Final Fantasy XIVThe Unsung Verse

• The Story
• The Characters
• The OOC

The Story

The Characters

Ser Astrent Deautaut
The 'Wayfaring' Dragoon

Regarded as but a pup amongst the ranks of his order, Astrent is ever striving onwards to prove worthy of the legacy bequeathed by better men and women.

Uldriolth
The Bygone

A child of Dragonkind, and estranged to even their own brood. Little is known of the wyrm save for the fact they are spotted amidst the twilight skies every few years.

Ser Ilvant Luisaux
The 'Benevolent' Dragoon

A renowned veteran of the Dragonsong War. Ser Ilvant has ever taken to the field with valour in heart and smile upon his lips, vowing never to be counted amongst his brooding bretheren.

---

Elont Felieu
'Star Keeper'

For a man who has seen so many winters, one would suspect him of being wiser to the world below the tapestry of stars. Yet he cares little, for he is ever glad to read and record the scripture of the twilight skies.

Prologue
'Questions of the night'

Beyond the roaring fires below, the heavens above lay silent, ever shifting in their own way to paint a myriad of messages within the dancing stars.The elder Astrologist mused as he took peered into the glass of the telescope."Tis most strange..."Elont Felieu had clamoured for a chance to behold the stars in recent days, for he had discovered a most unusual anomaly within the constellations. At first he presumed it was but a fluke, yet as the days passed he had taken note of what appeared to be a shifting star."Why do you elude me so..."Before the turn of a new moon, he had observed what could only be described as a 'rogue' star.
One that had slowly traversed the twilight blanket of the skies. Yet it had been there only briefly, as if permitted to show itself at certain intervals.He had long struck theories from his notes as he continued his observations, ruling out potential patterns and otherwise likely causes...He had taken to dubbing the rogue star 'The Shifting' for how it was both unpredictable and elusive.

"I must insist, Ser! For if we are to locate the cause of this anomaly..." Elont beseeched the Knight who remained stalwart, unflinching in his response."We have scarce few men to patrol and protect our borders. How I wish that I could aid you, yet we lack the numbers.."Elont sighed, once more his pleas had fallen upon deaf ears. To investigate this anomaly would be of great importance, yet not so pressing as to broker national emergency, to force the hand of Temple Knights or High Houses."I understand your plight, Ser. I truly do, yet we know not how long this 'Shifting' anomaly may remain within our sight. We risk losing our only lead upon this!"Even as he pleaded, he could already see the answer strewn across the mans face."I am truly sorry, our hands are bound as of this time." He raised his mailed fist to his chest, dipping forward in a gesture of respect, hollow as it felt it was thusly returned by Elont. And so did the Knight take his leave, leaving the 'Star Keeper' to his thoughts and notes alike.He returned to his desk, silently lamenting over the denial of his request. Cupping his chin in idle thought as he tried to conceive a potential solution."Yet should we be denied by our own home, to what would we turn for our wandering star? That which would..." He paused.But of course! The answer was clear yet he had only taken the wrong perspective of such a matter! To locate such a wandering star, how better to do so than call forth those who would wander themselves?Those who would allow fate and circumstance to dictate where their next adventure took them...

With quill in hand, and renewed hope in heart he did put ink to paper."To whom it may concern..." He paused, scribbling out the words to start again."Dear Adventure-" No! No that won't work...It would be a long night before the letters were sent..

Chapter I
A Cold Reception

And so they came, heeding a call that was not their own...Elont Felieu had called forth for renowned adventurers, tested and well versed in the requirements that would be asked of them in the tasks ahead.

