The Recollector's Path/Story

The Recollector's Path (Part 1)

Main article: The Recollector's Path (Part 1)

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Alternate Aranara dialogue and confirm condition, likely Festival Utsava; Sorush asks about the Aranara if you have just started Festival Utsava, while Paimon asks about the Aranara and Pari if you are past that quest

Quest Description

After bringing Mihir and Rashnu back to the Vourukasha Oasis, Sorush finally earned the approval of the Khvarena, gaining the Twin-Horned Chaplet and becoming the Bloomguard. But with regard to the responsibilities of such a position, Zurvan seems to have a few things to say...

(On obtaining quest): Transcription missing

(Approach the teleport waypoint)

Paimon: Paimon's getting so used to how you look now that Paimon can't even remember what you looked like without the Chaplet, Sorush.

Paimon: Hmmm... Paimon seems to recall some baldness at the top of your head and a haughty disposition...

Paimon: But Paimon didn't expect you to get the Chaplet so easily... Though it was mostly thanks to our help, hehe.

Sorush: Bah! Mention the trifles of the past no more, Pale Floater. The thing of greatest importance, the reason why we were able to claim the Chaplet so easily...

Sorush: Was because I am a Pari worthy of the Twin-Horned Chaplet. Hence, everything fell into place as it was meant to be. Perhaps I was fated to bear this crown from the day of my birth.

Zurvan: Hehe, bragging loudly, I see.

Sorush: E—Elder Zurvan! What brings you here?

Zurvan: Just seeing if our newest Bloomguard is fulfilling her duties.

Sorush: D—Duties...

Zurvan: Oh, no. Did you think claiming such a title would bring you nothing but fame and fortune, Sorush?

Sorush: Impossible! I am no Pari of rank ignorance. The duties I have... have not been neglected. Indeed, I have also performed the necessary feats to be worthy of my accolades.

Zurvan: Though the flashing flame might steal your attention, a gradual trickle of enduring devotion may also be worthy of praise.

Sorush: Ugh...

Zurvan: In the time you have spent away from us, there have been countless Pari who, though unable to ever gain the title of "Bloomguard," still contribute to our greater community with quiet dignity.

Sorush: Uhh...

Zurvan: I thought that you would perform some deeds that would prove your worthiness of the title of "Bloomguard." As it turns out, however, it seems you're just been idling about.

Paimon: Hey! Saying she does nothing is going too far. Sorush is already pretty great! Right, (‍‍)?

Sure is.

Well... I mean...

Paimon: (‍‍), stop being so strict!

Sorush: I did not mean to neglect my duties... It's just that the responsibilities of a Bloomguard weren't... fully detailed by the Order of Skeptics...

Zurvan: It is a Pari tradition, after all. Trying to learn it from humans is pure folly.

Zurvan: Though you have earned the approval of the Khvarena, you remain a young Pari. In times like these, it is best to be direct and consult me for guidance.

Sorush: Ask you for guidance directly, Elder? But... No, the Chaplet possesses a great deal of knowledge, I need but contemplate for a moment before I am greeted with answers...

Paimon: But Zurvan is right here. She even said that if we have questions, she will answer... We don't even need to go hunting for details anymore!

Paimon: From Paimon and (‍‍)'s deep adventuring experience, chances like this are pretty few. You'll regret not taking this opportunity!

Sorush: I doubt not my elder's sincerity, it's just... I heard the Order of Skeptics say that only the answers one finds themselves are worth any merit.

Isn't that something someone else told you as well?

Paimon: Yeah. Do you really think the Order of Skeptics is more trustworthy than Zurvan?

The Order of Skeptics even constantly makes mistakes in its official documents...

Paimon: Yeah. When we went to find Rashnu, the truth was entirely different from what they had down in their archives. They don't even know what's going on.

Sorush: ...Indeed. You offer truth in your insights, Yasnapati, Pale Floater.

Sorush: I am no longer the Sorush from before. With the Khvarena's approval, I must act with maturity and live up to the title of Bloomguard.

Sorush: Ahem. Zurvan... I mean, Elder Zurvan. What are the exact obligations that a Bloomguard must fulfill? I beg of you to enlighten me. Though I have been neglectful in the past, I will do my utmost now to remedy my failings.

Paimon: Whoa. Paimon didn't expect Sorush to be so obedient. What happened? Paimon feels a little touched!

Zurvan: Haha... Well, your words give me confidence. The Bloomguard's duties are vast, and may take days and nights to recall in their totality...

Zurvan: However, considering that you have spent far more time with the humans than those of your own kind, let's start with something simple.

Zurvan: As for all those who bear the title of Bloomguard, extraordinary competence and keen insight are necessities.

Zurvan: I've already prepared six training tasks, with three meant to test flying skills, and the other three... well, they'll need Sorush to clear out some potential threats.

