A Past, Not Yet Come to Pass

Quest giver: Venat
Location: Elpis (X:11.6, Y:19.2)
Quest line: Endwalker Main Scenario Quests
Level: 87

Experience: 495,000
Gil: 1,152
Previous quest: Travelers at the Crossroads
Next quest: Witness to the Spectacle
Patch: 6.0

“

Venat is in a cheerful mood.

— In-game description

Steps

Speak with Venat.
Speak with Venat again.
Speak with Venat once more.
Speak with Ismene.
Speak with Venat.
Search for Timaios.
Speak with Venat.

Journal

Walkthrough

Dialogue

Venat:

Thank you again for your timely help. Now then, 'tis time I returned this stolen property.
If you would go on ahead to my accommodation, I will join you as soon as I have attended to that task.
Follow the path straight ahead to the building at the top of the slope. I have the entire place to myself, so we can speak without fear of being disturbed or overheard.
Welcome to my temporary abode. Please, make yourself at home while I put on some tea.

Hythlodaeus:

A wonderful aroma... I feel more relaxed already.

Venat:

Would that I had sweetmeats to offer, but I travel light out of habit.
There's plenty of hot water, though, so please have as much tea as you like.
Now then...will you tell us your tale?

Emet-Selch:

Why don't you start from the beginning?
Preposterous. Utterly preposterous.

Hythlodaeus:

While not the words I would have chosen, I too have my doubts. Much of it borders on the incredulous.
What of you, Venat?

Venat:

Not knowing the precise details of the first Final Days, 'tis difficult to determine the veracity of the tale.
Supposing it is all true, I must ask myself why I would do what I did.
Why would I feel I had no recourse but to oppose the Fourteen and create this Hydaelyn...
Circumstances change, of course, but it would not have been an easy decision regardless.
No, there must have been a reason. One compelling enough to force me to take such drastic measures.
Then there is the Elpis flower, which I said would serve as a guide.
That it's of import to your mission is plain, but your presence here leads me to believe that this place also holds significance.
But what could it be? What are we meant to accomplish?

Hythlodaeus:

Might it not be simply thus?
In the future whence she came, the Final Days could not be averted. Mankind has no choice but to flee the star.
By alerting us to that eventuality, perhaps you wished to pave the way for other futures.

Venat:

Theoretically speaking, it is a possibility.
Yet if that were my primary objective, I see no reason to guide our friend to Elpis specifically.
The Capitol in Amaurot, or even my own home would be more logical destinations.

Hythlodaeus:

True, true... I note also that Hydaelyn did not specify a point in time to which she must return.
By this, it may be inferred that it was not critical that we should meet.

Venat:

Alternately, She had reason to believe that our paths would converge, coincidental though it may seem.

Hythlodaeus:

This is quite a puzzle, and we do not have all the pieces...

Venat:

Hardly any. But we do have one immutable fact.
If the Final Days are indeed as described, they will bring death to all that I hold dear.
Yet despite being afforded long years of preparation, the only provisions I could make were...for flight?
Nay, my first and foremost endeavor would be to find a way to forestall the coming doom.

Hythlodaeus:

Given that even the Fourteen failed, mayhap you deemed it impossible.

Venat:

Nothing is impossible. This, I have always believed.
And if Hydaelyn is indeed me, She would believe the same.

Emet-Selch:

Listen to yourself. Are you seriously entertaining the notion that you are a messianic figure in some far-fetched tale?
Well, I will not. I refuse to accept that our world could be undone by some unforeseen calamity.
I also take offense to my portrayal as a megalomaniacal madman.
To sacrifice oneself for the star is a noble act, and I would hold those who gave themselves to this Zodiark in the highest esteem.
Yet you claim I recreated Amaurot and populated it with phantoms of our people. A bizarre indulgence that would be insulting to their memory.
Worse still, I even invited you there─literally invited my own downfall. Why would I do something so idiotic and inexplicable?
Now, I will allow that the hypothetical task of restoring our world would be daunting in the extreme. The thought of having to bear such a burden for a thousand thousand lives horrifies me.
But I would never forsake my duty! I would never forsake my brethren!
You do not know me!
I've had my fill of your fiction. I will return to my duty...and you will not bother me again.

Hythlodaeus:

Emet-Selch! Wait!

Venat:

You've seen much of Elpis already. If you have any observations to share, I should like to hear them.
Ah yes, the energy distinct from aether. Though not my field, I have a basic understanding of dynamis.
And you say Hermes researched the phenomenon in the course of creating Meteion... Yes, I believe this warrants further investigation.
With that settled, 'tis time for action.
The missing pieces of the puzzle are here, I'm certain of it. And when you find them, the picture my future self has painted will be complete, and you will have your answer.
Suffice it to say I will aid you in your quest.
Have faith. If Emet-Selch is the man Azem described to me, we've not seen the last of him.
Shall we begin our investigations, then?
I am acquainted with Hermes, of course, but only as a visitor received by the chief overseer of Elpis. Of the man himself, I know only that which is common knowledge.
Thus I suggest we fall back on the tried-and-true method of conversing with the locals. The observers who live here can surely tell us more of Hermes and Meteion, and I have a good idea of where we might begin...
See you the woman standing in front of yonder building? Her name is Ismene.
She is the one who made arrangements for my stay in Elpis, and from what I recall, she has held her position here for quite some time. Chances are she can provide us with some insights.
Go and ask your questions. I will help with drawing out answers if need be, but I leave the choice of topic up to you.

