Chapter 1: High walls
The final months of Lothric City were among the more peaceful times within the world. Many grand buildings stood proud in the face of time. Though the city was enclosed by its large wall that was not to stop a young woman from entering the grand city. Far below, at the foot of the high wall, sat a large gate. Connected to the gate was the massive bridge that linked the Undead Settlement to Lothric. The Residents of Lothric turned their noses at the undead, as they believed they were of higher purpose, though they were just as "undead" as those residing in the small settlement. But another time on that, for now we have a new guest entering Lothric's main gate. Her name was Zoey and she was a newcomer to these lands. She dressed very little as she was from lands of scorching deserts, though her skin was as calm and white as a pale moon. She wore a hood with a dark veil to shade her face, a small farm wrapped around her back and breasts, and she wore a skirt over her undergarments along with fashionable leggings that went all the way down to the heels she wore. She was a Desert Sorceress very skilled in balance and Pyromancies. Though as skilled as she was in her homeland she never felt like she had reached her full potential. She longed for adventure and craved travel, and so she did until she found the High Walls of Lothric City. She did not yet know exactly what she wanted to do. Zoey had thought briefly, at random times, of things to do in Lothric. She had heard of Lothric's reputation of Miracles and its knowledge of magic. Though she never thought herself akin to learning miracles she always kept an open mind for trying new arts of Magic. But the real draw of interest was Prince Lothric's brother Lorian. She had heard of the legendary warrior who returned from slaying an ancient demon prince, and that he was in use of some fire manipulation himself. The things she could learn. But for now she was a newcomer under the large archway of the bridge gate. As she walked up she noticed a bustling street with a large stair case going upwards to a large cathedral like building. Many people were scurrying about purchasing goods and chatting amongst themselves. Various pushcarts were lined up and they were accompanied by people selling, and buying, various foods, books, weapons, armors, and other miscellaneous items. No one seemed to take too much notice of the barely clothed sorceress, save two spear wielding guards who could not keep their eyes off of her swaying hips as she climbed the city's stair cases. She continued on through Lothric's street. One man stopped her and insisted that she needed a mirror but she politely refused. The scruffy looking man bowed his head and backed away towards other customers. It was then Zoey stood at the door of the cathedral and when she entered she discovered it was a room full of books she stood within.
It was in fact a large library. A red carpet ran through the middle of the room towards an old woman behind a small desk. On each side of the room were dozens of book cases and various piles of books scattered on desks and the floor. It was quite a sight to behold. The room was lit by a large chandelier and the walls beheld magnificent carvings of knights. Zoey was breathless at the marvelous sight. So many people were also within the library and there was much talking amongst themselves. About their favorite stories, the most popular being the tragedy Gwyn's Firstborn, or various learnings of magical arts. Zoey approached the woman behind the desk, her face was care worn and seemed very pleasant. She had gold rimmed glasses that hung on the edge of her nose as she peered down into an old and rather dusty book.
"Excuse me," Zoey said softly.
The old woman seemed to take no notice of her new customer and continued reading. Zoey spoke a little louder.
"Excuse me miss."
The old woman looked up at the hooded sorceress and seemed startled.
"Oh dear," the woman said quickly setting aside her book and shifting her glasses. She spoke in a clear yet raspy voice, "I'm sorry my dear. I didn't notice you come up. Now what can I do for you?"
Zoey smiled, "I was hoping you could tell me how to get to the chambers of Prince Lorian."
The woman raised an eyebrow and scanned Zoey up and down thoroughly. "My whatever for? Surely you don't intend on trying to win my Gracious Lord's Hand? He already has his eye set on another. No matter how thee dresses."
Zoey was rather alarmed at this statement. She had not once considered how she must appear to everyone else. Where she comes from she wore the natural garb of her people, but now she looked more like a desperate lady of the evening. She blushed hard, unknowing to the old woman Zoey's face was now the color of her red hood.
"Erm no..," Grace responded nervously, "I'm actually here for business and do not wish a romance with your lord. I seek to further my educations in the magical field."
It was at this moment when a new voice chimed into the conversation. It was a man's voice. However, it was stern yet soft to Zoey's ears.
