The Godless Age

by Ededdyeded

Unknown years passed as a new tarnished rose from the mud and blood among the bodies of his fellow warriors to enter the lands between. He embarks on a journey of pain, death, impossible odds, love, friendship, truth, and heartbreak in this cruel and beautiful world. For how is a God to be born without great struggle?

6. ARC II: CHAPTER 1

ARC II:

CHAPTER 1: VICTORY ACHIEVED

THE ROUNDTABLE HOLD

"Ahhhhh... Fuck, yes... That's good... " Lordan lets out a sigh of comfort as he lays down into the bathtub that he prepared for himself with heated water created by the Hold's boilers that dispense water through pipes hidden in the walls in another room, as crafted by engineers that the Hold's custodian hired when it was being built.

He lays there for a few moments to let his body soak in the temperature, its heat loosens and releases the tension in his muscles.

Letting out another sigh, he closes his eyes to relax with his head laid back on the edge. Not caring about anything at the moment but the break he is taking, gods know he could use one.

"One down... More to go..." Keeping a count of the number of great enemies he faced so far was a thing he did since he felled the first one, a dragon of all things. His current count was 17, not great, not terrible.

He soon dips his head under the water for a moment, resurfacing after he runs low on air. With his face and hair now wet, he starts wiping and brushing them with his hands ensuring that he was properly cleaned.

Hope there's no more blood in my hair... It's a bitch to get it out.

After a few minutes of cleaning, he decides to get out of the bath. Wasting time with procrastination was something Vargram often warned him about.

The less disciple you have, the lesser freedom you will have as well.

His words ring in Lordan's mind again, which caused him to sigh and roll his eyes. Even seven years after last seeing Vargram, the man continued to guide him as if he was a handbook written in his mind. The only annoying part of this was the fact that his guidance was often in the form of lectures, very annoying lectures.

Lordan steps out of the wooden bathtub and drys himself. He moves to the side to get his clothes and puts on his bottom first. The reflection of himself catches his attention on the wall mirror. He steps closer to observe that his body was different compared to last time.

His muscles were now more firm, built, slightly bigger, and very defined noticing that some veins were now visible unlike previously. He was also a bit taller for some unexplained reason.

So the usage of runes changed me physically? Interesting...

He feels his new body by pressing his bicep while flexing to feel its stiffness, it was greater than before. Lordan was by no means a weakly built man but was not as built as other warriors who were bigger than him.

Hmmm... Some big changes... He thinks to himself and becomes a little curious about whether there is another part that grew as well. He looks down and pulls his pants slightly apart confirming his theory.

Wow... Big change. He notes the decent size increase and lets out a small laugh, like a boy discovering something inappropriate for the first time. I gonna increase my Vigor again.

Putting on the rest of his clothes, Lordan made his way to the door to exit his guestroom, Intending to find Hewg to retrieve his equipment that was in need of repair.

Once he reached the smith, he could see the weapons and armor that he left to be already in mint condition, as if it was brand new. The smith worked fast, repair work that needed days to complete was done in mere hours.

Lordan approaches Hewg who was still smithing another weapon, one to add to the pile of weapons he made, tested, and discard as they fail to live to his measure. He clears his throat and the smith looks up and stops with an interesting look in his eye.

"Now, look at you. Those eyes tell a story. Of a challenger, who's felled his mark. Fine and well." Praise comes from Hewg that catches Lordan off guard, he did not expect news of his victory to spread this fast.

"How did you know?" It has only been a day since Margit's defeat, Lordan asks while he thinks of all the people that could have spread word of his victory.

Hewg lets a out hearty laugh while resuming his work. "Your friend Kale passed through here while you slept in. Started celebrating the defeat of the Omen with some other merchants. I admit... I am impressed as well. Most Tarnished gives up out of frustration with Margit in their own timeline."

"Well... He was a pain in the arse."

"But not anymore." Hewg motions to the new weapons laid on the other table. "There. The new weapons you asked for. Two longswords and a greatsword to replace the ones you lost."

Lordan moves to the table and picks up the weapons one by one to test them by giving them a few twirls and waves. They were balanced well and weight appropriately. They were a dual set of Noble slender swords and a Flamberge greatsword.

"These are fine weapons." Lordan complements while holding the greatsword with one hand on the hilt and another on the ricasso to mimic the Half-sword technique. Hewg does not respond to the words and mutters under his breath.

"I need to do better than that... Those will never kill a god..."

The words get Lordan's attention. "Excuse me?"

Hewg continues his work with no interruptions. "Don't pay me any mind, Lordan. It's not important. By the way. Gideon asked for you, at his study."

Lordan gets the message and does not push any further to respect his privacy. He takes the weapons and places all of them into his enchanted bag to sort out later. He dons the repaired armor and moves on while greeting Roderika on the way, letting Hewg continue his work.

"Damn it, Lord Radegan... How in hells am I supposed to create a weapon that can kill seven gods? Doesn't Queen Marika know that it was not a weapon that helped you succeed? It was all just you... You were just... Too... Strong..."

Hewg whispers while focusing on his next weapon that nears completion. He would discard it as well, as it once again fails his test.

---

Lordan made his way to the study once again, noting that Ensha was now missing at the doorway. He opens the door to see Gideon near the fireplace with the lamp containing the frenzied flame.

He keeps a distance while Gideon casts a spell to light the fireplace with another type of flame, one that was black and white in color. He holds the lamp close to it and it begins vibrating, trying to force itself away from the fireplace.

"Ah. Not a fan of the Gloam Eyed Queen's power are you? And here I thought you would embrace another remnant of the first flame..." He holds the lamp back and places it on the ground, just in front of the fireplace. "Behave. Or else." Gideon threatens while moving back to his table.

He takes his usual position and gestures for Lordan to come over. "Well now... Someone's been getting a lot of attention." He started speaking while Lordan moves to the front of the table. "I was curious about your abilities to live up to the challenge, but it seems like a rare instance of me being wrong has happened again."

Lordan folds his arms at the comment while rolling his eyes. "Rare instance... Would it kill you to admit that maybe you are just like the rest of us? Maybe you got it wrong?" Lordan leans his head forward a little to rub it in. "Again?"

Gideon stares at Lordan, unfazed by his passive-aggressive taunt. "Spare me your childish antics, boy. I called you here for important business, not a game of words."

The comment once again gets a rise out of Lordan and he decides to respond sarcastically. "Fine... So what do you want? Perhaps some tea? Or maybe a downing worth full of shit?" He cannot help himself from getting in a few more taunts.

Gideon once again stays unfazed, it was the first time he encountered such rudeness. "I want to offer help, you imbecile. As it currently stands... You are now the second closest Tarnished to reach the mantle. To become Elden Lord."

The last part catches Lordan's attention. "Become Elden Lord? You do you mean?"

Gideon was surprised at his confusion. "That is the goal of your quest, yes? To brandish the Elden Ring and take the mantle of Elden Lord? As the other Tarnished aim but failed to do?"

Gideon's words cause Lordan concern, the part about becoming Elden Lord was something he did not know of, even Melina did not inform him of this condition. "The person who brandishes the Elden Ring becomes Elden Lord?"

"So Melina chose a Tarnished who knows nothing?" Gideon sighs in a disappointed tone and shakes his head. "By all the outer gods... Queen Marika must be rolling in her grave right now... It seems you need more help than I thought."

"Hey, wait a minute. What happened to not helping until I get an audience?" Lordan calls out Gideon's hypocrisy once again for going against his own words when they first met.

Gideon stares on for a moment, not particularly happy about being called out again. "Then perhaps I should repeat myself yet again. I said that I would have nothing for you to do or help with until you become an official member of the Hold, which requires you to have an audience with the Two Fingers. But I didn't say I would not offer assistance to ensure it, why do you think you are still alive? After your fight with Vyke that nearly caused you a permanent death."

As much as Lordan did not want to admit it, Gideon was right. His assistance after Vyke allowed him to survive. If he did not intervene, the flames that inflicted him would have not been removed.

"Fine... Fine... I suppose I need all the help I can get." Lordan begrudgingly admits to Gideon's logic and asks for his next intention. "So what's this about? "

Gideon takes out a map of the region of Limgrave and lays it out on the study table, it has several markers placed on points of interest throughout the map, points that Lordan recognized as places he visited.

"Now. Based on the information I gathered from my scouts, Limgrave is currently in a state of disarray. Its Lord has abandoned all efforts to properly govern it, therefore it is becoming a contentious ground with many factions clashing with each other. Obviously, this is not beneficial to us and the Hold, therefore I propose a plan to dispose of the ruler of Stormveil Castle and replace him with another one."

Lordan listens in with interest, a new ruler could make the area of Limgrave safer to travel, if he or she has the proper mindset and manpower to ensure it. But he wasn't so sure of the candidates to fill in this role. "So you have someone in mind?"

"Unfortunately I don't have someone to choose, I only have someone left. A noble of the house Haight still resides in Limgrave. Reports say that he is currently in the upper eastern north of the region."

"And he is a suitable person for the job?"