This training sounds kind of familiar...

Paimon: Sounds familiar? It IS familiar. Isn't this just something we do all the time...

Sorush: Enough talk, Pale Floater. As long as I successfully finish these missions, my elder must concede that I am worthy and prepared for the mantle of Bloomguard.

Sorush: Though it sounds simple, these are all tests delivered unto me by my elder. I must unleash my fullest effort when dealing with them.

Zurvan: Hehe, very good. Very good. Conveniently, Sorush's Yasnapati and (‍‍/‍‍) companion are here. There is a task you can help her successfully complete.

Zurvan: It is no hard matter, though as you know, Sorush has been close with the Order of Skeptics and humans, while drifting further from Pari traditions.

Zurvan: I would like to ask you to serve as an audience and listen to Sorush recount the past. A Bloomguard should naturally be able to speak of historical events, yes?

Sorush: Of course.

Paimon: If all we need to do is hear Sorush tell a story, it does sound pretty simple.

Zurvan: Then, I leave this to you two. As for the training that Sorush must complete by herself, I will let her know momentarily. You two merely need to accompany her.

(Approach the trial): Paimon: Seems like Zurvan had this training regimen all planned out a long time ago. Guess Sorush was always going to have to do these things, huh?; Sorush: Hmm. This is a sign that the elder has always favored me.; Sorush: Yasnapati. And Floater. Bear witness to my heroic feats.

(After completing the two trials)

Paimon: Is this the last stop for our first day? We're pretty familiar with this place, seeing how we've been here plenty of times.

Sorush: Hmph? If the Pale Floater is so confident, then why not swap roles with me? I will play the audience, you be the speaker.

Paimon: Yeah. Let's give it a try. Here comes Paimon.

Paimon: The place before us — covered with flowers and flowing water — is the Vourukasha Oasis. This place doesn't have... uh... Right! This place isn't infested by the demons of Dev, and is the home of the Pari.

Paimon: There are many Pari here. The best among them is one called Zurvan.

Paimon: Sorush, you were born here too, right? Though you were different from the other Pari...

Paimon: For example, while the other Pari only sound kinda weird when they speak, you sound *really* weird! Hmm. You all came from the same waters, but why is it that only you are so strange...

Sorush: Hey!

Paimon: Paimon's not lying. When you were speaking to the Order of Skeptics, your words were kinda weird. Well, the Skeptics themselves sounded weird too. So there's that.

Paimon: Whew! Paimon thought all the other Pari were going to be exactly like you. In fact, Paimon was worried about that until we finally got to the Vourukasha Oasis and met Zurvan.

Paimon: Then, we found out that only you are like... Uh, how should Paimon put this... you have a particular way of speaking to the Order of Skeptics, right?

It seems the Order of Skeptics had too much of an influence on her.

Sorush: Uh... I will not deny that.

Paimon: Seeing as you have no objections, Paimon will keep going. There is a big stump in the Vourukasha Oasis—

Sorush: Pale Floater, you absolute...

Paimon: Uh, it's the "Harvisptokhm" in the Vourukasha Oasis! Man, these Pari names sure are a mouthful. And, it totally is a big stump, isn't it...?

Paimon: Paimon remembers you saying that the stump is also a god, and that the Pari have a deep relationship with it.

Sorush: Though these are indeed the facts... Letting the Pale Floater describe them would be too unflattering. I shall resume the role of the speaker.

Paimon: Alright... but Paimon thought she was making it easy to understand.

Sorush: Hmph... Regardless, five hundred years ago, our great god gave all to quell the disaster afflicting this place. As such, all the Amrita here is the last gift from the divine.

Sorush: Nourished by the Amrita, the Harvisptokhm and the Pari emerged. The eldest of the Pari, and my elder... is Zurvan.

Sorush: My birth came much later, so I was not a personal witness to those events. I heard my elder speak of it but...

Sorush: Elder Zurvan clearly associated with the Order of Skeptics when they were first established, but after my birth, all contact seemed to be lost between them.

Sorush: Though my elder has long stated the importance of Pari traditions, she rarely mentions the past in detail when she speaks with me. Instead, it was the Order of Skeptics...

Sorush: Who enthusiastically shared the results of their historical research with me, and approved of my wish to follow in the footsteps of the divine bird.

Paimon: Huh? So after that, you slowly drifted away from the other Pari and learned your strange way of speaking from the Order of Skeptics?

Sorush: Oh... I suppose that can be seen as correct. Objectively speaking.

It sounds like a rebellious phase...

Sorush: A rebellious phase... I heard the humans in the Order of Skeptics mention something about this. They said the researchers in the forest experienced a "Satyavada Life" or something like that. Is this "rebellious phase" a similar thing that humans progress through?

Yeah, that sounds pretty similar.

Paimon: Uh, no! They're not the same thing at all!

