Scars

"What news?" Wynfrith called out to the two riders that fast approached the three of them as they travelled one of the roads leading from Irithyll towards Lothric. They had acquired horses shortly after they exited Irithyll's borders and were making better time than they had initially anticipated.

Lorian took a moment to examine the riders. One in black hunter robes and the other in hunter plate armor - it was undeniably Albert and Kamui. By the looks of the two of them and the thick sheen of sweat on their horses, they had ridden hard to arrive when they did.

"Orders from Gotthard," Albert started, breathing hard, "we're to escort you the rest of the way to Lothric."

Wynfrith glanced at Lorian before speaking. "Trouble in the kingdom?"

"None yet," Kamui answered, "though it is only a matter of time."

"Yet serious enough to send you to escort us half a day's journey from the gates." Lorian said warily. It was unusual if not alarming. He rode ahead of Wynfrith and Burchwen, motioning for the two hunters to follow. They caught up easily, riding close enough on either side that they could hold a quiet conversation. Lorian was not concerned with Wynfrith overhearing, but he did not know where Burchwen's allegiances truly lay. "This was Lothric's doing?"

"We don't know much, I'm afraid, but as far as we can tell, yes," Albert confirmed, "though I doubt it's anything to do with what we know of."

"And what do you know of?"

Albert and Kamui exchanged a silent glance before Kamui replied, "The Queen's handmaiden, Gertrude, has been in hiding after she claimed to experience a vision of angels."

Lorian frowned. "What are angels?"

Albert shrugged, "No one rightly knows, but something happened to her. When I found her she was half-mad, blind, and mute. I thought she had gone truly mad, until she cast the miracle that pierced the castle as feathers appeared from nowhere and I could see the sky."

"She is also the reason Prince Lothric's illness subsided," Kamui added.

"Then why is she in hiding?"

"Heresy," Kamui answered.

"She claims her angels have a greater power than that of the First Flame, which will only be shown once the First Flame is extinguished," said Albert. "The people are desperate for something new to believe in; Lothric is on the brink of civil war which Prince Lothric is trying to prevent."

"He believes me to be in danger then - from whom? Gertrude's supporters?"

"We cannot say for certain," said Kamui.

"Though I do not believe Gertrude's supporters wish ill of you or Prince Lothric." Albert elaborated, "If they had, Gertrude would not have risked herself to help Prince Lothric."

If not Gertrude, that only left their father and his supporters, but as far as Lorian was aware they had done nothing to provoke them to take action. Unless their father had borne another heir rendering Lothric obsolete as Lorian was, Lorian could think of nothing else that would lead to a threat.

He needed to know what was going on, and it was clear he would not receive sufficient answers here. He needed to speak with Lothric directly.

"I will ride ahead," Lorian said, loud enough that Wynfrith and Burchwen would hear him.

"Prince Lorian!" Albert protested. His and Kamui's horses having already gone through half a day's hard ride, they would be unable to ride alongside him.

Wynfrith rode up beside him, "until you have returned safely, I will stay with you per Prince Lothric's orders."

Lorian nodded and spurred his horse forward from the leisurely pace it had been keeping. He was grateful when Wynfrith rode silently alongside him, not asking questions. They lost the two hunters, but so long as they made it before nightfall, Lorian doubted they would be in any true danger.

x

As they approached, Lorian marveled at the sight of the high wall. When he had left, the project was still in its infancy, but now the stone towered above them. Distantly, he could hear the stonemasons still at work despite the creeping dusk.

They slowed down their pace, allowing the horses a moment's reprieve.

"So, Godwyn's dream is at last becoming a reality. Shame he never got to appreciate it," Wynfrith commented.

"Who goes there?" Called one of the knights on guard at the gate.

"Knight Captain Wynfrith and Prince Lorian," she shouted back.

"Gods above!" The knight exclaimed. "You're back and alive! Open the gate!"

As soon as the large wooden gate opened enough to pass through, Lorian entered, ignoring the shouts of those in the streets as he rode through them. Wynfrith followed close behind him, apparently determined to see this through until he was in the same room as Lothric.

The sound of the bell filled the streets as one of the guards rang it to signal Lorian's return. His brother would know he was here now at least.