Ismene:

Questions? For me? Well, I suppose I have no other pressing duties at the moment...

Venat:

Greetings, Ismene. My friend here is desperately curious about Chief Hermes, and I was wondering if you might indulge her.

Ismene:

Certainly, Mistress Venat. Anything to be of service!
What do you wish to know?

Question One

What kind of person is Hermes?

Ismene:

Well, I can only answer from my own experience, but...
I would describe him as a quiet man─reserved, you might say─and occasionally somewhat poor with his choice of words.
His reticent nature, however, does not prevent him from carrying out his duties as chief overseer.
The man is a walking archive when it comes to life-forms. He can discuss any species in incredible detail, and is the leading authority on concepts with the power of flight.
I hope that answers your question. Was there anything else?

What are Hermes' interests?

Ismene:

...his interests?
Well, he is an authority on flying life-forms, and has expansive knowledge of living creatures in general. Is that what you wished to know...?

Venat:

How would you describe him as a person? As a colleague?

Ismene:

He is a quiet man--reserved, you might say--and occasionally somewhat poor with his choice of words.
His reticent nature, however, does not prevent him from carrying out his duties as chief overseer.
I hope that answers your question. Was there anything else?

Question Two

How long has Meteion been here?

Ismene:

I cannot rightly say... As the chief's personal creation, Meteion has not been subjected to observation and study like other concepts.

Venat:

So one day, she was simply there. And what do you make of her abilities?

Ismene:

I understand that she is a highly unusual familiar, able to read emotions and communicate directly with one's mind. Exactly how she was created with that talent, however, is a mystery to me.
My apologies. I wish I could explain her nature in more depth, but I've not had occasion to discuss it with Chief Hermes.

Do you know of Meteion's abilities?

Ismene:

It's no secret that she is a highly unusual familiar. Of late, the chief often makes his rounds with her, like a mother hen raising her chick.
I understand that she is able to read emotions and communicate directly with one's mind. Exactly how she was created with that talent, however, is a mystery to me.
My apologies. I wish I could explain her nature in more depth, but I've not had occasion to discuss it with Chief Hermes.

Question Three

Do you wish you knew him better?

Ismene:

The chief may not be the most gregarious individual, but he engages with us as is necessary for everyone to perform their duties. I wouldn't want to intrude upon his privacy for the sake of curiosity...
Though if you wish to learn more about Meteion, you could try speaking with Timaios--another expert in the creation of flying concepts.
He should be conducting his observations on the banks of the stream, somewhere to the east. Oh, and, uh, unless you take a particular joy in rambling discourse, I suggest you keep your questions concise.

Venat:

We shall keep that in mind. Thank you for your patience and your insight.

Ismene:

Think nothing of it. If there is aught else you need during your stay, please, do not hesitate to ask.

Venat:

Come, Player, I think we've taken enough of Ismene's time.

Do you trust him?

Ismene:

I...beg your pardon? I've known Chief Hermes for many years. Though I cannot say we are close, he has never withheld information to the detriment of our duties, if that is what you mean...?

Venat:

Forgive us, we seem to have veered slightly off course here. Is there perhaps someone else who could tell us more about Meteion?

Ismene:

That would be Timaios. He has a similar expertise with flying concepts, and is more than eager to discuss the subject.
You'll find him conducting his observations on the banks of the stream, somewhere to the east. Oh, and, uh, unless you take a particular joy in rambling discourse, I suggest you keep your questions concise.

Venat:

We shall keep that in mind. Thank you for your patience and your insight.

Ismene:

Think nothing of it. If there is aught else you need during your stay, please, do not hesitate to ask.

Venat:

Our investigation is off to a fine start, wouldn't you agree?
From here, I propose that we split up. I shall continue making inquiries with the resident observers, if you could track down the colleague Ismene mentioned.
While I did feel compelled to interject once or twice during that previous conversation, you seem more than capable of drawing forth the answers you seek.
All I ask is that you watch your footing around the stream! We can meet back here once you've finished speaking with this Timaios.

Timaios:

Yes, yes, I am Timaios, but please keep your voice down. You'll startle the birds.
...So, what is it you wished to speak about?

Question One

Is it true you're an expert on flying creations?

