Staying at Redmane Castle brought back pleasant memories of the Radahn Festival. Gundrik could remember standing beside huge fire pits, burning the corpses of Scarlet Rot victims, that tattered standards of the Redmane army blowing in the relatively pleasant breeze, and the Tarnished warriors crowding around to hear the start of the festival itself.
Back then, Blaidd and Alexander had been alive and well. Long after, both met their end at his blade.
"Rejoice, friends and comrades!" Jerren shouted, holding his flamberge to the sky as fire pits burned, Redmane soldiers crowding around them. Gundrik stood to Jerren's side, awkwardly holding his arms behind his back. Marika, Radagon, and Malenia were nowhere to be seen, although Gundrik was certain he saw a flash of red hair in the crowd somewhere. Then again, it could have been an illusion, or a simple ornament of one of the Redmane knights.
"The Scarlet Rot, our mortal enemy, purged from Caelid!" Jerren continued, slamming his flamberge forward. "Though this day is not without sacrifice, know that our General would be proud! We have destroyed our greatest enemy, once and for all! Rejoice, I say! Rejoice!"
Swords and spears were raised in camaraderie, and Gundrik let out a breath as Jerren turned to him.
"Ah, brings back memories, doesn't it, old chum?" Jerren asked, planting the tip of his flamberge in the stone. "Long ago, we hosted the Radahn Festival within this selfsame castle, eh? Dark times, those were, but what a glorious battle that had been. I daresay this one has been grander, however."
"For anyone's definition of 'grander'," Gundrik mumbled, "I do not find myself in much of a celebratory mood, unfortunately."
Jerren nodded understandingly, placing a hand on Gundrik's shoulder. Though with Gundrik's growing height, the castellan had to look up to him as he did so. "Truly, I find myself weary of such things, as well. This is mostly for the men. Where do you plan on taking them, by the by? They will follow you now, wherever you might go."
Gundrik shrugged. "We have Liurnia, Limgrave, and Caelid under our tentative control, now. If we focus all our efforts on rebuilding Leyndell, I imagine we could be done within a decade, but that would be leaving much of the countryside to feral demihumans and raiders. There are not a lot of people within the Lands Between right now, but I imagine one day that will change; births continue, an errant immigration ship or two, and it will… it will be normal."
"You do not sound so sure, chum. Tell me, what is on your mind?" Jerren asked.
Gundrik took a step back, looking up at the starry sky before his eyes settled on Jerren's masked, hooded face again. "Do you remember when last I was here? I had a sword, not this twisted thing upon my back."
Jerren made a popping sound with his lips. "I do. It was not a brilliant thing, but I would remember the weapon that slew Radahn any day. You do not have it with you anymore."
"It broke," Gundrik said, his hands balling into fists. "In my final fight, at the base of the Erdtree. The Omen King was the last obstacle in my path, and with one final swing, I ended it, and he fell, but the blade was broken. I tossed it aside when I realized the Erdtree was blocking all who deigned to approach. If I were to dig it out of the giant pile of ash that has settled upon Leyndell, tasked a smith with reforging it, would I have the same sword that put General Radahn out of his mystery?"
"We are warriors, chum, not philosophers. Perhaps you are, but I am not," Jerren confessed. "A sword is a sword, whether or not it has been shattered and reforged."
Gundrik shook his head. "That is not what I believe. Were I to reforge it, it would be a sword again, yes, made out of portions of the sword that I once used, but it would be a different weapon. The Elden Ring was shattered, and repaired, and even it is not the same. My point is, my friend, I do not believe things will ever be 'normal' again. I wish they could be, but my definition of 'normal' does not fit with my current position, and it never will again."
Jerren nodded, turning to his side to gaze upon the celebrating soldiers below. "It's rather hard to argue with that, chum. Seems you and I just have a different outlook."
Gundrik closed his eyes. "Yes, I am getting that. I just suppose it is a bit disappointing. I spent all of my time trying to become Elden Lord, wondering what I would do once the world was brought back to normal. And only now do I realize that such a thing is not possible."
Jerren turned back to Gundrik, his head tilted to the side.
Gundrik waved a hand. "Do not worry for my health, if you are becoming such. I know what my lot in life is now, and it is not so bad that I would contemplate other solutions. Besides, someone needs to keep the local god in check."
"I cannot speak to that, but then again, I have only been in Queen Marika's presence briefly, and she is…" Jerren trailed off.
