Finally, a moment's rest. Rarely did I ever get such a thing, such a time. I've done so much without thinking. I couldn't think or else I would die. Things went by quickly and I didn't want to die. I could think now. What did I think? I thought of where I would be if I had not come here to the Lands Between. I wonder if anyone noticed I was gone. There's gotta be at least somebody, right? Maybe my landlord when he sees I haven't paid rent. I am gone from the face of Earth. Erased. My possessions and people's memories of me were the only things that remained of my being back home.

My journey through this foreign world has been rough to say the least. I have no idea what I am doing. I have to gather the shards of the Elden Ring back from demigods. I am only human, that's not something I am made for. This world seemed to be the exact antithesis of my ideal environment: dangerous, really dangerous, and extremely dangerous. Did the Greater Will, whoever the heck that was, bring me here just to trifle with me? It must be really funny seeing me fail. Why couldn't the Greater Will have picked someone stronger? This world needs someone that is made from stone and metal. I break and bleed.

I opened my eyes to see that I was under the shade of an oak. I didn't know where I was but I was certainly not near the encampment of soldiers that had abducted Melina. Thinking about it, it was so confusing as to how she got kidnapped. Melina could dematerialize so it should've been a really easy escape for her. What was she doing out at night anyway? She just doesn't seem like the person that would make that kind of mistake to me. Melina seemed a bit too sharp for that.

Wait, where is she?

Looking around, I saw no sign of Melina or Roderika either. A rush of anxiety shot through me as I quickly got up and searched around for both of them. Nowhere. They both must've gone off somewhere. Unless something bad happened to them both while I was passed out.

"Melina!" I shouted. The valley I was in echoed back my call. A ghostly fog began creeping in at a noticeably fast rate. There was no wind to carry it so I didn't know what was going on. Great! As soon as I wake, there's gotta be something sketchy going on. Oh, how wonderful.

The mist began to flow around me like the waves in the ocean. My eyelashes soon became damp with droplets and my body felt clammy. It was like I was in the middle of a cloudburst. The vapor around slowed to a halt and through the fog I saw the silhouette of a person. They did a flick of the wrist and the fog shot outwards, dispersing into the air.

"Greetings, Tarnished. May I have a word?" The voice was calm, gentle, and prestigious, not unlike Melina's voice. But it wasn't Melina. The woman in front of me that the mist revealed had pale blue skin. When I looked closer, she had four arms and there was another face bound to hers but it was a wraith-like countenance that shared her closed right eye. She had a massive witch hat and her silvery-blue hair had an unnatural shininess.

Now was not the right time to start another fight. I had been taken out of my chainmail and my weapon was missing. But it seems she just wants a chat but can I really trust that? So I prepared to flee.

The lady looked a bit annoyed at me. Her eyes, or I guess her eye, no, wait, she technically does have the other eye opened unless her wraithlike face wasn't actually a part of her, told me everything.

"'Tis a rude way to hail a guest, Tarnished," she said, "As soon as thou lay thy eyes upon me, thou assays to take flight."

"Who are you?" I asked quietly.

"I am the witch, Renna," she told me, "I'd heard tale of a Tarnished hurtling about atop a spectral steed. Upon looking into the matter, the talk, I surmise, it of thee. Thou'rt possessed of the power to call forth the spectral steed named Torrent, no?"

"Yeah, that's me," I said, "What do you want with me? You arrive right as I wake up?"

"Ah, thou art the person I had hoped for. I was entrusted this for thee by Torrent's former master." She pulled out an archaic, silver bell with etchings in the handle. Did Melina commission this?

"Thanks, I guess?"

"'Tis a bell for calling forth spirits. Summon them with it, from ash unreturned to the Erdtree. The spirits will obey thy command but briefly, as they recall battles past. Now it is thine to do with as thou wishest."

"Uh, thank you, Renna. I, um, really appreciate it."

"I doubt we shall meet again. But all the same, learn well the Lands Between," she said, "How long will it be, I wonder, before the Tarnished tire of obeisance to the Two Fingers." Melina had spoken of the Two Fingers before but never explained them to me. I'm not purposefully following them, I'm just trying to get home.

"Goodbye then," I said, not wanting to say anything that might offend her. She seemed powerful and I didn't want to mess with that.

"Farewell, Tarnished." She tipped her hat a little and dissipated just as Melina did.

I looked at the bell she gave me. This world just kept getting crazier. I rang it and it let out a light ring. Nothing happened. She told me that I needed to use… ash? Does she expect me to just understand what she means by that? I gave it another futile shake.

Well, that was certainly interesting.

Renna had told me that Melina had told her to give this bell to me. But where was Melina? I doubt she got taken again. Roderika was also with her that time so it was doubtful that they got ambushed.

"Melina?" I called out.

"Yes, Tarnished?-"

"AH!" I yelped as Melina popped up right next to me. Her eye widened as she recoiled back, surprised at my strong response. "Sorry, that might've been an overreaction," I said, "But anyway, where were you?"