He paid no mind to the crowd in the streets that chattered as he rode by,

Eventually, he crossed the short bridge that separated the Keep from the rest of the castle, surprised to see the reception of knights gathered in the courtyard. He noticed several of those he had fought alongside amongst the crowd, including Eadric as he shouted Wynfrith's name. Lorian and Wynfrith dismounted their horses, and he watched as she pushed her way through the crowd until she reached Eadric who picked her up in an embrace and spun her around.

"Did you kill it?" shouted one knight.

"Where's the corpse?" another asked.

"He slayed the Demon Prince!" Wynfrith declared, "I saw it with my own eyes!"

"Prince Lorian, what happened to your face?"

Lorian fixed the knight with a cold stare and said nothing before moving towards the Keep's entrance where Gotthard stood, apparently waiting for him. He handed the reins of the horse to one of the knights as he passed.

"Welcome back, Prince Lorian. As you can see, your return was eagerly anticipated." Gotthard greeted him.

Behind them he heard the sound of a blow followed by Wynfrith berating whichever knight had asked the question in a hushed tone.

"I see my hunter's message reached you, though they don't appear to be with you," continued Gotthard with an amused tone. "Nevertheless, Prince Lothric eagerly awaits your report."

"Where is he now?" Lorian asked.

"In the cathedral."

It was unusual for Lothric to ever be found in such a location, but there was a reason for everything with Lothric. With a nod of thanks to Gotthard, Lorian continued down the halls to the part of the castle he rarely went to. As he walked, various priests and servants scurried out of his way, inclining their heads in respect.

The cathedral was a focal point of the castle, connected directly to the Keep and only a short distance from the castle's main entrance. Usually there were various priests and priestesses milling about the cathedral in either the upper or lower levels, but at the moment appeared to be almost entirely empty when he reached it. The only presence was his brother's figure at the front, on his knees with his head bowed as if in prayer. But he knew his brother and knew Lothric had no cause to pray.

"Lothric," he called out, just loud enough for his brother to hear him before walking down the spiral staircase.

"Dear brother, you have returned to me alive at last," Lothric said warmly in response, slowly rising to his feet. "Welcome home."

Lorian walked across the length of the cathedral, finally noticing the changes around him. There were cushions lining the seats and all the candles lighting the room had been recently changed. "Found your faith at last?"

Lothric smirked back, "Never." He motioned to the room with his hand, "I am to be crowned here in a few days time. Something to boost the morale of the faithful in our Father's absence and with the doubts sown by Gertrude overwhelming the kingdom."

"You will be King then?"

"No," Lothric replied. "It is all a facade. I will never be named King until Father perishes."

He took a moment to observe Lothric as he turned to face Lorian. It looked as though it was one of Lothric's better days. He had not expected as much after he received the news of his brother's condition when Wulfred attempted to persuade him to return. "You look well."

"A sight better than you, I fear." Lothric said with a frown as he stepped closer, reaching a hand up to trace over the scars on Lorian's face. "Your face-"

Lorian knew how he looked; Burchwen had not been able to completely heal his wounds where the Demon Prince had burned him the most severely. Unfortunately his face had not healed well as burn scars wrapped across his skin from his forehead to his cheeks.

He grasped Lothric's hand lightly, moving it away from his skin which still hurt to the touch. "I was lucky to keep my eyes for the most part intact."

Lothric pulled his hand from Lorian's grasp as his frown deepened. "I could attempt to heal it further."

"No," Lorian shook his head, "let them stay."

"Where else have you been scarred?"

"Everywhere. Though my hands were the most severe aside from my face."

"Show me."

Lorian relented, removing his gauntlets and dropping them to the ground. His brother grabbed his hands, flipping them over to see the scars that covered his palms and crept up his wrists. The blisters had faded, but the skin, like his face, was tender, discolored, and hot to the touch even now.

"I would heal your hands, at the very least. After all, what good is a warrior who can no longer hold his sword?" Lothric, not asking permission, placed his hands over Lorian's as his magic sank into his palms and Lorian felt sweet relief wash over him. "There will still be some scarring, but there should be no more pain."

Lorian flexed his hands, astounded at the effectiveness of his brother's healing miracles. "What happened while I was away? They tried to urge me to return sooner, saying you were ill."

He could see Lothric hesitate before answering, "Time has taken a toll on me it seems. My illness grows worse, though at least now I suspect I may know the cause."

"You do not appear ill now," Lorian commented, noting the color in his face and the fact that he was steady on his feet even though it was already evening. Usually on his bad days, Lothric would have to retire in the early afternoon, if he managed to leave his room at all.

