A Song of Bards and Bowmen

Luciane

Well met, [name]. Would that we had the time for banter, but we're all up in arms here. Yet another Ixali dirigible has been spotted over the Twelveswood, you see.

Their reappearance calls to my mind the Battle of Griffin Crossing. Well, I say “Battle”─most are agreed that “Massacre” would be rather more apt. Aye, the Ixal dealt us a crushing defeat that day. Right around this time of year, it was, more than two decades past.

• FR Quand je vois les Ixali, parfois, je ne peux pas m'empêcher de repenser au drame du Coerthas, au cours duquel les flèches divines ont essuyé un échec tragique. ‘When I see the Ixal, sometimes I cannot help thinking back on the Coerthas tragedy, during which the Divine Arrows suffered a tragic defeat.’ English names it the Battle of Griffin Crossing; French calls it the Coerthas tragedy.
• FR Cet incident a eu lieu il y a quelques années, à la même saison... ‘This incident took place a few years ago, in the same season...’ English dates the battle more than two decades ago; French says it was a few years ago.
• DE Der Anblick der Ixal erinnert uns immer schmerzlich an die „Hochlandschlacht“, eine Schlacht - oder besser eine Tragödie - die sich zur gleichen Jahreszeit wie jetzt auf dem zentralen Hochland von Coerthas abspielte. ‘The sight of the Ixal always painfully reminds us of the "Highland Battle", a battle - or rather a tragedy - that took place at the same time of year as now in the central highlands of Coerthas.’ English names it the Battle of Griffin Crossing; German calls it the Highland Battle, fought in the highlands of Coerthas.
• JA イクサル族を見ると……神勇隊が大敗北を喫した「中央高地の惨劇」を思い出すわ。 ‘When I see the Ixal... it reminds me of the "Tragedy of the Central Highlands", where the Gods' Quiver suffered a great defeat.’ English names it the Battle of Griffin Crossing; Japanese calls it the Tragedy of the Central Highlands.

A humiliating episode in our history, to be sure, but heavens forbid that we ever forget it. Failure is the finest─if not the kindest─of teachers, and few things drive a woman/man better than its sting.

• FR Aujourd'hui encore, nous devons continuer de faire face à la menace de Garlemald et consolider notre force militaire, si nous voulons éviter des tragédies similaires. ‘Even today, we must continue to face the threat of Garlemald and consolidate our military strength if we want to avoid similar tragedies.’ English calls failure the finest teacher; French speaks of facing Garlemald and strengthening the military.
• DE Das bedeutet, dass wir uns nicht nur auf die Bedrohung durch das Garleische Kaiserreich vorbereiten müssen, sondern auch auf eine mögliche Invasion der Ixal. ‘That means that we must prepare not only for the threat from the Garlean Empire, but also for a possible invasion by the Ixal.’ English says failure's sting drives people on; German says to prepare for the Garlean Empire and an Ixal invasion.
• JA 今はガレマール帝国への対応もあるし、より戦力を強化しないことには、敗北が繰り返されてしまうかもしれない。 ‘Now there is the Garlean Empire to deal with as well, and unless we strengthen our forces further, defeat may be repeated.’ English calls failure the finest teacher; Japanese speaks of dealing with the Garlean Empire and strengthening forces.

Ah, but do let's speak of cheerier matters. Mayhap you've already heard, but a renowned archer has recently returned to the Twelveswood─the one they call the “Godsbow.”

That's just a title, of course. His birth name is Jehantel, and he was once of the Gods' Quiver. The man was a legend even then, and there was no honor greater than being taken under his tutelage.

But that's not all there is to him, mind you. Jehantel was also a skilled bard, one of the rare few capable of inspiring others to great feats through song.

Upon learning that the Godsbow had returned, dozens of us flocked to him in hopes of training under a legend, yours truly included.