"You've no need to speak candidly with me, Jerren. I will not take offense, and she is not here now," Gundrik said, letting out a dry laugh. "Speak now while you still can. While I still can."
Gundrik went silent at that.
"You are tired, old chum," Jerren finally said. "And I understand. But I also never believed that my allies would ever be rid of their constant warring with the Scarlet Rot, and yet here we stand, on this momentous occasion! Do not give up hope, friend. In such thick, inky darkness, it is all we can use to light the way."
After a moment of silence, Gundrik let out a sigh. "She said that to me once. Several people did, actually. I only hope I do not let them down. Thank you, Jerren. You have been a good friend to me. I am glad I still have people like you and Nepheli out there that I can call 'friends'."
"Think nothing of it, old chum. I shall handle these festivities. I believe Marika has taken residence in one of the upper levels of the castle. I would not keep her waiting if I were you," Jerren replied.
"I take it back, Jerren. You are a traitor and a scoundrel, and I will see you hanged for this," Gundrik deadpanned.
Though Redmane Castle has once been a thriving place, it was clear that its glory days were long behind it. Just like Stormveil, it was a mere shadow of the opulent structure it had once been, although Redmane Castle had weathered it better than most. While many rooms were in shambles, and whatever decor the castle had had long been either destroyed or replaced, its main structures and walls still remained intact.
Of course, even in such a place, there would always be a room off to the side somewhere, or a barracks to house the troops, unless General Radahn had once expected his men to sleep upon the dusty floor of the courtyard. Although Gundrik wouldn't put it past Marika to somehow apparate a room into existence, the truth of it wasn't nearly as fantastical; she had set up shop in the upperlevels of the castle, in a room that had once been used for storage. The first thing Gundrik noticed upon entering was the ladder leading to the walls above, as well as most of the old crates and barrels being piled up in one corner to make way for a bed made of cloth and shaved wool. At least two others were used as makeshift chairs, presumably between Marika and Radagon, although when Gundrik entered, Radagon was nowhere to be seen.
When Gundrik entered, Marika had just finished spreading out the sheets, and she stood up and turned her head to him.
"Such amenities as beds seem to be out of the question, for these Redmanes," Marika commented, crossing her arms over her chest. "I hadst not a clue that Radahn loathed proper comforts, though it is not surprising."
Gundrik shrugged, placing the Bolt of Gransax at the door before closing it, and taking off her helmet. "I think they used the bed frames as kindling for burning bodies," Gundrik said, "and, well. I have a feeling after the Battle of Aeonia, Radahn's men did not feel the need to indulge themselves in such comforts. I cannot say I blame them; sometimes I can barely sleep if what I'm laying down on is too soft."
Marika hummed, turning back to her makeshift bedding. "Then it is a good omen that I have not found a single piece of silk within this castle. Not that I expected such a thing, but this was the best I couldst manage. I would ask thee to turn in for the night, since thou art here, but I can sense something from you, Lord Gundrik. Your stance is odd."
"Very perceptive," Gundrik said, sighing as he sat down upon one of the barrels. "I'm guessing you and Radagon fused again?"
"There remaineth no need for us to be apart, though I hadst wished he would not have demanded it so readily," Marika sighed, wiping her forehead as she took her crown off. "It is thy wish to ask questions, is it not? I have anticipated such an event for some time. Go on, then, ask thine questions. There art no crises that require our attention, and the night is long indeed."
"It is almost like you can read me like an open book. You and Radagon. Almost like we have always known each other," Gundrik said, though the question within his speech was evident."
"Oh yes, perhaps not for years, but I knew of thee, even while I was a prisoner within mine own domain," Marika replied, circling around Gundrik and placing a hand on his shoulder. "I can sense the question on thine tongue, Lord Gundrik. Speak. Let thy voice be heard. I wish it so."
"How much of you is Melina?" Gundrik asked suddenly. "I know she was your daughter, or related to you in some way. She said she was born at the foot of the Erdtree. She said her mother still remained there, and she said that her original body was cracked and broken and burned, almost like yours and Radagon's when I first went inside. She was a part of you, wasn't she? A shard."
Marika took a step back, and Gundrik turned to see her staring at him with narrowed eyes.
"Thy astuteness continueth to impress, Lord Gundrik. She meant something to thee, did she not?" Marika asked, circling around to finally face him. She stood in front of him, staring down at him with her golden eyes. In such a position, Gundrik felt vulnerable, but he was not afraid. Not anymore. And he knew Marika would not hurt him. "She was a dear friend to thee, a kindly, if cold, maiden, to help thee on thy quest, traveling through these ruined lands, until thou found that the Erdtree blocked all who approached."