"To knights and heroes I had called! Full eager I was to meet them in the flesh to hear of their tales! One can only imagine my surprise as to what would summit the steps."Yet he had no cause to turn them away, they had answered the call even had they not met the expectations the Astrologist had placed upon them. He had expected knights and was granted a ragged group. Yet all the same they seemed eager to offer their skills to assist.Elont explained in earnest the requirement for escorts. How they would need their own colleagues to be shielded from the dangers of Cortheas as they ventured forth to establish observation points to better study the anomaly.The anomaly he had taken to dubbing 'The Shifting' for how it traversed the night sky. And now how it could pose signs of greater dangers to follow, similar to that of a calamity with the fall of Dalamud.Yet it would require further study before any conclusions could be drawn.

"They had no evident bonds of brotherhood as one would expect forged through the trials of adventuring, though mayhap it is my own inexperience with their ilk that leaves me blind to such."

With the promise of Gil and glory did they set forth, seeking to guide the Astrologists through the winding paths of Coerthas to their destination. Past the Gates of Judgement, beyond the view of Stone Vigil and at last to a perch within the Behemoth's Dominion. Upon which travels they found themselves observed by man and beast alike.And in time when they did arrive at their destination, were their skills put to the test as Ixal descended from the mountains. Seeking to lay low both adventurers and their charges.They say they fought not as one, but rather adapting to their own individual strengths whilst seeking to watch for each others well being when possible. The details of the battle matter little, for they did endure.Gaining the admiration of the Astrologists whom they shielded, the coin of which was promised upon completion of their job and finally; The curiosity of others...

The Dragoon drew his lance from the fallen Ixal as he cast his gaze down to the adventurers loading their wounded upon the carriage."Interesting..."

Chapter II
Snow and Steel

'I had followed them for a time, yet to meet them in person...
They were most curious'

All but but one outpost was established to track the shifting star.
The last designated spot being in the western highlands, high in the mountains to keep watch over its trajectory. Yet another had laid claim to the site...

"Garleans, by what right did they lay claim to our own lands? Tis true they are frozen and shadows of greater days yet they are of Ishgard nonetheless!"The Adventurers had been called upon once again to aid the Astrologists. Tasked with seeing the last group safely to the designated observation outpost in wake of a Temple Knight assault to force out the Garlean presence.

Yet upon their arrival they found no banner of Ishgard flying above the outpost, instead the ravine below lay littered with the dead of the Temple Knights.The assault had failed, and their window of opportunity was fast fading to track the wayward star.'I still cannot say if it was bravery, genius or madness which drove them to press on. Yet regardless of such the outcome was...'

With the Astrologists at risk, and no clear method of assaulting the outpost.The Adventurers did set forth with intent to draw out the enemy, in hopes to pick them off one by one.Yet even the soundest of plans may go awry, and upon such occasion did the adventurers find themselves poised upon the brink of failure, death certain to follow.

'From the heavens did they fall, and in their wake did the wrath of the fury follow.'In this moment did Ishgards own find their opening, the charge lead by none other than Ser Elias Mercer.The 'Ashen' DragoonAccompanied by his comrade, did they lay havoc within the Garlean ranks.With the tide turning in their favour, the Adventurers did sally forth to join their allies in the fray.

The snowy plains of Coerthas ran red with the blood of the empire, Ishgard retribution had come. Though they resolved to hold fast, the Imperial forces could not hold against the combined might of the Adventurers and Dragoons.'The lucky ones were granted a swift death.'

In the wake of the battle, the Adventurers did meet with the Ashen Dragoon and his companion, Ser Astrent Deautaut.They were given thanks for their assistance in the conflict, Ser Elias bestowing a coin of recognition unto one should they wish to participate in the interrogation of a captured Centurion taken from the field.Yet their task was now complete, both Adventurer and Dragoons.With no bidding to stay, Ser Elias did depart, leaving Ser Astrent and the Adventurers to watch over the Astrologists present.Atop the tower of the outpost, the Imperials had left equipment intended for establishment of a listening post, including a telescope for watching both movements of mortals and stars.And by peering to the heavens, to the shifting star did one find their life forever changed.Claiming that the star was no star at all, but rather a winged drake soaring within the heavens.And as it faded from sight, did they behold another spectacle.One they could not describe, yet the voice one heard was clear in its message.

