Flynn
SL30 - 15 VGR - 14 ATT - 11 END - 21 VIT - 21 STR - 12 DEX - 9 INT - 9 FTH - 7 LCK
Resa
SL30 - 14 VGR - 14 ATT - 10 END - 12 VIT - 12 STR - 18 DEX - 8 INT - 20 FTH - 11 LCK
Resa
The four of us took our conversation back to the Shrine, Anri and Horace following us through the bonfire. Once we were back, Anri continued speaking with Flynn, the two of them seeing to get along quite nicely. The reason was fairly simple - they seemed almost identical at first glance. Nigh-identical armor made them indistinguishable, but it was clear that Anri cared as much about Horace as Flynn did me. She began questioning Flynn on his adventures, the two of them recounting what tales they could of their previous lives while also filling the other in on their current ones.
That left me with Horace...the man had a fairly off-putting appearance. Dull gray armor was the only noticeable feature, besides an undersized shield and a spear. He looked like what Flynn might try to be one day armor-wise, while wearing what I use to wield weapon-wise. It was an odd configuration, and I wasn't entirely sure it worked for him. Still, Flynn seemed to be hitting it off with Anri...I didn't want to interfere.
"So…"
Horace simply grunted at me. I cocked my head, garnering a similar noise from him again. That's when I realized...he couldn't speak. The grunts didn't sound like someone that was annoyed or that wanted to avoid conversation...it sounded like someone that couldn't partake in conversation.
I put my hand over my mouth, bowing low to the ground. We were already seated, the gesture more or less prostration. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know. Please, forgive me."
Horace nodded, a low grunt coming forth. He held out his hand, palm up, digits pointing towards me. Though I had no way to know just what he was asking, I had a guess. I held my hand out on top of his, feeling his much larger hand wrap around mine. It was an odd gesture...and yet there was something peaceful about it.
We sat there in silence for just a few moments, until the stillness of it started to get to me. "Do you want me to tell you about myself? If not...I don't know."
To my delight, Horace nodded. Finally, something from this blank slate of a man...something that let me know he was actually interested in more than just my presence.
"I'm Resa...oh, where to begin. I guess, before this...before the bell, we were around during the very early days of the undead. At least, that's what people tell us...I don't know enough to dispute it, though. Flynn and I - "
At this, Horace interjected with a grunt. He pointed towards my brother, shaking his head. He then, again, pointed towards me, falling silent.
"Describe myself...without my brother?" That earned a nod from him.
"Well...that's tough. I'm...well, I was a Sunlight Warrior." I fished for the forgotten strip of fabric that I'd clung to, tucked away somewhere. I presented it, holding it in my free hand. "I don't know if you've heard of them or not. I guess, in a way, I don't know if the covenant has changed over the eras. Back when I joined, they were about standing up for those that couldn't stand up for themselves. I fought to protect people, to save those that I felt needed to be saved. I was told that, sometimes, you didn't save everyone - some people didn't deserve the help of the Sunlight Warriors. There was a time or two that I adhered to that philosophy...but for the most part, I tried to help whomever I came across. I wish I could remember their names, though...some people just seem to be on the edge of my memory."
I looked up from recounting my memories, Horace staring intently into my eyes. "I guess that's me, if I get down to it. I try to help people that need it, or those that want it. I do that as often as I can...as often as I feel it's safe."
Horace nodded, reaching for something. What he pulled out was a little scroll, an odd insignia upon it. It depicted something akin to a crescent moon with a sword diagonal across it. At the bottom of the scroll were the words 'Blue Sentinels'. He offered the scroll to me, which I held in my free hand.
I looked up to him. "Is this...is this a Covenant? Are you a Blue Sentinel?" When he nodded, I continued. "What do they do?"
His response was simple - he pointed towards me. "They do what I do?" Again, a nod. "So let me guess...you think I should join. Is that correct?" Another question, another nod.
This left me in a predicament...I didn't know if this was what I wanted. In my heart, I was a Sunlight Warrior. This much was true. I was valorous, I was brave, I defended the weak - that was what it meant to be a Sunlight Warrior. I had no reason to doubt Horace, my initial impressions of him very clearly wrong. However, what was the purpose of the Sunlight Warriors then, if the Blue Sentinels filled the same role?
However, deep down...I wanted to join. I'd been holding onto the cloth of the Sunlight Warriors for a while now, and I'd looked at it so little that I'd forgotten where it was. As far as I knew, I was the only Sunlight Warrior left...if I was even one. However, the Blue Sentinels...there was one here, right before me. It was a living Covenant...I wanted to be a part of that again. To belong to something...something more than just myself.
"Okay...I'll join. I don't know what I need to do, but I'll do what I can."
