It was a familiar scene. Everybody within Papalymos’ chambers, him at the desk, all standing ready. Except for Thancred, of course, who was still off handling things in the snow-ridden lands up north. Bolormaa sat at a distance, fiddling her fingers a little anxiously. But Minfilia and Urianger smiled softly at each other, before Y’shtola began to talk.

“As you may expect,” Y’shtola said, tail twitching ever-so-slightly, “the Kobold have recently summoned Titan. For those who’ve forgotten - Years before the Grand Company’s reformation, two primals, Leviathan and Titan, chanced to converge upon the seawall, wreaking untold devastation. There, by the grace of the Navigator, were the mercenaries Merlwyb hired able to fend them off. Yet it did not take long for the beast tribes to regroup, and they summoned their primals once more.

Ever since then, the Maelstrom have kept a watchful eye upon the beast tribes - and the kobolds in paticular - ever since. However, we do not have much information on Titan.”

Minfilia felt an odd pang in her head. A memory, half formed. Titan reaching out his hands - mournfully, crying out, to person and kobold both. Children of the earth crumbling, as the beast looked onwards.

But that never happened. Did it? Titan wasn’t summoned while she was awake. But before she could ask, Y’shtola spoke up again. “Less then a year after Dalamud fell, Titan was summoned again. Unfortunately, the only force known to have bested him - the modestly named “Company of Heroes” - disbanded five years since, and mercenaries are not in the habit of keeping chronicles. A pity that the kobold are not as gentle as the Sylph - a peaceful resolution would be more then welcome.

No one would think you a coward were you to decline.”

Minfilia looked at Y’shtola, then around at the others. Yda was biting her lip, as Lyse looked at her. Fordola shifted in her bag, grumpily. Bolormaa stood, and nodded. “I’ll do it. Even if we don’t know about Titan, we can fight it. And if I die? It’ll be a damn worthy death.”

“Thank you,” Papalymo said, as he bowed his head. “I’m glad to know you, Bolormaa.”

Minfilia put a hand to her chest. “…I shall go, as well. I can seal Titan, after all - so that we do not need to worry about another summoning.” Even if Uriangers’ words concerned her. Aetherial leakage or the such. That’s what was happening, wasn’t it? The aether of primal was… leaking into her.

But it was worth it. Papalymo nodded at her - before looking to the others. “You can count on the Scions of the Seventh Dawn to do what we can, of course.

Yda, Lyse. Go to the Grand Companies - and try not to get too distracted, okay? Urianger - send word to the Students of Baldesion–”

“–Papalymo, a moment.” Urianger said, raising his hand. “Some of the Students are coming to Eorzea anon - shall I contact them as well?”

“Obviously.”

Urianger slumped a little. Papalymo continued. “I’ll compile the information we have so far - and try and contact Alphinaud, in the meanwhile.” Papalymo said, sitting back down, shaking his head a little. “Y’shtola, can you go with our allies to La Noscea?”

Y’shtola nodded quietly. “I cannot promise our tongues will be held, before you ask.” Minfilia couldn’t help but light up a tiny bit at that - so Y’shtola didn’t simply accept it either.

The three set out - the boat outside, after all, was about to depart.

It had been a while since Minfilia had been in La Noscea, but she could almost taste the sea air. Bolormaa looked upwards, as well. “…This might be my last mission for a little, Y’shtola. Minfilia. Even if I don’t die, I mean.”

Minfilia turned on her heel, and looked to the Au Ra. “Why?”

A pride seemed to swell in her eyes, and Bolormaa grinned. “The Nadaam approaches, and the Dotharl shall need new weapons. I cannot miss it for the world. The Oronir shall finally fall.”

As they walked though the street - Minfilia noting she did not notice many Xaela - Bolormaa continued to gush. “It happens once a year, close to the Tsagaan Sar. But the most important event helps us choose our next khagan - uh, I suppose you would call it a ruler. One who can command all the Xaela of the Azem Steppe, if it is needed.