Gideon sighs and lets out a doubtful explanation. "He's the only one we have at this point. All the other nobles have either been killed during the war or killed by Godrick as part of his sick grafting ritual."

"So Godrick is the current Lord of Limgrave? In Stormveil Castle?" Lordan makes the assumption from the use of the name, that who else could do such a thing to nobles but their own lord.

"Yes. Godrick the Grafted, Lord of Stormveil. Despite being the blood of Godfrey, the first Elden Lord, he's a grotesque old fool, grasping for power. His castle lies upon the cliff to Limgrave's northwest, but I suspect you know that well enough already, considering your encounter with Margit."

So he has one of the great runes... The Lord of Limgrave being a demigod meant that this plan and his quest were currently aligned. "Alright, fine. I will follow your plan... For now. If it goes sour, that's on you. Hear me?"

"Crystal. Now if you have anything else to say, I suggest you make it quick. For I have two pieces of concerning news to relay to you."

"Bad news? What is it then?" Lordan asked with a curious tone.

"Yes... Vyke has escaped from his Evergoal prison."

"What?!" The news causes him to jump to attention. "How?! When?! Is he coming to-" His concerns and panic were due to the idea that Vyke was now after Melina.

"I do not know. I only know that he is now lose and a danger to you and the girl, so be prepared for another fight if he shows himself." Gideon reaches under the desk to take out a talisman. "This amulet has been enhanced with a charm that will help you resist the effects of the Frenzied Flame, to a certain extent. Use it well, I may save your lives."

Lordan reaches over and takes the amulet to wear on his neck. "And... the other bad news?" He asked with a feeling of dread in his tone.

"The version of Margit you faced at Stormveil Castle is an illusion, The real Margit is still alive."

"You are joking... After all That? He is still ALIVE?!" Lordan sighs with a defeated tone in disbelief, if a false version of Margit already gave him so much trouble, what could the real one truly do?

Could this day get any worse?

"And the number of Night Cavalry riders have increased in all the regions. They are hunting for you, Lordan."

Me and my big fucking mouth...

Lordan now had three things that hinder his quest. Vyke, Margit, and the Night's Cavalry. All three he faced before are now coming to hunt him personally.

"Fuck me... This is hard to process..." In the span of a single conversion, Gideon had already made Lordan distressed with the news of enemies and the idea of becoming Elden Lord. He was not prepared for any of them, not in the slightest.

He would have to deal with it later. Right now, he had a job to do.

"Alright... I will find this nobleman you said. Then it's off to Stormveil Castle. I have waited long enough and spent enough time in this lands."

Gideon nods at his intentions. "Agreed. Once you reach Stormveil, look for a warrior named Nepheli Loux, she is under my wing. She may help you if you asked." The older man lets out a sigh when thinking about his Foster daughter. "Ensure she is safe, Lordan. For she is my daughter. If anything happens to her, I hold you responsible. Are we clear?" A grave tone highlights its importance, prompting Lordan to nod at the warning with a serious stance.

"Good. Now off you go. Don't let me hinder you any further." Gideon dismisses Lordan but was soon interrupted when the lamp containing the Frenzied Flame falls over and begins rolling over to Lordan at an abnormal rate. Gideon cast a spell with his seal that creates frost to immediately freeze the lamp in place, it fails to reach Lordan at a dangerous distance.

"The fuck?! I thought it's contained!" Lordan inspects the frozen lamp from a distance, the memory of the flames almost killing him resurfaces in his mind.

Gideon walks over to the lamp without a care, as if he did this before. "It is contained. My apologies. Little pest just likes you a bit too much." He picks up the frozen lamp and places it below the desk. "Don't worry... I intend to educate it. Ensuring it behaves in the future."

"How in heavens and hells are you going to do that?"

"Pain is a useful form of motivation, Lordan. And pain is what it can understand."

Lordan couldn't decide if Gideon was the weirdest man he ever met or the most sadistic. He decides not to pursue the matter and turns to leave the room. "Alright, I'm off. Thanks... I guess..." He gives thanks to Gideon in the most reluctant way possible, not wanting to give the man the satisfaction of receiving praise.

"You are welcome, and I wish you luck on your journey. May you complete your great God hunt, Lordan, as Radegan did." Gideon responds to the thanks and was left alone in the room. He looks down at the lamp and takes it up to observe it for a moment.

"Now... What lesson in pain can we learn today?"

---

Lordan moves back to the Hold's great Hall while thinking of the new pieces of information he had received, pondering on what to do with each of them. He also thinks of the locations in Limgrave where he could search for this noble that Gideon spoke of, thinking of starting in the North of Limgrave before moving down south.

He soon thinks of the mantle of Elden Lord, the title that he is apparently fighting to earn. It was a strange idea to him that a title can be inherited from achieving a quest that involved killing gods.

He also thinks of the chances of him actually achieving it, it seemed impossible when fighting Margit a day ago. But was now a possibility due to him actually beating him, despite the version of Margit being a mere copy of the real one that he has yet to face.

All the thoughts of the title of Elden Lord were useless to him, however, as he was already against the idea upon hearing Gideon mentioning it. He was not interested in inheriting this kingdom or its position as a leader, he just wanted to leave when he finished his quest.

Because for Lordan, all he wanted was freedom, not power.

Elden Lord Lordan... Bad idea.

He reaches the great hall to see Melina standing near the table of swords while looking up at the five paintings, the painting of Renna in particular. Her single eye was fixated on the image of the witch's portrait, looking at it with great focus, with a hint of sadness in her mood.

Lordan moves over slowly to stand at her side. "Melina?" He speaks out to catch her attention, but she only responds after a few more seconds.

"Lordan. I see you are restored. Are you feeling well?"

"Yup. twelve hours of sleep did magic for me." Lordan responds while stretching his arms. He looks up to the portrait Melina was looking at earlier. "So, What are you looking at?"

Melina looks back up to the painting and speaks. "Renna The Gloam. One of the five figures that shape the lands. It is said that she was a queen as well, equal to Queen Marika. Before her demise at the hands of the queen's shadow."

"So they are enemies?"

"Not at first. They were allies, friends, and even close like sisters. Fighting alongside together to defeat the Dragon Order a few thousand years ago." Melina pauses midway as the next part was difficult to speak of. "But became bitter enemies in the end. Their friendship turned into hate."

"Why?" Lordan asks, now curious about the story.

"Both wanted something for themselves. And both blamed each other for different reasons when he-... It. Was lost forever to both of them. Thus, Renna began plotting a rebellion against Marika, while Marika herself raised a campaign with the sole purpose to kill Renna."

"Marika succeeded in her campaign to defeat Renna and end her life, but was left in shambles after discovering Renna's final blow towards her."

"Which is?"

"No one knows. But it was said that after the war with Renna, Queen Marika was never the same. She became the obscure and mysterious god Queen, that many see today. Cruel but beautiful."

Melina ends her story and the both of them continue to look at the painting before Lordan breaks the ice.

"So... Elden Lord, huh?"

Melina looks to Lordan, cautious with her next words. She did not want to risk him being angry at her, for choosing not to disclose the detail of becoming Elden Lord.

"Yes... The Tarnished who bandishes the Elden Ring becomes Elden Lord, as they have proven their worth to the lands that they are worthy of the mantle."

She observed Lordan carefully, wondering what his reaction would be, a negative was what she expected but did not hope for. He eventually sighs and takes a seat at one of the table's chairs, dragging its direction to slightly to face her.

"it's... A horrible idea, Melina. Me as Elden Lord? I am the least qualified person to be a king or Lord..."

Melina joins Lordan by taking another chair from the table, shifting it nearer to him. "Why do you say that?"

"I mean... We gotta think rationally here..." He shifts in his seat as he starts pouring out his thoughts on the matter. "I'm a mercenary, Melina. My job doesn't match the description of a ruler. I don't know the first thing about governance, armies, economics, politics, and even... This land's history. I mean I don't even live here! Why would I be a candidate for lordship in a place I don't know about... "

Melina silently sighs in relief, his concern was about the logical parts of being a Lord. He was not like the other Tarnished she had met, all of them wanting the title for different and personal reasons, some being some sinister than others.

She shifts a little closer to him. "There are many who will guide you should the time come, Lordan. You would not be alone to deal with this. And you are by no means an unintelligent man, I am confident you will have the means and knowledge required to fulfill the role."

Lordan shakes his head at the remark, not entirely convinced by the encouragement. "Don't be so sure, Melina. Sometimes I even have trouble figuring out which boot goes to which foot..." A small flaw that Lordan often has, which resulted in uncomfortable travel at times.

"Ah. Don't worry about that. There are dressers that will help you with fitting when you become Lord."

"Not helping, Melina... "

"Sorry."

"Not your fault..."

Lordan sighs again, as he already had a decision on the idea of lordship. "I... I don't want to be Elden Lord, Melina."

Melina nods in an understanding tone but maintains her eagerness for him. She smiled as she was now sure that she had found the right person. "Which is why you might be the best one yet." Her words have no effect and she decides to help him open up. "But what do you want?"