Horace grunted, letting go of the scroll which was now solely in my possession. By his mannerisms, I could tell that he was happy with this...I was as well. I didn't quite know what it meant to be a Blue Sentinel, but I similarly didn't know what it meant to be a Sunlight Warrior when I joined. Sure, a statue spoke to me for the latter...but Horace was speaking to me, in his own unique way, for the former.
To my left, I notice both Flynn and Anri both looking at us. "Is there something you need?"
Anri shook her head. "No...I've just never seen Horace bond with anyone like that so quickly. He must really like you. Let me guess, he's made you a Sentinel?"
I nodded, holding out the scroll. "Guilty as charged. Based on what he said, however, it sounds like I'm a good fit for it."
Anri nodded. "From what Flynn has been telling me, I'd say you both are. The Blue Sentinels protect their sister covenant, the Way of Blue. There aren't many of the Way of Blue left, but the Sentinels still strive to protect them and keep them safe. Rosaria's Fingers...they hunt anyone they can find, mercilessly. I've heard they've been moving closer and closer to the Settlement recently...perhaps we'll be seeing them soon. I hope not...they're ruthless killers."
Flynn shook his head, but it was clearly in agreement. "They tried to recruit me at one point. Didn't realize there were enough of them to constitute a Covenant, but that's a separate issue. They're vile. The kill people for their tongues, solely to give to their 'mother' Rosaria as gifts. It's twisted. Revolting...I don't even want to talk about them any more."
I shuddered at the mere thought of my tongue being sliced from my mouth...I didn't want to talk about them either. "We'll stay on our guard. So long as they attack alone, Flynn and I should be able to defend ourselves against them. You have Horace, and Horace has you. I think you'll be just fine. Anyways, I assume the two of you have talked about the plan moving forward?"
Flynn nodded. "You and I will take the swamp, while Anri and Horace will go search for Aldrich in the Cathedral. We'll keep pressing on after we've taken out the the Abyss Watchers...like Anri said back at the Road, we're pressed for time. Until we know for certain one way or the other, assume the other group is on track to finish their quest. If we find out this isn't the case, then we go and help. Any thoughts?"
I shook my head. "Sounds like a plan. Give me a chance to talk to Irina about this tome, and I think we'll be ready to go."
Anri waved it off. "I know I said we're in a rush, but hopefully nothing too dire. If a conversation now saves time later, then it was worth it. Head out when you're ready...I think we're going to go ahead and head back to the Road. Ready Horace?"
Anri's travelling companion nodded along with a grunt, the two of them moving to the bonfire and slowly fading out of sight. Once again, it was back to me and my brother...alone together.
I stood up, brushing the dust and ash from my armor, and grabbing the tome that I'd carried with me. Flynn and I both moved to Irina, finding her tucked far back in the catacombs beyond Andre. I'd already found her once back here, in the same spot. As I'd expected, Eygon still wasn't here...I had full confidence that he wouldn't be coming back anytime soon. I knelt down beside her, the subtle movements enough to draw the blind woman's attention. I held my hand out to her shoulder, that movement enough to calm her down. "Oh, Resa...you've returned. You have someone with you, though...Flynn?"
My brother nodded, quickly realizing that physical gestures meant nothing to her. "Indeed. We found something you might like. It's a book...but it seems to be written in a language that you can read."
At this, Irina was ecstatic. "Yes, Braille. Please, give it here, if you have it with you. Many of the later divine tomes were written in this language, in an effort to communicate its knowledge with as many undead as possible. I wish to learn its secrets...it may well be what helps me become a Fire Keeper at long last."
Those words were sure to perk of Flynn's ears, and they absolutely did. "How's that?"
"They clear my mind and spirit, helping me focus only on what is most important...the Fire. I have heard that struggling Fire Keepers have found success in this fashion...it is my final resort. If it does not succeed, then I know not what my future holds."
I was quick to give her the tome, setting it in her lap and moving ahead to open it up. Flynn took it one step further, sidling up beside her, his hand wrapping around hers, dragging her finger over to where the bumps began on the first page. "There." He let go, as Irina's hands began running across the page rapidly.
After a few silent moments, Irina broke the silence. "Oh, wonderful. This tome was written in my home, Carim. I will read through this shortly, Resa, and will happily teach you whatever you wish to know. Until then, however, I wish to focus on these words. They give me peace."
The two of us bowed out, not wishing to disturb her further. With Eygon seemingly out of the picture, I felt that it was our responsibility now to take care of her. If all she required to remain fulfilled were Braille tomes...I would give her as many as I could find.
We returned to the center of the Shrine, but I saw yet another new face here, sitting to the side. It was a woman clad in flowing white armor. It was a rather unusual look, frilled and delicate fabric intermingling with steel plates on her shoulders, forearms, and hips. It gave the woman a rather...mystical appearance. I hadn't seen her before...she must have only just gotten here. I turned to Flynn. "Let's go in a second...I'd like to meet the new visitor."