"A blessing from Gertrude is the only reason I am still standing," Lothric said, casting his gaze to the side as he spoke. "Had it not been for her, I fear I may be closer to Father in appearance than I would ever desire."

"I thought Gertrude was deemed a radical after her disappearance; what blessing did she grant you?"

Lothric turned his attention to one of the candles nearby. "My spirit was fading, twisting into a beast not unlike Father, thanks to the horrors he inflicted upon our mother while she carried me. Gertrude's miracle halted it, giving me strength once more, though I suspect its effects are temporary."

"Meaning it will happen again?"

"It might, though not anytime soon so long as you are with me." Lothric said, and Lorian could hear the sadness in his voice. "You will save me, though it will be at the cost of your own strength."

"If there is anything I can do to spare you pain, you need only ask. Just tell me what I must do."

"Nothing."

"Lothric-"

"I am not being obstinate, brother. I merely mean that you need not do anything but exist near me, and that is enough. You are the air in this cathedral, ever expanding, ever growing. I, on the other hand, am more like this candle." Lothric took a glass candle holder and placed it over the candle, and Lorian watched as the small flame began to fade. "As Wulfred theorized, without you my spirit is too weak and will fade. But," he lifted the holder and the flame sputtered back to life, "I take from you to fuel myself. But I fear I will take and take and take, until you have nothing left."

Lorian reached over and took the candle holder from Lothric and cast it aside. "I would give as much as you would take."

"Careful with what you offer, dear brother." Lothric cast his gaze to the side. "It is already against my better judgment that I am telling you at all and not sending you away again. Just know if you remain here, you may be in danger."

"Is that why you sent an escort?" The pieces were slowly clicking in place for Lorian. He hated not getting a straight answer, but he also knew Lothric always spoke in circles instead of speaking directly when it was something he didn't want to talk about in the first place. "You believe Wulfred will try something?"

Lothric moved away, sitting on one of the benches nearby before answering. "I think I posed him with far too much intrigue for his own good, though I believe for now he primarily desires Gertrude in order to study whatever has happened to her. Separating us is likely secondary."

"You are protecting her." Lorian stated and watched as Lothric pursed his lips. He held no animosity toward Lothric for making the decision to protect her, but he was genuinely curious as to what would drive him to do so. "Why? Because of her miracle that saved you?"

"I know not."

Lorian sat beside his brother, drawing his full attention. "Surely you must have some reason."

"A plethora of half excuses: she was a close confidant; she saved my life; to deny those that seek her from having her: to encourage this schism she has created amongst the people. Take your pick."

"I would have thought you of all people would oppose the divide she has caused. When we last spoke you were desperately trying to keep the peace and to hold the kingdom together. Now you choose to throw all your efforts away?" He thought back to that day, Lothric manic and desperate as he struggled to come up with a plan.

Lothric looked at him, rolling some thought around in his mind before speaking. "She said something to me, when she first succumbed to whatever madness has taken her." He reached into his robes and pulled out a well-worn piece of parchment, handing it to Lorian.

He took the paper, examining it carefully, noting how it had been folded, unfolded, and refolded. So much so that the charcoal at the creases had begun to fade. It was clear that Lothric had read this note countless times.

The angel said they will save us all,

it told me of how it will bring new light

once the light of the First Flame is extinguished.

You don't need to die.

They will save you.

We will all be saved.

"You believe whatever these angels are will be able to save you?" Lorian asked, skeptical. He doubted his brother would be swayed by such a notion unless there was something more to it.

"No," Lothric dismissed. "I know that no matter the path I choose, there will be no satisfying ending for myself. But her words reminded me of what Sulyvahn said before he left, his talk of an Age of Deep Seas, dark and vast."

Lorian decided to entertain the thought, "Sulyvahn's future and Gertrude's future seem entirely contradictory; how can there be new light in an age of deep sea?"

Beside him, Lothric shook his head. "I do not believe those futures are the same, merely that each sees an opportunity in a future beyond that of the First Flame."

"What are you planning to do?" Lorian asked carefully.

He watched Lothric stare down at his hands, clawed fingers curling and uncurling. "I am… I was... keeping my options open."

"If Gertrude receives enough support," Lorian pressed.

"There will be civil war. Yes." Lothric spoke slowly, turning to stare at Lorian from beneath the hood of his prayer robes. "Lothric will be swallowed in chaos."

