Back from the Wood

Main story quest #61, level 24. 135th of 173 in play order.

Quest giver: Vorsaile Heuloix, New Gridania (X 9.7, Y 11.1).

Next: Shadow of Darkness ›

Steps

Speak with Tataru.
Enter the Waking Sands.
Speak with Minfilia.

Journal

Commander Heuloix appears to have more to say.
Mere moments after Commander Heuloix bids you send his regards to Minfilia, she contacts you via linkpearl. The Antecedent expresses relief that the matter of Ramuh has been laid to rest, and requests your presence at the Waking Sands.
After giving you a characteristically warm welcome, Tataru informs you that Minfilia is waiting in the solar. Enter at your leisure.
Minfilia's exposition is interrupted by a frightened yelp from without. Rushing to the source of the commotion, you find yourself face-to-face with the sylph Noraxia, who has come to offer her aid to the Scions. Safe in the knowledge that there is no cause for alarm, resume your conversation with Minfilia.
Though Minfilia is heartened by the continued growth of her “family” of Scions, she cannot help but wonder at the appearance of the Ascians. What might their presence portend?

Hidden

Spoiler about later in the story

Foreshadowing Minfilia asks after someone named Alisaie, who has 'chosen to walk her own path'. She does not appear in this quest. Remember the name.

Spoiler about later in the story

Foreshadowing Minfilia wishes a man who is gone were still with them, as he would have found a better way to cover so many malms. Then comes the line 'Where in the world are you, Chief?'. Remember this missing 'Chief'.