You... A thought suddenly surfaced in his mind about Melina herself, he turns away to hide his embarrassment and thinks of an answer to provide. He comes up with one on the fly. "At the moment... Sleep. Lots of sleep. And place for me to lay low, outside the lands between."

"That's all?" The simple answer gave Melina curiosity, most of the other Tarnished she met often had lofty and grand goals as their wants.

Lordan pauses for a moment as the true answer starts developing in his mind. He speaks out slowly about his desired goal. "I want... Freedom. Freedom to do as I please. Without being weighed down by the burdens and responsibilities of the world. I want to live like every single day is my last, seeing every part of the known world and all the people who live there. And then when I'm done... Who knows? Maybe I will sit down in a garden, look at the sunset, and rest."

His goal was a simple one that was personal rather than one that would affect the world, for he had no interest in power as he believed power makes one a slave to it.

Melina nods again in understanding. "It is a fair want. To have the freedom to choose." She places her hand on his to reassure him. "Therefore, should you choose not to take the mantle of lordship... Perhaps you could renounce the title to another? After you claim it, of course."

Lordan looks up in surprise. "I can do that?"

"Of course. It would have to be someone worthy of your judgment and measure. But again I implore you, Lordan. I believe you to be the most suitable choice."

Her words of encouragement allow Lordan to think a bit better of himself. The title of Elden Lord was something he was going to claim in his quest, but what to do with it? He was only going to think of that more seriously once he actually managed to claim the throne, for now, he had more issues to deal with.

Lordan gets to his feet and decides to move off back to Limgrave, the North of the region was his first place to look. "Well... I suppose I should be getting on." He moves away for a few steps and remembered something Gideon mentioned. "Melina. Gideon said that we are now possibly being chased by-"

"Gideon has told me earlier." Melina interrupts his words as she already knows who he speaks of, Lordan could see her become a bit uncomfortable with the subject due to Vyke being one of them. "I will... Be more careful. Do not worry for me, Gideon is ensuring that he stays away from either of us."

Lordan once again had another thing to thank Gideon for, even if he didn't like it. "OK... Just... If he shows up again, I want you to run. I will deal with it, OK?"

Melina nods reluctantly as the two of them start departing ways. "I will stay in hold for now. Call upon me at any time if you require me."

"Alright then. So... What are you planning to do here?"

"For now. A bath sounds nice. Do you mind me using the one in your guestroom?"

Lordan scratches his head as he remembered himself using up all the heated water. "Sure. But uhhhh... I think I may have used up all the hot water... Sorry."

"Ah. No matter, Lordan. I will wait for it to be restored. Perhaps tell me earlier next time, I might have joined you to share."

He processes her words and immediately starts feeling himself getting red in his face, blood rushes down to his manhood as dirty thoughts of Melina appeared in his mind, most of them about her being wet.

"That was a jest, Lordan." She clarified herself. Why am I leading him on?

Lordan turns away from her and wears his helmet to cover his heavily blushed face. "I gonna... Uh... Go now... To bath-" He slaps his helmet upon saying that. "I MEAN LIMGRAVE... I gonna... Bye!" He decides to rush off before he makes a fool of himself, and also to hide the growing length in his pants.

Melina observed as he walked away from the hall. She quietly laughed to herself at his folly, thinking that it was cute. A part of her feels bad for giving him the wrong signals, and the other part feels happy. She would soon have to decide if she wanted to continue indulging his advances or reject him completely, another conflict that she will have to solve before it goes too far.

Lordan makes his way to exit the hold, adjusting his pants while he walks due to his current standing state that caused him discomfort from tightness. "Ah. Shit! Just stay down, would you!"

Perhaps increasing Vigor does have a disadvantage after all.

---

STORMHILL, AGHEEL LAKE NORTH

Nope, Nope, and Nope. Lordan crosses out another marker on his map as the location once again contains no one he was looking for. He sighs while checking the map again to decide on the next area to search, noting that northern Limgrave was now completely searched through.

Damn it. Where is this man? Frustration was building up in his mind as he had spent the last few hours running around on Torrent's back, searching for signs of the nobleman Gideon mentioned with no success. He had searched the nearby churches, ruins, abandoned settlements, and even some catacombs despite knowing the chances of finding him there were very low.

He thinks carefully of the next part of the region he could search while Torrent trots on its own along a path. He observed the map for more locations that he previously marked out, noting that he only had a few unexplored places left. A part of him was worried that the noble was already dead.

He continued moving along the path and finally chose his next spot to search, somewhere a bit more south of the region.

Alright... One more stop. Then it's off to-

"Hello-o? Can anyone hear me? Help me! I'm stuck!"

The voice of a man snaps Lordan out of his thoughts. He looks around where he was to locate the source of the voice in distress.

Weird... Could have sworn I heard someone. He looks in the direction where thinks the voice came from to see no one, only a giant pot on the ground. He turns away to look at another spot.

"Hello? Hellooo! Anyone!" The voice speaks in the same direction he previously looked. Lordan stares at the pot to examine it more closely.

Wait... Are those... Arms? He noticed two rock-like arms that stick to the sides of the pot. Lordan gets a bit of a shock the moment the arms start moving in an effort to get itself out of the ground by pushing against it.

"Oh for the love of the GODS! Someone help me! I'm stuck!"

Lordan looks around the area to check for danger and dismounts Torrent once the coast was clear. He approached the living pot carefully as he did not know if it was unfriendly. "Hello?" He speaks out to the living pot and it turns itself a little as if trying to look at who it is despite not having eyes.

"Who is- Oh my stars I'm so happy to see you!" The pot lifts its hands slightly at the appearance of Lordan. "Wait, you are friendly aren't you? You are not like one of those Tarnished who think I have something valuable in my vessel to steal? Right?" A tone of uncertainty was within the pot's voice.

Lordan shrugged his shoulders at the question. "Last I checked... Nope, I don't attack people or objects for no reason." He assured the living pot that he wasn't one of those people, especially the ones that roll into objects just to break them for fun.

"Ah! Thank goodness! I am Alexander, also known as the Iron Fist. And as you can see, I'm stuck here. Please, can you help me out of this?"

Lordan checks the base of the hole that Alexander was currently stuck in to assess the problem, he could not see the bottom of the pot and assumed it was completely stuck in the hole. "Uhhh... Not really sure what I could do. You seem pretty well dug in."

Alexander moves in what appears to be in a nodding motion at his assessment. "Yes, but I'm pretty sure I'm almost lost. Come on, give me a good smack from behind with something nice and big.

I'll pop clean out. I'm sure of it!"

"Smack? With what?"

"Anything my friend! Just hit as hard as you can, I will take it! "Alexander braces himself by closing his arms to his pot body. "Put those doubts to rest, I'll be just fine. I'm very well trained. Give it your all, I say! "

Lordan shrugs again and decides to try and help. He reaches into his enchanted bag and thinks of the biggest weapon he could find and pulls out the Grafted Blade Greatsword, almost losing balance from its sheer weight. He takes his position behind Alexander and prepares himself for an upward swing, something he is now capable of since improving his raw strength with runes.

"Ready?"

"Of course! Strike true my friend!"

Lordan slightly lowers himself from his stance and swings up the greatsword with all his might. The hit makes an impact and sends Alexander flying out of the hole while Lordan falls backward from issuing the attack due to the sword's weight combined with the swinging momentum.

"Ah! Ouuch! Ahhh!" Alexander grunts upon landing on the ground.

"Oof! Shit!" Lordan grunts out as well from his fall.

The two warriors soon get to their feet. Lordan retrieves his greatsword and keeps it back into his enchanted bag.

Damn. Need to get more strength to use that properly. He notes to himself to increase his raw strength in order to wield a colossal greatsword effectively. It would be one of his next priorities on aspects to improve.

Alexander makes his way to where Lordan stood and folded his arms in a heroic pose. "Ahh! Well played my friend! Well Played! Though that mighty wallop of your almost spelled the end of me!"

Lordan shakes his head as he doubts the attack would actually hurt such a giant pot, Alexander was just being nice. "I'm pretty sure that attack won't break a pot like you."

"A pot? Me?! I'm a Jar! I'm not like of those weaklings that call themselves pottery!"

"Oh? Uhhh... Sorry? There's a difference?" He thinks about the difference between the two types.

"Of course, there is a difference you dullard! How dare you insult my kind!" Alexander takes a battle stance in front of Lordan and issues his challenge. "I demand retribution for that insult! Prepare yourself, Warrior!"

Shit! Lordan steps back and prepares to draw his new greatsword for battle, he takes a battle stance of his own and readies himself for a fight.

Alexander stays still for a moment in his battle stance as the two waits for their first attack. It never happens though, as Alexander start emitting a burst of loud laughter while folding his arms again. The development left Lordan really confused.

"HAHAHA! I jest my good man! I jest! Oh! You should have seen yourself!" Alexander laughs for a few more moments before settling down. "My apologies, friend. I just couldn't help myself."

Hahaha... Really funny... Lordan thinks to himself and sighs as he lowers his greatsword and keeps it, clearly he was getting too jumpy from his journey. "Right... Good joke... I'm Lordan by the way."

