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Hello everyone and welcome back. We've still got some more Christmas spirit to learn, and as the actual day itself is rapidly approaching, we need to get on with it!
Starlight waits for no one! Without further ado, I would entrust you with the next most vital task in preparing for the festivities. Simply speak to my colleague stationed past Apkallu Falls on the way to the residential district to the north.
Up here near the lancers' guild is where the rude helper from last time is hanging out.
I always wondered why the snowmen never melted, and now I know! Being able to see behind the magic of Starlight is a miracle in itself!
Back to offer your aid? Well, I suppose we could put you to use. Perhaps you've seen the snowmen around the area? Well, the truth is, we employ a little bit of sorcery to make sure they don't go melting in the event of untimely warm weather. To that end, I'd task you with stuffing one of these here fragments of what we call eternal ice inside each one of them. If you could see to the ones near the manor district north of here, Isainne and I will take care of those by the Lancers' Guild. Pray meet us there when you're done.
Belive it or not, but Ursandel there is actually an NPC vital to the MSQ. We'll come around to speak to him eventually, but it will not be until a ways into the new year.
We need to take some nevermelt ice crystals and jam them inside the snowmen.
The snowmen are pretty cute, not gonna lie. 
Over in front of the lancers' guild we find Isainne and Boone the Saturnine Starlight Celebrant.
Don't worry, Mister Snowman! I'll see that you stay with us till the very end!
...And with that, I do believe our job is done.
Hooray!
I trust you've seen to your snowmen as well? Excellent. I'll survey the area one last time to make sure we haven't overlooked anything, so pray go on ahead of me and report back to Amh Garanjy.
Say, Missus Adventurer...is there a special someone you'll be spending Starlight season with this year?
I have someone in mind.
Thread participation: who is Ginger spending Starlight season with? I have my own theories, but I'm keen to hear other ones too!
Oh, is that so? Then we'd best make the decorations extra pretty just for them, yes?
I always used to come with Mother and Father, but they...um, are busy this year. That's why I decided to make myself useful and help out with the preparations. I had a mind to make a giant snowman, just for them, that we could all come see together! But I think they'll need to stay at home, so... Well, I guess it doesn't matter anymore... Oh, but I should get back to work! See you around, Missus Adventurer!
(System Message) As Isainne races off, your mind drifts to Kamlito Halito, who you believe you last saw at Mih Khetto's Amphitheatre. How does he fare with his allotted task?
There's dialogue for going to Amh first, but you have to run past the quest marker to see it. And she just points you back here anyway.
Wow, just look at all of them!
Wh-Why, hello there, Isainne. I was just putting together another snowman of my own. What do you think...have I redeemed myself?
Oh, it's wonderful! I was just thinking how this snowman looked so lonely, and now he has a friend! Let's make one more!
Yet another, you say!? Indeed...I suppose we've nothing better to do until the next delivery of ornaments arrives. Very well, then-to work! Well, it appears I'll be occupied for a while here, yet. You've completed your task, yes? If you would be so kind, I would ask that you report to Amh Garanjy for the both of us.
The more, the merrier! Let's make another!
Gonna be honest, when more than 6 people start surrounding me, I get nervous as shit and kinda shut down. I can't imagine hundreds of strangers standing in a semicircle around you clamoring for your attention.
Another task completed? And in spectacular fashion, I have no doubt! Just think of how many smiles you've put on the children's faces today. Take your reward, friend-I daresay you've earned it.
More fireworks, these being ones that show the number 2. I've also since been informed that these fireworks barely show the number for half a second. 
If it would not be too much to ask, we are in need of more snowman decorations. I have--ahem--made an executive decision to build one more.
With pleasure! I shall see that the necessary supplies are procured straight away! That said, color me surprised, Kamlito. Could it be that you've finally gotten into the spirit of the season after all?