"I delivered Roderika to the Roundtable Hold." The Roundtable Hold? I could've sworn I heard that name before. It sounded like it was directly taken from an Arthurian legend.

"How is she?"

"Still mourning, as is natural. However, she is beginning to pick up the pieces."

"That's good to hear," I said, "By the way, did you tell a blue witch to give me this bell?" I presented her with the mysterious item that I had acquired.

"Yes, I had instructed her to give this to thee as soon as possible."

"What does it do?"

"There is ash of lost souls all around the Lands Between. Thou can call upon the spirits using their ash and using the bell. They art to assist thee in combat."

"You're always working to help me, aren't you?" I asked.

"'Tis my job, Tarnished." Melina was always looking out for me. Even though it was technically her duty to do so, I was still so grateful that I had such an ally as her. However, that made me ponder on my mission to get back home. She would go as soon as I reached the foot of the Erdtree.

"I can take thee to the Roundtable Hold," she said, "It is the gathering place of Tarnished champions, guided by grace."

"Are they friendly?" I asked in a half-joking, half-serious way.

"There is an agreed truce in the Roundtable Hold. No swords shall be unsheathed there. However, that does not prevent animosity between the Tarnished themselves."

I think Melina picked up on my apprehension because she said, "Do not fret. I will be with thee. Roderika, too, will be a familiar face."

I sighed. "Take me there."

"Let my hand rest upon thine, just for a moment." We both simultaneously reached out to each other's hands and she took hold of mine. I felt how calloused her hand was. I could clearly feel her scars and the damaged tissue. Every scar told a story no matter if it was mundane or an epic tale. Why were Melina's hands this way and why did she lose an eye?

Just who was my pretender maiden?


"Welcome to the Roundtable Hold." The room was massive and it held, not surprisingly, a round table in the middle of it with a giant floating aura in the center of it. The room had many exits that led to the rest of this expansive area. Sculptures stood atop pedestals and there was a burning fireplace on the side of a wall.

Melina was at my side as strangers began circling us. There was a man in steely-gray armor wearing a helmet that obscured his face by hiding it in shadow. That man had a cane and his very being emanated the wisdom of an elder. Next, there was a guy that looked to be wearing a potato sack with a blindfold and wheel around his neck. A noble-looking fellow appeared behind him. His curly, raven hair flowed royally like the waters of a rapid. Lastly, a man in bronze armor with a metal face mask. There was a metal head protruding from his chest plate which he cradled in his arm like a baby.

I wanted to shrink away from their piercing gazes because it felt like they were all scanning me over. What for? I wouldn't know.

"A new Tarnished," the man with the cane said, "I can scarcely remember the last time a new one made it to the Roundtable Hold."

He came up to me and said, "I'm Sir Gideon Ofnir, senior member and leader of the Hold."

We shook hands. My hands were sweaty as anxiety was taking over my functions. This man was the leader so I better make a good first impression. "As your senior, allow me to give you a word of advice. You are a mere visitor to the Roundtable, nothing more. A house guest, yet to earn their keep. Remember your place, newcomer."

I was shook.

"Do not speak to my Tarnished in thy crude manner, Sir Ofnir," Melina said pointedly, "Treat him with some respect."

"Oh, is he aggrieved at the notion of only being a visitant here? I don't give my esteem to just anybody. Your Tarnished should best remember the first words of grace spoken to him. Stand before the Elden Ring and become Elden Lord. Lay low the shardbearers and claim for himself a Great Rune. Only then will the inner chambers of the Hold open and only then will he receive the wisdom of the Two Fingers. Once the wisdom of the Two Fingers becomes his own, I will impart a proper welcome."

Sir Gideon turned away from us and left the room.

"Well, that was just lovely," another man chimed in, "My name is Diallos and I bid you welcome here, uh, what's your name?"

"Nathaniel."

"Well, you're welcome here. Ignore Gideon. That old louse takes things way too seriously," he said, "I'm sorry I can't stay to chat. My servant Lanya has gone missing. She's as fickle as the wind. You take your eyes off of her and she's gone. So nice to meet you but I really should get going to find her."
Diallos touched the round table and teleported out of the room.

Who are all these people?!

The man in the blindfold came up to me and said, "Welcome to the Roundtable Hold. I am Corhyn, a man of the cloth. I understand this might be overwhelming for you. However, this place is the safest place for us Tarnished. By the way, do you still see it? The guidance of grace, I mean."

"I see it," I told him.

"Excellent. That's wonderful news. Most Tarnished are blind to it these days. You are something of a rare breed."

"Thank you?"

He gave me a friendly pat on the shoulder before leaving. The last person in the room was the guy in bronze colored armor.

"I am D, Hunter of the Dead… all right, bye." He then promptly dashed out of the room.