"Well met, my fellow warrior. And I again, I'm Alexander, a Warrior Jar. Born and raised in the village of Jarberg."

Jarberg? What's next? Cuptown? Lordan thinks on the naming of Alexander's hometown, noting its literal usage of the word 'Jar'. "and I'm a mercenary... Basically, a warrior that fights for gold and stuff..."

"A soldier of fortune? Ah! A rare breed in the lands. No doubt you came from outside these regions."

"Yup. I didn't come here until... Recently." Lordan tries his best to keep his personal information to himself, for now, not knowing who in this lands to really trust yet, with the exception of Melina. "Don't mind me asking but what's the deal with you not liking pots?"

"Ah, yes! A bit of a long explanation, but to summarize. Pots always think us jars inferior to them. Honestly... They are an annoying bunch. And they don't even have warrior pots!"

Wow. Even objects practice racism towards each other.

"But, I'm out now, and that's what counts. I thank you, and as a token of my appreciation, I'd like you to have this." Alexander reaches into his lid and pulls out an Exalted Flesh to hand to Lordan, which he accepts reluctantly.

"Uhhh... Thanks?" Lordan observes the piece of flesh he was just given and wonders what it's made of, hopefully not human flesh.

"The pleasure is mine." Alexander folds his arms once again to adopt the heroic pose he usually sticks to. "I journey to the east, where I intend to further my education in the ways of war. Beyond these lands lie the scarlet rot-blighted Caelid Wilds, in which a festival of combat is being held."

He starts laughing in joy. "I'd heard whispers of such festivities before... Doesn't the notion set your breast aflutter! Ha ha ha ha!"

Festival? In a time like this? Lordan's interest was gained by the news of the war festival. "Where is this festival exactly?"

"Eastward. To Redmane Castle on the southern edge of the scarlet rot blighted Caelid Wilds. I've heard that's where a festival is to be held."

Lordan takes out his map and marks a spot on the most eastern side and writes notes beside the marking. He takes a last look around and decides to ask for information. "Well, if you have been traveling in these parts. I don't suppose you have seen any nobles in the area? or along the way."

Alexander tilts his body upwards as if he was thinking. "Hmmm... I'm afraid I haven't met any- Oh wait! There is a man that was dressed as a nobleman and was being escorted by a caravan recently. Run away with his man upon seeing me." Alexander rubs his lid while remembering that incident. "And all I just wanted to do was say hi."

"Where? Did he leave already?" Lordan gets anxious about a possible lead that will help him stop his endless running around the region.

"I last saw him... about a day ago. Moving south to Mistwood forest. I overheard his men talking about taking back their fort."

Lordan looks to his map again and marks several spots outside the northern parts of the Mistwood. He keeps his map and prepares to move off, not wanting to waste his time and lose the nobleman's trail. "Alright! Thanks, Alexander. Sorry, but I gonna go before I lose him."

"Of course, I understand. Thank you again, Lordan! I hope to fight alongside you one day!"

They exchange goodbyes and Lordan summons Torrent to move off quickly. He rides hard and fast as he usually does, leaving the warrior jar behind in a few moments.

---

LIMGRAVE, MISTWOOD OUTSKIRT

"Hello?! Is anybody there?! Someone who might be interested in rescuing the great Kenneth Haight?"

"Servant to the true Order, and celebrated repudiator of the false!"

Kenneth shouts again atop the ruins acting as an improvised bridge, hoping someone hears his plead for help, he would need it after the demise of his men at the hands of demi-humans.

"O Erdtree! Grant me succor! Hello?! Is anybody there?! Anyone who can-"

"Hey. You the nobleman?"

Lordan speaks out from behind Kenneth which causes him a shout-out in fear and surprise, as he did not expect anyone to be up there with him. Kenneth takes a moment to catch his breath from the sudden shock and addresses Lordan.

"Goodness! You give me quite a scare! Where did you come from anyway?!"

Lordan points behind him while still looking at Kenneth. "From behind you. Heard your preaching from a mile away."

Kenneth finally calms from his shock and stands proper to observe Lordan, noting his appearance as a sellsword. "Ah, you've come to lend me your aid, have you? Well, that's very kind, but, um..."

"But? " His tone of hesitation catches Lordan's attention, and he knew what Kenneth was unsure about.

Oh. He's one of those guys... There are always nobles who disapproved of the ways of warriors by trade and based on his reaction, Lordan knew that Kenneth was one of them.

Kenneth quickly tried to mediate his show of insincere intent. "No, no. Th-the help is very much appreciated. Even from a Tarnished and a sellsword. Despite appearances, nobility is no prerequisite to serving the true Order. You might have heard of me. Kenneth Haight. Next in line as the rightful ruler of Limgrave."

Lordan sighs and decides to give Kenneth a fair chance, he was the last choice after all. "I'm Lordan. Heard about you. Was wondering if you are interested in governing Limgrave."

"Given the current state of the region and the complacency of Godrick, I would gladly step in to help." Kenneth makes his opinion of Godrick known, even if he is a vassal to the Lord of Stormveil. He hesitates for a moment before deciding to make his request known. "But first, Young Tarnished, I would have a boon of you. I want you to take back my fort. It lies to the south, beyond the Mistwood."

"A Knight commander from Stormveil took it. A fool, and plumb mad to boot. Simply obsessed with blood!"

Lordan shifts on his foot as he hears the request, obviously not happy with yet another side errant to get his objectives done. "Well? What does he want?"

"To punish me of course! Due to my lack of faith in Godrick." Kenneth starts huffing from thinking of Godrick as his Lord. "Honestly, Godrick's no more than a jumped-up country bumpkin. Lord? HA! Don't make me laugh! He is but a lowly descendant of one of Godfrey's many bastards! Who was lucky enough to be recognized and taken ward by Prince Godwyn!"

"First he hid himself amongst the womenfolk to flee the capital, then hid from Radahn in that castle… Then he insulted Malenia, lost to her in battle, only to lick her boots rather than die like a man. Has he no shame, the big girl's blouse?"

"And to think, he has the blood of Godfrey! Last of the golden lineage, though you almost wouldn't know it to look at him due to his sickly appearance. I almost feel sorry for the chap the more I think of it."

Kenneth finishes his rant as Lordan focused on the possible details of attacking a Fort, alone. He thinks of any backup he could possibly call for. Melina, Blaidd, Yura, and even Alexander which he only met recently could help.

Vyke is still roaming around, so Melina shouldn't come... Blaidd, Yura, and Alexander could help... But where are they?

His options were limited as he had no way to call for the backup he needed. He decides on another strategy that requires lesser manpower and would cause less attention.

That strategy was stealth of course, where he would kill off most of the men guarding the Fort with sneak attacks and face the commander alone.

Lordan takes out his map and moves to Kenneth's side to show it to him. "Alright, fine. Where is it then?"

"It's just right... Here! Just right along the east of Mistwood." Kenneth points out the location of his Fort on the map for Lordan to mark.

Lordan prepared to move off by Kenneth interrupted him by speaking. "Lordan, young man wait. Allow me to furnish you with a little advice. I would take great care to avoid Godrick's Tarnished hunts, were I in your shoes. That depraved lot are obsessed with sacrificing Tarnished like you for the sake of grafting."

The mention of grafting makes Lordan think of the first creature he encountered a month and a half ago in the gouge full of blood. He wondered what type of grafted monsters he would face in the castle.

With the information he needed to carry out Kenneth's request, Lordan takes a turn to move off. "All right. I will get the Fort back. Just stay alive until I do."

"Of course, young man. And as a reward for your services. I will allow you to take the valuable items within one of my personal chests. It's located in one of the upper towers." Kenneth pulls out a key to pass to Lordan. "You will find that the contents of the said chest are more than enough as compensation for your services. Mercenaries do expect payment first am I right?"

Loran nods at the assumption and takes the key to keep. He makes one last look at the area to ensure that Kenneth would be safe at the ridge. He finally takes off in the direction of the Fort, leaving Kenneth to himself to observe the area around him

"What a mess you have made, Godrick. Hopefully, the reclamation of my Fort will be the first of the problems to be solved..."

---

LIMGRAVE, FORT HAIGHT

Lordan swings down his Katana into an opening of the knight's armor to deal a death blow to his opponent, ending the duel for the Fort. He had successfully taken out most of the guards of the Fort by luring them into a fight with a pack of demi-humans that were seeking revenge for the death of their leader.

He allowed the fight between the two groups to play out as he observed from afar and only went in stealthily once the fort's guards had defeated the demi-humans while taking heavy losses. Once he had carefully taken out all the remaining guards with stealth, he faced the commander of the Fort in single combat.

And now he was successful in retaking the Fort as the commander was killed by his last strike. He pulls out his Katana and cleans the blade with the Cape of the fallen Knight before sheathing it.

Lordan observed the top of the Fort to look for more enemies. Once he had assessed that the Fort was indeed cleared, he proceeds to the tower Kenneth mentioned and moves into the room to find the chest that was promised to him.

He find the chest almost immediately upon entering the room and approached it. He almost opened the chest upon unlocking it but stops when he noticed that the chest was making movements as if someone was hiding inside of it.