Heh. One could say that, I suppose... At first, I simply saw all this decorating as menial labor-trifling tasks far beneath one of my station. And yet, seeing the twinkle in young Isainne's eyes every time I make a snowman or hang up a glittering star, I began to sense that I was part of something far larger than I had ever imagined. Before long, I realized the truth-that every one of my actions, no matter how humble, were indispensable in bringing good cheer to the hearts of the children in this realm.
And, perhaps more importantly, that such acts were diminished if performed without similar sentiments in my own heart. Yet I fear that in realizing this, I have been consumed by the sheer responsibility of these tasks, to the point that I feel almost petrified with a desire to get everything just right...
And the locals down in Gridania say that Kamlito's heart grew three sizes that day.
Ohoho! Worry not, my friend. There's still plenty of time to polish your creations to perfection before the festivities kick off in earnest. So long as you've got that Starlight spirit in you, you're more than fine in my book!
*smiles and nods*
At any rate, our job is almost done-but that's all the more reason we can't afford to slack off or compromise until we've seen to the last of the preparations. The children are counting on us, my friends!
Listen up, my favorite helper! It's time to bring some Starlight magic to the Greatloam Growery. Seek out my splendiferous colleague there-she'll be more than happy to share with you all you need to know.
Greatloam Growery is in the same area as the botany guild.
The wreaths are all so lovely...whichever should I choose?
Ooh! I want the one with the bell! It makes such a pretty sound...
Ah, it's you again! Your assistance is most welcome, friend. I've been handing out wreaths for the townsfolk to decorate their front doors, but it would seem our supply has fallen woefully behind the demand. A most generous individual at the Botanists' Guild has agreed to donate some of their loveliest works to our cause. Might I trouble you to make the trip there and procure them for us?
This little building is the lobby of the botany guild. I'll probably never actually show off the crafting or gathering quests because at the end of the day, they are pretty damn tedious. One quest you have to do for every gatherer asks you to run in a circle collecting 100 of a specific item that doesn't always show up.
Wreaths, you say? But of course! We've more than enough for one and all this Starlight. Pray take as many as you need with my blessing, and give the celebrants my best regards.
Just look at all of these lovely wreaths! The growers at the Botanists' Guild are nothing if not generous. At any rate, this should more than suffice-thank you, friend!
Look! That adventurer's helping to get ready for Starlight! Isainne told me that she is, too. She says that every time she finishes a task, she gets a special present! I should have helped out, too...
Isainne, you say? The poor child. I can't even imagine working so hard, what with all the hardships she now faces at home...
Hardships, you say? What is it that troubles the girl, pray tell?
I fear I'm not privy to all the details, but word has it her parents have not left the house in ages. Isainne's always running about town all on her own. She puts on a strong face, but I can't help but worry that she's suffering more than she lets on... It wasn't always like this, mind you. I remember often seeing the three of them together. Her father cut a tall, dashing figure, and always adorned his head with a stylish hat.
Her mother had the gentlest of smiles, and was always clad in garb of matching patterns that she fashioned herself. Seeing such a loving family walk the streets together was always such a heartwarming sight. Sadly, for whatever reason, it is a sight we see no longer...
That is most troubling, indeed. Pray forgive me...I hadn't the slightest idea that anything was amiss when the girl came to offer her aid. I must have a chat with her...
Ah, but a host of lovely wreaths have just arrived from our friends at the Botanists' Guild. Pray help yourself to whichever strikes your fancy! Ah, forgive me. Your work here is done. Pray return to Amh Garanjy and collect your reward-you've most certainly earned it!
The actual act of doing these quests isn't very exciting, but the story? It's at least interesting!
Well, if it isn't my favorite helper! I thank you most sincerely for yet another job well done. Well, what are you waiting for? Help yourself to another present from the twinklebox!
Have the additional snowman decorations arrived yet, by chance? I'm most eager to get started on my latest masterwork.
That's the spirit! And indeed, they were delivered not moments ago.
Splendid! In that case, Isainne and I shall get to work at once.
That's such a cute snowman family.