"In that case, I'll check on Greirat. Meet you back at the bonfire."
I gave him a thumbs-up, moving to this new figure amongst the now-crowded Shrine. "Greetings. I'm Resa."
I held out my hand as a gesture of kindness, but the woman simply seemed to ignore it, or at the minimum didn't notice it. "I am Sirris. What brings you to me?"
"I, just...I'd like to meet the people here. I'm sorry if I'm bothering you?"
Sirris waved my question aside. "It is not that you bother me, or that you don't...I simply think that our time is best used focusing on our task, rather than mingling with one another. Our lives are not long enough for such pleasantries."
I took a half-step back, the bluntness with which she spoke quite shocking. "I...well, I personally disagree. A lot of benefit can come from a short conversation. You can make an ally - or even greater than that, a friend. I won't try to change your mind, but perhaps you might want to reconsider your stance."
Sirris shook her head. "I've been forced to turn away from those close to me for one reason or another. I see no reason for such a frivolous thing as a friendship...at least, not anymore. May you find success in your quest, Resa. Blessings of the moon upon your journey."
I cocked my head to the side. "What does that mean? 'Blessings of the moon?'
She held up a small object - quite familiar. It was a crescent moon with a sword diagonal across it. However, rather than the scroll that I carried with me that bore the insignia, this appeared to be a delicate silver pin. "I am a Darkmoon. It is a saying I pass on from my captain, Yorshka. May the moon guide your way, I suppose you could take it as."
I held up my scroll, showing the similar insignia I'd just acquired. "I am a Blue Sentinel. Why do our covenants bear the same insignia?"
Sirris let slip a subtle smirk, but not subtle enough to escape my perception. "Ah...you are a character, aren't you. The Blue Sentinels serve alongside the Darkmoon, performing the same duty. The Sentinels do this out of their own goodwill, helping others simply because they are strong enough to aid them as guardians. The Darkmoon...we are hunters. We do not wait for the wicked to strike others, we rid ourselves of them before they can do more harm. In addition, the Darkmoon are sworn to protect Anor Londo - this is a creed we have carried for ages."
"Anor Londo? I've been there...I was there at the very beginning. I had not heard of the Darkmoon then."
"Then that is because you were not deemed a threat. You are a Sentinel...and a rather friendly one, at that. We shall get along well in the fields of battle, should we ever need to cross paths. Until then, -"
"Blessings of the moon upon your journey?"
Sirris smiled. "You catch on quick, Sentinel. Indeed, blessings of the moon upon your journey."
I bid her farewell, though I got the sense I'd be seeing more of her again...even if she seemed to want the opposite. I returned to the bonfire, finding my brother already there. "How's Greirat?"
"He's...well, a bit bored if I'm being honest. Don't worry, he's not going anywhere...at least he hasn't said he wants to go anywhere. Who's the new arrival?"
"Her name's Sirris. Seems a bit standoffish, but I have a feeling she'll warm up to us with enough time. Ready to leave?"
Flynn nodded, the two of us already seated by the fire. We returned to the Road, where we'd just found Anri and Horace. Unsurprisingly, they were already gone, likely heading to the Cathedral in search of Aldrich. However, as agreed upon, we had our own task, though we first needed to find it. All we knew about was a swamp...that was really our only clue.
We continued down the path beyond the bonfire, fully prepared to find more of the strange bird-like skeletons that we'd seen before. However, that was far from the case as the two of us rounded a corner, coming across more of the woods. We were up high, the path ahead of us descending down into what I would call a swamp...but that didn't make sense. There had been no forks in the road, no possible split in which Anri and Horace could have ventured off to find Aldrich. Perhaps this wasn't the swamp we were looking for, but rather yet another obstacle in our way.
As expected, the foes were plentiful and varied. Up ahead was a group of hollows which had seemed to adapt to the woods around them, each carrying a sharpened branch that it could use as a sort of gore, or perhaps a battering ram. Beyond them, however, was the pool of stilled water that I'd considered our swamp. In it were numerous crabs, most of them hidden amidst the trees that were in our way...but two of them rose up above the rest, standing even taller than I was and several times wider. How such a simple creature could grow to such an unimaginable scale, I didn't want to know. I couldn't see much beyond that, however...the tree cover was thick enough to block any further vision.
Flynn stood ahead of me as we began our march forward, the horde of hollows turning on us. One stood out in front of the rest, lowering its head and charging forward with its branch. Flynn braced himself, deflecting the branch with his shield, following up with a swing from his sword. Though the hollow initially seemed stronger than others we'd seen, it fell just as easily. That gave me confidence...confidence that we'd be able to get through at least eight more with our lives.
"I'll split off to the right. They look easy enough. Think you've got them without me?"
My brother gave me a nod. "Go for it."