Another one? Well lucky me. Lordan takes out his greatsword and takes a stance in front of the chest, ready to deliver a downwards slash to break it and kill whoever is hiding within it.

"Come out now. Whoever you are." He issues a threat but gets no response, prompting him to raise his sword and prepare his attack. "Going once... Going twice... And here I-"

The chest opens suddenly with a man raising his hands to surrender. "ALRIGHT! ALRIGHT! Don't kill me, friend! I'm just trying to-" The man stops mid-sentence as he recognized Lordan, and Lordan remembered him as well, he could never forget the bald head man he tied up.

"You?! The baldie from the cave!"

"YOU?! Just my luck!" Patches sighs in relive from Lordan's appearance, happy to see another face other than Godrick's soldiers. "Was beginning to think no one would come! I have been stuck in that chest for half a day!"

Lordan grabs Patches by his shirt and drags him out of the chest and out to the roof of the Fort. "Hey! Hey now! There is no need for that! I'm a changed man! Really! No more attacking people for no reason!"

"Why should I believe that? You gods damned bandit."

Patches frown at the name he's called. "Firstly, my name is Patches, nice to meet you. And secondly, I didn't attack you this time. Don't I deserve a chance to prove myself?"

Lordan considers the words Patches gave. It was a fair point, Patches had only been hiding from anyone that came to the Fort. So Lordan against his better judgment decides to let Patches go, for now. But before he does, he needed to ensure a few things.

Lordan released his grip and keeps a hand near his weapon bags to prepare for any tricks. "Fine... Fine... Where the fuck are you doing here anyway?"

Patches pat himself a few times on his body to clear off the dust, he laughed with his usual scheming tone and settles down due to Lordan's stare. "Well, finally come around, have you? I knew you would. You're a man of reason, through and through. Ha ha ha..." He managed to suppress his laugh and explained his new venture. "Well, you see... I'm a changed man. Frankly, I'm ready to wash my hands clean, and set up a legitimate shop."

Lordan scoffed at his words. "You a merchant? Oh Yes... And I'm Queen Marika's Long lost bastard son... Or cousin... Or sister's roommate brother... Or something... " He replied sarcastically and asks about the bandits' Patches used to run with. "You expect me to believe that? What about those guys you used to run with? And what you actually doing here?"

"Ah yes, Yeah, I had those bandits make a clean break. Now they're all suppliers, and good ones at that. I mean, they don't understand a word I'm saying, but it hardly matters, we have a natural connection." Patches laughed again at what he just said. "Now it's a bit ad hoc, but I finally have a good sales pitch! Patches' Emporium! Where you won't need a refund, 'cause everything's top notch!"

Lordan rolls his eyes at the things he just said, not believing a single word he said. "And let me guess... You sell stolen items? Like the items you nicked in this Fort?"

"Well come on, kid. Nobody is using them anyway... A man has to eat you know." Patches attempt to explain himself after Lordan assumes his intentions. "Besides... It's not like I'm hurting anyone with my looting. Seriously! I haven't killed anyone to take these items!"

Lordan rolls his eyes again, clearly not convinced by Patches and losing patience. He was going to have to shake Patches down to make him return the items he stole from the Fort.

Patches noticed Lordan's growing impatience and decides to make a peace offering. "Now, as a show of my good faith. I will forget the incident in the cave, where you tied me up and left me. Remember? " Patches takes out an item from his own enchanted bag and hands it to Lordan. "Here. An item for your journey, or should I say an item important for you. Can't get to the capital without it."

Lordan takes the item and examines it. It was a large left half of a medallion depicting the Erdtree, it was clearly incomplete and would not be usable at the moment. "What does it do?"

"Well based on what I heard. Brandishing the medallion with both halves together will activate the Grand Life of Dectus. Essentially required for you to continue your path to the ring."

Lordan looks at the item and decides to keep it, he also decided to let Patches off this time. "Fine... Get out of here. Now. Anything you stole here... I don't wanna know. Just go, with me. Now." He decides to escort Patches out of the Fort to ensure no more items would be stolen, Kenneth will have to make do with some things gone.

"See! I knew you would see reason. All right, off we go then." Patches walk off to the stairs that lead down to the Fort's entrance and Lordan walks along behind him. They reach the ground level and Lordan watches on as Patches prepared to leave.

"All right here we are. Now get-" Lordan stops his sentence midway as he felt a sense of dread suddenly overwhelming him. As if he had been invaded by an unknown presence, he had only felt this way once before.

Wait... It can't be... It's?!

Lordan turns around to look back and sees a red presence forming itself in the form of a knight, a knight that shares the same type of armor that Darriwil wore during his last encounter in the Evergaol. The knight draws his dual swords and prepares for battle, intending to destroy the target that was currently Lordan himself.

Baleful Shadow, Bloodhound Knight Kanin

"What the actual FUCK are you up to now?!" Lordan shouts to Patches upon seeing the appearance of the Shadow, thinking that this was another trap set by the man.

"Me!? I don't know anything about that guy! Honest!"

"You little FUCKING SHITBAG! I'M GONNA KILL YOU!" He grabs Patches in anger but was interrupted by the shadow that dashes towards them with great speed and swings his blades in swift motions to hit them both at once.

The Shadow then dashes away as Lordan swings his Flamberge greatsword in his direction, he then dashes around the pair in circles to confuse them with his afterimages created by the bloodhound's technic of dodging.

"Damn! Another dodgy bastard!" Lordan looks for an opening between the dodges but finds no opening. He then sees Patches also in focus to get a hit into the Shadow with his spear, confirming that he indeed was not in cahoots with the shadow. "Patches! You wanna earn your keep and keep your head?!"

"Do I have a choice, Kid?! What's your plan?!" He shouts back at Lordan as they stand back to back, trying to see a window where the shadow slows down.

Lordan continues looking for a window while formulating a plan. "We watch each other's backs and attack when he closes in! Get ready!"

The pair then braces themselves as the shadow starts his assault. He dashes to Patches first who dodges out of the way to allow the Shadow to hit Lordan. Lordan gets knocked down by the hit and the Shadow once again dashes away, this time towards Patches.

Patches thrust his spear forward but miss due to the Shadow ducking slightly. The Shadow then grabs Patches and uses the speed of a dash to ram him towards a wall. Patches get slammed on the back and the Shadow pins him down with a barrage of attacks from his swords that he barely blocks with his greatshield.

Lordan gets to his feet and sees the event, he intervened by charging toward the Shadow and grabbing him to pull him away from Patches. The two opponents soon clash their weapons, creating sparks in between.

The Shadow tries his best to deflect and block but was losing ground and energy from the constant attacks from Lordan, the greatsword he wields was not easy to block due to its bigger size. The Shadow decides to retreat and sips on his own blue flask to recover his focus.

Lordan sips on his flasks as well and switches to one of his new longswords and staff from Sellen. "Alright, Patches. We need to- Patches?" He looks to the spot where he last saw the man to see him gone. Soon he heard the slamming of a door and the sound of it being locked, as Patches had locked himself in the armory of the Fort for safety, effectively leaving Lordan to fend for himself.

"Are you HIDING?! What the fuck?! Get out here and fight!"

"Sorry, kid! Every man for himself!" Patches emit laughter from behind the door. "Hehehehe... Now hurry up and die so I can take your stuff."

Lordan grunts in frustration and refocused on the Shadow. The Shadow starts his dashes again to confuse Lordan which works to a certain degree.

Lordan attempts to try the strategy he used earlier with the help of his spirit wolves but was interrupted by the Shadow who knocks his bell away when he tried to use it. Lordan dodges the remaining attacks before the Shadow dashes away again to create distance.

Alright. Time to try some spells. He takes his staff in his left hand and waves it in the same way Sellen thought him. Lordan casts his first spell in the form of Glintstone Stars, the projectiles pursue the Shadow as he dodges them.

Seeing the effect of his spell, Lordan decides on his new tactic. He casts spells in between his movements while closing in on the Shadow. He eventually managed to close the distance.

The two clashed their blades as the Shadow was now tired from dashing too much. Lordan manages to keep in sync with the Shadow's rapid and unrelentless attacks with deflects using his sword, even with one hand as he had improved his agility from the runes.

They get into a lock with their blades, with the Shadow using his two swords and Lordan using his longsword with the staff to brace the sword. Lordan then moves the staff to the Shadow's lower body for his second spell.

He swings his staff towards the Shadow with another spell, it creates a blue projected sword. The Shadow dashes back to break the lock and avoid the magic sword, a spell called Carian Slicer that Sellen taught for Lordan to surprise enemies up close.

Lordan then charges the Shadow with attacks with his sword and slicer that match the Shadow's dual blades. The shadow keeps up with the new combination of attacks, he dashes once in a while to break off their clashes and returns once regaining stamina.

Lordan then employs another spell to counter the dashes, it was a spell called Swift Glintstone Shard that fires projectiles at a faster rate and can match the speed of the Shadow. He continues their fight with a mix of the three spells, glintstones at range and the slicer with his sword at close quarters.