Maybe you can think of it as a necessary process for growth...

Paimon: It's not entirely like the Satyavada Life thing that the researchers experience. In fact, Paimon's heard that plenty of human children experience it...

Paimon: Generally, kids going through a rebellious phase will resist the care of their parents and try to assert their independence. That's what Paimon's heard anyway.

Paimon: Hmm, just like you did.

Sorush: Hmph. My past has little to do with my present. Whatever can be said, I have now returned to the Vourukasha Oasis and earned the Khvarena's favor.

Paimon: You're amazing, Sorush!

Sorush: Never mind, Pale Floater. It means nothing to be patronized by one as immature as you.

(If Condition missing has not been completed)

Sorush: Speaking of, since we were on the topic of the Pari's birth, have you encountered the familiars of the forest?

Piamon: Familiars of the forest?

Sorush: Indeed. The ones long called the Aranara.

Sorush: I only heard them mentioned by my elders. I heard they are not free to fly as we Pari are, but with their bond to the vegetation, they can stride the mud without restraints.

Sorush: I find it hard to picture such a scene...Are they like Wenut?

Sorush: But they do have their own festival. On that arrival of the day of celebration, the Aranara will gather together and enjoy a carefree time as one.

Sorush: Sometimes I wonder, if the Aranara have their own day, why do we Pari possess nothing of equivalence? When I asked my elder, she seemed hollow of interest regarding the matter.

(If Condition missing has been completed)

Sorush: That's all for today. Yasnapati, do you or the Pale Floater wish to ask anything?

Paimon: Speaking of, are the Pari and Aranara related in any way?

Sorush: ...Why do you ask this?

Because the Pari and Aranara are both small...

Paimon: But are still capable of great things.

You describe your adventures with Arama and all the other Aranara to Sorush...

Sorush: Hmmm... How very important Festival Utsava appears to be. I heard my elder mention it once, but only thought of it as little more than a joyful gathering for the Aranara.

Sorush: But... if the Aranara have their own day, why do we Pari possess nothing of equivalence? I must mention this to my elder...

Paimon: Why do you want a Pari Festival? Is it because you can eat lots of tasty snacks during a festival?

Sorush: Of course not! The Pari Festival should... should have humans offering their odes and songs to us, while I get to choose the best singer of the lot.

Paimon: That doesn't sound like a festival at all. Well, not for the attending humans, anyway. It's more like a high-pressure competition.

Sorush: But it is an enjoyable celebration for me, yes? Hence, I believe my elder may also enjoy such an occasion.

Paimon: Perhaps... Zurvan is right. For Sorush to become a so-called Bloomguard, she might need a bit more training...

The Recollector's Path (Part 2)

Main article: The Recollector's Path (Part 2)

Quest Description

After completing some of the training assignments recommended by Zurvan, Sorush grows closer to assuming the responsibilities of a Bloomguard...

(Talk to Zurvan)

Zurvan: It appears the first part of your training went well.

You could say so.

Paimon: Yeah. Maybe it was a bit too easy for Sorush?

I wouldn't go that far.

Paimon: Sorush isn't nearly as amazing as she says she is, so she'll have to try even harder for what comes next.

Zurvan: Ha. Then I look forward to seeing her coming performance.

Paimon: Oh, right. About listening to Sorush tell stories, it turned out that Sorush went through a rebellious phase—

Sorush: Speak no more of this!

Paimon: Ah!

Sorush: Ahem. Anyhow, I have finally s—shed that stage of my life.

Sorush: The important thing is that I, with my Yasnapati and the Pale Floater, recalled the history following the birth of the Pari, and spoke of the familiars of the forest and their special festival.

Sorush: The fact that we, as Pari, do not have such a celebration of our own makes me troubled. Do you not feel the same way, Elder?

Sorush: If it were up to me, we should let humans attend the Pari Festival, and hear from them the praises they sing for the Pari. Afterward, I shall pick the best singer...

Zurvan: To my knowledge, Festival Utsava is not a day to be so willfully and wastefully spent.

Sorush: Uh...

Paimon: Paimon always thought Sorush's desire to get humans to record her deeds was different from the other Pari... Is this also the influence of the Order of Skeptics?

Zurvan: That is the very reason why recalling and pondering the past is significant.

Zurvan: Ha. Whatever happens, I look forward to seeing her coming performance.

(After completing the two trials)

Paimon: Wait! Paimon remembers this place? We've been here before.

It does leave an impression.

Paimon: It sure scared Paimon pretty good!

Where are we again?

Paimon: Sorush brought us through here while bringing us to see Zurvan, remember?

Paimon: Paimon remembers that Sorush said this Wenut got sealed here because it was unlucky. Though, what does it have to do with Sorush's training?