I split off, sliding down the hill and finding myself between two of the branch-wielding hollows, as well as one of the undead beasts we'd seen from time to time. All three charged at me, the beast latching onto my ankle before I had a chance to react, preventing me from doing my usual dextrous dodging. As the branched came for me on either side I ducked down, reaching for my dagger and plunging it into the beast's side, kicking at it with my free foot to try and get it off. Unfortunately, it refused, clamping down harder and thrashing about wildly, the metal in my armor beginning to get crushed by the continued force. It was too close for my scythe...that was the one bad thing I'd found about the weapon. Ironically, my spear would have been most useful here, except that it was lost in the charred demon husk I'd thrown at it.
Thus...I had no choice - continue barraging it with my dagger until it let go either by choice or by death. I plunged my dagger into its side several times, the font of stamina within me helping me forward. I'd noticed that my energy had seemed to rise in recent events...I was less tired, and could keep fighting longer than before. It wasn't something to complain about at all, but I had no idea where it'd come from. In this world, where seemingly mundane objects possessed potent properties, anything on my person could have given me this boon.
As I continued assaulting the dog, the hollows had not forgotten me. They were charging once again, and now I was on the ground with even fewer ways to defend myself. I tried to roll out of the way as the first branch came in, but that only put me perfectly in the path of the second. The former plowed into the soft dirt right next to me...the latter hit me directly in the ribs, ripping a hole through my armor, flesh, muscle, bone...and then all in reverse as it popped out my back. I let out a howl of anger, the gaping left causing me excruciating amounts of pain. Worst part was, I didn't have time to fix it right now. Taking the time to drink from my flask would give them enough time to counterattack, a revolving loop that didn't seem like it would play out in my favor.
I acted...fast. I gave up on the beast for now, deeming it much less of a threat than the two hollows, and hurled my dagger at the one that'd hit me. Reaching for my scythe I slashed diagonally in front of me, cleanly cutting through part of its arm, the branch now sagging lower to the ground. I kicked at the beast several more times in the face, trying to get its maw off of my ankle, still to no avail.
The second hollow had recovered, and tried to gore me for its first time. I dodged out of the way, wincing as I tried to contort myself with a hole in my chest, but still managing to just slip past it. I swung my scythe out in front of me, foregoing my usual graceful movement in favor of solving this problem faster. In two swipes, its head rolled from its neck, the rest of the body falling to the ground. I loved having a weapon with a handle long enough to pull that maneuver off...there was something satisfying about the opportunities it brought.
Now that the odds were slightly in my favor, I twisted back around, focusing my attentions on the first hollow once again. I leaned forward, slashing my scythe down its front to leave a gruesome gash across its chest. I slashed a second and third time, finally taking it down. Now, there was only the matter of the beast, still satisfied to dig into my ankle. I could barely feel it at this point, but that was no matter - I could deal with that. I took my dagger and plunged it into its sides repeatedly, until I'd eventually taken it down.
I stood up, having to hold myself against the slope I'd just fallen down, reaching for my Estus. I took a long and deep drink, somewhat revolted by the feeling of the liquid splashing through the hole in my chest. However, its restorative powers were working all the same, bones restructuring themselves, muscle and sinew knitting themselves back together, and my skin reforming over the now-closed wound. Still, my armor was irreparably damaged, at least until we saw Andre to get it fixed.
I looked for Flynn...he was having a heyday. In his wake was a slew of hollows, some of them with their branches split in half, others with them simply busted and splintered. It seemed he was freely swapping between his sword and his mace, crushing some enemies while slicing others in half. He'd just killed another, and there was only one more left. He spun around, slamming it with his mace, sending it flying through the air...right towards me. I swung my scythe upward, splitting the hollow in half as each piece fell to either side of me.
"Careful where you're swinging those things. Some people don't like undead bodies being thrown at them."
Flynn chuckled, moving to clean his sword. "Well, you seemed to manage it alright. What happened? You look a bit worse for wear."
I nodded, looking down at the twisted hole in my armor. "Got caught off-guard. I'll be fine, so long as I don't let it happen again. Let's keep going...though I'm not sure where."
Flynn pointed behind me, a strip of dry land running along the pool of water. The opposite side was guarded by a steep cliff...seemed reasonable. "If possible, I'd like to avoid the water for now. I'm sure we'll have to cross it at some point...but let's hold off on that until necessary."
"Sounds like a plan. After you."
We continued towards it, having to walk through the bog for just a bit to get there. The water wasn't quite as deep as I had initially expected, coming up to only my ankles, and yet it felt...thick. Thicker than water should be. Even with the insignificant depth I was slowed down, more effort going into raising and lowering my feet than I would have liked. However, we eventually made it to the far end of the water.
Here, another strange type of creature lurked. It appeared to be a cross between an insect and a mushroom - a small, insectile face sat at the very bottom of a porous and spore-ridden fungal body. From these spores seemed to be a semi-constant stream of virulent, purplish air, which I absolutely did not want to inhale. Thankfully, however, they seemed to give us no attention, simply electing to stay where they were as we passed them harmlessly.