Their fight continues for a few good minutes, with both fighters equally matched in speed. The Shadow then makes a dash and tackles Lordan to the ground. He then pins down Lordan to the ground and raises up his sword to thrust down and finish the fight.

Lordan catches the sword by the blade with two hands, gripping it tightly while bleeding from grabbing the sharp edges. He grips on tight and thinks of a way to buck off the Shadow.

He allows the Shadow to slowly stab him through a non-lethal part of his body, grunting in pain as the sword implates him on the ground. He then points his staff directly at the Shadow's torso and fires off glintstones at point blank while laying down, prompting the Shadow to let go of the impaled sword.

The Shadow moves back from the attacks and sips on his red and blue flasks to recover. He pulls out a dagger to replace the sword he lost while Lordan removes the impaled sword and gets to his feet. The fighters get ready for their renewed clash and wait for the other to move first.

"Oi. Muppet." A voice speaks out to get their attention, which was closer to the Shadow. "Fetch."

The Shadow sees the flat side of a colossal greatsword swinging towards him and fails to process the attack in time. It hits him and sends him flying towards Lordan, Lordan dodges just in time to avoid the Shadow's body that hits the wall behind him and looks to see the person who assisted him.

"Blaidd?!" He see the half-wolf with his greatsword with great surprise. Blaidd moves to Lordan's side and nods as a greeting while resting his sword on his shoulder.

"Heya, mate. It's been a while, glad to see you still kicking."

"You too. And thanks for the assist."

"No worries. Now... He's in a lot of trouble." The pair looks to the Shadow that was getting to his feet. They both take a battle stance to prepare for another clash.

"Another dodgy bastard, eh?"

"Yup. We need to-"

"Gentleman! Please, allow me!" Another voice calls out to them and they turned around to see a giant jar spinning towards them , it was Alexander. The pair dodges out of the way and jar collides with the Shadow against the wall, crushing him to the surface that now has a crack and hole.

"That enough out of you, pesky shadow!" Alexander grabs the Shadow and lifts him up with both. He begins slamming the Shadow on the wall and the ground with great strength as the two warrior wolves look on while winching from each slam, imagining the pain Alexander was inflicting on the man.

"Uhhh... Should we stop him?"

"Are kidding mate? This is a good show."

Alexander delivers a few more slams and throws the Shadow to the ground for the last time. The Shadow tries to move his broken body but fails and eventully dies from his injuries, fading into a red mist.

INVADER VANQUISHED

"Well. That does it then." Alexander flicks his hands with each other and move to where Lordan and Blaidd were standing. "Good to see you again, Lordan."

"And you, Alexander." Lordan looks between his two companions and try to introduce them. "Oh. and this is my friend-"

"The Half-Wolf Shadow Blaidd, Sword and Shadow of the Lunar Princess." Alexander finishes on his behalf.

"Alexander the Iron Fist. Warrior Jar." Blaidd speaks out as well, clearly knowing who he was. He offers his hand to shake. "Good to see you again, again old chap."

"And you wolf! Nice to see you finally venturing out of your lands."

"You guys know each other?" Lordan notices the familiarity they shared.

"Yup, the Jar is my neighbor. Toughest bunch of warriors I ever seen."

"Yes. And Blaidd here fends off poachers that prey on my hometown on occasions."

Lordan nods at their explanations and sips on his flask to heal the stab wound of the sword. "Well... Thanks for the assistance, both of you. What are you doing here anyway?"

Alexander speaks out first. "Well, I was travelling along the way and heard the casting of spells in this Fort. Saw the both of you staring down that Shadow and put two and two together. Thus, my surprise attack to end him was delivered."

Lordan turns to Alexander on the mention of the Shadow. "Shadow? That's what attacked me?"

"Aye, Mate. Baleful Shadows. And have been tracking them throughout all the lands. Nasty cunts, these lots are." Blaidd cuts in on the conversion to explain his purpose. "Heard about a Shadow lurking around these parts, so I went hunting as usual. Came to the fort after a tipoff from Kale. That's when I saw you, fighting the bugger. Quite impressive, Mate. You were keeping up to him."

"Thanks, but why did he attack me in the first place?" Lordan asks the question as he doesn't know why the Shadow would attack him.

"Baleful Shadows act as assassins for the Two Fingers, to carry out their will against enemies that require dealing with." Blaidd thinks of a reason on why Lordan would be attacked by a Shadow. "As to why one attacked you... Don't suppose you offended anyone lately? Anyone important?"

Lordan thinks of the possible people that could match the requirement and settles on only one person. "Margit. I beat him... a few days ago."

"Margit? Oh yeah, heard about your dance with him. Nice job, Lordan." Blaidd offers praise on news of Lordan's victory. "Well... not sure why a Shadow would be under Margit's command. But, I will do some digging on this Lordan."

"Thanks, Blaidd, Alexander." Lordan looks around at the two of them and wonders on the next step. "So... Now what?"

"Unfortunately, I must carry on my friends. The travel to Caelid is long and I must be making haste."

"Same, Lordan. I got more Shadows to find. They have been popping up more recently."

Lordan nods at their reason and prepares for their departure before a small request comes up in his mind. "Wait. Alexander, can you help me with that door? Blaidd, you should be here too." He points to the door where Patches lock himself in to hide.

"Of course! On my way." Alexander makes his way to the door while he and Blaidd followed along. The trio stops around the door and Alexander grips the stone frame to start pulling it loose.

"Alright then, what are we here for, Lordan?" Blaidd asks on the purpose of them standing around the door.

"Remember that bald head bandit, you mentioned in your letter?"

"Yeah, what about- Oh... I see." Blaidd puts the situation together and nods in understanding.

The door frame comes loose and expose the armory, where Patches sits up against the wall. The trio consisting of Lordan, Blaidd, and Alexander surrounds Patches which causes him to gulp down. Lordan approaches Patches with his sword in hand, it trembles from his grip due to rising anger.

"Well... What do you have to say for yourself?"

"Uhhhhh... Well done? And... Sorry?"

---

1998 YEARS BEFORE THE SHATTERING

Water fills a basin as Rags looks into the mirror in front of him, observing his face after cleaning up. He noticed he had grown a full beard stubble, no doubt from being unconscious for a week and a half. He sighs and decided to leave it alone for now, perhaps a new look would be required for when they next move out.

He dips his hand into the basin and starts washing his face, making a small mess around due to the splashing. The water drains out and he moves his hand over the small funnel above the basin, making water pour out from it.

Rags wasn't sure how most of the things in the room he currently stays in work, a lot of items here tend to be automatic. Simple things here seem to be enchanted by magics that serve a different function.

Like the windows have covers that open themselves when he was near to reveal a landscape that seems to change into different views, a smaller room that allows one to bathe without drawing a bath as water would come from a group of small holes from above, and even the privy chamber has a system that disposes of his waste by sucking it down with water to clean it.

The specifics of how these things work did not interest Rags at the moment, as he needed him and Marika to move on from this place. He leaves the garderobe and moves back to his bedroom. That was plainly decorated with all the required things he needed for his stay, his comment about the room previously being too fancy for his taste had caused the witch to change the design instantly with the use of magic.

Rags moves over to the table at the side to examine the new light-plated armour that was provided. It was of fine quality that was built to provide protection to the upper body while not limiting mobility with the implementation of minimal leg armor. The right arm of the armor was not armoured as much to give the user freedom of movement on his sword arm. It also includes a new helmet that had a retractable front face, the shape of the helmet also resembles a wolf with two tips on the back of it on each side to mimic wolf ears.

Rags equip the armor and adjust all the straps to properly fit himself to it. He moves around a little upon fully donning it to test his movements and was impressed with how smooth he could move, no signs of tightness hindered his motions.

Not bad... Not bad at all.

He then retrieved his claymore to examine it closely on the blade and noticed some damage. The middle had a crack that was visible and the edge of the blade was filled with jagged edges. It was not a usable and fighting condition, he had overused it during his last fight in the forest.

"Damn... Took quite a beating." He performs a few swings to test his right arm that was injured from the fighting, he could feel soreness from the overworked arm when performing the actions. He then performs a few twirls with his hand to test it overall flexibility.

Rags then feels a sharp pain that crippled his entire right arm, making him lose his grip on the claymore while twirling to drop it. He grips his right arm tightly as it locks up from the pain, pain that was numbing to the point where he lost sensation and control of his right arm.

He takes a few deep breaths and slowly the pain fades. He moves his fingers first and then his elbow and hand to ensure his entire right arm was again functional. He sighs at the new limitation that he will have to work with in the coming journey.

Deciding not to think about it further, Rags makes his way to the exit of his room after holstering his claymore and taking his supplies. He leaves the room and walks along the hallway towards the exit of the building he stayed in.

Rags opens the door of the building and was greeted by the sight of an almost endless field of Reeds and poppies, with giant trees that reached up to the sky out in the distance. It was also currently day with the sun in the sky and the moon at its side, a sight that was divine yet impossible.

Where the hell are we? He looks back to see that the building he left was a small hamlet that resembled a humble countryside home, its size was too small to fit the interior that he had just came from. He assessed that the hamlet was enchanted by some form of magic that makes the interior of the building much larger than what is possible for its size.