Characters 10

Y'shtola
Y'shtola joins the Scions at the Waking Sands to discuss the primals.
What you know from earlier quests 7
- #37 Lurkers in the Grotto: Her name is Y'shtola; she studies aether and hunts the kidnappers too. After you beat an enraged goobbue together, she finds a sailor's knife in it and suspects pirates. Your talk of a towering crystal surprises her. Staelwyrn vouches for her.
- #47 Just Deserts: After the golem fight, near Y'shtola you see a vision of her past: she fears the beast tribes may summon primals (summoned gods), as Louisoix foretold. She can see aether. She calls herself a naturalist, links the pirates to the Sahagin, and takes Sevrin home.
- #69 Feint and Strike: Y'shtola arrives when she senses the masked mage and fights beside you. She names him an Ascian, one of the "Bringers of Chaos" who steer the beast tribes. She is a Sharlayan and, surprised you know it, decides you have "a special gift."
- #71 A Mizzenmast Repast: Y'shtola sees an extraordinary glow and names it one of the Crystals of Light. She recalls the vision of a towering crystal you had after your encounter with the goobbue, and concludes that you bathed in Her Light. Merlwyb agrees.
- #97 Into a Copper Hell: She appears after you help the woman, saying she has watched you since you left Limsa Lominsa. She praises your humble, selfless deeds, but your visions interest her most; a friend shares that gift. She invites you to join the Scions of the Seventh Dawn.
- #99 The Scions of the Seventh Dawn: Tataru is startled when you say you are here at Y'shtola's request, and quickly lets you in.
- #100 A Wild Rose by Any Other Name: Y'shtola is an Archon who looks after Limsa Lominsa. She says their leader was taken from them at the Battle of Carteneau. Then they found Minfilia and others with the Echo, a rare talent, and founded the Scions of the Seventh Dawn.
Yda
Yda is back at the Waking Sands with Papalymo, eager to know which primal comes next.
What you know from earlier quests 10
- #97 Into a Copper Hell: Yda cries "Case closed!" when the bully backs off, and teases that you were kind of dragged into the dodo-meat business. Yda names their order: the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, "defenders of justice." Only Momodi may know.
- #99 The Scions of the Seventh Dawn: In one version of this scene, you come at the request of Yda and Papalymo, and Tataru is startled to hear their names.
- #100 A Wild Rose by Any Other Name: Yda is the masked woman. Minfilia says she is an Archon, one of the Sharlayan scholars who stayed to protect Eorzea. She watches over the Twelveswood with Papalymo. She greets you cheerfully and was sure you'd agree.
- #114 Sylph-management: Yda describes the sylphs as floating gysahl greens that worship Ramuh. She says Gridania does not even know what to worry about. She eagerly agrees to go to Gridania.
- #115 We Come in Peace: Yda tells the commander that other business brings them today. She hopes the talk with the sylphs is as simple as Papalymo says.
- #118 First Contact: Yda arrives at Little Solace and greets Komuxio as an envoy from Gridania. She is shocked when he sends them away, and wonders if your dance was not good enough.
- #119 Dance Dance Diplomacy: Yda urges you to dance for the sylphs of Little Solace. She says leg cramps keep her from joining. When you return, she says your dancing cheered everyone, and her cramps are gone.
- #122 Brotherly Love: Yda holds off a stinking morbol so you can fight the sylphs. She says tempered sylphs answer only to steel, and takes no pleasure in fighting them.
- #132 Into the Beast's Maw: Yda calls Frixio a bridge between people and sylphs, so finding him matters. When Knolexia brings bad news, Papalymo sends Yda to the Adders' Nest for help, and she goes at once.
- #134 Believe in Your Sylph: Yda assures Frixio that the Gridanians see the sylphs as friends. She worries about the sinister figure robed in black, asks about the abductions, and praises Frixio as reasonable, teasing Papalymo. She leaves to tell Minfilia everything.
Papalymo
Papalymo is back at the Waking Sands after the talks with the sylphs.
What you know from earlier quests 10
- #97 Into a Copper Hell: Papalymo has watched you since you left Gridania: you served well as envoy and helped people without pay. Papalymo offers to explain your visions, mentions a friend with the same gift, and asks you to join their cause. Momodi knows where to find them.
- #99 The Scions of the Seventh Dawn: In one version of this scene, you come at the request of Yda and Papalymo, and Tataru is startled to hear their names.
- #100 A Wild Rose by Any Other Name: Papalymo is an Archon, one of the Sharlayan scholars who stayed to protect Eorzea. He watches over the Twelveswood with Yda. He was confident you would help, and he calls Thancred their man in Ul'dah.
- #114 Sylph-management: Papalymo explains that the sylphs worship the primal Ramuh but seem unable to summon it now. He warns the threat may not be over, and notes that Gridania is busy fighting Garuda. He agrees to go, reminding Yda it is "Us, Yda. Us!"
- #115 We Come in Peace: Papalymo agrees it is better to be safe than sorry about Ramuh. He expects a pleasant chat with the sylphs and knows the ferry from Westshore Pier goes to the Hawthorne Hut.
- #118 First Contact: Papalymo tells Komuxio they want to meet the elder and learn about Ramuh. He protests that your letter is an oath of peace. Baffled, he thinks recent events have made the sylphs wary and suggests asking around.
- #120 Forest Friend: Papalymo says tales of good deeds spread fast. The sylphs of Little Solace were driven from their home, so he suggests easing their troubles. Since sylphs rarely share worries with outsiders, he sends you to Hearer Imedia.
- #122 Brotherly Love: Papalymo explains that the attacking sylphs are tempered: under the control of the primal Ramuh, like the Amalj'aa tempered by Ifrit, they serve only their god. He fights a strange morbol, then wishes for a hot bath.
- #132 Into the Beast's Maw: Papalymo explains that Frixio, eldest of the sylphs of Little Solace, speaks for them with the Gridanians. He fears losing him would undo all their work. He tends to Knolexia's wounds and sends you to save Frixio.
- #134 Believe in Your Sylph: Papalymo hears Frixio's story and explains tempering: the touched sylphs take on Ramuh's traits, guarding their homeland and seizing their kin to rejoin them. He trades jibes with Yda, leaves for the Waking Sands, and asks you to deliver Frixio's letter.
Thancred
Thancred is away from the Waking Sands.
What you know from earlier quests 9
- #97 Into a Copper Hell: Thancred has watched you since you left Ul'dah and praises your work as envoy and your selflessness, though the rescue was a happy accident. Thancred asks about your visions, knows a woman with the same talent, and invites you to join the Scions.
- #99 The Scions of the Seventh Dawn: In one version of this scene, you come at Thancred's request, and Tataru is startled to hear the name.
