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Hello everyone and welcome back! The WHM job quest will not be in this update, but it will be soon. Ginger, as you can probably see, is currently a DRG. There's a reason for that. She's also about to hit level 40, so we'll do a bunch of job quests all at once. It'll be its own update and everything!
We met Marques a very long time ago and he seemed to be extremely damaged. But he also had his own portrait. I just spent an entire arc giving a major character with a ton of lines a portrait of shame, so did anyone else think it odd that a guy with 3 lines got a portrait?
So basically watch out for people with portraits. They tend to come back in the story eventually. Well, some of them. Anyway, there were 6 quests deleted from this arc. The first of which is right here. There used to be a quest called With a Little Elbow Grease. You had to go buy a hammer. It's just busywork so it's gone.
Excuse me, Ginger...do you have a moment? It concerns this broken horologe which was found in the pocket of a man brought here for burial. There is something...familiar about it...but just what I cannot say. Perhaps if I tinker with the device, it will come to me.
However, I lack the proper tools to do so. I would ask that you journey to Camp Drybone in my stead to obtain a bull-point chisel and a pair of needle-nose pincers. They are often used by goldsmiths, so perhaps they would be the best people to ask. Of course, I do not expect you to foot the bill. Here, take this coinpurse. That should cover it.
This quest here is greatly changed. Used to be that you'd have to go all the way back to Ul'dah and then to two different destinations on either side of the city. It was blatant time-wasting of the worst kind and it's gone!
Instead we need to go to this guy here in the nearby town, give him the bag of money, and he gives us tools. No trip to Ul'dah, no needing to buy specific items. Much nicer, huh?
A bull-point chisel, you say? And a pair of needle-nose pincers? Those things don't come cheap, you know...
Well I have a lot of money that says you do have some...
Thal's balls! I mean, yes, that should be sufficient payment. Nice doing business with you. Heh heh...
Have you brought the tools I requested? Hmmm...something occurs to me. Please wait here for a moment.
It was for naught. Though I repaired the device easily, this sensation that stirs within me remains a mystery. But how...how did I do it? These hands...my hands, they moved with a mind of their own, deftly manipulating the clockwork mechanisms... There was no doubt or uncertainty. I knew exactly what to do, as though I had performed the same motions countless times before...
P-Pardon me, Ginger--this was a mistake. Please give the horologe to Sister Eluned. The man who once owned it is currently in her care, and I think it best that it be returned to him.
A horologe is a timepiece.
Good evening to you, madam. Have you come to pay your respects to this man?
I think this belongs to your dead guy...
Never before have I seen such a queer device. You say that it measures the passing of time? Mayhap they are more common in Garlemald. I am given to understand that its cities are filled with all manner of amazing technologies.
Marques said that it belonged to the deceased? Oh dear... You don't suppose that the owner might have been a Garlean spy? It may behoove us to notify the authorities in Camp Drybone. But...mayhap more importantly, how did Marques manage to repair this device? I knew he had a talent for the trades, but this goes far beyond mending fences and thatching rooves...
Another deleted quest here where we had to go kill a cactuar. No idea why. It was filler so it's rightfully gone.
I recognize you now, Ginger. Allow me to express my deepest condolences for those who lost their lives in the attack. I apologize if discussing this upsets you, but...you should know that the bodies of your comrades are presently being removed from the Waking Sands and prepared for transport here. If you wish to leave this work to others, I understand. However, taking part might help you to find closure.
Coming here doesn't even feel like it's our home anymore. It's just a place... an empty place.
Eh? Ye don't look like one of them church fellas. Not that I'll turn ye away, no sir. As ye can see, we've got a pile of unidentified bodies over yonder. No one's come to claim 'em, so off to the lichyard they go. Be thankful ye didn't have to go inside and see the carnage for yerself. 'Twas the stuff of nightmares, I tell ye. Godsdamned imperials. <spit>
I don't know what quarrel they had with these folks, and I sure as hells don't want to know. The sooner we put this behind us, the better. Say...ain't I seen you 'round here afore? Or do ye just have one of them faces? Ah, never mind...