And here comes Saint Nymeia
Ho ho ho! That's the kind of good cheer I like to see. Yes, 'twould appear that the Starlight Celebration is in good hands again this year. Ah, yes. Your colleague had mentioned some troubling news about young Isainne, so I took it upon myself to do some research into the matter.
Whatever is the matter? Is the child okay?
The girl is fine, but I fear her dear father is less so. Stricken with a grievous malady, he lies bedridden, with Isainne's poor mother tending to him every waking moment of the day.
That is most distressing, indeed. The poor girl...she never said as much, but doubtless she works as hard as she does in order to procure the medicine her dear father so desperately needs...
Sadly, matters are not so simple. The illness her father suffers from, sadly, is a common one these days, and it is said demand for medicine greatly outstrips the supply. No matter how diligently the girl works to earn the coin she needs, there is simply not enough of the remedy to go around...
Indeed. Though opening the twinklebox may light up her eyes, I can only imagine that what she truly wants for Starlight is to soothe her dear father's pain. If only there were some way we could help her do just that...
While there may be naught we can do to heal what ails the man, perhaps we might be able to offer Isainne and her family a bit of Starlight cheer in this trying time.
The girl has been a most dutiful and generous little helper for us this season, has she not? If we were to find some way to dedicate this year's Starlight Celebration to her and her loved ones-and in doing so make it the most spectacular success it's ever been-mayhap that might lift their spirits?
Dedicate the celebration to her? An admirable idea, I agree, but however might we do that?
Two words: stupendous snowman...
The child spoke of her wish to make a snowman of incredible size, you say? No wonder she took such an interest in my masterpieces!
Alternate version...
If Isainne's father is unable to rise from bed...
The child said she wanted nothing more than to enjoy the Starlight festivities with her dear mother and father, you say? If only there were some way we could make that possible...
The second is more fitting with the story. Though it also sounds like Ginger is proposing we bring Starlight to him in bed.
As for the medicine, let me contact my associates and see if there is aught that might be done. In the meantime, might I trouble you to see to the decoration of our final and most spectacular snowman? I am confident that you understand what would bring joy to Isainne's heart more than anyone. ...Oh, but it would seem you've already collected all the twinklebox has to offer. Pray forgive my presumption. I suppose you'll be leaving us to return to far more important matters.
'Tis not about the rewards, you say? Truly, you are the very embodiment of the Starlight spirit-a veritable incarnation of Nymeia Herself.
Kamlito and Godbert the Saint of Nymeia both look like they're planning something. So let's see if we can offer our services as well!
At long last, our preparations have almost come to an end. All that remains is to put the finishing touches on the mother of all snowmen and give our dear little Isainne a Starlight present she'll remember for a lifetime! And with that, shall we be on our way? I'm ready if you are.
Now, let's get to work, shall we? I've prepared an assortment of decorative materials for the occasion, so feel free to let your imagination run wild! That said, we mustn't forget who our audience is. What sort of snowman do you suppose would most warm little Isainne's heart? Ah, yes....you were saying how concerned she was that the smaller snowman might be lonely, yes? And how happy she was when he got a friend?
Perhaps there's a hint to be had there. What sort of decoration would make Isainne happiest of all? Give it some thought, and I've no doubt you'll be struck with inspiration!
Her father cut a tall, dashing figure, and always adorned his head with a stylish hat.
A tall snowman with a stylish hat?
Check.
Her mother had the gentlest of smiles, and was always clad in garb of matching patterns that she fashioned herself.
A snowman with matching styles and a gentle smile?
(System Message) Now fully decorated, the three snowmen appear as if they were a family. Just looking at them warms your heart, and you can only hope Isainne feels the same. Return to Amh Garanjy and let her know your task is done.
You've truly outdone yourself, my friend-this is nothing short of a masterpiece. I've no doubt Isainne will be overjoyed at the sight of your little snowman family.
It can be difficult to see, but the little snowman has a cute bow in her hair.
Marvelous! Simply marvelous! While I am partial to my own creations, I can do nothing but tip my cap to your superior aesthetic sensibilities.