• FR Jehantel a quitté les flèches divines il y a plusieurs dizaines d'années, et on ne l'a plus revu au combat après cela. ‘Jehantel left the Divine Arrows several decades ago, and he was never seen in battle again after that.’ English says dozens flocked to train under him; French says Jehantel left decades ago and never fought again.
• DE Zu unser aller Bedauern trat Jehantel vor einigen Jahrzehnten aus Nophicas Schar aus, angeblich um als Barde durch die Lande zu ziehen. ‘To our great regret, Jehantel left Nophica's Host some decades ago, supposedly to travel the land as a bard.’ English says dozens flocked to train under him; German says he left decades ago to wander as a bard.
• JA ところが、数多の戦で戦功を挙げた「強弓のジェアンテル」は数十年前に神勇隊を去り、戦場から姿を消したの……。 ‘However, "Jehantel the Mighty Bow", who won merit in countless battles, left the Gods' Quiver decades ago and vanished from the battlefield...’ English says dozens flocked to train under him; Japanese says he left decades ago and vanished from battle.

Alas, the meetings haven't unfolded quite as we had hoped. Jehantel has refused to teach each and every suitor that has approached him thus far.

• FR À ce qu'on raconte, il aurait raccroché sa casaque de militaire pour endosser à la place celle d'artiste itinérant, parcourant Éorzéa en tant que barde, tirant un trait sur son passé d'archer. ‘From what people say, he hung up his soldier's coat to put on that of a wandering artist instead, roaming Eorzea as a bard and drawing a line under his past as an archer.’ English says he refused to teach every suitor; French says he swapped soldiering for life as a wandering bard.
• DE Es gibt viele Legenden über die Zeit seiner Wanderschaft und bestimmt hat er viel Gutes bewirkt, aber trotzdem haben wir ihn schmerzlich vermisst. ‘There are many legends about the time of his wanderings and he surely did much good, but we still missed him sorely.’ English says he refused to teach every suitor; German speaks of legends from his wanderings and of missing him.
• JA 以来、ジェアンテルは弓を捨て、俗に言う歌い手としての「吟遊詩人」に身をやつして、各地を放浪していたようね。 ‘Since then, Jehantel cast aside his bow, lowered himself to a "bard" in the common sense of a singer, and seems to have wandered from place to place.’ English says he refused to teach every suitor; Japanese says he cast aside his bow to wander as a singer.

Though, it should be mentioned that the topics he is reluctant to instruct us in do not include poetry and song. He seems exceedingly keen to teach us all about them. Some few of us were tempted to take him up on the offer...save that we have a nation to defend.

• DE Nachdem die Nachricht über seine Rückkehr die Runde gemacht hatte, sind viele von uns zu ihm gegangen, um von dieser lebenden Legende zu lernen. ‘After the news of his return had made the rounds, many of us went to him to learn from this living legend.’ English says he is happy to teach poetry and song; German says many went to learn from the living legend.

Far be it from my intent to belittle all those bards out there, but I like my chances rather better charging into battle with a quiver than a harp. And here we were hoping that transcendent mastery of the bow might be ours...

• FR Par les temps qui courent, nous devons impérativement entraîner intensivement nos unités. ‘In times like these, we absolutely must train our units intensively.’ English jokes about charging into battle with a quiver rather than a harp; French says the units must train hard.
• DE Bisher hat er alle Anwärter abgelehnt. ‘So far he has turned down all applicants.’ English jokes about charging into battle with a quiver rather than a harp; German says he has turned down every applicant.

Hm? By the sparkle in your eyes, I'd wager you have an interest in that selfsame poetry and song. Come now, there is no call for shyness, and there is more to life than battle. If you would present yourself as a pupil to Jehantel, I happen to know his whereabouts.

I'm given to understand that he has made his camp somewhere west of Quarrymill in the South Shroud. Jehantel is an agreeable sort of fellow, and should be willing enough to meet with you.

Truth be told, I'm still holding on to hope. If you could find a way into Jehantel's confidence, mayhap he can yet be persuaded to train us.