He looks over to his left and sees a tower that was housed among the reeds, as if it was out of place. It was a high rise tower with the design of Liurnia origins, a region in the lands between famous for its academy of that teaches magics to all who show the attitudes and talent for it.

Rags moves closer to the tower and see a young man with grey hair leaning against the wall beside the entrance, reading a book with great focus. The man was dressed in attire that he did not see before, a coat with long sleeves and had its overall length stretched down to his knees and a leather hat that was pointed in the front. The man was also equipped with a curved blade and a long staff on his back, signs indicating that the two can be joined together to make one weapon.

The man looks up to Rags as he gets closer, putting away his put book into the pocket of his coat to greet him. "Ah. You have awaken. The mistress will be most pleased." He turns to face the door of the tower and opens it with a slight push, gesturing for Rags to enter the tower with him. "Please, follow me to meet the mistress with your maiden. There is much for her to speak of."

Rags looks around for a moment and decide to follow the man, he needed to see Marika and ensured that she was safe in this tower. The two enter the tower and the door closes behind them.

---

THE REALM BETWEEN THE REALMS, RENNA'S RISE

Rags walk with the man for a while and observe the place around them to once again assessed that the interior of the tower was much larger than the tower itself. They walk up several stairways within a grand library to reach an elevator that takes them even higher to the top tower, higher than the actual physical tower that he saw outside.

Rags decide to ask about the place from the man. "So where in the hells are we now? This place I never heard of from anyone."

The man looks back at Rags slightly and does not show much reaction to the question. "That depends... Where do you think we are?"

"I wouldn't know. All of the place around here seem to be like a dreamland or something."

"Then perhaps it is a dream. A dream that allows one to inhabit it physically." The man looks back to his front. "The question you should be asking is not where are we. It's when are we."

Rags gets confused by the words of the man. "What does that even mean?"

"You would not understand... for now. Your eyes are yet to open, all of you are yet to open your eyes. And you are not ready to, none of you are." The man finishes his word with a cryptic message. They reach the top and another door was in front of them.

The man opens the door to reveal another exterior that did not match the tower's design. It was a small estate that housed a garden and several tombstones around the area. Rags wasn't even sure that he was in the tower anymore, it was as if the doors lead to an entirely new area.

The man escorts Rags to the estate building and opens the door to the living room, where Marika was currently sitting near the fireplace, reading a book with many others placed on the table near her. The sounds of footsteps attract her attention and she looks up to see Rags, causing her to stop reading and gasp in surprise.

"Rags?!" She stands from her seat and runs into him, hugging him tightly. "Oh thank the will! You are so much better!" She looks up to him and places a hand on his cheek to observe his face. "Are you alright?"

Rags nods and grabs her hand to release it. "I'm fine... Just... Tired. Really tired." They release their embrace and Rags notices a difference in Maria's appearance, that she was now wearing a new traveling attire and had braided her hair. "Hmmm... I like the hair."

Marika smile and blushes from the comment and notices his change as well. "I like the beard. It's very... mountain man-like."

"Don't get used to it."

The pair stare at each other for a while before the man clears his throat to get their attention. "Sorry to interrupt. But we should see the mistress now. She has been waiting for some time."

Rags and Marika nods at his request and he escorts them to a room that served as a lounge to the estate. Within it lies Renna, who was currently sitting near the room's own fireplace, and was now dressed in a black casual dress to enjoy the comfort of her home.

"My lady. The maiden and her swordsman. As you requested." The man bows to Renna while introducing the pair to Renna. She waves off his bow to acknowledge it.

"Thank you, Gehrman. You may leave us. I will speak to them in private." Gehrman nods and leaves the room to wait outside. Renna looks to the pair and gestures them to several chairs near her. "Please. Take a seat, there is much to discuss."

Marika moves to the seat closer to Renna while Rags moves to stand beside her. "I will stand. Thanks." He makes his choice known and was knocked by Marika's elbow as she nudged him. "What?"

"Don't be rude." She makes her disapproval of his choice while looking at him with an annoyed face. Marika turns back to Renna and expresses her regret at his display of bluntness. "Sorry for my companion, he is a little too honest for his own good." Her statement cause Rags to roll his eyes.

Renna shakes her head with a small smile. "It is all right, you are guests in this domain. And I understand his distrust of me at the moment." Renna sits straight and prepares to converse with them. "I trust the accommodations provided are up to your likings?"

"Yes, very much so. This place is amazing." Marika responded with wonder in her tone at the workings of where they are currently at. "I have never seen some of the things here before. A bathtub with its own funnel to create water? and lamps that require no flames and lights up by simply turning a button? What kind of magic is this?" She inquiries on the source of magic that allow some of the objects to function here.

Renna shakes her head at the assumption. "It is not magic that fully empowers the things you speak of, maiden. It is also technology and engineering that I enchanted, the implementation of the designs that inventors made. In this case, majority of what you used in this place was made possible by Gehrman. He designed almost all the facilities in this domain."

"He made all this? How?" Marika was amazed at how one man could think of making all of this possible.

Renna thinks for a moment about an answer to provide without giving away too much. "Gehrman comes from a place... Far from here and a very long time later, that is not easy to travel to at the moment. He seeks to understand how I made the space around us a possibility and is currently my understudy, in return I asked for his expertise on improving the facilities of my home."

"But let us speak of more pressing matters at the moment. I assume the both of you have questions." Renna braces herself for more question as she eyes Rags who was ready to speak. "Very well. I am ready to answer all of them."

"Who are you really? And why did you help us? What's your game?" Rags speaks out before Marika could say a word, earning him another nudge from Marika. "Again... What?" He responded to her latest nudge with annoyance in his tone.

"Don't. Be. Rude." She drags out her words to enforce her point while Renna looks on amused by their exchange.

Renna looks to Rags and confidently smiles at his question. "I understand that you and I have not been properly introduced. Very well. Once again, I am the Witch Renna, and some have called me The Gloam."

"The Gloam? You mean... Like the Gloam Eyed Queen?" Marika cuts in upon learning the similar name she and another figure shares.

Renna stops her words for a moment from Marika's assumption. "Now there is a name that I have not heard for a long while. Unfortunately no, I have no relation to her. As to why I helped both of you... " She crosses her fingers together and prepares her own question. "Tell me. What do you know of the current Elden Lord of the Golden Order in the current age?"

Marika looks to Rags and he gestures to her to answer. "Elden Lord Solras. Wielder of the Sun. The most powerful Demi-God to currently exist." She explained the brief history of Solras. "It is said that he proved his strength to the Greater Will by flying to the sky with his wings and touching the sun itself. It burned him and imbued him with its power, forcing him to encase himself within a golden armor and use prostatic wings to mimic his old ones that were burned as well. As his current form would burn others around him."

"Yes... Elden Lord Solras... It is said that his power allows him to channel sun beams from his eyes to burn his enemies, even cutting them in half from a single look." Renna starts forming a uncomfortable face from the mention of the Elden Lord. "But what history did not speak of was his crimes against the innocent. For he led a crusade across the Lands between to purge all non-believers to the Greater Will."

Marika looks at Renna from her response, with disagreement from her words. "That's not true. Solras led the crusade to ensure his people's safety by the order of his Queen. Before her death."

"Does that include the murder of children?" Renna throws back a question to Marika and she could not think of a response to justify that fact. "Solras was efficient with his great purge, killing all who followed another religion in his lands, even the next generation. Enforcing the Golden Order as one of the high powers of the known world. Matching the Dragon Order in strength and influence."

"Which brings us to our current situation." She looks over to Rags. "Tell me, Rags. Do you know why you are bringing Marika to the capital of Leyndell? Where Solras currently rules from?"

Rags shrugs and responds with only the answer he was given. "I'm supposed to bring her to Leyndell to stand before some giant tree. Apparently, she is supposed to become a leader... Or something."

"Yes. Your maiden is an Empyrean. A candidate to replace Elden Lord Solras's Queen. As a new vessel to the Greater Will." Renna looks to Marika again and reveals another fact of his quest. "If she is chosen. She becomes Queen. And Elden Lord Solras's fifth wife."

Rags looks to Marika at the reveal, a part of him thinks that she already knew this long ago, and she had not tell him this on purpose. She looks back to Rags and turns away sadly in shame, not being able to face him at the moment.

She becomes Queen... Of course she will.

Who was I kidding... A guy like me, would never stand a chance.

Renna observes the two and continue to ease their uncomfortable situation. "But as it currently stands, that is not possible. For Elden Lord Solras has fled the capital and is now an enemy to the Greater Will."

"What? Why?" Marika was surprised at the development and did not see this coming.

"He has committed an act of heresy in the eyes of the Greater Will, an act that many dared not to take as it would make one a direct enemy of an outer God itself."

"He attempted to forge... His own Elden Ring."

The reveal causes Marika to be shocked, as such an act was considered one of the highest forms of blasphemy. A signal to declare oneself as a challenger towards an outer god. No one, not even a Demi-God was allowed to do that.