Ho ho! I have seen many a snowman in my day, but never one that warms the cockles of my heart quite so much as your merry little snowman family. Truly, you are a snowman artisan of the highest order!
Look! The snowman has a mommy and a daddy! Why, it's just like a family-our family! Oh, how happy she must be! Did you make this, Kamlito?
I only helped here and there--Ginger deserves all the credit. How do you like it, Isainne? I daresay the little snowman isn't lonely anymore.
Oh, yes! Now that I know she's not alone, I can leave her to enjoy Starlight with her family while I return home to my own! I'm sorry for making you do all this for me when you were already so busy yourself. Can you forgive me?
I am the one who should be asking for forgiveness, my child. After all, it is you who taught this stuffy, overly serious fool what the true meaning of Starlight was all about.
I may not be able to stay for the celebration, but this has already been the best Starlight ever! Thank you so much for letting me help. I'll treasure the presents from the twinklebox forever!
Ahem. Kamlito, if you would...?
...But of course. Those presents were simply to show our appreciation for your help. Of course, we have another present-and this one's just for you.
Or perhaps I should say...for your dear father.
Could...could it be-!?
As it so happens, God-er, the Saint of Nymeia here happens to be a patron of the apothecary that produces this medicine. When he shared your story with the proprietor, they simply insisted that we deliver this to you straight away. What's more, they have at long last discovered a means by which they can produce the remedy in vast quantities. Rest assured that all those who are suffering as your father is will have succor soon enough.
Speaking of your father, my child, I took the liberty of delivering the first dose to him in person. From the looks of it, it would seem you may well be able to enjoy the celebration after all-and I daresay that your dear father may even be feeling well enough to join you.
T-Truly...!?
A medicine that not even all the money in the realm can buy... It truly is a Starlight miracle!
Yes, this season has taught me much. Coin is but a means to an end-not a goal in and of itself. If it is not used to bring a smile to those who need it most, it has little more value than a lump of coal.
Ho ho! I daresay you've come far in this short time, Kamlito. Your father will be most proud to hear of this, I'm sure. Yes, you will prove a worthy successor to him, I am sure.
About that, Lord Ma-er, good Saint, sir...I've decided not to take over Father's business after all.
It surprised me as well. Over the course of preparing for Starlight, I could feel my heart changing-now, I am as certain of it as anything. When I return to Ul'dah, I mean to devote my efforts to doing all in my power to alleviate the plight of those who were not blessed with my privileges.
Oho...I misjudged you, my boy. You have matured far, far beyond even my wildest expectations. So much so, in fact, that I daresay your father will have a stern word or two for me...
At any rate, I am not returning anywhere until I've celebrated Starlight to the fullest with the children of Gridania--Isainne here first among them, of course!
That's the spirit! And with that, I can finally present you and Ginger with the greatest gift of all--the one I've been waiting to give to you from the start..
Let me hazard a guess-the smiles of the little ones, yes?
Ahaha! Clearly, the Starlight spirit has taken hold in your heart now. And with that, the moment we've been waiting for is finally at hand. Without further ado...let the festivities begin!
We're not done yet, though.
First up, because we finished the questline, we get a new mount! Let's take a look at that now.
I love it. It's so gloriously dumb and I love it. Ginger pops out holding the head so she can see where she's going.
Secondly, after each of the quests, there have been more and more letters arriving for us from various NPCs. The more you've done in the game, the more letters you'll have. Ginger is still at the start of her adventure, so she only gets the default ones. There are letters for each of the expansion packs, and for finishing the raid series in that expansion pack. This includes the raid series for the current expansion!
Yes there is a letter for finishing raids that, at the time, were literally a week old.
Thank you for your invaluable aid, firend! The Starlight festivities never could have happened without you. And my colleagues and I are far from the only ones who appreciate your efforts. Letters have arrived from across the realm to thank you for your generosity. Just see for yourself!
Six letters for Ginger! We'll go in order...