"How comical," said the voice, though not in a mocking tone.
It was at this moment a man clothed in a black outfit came to the desk and set down a small black book. His hair was as black as his garb, and from what Zoey could tell his eyes were silver and his face was finely formed. The man spoke again.
"To seek an audience with the high lords of this vast city. Yet they shall see no one at this moment. For Lorian is still in recovery."
The man spoke softly yet with authority in his voice. He turned his gaze towards the old woman.
"I believe this will subdue my knowledge for today. And are you aware of when my order will arrive?"
The old woman turned her attention to the old book she was reading earlier and replied.
"I'm sorry Orbeck. It was due two weeks ago and still no one has delivered it. I will notify you once your scroll has arrived."
The man's eyes fell towards the floor.
"Very well," he replied, paid for the book and began to head towards the main door.
Orbeck was surprised however as he felt a tugging on his arm before leaving the room. Looking down he found a gloved hand gripping his arm.
The arm of course belonged to Zoey who called him to wait.
"Wait. How do you know Lorian is injured," she asked, "do you know the royal family personally?"
Orbeck raised his eyes from her hand to the thin black veil shrouding Zoey's face. He calmly replied,
"Yes I do. For my part at least. I was requested for my knowledge of Sorceries. I was to help show Prince Lothric certain skills involving the combining of sorceries and Miracles. But alas. Our time was limited."
Zoey was very intrigued by this man. But the biggest question in her mind was what she asked him.
"Is there any way you can help me get to the prince's chambers? Not now as he is ill, but when the time comes?"
Orbeck raised his brow and gently released himself from Zoey's grasp.
"How intriguing," he said and crossed his arms, "I could potentially assist you. However, I don't expect something for nothing. I would require devices from you -"
It was at this moment when Orbek was surprisingly silenced. Unexpectedly, a warm hand slapped him across the face before he could finish his sentence. Zoey was angry at him and spoke very harshly.
"How dare you," she stated, " to even suggest that I would "service" you is terrible. I've only been here an hour and twice people have approached me as a lusting woman. Well I'm afraid you're wrong."
Orbek gained a very faint smirk and he huffed quietly as he stated.
"You assume too much," he said calmly, "I was not suggesting such debauchery. I was merely going to suggest you assist me in my hunt for sorcery scrolls. You and I could benefit greatly from such knowledge. And then, when the princes are ready, I can assure your entrance to the royal line's chambers."
Zoey felt terrible. She always knew the flame within her burned brightly, but she usually could contain it.
"I'm sorry," she said with her head hung low, "I don't know what came over me. That was foolish. Forgive me. It wold be my pleasure to assist you. I have heard how alike sorceries and pyromancies are implemented in casting. Perhaps we could both benefit from this. But you must promise me that you will hold your end of the bargain. Can you hold your promise?"
Orbek's smirk became a full smile. "Indeed I can. I am Orbek of Vinheim. Come. We shall rest for this evening here in the city. I have a small lodge here. We shall rest and leave early tomorrow. Until then you are my guest. May I inquire you for your name?"
Zoey was rather surprised by this response. Orbek seemed to have a sense of formality unlike others she had seen amongst the city streets. Perhaps it was part of that "Vinheim Charm".
"I am called Zoey," she replied, " and that is all I am called. A pleasure to meet you Orbek." Unbeknownst to Orbeck, Zoey blushed as she then stated, "I am very sorry for slapping you."
Orbek's face returned to its former "thoughtful" appearance. He then stated.
"No major harm was done. My words could have been chosen more wisely. But come. Let us go home and rest. Tomorrow we leave for the forests of Farron. Follow me. My home is in the second district of Lothric."
With that the two left the library. The sun was beginning to set as the top of Lothric's many towers pierced the remaining light rays being cast down. Just as dusk arrived Orbek finally stopped at a small and humble looking home.
"Here we are," he said as he opened the door, "make yourself at home."
A small warm light came out from the room's fireplace. Orbek closed the door behind them and the night was shut out. The pale moon was left to paint Lothric in its dim light.