Gundrik looked down and nodded. "She gave me the power I needed to move forward. She gave me Torrent," Gundrik brought out the small golden finger whistle, moving it between his fingers. "She was with me almost every step of the way, and when the time came, she sacrificed herself, so that the Erdtree would burn, by your decree. It was not just because it was your order that demanded it that made her do it; your will was her will, and you both wanted the same thing."
Marika finally sat upon the barrel directly in front of Gundrik, entering his line of sight again. "She was a shard of mine, yes, Lord Gundrik. Though not all of her was mine. All her steps alongside you, however, were my steps, were Radagon's steps. I couldst see through her thine triumphs, thine failures, however vaguely. And when she returndst to me, I felt…"
Gundrik's pale lips thinned into a line. "I suppose that explains why you are always so nice to me."
"There is no reason to be rude to thee, even were thou not what dearest Melina stumbled upon. But when thee and Lord Godfrey fought upon our doorstep, I didst not lie; either of thee had what it took, but only one couldst become Elden Lord, and end the age of suffering that was mine legacy," Marika continued, holding her hand. "Woulds't thou let my hand rest upon thee, for but a moment?"
A sharp intake of breath was Gundrik's only response for a moment, until he regained himself.
"I-I would ask how you said that so perfectly, b-but I already know," Gundrik stammered out, punching himself in the chest once. "I-I haven't heard anything resembling that for a long time. You know, she and I entered a long period of silence when I… I could not get into the Erdtree."
Within a moment, Marika's golden hair turned scarlet red, and her build became far more masculine. Radagon still maintained the position Marika had been in, however; his hand outstretched, waiting for Gundrik to take hold.
"That was my fault, in a way, Lord Gundrik," Radagon spoke, his voice far deeper. "I repelled your advances, and though Melina was not us fully, the fault lies in us all the same. I am sorry for the trouble I caused you and yours. Had I known what I do now, I would have allowed your passing."
Gundrik barely blinked at Marika's transformation, hanging his head.
"As much as it hurt at the time," Gundrik began, taking a deep breath. "I was not worthy of lordship. Not then. In some ways, I do not believe I am worthy of it even now, but I am the one who made it inside, and thus, here I am."
"You believe you are unworthy of lordship?" Radagon echoed, his brows furrowing.
"I certainly was not at the beginning, slaughtering everything I saw," Gundrik replied.
"You do realize that Godfrey conquered the entire Lands Between, correct?" Radagon asked pointedly.
Gundrik shrugged. "It's not about conquering, though, is it? Godfrey had other skills; he could rally his men, give speeches, tell them to not give up in the face of impossible odds. Do you know how many times I fought underneath his banner during the Long March? Dozens of times, and each time we came out victorious."
"And do you look at your own achievements, and not realize that you have done the same?" Radagon shot back.
Gundrik went silent.
"It is because of you that we are here," Radagon said, "It is because of you that the sacrifices of the Tarnished were not in vain. You laid the last Fire Giant to rest, you felled the Black Blade, feared even among demigods, and you killed one vassal of an Outer God and assisted with another. If lordship is granted through martial prowess, then a crown shall be on your head within the year, because you have earned it."
Gundrik licked his lips. "Well, when you put it like that…"
"I had a hand in this mentality of yours, have I not? I apologize for that as well, and I will spend all the time I need to make sure that it is erased. My words were hasty, irrational." Radagon continued, his hand still stretched out. "You have proven yourself to me, through Liurnia and Caelid. Through you, we have another chance. A chance to make things right."
Radagon's hair turned golden again, and once more Marika sat before him, her lips forming a small, almost timid smile.
"So please, Lord Gundrik, I ask again," Marika said softly. "Wouldst thou let my hand rest upon yours, for but a moment?"
Gundrik swallowed the growing lump in his throat. "It was not just me, you know. Hewg was the reason the Bolt was able to pierce the Beast's starry hide. The Spirit Ashes Roderika granted me helped me out of dozens of tough binds, and the Remembrances that Enia translated for me were all…"
"And all of their hopes lie within thee," Marika finished. "Their sacrifice was not in vain."