"Hear...Feel...Think."The words would echo into the night.

Chapter III
Lost to Time

'The pieces were in place, despite loss of the star we could determine a trajectory and potential point which to observe fully!'

Called upon once more to aid both the Observatorium and Ishgard. The Adventurers did take the findings of Elont and venture forth with their newfound companion.Ser Astrent Deautaut.To the Dravanian Forelands did their journey take them, guided by stars and learned men.

Upon the journey it was then did they learn of the tale of Uldriolth.'The Dragon amidst the stars, observing yet never partaking in the Dragonsong.""From high in the stars would he watch ever injustice unfold upon the field, every wrong be issued by both dragon & man.""And when the song shall end, so too shall their watch and they shall hold to account every wrong deed permitted amidst the song."

Such were merely tales however, for the song was over and the estranged had delivered no judgements nor reprimands for all that had occurred.

It was deep within the mountains of the Dravanian Forelands did they find the ruins, the destination marked by Star Keeper.In which signs of battle were spotted. Hues of orange could be seen escaping the ruins.

Within the ruins they did find Ser Ilvant Luisaux.The 'Benevolent' DragoonSer Ilvant & Ser Astrent were the first to engage the dragons, remnants of Nidhogg's vengeful horde seeking the blood of Ishgardians.It was over in mere moments, Dragon corpses littered the ruins, a grim greeting for the adventurers.For it was the Adventurers duty to investigate the ruins, and so did the Dragoons agree to take watch for further interlopers.

The ruins themselves offered no direct insight into what they sought, though the directions they had been bestowed pointed this way.There was little to give indication of their goal.Save for the curious markings upon the ruins.The markings of the Twelve.

For a time they did muse upon the purpose of these markings, of the elements that accompanied them.What did they stand for in this place?Why were they here?What dangers could they pose?It was not until theories were spent in which they would put one into action.

To balance out the flood of water within the area, they would call forth the opposite with the respective gods.The element of fire.The gods Azeyma & Nald'thal.Imbuing the respective symbols with Aether, they did find them not only receptive to such actions...But far more than they had anticipated.In wake of fleeting water, did pillars alight with flame. And did the aether pool within the centre of the room only to shoot heavensward in a brilliant stream of energy.

'Had I only known what I had sent them into, and what they did call forth...'

From the constellation did come forth the glimmering form of the star bound dragon. The observing body of the tales all but forgotten by most.Uldriolth the Estranged.They had come unto the earth of Hydaelyn once more. No longer bound to the stars in this moment, and in such occasion did they speak with those whom had summoned him.Though words were not needed, for in his observations did he look beyond their mortal form. To their past, to the memories that weighed upon both mind and soul.Declaring no remorse for the fallen kindred that had surrounded him.

As the dragon took read of the adventurers, so too did it draw the attention of another.Ser Astrent had returned, staring down the twilight dragon before him.For it did look into the hearts of those before it, and in Ser Astrent it had found rage. One that would not be tethered in this moment.Demanding that justice be delivered unto him for all that had occurred, he found himself denied by Uldriolth.In place of judgement, a warning was placed upon them."Thy hearts and souls are weighed upon with guilt unparalleled. Know thy heart ere I pass the sixth gate.""Lest the cycle repeat and the seeds of a Dragonsong are sown anew."

By choice or lance, did the dragon take its leave. Abandoning what form it had taken to dissipate into the night sky.Leaving both Adventurers and Dragoon with questions and weights upon their hearts.They had found the shifting star, yet they were no closer to answering its meaning...

Chapter IV
Written in Stone

'Beyond the clouds, to the heavenly mists above. Oh how I envied them in the opportunity. Though perhaps in hindsight I should be glad I did not accompany them...'

The Churning Mists of Dravania, it was the next destination. To uncover the mystery behind the celestial dragon, to gain understanding behind both the being itself and the warning given.Though to seek out such was of their own volition, for their work with the Observatorium had come to an end.