Paimon: Huh. Does Zurvan actually mean to say: "Haha. Behold, Sorush! Behold the fate of the unfortunate"?

Sorush: Hm... My elder is no Pari of such idle nature!

Sorush: ...Back to the topic. Though I did not elaborate on the Wenut in detail when we passed through here earlier, the catastrophe that caused it should be familiar to you.

Paimon: The one that happened five hundred years ago...

Sorush: Indeed. The Wenut must've been frozen in an instant. As it has been crystallized, its form remains in perpetuity.

Sorush: It's as if it would start burrowing through the earth again once unsealed.

This moment will be frozen in time...?

Paimon: Aghh! Paimon doesn't want to end up like that!

Paimon: You say what happened to the Wenut happened in an instant... Ah! No! No! Just thinking of it scares Paimon!

I won't let that happen!

Paimon: Y—Yeah! Paimon won't let something so horrible happen to (‍‍) either.

Sorush: Hmph. Then you should thank us Pari.

Sorush: During those days of ruin, many species and races, including the Pari, gave their lives... Sometimes, even things more precious than their lives.

Sorush: Their sacrifices are why we are spared from facing the same irrevocable fate.

Sorush: And just so. As I was not there to witness the catastrophe, when this land faces danger once again, I must take action...

Paimon: Then, from what you're saying, this Wenut is even older than you are, which should also make it your elder.

Sorush: However, it will not be returning to life. It has been sealed in its crystallized state for centuries. Perhaps the only fate that awaits it is gradual dissolution.

Sorush: With how severe the loss of life was during the catastrophe, the Wenut, like countless other unfortunate souls, were frozen at the moment that calamity struck.

Sorush: But many more suffered even graver fates than this poor fool before us, for they had already worn away beneath the grinding passing of time itself.

Sorush: To this day, nothing remains of them. Not memory nor memorial.

Sorush: This one before us only lingers because of its immense size, and the fact that it has been hidden away in this cave from the glaring eye of the sun and lashing winds. Thus, the intactness of its condition.

Sorush: However, no being on this land can overcome time. Not even remains and husks will endure. One day, there will be nothing left of it, either.

Paimon: That sounds kinda sad... Not having any trace that shows you lived once...

Sorush: Hm. The records left here by the humans should have something relating to the Wenut. I presume such a thing is rare for humans, no?

Sorush: From what I heard my elder say, aside from the Order of Skeptics, there were also researchers from the forest here seeking inquiry.

Sorush: Though some humans believe that the Setekh Wenut is the completed state of a Quicksand Eel... To hold such theories and assumptions makes one worry for the contents recorded by these humans.

Paimon: That information's not reliable at all!

Paimon: Think! These records are obviously false, yet you still enthusiastically found a human to serve as your "Yasnapati"...

Paimon: Maybe before this crystal is entirely corroded, the poems and odes dedicated to you will have changed beyond our recognition.

Paimon: Maybe the Bloomguard mentioned in the odes might not be pink or cute, but instead have a rough but reliable exterior, a mild and respectful personality, and act with rationality and calmness... Hmm?

That sounds a lot like the idealized image of a guardian.

Paimon: But that sounds nothing like you, Sorush.

Sorush: Absolutely not! Wait, I believe I understand what my elder desires. She must be reminding me to find a better way to record my deeds...

Sorush: Hm. My elder does possess foresight indeed. I must offer her my deepest thanks.

Paimon: Paimon doesn't think she meant that...

The Recollector's Path (Part 3)

Main article: The Recollector's Path (Part 3)

Quest Description

Sorush's training continues. Even a Wenut crystallized across countless eras has a date of expiry. Could there possibly be an ode or poem that could outlast even such a being?

(Talk to Zurvan)

Zurvan: Hm. Looks like you successfully completed your training.

Paimon: Oh, we got it done, but ugh, Sorush...

Paimon: After seeing that crystallized Wenut, she said, with real sincerity, that even though it had existed for centuries, one day it would still disappear without a trace...

Paimon: And then immediately afterward, when we mentioned that her odes might be distorted as well, her mood changed instantly.

Sorush: Hmph. But of course! My deeds... I mean, the deeds of us Pari should be eternal. How can such a thing be compared to that which might part into dust and ash?

Sorush: If something cannot be recorded properly, then there must be something wrong with the method. You wished to remind me of this fact, which is why you sent me to view the crystallized Wenut. Am I right, Elder Zurvan?

Zurvan: Ah. That's the way you see it. Interesting.

Sorush: Do you care nothing for the renown of the Pari?

Zurvan: If you're speaking of renown in the way humans understand it, not so much. Whatever you say, the present-day members of the Order of Skeptics are so very dull.

Zurvan: Of course, if there are more interesting individuals like (‍‍) or Paimon, then that would be a different case entirely.

Paimon: Hehe, a compliment from Zurvan.