Anyroad, there's a carriage come to haul the bodies to the lichyard, out by the east gate. There's only eight left to load up, but seein' as I'm exhausted from carryin' all the others, I've a mind to leave the remainder to you. Might want to cover yer nose while ye work. Some of these folk're startin' to turn...
Asshole.
The bodies are all lying out here in the sun. I don't recognize five of them, probably because the game never bothered to name them.
This is Percevains, and he was Una Tayuun's buddy.
This was Satzfloh, and like Percevains he was another of the old-school Scions that hung out with Una. Rest in peace, buddy.
Of course Clive is also here. He was kind of a dick, but he was still a Scion...
This little lalafell was one of the door guards.
We take the first four to the carriage.
What happened to the big fella? Ah, forget it. Just bring the next batch and toss 'em in the back--ain't like they'll complain if you're rough!
*loads the carriage*
Well, ain't you a strong one. Four in one trip! Reckon there's no need for me to lend you a hand with the rest, then.
This guy was the Immortal Flame guy we saw hanging out in the main hallway.
I... legitimately do not know who she is. 
Rest in peace, though.
The other door guard...
...and Noraxia.
Reckon it won't take too long to deliver all the corpses to the lichyard. Even so, you might want to hurry back an' tell 'em that our work here is done.
I see that you decided to heed my advice. I pray that, in doing so, you found some small measure of peace. The first carriage from Vesper Bay arrived not long ago, and we have begun preparing your comrades for burial. I had a hand in the initial rites, and I...I would like you to know that, for many, death came quickly.
Rest assured that we will treat them with the utmost respect, and do everything we can to shepherd them to Thal's realm.
I don't think the knowledge that death came quickly helps any. Yes they didn't suffer, but I'm sure Ginger would rather they still be alive.
Another deleted quest here. Eluned wanted us to go pray at a shrine nearby. It's still a sidequest and one I might show off once this arc is done.
Although we can perform rites for most of the Scions, there is one whom we cannot accept. We would like you to return this one to her people, the sylphs of Little Solace. It is only proper that she be given into the care of her friends and family, so that they may mourn her in accordance with sylphic traditions.
This one is surprised to see walking one in Little Solace. How can these ones assist walking one?
<gasp> Noraxia!? But...this one does not understand...
Komuxio, this one has heard much wailing. This one would know what has caused such distress.
Terrible news, elder one! Awful news!
Walking one has returned to Little Solace? But why? These ones have not requested further aid.
I'm so, so sorry...
Noraxia!? How did this happen? Explain everything to this one, at once!
...
So...not only Noraxia, but many of walking one's friends were lost as well.
<sob> Noraxia...
Noraxia went to Thanalan at the behest of this one... Walking one was with Noraxia at the end... Tell this one that Noraxia was brave. Tell this one that Noraxia did not suffer.
She gave her life trying to protect someone. She was the bravest!
This one is glad to hear walking one's words. Thank you for bringing Noraxia home, walking one. These ones also wish to thank praying ones. Tell praying ones these ones will remember this kindness.
This one demands vengeance! Imperial ones must pay! Imperial ones must suffer! When the time comes for walking ones to face imperial ones, do not forget these ones! These ones would not have Noraxia's death be for naught! These ones will fight!
That... went better than it had any right to.
We thank you for your service to the church and to the sylphs. You may be pleased to know that, in your absence, we interred the remaining Scions in the lichyard. Perhaps you still wish to do more for your friends. If so, I would remind you that you have already done so much on their behalf. Please, take a rest and set aside your burdens for now, Ginger.
The next quest is indoors.
I...I'm not imagining it, Ginger. I know I'm being watched... This is different--sinister. It is as if I am...under observation. The feeling comes and goes...but I felt it when last I ventured outside. Yes. I know I felt it. Will you look outside for me...please? It will only take a moment.
The grave where we have to look around is actually down the hill from the chapel.
Why would an Imperial frumentarii be spying on a veteran of Carteneau?
We put the nuisance down and go back to Marques.
You were attacked, weren't you? Are you unharmed? Thank the gods. I knew it. He was watching me.
...But why was he watching me? What did he want with me? Did he, perhaps...know something of my past? If only I could have asked him... I...I need to think. Please, allow me a moment alone. Wait. Father Iliud must hear of this. Will you tell him for me? It's important. I think others may come for me again.