Gundrik took in a deep breath, closed his eyes for a moment, before letting it out, and removed the gauntlet on his hand. Moving it forward, Gundrik placed it upon Marika's, whose fingers gently curled over it. A moment later, and it was joined by her other hand.
Gundrik couldn't help but see it as Radagon's.
It didn't take long for Gundrik to feel something stirring within him. It was a familiar feeling, one of runes becoming a part of his very being. Such power had been granted to him before by Melina, and it had stayed with him even after she had been sacrificed, but there was something different about the way Marika was doing it that he couldn't quite place.
For a moment, everything seemed brighter, more vibrant, as if he had been struck in the back of the head. But there was no pain. He looked upon Marika and did not see Marika. He only saw Them before him, staring at him with Their shared golden eyes, and They smiled upon him the way someone smiles upon seeing their lover awaken from a deep sleep. Gundrik knew he was scared the first time he saw Them, but within moments, all he felt was peace; his heart stilled in his chest, his blood did not boil in his veins, and all seemed right with the world, if even for only a moment.
When the moment was over, Gundrik was saddened to see it leave.
Gundrik felt his veins itch as he stood up suddenly, Marika releasing her hold and looking up at him as if she was not surprised with his reaction. He began pacing, pawing at his armor incessantly.
"Did it get warmer here? I feel as if it has gotten warmer here. Why did you look like the sun? You looked like the sun. That was insanity. Why does every single vein in my body feel as if it is popping out? Marika? Marika? Why am I like this?"
"Thou hast seen us for what we truly are," Marika explained succinctly, folding her hands in her lap. "Thine reaction is most amusing, I must say."
Before long, Gundrik had his breastplate off, and a moment later the gambeson underneath was torn off as well, falling apart with relative ease in his hands before he threw it down. He took in deep breaths as the gauntlets were next, leaving him in nothing but his greaves and boots. He ran his hands across his body as if it would somehow stop the pins and needles rippling across his skin, and with time, they slowly faded, until the sensation was nothing but a memory.
Gundrik rubbed his shoulders once it was finally over, letting out another breath as his shoulders slumped.
"Found that funny, did you?" Gundrik whispered, bringing his hands up to his face and allowing them to run down it, wiping away the sweat on his brow. His shadow looked as if it was falling apart beside him. "I am glad I can be so entertaining when I feel like I am on fire."
Marika smiled. "Thou'rt fine, Lord Gundrik. Look upon thine body, and then look upon mine."
When Marika stood up, Gundrik realized that she no longer towered over him. She hadn't for some time, but if anything, looking upon her in that moment, Gundrik realized that he was looking down on her. Even if only slightly. Gundrik looked down at his hands, his chest and his arms, only to see nothing but muscle underneath his skin. He had always been well-built, and perhaps he was no at Godfrey's level, but his body had changed in an incredibly fast amount of time. It was like Marika simply accelerated what he had already noticed.
"Well," Gundrik murmured. "That is interesting."
"Thou hast noticed it, I take it?" Marika asked, "Thou knew of thine growing stature. I thought 'twould be prudent to speed such a thing along. Now thou art truly a demigod, for whatever such a title means in this new, Perfect Order."
"I feel as if I could break a mountain in half," Gundrik breathed out, placing his hand against the cool wall. "I feel… I feel really good. I'm thirsty."
"I am afraid I have no water to offer thee, my lord," Marika said innocently.
"Is there any wine? Any alcohol? Anything at all? I do not usually even like alcohol. It would be a death sentence in the Badlands. But I would rather that than nothing at all," Gundrik said, licking his lips and swallowing the saliva gathering in his mouth.
Marika pursed her lips and hid her hands behind her back. "Nay. 'Tis nothing here. My apologies."
"Ah, well, I- Hmm," Gundrik stood up fully. "Suddenly, I am not so thirsty anymore. Strange how that works, huh?"
"Perhaps 'twas a poor idea to affect thee in such a manner. Thy body needs to adjust," Marika said, moving forward and grasping Gundrik's hand. "Come to me, my lord. I shalt relieve thee."
"Now what does that mean, I wonder?" Gundrik asked aloud, though he did not resist Marika leading him. "I still have many questions to ask you. I just- I cannot remember them now. They seem like such a distant thing. I know what this is, though. Are you sure? Are you well and truly sure?"
"It is what I want. I will not force thee into this. Reject me now, and I shalt accept," Marika replied quietly.
Taking a few deep breaths, and a few passing moments, Gundrik finally nodded. "I would not say no to either of you. Not here, and not from this point onward."