Thanks! Appreciate the praise, Elder!

Sorush: Hold... Y—You can't call her "Elder"!

Paimon: Sorush, there's no need to be stingy. Zurvan is the eldest here, so us calling her elder is reasonable, right?

Can "interesting" be considered a compliment?

Zurvan: It is by my standards.

Zurvan: Alright. Enough idle chatter. If Sorush still thinks so highly of this "human notion of renown," then the training that comes next might be just right.

Zurvan: Alright. I await your good news.

(After completing the two trials)

Paimon: Hey, isn't this the place we passed by looking for Mihir? Though, Mihir shouldn't be here right now, right?

Paimon: All those thorns... They should be Mihir's companions. They look pretty good. Speaking of which, they helped us a lot.

Sorush: Pale Floater... Did you forget all that I have accomplished?

Paimon: No way. You might complain a lot, but you do care about your people, right?

I... What did you do, Sorush? I can't seem to recall.

Sorush: How can you be so forgetful, Yasnapati? I punish you with the task of several more odes!

Sorush's the hero of this story.

Sorush: Indeed, hehe.

Paimon: Haha. Paimon knew it! You've got a big bark to go with your soft heart.

Sorush: Malicious slander! I was only here because I wished to earn the Chaplet. If the elder hadn't made me come... Hmph.

Paimon: Well, whatever you say, Mihir's part of the reason you even managed to claim the Twin-Horned Chaplet. Shouldn't you thank her for that, at least?

Sorush: Her? Bah. For such a figure, one stained and still struggling thusly, I'd say she would only be worth any merit after another ten cleansing pilgrimages.

Paimon: Ten is way too many! Uh... Wait a minute, on second thought, Paimon thinks it wouldn't be too hard...

The path really isn't that long.

Paimon: Yeah, maybe we can use it as exercise every now and again?

Though the way isn't long, running it repeatedly does make me tired...

Sorush: Huh? I expected an adventurer to be used to such a life by now.

Paimon: From the name, Paimon thought we would be walking for ten days and nights. As it turns out, we didn't even need to go that far. Hmm... the shortness of this trail is making Paimon suspicious.

Sorush: If it was as long as the Oceanids' pilgrimage, then perhaps I would respect her. As it stands now, I can only state that the distance of the cleansing pilgrimage suits Mihir.

Paimon: The Oceanids' pilgrimage?

Sorush: After the catastrophe, a great number of Oceanids came from Fontaine to Sumeru, with the path they walked becoming their so-called holy path.

Paimon: Strange. Why would the Oceanids need to come to Sumeru? Pilgrimage... A pilgrimage for what?

Sorush: Hm... I only heard of such a thing from my elder. Though there have been Oceanids from Fontaine, I haven't truly looked into it...

Could it be for the Harvisptokhm?

Paimon: Right. Sorush said that the Harvisptokhm was the god that let the Pari be born. If honor's a big deal here, then the thing most deserving of it is definitely the Harvisptokhm.

Paimon: But what's the potential relationship between the Oceanids and the Harvisptokhm...? Don't tell Paimon the Oceanids and Pari are like, distantly related?

Paimon: Hmm... Looking at you carefully, Paimon's really beginning to see the resemblance!

Paimon: Haha. Paimon hasn't discovered any world-shaking secrets, has she?

They're not that similar.

Maybe a bit.

Sorush: The slander flows from your lips again, Pale Floater... I know nothing of any Oceanid.

Paimon: Hm. You're probably right. Sorush did say that the distance Oceanids need to travel for their pilgrimage is far longer than Mihir's cleansing.

Paimon: But if that's true, does that mean the Oceanids are stronger than the Pari? Is Sorush admitting defeat? Hehe.

Sorush: Wh—What? I didn't mean that...

Sorush: ...In all seriousness, the "cleansing pilgrimage" is not actually tied to distance. It is more of a symbolic affair, showcasing a rise and return to form.

Paimon: Hmm... That sounds impressive... but...

Sorush: Regardless, it is irrational to brush all Pari as lesser than the Oceanids! And not because of any bias I may or may not have regarding Mihir.

Paimon: Speaking of which, why did Zurvan say that the next part of the training was just right for Sorush? It doesn't look like anything special here. Also, Mihir's missing too...

Paimon: Though if she was here, Sorush probably wouldn't talk to her properly either. They are pretty different in a lot of ways.

One is round and the other is pricky?

Paimon: Yeah, but... But that's not what Paimon wanted to say!

Mihir doesn't need a Yasnapati.

Paimon: Yeah. She also said that being forgotten is a good thing.

Sorush: That fool... If her existence and her efforts over these centuries are forgotten, then what was it all for?

Paimon: Maybe that's the question that Zurvan wants Sorush to think about?

Sorush: ...

Paimon: It seems that Sorush still needs some time.