But we do not need to respect them. We only need to listen.” Even as Bolormaa spoke, a proud glow seemed to surround her. Y’shtola gave a little chuckle, as Bolormaa then wiggled. “I wish I could show you my Yol - she is a beautiful beast, with soft white feathers. But she could not cross the sea. I miss her.”

Bolormaa then stopped, in the Aetheryte plaza. Kneeling a little to the sea. “I have enough anima to travel to my home and back, but it is a tiring process. After we stop Titan, I’ll be gone for a little while. And I’ll miss you. Especially you, Minfilia.”

Minfilia blinked a few times. “Me?”

Bolormaa nodded. “You are a strong soul. A beautiful friend. While I am gone, I will ask about your condition. I… will get information from my friends and family. I promise. I’ve told you that the Dotharl are reborn again and again, right? They must know about how to stop you from becoming more and more not you.”

The knowledge of such - Minfilia gave a little nod. “If it does not distract you—”

“Please! I love having to theorize!” Bolormaa replied, tail beginning to wag slightly as she stood back up. The two of them held hands, before they heard Y’shtola behind them.

“Our guest is waiting. If you two are done…” she began, before Bolormaa gave a firm nod. She was done. Minfilia looked up at Bolormaa, before looking to Y’shtola. Right, back to work.

They were soon in the Maelstrom Command Center, seats having been set up for them. Commander R’ashaht sat across from them, her soft ears pressed up against her headwear. Giving a firm salute, Minfilia gave one back.

“You are the guests we were told to expect? To business, then.” Sitting up straight, the Commander gave a hunting tsk. “To business, then. It is as we told the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. The kobolds have once again summoned Titan. A little over a moon ago, we began to observe the beastmen moving south in increasing numbers from O’Ghomoro.”

As she spoke, nobody seemed to notice - or note - the heavy footsteps on the metal floor. The scraping of another wooden chair against the ground, as R’ashaht continued. “Our scouts subsequently confirmed the object of their aggression─”

“Crystals.”

The group turned to face her - Minfilia hiding her distaste easily. Y’shtola had a little smirk on her lips. “Fodder for their fell Primal.” Merlwyb gave a firm look to R’ashaht, and the Commander stood - relieved of her duty. “Thank you, High Commander. You may leave the rest to me.”

Turning back to Minfilia, Merlwyb had a little kindness in her voice. “Word has spread of your accomplishments, Minfilia. Bolormaa. On behalf of Limsa Lominsa, I thank you for heeding our call.”

“It’s no problem,” Bolormaa said, tail swishing. “I suppose it’s not what everybody would do, though, right?” Minfilia did not speak, but gave a soft nod. Even if she disagreed with her methods, Merlwyb had a firm presense.

“We are no strangers to conflict. Long have the Sahagin and the kobolds plagued our people─nor is this the first time we have had to address a primal threat. In the past, when Titan rose to threaten the peace, it was to the Company of Heroes we turned.” There was a pride in Merlwybs’ voice - but of course there was. The Company of Heroes seemed like they were good people, but perhaps those without the Echo. Even so, to risk themselves to end a Primal… well, anybody would do that. “But they are long disbanded, and we must look to other brave souls blessed with the strength to face this foe. So it is that we turn now to the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, confident in the belief that you are Limsa’s best hope.”

As Merlwyb spoke, Minfilia tried to hold back. Y’shtola couldn’t help but wonder if her and Minfilia had the same thought, and so she spoke. She was respected more - she was known - after all. “I hope you are right. Yet the situation is far from simple. The kobolds are not prone to unprovoked aggression.” Y’shtola felt her hand being held - Minfilia had gripped to it, as Miqo’te clicks entered her voice. Though she sounded calm to many, she was clearly getting into it. “Did not the thalassocracy make a pact with the beastmen that each would keep to their own lands, and that no blood would be shed?”