• FR Peut-être que si vous arrivez à en savoir plus sur la raison qui l'a poussé à renoncer au tir à l'arc, et que vous le placez dans de bonnes dispositions... ‘Perhaps if you manage to learn more about the reason that drove him to give up archery, and put him in a good mood... Who knows, he might change his attitude about archery?’ English asks you to win Jehantel's confidence; French asks you to find out why he gave up archery.
• JA あわよくば、彼が弓を捨てた理由を探って……彼の気が変わるよう促してくれるといいんだけど。 ‘If all goes well, I hope you will find out why he cast aside his bow... and nudge him to change his mind.’ English asks you to win Jehantel's confidence; Japanese asks you to find out why he cast aside his bow.

I wish you the best of luck, friend.

Jehantel

Ah, another guest. You are kind to pay me visit, young one.

Naught gives us elderly folk more pleasure than the company of the young. Add to that a steaming pot of tea and the beauty of the Twelveswood, and we could want for little more!

• FR Venez donc entonner une chanson avec moi, et admirer tranquillement la beauté des arbres. ‘Come then and strike up a song with me, and quietly admire the beauty of the trees.’ English pairs the young visitors with a pot of tea; French invites you to sing a song together.
• JA ささ、ともに詩歌を吟じ、木々の緑を愛でるとしよう。 ‘Come, come, let us recite poetry together and admire the green of the trees.’ English pairs the young visitors with a pot of tea; Japanese invites you to recite poetry together.

Ah. But the curl of your lip tells me that tea and scenery are not what you desire. You seek knowledge of archery, I take it? In which case, I'm afraid I must disappoint you...[name], was it?

• FR Je vois que vous avez là un arc magnifique. ‘I see you have a magnificent bow there.’ English reads your curled lip; French notices your magnificent bow instead.
• JA おや、ずいぶん素晴らしい弓を持っているようだが……お主もまた、「強弓」ジェアンテルに用があるのかね？ ‘Oh, you seem to carry quite a splendid bow... are you, too, here on business with Jehantel the "Mighty Bow"?’ English reads your curled lip; Japanese notices your splendid bow instead.

Yes, yes, I am Jehantel, the one they called the Godsbow─but that was in another life. I have long cast aside my bow, taking instead a harp to my breast. For years, I have lived as a bard, going wherever the wind blows, exulting in the beauty of creation through song.

• FR Dans ce cas, je regrette, mais je ne pourrai pas vous aider. ‘In that case, I am sorry, but I will not be able to help you.’ English has Jehantel confirm who he is; French has him say he cannot help you.
• DE Ich habe schon vor langer Zeit meinen Bogen zu einer Harfe umgebaut. ‘Long ago I rebuilt my bow into a harp.’ English says he cast aside his bow and took up a harp; German says he rebuilt his bow into a harp.
• JA ならばすまぬが、どうかお引き取り願いたい。 ‘Then I am sorry, but I must ask you to kindly leave.’ English has Jehantel confirm who he is; Japanese has him ask you to leave.

To be sure, I still have the eyes to recognize a promising archer when I see one. And you, young one, have promise. Keep your nose to the grindstone, and one day you may count yourself a virtuoso of the bow.

Yet know that virtuosity is worthless without virtue. Aye, the words of the Ballad of the Vainglorious Fool tell us this much.

• JA そう、どこぞの詩歌に歌われる「罪深き愚者」のようにな。 ‘Yes, like the "Sinful Fool" sung of in some poem or other.’ English names the Ballad of the Vainglorious Fool; Japanese speaks of the "Sinful Fool".

...You truly wish to remain and learn poetry and verse? Well, well, well...I must admit to being rather taken aback.

• DE Im Bogenschießen kann ich dich nicht unterweisen, aber wenn du möchtest, erzähle ich dir etwas über Poesie. ‘... I cannot instruct you in archery, but if you like, I will tell you something about poetry.’ English has you ask to learn poetry, to his surprise; German has him offer poetry since he will not teach archery.