The Recollector's Path (Part 4)

Main article: The Recollector's Path (Part 4)

Quest Description

After speaking of Mihir and the Oceanids, Sorush seemed to be at a loss. Zurvan's training has now progressed beyond its midpoint...

(Talk to Zurvan): Zurvan: Without knowing, the training has progressed to its latter half. How are things going?; You can say we're hitting our stride.; There's still some room for improvement.; Paimon: Though when Sorush tells us stories, there really seems to be some self-reflection happening...; Zurvan: Dialogue is a good way for Sorush to learn, especially as the people she's talking to are more interesting than those of the Order of Skeptics.; Sorush: Elder, you are being arbitrary... (‍Traveler‍) is a remarkable Yasnapati, but not all of the Order of Skeptics's members are...; Zurvan: Perhaps they do have momentary instances of virtue between sessions of flattery and deception.; Sorush: Ugh...; Zurvan: I see you still need convincing. We will let our witnesses, (‍Traveler‍) and Paimon, give a review regarding your performance. Of course, that is after you finish your recounting.

(After completing the two trials)

Paimon: It's so quiet. No one's here.

Sorush: Even if Rashnu was here, it should still be quite quiet...

Paimon: Yeah, but if she was here, we would need to talk softer. She always has that sleepy look on her face, and she didn't seem too happy when we woke her using the Kory Drums.

Paimon: Paimon heard that the quieter someone is, the worse it gets when they get angry. Who knows what Rashnu is like when she's enraged...

Sorush: Then, should that be true, my Yasnapati is the one we should fear the most, yes?

Paimon: Huh? Oh, Paimon knows (‍‍/‍‍) the best. Though (‍‍) isn't one for talking, (‍‍/‍‍) is still super nice. Right?

I am about to get mad for real. Rawr.

Paimon: See. Not scary at all.

...

Paimon: ...Okay, (‍‍), you gotta say something! The silence IS actually making Paimon nervous...

Sorush: Very well. Let us refocus.

Sorush: As you behold, this tree is called Barsom, and Rashnu is its familiar, though she is absent right now.

Paimon: And?

Sorush: And? And nothing. There's nothing more to say of Rashnu and the Barsom.

Paimon: Feels like you are hiding something... Right, about the Kory Drums...

Sorush: H—Hiding? Absurd. As for the drums... Haven't you already seen them in use?

Paimon: Speaking of which, Paimon remembers Rashnu saying that she's the one who threw the Kory Drums elsewhere. That really surprised Nasejuna.

Paimon: If Paimon recalls, you were really nervous then, and didn't respond to Nasejuna's questioning.

Paimon: The way it looks now, the Order of Skeptics's archives were reaaallly off the mark.

Though playing the drums did wake Rashnu.

Paimon: Paimon seems to understand why Zurvan doesn't trust the current Order of Skeptics. Think, Sorush. Did they really help? The clues they gave are half-truths at best...

Sorush: Umm...

Sorush: The current generation of the Order of Skeptics indeed does have some lacking members, but like a tree, no matter how many leaves flourish, there will always be some that will shrivel and dry.

Sorush: Once these dry leaves break and scatter, those that will remain... They will be the ones that can be relied upon... Yes.

Sorush: ...How did the Order of Skeptics become like this?

I also want to know that.

Sorush: It is because I have been with the Order of Skeptics too long that I grew unable to discern their gradual changes...

Sorush: Only when I began to speak with you and other outsiders did I realize the Order of Skeptics had changed.

Paimon: It has been a few hundred years. Besides their name being the same, they must've cycled through a few generations of different members already.

Sorush: Will the fame I seek, the fame I wish for the Yasnapati to eulogize for me, also erode into this... with everything changed, carrying only a hollow title for others to recall?

Sorush: Is that what my elder wishes that I learn? No, it shouldn't be... But...

Paimon: ...Sorush, there's no need to be down! Maybe... Maybe Zurvan didn't mean that...

Paimon: Seeing Sorush so depressed makes Paimon feel like she did something wrong... Maybe we should have Zurvan cheer her up.

The Recollector's Path (Part 5)

Main article: The Recollector's Path (Part 5)

Quest Description

Sorush has finally realized that, at some point, she walked down a path of meaninglessness and absurdity. The training is approaching its conclusion...