Each letter has a little skit attached. I've also linked this before, but you need to listen to it while reading these letters. It's such a nice song, and the bittersweet violin really helps set the mood.
Tranquility
Doin' your part to assist in the Starlight festivities, are ye? Let ol' Baderon tell ye, these fresh-off-the-boat adventurers that show up 'ere these days could learn a thing or two from ye.
All about the glory, those types are. "Workin' the fields at Summerford? But I want to save the world!" Hah! Mayhap ye should learn to avoid becomin' goobbue mulch first, I say.
But you? Yer different. Aye, ye understand that puttin' a smile on even one lonely child's face is heroic a deed in its own right as fendin' off a fleet o' pirates. Merry Starlight to ye, lass, and may your sails always be full.
I hope this letter finds you well, Ginger. Amh tells me that the preparations for this year's Starlight festivities have been more trying than ever. I regret that I could not lend a hand myself, but watching over the young ones who would follow in your footsteps keeps me occupied as ever.
As if that weren't enough, what with the deep chll in the air these days, it is all I can do to keep Figaga's Gift from freezing and cracking in the cold. It is not an easy or glamorous task, but it is one I would not entrust to any other.
...No, for though the work may be strenuous, gazing out at the great wheel in the stillness of the falling snow--these moments of tranquility I would not trade for anything in the world. I hope that you, too, are able to find some measure of quietude amidst the revelry of the Starlight season.
When I heard one of my regulars sayin' that Starlight might be canceled this year, I almost spat out my drink. But later I caught word that you were on the job--and I knew at that moment there was no cause for worryin'.
Aye, of all the adventurers I know--and believe me, I know plenty--none understand quite as well as you that there's no deed to small to be meaningful.
Least of all the task of warmin' the hearts of children who find kindness and good cheer all too hard to come by in these tryin' times. So feel proud, Ginger Pepper--you've done right by the realm today. Safe travels and don't be a stranger!
For those of us who have spent most of our lives at sea, the Starlight Celebration is mayhap not as close to our hearts as it is to others. And yet, each year at this time, when I hear the calls of the birds migrating from cooler climes, it gives me cause to reflect.
As sailors, we look to the night sky for the guidance of the stars. It is they who show us where we are, and who illuminate the path before us. Were it not for these beacons of light, we would be lost as sea, and before long find ourselves drowning in the cold depths.
This got me to wondering: might it not be said that the smiles you have put on the faces of the children this season serve a smiliar role, as they brighten the hearts of Eorzeans the realm over and raise their spirits in these times of uncertainty? I, for one, believe so--and for all you have done to that end, you have my thanks.
How fare you in the preparations for the festivities, my good friend? Firstly, on behalf of all Gridanians, let me express my most heartfelt gratitude for your most selfless acts this special season.
I have given much thought to the matter of what my fellow Seedseers and I might do to bring even more joy to the cuildren, and I do believe I have come upon just the idea. You are familiar with the tradition by which children write letters to the Spinner containing their most heartfelt wishes to place under the Starlight Tree, yes?
I have determined that we will attempt to grant as many of them as is within our power--and I have recruited a number of like-minded souls to aid in the cause. In doing so, I hope that we will inspire that many more smiling faces here in Gridania this Starlight season--and that the elementals will smile upon our efforts as well.
On behalf of all the Sultanate, I commend you on your efforts in saving this year's Starlight Celebration from an uncertain fate. Some would say that snowmen feel out of place here here in the jewel of the desert, but I have naught but fond memories of being a young girl, spending sleepless nights in anticipation of what the saint would bring me.
There are those who would proclaim that it is base and shameful to engage in revelry at a time when our realm faces such continued hardship. Yet I could not disagree more.
If we have any hope of leading Eorzea to a brighter future, then it begins with ensuring that every young boy and girl out there looks toward tomorrow with a smile on their face and the confidence that happier days are to come. For all you have done--and continue to do--towards this end, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I think that's a good stopping point.
NEXT TIME: Ginger finally gets her job stones!