Up ahead, however, was a much less passive creature. It was a reclining undead that bore a cross on its back, but I could tell from its dimensions that it was much taller than we were. As we drew closer it stood up, baring claw-like hands as it lunged towards us.
Flynn was done...we'd only just gotten here, but I could tell he simply wanted to get by. In a sense, I was in the same mindset. We had a task now, to help Anri and Horace defeat the Lords. We couldn't waste time...not now that we had others depending on us.
Flynn simply swung his mace at the towering undead, completely disregarding the size differential as he sent its face crashing into the ground without so much as a second thought. Once it was down, he was able to make short work of it with two more brutal smashes, frost coating the undead's now-limp body.
Up ahead appeared to be a wall, castle-like in nature. It was the only structure we'd seen thus far in the woods...whether it was the way to Aldrich or the Abyss Watchers, I didn't know. However, there was a doorway up ahead, which would hopefully give us a clue. On our way to the doorway was another of the cross-bearing undead. I elected to take this one, defeating it with a flurry of slashes with my scythe - I wanted to get out of here.
We passed through the doorway, finding ourselves looking out upon what could only be the swamp - the actual swamp. An entire forest of sickly and dying trees sprawled out before us, standing above a fetid pool of something that could no longer be considered water - sludge was a much more accurate term. From this high up, I couldn't see much more of it, but it was enough to know that that was our destination. However, we were much too high up - a fall from this height would be lethal, and the guard rail along the stone path we found ourselves on suggested that leaping over it would be a poor decision. The path took a sharp left, leading down a stairwell with a very recognizable foe standing upon it.
A knight, clad in pitch-black armor and a winged helmet, stood before us. We'd seen a few of these before, in our previous lives. I remembered each of them vividly - they were formidable opponents, each and every one. This one in particular bore a greatsword in one hand and a sharp, pointed shield in the other, something that was a staple across every one that we'd seen. Why it was guarding the path to the swamp, I didn't know...the original ones seemed to have been guarding Gwyn, and yet clearly he wasn't around anymore...or at least I didn't expect him to be around anymore.
The knight had no hesitations, immediately moving to walk up the stairs towards the two of us. Flynn stepped forward, interposing himself between me and the knight, bringing up his shield to defend against the inevitable blows. They came, the knight contorting its entire body into adding as much power into every swing as it could. Steel clanged against steel, each powerful blow ringing out amidst the hallway. Flynn held fast, trying to sneak in a strike whenever he could, but unable to find the time.
I, however, did not have that predicament. While the knight was busy trying to down my brother I dashed around behind it, swiping at its leg. However, my blade simply hit an impenetrable wall, embedding itself in the armor of its sabaton and coming to an abrupt halt.
That was not what I expected to have happen...and it didn't end well. In a blinding flash the knight spun about, smacking my face with its shields and sending me tumbling down the staircase. It kicked my scythe free, but it was woefully out of my reach. In a last-ditch effort I grabbed my dagger, throwing it forward to the knight. Once again I was pitifully outmatched, the knight grabbing onto my rope and pulling me forward, my hands still gripping my end of the rope before I could realize what was going on. Even as Flynn attacked it from behind, plunging his sword through its chest, it didn't seem to care. Once I was close enough to it it did the same to me, its much larger sword cleaving through the open piece in my armor, plenty of sword left to rip out the other side. It kicked me off of its blade with the boot that I'd just nicked, sending me tumbling down the staircase even further than before. As I spun, I saw it sever the rope, leaving the dagger still embedded within it.
I was dying...quickly. I grasped my talisman and blessed myself with Replenishment, praying that my wounds would heal as fast as possible. As the wounds began knitting themselves back together I looked for something, anything, that could help me in this fight. I was out of weapons, a predicament that I'd never quite found myself in, and not one that I wished to be in further. Whereas I was hoping for a brick or a sharpened stick, I found something much more reliable and practical - actual weapons.
They weren't flashy or flamboyant - simply two solid pieces of slender steel, sharpened to a fine point on one side of the blade. As my wound continued to close up I crawled towards them, grasping one of the two identical weapons in each hand, as I assumed they were meant to be used. Though it was feasible that I could choose only one and use my shield at the same time, that wasn't what I wanted right now...I wanted revenge.
The bloody hole in my chest had almost completely healed at this point, and I pulled myself up to my feet, rushing back towards the knight with renewed vigor. I leaped into the air, plunging each blade into a shoulder, not bothering to plant my feet on the ground so as to let gravity rip the swords through its armor. I landed with my back on the ground as a result, but it was very clear that I'd made it angry...and that's all I cared about. It spun about, slamming its sword down, but I brought up the twinblades to hold it at bay, each one across my chest with the massive sword pushing down where they intersected. I couldn't hold out forever, but I didn't need to...I had Flynn to make sure of that. I saw a familiar sword thrust through the Knight's chest, giving me the break I needed to slide between its legs, getting back to my feet.