- #100 A Wild Rose by Any Other Name: Thancred is an Archon, a charming bard, and the Scions' man in Ul'dah. He explains the caravan robbery and the missing people, which point to the Amalj'aa, worshipers of the primal Ifrit. He sends you to Isembard at Camp Drybone.
- #103 A Proper Burial: Thancred meets Isembard at Camp Drybone. He spoke with Ungust many times. He suspects Sister Ourcen, since people confess to her behind closed doors. Ourcen heard he took offense at the lichkeeper Marques, and he thinks he has seen that face before.
- #104 For the Children: Isembard says Ourcen's risky search for an orphan's keepsake is not the kind of evil deed Thancred would have them believe.
- #105 Amalj'aa Wrong Places: Thancred admits his suspicion of Ourcen was misplaced. While following her, he tracked a band of Amalj'aa to their camp, but he asks you to search inside. He finds the leaflet badly written and thinks the culprit poses as a priest.
- #106 Dressed to Deceive: Thancred plans for you both to pose as poor vagrants. At the pond north of Sandgate he unmasks the false priest as Ungust. He scorns Ungust for trading lives for coin, questions him, and stays to learn more while you report to Minfilia.
- #108 Lord of the Inferno: Thancred arrives late, after fighting Amalj'aa zealots, and blames himself for leaving you alone. He praises your win over Ifrit. Then he tells you the truth: the tempered captives must be put to death. Alone, he swears to be stronger.
- #114 Sylph-management: Thancred says he would be of little use in Gridania, calling himself a babe in the woods. He suggests that Yda and Papalymo go instead.
Tataru
Tataru is at the Waking Sands, ready to welcome you back.
What you know from earlier quests 3
- #99 The Scions of the Seventh Dawn: Startled, she first takes you for a shady merchant or a pushy peddler, then welcomes you warmly and tells the Antecedent, Minfilia. She brings Minfilia papers. A chart note says she is twenty-one, a beginner singer, and sings while doing her sums.
- #100 A Wild Rose by Any Other Name: Minfilia introduces Tataru as the Scions' clerk, who makes sure everything runs smoothly. Tataru greets you warmly.
- #111 A Hero in the Making: Tataru admits she praised you too loudly to too many people, and says sorry for the attention. She gives you the order of the services, Gridania, Ul'dah, then Limsa Lominsa, and tells you to see the sentry Zanthael.
Minfilia
Minfilia is at the Waking Sands, where Yda and Papalymo have told her of your deeds with the sylphs.
What you know from earlier quests 10
- #99 The Scions of the Seventh Dawn: She welcomes you home after five years, as Louisoix said. The Scions protect Eorzea from the primals, godlike beings. Your power, the Echo, shows people's pasts and lets you understand any speech. She has it too, asks your help, and shares the password "wild rose."
- #100 A Wild Rose by Any Other Name: Minfilia welcomes you to the Scions and introduces its leaders. She thinks people forget you because of the power Louisoix used to save your life. She asks you to lead an investigation into crimes in Ul'dah that may involve a primal, a godlike being.
- #101 Unsolved Mystery: Isembard says Minfilia names the Amalj'aa as the culprits behind the disappearances, so he advises you to look into them first.
- #106 Dressed to Deceive: Thancred sends you to report to Minfilia. She praises your work and says only the Amalj'aa know where the abducted were taken. She fears blood must be spilled before this is over.
- #107 Life, Materia and Everything: Minfilia lends you a dagger to take to Mutamix. She admires how much one piece of materia improves it, and urges you to use materia, since good gear can decide victory or defeat. She then turns to your next mission.
- #108 Lord of the Inferno: Minfilia is relieved to see you safe. With Thancred, she explains that primals feed on crystals and worship. She says those with the Echo, like you, cannot be tempered, or forced to serve a primal. She leaves out the captives' fate.
- #111 A Hero in the Making: Minfilia warns that fame has a price. Officers from all three Grand Companies (city armies) come to recruit you. She urges you to join one for safety among friends, gives you a linkpearl to keep in touch, and hopes you still aid the Scions.
- #113 Till Sea Swallows All: Minfilia calls you by linkpearl to congratulate you on joining the Maelstrom. She reminds you that you are still a Scion and asks you back to the Waking Sands. There she says Biggs and Wedge are now under the Scions' protection.
- #114 Sylph-management: Minfilia explains a study of the sylphs, a beast tribe of the Twelveswood, done for the Order of the Twin Adder. She wants a peaceful approach. She asks you to use the Echo, the only sure way to show your intentions.
- #134 Believe in Your Sylph: Yda says she and Papalymo are going back to the Waking Sands to tell Minfilia all about the talks with the sylphs. Papalymo promises to mention the part you played.
Alisaie
Alisaie is away from the Waking Sands.
What you know from earlier quests 1
- #111 A Hero in the Making: Alisaie asks how people can honor dead they cannot remember, and calls the services "standard-waving rallies". She says their grandfather would never trust leaders who rewrite history. She means to find another way to heal the world, apart from her brother.
Leviathan
Leviathan is a primal the Scions still need to watch.
What you know from earlier quests 1
- #111 A Hero in the Making: Alphinaud mentions Leviathan as the primal (beast tribe god) of the fishlike Sahagin, a tribe troubling Limsa Lominsa. Merlwyb says the Sahagin come ashore seeking blood for their god.
Titan
Titan is a primal the Scions still need to watch.
What you know from earlier quests 1
- #111 A Hero in the Making: Alphinaud mentions Titan as the primal (beast tribe god) of the kobolds, who live beneath the earth and trouble Limsa Lominsa. Merlwyb says the kobolds push south from the mines of O'Ghomoro.
Vorsaile Heuloix
Commander Heuloix has more to say now that peace with the sylphs is settled.
What you know from earlier quests 4
- #114 Sylph-management: You find Vorsaile thinking out loud. He knows too little about the sylphs and wants help from the Scions. He apologizes for his habit of thinking aloud and asks what brings you.
- #115 We Come in Peace: Vorsaile fears the sylphs' link to the primal Ramuh could upset the peace with Gridania. He wants to hear the sylphs of Little Solace through a neutral go-between. He warns that sylph manners differ from ours and sends you to the Hawthorne Hut.
- #123 Spirited Away: Vorsaile fears a crisis if the tempered sylphs get hold of the elder. He puts his sharpest-eyed soldiers on watch and sends you to Giah Molkoh to bring the Wood Wailers into the search.
- #134 Believe in Your Sylph: Vorsaile reads Frixio's letter and is relieved: the sylphs want no conflict and do not plan to summon Ramuh. He says Gridania can now face bigger threats, and he thanks you for your great service.

