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.

Aerodrome & The Strahl

Westgate

Fran: Balthier is waiting inside. If you’ve made ready, we can leave at once. He feels responsible for what has happened to your friend. Do not think he is in the habit of doing favors.

Aerodrome

Balthier: Bhujerba’s on the sky continent of Dorstonis, and the magicite mine we’re looking for is in Bhujerba. If we’re going to save the girl, we start there. You ready to leave?

>I’m ready.

You do realize that once we’ve left, you may not see Rabanastre for a while. Once we leave, there’ll be no looking back.

>I’m really ready.

>Let me check one more thing…

Don’t take too long. We leave soon.

>Not yet.

Don’t take too long. We leave soon.

>Tell me about Bhujerba.

Don’t get out of Dalmasca much, do you… Bhujerba is a small city-state that thrives on the export of particularly fine magicite. It’s ruled by Marquis Ondore, who, by staying in the Empire’s good graces, has managed to stave off Imperial invasion.

Balthier: We make for the Lhusu Mines in Bhujerba. Seems I took on more baggage in Rabanastre than I’d planned… Well, let’s save your girl and be done with it. Come on.

Balthier: This is the Strahl.

Balthier: She airship enough for you?

Vaan: The Strahl… you really are a sky pirate!

Balthier: Well, the headhunters seem to think so. [to moogle emerging from airship] What’s the good word? Is she ready?

Vaan: So is she armed? How fast is she? Could she take the Ifrit?

Balthier: I suppose I could tell you, but wouldn’t you rather see for yourself?

Balthier: Fran, our course.

Fran: The shortest way is over Dorstonis.

Basch: How flies Bhujerba?

Balthier: Oh, she’s free as can be – for now. The Empire took notice when they announced the Princess’s unfortunate suicide and your execution.

Basch: If it becomes known that I am alive, the Marquis will lose their favor.

Balthier: I try to steer clear of such things. [to all] Right, it’s time to fly. And no wagging tongues, or you’re like to bite them off.

Vaan: [thinking] I’m coming, Penelo.

[In a room somewhere, Penelo sits on the floor, bound. Voices are heard and a couple of bangaa emerge from a trapdoor.]

Ba’Gamnan: You’ve seen to her feeding, yes?

Henchwoman: I have, my brother. She eats well.

Ba’Gamnan: See that she does. We need her alive. Balthier’s bait must be fresh.

Penelo: I keep trying to tell you, I barely even know who Balthier is!

[No sooner does she say this than a third bangaa pops up through the trapdoor.]

Henchman: My brother! A message come from Rabanastre! The Strahl, she’s set sail! She leaves straight for the Skycity of Bhujerba!

Ba’Gamnan: Barely know, was it? Yet at a trice, he goes boundin’ off for you! Tell me, how could that be?

Penelo: That’s what I’d like to know! I just met him that one time and that’s it!

Ba’Gamnan: Does that tongue never stop? What if we… plucked it from your head? As for you, we need Balthier alive! His corpse fetches but half the bounty!

Henchman: A tender beatin’… My specialty!

Henchwoman: There’s no fun in it if we can’t tease out a scream or two!

Penelo: Where are you?

[The scene fades on Penelo looking up at the sky through a small window near the ceiling.]

[A short cinematic follows showing the Strahl flying through the clouds, and the clouds breaking to reveal a massive floating land, with buildings and spires jutting from the green trees. One building in particular is spectacular with what look like giant feathers billowing from its sides.]

[The scene changes again to show Vaan, Balthier, Fran, and Basch entering the aerodrome, where Imperial soldiers seem to be in a tizzy.]

Balthier: Easy.

Imperial: No good, he’s not here.

Imperial 2: Keep searching!

Imperial 3: This way!

[The Imperials run off. Balthier and co. proceed out of the aerodrome.]

Balthier: You’re a dead man. Don’t forget it. And no names.

Basch: Of course.

Aerodrome

Bhujerban (man standing at counters at front): You have come to book passage on an airship, friend? You can pay your fare at any of the counters you see here. Each counter serves a different destination, so it is as simple as finding the counter of the city you would like to visit, you see. If a given counter is empty, that route is not currently in service, be it due to maintenance or what have you, and you will need to wait.

Flights to Nalbina: Good day, sir. This counter serves travelers wishing to book passage to Nalbina. We have ships fitted with shops and amenities, or if you prefer to sleep during your journey, ships with only private cabins. Whichever you choose, the price is the same. We will show you aboard as soon as you’ve purchased your ticket. Passage is 200 Gil. How would you like to travel?

>By leisure craft.

Thank you, sir. Enjoy your flight.

>By private cabin.

>I’ve changed my mind.

Do come again.

