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Entry tags:
Transcript (Elpis)
Bold: Main voiced cutscene
Italics: Non-voiced quest dialogue
Small italics: Optional dialogue
Italics: Non-voiced quest dialogue
Small italics: Optional dialogue
Index;
• Hope Upon A Flower
• Petalouda Hunt
• In Search Of Hermes
• Ponder, Warrant, Cherish, Welcome
• Lives Apart
• Their Greatest Contribution
• Aether To Aether
• A Sentimental Gift
• Verdict And Execution
• Travelers At The Crossroads
• A Past, Not Yet Come To Pass
• Witness To The Spectacle
• Worthy Of His Back
• A Flower Upon Your Return
• Hunger In The Garden
• Words Without Sound
• Follow, Wander, Stumble, Listen
• Caging The Messenger (pre-dungeon)
• Caging The Messenger (post-dungeon)
• Thou Must Live, Die, And Know
In Search Of Hermes
Emet-Selch: I was wondering what she was examining, but it seems to be the bush itself...
Hythlodaeus: Let's see if this observer knows Hermes' whereabouts.
Anagnorisis Observer: Yes? Can I help you?
Hythlodaeus: We wish to speak with Chief Hermes. Do you know where we might find him?
Anagnorisis Observer: Well, now... by your mask, I assume you are one of the Fourteen. I wasn't aware there was to be a visitation...
Hythlodaeus: Between you and us, it's something of a surprise. Your discretion in the matter would be appreciated.
Anagnorisis Observer: I see, I see. My lips are sealed! The chief should be out conducting observations as usual. His focus of late has been aquatic creatures, so I expect you will find him at one of the pools here.
Hythlodaeus: The pools, you say? Many thanks, and apologies for disrupting your work.
Emet-Selch: I say, Hythlodaeus... while I've never met Hermes, you know him well, do you not? That being the case, couldn't you simply find him by his aether?
Hythlodaeus: Aye, that I could... As you know, Emet-Selch and I can discern the colour of souls. By the same token, we can also see aether quite keenly, and from great distances. With this skill, I could readily locate Hermes, but I felt that it would be a waste of an opportunity. We're here to perform an assessment, after all. By searching the ordinary way, we stand to gain insight into Elpis and the man in charge of it.
Emet-Selch: This is as much for your own enjoyment, like as not. But point taken. *To WoL* If you're going to accompany us, make yourself useful and help us look for Hermes. According to his profile, he has short, dark hair. So you know, it's because we're in Elpis that we don't have our cowls up. A special exemption due to the need to be aware of dangerous creatures. Else where, we do not exhibit our individuality. It's unseemly. This is all common sense, but I would not assume you possess any.
Hythlodaeus: Heh heh! It's a rare treat indeed to be able to search for someone by their appearance, and I thank you for humouring me. Come, let's find our man!
--
*WoL calls out to Hermes*
Hermes: You are...?
Meteion: Different! You're different too! You and me. We're alike. Friends. I want to be- Wait... please wait... Greetings and salutations. Can you hear me? Do not be alarmed- I mean you no harm. I wish only to hear your words, share your feelings, and know your thoughts. May we please be friends? May we please... be friends!
Hythlodaeus: Ah, I see you found him.
Hermes: Hythlodaeus... it's been a while. Too long, I think.
Hythlodaeus: Too long indeed for close collaborators. On this blessed occasion, I bring not only myself, but others who long to speak with you.
Hermes: You are of the Convocation.
Emet-Selch: Emet-Selch, at your service. Do I have the honour of addressing Hermes, chief overseer of Elpis?
Hermes: You do. You have traveled far for it.
Emet-Selch: Given your facility's purpose, its remote location is something of a necessity. Would that I didn't have to rely upon a guide...
Hythlodaeus: You wound me. Have I not ever been an attentive and helpful friend? But moving along to more agreeable company, this one we chanced to... well, you certainly have her attention. Is she one of yours, Hermes?
Hermes: Her name is Meteion. It means shooting star.
Hythlodaeus: If I may make an observation, her aether is terribly thin. I fear she might dissipate at any moment. Nor do I believe you've made a submission to the bureau. I would remember such a concept if you had.
Hermes: I haven't, as you say. I judged it too early. She's a pet project of mine- still undergoing preliminary testing. But rest assured that I will attend in person ere long.
Hythlodaeus: Very well. Being an authority on flying life-forms, I appreciate that you are exacting in your work. I shall look forward to your submission.
Emet-Selch: If we have finished with the perfunctory chit-chat, I would discuss official matters. By my coming, I trust you already anticipate the subject.
Hermes: I have an inkling, yes. Please wait at the main building yonder. I shall join you as soon as I've returned these creatures to their homes.
Meteion: What's wrong, Hermes?
Hermes: An ambystoma is missing...
Hythlodaeus: Hm. I may have found it. A creature with the selfsame aether as those there, nestled in the boughs of a tree outside the grounds.
Emet-Selch: You're saying they can climb? With their sorry excuses for limbs?
Hermes: The "fashion" has been to imbue aquatic creatures with the power of flight, ever since the Words of Mitron created a sky-swimming fish... the ambystomas too can fly, if only slightly, and they could conceivably climb a tree. Whether they can come down safely, however... excuse me.
Meteion: I'll help... too!
Emet-Selch: And what are we supposed to do with this lot?
Hythlodaeus: Hehehe... may I suggest we split up? If you would be so good as to assist Hermes, Emet-Selch and I shall keep an eye on these adorable creations in the meantime.
Hythlodaeus: The ambystoma was submitted to the bureau not long ago, and I'm pleased to see it has found its way here. We'll make sure these little ones don't wander off like their adventurous fellow. Go on and lend Hermes a hand.
Emet-Selch: The tenet of the Words of Mitron is to create aquatic life both unique and beneficial. *Aquatic.* What would possess them to put this creature in the sky? And is it even aquatic to begin with...?
It seems like Hermes and Meteion have found their quarry, a creature known in this age as an ambystoma. Yet though it has been safely extricated from the tree, Hermes appears to have found himself in quite the predicament...
Meteion: The ambystoma. Hermes saw it high up the tree. He climbed up to get it. But it jumped on him, and he slipped...
"Do you need a hand?"
Hermes: *grunt* No, no, I'm fine, if a little embarrassed... now, for your own safety, please stand back...
*Hermes falls from the tree*
Hermes: Ugh...
Meteion: Hermes! Are you all right?
Hermes: Quite all right, yes... my apologies for making you worry, Meteion. Both you and- er...
*WoL gives name*
Hermes: [NAME], you are called? An intriguing name, somehow reminiscent of a new creation... thank you for coming after me. As for you, little one, you must be more careful. You may be able to fly, but it doesn't mean you cannot fall and hurt yourself. ...Oh no, I had forgotten all about its fellows! ...Truly? What a relief... I must thank Emet-Selch and Hythlodaeus when I return to them. But first, with the distractions out of the way... as chief overseer of Elpis, permit me to welcome you to our facility. I hope you will enjoy your time here.