Timaios:

A fellow enthusiast, are you? Well, settle in, and we can discuss the finer points of this fascinating craft!
My deep and abiding love of avian artistry can be traced back to when I was but a young boy, stricken by the transcendent beauty of a glorious, golden-feathered creature my father had designed. It was then and there that I vowed to one day surpass that masterpiece...
...And thus did I secure an observer's role here in Elpis, and at last realize my childhood ambition. Here, the dreams I once dreamed are an everyday reality, in which I find fulfillment through the research and creation of new flying life-forms!
An abridged recounting of events, as was doubtless to your disappointment. Is there any specific part you would like me to expound upon...?
...Hm? You were hoping for my opinion on Chief Hermes's creations? Then why didn't you say so!?
Those beings which soar through the clouds, majestic and graceful, are ever a favorite of creators. Even now, with so many varieties in existence, the flood of newly imagined concepts continues unabated.
What sets the chief's creations apart, however, is how they benefit from his boundless knowledge of the celestial realm.
Birds that climb so high that they disappear from view. Others which traverse the boundless sky in moments, and all without riding the currents...
I know of none save he who can conceive of such marvels. Even we who prize elegance of form above all else are dumbfounded by his genius.

What do you think of Chief Hermes' flying creations?

Timaios:

Chief Hermes's work? A worthy subject, indeed...
Those beings which soar through the clouds, majestic and graceful, are ever a favorite of creators. Even now, with so many varieties in existence, the flood of newly imagined concepts continues unabated.
What sets the chief's creations apart, however, is how they benefit from his boundless knowledge of the celestial realm.
Birds that climb so high they disappear from view. Others which traverse the boundless sky in moments, and all without riding the currents...
I know of none save he who can conceive of such marvels. Even we who prize elegance of form above all else are dumbfounded by his genius.

Question Two

Why not mimic his process?

Timaios:

What!? You mean plagiarize!?
Now, see here. When I take up the threads of creation and begin to weave, I must do so in the belief that I am giving birth to something beautiful. If, in my heart, I knew I was appropriating another's inspiration...

System Dialog:

Timaios launches into a rambling and unstoppable diatribe...

Timaios:

...And such an unconscionable, disgraceful act would be deserving of the utmost scorn!
Therefore, despite my admiration for Meteion as a concept, I have made a conscious effort not to delve too deeply into the inner workings of her nature.
I know that she has a gift for communicating via emotions, but otherwise, her abilities are a mystery to me.
If Chief Hermes should choose to submit Meteion's concept to the Bureau of the Architect, then will the design be registered for public scrutiny. Analyzing a colleague's creation before that step is...frowned upon, to say the least.
Of course, if he came to me--a fellow artisan--looking for advice, that would be an entirely different story.

Meteion, too, is a marvel, then?

Timaios:

My opinion on that matter would be superficial at best...
Despite my admiration for Meteion as a concept, I have never delved too deeply into the inner workings of her nature.
I know that she has a gift for communicating via emotions, but otherwise, her abilities are a mystery to me.
If Chief Hermes should choose to submit Meteion's concept to the Bureau of the Architect, then will the design be registered for public scrutiny. Analyzing a colleague's creation before that step is...frowned upon, to say the least.
Of course, if he came to me─a fellow artisan─looking for advice, that would be an entirely different story.

Question Three

Do you know of dynamis and entelechies?

Timaios:

Dynamis and...entelechies?
Those terms do sound vaguely familiar... Was there not a flower made here in Elpis which exhibited properties of one or the other?
It must have been centuries since I last heard anyone speak of such things. Has there been a resurgence in interest?
Then why bring up the subject? I'm flattered that you sought my insight, but I cannot afford to neglect my duties for the sake of idle chatter.
Now, I really must return to my observations. Surely you have your own tasks to attend to?

I could tell you more of Meteion's nature, if you like...?

Timaios:

No, no, no! Did I not just explain how that was frowned upon!? I couldn't possibly circumvent conventional practice by...
...Hm. Unless you were sharing such information in the hopes of receiving a constructive opinion...on the application of advanced creation techniques...then I would practically be obligated to...

System Dialog:

Timaios launches into a rambling and unstoppable deluge of justifications...

Timaios:

...So you see, ethically I have no choice but to allow you to disclose Meteion's lesser-known qualities!
Dynamis and...entelechies?
Those terms do sound vaguely familiar... Was there not a flower made here in Elpis which exhibited properties of one or the other?
It must have been centuries since I last heard anyone speak of such things. And you know how they relate to Meteion and her design?
Then why bring up the subject? I'm flattered that you sought my insight, but I cannot afford to neglect my duties for the sake of idle chatter.
Now, I really must return to my observations. Surely you have your own tasks to attend to?

Venat:

Ah, good timing. I finished my own investigations not long ago.
So, have you any new findings to share?
I see. Even an expert in the field had little understanding of Meteion's capabilities, let alone an awareness of dynamis.
My questions resulted in much the same answers. Hermes's colleagues view Meteion as his personal project, and could provide no details beyond those which you just told me.
Which leads me to believe that the only person with any significant knowledge of dynamis is Hermes himself.
Yes, we've made some progress here...but more information is needed if we are to reach any definitive conclusions.

A Past, Not Yet Come to Pass

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