Marika smiled and embraced him.
If there was one thing that Marika had been correct about in Gundrik's mind, it was that the night was long, indeed.
Not because the night was actually, physically long, however. No, Gundrik knew enough that constantly waking up in the middle of it could make a night last longer than all of his years put together. Even then, in his brief moments of alertness, he could make out Marika's form in the darkness - or Radagon's. They were cloaked in shadow, obscuring their form from him as they embraced him, again and again. He loved it and did not want it to end, but alas, after some time, he finally awoke to morning light streaming in under the crack of the door nearby.
For a moment, Gundrik was hardly aware of his surroundings. He could see the stone and wood ceiling above him, as well as the ladder that led to one of the battlements, but he could not comprehend it. After a moment, however, the confusion left him, and he let out a breath.
"Wow," Gundrik whispered, closing his eyes for a moment. "Incredible."
Gundrik barely registered his own nakedness as he looked to his side to see Marika's slumbering form, her golden blonde hair going all about her, spreading out across the sheets. It wasn't until that moment that a sense of comfortable familiarity dawned upon looking at her, and the same was true for Radagon. He knew Radagon had been there as well, the memories plastered in his skull and refusing to leave, and he never wanted them to.
It was on repeat in his mind: sheets barely covering them as their hair switched from blonde to scarlet, positions switching, bodies switching - it was always exciting, such that his heart refused to stay in his chest. Taut muscles across his chest, a sultry grin upon her face, and golden eyes always upon him - even though it had long ended, he would never forget it.
Moving his hand forward, Gundrik lightly brushed a couple strands of hair from her face. Even with the cracks along her pale skin, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
Such a scene did not last for long, but that made it all the sweeter.
Soon enough, Marika's eyes opened. A moment later and she was already sitting up, letting out a gentle hum as she turned to meet Gundrik's gaze.
"I see thine growing pains had subsided," Marika said with a small smile as she stretched. "How doth thee feel, Lord Gundrik."
Gundrik pursed his lips and nodded, idly looking away. "I am feeling really good. Much better. My body is- I am much, much bigger now. Will I continue to grow?"
"Doubtful," Marika said, placing her hands in her lap. "Is thy stature not to thine liking? I think it suiteth thee."
"I suppose there needs to be a ceiling, huh?" Gundrik breathed out. "And I suppose I will need new armor. My old set seemed to be growing with me, but I think that wore off when you did… whatever it was you did."
"I am sure there wilt be dozens thou couldst choose from. Or perhaps it shalt be thy wish to simply enter the battlefield in the nude from now on? I am sure I and the leal hound wouldst appreciate it," Marika replied, giving Gundrik a cheeky smirk.
Gundrik took in another deep breath, one of many he'd taken in since he started talking to Marika and Radagon. "Is this your idea of pillowtalk? It needs refining."
"Perish the thought! Mine oratory skills art second to none," Marika turned away. "Thy insult shalt not be forgiven."
"Fine, then. I could always talk to Radagon," Gundrik said, crossing his arms.
"Why wouldst thou settle for such a disobedient dog?" Marika asked pointedly. "Is one god not enough for thine thirst?"
"Well, I had a decent taste of it just this past night, did I not? It was incredible. I hope my- erm, how do I put this…"
"Finish not thy sentence, Lord Gundrik. Were thou not satisfactory, 'twould be made known," Marika quickly stated. "Ah, the leal hound stirs. Not now, my other self. If it is thy wish to speak to Gundrik- Fine."
Just as Gundrik processed what was happening, two hands clasped upon his shoulders and in the next moment he felt a pair of lips against his. Muscular arms wrapped around him for a moment, before he was released, breathless in the face of Radagon's scarlet hair and smooth, pale face.
"By the…" Gundrik swallowed. "Give a man some warning next time, yes?"
"I needed to make my feelings known quickly, before this serpent grows impatient," Radagon replied. "I was wrong about you, Lord Gundrik. I was wrong about a great many things, and perhaps through you, we really can make an Order that lasts eternally."
It was Gundrik's turn to look away. "I fear I am an ill-suited replacement."
"You are not a replacement for either of our spouses, and I would advise you to cease such self-destructive thoughts," Radagon demanded. "You are who you are, and that is all we need you to be."
Gundrik suddenly felt light-headed, even as Radagon faded away to Marika's golden locks again. A different hand landed upon his cheek.