So it was that they reached out to the noble born of Ishgard, seeking both aid and transport to their destination.And it was House Marcentel who answered their plea.To accompany them on their journey would be Ser Elodie Rousseau of House Devereaux & Ser Allard.The two would keep watch in the interests of Ishgard and her people, whilst the adventurers sought their answers amidst the ruined skies.

'No longer were they motivated by coin nor chance of reward, but what -instead- I could not say..Their numbers had dwindled, changed. Yet it did not stop them from the task that lay before them.Did they press on out of some selfless desire? Or did they simply know not what other path to take?

Through broken land and faded history they travelled, seeking answers amidst the crumbling ruins of Dragonkind.Guided by the vision of their echo chosen comrade and their interpretation of the location, did they at last happen upon their destination.

'To ruins of old, did they find the tale etched in stone. Though how they read such they were not as inclined to say..'Upon their arrival did they find their passage barred, and for want of key to enter did they begin searching.

The sanctum flanked by pillars, each adorned by a Dragon carving.The leftmost pillar, the elder dragon was perched atop it. The front of the stone bore an etching of an Elezen Knight, standing vigil with the Dragon.Where as the rightmost pillar bore that of a Dragonet, the etchings upon the pillar being that of six eggs.Despite these observations, it offered no insight in how to enter.All would have come to an end here had it not been for the arrival of an unexpected visitor..

One of the moogles of the mists that had taken the tablet that granted passage into the sanctum.The moogle spoke of men in iron, how they had come before the adventurers. Seeking something within the sanctum, and it was thus the moogle did take the tablet as to prevent further access for those who would seek to enter.I know not how they persuaded the thing to part with it.But once they had gained hold of the tablet, then did they find their way into the sanctum.

Within did they find a grand, circular room.At the centre stood a towering statue of Elezen Knight, standing ever vigil over the room adorned in armour far cry from the Drachenmail of Dragoons. Accompanying the knight was the image of Uldriolth. His wings unfurled to shield the knight that stood before him. Towering over not in anticipation of battle, but rather protection.Along the walls were placed six pedestals. Upon each lay the remains of an egg hatched under the mark of a constellation.It was by the recollection of Ser Elodie, spying the statue before her did she recognise the same dragon that she and Ser Astrent had slain during the song.And thus the conclusion was drawn, the dragons hatched from these eggs. They had fallen, each of them amidst the song or elsewhere.Though not all were accounted for, whilst most had deduced that five eggs had indeed been hatched. It was that of the sixth that was missing.Below the constellation of the spear the pedestal remained barren.It was then all too clear as to what the Garleans had stolen.'A Child stolen, the last one. It was grim news indeed, yet what came after...'

Chapter V
True to Heart

'By Garlean hand did it become clear that unless they intervened, then mayhap the Dragonsong would be renewed in time.'

Called upon once more by the Observatorium, did the Adventurers answer.The news had come that the shifting star had been seen moving across the Ewer this time.In this moment they knew they were pressed for time, they would seek out the Imperials to recover that which was stolen.Though in the coming tragedy would they find their opportunity. Word had reached them soon after that Imperials had launched an assault upon one of the camps established to observe and track the shifting star.

With all haste did they make for the Western Highlands of Coerthas, their arrival too late to save the denizens of the camp.Instead they found the one responsible for the assault.'Avitus sas Titianus'

It was by his hand that Imperials had operated within Coerthas, and by his will did they steal away the egg and more.

It was there, amidst the ruins of the Astrologists camp that the Dragoon found them.'I had presumed them traitors, to openly meet with the Imperials in the open.''How my rage blinded me so that I could not fathom the beast they would summon forth'

It was then they revealed their hand, Uldriolth or at the very least a twisted mockery of the dragons image answered the call of the Tribunus Angusticlavius.Summoned forth by a twisted combination of stolen scales intertwined with magitek.'Rushing in head first, I could not help but admire it. Reckless as it was..'