Rabanastran (woman in white pacing): You can book two kinds of passage on the airships. The first lets you take your time shopping and conversing during your journey. The second lets you sleep the whole way, which can be nice when you don’t want to deal with any distractions.

Traveler (kid talking to his parents)/Son: We have our own airship… I don’t see why we have to travel on a public ship. It’s so slow and crowded…

Mother: What’s this? We’ve booked the finest quarters on the ship! Besides, I enjoy the thrill of traveling with the smallfolk. Someday you’ll understand.

Father: That’s right, Mother. Father wouldn’t change that about you for the world.

Rabanastran (one of a couple embracing by the window): I know you need to go… just hold me a little longer… I’ve never felt more sad, more lonely… but Nalbina’s so far away… I know you’re going there to work, and I don’t care… we could be happy here, just being together…

Bhujerban (man near Docent’s desk): You wish to ride the airships in safety and comfort, do you not? The docent here can be most helpful in that regard.

Docent: Welcome to the aerodrome, sir. The East Ivalice Company proudly offers passage aboard leisure craft on which you might shop and enjoy your flight. For those eager to reach their destination, we also have ships with private cabins in which you can sleep or rest until your arrival. You may book passage from the counters you’ll find throughout the aerodrome. Each counter serves a different destination.

Merchant: I’m headed to Bhujerba to lay in some new goods, but I plan to see the sights while I’m there. They have guides at every corner and byroad.

Rabanastran (man in blue, green, and red pacing): You see that group of people by the window? They’re from Archadia. I wonder what they think of Rabanastre.

Traveler (woman with the Archadian group at window): This is the last time I travel on a whim. I’ve never been anywhere more boring in my life. I can’t wait to go home and relax properly.

Eastgate, Southgate, Westgate

Basch: I thank you.

Balthier: I’d avoid crowds, if I were you. In this town you’re still a traitor you know.

Basch: The Resistance will surely find me soon. Fates will we meet again. I would pay my respects to your brother.

[Basch leaves them. Balthier turns to Vaan.]

Balthier: You’re a fugitive now, too. Stay low for a while.

Vaan: What about the stone?

Balthier: Do as you like. That stone’s ill-favored.

Fran: We feel regret. We sought that stone and found ourselves only worry.

Balthier: You offering it?

Vaan: It’s mine!

Balthier: Then why do you ask? Our regards to your girl.

Fran: We stay in Rabanastre a while.

[Fran and Balthier leave, and Vaan begins musing to himself (and to Reks?)]

Vaan: What do you think? Can I trust Basch? [long pause…] I gotta get rid of this thing. [pause again] But maybe I should show it to Penelo first. So she knows I got something. She’d be at Migelo’s place this time of day.

[Balthier and Fran leave the party.]

Rabanastran (woman next to chocobo pen): Quite the spectacle at the palace last night. I thought the Rozarrians had decided to invade! Imagine, all that to catch some thieves.

Rabanastran (woman in white speaking to children): The Moogling is finally running again, and let me tell you: there’s no better way to move about the city! I use it all the time.

Hapless Merchant: A good chum got sent to Nalbina just after Dalmasca lost the war – false charges, I guarantee. No matter. Doubt I’ll see him again. I’ve never been in Nalbina myself, but they say that death is the only escape. My gut tells me that’s more than just idle talk, too.

Moogling Attendant (during this period in the game, there are Moogling Attendants to explain the Moogling to you near every Moogling post): The Moogling is once again open for business, kupo! We’ll happily teleport you to any of several select locations throughout Rabanastre. And I’ve saved the best part for last: it’s free, kupo!

Just look for one of our signposts and speak with the friendly moogling moogle who’s sure to be close at hand, kupo!

Hurdy: Welcome to the Moogling, kupo. This is your first time using the Moogling? Nothing to it! The Moogling lets you teleport to several select locations across Rabanastre. We had to close for the parade earlier, but we’re up and running again, kupo! The service is free of charge. Why not give it a try? There’s no time like the present, kupo!

Southgate

Horne (and all other Moogling attendants, after you’ve used the Moogling the first time or talked to one of the Moogling operators, will say this same thing, unless one of them is involved in an active quest): Welcome to the Moogling, kupo. [Moogling menu]

Adventurer: Sure, the Moogling is handy, but without some old-fashioned walkin’, I’ll never lose weight. Hard to say no to a free ride, though…

Westgate

Reluctant Adventurer: It’s desert far as the eye can see out west of Rabanastre. Never been farther than the Westersand, myself. A vicious tribe are rumored to live in the wastes beyond.

Rabanastran (woman speaking with group): I’m so glad all those people from Archadia have finally gone. The aerodrome has reopened, and things are settling back to normal. Only a handful of routes open, though. A sign of the times. Few are willing to risk travel with the world as it is.