"I hope Radagon was delicate," Marika stated softly. "He remaineth a rather passionate individual, does he not?"
"One way of putting it," Gundrik mumbled, holding his head up before nodding. "But, I suppose I needed to hear it, just one more time. To really hammer it into this thick pot I call a skull."
"And what is it thou hast to say, now?" Marika asked, her hand creeping up into Gundrik's hair, playing around with his black locks.
Gundrik turned to face her. "I think I am in love with you."
To Marika's credit, the only change of expression she had was a slight widening of the eyes, which quickly settled into a radiant smile as she moved in closer and gave Gundrik a kiss of her own.
Unfortunately, they were not given the time to enjoy it as much as they wanted, as the door into their quarters opened suddenly.
"Lord Gundr- Ah," a feminine voice came from the door. "I shall return later, then. Know that this is important."
Marika let out a sigh as she waved her hand. "I see thee, Lady Nepheli. Speak thy piece."
"Let it be so, Queen Marika," Nepheli said. Gundrik turned to the warrior at the doorway. Her feet were firmly planted at the threshold of the doorway, as if entering would somehow destroy her. "There is an anomaly. Something has wandered up to the gates of Redmane Castle."
Gundrik wiped at his brow. "Something?"
Nepheli nodded. "To call it a man would not be incorrect, but it is a desecrated, emaciated man. He is nothing but skin and bones, and uses his only remaining hand to cover his eyes. I saw this when the watchmen informed me and brought me to the battlements. He is there, and he has not moved since he was noticed. I thought it would be prudent to inform you immediately, and I apologize for any trouble I have caused."
At Nepheli's words, Gundrik's skin paled, so he almost resembled a corpse himself.
"I need to get into something. Anything. Any armor would do," Gundrik stated. "Nepheli-"
Nepheli held up a hand. "Say no more, Gundrik. I will return."
When the warrior had departed, Gundrik could feel Marika's golden gaze on him as he stood up. "Something troubles you. There is significance to what the warrior hast said. What is it, Lord Gundrik?"
"I met a man in the Mountaintops of the Giants, before I even killed the last Fire Giant," Gundrik said. "A man who covered his eyes and wore the skin of an old friend."
The sun shone in the big blue sky, and the Erdtree continued to bathe the landscape in its golden rays. Though Gundrik could see the devastated landscape of Caelid as the gates to Redmane Castle opened, allowing him, Marika, and Nepheli passage, he knew in his heart that it was much better than the Scarlet Rot-infested hellhole it had been just a few days prior. The desert would give way to savannah, in time, just as it had been before the Shattering.
Of course, such thoughts were miniscule compared to the itching he felt in his veins upon seeing the corpse of his friend again.
Gundrik hadn't had the time to dress himself in armor that fit him, instead relying on a combination of form-fitting gambeson and enlarged shoes and trousers. He thought he looked quite comical - certainly no one expected to meet the Third Elden Lord while he was in a nightgown. It was the best he could do in such a short time, however, and the Bolt of Gransax still fit his build like a glove, with its wired golden frame glittering in the sun.
On Gundrik's orders, Jerren posted crossbowmen at the battlements, just in case the demon wearing Yura's corpse tried anything. Judging by the damage to the body, however, Gundrik did not think that the thing could hurt him even if it wanted to.
There it stood, on the ruined bridge that connected Castle Redmane to the mainland. Yura's cage-like helmet had been stripped away, leaving his face exposed - or rather, what was left of his face. Even though the corpse's remaining hand was covering its eyes, the flesh had been stripped away from Yura's jaw, leaving his teeth exposed in a permanent rictus grin, and whatever hair remained on his head was disturbed by patches of burnt skin. The rest of Yura's body was not in much better shape, with the leather armor of the former Bloody Finger Hunter fused to what remained of his flesh. One arm had seemingly been eaten away up to the elbow, and it had been gutted, allowing Gundrik to see the thing's spine.
"A corpse such as this, I at first believed he was one of Those Who Live in Death," Nepheli said, twirling her axe. "If it moves, I will end it."
"Not before I do," Gundrik murmured. "I thought he died in Altus, then I saw him again in the Mountaintops, ranting and raving about lordship and letting chaos take the world. He was an envoy of the Three Fingers, supposedly below Leyndell."
Marika was unnaturally silent. Gundrik expected something from her, however, her golden eyes were firmly planted on Yura's body, and her fists were clenched. Her expression betrayed no emotion, but Gundrik could tell that she was not liking what she was hearing.
