside the Vault, the group must fight off waves of armed guards in order to rescue bound hostages. They learn that the leader of this insurgence is a man who formerly served under the late archbishop. At one point, the enemies activate automatons inside the cathedral and the group has to split up to prevent more hostages from being hurt. Aymeric deals with the leader while the rest of the party take down the automatons. It’s a tough fight, but eventually they prevail. The last hostage they find, a young boy, fearfully informs them that a priest took a girl up to the top of the building. The group pursues.)
Vidofnir’s rescue: 29:10-34:28
(Setting: Near the top of the Vault, the group is frantically trying to find the priest who took the young girl as hostage.)
AYMERIC: Where is he? Where is he!?
(Aymeric, Artoirel, and the Warrior of Light quickly head further, to the balconies at the top of the cathedral. They find the priest holding the girl, Maelie, by her throat over the edge of a precipice. As Aymeric approaches, he shoves the girl further towards the abyss.)
VAULT PRIEST: Come no closer!
(The trio stop, and though the Warrior of Light looks ready to pursue, Aymeric holds them back.)
AYMERIC: You have nowhere to run! Release the girl and surrender!
VAULT PRIEST: Surrender to whom!? The blasphemer who throws wide the gates to our enemy, who breaks bread with him and calls him brother!? Ungodly swine! I would sooner die than surrender to you!
AYMERIC: Is it godly to spill the blood of an innocent child!? To burn the homes of your brothers!? Tell me, priest--is that godly!?
VAULT PRIEST: Do not speak to me of godliness, heathen! Your father’s blood is on your hands--as is hers!
(The priest shoves Maelie off the precipice. She falls, and the people below on the streets in front of the cathedral cry out in horror. At the last moment, the dragon Vidofnir flies into the scene, catching the girl on her back. She lands on the ground, and Maelie quickly hides behind Lucia, intimidated.)
LUCIA: Vidofnir!
VIDOFNIR: Well met, knight. Mayhap I chose an inopportune moment?
LUCIA: Not at all! Pray forgive us this most unworthy reception. We are honored to have you with us, and right glad of your aid!
VIDOFNIR: Fortune delivered the child unto me. I had but to receive her.
(Maelie still looks intimidated, but grateful.)
MAELIE: Thank you for saving me…
VIDOFNIR: Thou art welcome, child.
(Shortly, Aymeric, Artoirel, the Warrior of Light, and co. arrive to greet Vidofnir.)
AYMERIC: Never did I think to be indebted to so unexpected a savior. But full glad am I to be so.
(Vidofnir leans down, head level with the group. She turns to the Warrior of Light.)
VIDOFNIR: Friend of Ysayle, warrior of warriors, I had hoped to meet with thee. I bear a message from my sire.
AYMERIC: From Hraesvelgr?
VIDOFNIR: Upon returning to our lands, Nidhogg’s shade did sing unto his brood, and they for skies unknown did then take wing. This thou must know, for your fates are inextricably bound.
ALPHINAUD: What of Estinien? Is he truly lost to us?
VIDOFNIR: Such matters are beyond my ken. I but bear my father’s words. Take from them what thou wilt. Fare you well, mortals.
(Vidofnir takes to the sky, and flies away. Count Edmont de Fortempts approaches shortly thereafter.)
COUNT EDMONT DE FORTEMPTS: So it is as they say, then. A great white dragon swooped down from the heavens to rescue an innocent child.
AYMERIC: A most unexpected turn of events… but not an unwelcome one. The people will not soon forget this day.
COUNT EDMONT DE FORTEMPTS: Yet how will they choose to remember it, Ser Aymeric? And will these events serve to bring man and dragon closer together, or drive a deeper wedge between brothers?
(Aymeric looks taken aback.)
COUNT EDMONT DE FORTEMPTS: After a thousand years, the world these men once knew is changing--and with an ungentle swiftness to boot. Though their actions are misguided, their sentiments are only to be expected. You may be sure that others will rally to their cause. I share your desire for a lasting peace with the Dravanians, I do, but I would not see it built on the bones of our countrymen--nor on our own.
(The Count has a pained expression, and Aymeric bows his head.)