"And so the capital is without a ruler. And the two orders of the world are now in open war, for the truce between the Golden Order and the Dragon Order is broken. And Leyndell is also in a state of civil war. One side loyal to Solras, One side loyal to the Greater Will."

Marika sighs at the current situation she was hearing. "Then... it is over. All our efforts have been for naught." She leans back on the chair at disappointment from the news, prompting Rags to place his hand on her shoulder to comfort her.

Renna continues on words as she knows that their journey is far from finished. "Quite the opposite in fact. The journey to the Lands between for the both of you is now more important than ever. For you, Marika. May be one of the last remaining hopes to restore the Golden Order. To continue your quest to the Erdtree, with haste. Time is of importance."

Rags then cut in to point out their coming journey. "Yeah well... Here's the thing. We are being hunted by those Dragon cunts. They are chasing us like mad. If she is not safe, then I won't allow her to travel for now." He makes his stand clear to Renna.

"And what if I tell you that is not an option due to the severity of the situation?"

"I would tell you to shove it your cunt and fuck off."

Marika nudges Rags again, this time harder due to his insult towards the one that saved them. Renna raises her brow from the sudden swear and lets out a small laugh due to being amused by his bluntness.

"Quite the rowdy fellow aren't you?" Her remarks makes Rags fold his arms and look away while she looks at Marika. "I can see why you like him, aside from his rough but handsome looks." A blush forms on Marika's face as Renna's comment left her embarrassed.

Renna holds her chin and thinks on the way to ease their journey. She had already come up with solutions but now needed more due to Rags's insistence on Marika's safety. "Very well. I cannot guarantee the safety of your journey to Leyndell, but I can increase your chances greatly and increase your speed of travel. Would that be a compromise you can accept?"

Rags thinks about the offer and also remembers another fact that hindered him. "Well. Aside from the fact that I lost sight of grace. If it helps out greatly then I accept. But this better not be a trick, witch."

"Of course not. I do not dabble in lies, Rags." Renna responds to his accusation and enquires about the grace he lost. "As for your loss of grace... Do you know why that happened?"

"Not sure. It just disappeared from my sight."

"I see..." She comes up with a few theories on why he lost it, a clue be found in the agreement he made to take Marika to Leyndell. "Do you remember what your objective was? Word for word?"

Rags recall the words he was told when took this job. "I am to bring the Maiden, in this case, Marika to Leyndell safely and unharmed."

"And was she harmed in any way?"

"No. She barely has any-"

"An arrow." Marika spoke up upon remembering herself getting hurt during their last fight. "An arrow hit me in my shoulder when I was... Trying to save you." She looks down upon realizing that she was the indirect cause of his problem. Losing grace was a big disadvantage for one to have, especially if said one was a target for the Dragon Order.

Rags place his palm over his face after realizing that he missed this fact for days. He did not think that the words of his task would come back to bite him this badly, and the fact that the outer god who granted him grace would be this specific in its words.

Really? One arrow is enough? Fuck you Greater Will...

"And that answers the question then." Renna then reaches into a pouch she was carrying and hands over the two flasks that Rags used to heal and recover focus, the flasks now had new runic markings on them. "I have modified your flasks to be usable once more without grace. You will only be able to use them ten times per day, each before they replenish themselves on midnight."

"Ten times per day? That's it?"

"There are limits to even what I can do." She states her limitations and stands to retrieve an enchanted bag that was placed on a table. She reaches in and takes hold of a silver colossal sword hilt that was hidden by the bag's magic. "I have also noticed your weapon is currently faulty, therefore I will temporarily bestow upon you the Godslaye-"

"Not interested." Rags declined the offer of a new weapon, still being attached to the current claymore he uses. He takes out his claymore with the tip downwards and holds it out to Renna. "Don't suppose your magic can fix this?"

Renna looks to Rags with a raised brow due to his rejection of her sword, a sword that contains great power of black flames. She respects his decision and keeps the sword back into the bag, inspecting the weapon of Rags as he requested.

She looks over to the clearly visable cracks and chippings in the blade and clasped her hands together while closing her eyes. Black flames soon emit lightly from her hands and her gestured for Rags to hold his claymore higher. She slowly moves her hands along the blade and it begins to repair itself, returning the claymore to a pristine and unused state. As if it was freshly forged.

He looks over the blade and smirks, happy at the repairs that Renna performed. Rags keep his claymore to his back holster and returns to Maria's side. "Thanks. So... What now?"

"Now, the both of you must depart. You are now behind time and time is what the world is currently running out of." Renna looks at Marika with an expected look. "Marika, do you remember what we discussed earlier days ago?"

"Yes, I am aware of what I must do." The two women talked about something that Rags was unaware of, most likely a conversation they had when he was still bedridden.

"Good. Then you know it must be done, regardless of the state of Leyndell." Renna then removes a ring from one of her fingers and presented it to Rags, it was a delicate goldwork ring that can be used as a finger whistle. "And I give you this final gift, Rags. Use it to call forth a Spectral Steed to travel great distances and heights. Treat the steed with respect, Rags. He may become your greatest ally."

Rags takes the ring and hang it on a chain to wear around his neck. Renna stands and approaches the pair, intending to send them away to their destination. "Now, I will send the two of you to the last place we met, where you will continue your journey as previously intended. Best of luck to both of you, all of us may need it." She holds out her hand and expects them to place theirs upon it. "When you are ready, let my hands rest upon yours, for but a moment."

Marika offers her hand and looks over to see Rags hesitating. She places her hand on his shoulder and gets his attention. "Rags? Are you ready?"

He snaps back to attention and nods at her before looking back at Renna with a bit of remorse, kicking himself for being quite unfriendly to her. "Yeah... And uh... Renna. What I said before was-"

"It is all right, Rags. You are wise not to trust others so easily. I have learned that before, the difficult way." Her words had a hint of bitterness to them but she ignored her problems and focused on them at the moment.

With her final words, Rags nods and places his hand on one of Renna's. Both of them closed their eyes as they felt a sense of warmth and their bodies slowly fading into a blue mist, transporting them away from Renna's domain.

Renna was left alone in her room and thinks of the meeting with the traveling duo, with Rags in particular. She had often wondered if his journey would stay its course, whether her divination of him would be true. A part of her wished it wasn't.

For a cruel and terrible fate awaited him at the end.

HELADIN, THE NORTHEN REGION

The pair opened their eyes and found themselves back at the forest where Renna recused them, at the same exact spot where the Dragon Order's hunters were forced to retreat.

Rags takes hold of his claymore's hilt and scans the area for more enemies. He lets his guard down after a few moment as no one else was in the area except for them. The bodies of the soldiers that were slain here had already decayed, indicating that they were now at a point in time weeks after their fight here.

Rags and Marika stand for a moment in silence before she speaks out. "So... Are we still going to travel together all the way to Leyndell?"

"Yes." Rags respond almost immediately.

Marika thinks of asking about his intent to leave once they were done but was afraid to anger or annoy him. She decide to go ahead with it, however, as she wanted to know if he would change his mind.

"Then... Will you be leaving? Once we reach the city...?" She braces herself for the dreaded answer again, trying not to break down.

Rags remain quiet while she wait for his answer. His face remains netual and finally gives his response.

"...I will think about it."

Marika was caught off guard and a sense of happiness fills her as Rags had given her the possibility of him staying. She smiles and nods at his response while Rags moves to the direction of their destination.

Rags examine the ring Renna gave and sees that it functions as a whistle. He takes the ring near his mouth and blows it to create a loud whistling sound. Blue mist appears in front of him and a horse that had horns and ears of a goat with a saddle for two passengers to ride.

Rags look to the steed with confusion about what type of horse it was, clearly not convinced that it will make their trip faster. "A goat... Really? We are going to ride to Leyndell, thousands of leagues away... On a goat."

Marika moves closer to the steed and raises her hand to touch its mane. The steed leans into her touch and she begins stroking its neck with affection. "It's not a goat, Rags. He is a noble ancient sprit, one that will carry us to our destination."

"Well... It looks like a goat... It smells like a goat... It's a goat."

"His name is Torrent. And he thinks your remarks are very offensive."

Rags tilt his head at what she said. "You can talk to it? how?"

"I just can. I also know that he will be a great addition to us." She then grabs the saddle and mounts up on Torrent effortlessly, looking to Rags to join her. "Well? Get on. We need to get moving."

Rags shake his head at her intent and reluctantly gets on the back seat of Torrent, his taller height towering over behind her. He looks for something to grab on before Marika takes his hand to hold her waist, much to his discomfort.

"You sure you can ride well?"

"Of course I can. I practiced greatly back in my homeland."

"And what happens if I fall and break my neck?"

"Then it was nice knowing you, Rags." She responds with a sarcastic tone to his dark humor. Marika urges Torrent forward and the steed takes off at full speed, even with the weight of two persons.

"Shit! Marika! Slow down!" Rags hangs on to the best he can from the surprising speed of Torrent.

"Are you joking?! This is great!" She ignored his plea and rides on with glee. Torrent soon reaches a separate cliff and leaps up to the air, With Marika cheering in joy and Rags hanging on for dear life.

"AH! FUCK!"

FIN