'In that moment I was all but taken by my hatred, the foe that had answered the Imperials call. I cannot speak of what occurred amidst my battle with the beast...'Astrent was the first to take to action, engaging the mockery directly. Though it was certainly not borne for the love of the adventurers, they too would answer for their part in this.They sought to engage the Tribunus, to deprive him of the device which granted control over the beast.Instead they found themselves hard pressed, so much so they they were fortunate to escape with their lives in that moment.

'They say he entered the fray, though not for our own sake. He took the device, and shattered my trust in him..'It was amidst the conflict between adventurers and Imperials that Ser Ilvant found himself, leaping through the clashing of blades to recover the device. And in turn making his escape to the gunship of the Tribunus.The Tribunus in turn making his own departure having taken his measure of the adventurers.

'Though eventually both beast and Imperials were brought low, there was more yet to overcome.'Eventually as the remaining imperial forces were destroyed, an airship from Ishgard carrying both reinforcements and Elont did arrive.

Too late to offer assistance yet they could instead give passage to the group as they sought their next destination.The beast had been one of many, a clone brought forth from previously unknown means.It was not until then had they realised the destination, and source of the clones.'Azys Lla'Before their chase could begin, more of the beasts had been summoned forth to beset the airship and it would have done so were it not for the Dragoon that remained loyal.

'I remember the snows falling, the betrayal stinging in my heart.''Yet I could not place blame upon those who continued to strive forward as I let my anger consume me.''And as it faded? I would not allow it to repeat.''And so I would hold the beasts, as they made for the traitor. It was their place to bring him down, to make ammends.''Myself? My purpose was clear once more.''Fury guide my hand..'

Chapter VI
The Unsung Verse

'I had missed their departure, and I confess I was not without worry. Yet what more could I do than trust that they would see it done?'

The Temple Knights had been warned, a force was sent with the utmost haste towards Azys Lla to engage the Imperial forces.In accompaniment three Dragoons to assist against the clones that would no doubt be unleashed.

Amidst the fighting the group pushed on, through Imperial and clone alike.'By now I could not help but admire how they fought as one...'

It was not until that we had the Imperials upon the backfoot that the true scale of Ilvants betrayal was revealed.They spoke of how he had taken both the egg and scales for his own means, to one of the facilities nearby.The Tribunus with no intention of wasting the lives of his troops, ordered the retreat. Granting leave for the adventurers to give chase to Ilvant and put a stop to his plans.'I lost sight of them as they took passage through the Allagan device..'

'I know not what they traversed upon the other side, only that they found him...'Ser Ilvant, a man who had ever striven to protect Ishgard.Proclaimed his desire to spare his countrymen further bloodshed, to avert further need for Ishgardian lives to be thrown into war.'Had I known the depths he would go to...'Through means unknown had he acquired an abundance of crystals, of Aether.And it was then he did proclaim his utmost desire, and his intention not to those who would see him brought low.But to the heavens themselves.Through infusion of Aether and burning desire was the man warped beyond recognition.

'They called him 'Eterna' The Luminous defender, yet I knew truly what he had become when they spoke of the battle...'Eterna, Luminous defender of Ishgard.A primal summoned forth in that moment.'They tell me little of the battle, save that it was a brutal one to endure, unlike any foe they had faced prior..'

'Fury willing, they endured. And thankfully so.'Ilvant was eventually cast down, though the summoning had cost him everything. What little strength he clung to was swiftly fading.'When confronted, Elodie told me of how he wept. How he wished only to protect Ishgard with his actions..''She told me of how as his life was fading, how he offered up his apologies. To Ishgard, to the adventurers...''To me..''Ilvant died that day, but Elodie tells me he died with a smile upon his lips.'

'This gives me comfort...'

