Westgate & Aerodrome

Westgate

Reluctant Adventurer: There’s a cavern out there what’s filled with fiendishly strong creatures. And I hear someone’s found a new way inside, deeper than any’ve been. I’ll wager whoever said “nothin’ ventured, nothin’ gained” never ventured into a pit like that, eh?

Rabanastran (woman speaking to man and bangaa): Desert to the east, desert to the west… I’ve heard of people traveling many days before realizing they’d set out in the wrong direction. I use the aerodrome as a marker. If I see that, I know I’m at Westgate.

Rimzat: Hha! I’ve been waiting for some time. You see, I am in need of assistance. Please, hear my words. I have been sent from Archadia to study the sandstorms of the Dalmasca Westersand, but the storms’ violence makes such study… impossible. There is a place in the desert, at the end of a long trail that winds through the north. Mayhap you know it. That is the site of my study. But before the wrath of such a storm, I can do nothing. This is why I seek help. Will you help me?

>Sure, I’ll help.

Thank you, my friend! I have made no progress on my own. I would like you to start by gathering information within Rabanastre. My own inquiries yielded little. There is one man who knows more than he will say. He sits atop the fountain in the plaza. He does not care for the Empire, so he will tell me nothing. Perhaps you will have better luck. I will be waiting to hear what you find.

>No, sorry.

Rimzat (x2) (after accepting): Have you learned aught of the sandstorm in the Westersand? There is a man named Cotze, who sits atop the fountain in the plaza. He knows something of this, but when he learned I was from Archadia, he would say no more. Perhaps you will have better luck.

Aerodrome

Rabanastran (the couple embracing by the window): …I know you’d never push me away… as long as I hold you, we’ll always be together…

Merchant: It’s the strangest thing… I was in Bhujerba not long back, and there was someone running around pretending to be Captain Basch. Whatever for?

Nono: Terrible news, kupo! When the Imperial fleet exploded over the Westersand, the Strahl was damaged! I’m gathering the parts I need to make repairs as quickly as I can, but it may take some time, kupo.

Rabanastran (man in blue, red, and green): You see that group of people by the window? They’re from Archadia. They never left after the parade… Maybe they’re thinking of staying.

Traveler: The return ship to Archades still hasn’t come. But I’ve patience enough to go on waiting. It’s not as though they could have forgotten me.

Dalmasca Westersand - Western Divide

[Open again on the desert, where the Strahl, floating above the party, suddenly becomes invisible. Vaan and Penelo look on with great interest.]

Ashe: This “come in handy” often?

Balthier: It’s tough being popular. Wouldn’t want admirers dropping in while we’re away. [to all] Well then, that’s as far as she goes. We’ll be in jagd from here onwards.

Ashe: Across the sandsea, to the Valley of the Dead. And to King Raithwall’s tomb below.

[In the background, Vaan is explaining something to Penelo. Balthier, Fran, and Ashe turn their attention to them with some interest.]

Vaan: So when you’re in jagd, skystones don’t work at all. That’s why we gotta hoof it the rest of the way, ya see?

Penelo: Happy you get to teach me something for a change?

Vaan: Well, if you wanna be a sky pirate, you have to know your – Hey! What do you mean, “for a change”?

Balthier: [aside] At least we thought to bring entertainment.

[Ashe puts her forehead in her hand exasperatedly.]

Wayward Bangaa: (sigh) I’m about at the end of my rope. I was crossin’ the desert makin’ for Rabanastre, when a sandstorm hit. Got all turned around. Which way you headed?

>Out west.

West, eh? Out to the Yensan Sandsea? That ain’t this way. Better turn yourself around. For that matter, maybe you oughta rethink headin’ west at all. The Sandsea makes the desert look like a sandbox. Easy to lose your way.

>Back east.

If you’re goin’ east, you must be headed for Rabanastre. I’d love to join you, but I’m too exhausted to think about it right now. I tell ya, I had a time gettin’ here. Didn’t know where I was or where I was goin’. You get caught in a sandstorm, you be careful.

Desert Merchant/Imabakk: Nearly lost my tail to a trap once. Ever since, I been sure to use Libra to spot any traps good and early. Told that to my pal here, he says, “Oh, you can float right over traps without setting them off.” Never thought of that…

Desert Merchant/Lohen: Don’t let the desert sun get the best of you. If you’re low on supplies, now’s the time to stock up. [shop menu] If you’re westward bound, travel lightly, boy. Not all the races you’ll meet in the Sandsea are the civilized variety. And mind the weather. Nice, clear days, the elementals come out in droves. Don’t want my customers dying… bad for business!

Nono: Don’t you worry about the Strahl, kupo. I’ll keep an eye on her. No, wait! Both eyes!