COUNT EDMONT DE FORTEMPTS: I see much of Haurchefant in you. And I could not bear to mourn the passing of another son.
no subject
The assassination attempt: 24:17-25:15
(Aymeric, Count Edmont de Fortempts, and his son Artoirel are walking through the cobblestone streets of Ishgard in the evening while in the midst of discussion. They’re so engrossed they barely notice a young man passing them by until he walks right into Aymeric, seemingly on accident--until they notice the dagger sticking out of Aymeric’s gut. Aymeric grasps the dagger as he collapses, and the Count rushes to his side. The young man attempts to flee, and Artoirel catches him before he can escape, pinning him to the ground.)
Demands of the reactionaries: 25:19-36:25
(Setting: At the Congregation of Our Knights Most Heavenly, the headquarters of the Temple Knights, the Scions and co. are discussing recent events: reactionaries and fundamentalists have been causing problems in Ishgard in the wake of the end of the war, unwilling to accept peace between the formerly-warring nations. One of the more damaging outbursts has been a series of fires set in the Brume, an area in the city where many lower-class families live.)
LUCIA: I do not mean to diminish our accomplishments, but until we identify the ones who ordered the fires set, our work is far from finished.
THANCRED: Between the various conservative and religious factions in Ishgard, I daresay there is no shortage of parties who would like to see the status quo preserved. Do any likely suspects spring to mind?
(Aymeric enters, wincing from his recent injury, but determined.)
AYMERIC: Far too many to count.
LUCIA: Lord Commander, your wounds!
AYMERIC: Are healing well, thank you.
(He gives her a reassuring glance.)
AYMERIC: Time is of the essence. Lest we forget, these men would sooner put their own city to the torch than see it change. When our enemies learn that we have apprehended their arsonist, there is no telling how they will react.
(At that moment, a Temple Knight runs into the room, frantic.)
TENSE TEMPLE KNIGHT: Lord Commander! An armed mob has seized control of the Vault!
(Everyone is immediately taken aback.)
AYMERIC: And now we know. Tell us what happened, ser. Spare no detail.
TENSE TEMPLE KNIGHT: We were directing refugees into the basilica, as you ordered, when all of a sudden, men brandishing weapons were all around us. It happened so fast, my lord. We had no time to respond. They’ve taken the refugees hostage and barricaded themselves inside the Vault.
AYMERIC: And they sent you to deliver their demands.
TENSE TEMPLE KNIGHT: They… the True Brothers of the Faith demand that a conclave to select the next archbishop be held forthwith. Furthermore, th-they declare that you, Lord Commander, are guilty of patricide and high treason, and that you must surrender yourself at once to receive of the Fury’s judgment.
LUCIA: Ridiculous! Do they honestly think that executing Ser Aymeric will change anything? That the truth will somehow die with him?
ARTOIREL: These fundamentalists rage against the passing of the old ways, unable to accept there can be no going back.
COUNT EDMONT DE FORTEMPTS: Given the fanciful nature of their demands, a peaceful resolution does not seem likely. If the hostages are to be rescued, it will be by force, I fear.
AYMERIC: Agreed. Lucia, take a contingent of knights and establish a perimeter outside the entrance.
LUCIA: At once, Lord Commander!
AYMERIC: Hilda, I need your people out in force throughout the Brume. When word spreads of the situation, the friends and family of the hostages may try to take matters into their own hands. I will not give these militants more targets.
(Hilda nods.)
AYMERIC: I shall lead the assault on the Vault. Master Alphinaud, can I count on the support of the Scions?
(Alphinaud nods. The Warrior of Light, Y’Shtola, and Thancred do the same.)
ALPHINAUD: Of course!
AYMERIC: We are in your debt.
ARTOIREL: I shall join you as well, Lord Commander!
(Aymeric spares a quick glance at Count Edmont, Artoirel’s father, who nods.)
AYMERIC: Your assistance is most welcome, Lord Artoirel. To arms then, friends! Time is against us!