Eastgate, Southgate, Westgate

Eastgate

Hapless Merchant: Thanks for your help, boy. What for? For delivering that package from my friend, that’s what for! Good work with the gates, too. Heh. Say, if you’re heading back out into the desert, there’s a camp not far from here. If you need a safe place to rest, you’d do well to stop by.

Rabanastran (woman in brown and white talking to kids): That sure was lucky, getting in just in time to see the parade. I’ll have to thank that nice old bangaa if I get the chance. Now if I can just find a way to go to the fete tonight… There must be some way to sneak inside.

Gurdy: Well, hello there! You are no stranger to the yellow birds just behind me, I’m sure. Yes, my friend, I speak of the chocobos, kupo! These noble birds make for excellent steeds. Fleet of foot and sturdy of limb, arduous journeys fly by atop a chocobo, kupo! Only 500 gil should you wish to hire one.

Sounds fair.
No, thanks.
>Perhaps another day, kupo. Should you ever need a chocobo, you know where to find one!

Gurdy (x2): Welcome to the chocobo stables. Only 500 Gil should you wish to hire one, kupo!

Sounds fair.
No, thanks.
>Perhaps another day, kupo. Should you ever need a chocobo, you know where to find one!

Rabanastran (woman in green, blue, and pink by chocobo pen): Good for you, standing up to the Imperials the way you did! It’s about time someone gave them what for! So, you have business outside the city today? There are dangers abroad. You might consider hiring a chocobo.

Erstwhile Adventurer: See those chocobos just over there? I wanted to hire one, but that floatin’ moogle runnin’ the stables wouldnae hear of it. Says, “Someone of your proportions may do better afoot, kupo.” Aye, I’ve got a foot for that kupo, an’ don’t you doubt it.

Erstwhile Adventurer (x2): I’m sure they’d let you ride on o’ their precious chocobos. Hmph. Well, if ye do hire one, here’s some friendly advice: A chocobo can sprint every now and again, but they’ll soon tire. And they’ll not let ye ride ‘em long, so be sure to make the most o’ yer time.

Southgate

Rabanastran (tan bangaa in blindfold): A pity all the city’s gates don’t have their own passage down to Lowtown, don’t you think?

Imperial: What, never seen a guard standing watch over a gate crystal before, boy? Very powerful, these. One touch can make you feel like new. And if you’re fortunate enough to have a teleport stone, you can even teleport to any other gate crystal you’ve ever been to.

Adventurer: I was headed to Giza Plains to take a look at those dark crystals they have… all fine and good, until a group of monsters decided to take a look at me! Lucky that nomad village down south is as close as it is. I ducked in there and just barely managed to give those monsters the slip.

Chocobo Aficianado: I sure could go for a chocobo ride about now... Have to be careful not to let myself get carried away, though. You can’t ride forever... I’ve found myself havin’ to make some long walks back. Gettin’ a chocobo up to a good sprint is fun, too, but I always tire the poor fellow out early, and then there’s no more sprintin’ for me! Fffpt! The more I talks about ‘em, the more I wants to ride ‘em! Runnin’ through the fields, ears flappin’ in the wind... ain’t nothin’ like it!

Chocobo Aficionado (x2): If you go for a chocobo ride, just remember not to get yourself carried away. Can’t ride forever… Be careful, or you’ll end up walking home. And don’t forget that a chocobo can’t just sprint all the live long day. Gotta pace the poor things. Do right by your chocobo, it’ll do right by you!

Rabanastran (man in blue speaking to group): Heading out into Giza Plains? Be sure you go prepared! 

Westgate

Reluctant Adventurer: A group of travelers headin’ back to Archades by way of the aerodrome kept glancin’ over at me… as though they’d never seen a bangaa! Bah! Sure, I’d heard the Empire wasn’t known for its tolerance of others, but hearin’s one thing, and feelin’ it first hand another!

Rabanastran (man in green and brown shorts): Times I wish I could just ride off on a chocobo and never come back. Too bad the poor things tire so easily, eh?

Imperial: Archadian citizens and their guests only inside the aerodrome today. Sorry, but I’ll have to ask you to leave.

Rabanastran (woman in green, blue, and pink speaking with group): They’ve closed the aerodrome today to all but Archadian citizens returning home. Does it bother me? Ha! After two years of this treatment, I’ve grown more than accustomed to it.

Adventurer: The Dalmasca Westersand can be harsh, boy. Get a good sandstorm stirred up, you can’t hardly see your hand in front of your face! What’s worse, elementals favor the storms, and you don’t wanna tangle with one of those. So be sure to mind the weather ‘fore headin’ out.

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