Y’shtolas’ voice darkened. “…And was it not the Lominsans who violated this agreement, dissatisfied with their lot? Shall we then condemn the beastmen for defending their homes?

Even a pirate must one day reap what she has sown.”

Merlwyb paused, before she smirked a little. Before she smiled a little. “You have the right of it, aye. Yet it makes little difference. Remorse will not shield us from Titan’s wrath - or would you have us fall upon our swords?”

Minfilia finally spoke up. “You’re right. This threat will not easily be ended though forgiveness. But what about the next? Do you have any plans to soothe the pain you’ve caused, or are you simply going to let it continue? A cycle of revenge and retribution?

–We will help, of course. But this cannot simply end with Titan ending.”

Merlwyb looked at Minfilia, and saw a fire in her eyes she’d not seen in many. Why, it almost reminded her of somebody… somebody who she’d known of before. After a moment, she frowned - but in that half-pleased way. “You think the Kobold will want to talk after their damned Primal is destroyed? No, I don’t think they will.”

“Then I’ll talk to them. Now. Re-negotiate land rights. Figure out what we can do - what can be given. The Calamity has taken a lot of their land, and a lot of yours. I understand. But I cannot let you simply bully the Kobold into losing their land.”

Bolormaa listened, tail swishing. Y’shtola listened, quietly tapping her tail against her chair. Fordola watched silently from her bag, feeling a deep blush building in her cheeks. And Merlwyb listened, watching Minfilia closely. Minfilia continued. “I cannot promise it will go smoothly for you and yours. I cannot promise the Kobold will simply give up land without something in return. But I know this - not all Kobold would have wanted to summon Titan. It is like how not all of your people have become outlaws, even with the laws which have been enacted.”

There was so much Minfilia didn’t bring up. She did not mention the fate of the Siren, nor did she speak of what she’d gathered from Thancred. “Merlwyb. Please, let me try.”

The room grew silent. Before Merlwyb could answer, Bolormaa spoke up. “…While Minfilia does that, I will go and seek out former members of the Company of Heroes. So we can learn of Titan from both sides. After all, understanding both sides will also help us destroy it, right? Or, well, do what Minfilia does.”

More moments passed - the two Warriors of Light focused heavily.

Merlwyb let out a sound - a harsh one.

Merlwyb then nodded. “You’ve got this all figured out, hm? One of you’ll go cozy up with the beasts, the other will go finding people who don’t want to be found? Hah - you’re chasing up the wrong tree, but I can’t help but believe you two.

…fine. I’ll let you do your hair-brained schemes. I should have expected it, asking the Scions of the Seventh Dawn for help.” Merlwyb leaned back, amused, looking over Minfilia and Bolormaa both. “But we don’t have forever. Titan will come after us sooner or later, and if that’s before you’ve done what you want to?

Their blood is on your hands.”

After a dramatic moment, Merlwyb stood. “Already, we have observed disruptions in the flow of aether further inland. The effects will be felt here in the city ere long. I await good tidings from you all.” With a salute - which the group saluted back, of course, Merlwyb was gone. And the group stood. Y’shtola eyed them.

Before she turned her attention to Bolormaa first. “We must needs prepare for conflict. Before we meet Titan in the field, however, it would be wise to learn all we can of our foe. And I can think of no better source of information than the mercenaries who defeated him once before - one has been located in the Grey Fleet mills in lower La Noscea.” The white-haired Miqo’te tsked, tail wrapping around her leg. “Quite why a mercenary should choose to become a miller, I do not know.”

“Not many would remain fighting after confronting a Primal,” Minfilia said firmly, “but I suppose such is strange enough. Bolormaa, remember to be gentle.

I wish to seek out a friendly Kobold settlement, so that I can learn more of them. What of you, Y’shtola?”

Y’shtola quietly hummed. “I shall be seeking his fellows. We shall contact each other each night - if only to confirm none of us have been injured or worse.”

The three began to walk out, discussing their plans. It was going to be dangerous, but, well. They all had their duties.