In uncertain days such as these, there are few indeed who would devote their time to song as opposed to more “tangible” endeavors.

You intrigue me, young one. I find myself growing curious as to how the melodies of old might find expression through you.

I do believe a certain friend of mine would be of the selfsame opinion. Aye, that would be as good a place as any for us to begin.

Listen well, [name]. There is a moogle named Pukno Poki, who can oft be found wandering an area situated east of here. I would have you present yourself to him.

Pukno Poki is possessed of a discerning eye for talent. If he sees potential in you, I should be well satisfied that you indeed have the makings of a bard.

• JA お主があやつのお眼鏡にかなうのなら、吟遊詩人として、少し手ほどきをしてやろうぞ。 ‘If you meet with his approval, I shall give you a little instruction as a bard.’ English says the moogle's approval proves you have a bard's makings; Japanese promises some bard instruction.

Heed me, O Puissant Althyk! Turn Thee over the hourglass of time, that we might gaze upon the battles of yore!

PPukno Poki

Kupoarrrgh! How could this have happened? It's just so...embarrassing! A blunder for the ages, kupo!

Hm? You understand what I'm saying, don't you?

PPukno Poki

That's a rare talent, I'll allow, but you've caught me at a bad time, kupo. Now, be a good adventurer and show yourself out─

PPukno Poki

Jehantel sent you!? You should have said so sooner, kupo!

You do know that Jehantel is no ordinary bard, yes? His songs can salve your heart and strengthen your resolve. They can banish your fears and fill you with hope...and that's not even scratching the surface!

Why, to hear him perform is like bathing in sunbeams, kupo!

I've asked, begged, and pled more times than I care to count for Jehantel to stay and sing in the forest. Only now has he deigned to set foot here again...but he's refusing to sing for us. That's a blatant breach of promise, kupo!

...But what's this? Why, your being resonates with a chord similar to Jehantel's! Perhaps even identical, kupo!

By the Twelve, this means that things may yet turn out as planned! Why, you might even have it in you to surpass the man, and that's saying a lot, kupo!

• FR Et peut-être que si Jehantel vous a envoyé(e), c'est qu'il s'est enfin décidé à tenir sa promesse... ‘And perhaps if Jehantel sent you, it is because he has finally decided to keep his promise...’ English says you might surpass Jehantel; French says Jehantel may finally be keeping his promise.

Egads! Your coming had so excited me, my predicament nigh escaped my mind!

There's a charm that I had meant to give to Jehantel, you see, but it was stolen as I napped, kupo! I roused just in time to espy the thief and attempted to give chase. Alas, drowsiness robbed me of my balance and I was...delayed by this tree.

• FR Il s'agit d'un objet indispensable pour apprendre le chant ! ‘It is an object indispensable for learning song!’ English says the charm was meant for Jehantel; French says it is indispensable for learning song.
• DE Ein Kristall, der für die Bardenkunst unabdinglich ist, wurde mir gestohlen, als ich ein kleines Nickerchen hielt, kupo! ‘A crystal that is indispensable for the bardic art was stolen from me while I was taking a little nap, kupo!’ English says the charm was meant for Jehantel; German says it is indispensable for the bardic art.
• JA ジェアンテルから詩を教わるための、しれんクポ！ ‘It is a trial for learning poetry from Jehantel, kupo!’ English says the charm was meant for Jehantel; Japanese calls it a trial for learning poetry from him.

Last I saw of that overbold brigand, he─or possibly she─was scurrying towards Takers' Rot, kupo. Now, I realize we've only just met, but would you mind recovering the charm and delivering it to Jehantel in my stead?

Last I saw of that overbold brigand, he─or possibly she─was scurrying towards Takers' Rot, kupo. Now, I realize we've only just met, but would you mind recovering the charm and delivering it to Jehantel in my stead?

Have you recovered the charm?