'With the death of Ilvant, and with the retreat of the Imperials. They found no obstruction in recovering the egg.'They had endured, the egg was within their care now.All that remained was to return it.'They tell me they returned it without hassle, though I highly suspect there was more to it than simply placing it within the sanctum once more..''And within it what did they find?''I cannot say for certain, closure? Mayhap? I was told they could not simply'"Leave the Job half finished"'They truly are a strange bunch, and I must confess I am starting to suspect they are not Knights at all...'

The Elderly elezen rubbed the bridge of his nose, sighing at the story unfolding.'No, I do not believe they are. Though 'tis not mere coin they seek, that I am all but sure of.''Then why did they continue on, 'tis paramount I know why if I am to record this tale!''Again I could not say, I know not their hearts, their desires. Why did they push forward through it all? I can only speculate...''Perhaps they fought for honour...'

'Or perhaps they wished to prove their strength...'

'To leave nothing to chance.'

'For redemption...'

'To protect both friends...'

'And loved ones...'

'Or perhaps they simply thought it right?'

'I do not know, yet I am thankful for their efforts all the same.''As am I, Ser Astrent. Yet I confess the records I keep are that of the stars, not of grand adventures or heroics!'

Elont felt another sigh escaping him, this whole ordeal was most peculiar.Yet part of him could not help but feel a certain giddiness as more information was divulged. To put it to paper would be both an honour and test in of itself.'And what of you, Ser Astrent? What of your part within all of this?'

'Long have I struggled to find my place amidst this new world, after all...''I was meant for war, little else. A positioned I had always felt unworthy to hold.''Yet with this closing chapter did I find my purpose lay elsewhere.''Ilvant gave his life believing in protecting Ishgard and all he held dear.'

'I owed it to him, to all those who had fought and lost...''I owed it to them all not to fade, but to live.''To live for myself and others dear to me.'

'You went to the mists not long after them, to inspect the egg. Yes?''That I did...''And pray tell what did you find upon your inspection..?'

'Something that had long since eluded me.''A choice.'

'A purpose.'

'To remember those who had walked before, and to protect those who would come after.'

'You pick the strangest moments for dramatic ambiguity! Pray I need details man, details! 'Twas already enough of a battle to stay sane with that one rogue and his grand standing!'

'...And that's how the daring party managed to avert another Dragonsong! Through trials of the utmost horror, of grand battles, of heroic deeds to be sung by the bards for eras to come...!'

'...What was that, Rash?'

'You weren't listening, were you?''I mean I was a little...!''You lost me somewhere about the handsome Hyur Gunbreaker lie.''It was a conscious effort''Oh come on! Seriously?!'

'Well thankfully there was one person listening, spared them no details. None what-so-ever''Except maybe the part about the stealing the job...''...The whole deal about a potential calamity.'

'But at least someone listened! Though I may have exageratted in some parts, a good story needs some embellishment for the bards doesn't it?''You -really- assume bards are going to sing praise of us? Who the hells is even going to read or listen to it?!''I dunno...'

'But I reckon there is someone out there listening to it...'

'Oh yes, I heard it all...'

'And I am most curious as to how this next chapter plays out...'

Many years ago...

'I remember how many you killed that
day...'

'I remember how you chased us like vermin...'

'I remember how I stole the heavens from you...

'I remember how I broke your wing...'

'And I remember how you died that day...'

'Remember how he set you upon this path, Astrent...'

'I remember -you-!'

Meanwhile at an Imperial camp...

'A fine specimen indeed, and have the engineers accessed the cloning labs yet?'

'Almost, Tribunus! Though we do not know if they will accept the genetic material from the egg...'

'Then we are most fortunate to have been gifted materials to test upon.'

'But of course, Tribunus! Though if I may, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to contain never mind control the beasts at first.'

'Worry not, we have ample means of restraining such creatures, and should we find ourselves lacking in understanding of the beasts...'

'...No doubt our friend would be full glad to offer their expertise'

Some days laters...

'How unfortunate..'

The OOC

A few things to mention...