Heavens forfend... That such a thing should happen on holy ground! Do you have any idea who this man was? Did you notice anything distinctive about his garb or possessions?
Well he was very obviously an Imperial spy. Check out this blade...
This...this is Garlean steel. Which means the man who was watching Marques was... Make haste to Camp Drybone at once! We must summon the Immortal Flames before more imperials come!
The Master Engineer -- You should really watch this. It has voice acting. You can hear Sam Riegel trying to do an english accent.
Short, white hair, wearing blue... I'd recognize him anywhere!
Canticle -- If you aren't watching the above, then at least listen to this. Also the video is... showing this exact scene as well.
Hmph. I fondly hoped that I might be the first to speak with you... Would that I had been so fortunate. At ease, adventurer-I come not on behalf of the Empire. On the contrary, I mean to revive the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. And to that end...
He's talking to Marques.
In hindsight this isn't much of a reveal. Marques here is still wearing the same goggles that he was wearing in Answers, 56 updates ago. You remember him, right?
The camera cut to him multiple times like he was supposed to be someone we recognized. Even the first time I saw Answers, long before I got to this point on my first character, I had him pegged for Cid. He looks like a Cid.
I fear you are mistaken, child. He is but a poor soul who bore witness to the horrors at Carteneau. I beg of you, leave us in peace...
Wait... I...
<groan>
Hear me, Cid! Eorzea needs you!
Cid stumbles to his feet and awkwardly shuffles forward...
Iliud turns to the right and walks out of the fame. There's a reason I gave him Admiral Hackett's portrait. Because characters in Mass Effect do the exact same turn and leave animation.
Cid, was it? Here...these belong to you. I thought you bore the mark of greatness... It seems that I was right.
Our time together was all too brief, but it felt as though my son had returned to me. You have brought joy to an old man's life. But it is time for you to help those who truly need you.
Who...are you?
As a Scion of the Seventh Dawn, I stand against our primal and imperial foes-as my grandfather once did.
Alphinaud is the grandson of Louisoix. You remember him, right? Let's go back to Answers really quick once again.
Louisoix was the man who during the Battle of Carteneau tried to contain Bahamut's rampage. When that failed he scattered everyone to the winds and then nobody knows what happened after. All that was ever found was his staff, Tupsimati. Both pieces of it hang above Minfilia's desk in the Waking Sands.
Why do I keep referencing Answers? Because the game is now officially done fucking around. This cutscene marks the point I mentioned in the OP, where the story gets going and it doesn't really let up.
This cutscene was also the very last thing free trial players used to see before their free period ran out. Now You Can Play The Award Winning Final Fantasy XIV For Free Up Until Level 60, Including The Critically Acclaimed Expansion Heanvensward.
'Tis no secret what befell our order at the Waking Sands. Word has already spread across Eorzea. The repercussions are far greater than you realize. In the wake of the Calamity, the three city-states focused their efforts solely on reconstruction. Leaving the Scions to combat the primal threat unaided.
And lo, we are all but destroyed. Yet even as the nations mourn our demise, and abandon what little hope they have left, we cannot forsake our duty-now least of all.
...fuck.
Ginger feels the same way I see. Or maybe she's just having bad flashbacks to Wrinkle Meat's trials.
Her appetite for destruction far exceeds that of other primals. Worse, in her present incarnation, our Baldesion colleagues believe she surpasses both Ifrit and Titan in strength.
Yet therein lies an opportunity. Were we somehow to defeat Garuda, it would serve as a warning to the other beast tribes that even their mightiest gods can be felled. If we are to face our foe, we must first circumvent the tempest that shields her sanctuary.
And for that, we need an airship-your airship, Cid.
I...I have...an airship?
Yes, Cid, you do. Your very own airship.
If you didn't watch the video up above, this line is great. Alphinaud sounds so condescending here, like he can't believe he has to explain this to an amnesiac.
It was last seen in the skies over Gridania, not long before the Calamity, so let us begin our search there.
A-An airship...? My airship...? W-Wait...
Come, let us put an end to the primals! Together, we will show the world that the Scions are still a force to be reckoned with!
They need my airship... They need...me.
That's enough for now!
NEXT TIME: The group sets out to find Cid's airship!