The knight was enraged now, but at neither of us in particular - I think it wanted us both dead equally. It swiped at me but I held up my twinblades, holding the sword at bay with one while plunging the other into its side. Flynn had taken the time to swap to his mace, smashing the knight in the chest with enough force to send it stumbling backwards into the wall. I followed up, dashing forward and stabbing each sword into its chest, feelings its body go limp after the second. Flynn, unaware of this, came in behind me, sending his mace slamming into its face with enough force to completely and utterly crush its helmet. Once I pulled away my swords the armor clattered to the ground, just before the entire knight - and armaments - dissipated.
That was something I'd still never quite figured out. Some things faded away, much like what I had been use to, and yet others simply fell limp, their bodies not leaving us and falling to the ground. In general, the more powerful enemies seemed to exhibit the former characteristic - enemies that carried with them souls, as well as formidable foes like the strange Boreal Knight and now the Black Knight we'd just seen. Why, I wasn't quite sure...but I didn't want to think much of it right now.
Flynn spun me around, looking down to where I'd been struck. By this point, it was completely healed...I heard him let out a sigh of relief. "We need to get you to Andre, and soon. That's going to become a liability sooner or later."
"Yeah...let's find a bonfire so that we can get out of here. The swamp's probably this way - let's hope there's one nearby.
Unfortunately there wasn't, however...the hallway was a dead end. Or at least, it now was, but the end of it was so cluttered with fallen chunks of stone that there presumably could be a way forward, but it wasn't worth digging to find it. At the end was a lone corpse, clutching in its hands something that Flynn immediately latched onto. It was an ember...not the strange, humanity-esque sprite that we'd seen several times before. No, this was an ember for a forge, like some that we'd seen before. Flynn pulled the object out of the corpse's hands, holding the ember as if one would hold a child.
I didn't need to see under his helmet...I knew he was smiling. "I'm guessing you want to get back to Andre?"
He gave me a terse nod. "Let's find a bonfire...soon. Andre's going to be happy, I'm sure."
"Then where do you think we should go?"
He looked around, seeing a busted iron door in the corner of the room. Beyond it was more stone walkway...a good sign. "If we can get to the other side of this door, I think we're in good shape. Let's go back and follow this wall. Hopefully we'll find something."
And so we did. We moved back up the staircase, following the other side of the stone wall. Of course, this put is in the water...as expected. Crabs began to swarm around us in the next few moments, though they were small and seemingly harmless. Still, it was a bad omen...I'd seen much larger ones earlier, and I was willing to bet that they would crush us at the earliest sign of provocation.
Flynn crept forward ahead of me, staying along the wall. Up ahead the trees thinned out, and I could see what I only assumed was what we wanted - a rising staircase made of stone, a large opening into a room currently beyond my field of vision. However, it was not unguarded - far from it. I could see at least one hulking figure, clad in almost comically large and rugged armor, wielding a similarly oversized rod of wood. It wasn't refined and carved like my spear had been...it looked like it had ripped off a lower limb of a tree. I couldn't quite tell, but I thought I could see another, standing just beyond the open doorway. Mere hints of its existence though - a foot, an elbow, perhaps the hilt of a weapon, but it could have just been my mind playing tricks on me.
Flynn drew closer, until he stopped dead in his tracks. One of the larger crabs of the bog had wandered closer, and I froze as well, hoping that it would simply pass us by. However, reality was much less kind, the crab's sideways walk leaving its beady black eyes staring straight towards us. It came to a halt, letting out a sort of insectile screech, drawing the attention of every other crab around it.
At the same time, however, a strange figure appeared seemingly from nowhere, wearing the most bizarre garb. It was an undead or unkindled, or at least something along those lines...that was about all I could tell. It was yellowed robes with no apparent value, but the oddest part about it was its headdress. The undead had wrapped a piece of yellow cloth around its head uncountably many times, creating a sort of mushroom-like headpiece that was almost as tall as the rest of the creature. In one hand was a strange and gruesome pick, while the other hand held a crossbow.
The words that it uttered, however, were something I didn't make much sense of...but by the way my brother tensed up, I knew it made sense to him. The voice was clearly feminine...but that was the only distinguishing characteristic I could gather. "Dearest mother Rosaria tells me you've wronged one of her children...we can't let that happen again."
Flynn
Was this another one of Rosaria's goons? I could only assume so, there was no other reasonable explanation. However, we were in a bit of a predicament. The massive crab was charging straight towards me, which posed a much larger threat than the oddly-garbed undead with a simple crossbow. However, none of that mattered to me right now...I was done having to deal with Rosaria's subservients. If I could eliminate one, permanently, that might send a message to the rest. "Sister, do you think you can handle the crab?"