What happens in this quest spoilers for this quest

Y'shtola warns the group not to grow complacent, as the calm lasts only for a time. She says the Maelstrom watches the kobolds closely, and the Scions can expect news from them.
Yda asks about Leviathan and Titan. For the last primal left, she says Gridania by mistake, then corrects it to Garuda, the primal of the Ixal who live near Gridania.
Papalymo strikes Ramuh from the list. He says the Sahagin lack the crystals to summon Leviathan, but warns that without knowing the beast tribes' minds, no one can tell when a primal might return. He urges haste with prudence.
Thancred: A visitor tells Minfilia that Thancred is sparing no effort in their investigation.
Tataru greets you warmly and sends you to Minfilia in the solar. When a sylph suddenly appears, she shrieks in fright, then nervously greets Noraxia. Minfilia says Tataru shows her fright as freely as everything else.
Minfilia praises your work and reviews the primals left to watch. Hearing of Lahabrea, she is alarmed that the Ascians no longer hide, and wants him investigated. She is glad the Scions' family grows, yet feels deep foreboding.
Alisaie: Minfilia asks a visitor whether Alisaie is well, as she has scarcely seen her. The visitor calls Alisaie stubborn and says she has chosen to walk her own path, but their goal is the same.
Leviathan: Yda asks if the Sahagin and Leviathan come next. Papalymo says the Lord of the Whorl has not answered the Sahagin's call lately, and they lack enough crystals to summon him, so they can be left alone for a time.
Titan: Yda asks for news of Titan. Y'shtola answers that the Maelstrom keeps the kobolds under constant watch.
Vorsaile Heuloix: Vorsaile says the Elder Seedseer was pained by the idea of war with the sylphs and means to seek a way to reverse the tempering. He thanks the Scions of the Seventh Dawn for mediating and sends his regards to Minfilia.

Dialogue 55 lines

Accepting the quest

The sylphic folk have long been friends to Gridania. The mere thought of being at war with them pained the Elder Seedseer to no end.