Before long, the trio stood at the edge of the bridge, looking upon the shambling corpse in front of them. For a few seconds, it did not move. It was like someone had carved the perfect likeness of a corpse and simply placed it in front of Redmane Castle as a jest. Unfortunately for them all, almost as if a switch had been pulled somewhere, the corpse took a jittering step forward.
"Take one more step, and you will be filled with bolts," Gundrik said loudly, pointing the Bolt of Gransax at the intruder. "You have some nerve, coming back after what you have done. Why are you here?"
"Is it not customary to bow before a new lord?" the corpse finally said, its voice like sandpaper across Gundrik's face. Yura's vocal chords were not what they had once been, evidently. "Or did you throw away your lordship? I would not blame you, considering what you needed to do in order to achieve it."
"It was her choice, she made it clear," Gundrik fired back. "And I would not be swayed by a monster like you, Shabriri."
"I gave you a chance, Gundrik," Shabriri stated, his jaw moving unnaturally as he spoke. "The choice to save your maiden, and you slashed this well-given flesh instead. I remind you again that I cannot die. And with this Erdtree restored, there remains only one way to make it all whole. To bring back what was promised."
"Thou shouldst have expected such a nonsense answer from a madman," Marika finally said, her voice void of emotion. "Pillager of corpses, thou art."
"Ah, Queen Marika the Eternal," Shabriri said, his words like the sigh of a dying man. "Would be that the god that doomed us all to the torment of the Shattering would return. Tell me, Queen Marika, if Godwyn would see your actions as necessary? He rots beneath that hunk of wood still, you know, so tantalizingly close to the prison of the Great Caravan. Or have you forgotten about that as well?"
Gundrik turned to see the most terrifying face he had ever seen. For a single moment, Marika's expression warped into such a pure display of anger and hatred that he could scarcely believe that she was the same person. It was gone almost as quickly as it had arrived, but it had unnerved Gundrik all the same.
"I will see thy eyes plucked again for this, slanderer," Marika snarled.
"Ah, but I speak the truth. Although, the Great Caravan's grave is but an empty gaol filled with corpses now. Our power has left. And it has come for you. We have a new lord now, Gundrik, one who was far more receptive toward the plight of our essence. We will see all that divides and distinguishes burned away in brilliant yellow fire!"
"I will stop it," Gundrik said, stepping forward. "I have an army behind me, and no matter how powerful the Frenzied Flame may be, I will see it imprisoned again or destroyed. You cannot win."
"Oh, Lord Gundrik…" Shabriri sighed. "I pity you. You had such potential. But I see now that you were never to be our Lord of Chaos. Such a title belonged to someone else, though I doubt she much resembles her old self, any more. But even as she is, she cannot attain her true title until you are slain. Until Queen Marika is slain. So, come then, Lord Gundrik. Queen Marika. To abandoned Leyndell, where we await. And until the day you arrive…"
Shabriri removed his remaining hand from his eyes, revealing two blood-caked eye sockets, with tiny pinpricks of yellow light within.
"May chaos take the world."
Before Gundrik could even blink, a bolt of yellow struck his face, and he could feel the flames burning his very soul as he stumbled back, holding his face as if somehow that would ease the pain. Though it was fleeting, he was still on the ground from the attack, even as he heard a scuffle nearby; the familiar sound of flesh being torn, and a weapon being summoned, all for it to be drowned out in silence as Yura's skull, completely removed of flesh, bounced into his view. His eyes felt as if they were on fire, but he could see his mangled corpse nearby, the remnants of a hammer embedded in what remained of his chest cavity. The smoldering yellow light within the eye sockets remained for a moment, as if mocking him, before finally fading away.
Even as he felt someone pull him up by his shoulders, one thought refused to leave his mind.
This is the end.
And here we come upon the last enemy these brainy people are gonna face. May chaos take the world, indeed.
So, only about 5 more chapters to go, after this. Like I said, I intentionally limited myself with this fic so that It would actually, you know, get done. Elden Ring's lore is so rich and so open to interpretation I could probably make this fic twice as long and still have more stuff to do. Don't worry, though. I'll try my best to make it as entertaining as possible while we are still here, lol.
Which, of course, means we have one other giant elephant in the room that must be addressed, and that'll come next chapter!
Here's a link to our Discord server: discord .gg/9XG3U7a
See you guys next time!