(Talk to Zurvan): Zurvan: Oh, Sorush, you appear weary. Did you find an obstacle to your progress?; Paimon: Should we call it an obstacle or a sense of confusion...; You recount what was said during your talk with Sorush to Zurvan...; Zurvan: I see. However, the records of humans deviating from actual reality isn't anything new. They are a forgetful and prejudiced people, after all.; Zurvan: Considering how vast and complex the affairs of the world generally are, observers might be able to get an overview of the major details but not be able to grasp the minutiae. Those present during said affairs might be direct witnesses, but still find themselves unable to move beyond their personal subjectivity.; Paimon: Oh...; This doesn't feel very comforting.; Zurvan: Oh. So, you wish for me to provide some warm words to placate Sorush? Did you forget that this is part of her training?; Zurvan: To be able to overcome problems by oneself, that's the point of training, right?; Paimon: Paimon guesses that makes sense...; Zurvan: If Sorush cannot meet this task successfully, then all that can be said is she is unworthy of the title of Bloomguard, and will not be able to bear the weight of the Twin-Horned Chaplet.; Zurvan: And when the time comes, gentle though I am right now, I can only do what must be done. No matter how cruel.; Sorush: W—Will you take my Chaplet from me?; Zurvan: As for the punishment for failure, I suppose you will discover that yourself, should you truly fail.; Paimon: Hm... If Sorush doesn't want to be bald, she better try extra hard now!

(After completing the two trials): Sorush: It has long been a familiar sight to me, but now I feel only conflicted thinking about it...; Paimon: Huh... On the bright side, this maybe means that Sorush has matured?; Sorush: I know not if this is growth or a decline instead...; Paimon: Cheer up, Sorush! It's not like you to get so down.; Paimon: Right! Since we're already here, why don't you tell us about the early history of the Order of Skeptics?; Paimon: Although things are the way they are now... there must've been a point to their establishment, right? Otherwise Zurvan wouldn't have helped them and you wouldn't have been drawn to them.; Sorush: Very well, if you wish to listen, I will speak... However, you must know that my birth came after the Order of Skeptics was formed. What happened prior is but hearsay to me as well.; Sorush: It was said that, before all that transpired, there were some of absolute purity and virtue who attempted to spread the word that catastrophe was imminent.; Sorush: But carrying a message does not halt the coming of ruin. Soon, darkness washed over the lands as roiling tides, drowning all that lived in fear.; Sorush: Just as we saw of the Setekh Wenut, even the strongest creatures were crystallized, perishing during the event.; Sorush: Comparatively, with how soft and weak humans are, their resulting scouring cannot be considered a personal failing.; Sorush: But some individuals arrived, rushing into the maelstrom that was the calamity.; Paimon: Were these people the first Order of Skeptics?; Sorush: Indeed. Their leader was Nagarjuna. He once was a researcher who worked in the depths of the woods, but he put roots down here to help alleviate the aftershocks of the catastrophe.; Sorush: Yes, and there was another one with golden hair... Though my elder spoke little of him, he should count as an "interesting" individual, I think?; Paimon: *sigh*... It's a real shame that he only lived a few hundred years ago. If he was still here, Paimon would love to see him meet (‍Traveler‍). Then we can see who's more "interesting."; Why are we competing...; Well, my victory's assured.; Sorush: Following this, after my birth, the aftereffects of the catastrophe stabilized.; Paimon: So Sorush had nothing to do then?; Sorush: Hmph... Not entirely, as the filth will never be fully eradicated. It's just that... noble sacrifices like the one made by the divine bird, Simurgh, were no longer needed.; Sorush: What's more, such duties have already been performed by Mihir, Rashnu, and other Pari predating me.; Sorush: After Nagarjuna, the Elder slowly broke off contact with the Order of Skeptics. However, the Skeptics themselves remained ever-interested in us Pari.; Sorush: But I suppose this is nothing strange. To them, after all, we Pari are heroes worthy of songs and odes. The strong feelings of admiration we inspire are more than deserved.; Sorush: During that time, I often heard them loudly singing their poems and odes, and with the passing of time, the scenes of the divine bird's sacrifice grew ever more vivid. Yet, my elder treats this as if it is a paltry thing...; Paimon: It sounds like...; Sorush got buttered up by honeyed words...; Sorush: What? No, impossible! I clearly wanted to imitate the divine bird because I was moved by its passion and will.; Sorush: The only reason why I associated with the Order of Skeptics was because they would tell me about the happenings of years past... O—Of course, it wasn't like they didn't heap an appropriate amount of praise on me.; Paimon: It's the same story, but told in an exaggerated way to get people's attention. Even Paimon likes listening to exciting stories!; Paimon: Oh! But if their intention was to record actual history, then they definitely did something wrong.; Sorush: Indeed. Regardless if it is I or the humans of the Order of Skeptics, those who condition themselves to accept hyperbole as ordinary will see themselves become like this.; Sorush: The Order of Skeptics's archives were no longer simple truthful records. Instead, they were filled with all manner of embellishments and subjective opinions.; Sorush: ...And, unknowingly, I began to put renown beyond action itself.; Paimon: Looks like you finally get it?; She seems more energetic than she was when she came here.; Paimon: Isn't this a good thing? Hehe, now Zurvan won't be asking to take the Chaplet, will she?; Paimon: Your training is almost at its end. You'll definitely win Zurvan's approval!