DE Die Älteste Saatseherin hat sich überaus zufrieden mit dem Ausgang der Dinge gezeigt. ‘The Elder Seedseer showed herself exceedingly pleased with the outcome of things.’ English says the mere thought of war pained the Elder Seedseer; German says she was very pleased with the outcome.
JA 調和と協調を望まれているカヌ・エ様も、さぞ、お喜びになるだろう。 ‘Lady Kan-E, who wishes for harmony and cooperation, will surely be delighted too.’ English says the mere thought of war pained the Elder Seedseer; Japanese says she will surely be delighted.

But owing to your efforts, she will be able to rest easier. Being the benevolent soul that she is, my lady will surely try to find a way to reverse the tempering process.

FR Dans sa grande bienveillance, elle trouvera sûrement un moyen de relancer le processus de paix. ‘In her great benevolence, she will surely find a way to relaunch the peace process.’ English says she will seek to reverse the tempering; French says she will find a way to relaunch the peace process.

Once again, I thank you. Had the Scions of the Seventh Dawn not offered to mediate between our peoples, suspicion and doubt may well have led us into needless conflict. Pray pass on my regards to Lady Minfilia.

Minfilia

...Hello? Hello, [name]? Can you hear me? It is I, Minfilia.

Yda and Papalymo returned some little while ago. And they wasted no time in regaling me with the tale of your exploits.

Thanks in large part to you, the name of one primal may be struck from our list of enemies, and the Gridanians may turn their attention to more pressing matters. Well done!

DE Nun brauchen wir weder zu befürchten, dass die Sylphen Ramuh beschwören, noch dass die Bruderschaft der Morgenviper gegen den Wilden Stamm in den Krieg zieht. ‘Now we need fear neither that the sylphs summon Ramuh, nor that the Order of the Twin Adder goes to war against the beast tribe.’ English says Gridanians can turn to more pressing matters; German says no fear of the Twin Adder going to war.
JA シルフ族が蛮神「ラムウ」を召喚することも、双蛇党が争うこともないのね……良かった……。 ‘So the sylphs won't summon the primal "Ramuh", and the Twin Adder won't fight them either... thank goodness...’ English says Gridanians can turn to more pressing matters; Japanese says the Twin Adder will not fight.

Yet the end of one tale is but the start of another. Pray return to the Waking Sands at your earliest convenience. I would apprise you of the present situation in person.

Speak with Tataru.

Tataru

Well, if it isn't my favorite adventurer! Welcome back, [name]!

Lady Minfilia awaits you within the solar. Please enter at your leisure.

Enter the Waking Sands.

I am given to understand that the matter of Ramuh has finally been resolved.

Speak with Minfilia.

Minfilia

Hm. I fear “resolved” bespeaks a permanence we cannot rightly claim. Yet I am well satisfied that the Lord of Levin will not trouble us in the foreseeable future.

Your satisfaction is assurance enough for me.

Minfilia

How fares the investigation?

Well enough. Thancred is sparing no effort.

They are many and one, just as you suspected. Their purpose, however, eludes us still.

Minfilia

I see.

Ah, I have been meaning to ask, but is Alisaie quite well? I feel as if I have scarcely seen her in recent days.

Oh, you haven't─and nor have I, alas. Alisaie has chosen to walk her own path─stubborn girl─but you may be assured that our destination remains the same.

And on that note, I take my leave of you. I trust the Baldesion report will serve you well.

Minfilia

I take it we can proceed as discussed?

Why do you ask? You scarce need my permission to act.

Minfilia

It is good to see you again, [name]!

I have been looking forward to congratulating you on your triumph in the Twelveswood. Owing to your efforts, conflict has been averted. Truly, you have done the Scions proud.

Papalymo

With that, we can strike Ramuh from the list.

Yda

So who's next? The Sahagin and Leviathan?

Papalymo

The Lord of the Whorl has not answered his minions' call of late, nor is he expected to do so in the near future.

DE Das treibt die Fischköpfe natürlich nur dazu an, es umso häufiger zu versuchen. ‘Naturally, that only drives the fishheads to try all the more often.’ English says he is not expected to answer soon; German says this drives his followers to try all the more.