Resa unveiled her twin blades, a sinister smile crossing her lips. "My pleasure. Give her hell."
"If you say so." I didn't waste a second, throwing my hand forward and hurling a fireball in her direction. The woman threw herself to the side as my fireball plunged into the water, but my statement had been made - I was here for blood, and I wouldn't be happy until I got it.
"Feisty, aren't you? Leonhard did say you'd be a fine candidate. I'd have to agree with him! I'm Heysel...we'll be working together - "
I charged towards her while the arrogant brat continued speaking, eventually cutting her off as I slammed Vordt's hammer into the ground at her feet. She once again threw herself to the side, firing off a round from her crossbow while in mid air. I had no hope of reacting, feeling the bolt slide into my side, but not with any sort of noticeable pain...it would take a lot more than one arrow to take me down.
"I don't give a damn who you are. I told your filth to leave me alone, and you're going to be the example!" I lunged forward, smashing my hammer down one more time intentionally to the side. Heysel threw herself out of the way, but I was ready. I fired off a gout of crimson fire from my hand, her cloth wraps burning for only a brief second before she plunged herself into the water. While I had the element of surprise I slammed my hammer down again, frost forming in the water around Heysel as she continued to nimbly dodge out of the way."
"If you think saying pretty please will get the Fingers of your back...you must be new here. Let me give you a tour." Heysel held out her pick as a small orb of blue light began to shine from it. Then, rapidly, small bolts of energy began flying from it, one after the other, each one barraging me at different points. They completely disregarded my armor, barraging my skin in a way that fire could not. It was cold, oh so bitter cold...and yet somehow burned intensely.
I dropped my hammer, pulling out my shield to safeguard myself. I had to...it was the only way that I was going to survive this. Even behind my shield, wisps of energy still snuck through, burning at my skin with its sheer intensity.
"Rosaria does not approve of retaliation. Your journey ends here, Unkindled."
I snarled, pushing forward against the tide. "No. Your battle ends now." I slammed my shield into her face, the blow softened by the layers of fabric but still very, very disorienting. As she stumbled backwards I let out another gout of fire, then moving to grasp my sword. As I did another crossbow bolt plunged itself right next to the previous one, Heysel reloading fast enough to fire off a third. I stumbled backwards, the wound now significant enough that it required my attention. I was forced to let her stand up as I ripped the bolts free, ignoring the bleeding that came with them...I didn't have time to worry about such things.
Heysel reached for an Estus flask of her own, an action that I quickly mirrored. As the battle reset I charged towards her with renewed vigor, letting my shield soak up the majority of the blasts of sorcery she hurled at me, willing to take the punishment so long as I got the reward. It came, my entire body plowing into her, crushing her against a tree. I plunged my sword into her chest, feeling it stop abruptly once it hit the tree behind her.
She hung limp...thank goodness. Hopefully, Heysel's corpse would be enough of a warning to rid ourselves of any other of Rosaria's Fingers in the future. I pulled my sword free, letting her body fall to the ground. I wiped my blade clean, turning to face Resa, as well as -
Searing pain coursed through my back, as a familiar hail of sorcery fell upon me. At the same time, however, I could feel several crossbow bolts lodge themselves in my shoulder, one after the other in rapid succession. By the time I'd spun around I was already struggling to see straight, raising my shield up, but my sword arm now hung limp from the wounds to my shoulder.
"If you don't fight dirty, why are you even fighting! Weak." Heysel continued to blast me, her magical reservoir so much greater than anything I could actually fathom. I growled, running towards her, a crossbow bolt to my knee putting me into a limping run, a bolt to my other knee then sending me to the ground. I could barely keep fighting given how much she'd injured me, but I had to...giving up now simply wasn't an option.
I grabbed my Estus flask, guzzling the remainder of its contents as quickly as I could, completely disregarding if it was far more than I actually needed. Strength surged through me once more and I got back to my feet...Heysel was gone. I looked around, frantic, trying to find her. She had to be injured...she had to.
Pain coursed through my back and I spun around. She was right where I'd left her, by the tree. She wasn't there a moment ago...I was so confused. I charged towards her, smashing my shield against her face with enough force to slam her into the ground. I slammed my sword down, shredding through her garb and ribs effortlessly, bringing my sword crashing down again. The water around her began to be stained red...that wasn't the only red I was going to bring her. I held my hand a hair's breadth away from her face, letting out two jets of smouldering fire that scorched the garb covering her face. It didn't burn away, the cloth too soaked from the water...but it was charred black.
She didn't try to retaliate anymore. She knew she'd been beaten...there was no way out of it. I lifted her up with two hands, holding her in the air. "Just try and come back. Try and fight me again. Resa wasn't even here...together, we'd crush you like an insect. Seek us out again...I dare you."