The Recollector's Path (Part 6)

Main article: The Recollector's Path (Part 6)

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Is the post-trial text different inf the world quest series has been completed?

Quest Description

The training is approaching its conclusion. Zurvan's approval is but a step away...

(Talk to Zurvan): Zurvan: You look much happier than when last we spoke. Seems things have gone well?; Sorush: Hmm. From what I've learned doing these tasks, I have grown. For now...; Zurvan: You are worthy of being called Bloomguard?; Sorush: No... not yet. There is still a final portion of the task that I need to complete.; Sorush: Until all the tasks are done, until your respect is earned, I am not finished. Only then can the "Twin-Horned Chaplet" truly belong to me.; Zurvan: Oh? Looks like you're actually beyond your rebellious phase after all, just as was claimed.; Sorush: E—Elder, you... still remember that? Forget, I beg of you!; Zurvan: Haha. Regardless, it's good to see that your spirits have returned.; Zurvan: (‍Traveler‍). Paimon. Please be witnesses to the truth of whether Sorush is worthy of the Twin-Horned Chaplet.; Zurvan: Then I will await you at the end. See you soon.

(After completing the two trials)

Sorush: The Tunigi Hollow... this was the epicenter of the disaster. Though all seems calm...

It's not hard to think of how things were then.

Paimon: These crystals are huge... A lot bigger than even Wenut! And to think it's Sorush's responsibility to handle future problems here...

Zurvan: Is this not the most essential duty a Bloomguard should uphold? In addition, Sorush should also expect this of herself.

Paimon: That's what they say, anyway...

Sorush: Do you not trust me? Hmph. I did not realize I was at the stage that even the Pale Floater thinks so little of me.

Paimon: Whoa, Sorush's arrogance makes its grand return!

Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

Sorush: Hmph. Why do both of you still harbor such doubt in me after our time together? My pride has never been born of blind arrogance.

Sorush: Hmm. You should be well aware that I fully understand my past mistakes.

Sorush: Before, I placed reputation above action, but now, as I have learned, this is an act of purest neglect.

Sorush: Just as Simurgh became the divine bird through her sacrifice, I will become the Bloomguard by my deeds and hear my name rightfully sung in praise of my service.

Sorush: Additionally, I have completed all the assignments you have given me, Elder. Now, even you must admit that I am one worthy of the title of Bloomguard, worthy of the Twin-Horned Chaplet.

Zurvan: I indeed have no objection to the choice made by the Khvarena.

Sorush: ...Hm?

Zurvan: What? Did you expect me to object?

Sorush: No... I merely... did not expect you to agree so easily, Elder...

I expected a few rough words at least?

Zurvan: Ah, I'm not nearly so vicious.

Sorush: About the responsibilities of a Bloomguard... I did not actually gain any knowledge from the Chaplet...

Sorush: Is this because I still do not embody the traits of the Bloomguard fully? Do I still lack training?

Zurvan: For this... The title of Bloomguard might be inherited, but the duties are always variable...

Sorush: I see.

Zurvan: To state it simply: there are no fixed rules, and even more, there are no specific judging standards. Usually, the Khvarena's choice is final.

Sorush: Huh? So, you're saying...

Zurvan: I will not be taking the Twin-Horned Chaplet from you.

Now you don't need to worry about the top of your head getting cold.

Paimon: Missing the point!

Will not, or can not.

Paimon: Yeah, as Zurvan said herself, the Khvarena's choice is final. That means that Zurvan can't change it either, right?

Zurvan: Oh, ho ho... You really think so?

Paimon: Whoa... That's a little scary...

Sorush: I understand! This must be part of the test!

Paimon: Seems like Sorush is having an epiphany...

Sorush: You are a forgetful one, Pale Floater. I just said it! To pass these tests, besides competence and observation, the most important thing is understanding my past mistakes.

Sorush: Even if the outcome was already determined, would it not be retreading the path of folly if I cast aside all that I have learned during training? So, I think this must be the last test my elder has left me.

Sorush: To a worthy Bloomguard this is but a simple task. This is a sign of your complete trust in me, Elder.

Zurvan: I didn't expect you to see right through me. The Khvarena chose well.

Zurvan: But your changes... I suppose (‍‍) and Paimon bear some credit for that.

Sorush: Indeed! My esteemed Yasnapati and the Pale Floater are both beings of merit.

Sorush: Though I wish to say that I am potent enough alone... I believe that with their aid, the extinguishing of the Sign of Apaosha will be no difficult task.

Zurvan: How very reliable. Don't forget, Mihir and Rashnu will also be able to assist you.

Sorush: Worry not, Elder! Leave everything to me!

Paimon: Paimon keeps thinking that Zurvan might have planned this... But seeing Sorush this happy, Paimon can't really complain.