"There will need to be a moment. A catalyst for it to begin."

"I am not yet certain if it is the path I want to take," Lothric confessed. "I do not know if it is a path I will be able to take. What I want may not matter."

"And what do you want?" Lorian asked, softly. He had never seen Lothric so torn and forlorn before. Whatever had happened had truly shaken him.

Lothric shook his head, "I do not know."

Behind them, the large wooden doors leading into the cathedral from the castle streets began to open, and he turned to see who was entering. It turned out to be Lady Emma; she entered with a basin in her arms which she was carrying to the front of the cathedral. She paused when she saw the gauntlets and then moved her gaze toward where Lorian was seated and her eyes lit up, "Prince Lorian! I wasn't told of your return. I'm glad to see you returned home safely." She hesitated for a moment before speaking again, "What brings you here? You've never been one to attend sermons before."

"We were saying a prayer of thanks for my brother's safe return," Lothric said as he stood. "I also thought I might show him where the coronation will occur."

"Forgive me, Prince Lothric," Emma said quickly, "I didn't mean to intrude, I was simply returning this basin. Since Prince Lorian has returned, we will need to modify arrangements. He must be present as well. Perhaps during the ceremony we can announce his new title-"

She cowered under the sharp glare Lothric aimed at her. "I had not yet had a chance to broach the topic with him."

"My apologies."

"Excuse us," Lothric said as he stood and began walking towards the entrance with Lorian following behind him, only pausing to grasp his gauntlets as he went.

There was silence as they exited the cathedral, back into the keep, and started winding their way through the castle halls. Lorian blindly followed where Lothric was guiding him, waiting until they reached their destination to ask any questions. As they walked, several knights and servants welcomed Lorian home.

They passed each of their rooms as they made their way toward the bathing chamber, and Lorian couldn't help but remember the first time they had done this. He had just returned from slaying the wyvern, their Father's anger inconsequential as they enjoyed their first reunion.

When Lothric stopped in the doorway, Lorian hesitated seeing the steaming bath water. Lothric caught his eye as realization settled over him. "Your wounds?"

Lorian nodded and began to remove his armor. As he dropped each piece to the floor he watched Lothric's eyes trace over him making note of each scar and healing wound. His tunic, a disgusting mess of dried blood, dirt, and ash was plastered to his skin and he was grateful when Lothric reached out and helped him remove it before casting it aside to the floor.

"Would you prefer a servant help you with this?" Lothric asked.

"Did you when your illness was at its worst?"

"No, of course not. They would see me as..."

"Weak. Precisely."

"But this is not weakness, Lorian. This is strength, incomprehensible."

"I would prefer others do not see the extent of the wounds I suffered." Lorian was solemn as his hand hovered over the wound on his side which still throbbed even after this long. Burchwen had assured him she had cleansed the infection, but it did not make it any less of a grisly sight.

There was a sharp inhale as Lothric spotted the wounds from the Demon Prince's claws on his sides. They stretched from just below his ribs, around his side, and down his back beyond his hips. Four equal marks running parallel, the scar tissue still fresh and raw as the wound still had not fully healed.

"Burchwen healed this?" Lothric asked quietly as he reached a hand out, hovering over the marks down until the point where they disappeared beneath Lorian's greaves.

"Shortly after the battle."

Lothric's expression clouded over as he spoke, "by all means, you should be dead."

"I am very much alive."

It was apparently enough to snap Lothric out of his stupor and he took Lorian's wrist, pulling him forward, grousing, "Alive and filthy. Take off your greaves and sit down."

Swiftly, Lorian stripped from the rest of his armor with efficiency and sat on the stool beside the tub to observe Lothric. His brother held a small bucket with water scooped out from the tub, and a washcloth.

"It will not be the most efficient method of bathing, but I suspect it is a far better alternative than submerging your body," Lothric said as he moved closer, setting the bucket down beside Lorian who could hear the strain in his breathing from carrying it.

Lorian said nothing, merely observing as Lothric circled him before taking the cloth to his back. The water, though still warm, did not burn as severely as he had originally anticipated. The water dripped down to the floor at his feet, a murky reddish brown.

"I will never grow accustomed to our roles being reversed as such," Lorian said quietly as Lothric moved to work on his left arm, dragging the cloth down to his elbow. A small smile crossed his brother's lips.