You did it, kupo! Please, you must now deliver it to Jehantel. Tell him that Pukno Poki thinks him a cunning rogue, but is excited nonetheless! So excited, in fact, that he cannot help but sing! Kupololololo～♪

• FR Et dites-lui que j'ai “hâte de voir comment les choses vont évoluer”, kupo ! ‘And tell him that I "can't wait to see how things turn out", kupo!’ English calls Jehantel a cunning rogue; French only says Pukno Poki can't wait to see how things turn out.

Jehantel

Welcome back, [name]. Hm? You have a charm and a message for me from Pukno Poki, you say?

A cunning rogue, am I? Hah hah hah!

• FR Ha ha ha, je vois, il a hâte de voir comment les “choses” vont évoluer... ‘Ha ha ha, I see, he can't wait to see how "things" turn out... I see, I see.’ English has Jehantel laugh at being called a cunning rogue; French has him laugh at "can't wait to see how things turn out".

I suppose I must explain. Pukno Poki and I go back a long way, to when first I took up the harp. I made a promise to him then, one that I have yet to make good on.

Pukno Poki has long desired that I remain in the Twelveswood to sing for the rest of my days. Regrettably, I have been ill able to oblige him.

Duty called, you see─I had battlefields to stand upon and comrades to protect. Moreover, an event came to pass that rendered my being in the Twelveswood...problematic.

• FR C'est pour cela que je ne pouvais rester en ces lieux... mon devoir au combat m'attendait. ‘That is why I could not stay in these parts... my duty in battle awaited me.’ English mentions an event that made staying in the forest a problem; French gives only his duty in battle.
• DE Meine Pflichten halten mich davon ab, dauerhaft im Wald der Einkehr zu leben. ‘My duties keep me from living permanently in the Twelveswood.’ English mentions an event that made staying in the forest a problem; German blames only his duties.

I thought that by taking eager souls such as you under my wing, mayhap it would suffice to appease Pukno Poki.

Of course, he saw straight through my little ruse. What the moogles lack in grace, they amply make up for in wit.

The creatures are great lovers of song. That you return with this charm is proof positive of his high regard for your potential as bard and archer both.

The charm is a crystal known as the Soul of the Bard. Pukno Poki asked that you bring it to me, aye, but he meant for you to have it. It is a gift from the moogles, bestowed upon those they deem worthy of walking the path of the true bard.

The Soul of the Bard harbors memories of the past─verses and refrains sung by the bards of old.

As you gain in worldly experience, more of these memories will find expression through your being, imbuing your song with powers untold.

Now, it may surprise you to hear that bowmen and bards are as next of kin. By the same token, mastery of song is dependent upon one's prowess as an archer.

• FR Chantez sur ces airs, et vos odes prendront alors toute leur puissance. ‘Sing to these tunes, and your odes will then take on their full power.’ English says bowmen and bards are close kin; French says singing to these tunes gives your odes power.
• JA その旋律に乗せて歌うことで、お主の歌声に力が宿るのだ。 ‘By singing to those melodies, power will dwell in your singing voice.’ English says bowmen and bards are close kin; Japanese says singing to those melodies gives your voice power.

The sense in this will be lost upon you at first, but in time the realization will dawn that bow and harp are but stringed instruments played by the same hand.

• FR L'art du chant et la capacité à se concentrer pour tirer à l'arc font en réalité appel à la même aptitude. ‘The art of song and the ability to concentrate to shoot a bow in fact call on the same aptitude.’ English pictures bow and harp as strings played by one hand; French says song and archery need the same focus.
• JA 吟遊詩人と弓術士の力は、表裏一体なのだから……。 ‘For the powers of the bard and the archer are two sides of the same coin...’ English pictures bow and harp as strings played by one hand; Japanese calls bard and archer two sides of one coin.

Go now, [name], and let your body and soul drink deep of the melodies of old.

When next we meet, I hope to see a fully fledged bard standing before me...one who exceeds even Pukno Poki's wildest expectations.