The Circle of Time Spoilers  

Offer and Acceptance

Mertaire: "So, what did you do with that ring? Maybe it's valuable. I'd ask a collector if I were you. Of course, he might just say it's worthless..."

Scene 1

You bring the star ring you obtained earlier to Imasuke, a collector in Port Jeuno...

Imasuke: "What, you have something you want appraised? I mean, seriously! These days everyone says they find treasures in the auction. Nonsense, all of it! See, within antiques sleep spirits of the past! Search carefully or you'll awaken their slumber! If you're ready, show me your item and I'll start the appraisal."

You show Imasuke the star ring.

Imasuke: "Why, this is quite an old ring. And the years have not been kind! Look, I've found an inscription. Hmm... No, I can't make it out. It's too much for the Goldsmiths' Guild. You'll need to bury it in perennial snow to wash away the filth! Deep inside Xarcabard lies a snow untouched for a thousand years. Take your ring, bury it there to clean the grime, and come back here."

Scene 2

You travel to Xarcabard... you bury the star ring in the snow. It will take some time for it to become purified.

Later, you return: The star ring you buried has become purified! Something is engraved on the ring, but you cannot read it.

Scene 3

You bring the ring back to Imasuke in Port Jeuno.

Imasuke: "Well, look at this! Clean as a whistle! Now, let's see what we can see... Say, this is written in the elder script of San d'Oria. It's a fine ring, but I wonder what it says... I suggest you take it to someone of respectable age in Chateau d'Oraguille. Can't give it a price till you know its value, as we say in the business!"

Scene 4

You speak with Chalvatot, in the garden at Chateau d'Oraguille.

Chalvatot: "Eh? Want to show me your ring, do you? And inscribed upon it are ancient San d'Orian runes? Very well, let us see it. From whence did you find this? Hmm... The necropolis of Eldieme, you say? So, 'twas true! Far have you carried this, so I shall tell you the tale. But keep it secret, I beg you! Ahem! Ages ago, a bard came to San d'Oria. His voice was so stirring that songbirds would pause to listen. The king was so moved that he sought to keep him here in San d'Oria, if but for a day longer. The talented bard lingered. But in doing so, he stole the heart of the queen! You see, her marriage to the king was not for love, and she was many, many years his junior. But still, always should a queen remain faithful to her husband, don't you think? Often would the two lovers steal away, to find shelter from prying eyes. They forged a pair of rings, and promised to each other that they would become one in the next world. But then, suddenly... The king got word of her infidelity! His rage at the liaison between his own queen and his favorite minstrel knew no bounds. The bard was put to death by poison! But never did the queen forget her lover. To properly mourn him, she secretly bade my elders craft burial ornaments. She adorned his corpse with them, and conveyed the remains to Eldieme, and at last interred him there. Unfortunately, grave-robbers later came and ravaged his coffin, and scattered the ornaments in every direction! Ere long the king passed away. The queen then left the palace for a convent, where she quietly bode till the end of her days. Her ring was given to my forefather, and since then it was passed down to me. Without a doubt, the ring you hold belonged to her lover, the bard! I believe that the two rings should be together. Please, could you place them together upon the alter in the Monastic Cavern? Her Majesty's interred there, and I am sure her spirit would be greatly pleased."

You: "It's the least I could do."

Chalvatot: "At long last Her Majesty's wish shall come true! I suppose it's not proper and all, but my conviction says she would wish it. I remain a servant of royalty, you see, so perhaps I behave disloyally. But I would that her final wish come true! Now, place the two rings upon the altar in the Monastic Cavern. I believe in you, friend!"

Chalvatot gives you the moon ring.

Scene 5

You defeat a ghost and place the star and moon rings upon the alter. The spirit of the queen appears...

Conclusion

You return to Chateau d'Oraguille, and speak again with Chalvatot.

Chalvatot: "Allow me to thank you on behalf of Her Majesty. And, I thank you personally for giving up something of yours! One of the burial ornaments was entrusted to my care, but I'd rather you have it. It may pale in comparison to the ring, but 'tis all this gardener has to give. Eh?"

The queen's spirit appears before you, and the bard's spirit appears across the garden... the queen goes to him, and they stand together...

Chalvatot: "Oh... Oh, yes."

The two spirits turn to face eachother, and bow knowingly... together, they leave the garden, and fade away...

Chalvatot: "Well, good, then. I am sure the queen is pleased."