While the Sahagin remain as aggressive as ever, they lack the quantity of crystals required to call forth their god. As with the sylphs, we can leave them to their own devices...for a time, at least.

Y'shtola

“For a time” bears repeating. We can ill afford to fall complacent.

Papalymo

It is as Y'shtola says. Unless we know the minds of the beast tribes, we cannot predict with any certainty when next a primal will return to plague the land.

This being the case, we must proceed with as much haste as prudence allows.

Yda

Any word on Titan?

Y'shtola

The Maelstrom keeps the kobolds under constant observation.

We shall hear from them ere long, you may depend upon it.

Papalymo

Indeed. So, then─of all the known primals that have been active in recent times, we are left with...

Yda

Gridania! Wait, I meant Garuda─who is the primal of the Ixal who live near Gridania. Yes, that's what I meant.

DE Dass ich sie mit Leviathan verwechseln konnte! ‘That I could confuse her with Leviathan!’ English has Yda blurt Gridania when she meant Garuda; German has her marvel at confusing Garuda with Leviathan.

Minfilia

So many malms to cover... Would that there were a more efficient way to conduct our surveys.

Were he still with us, we should not long have wanted for a more practicable solution...

She's not wrong there... Where in the world are you, Chief?

Minfilia

...But one sure step at a time!

Henceforth, the Order of the Twin Adder will handle all matters pertaining to the sylphs, under the sage guidance of the Seedseers.

I bid you all enjoy a moment's respite. You have earned it!

Is there something else, [name]?

Beg pardon? A man named Lahabrea, sporting a red mask and robed in black...? Twelve preserve...

Prior to the Calamity, the Ascians took great pains to remain hidden... Why would they choose to cast off their veil of secrecy now? Gods, this bodes ill...

We must take advantage of the present lull in primal hostilities and investigate this Lahabrea─learn all we can of him and his designs. I dread to thi─

Tataru

EEEEEEK!

Minfilia

Tataru!

A sylph...in Thanalan?

Noraxia

At long last, this one finds walking one [name]!

This one is most dependable of these ones! Is sent by elder one Frixio to help walking ones!

This one is called Noraxia. This one comes as a friend. Let these ones be friends!

DE Die Kleinige sollte eine Besuchige nicht so unfreundlich begrüßen. ‘The little one should not greet a visitor so unkindly.’ English has Noraxia offer friendship; German has her scold the little one for an unfriendly greeting.

Tataru

P-Pleasure to meet you...Noraxia.

DE Äh, k-kommt nicht wieder v-vor, ich verspreche es! ‘Uh, it w-won't happen a-again, I promise!’ English has Tataru say she is pleased to meet Noraxia; German has her promise it won't happen again.

Minfilia

Yes, Tataru is as ready to express her fright as she is to express...everything else! Not all of us are forged of the same steel as you, I'm afraid.

FR Tataru a poussé un tel cri que j'ai vraiment craint le pire ! ‘Tataru let out such a scream that I really feared the worst!’ English teases Tataru for voicing fright as readily as everything else; French says her scream made Minfilia fear the worst.
DE Tataru hat mir mit ihrem Gekreische einen ganz schönen Schrecken eingejagt. ‘Tataru gave me quite a fright with her shrieking.’ English teases Tataru for voicing fright as readily as everything else; German says her shrieking frightened Minfilia.
JA うふふ、タタルさんが、すごい悲鳴をあげるものだから、ビックリしちゃった。 ‘Ufufu, Tataru let out such a scream that I was startled.’ English teases Tataru for voicing fright as readily as everything else; Japanese says her scream startled Minfilia.

But it takes all kinds to make a family, and it pleases me to no end to see ours continue to grow. One by one, the people of Eorzea are beginning to unite, [name], drawn to the hope that shines within you.

DE Die Sylphe ist ein erfreuliches Zeichen dafür, dass Eorzea dem Frieden wieder ein kleines Stückchen näher gekommen ist. ‘The sylph is a welcome sign that Eorzea has come a little bit closer to peace again.’ English says people unite, drawn to the hope within the hero; German says the sylph shows Eorzea nearing peace.

Yet a darkness threatens to engulf this light. Never have I doubted the Ascians' presence, but that they have grown so brazen as to carry out their work in plain sight fills me with a sense of deep foreboding.