(Inside the Vault, the group must fight off waves of armed guards in order to rescue bound hostages. They learn that the leader of this insurgence is a man who formerly served under the late archbishop. At one point, the enemies activate automatons inside the cathedral and the group has to split up to prevent more hostages from being hurt. Aymeric deals with the leader while the rest of the party take down the automatons. It’s a tough fight, but eventually they prevail. The last hostage they find, a young boy, fearfully informs them that a priest took a girl up to the top of the building. The group pursues.)
Vidofnir’s rescue: 29:10-34:28
(Setting: Near the top of the Vault, the group is frantically trying to find the priest who took the young girl as hostage.)
AYMERIC: Where is he? Where is he!?
(Aymeric, Artoirel, and the Warrior of Light quickly head further, to the balconies at the top of the cathedral. They find the priest holding the girl, Maelie, by her throat over the edge of a precipice. As Aymeric approaches, he shoves the girl further towards the abyss.)
VAULT PRIEST: Come no closer!
(The trio stop, and though the Warrior of Light looks ready to pursue, Aymeric holds them back.)
AYMERIC: You have nowhere to run! Release the girl and surrender!
VAULT PRIEST: Surrender to whom!? The blasphemer who throws wide the gates to our enemy, who breaks bread with him and calls him brother!? Ungodly swine! I would sooner die than surrender to you!
AYMERIC: Is it godly to spill the blood of an innocent child!? To burn the homes of your brothers!? Tell me, priest--is that godly!?
VAULT PRIEST: Do not speak to me of godliness, heathen! Your father’s blood is on your hands--as is hers!
(The priest shoves Maelie off the precipice. She falls, and the people below on the streets in front of the cathedral cry out in horror. At the last moment, the dragon Vidofnir flies into the scene, catching the girl on her back. She lands on the ground, and Maelie quickly hides behind Lucia, intimidated.)
LUCIA: Vidofnir!
VIDOFNIR: Well met, knight. Mayhap I chose an inopportune moment?
LUCIA: Not at all! Pray forgive us this most unworthy reception. We are honored to have you with us, and right glad of your aid!
VIDOFNIR: Fortune delivered the child unto me. I had but to receive her.
(Maelie still looks intimidated, but grateful.)
MAELIE: Thank you for saving me…
VIDOFNIR: Thou art welcome, child.
(Shortly, Aymeric, Artoirel, the Warrior of Light, and co. arrive to greet Vidofnir.)
AYMERIC: Never did I think to be indebted to so unexpected a savior. But full glad am I to be so.
(Vidofnir leans down, head level with the group. She turns to the Warrior of Light.)
VIDOFNIR: Friend of Ysayle, warrior of warriors, I had hoped to meet with thee. I bear a message from my sire.
AYMERIC: From Hraesvelgr?
VIDOFNIR: Upon returning to our lands, Nidhogg’s shade did sing unto his brood, and they for skies unknown did then take wing. This thou must know, for your fates are inextricably bound.
ALPHINAUD: What of Estinien? Is he truly lost to us?
VIDOFNIR: Such matters are beyond my ken. I but bear my father’s words. Take from them what thou wilt. Fare you well, mortals.
(Vidofnir takes to the sky, and flies away. Count Edmont de Fortempts approaches shortly thereafter.)
COUNT EDMONT DE FORTEMPTS: So it is as they say, then. A great white dragon swooped down from the heavens to rescue an innocent child.
AYMERIC: A most unexpected turn of events… but not an unwelcome one. The people will not soon forget this day.
COUNT EDMONT DE FORTEMPTS: Yet how will they choose to remember it, Ser Aymeric? And will these events serve to bring man and dragon closer together, or drive a deeper wedge between brothers?
(Aymeric looks taken aback.)
COUNT EDMONT DE FORTEMPTS: After a thousand years, the world these men once knew is changing--and with an ungentle swiftness to boot. Though their actions are misguided, their sentiments are only to be expected. You may be sure that others will rally to their cause. I share your desire for a lasting peace with the Dravanians, I do, but I would not see it built on the bones of our countrymen--nor on our own.
(The Count has a pained expression, and Aymeric bows his head.)
COUNT EDMONT DE FORTEMPTS: I see much of Haurchefant in you. And I could not bear to mourn the passing of another son.
(Aymeric looks surprised, and touched.)
AYMERIC: Lord Edmont…
(The Count leaves, along with Artoirel.)