"As filthy as you are, I am assured that this is incomparable to the baths where you excised various sores on my worst bed-ridden months." He set the cloth aside, lathering his hands before gently taking Lorian's hand and wiping the dried blood, dirt, and sweat from it.

"Nevertheless, thank you, for helping."

"I am not done yet," Lothric said before wringing out the cloth, dipping it into the water once more before working on his other arm, following the same pattern of cleaning before moving to his chest. At times Lorian was convinced he had more scar tissue than skin on his chest - more so now with the multitude of burn scars. "I need to rinse you."

Lorian handed him the bucket as he hunched forward slightly, bracing himself as Lothric poured the water over his shoulders, down his back, chest, and arms. The sudden heat flared across all his wounds and he grit his teeth, exhaling sharply from the pain, hands curled tightly over his knees. Part of him acknowledged Lothric setting the bucket back down, but it was only a faint awareness.

Before him, Lothric was approaching his side where the claw wounds were and Lorian braced himself. The sensation of the rough cloth and hot water on the still sensitive scar tissue clouded Lorian's senses with a haze of agony. It was easy to push past the pain when there was a sense of urgency ahead; a need to find a way out, a need to reach home, always on edge not knowing whether an assassin or monster would ambush them. But now there was no such urgency, and the pain settled in like an old friend.

"Lorian," he heard his brother call out distantly, "focus on my voice. There is no more pain. It is done."

He took a deep breath, trying to do as Lothric said, focusing on his voice while the throbbing echoes of pain slowly began to subside. He nodded.

"I still need to wash your face and hair. Can you endure it?" Lothric asked.

"Yes," he said, knowing it needed to be done.

Taking the bucket once more, Lothric poured the water over Lorian's head. It burned his face but the pain was almost trivial compared to the pain of the claw wounds. He closed his eyes as Lothric worked the soap into his hair, rinsing it before gently washing his face, tracing over the burn scars with as light of touches as he could manage.

"There," Lothric announced as he tossed the cloth into the empty bucket. "You are once again clean enough for civilization."

"Are we civilized then?" Lorian asked after several moments as the last of the pain faded.

"As civilized as any can be in these times," Lothric replied.

"And what if I did not wish to be civilized?"

"Then it is a pity that you were born to it, and you have no choice to the contrary, just as I was. And besides, you will need to be civilized to be the Knight General."

"I thought Father was the only one who could appoint new Pillars?"

"He has given me full authority in all but title to act as King in his stead," Lothric said bluntly. "That is partly why there will be a coronation. If you would rather I appoint another, tell me now, but it would give me great relief to know that you were by my side, supporting me."

"You will always have my support. That should never be in question," Lorian said as he moved to stand in front of him, placing a hand on Lothric's shoulder. "But will there not be backlash from such a maneuver? Surely there are those who would oppose this."

"Those who would oppose this would never act in our best interest regardless of who I appoint." He paused as if about to say more, but said nothing.

"Have I not earned your trust enough that you would still keep things from me?"

"I would keep you separate from the politics of this kingdom entirely if I was able."

"The assassination of one of the Pillars has long since ensured that I have already crossed that line. Tell me."

"The knights, they trust you?" Lothric asked, lowering his hand holding Lorian's wrist.

"Many of them."

"Do you believe you could influence them?"

Lorian tilted his head to the side at the strangeness of the question. He supposed after all the time spent alongside them during the campaign that there would be those he could influence. But there were also those who would directly oppose anything he might say. "To an extent. But it will take time."

"Then we will pray that time is on our side," Lothric said quietly. "I will need to make a decision soon, and when the time comes I will need your support to keep things within our control."

"I will help you however I am able," Lorian promised, "even if that means accepting the title of Knight General."

"Thank you, Lorian. Truly."

"Of course. But now, I suspect in the meantime you have more important matters to tend to. Your servants are likely wondering where you are. I wish to retire for the evening and rest."

Lothric sighed, "I have no doubt that you are right about that. I should meet with Emma, to confirm the events of the coronation. And to inform her you will be accepting the role of Knight General afterall."

Lothric brushed past him and exited the bath and disappeared down the hall. Lorian had not been lying when he said that he wanted to retire for the evening, to sleep and heal, and he intended to do exactly that as he returned to his chambers.

He took a moment to discard the ruined clothes and pulled on a set of loose clothing that was left in the bathing chambers that he typically wore to sleep when he was home, before he made his way back to his chambers, collapsed onto his bed and fell into a light sleep.