"My pleasure."
Even in death she was beyond insufferable. I slammed her down and brought up my knee at the same time, both with enough force to shatter her spine. I tossed the now-limp corpse to the side, hearing it splash against the ground. She wasn't getting up from that...the fading body told me that much. It was good to know...what to expect from her death, at least. Next time, I wouldn't be fooled by such a cheap trick.
I marched back to my mace, taking a drink from my Ashen Estus flask as I looked towards Resa. The crab was still putting up a fight, but I could tell that wouldn't be the case for much longer. By the time I holstered my mace and began walking towards her, she had felled it, sliding forward and holding up both blades, cleaving dual incisions through the crab's underside that did it in. As she did, however, something fell from the cut, something that I couldn't quite make out at the moment.
Before that, however, something else caught my eye. It was a collection of scrolls bound together, simply lying upon an unassuming rock. My eyes scanned the page - I could make out these words. However, based on their contents, I knew that others wouldn't be able to. They were pyromancies, and I could have sworn I recognized the scroll on top. Still, I wasn't entirely sure. I pocketed them away, wanting to reconnect with Cornyx as well once we found a bonfire.
Resa approached me, holding something in her hands. It was a ring, a green and yellow color with no apparent design. She held it out to me. "I got the last one...I think it's your turn."
"You sure? You killed the thing...seems like that makes it your prize."
She nodded. "It is, and I'm choosing to give it to you. Trust me...you need all the help you can get." She teased, a coy smile crossing her features.
"Oh, you...give it." I swiped the ring out of her hand, slipping it on my own. It was fairly warm, oddly enough...warmer than it ought to be. I didn't quite know what to make of that, only that it seemed like a good thing.
"Alright...are you hurt? I saw you fighting that person, and it didn't look great."
I shook my head, holding out my completely drained Estus flask. "I'm doing alright, but I'm relying on you from now on. Think you're up to the challenge?"
She nodded. "There's still the undead up there. Hopefully, that's about all that's left."
"Hopefully. Let's find out."
We moved up the stairs, finding not one but two undead, dressed in similarly massive armor. It looked makeshift, oddly enough, with plates and fur strapped together in a rather messy fashion. However, it was impossible to deny its functionality...it looked impenetrable. The only thing different about them were their weapons, one wielding a massive club while the other held a curved greatsword. This time, we'd focus each one down...I didn't want to be caught needing help and Resa unable to provide it.
I charged the club-wielding one first, smashing my sword into its armor only for it to bounce off. No matter...I had ways of dealing with that. I let out several gouts of flame in its face, finding the surges more powerful than before, the flames rushing from my palm with greater intensity. The reason was clear...the ring had to be what was doing this. The warmth made sense now, bolstering my pyromancies to even more formidable heights. The several blasts were enough to send the man staggering backward, where Resa kept up the assault. She plunged her blades into chinks between the rear plates of armor, going until they stopped short at the chest plate. The man froze, falling limp...he was dead before he even got to fight...how much of that came from my now-enhanced pyromancies, I wasn't sure.
The second man, intimidated by just how fast his friend was felled, didn't shy away from the fight. However, just like last, we took it down rather quickly. I noticed the rungs of a ladder poking out from the floor of the following room, an idea forming in my mind. I moved my center of gravity lower as I charged forward, slamming into the man with as much force as I possibly could, continuing to push forward. I was making progress...not much, but progress. Behind the man, though, the opening of the staircase grew closer and closer as I pushed it towards my destination. I could see the greatsword ready to come down upon me and I countered with a quick blast of fire that consumed the last of my magical reserves, directly on its face, and with enough power to delay the attack while also catching him off guard. That was all I needed, the resistance of my push dwindling once one foot slipped beyond the precipice, a second following quickly. The ladder was much taller than I expected...but that was for the better. The man plummeted down the chute, the sound of him hitting the ground delayed enough that he wouldn't be getting back up from it.
I looked at my sister, who was simply clapping. "Impressive, Flynn. I get the feeling you want to get out of here just as much as I do."
"More." I held up the sheaf of scrolls. "I've got some pyromancies to learn. Between that and the ember, I want nothing more than to find a bonfire. If we don't find one soon, I'm tempted to head back. I'm out of Estus and pyromancies. I don't think I'll be going for much longer even if I wanted to."
"Well then, let's find out. If you need to go back, just let me know...I won't judge you too hard."
I shook my head. "You're insufferable."
"I do my best."
I sighed, gripping the rungs of the ladder and descending, eventually losing track of just how far I'd descended. This had to be the right direction...the swamp was much lower than we were from the previous floor, and we were going down a considerable distance.
At the bottom, however, was a wonderful sight...a bonfire. Beyond it, I could see the fetid swamp...we were going the right direction. However...that would have to wait for another time.