"Thou seems to be quite welcomed," Melina quipped, "Thy lips are trembling."

"It's a miracle that I made it through," I said, "That was absolutely terrifying! Especially that Gideon guy."

"Do not let Sir Ofnir disturb thee. It seems he is wary of outsiders as he has no knowledge of them."

"The scariest part is that he's the leader of this place."

"You best make peace with him. He would be a powerful ally. He is known as the All-Knowing. He is a Tarnished of renown."

"That only makes him seem even more scary," I said.

"Let us turn our attention to something less scary then, shall we?" Melina said, "Roderika should be around here. I am not sure why she did not greet you with everyone else."

I trailed behind Melina as she walked through the intricate system of connected rooms and hallways in search of the crestfallen soldier.

Eventually, we came across Roderika in a private room. She had taken off her signature red cloak which was very odd. It's like seeing someone without glasses for the very first time because they put in contacts. That red hood seemed synonymous with Roderika.

"Roderika, I have brought Nathaniel," Melina said.

"It's nice to see you again," Roderika said to me, "This place is impressive, isn't it?"

"Yeah, I wasn't expecting this," I replied.

"Who knew the guidance of us Tarnished had such fantastic roots? Although, it's a bit much for me, in truth."

"At least it's safe," I said, "It's safe, isn't it?"

"It is indeed the safest place for a Tarnished," Melina said, "It is the covert quarters of the Two Fingers so let your guard down."

"Wow, I wish I could just stay here for the rest of my life," I said, "Then I wouldn't have to deal with all this Elden Ring crap."

"Then I suppose I shall find a different Tarnished," Melina coldly said.

"You don't really mean that, do you?" I asked hopefully.

"I have a purpose that must be discovered and fulfilled. It shall not be hindered by thee," she said. Even though it made a lot of sense, it still kinda stung.

"Of course, I'm not gonna stop pursuing the Elden Ring," I said, "That was just a joke. It's just nice to have a resting place, ya know?"

"I agree," Roderika said, "In a world of so much hostility, a refuge is our greatest need. The Roundtable Hold is our refuge."

"And there are quite a number of Tarnished here," I said, "It seems I have pretty heavy competition."

"The path to the Elden Ring is a long and arduous one," Melina said.

"So, what do we do?" I asked, "Overcoming Margit seems impossible. I fainted after fighting a few foot soldiers. How do I defeat a Fell Omen?"

"You prepare," she said, "That is the most important step to winning a fight. There must be no surprises once you engage."

"But how do you prepare?" I asked, "All I did last time was get absolutely destroyed. I don't remember anything except, well, that there was a lot of blood."

"We do things meticulously, Tarnished," Melina said, "If you cannot face Margit head on, don't. We must find weaknesses and exploit every one we can find. So let us go through what we currently do have. I asked Renna the witch to give to thee a bell to call forth spirits' ashes so thou will not have to fight alone."

"Okay, but I don't have any ashes," I said.

"Actually, I might be able to help with that," Roderika said, pulling out a vial filled with black dust, "Can you take this little one? Her name is Aurelia. She is a spirit jellyfish and she deserves someone braver than me."

"So why are you giving her to me? I'm the least brave person in the room right now so why?"

"You were brave back when we rescued Melina. I am sure that you will be able to be brave again."

"That was just a one time thing," I said.

"It's not when you're fighting for your life," she said, "She will keep you safe. Be sure to care for her as well."

"I'm certainly honored," I said, accepting the vial, "And I will care for her."

"Now let us speak about Margit himself," Melina said, "He is a legendary warrior during the time of the Shattering. He would strike fear into all those who bore the hawk crest during the invasion of the capital city, Leyndell."

"Oh, that makes everything just dandy."

"He goes after anyone who seeks to become Elden Lord. So you will not be able to make peace with him. He will hunt you down."

A legendary warrior? Now I knew I had no real fighting chance. I would be fooling myself to even think for a moment that I had a chance.

"Yeah, so what you're saying is that I'm screwed, right?"

"Thou art at a severe disadvantage. Margit has won many battles before. He will not succumb easily."

It was helpless. There were just some things that are not possible for people like me. Sure, maybe a different Tarnished could take Margit down but not me.

Not me.

"But do not lose hope," she said, "For once thou hast no hope, thou hast lost."

"Right, but how do you lose hope when you had none to begin with?" I asked, "What can one no-good fool do against a champion?"

"Even champions have their weaknesses," she said, "Someone who might know of them would be Sir Gideon Ofnir, the All-Knowing."

"Yeah, but I don't really wanna talk to him. I feel like he doesn't like me."

"Tarnished, thou need not be afraid. He is of no danger to thee. Sir Ofnir is most likely in his private quarters. Go on and speak to him."

"I don't think he would talk to me," I said, "I haven't earned his respect yet or something like that. He wouldn't help me even if I asked."

"I think thou underestimates him," Melina said, "He is a man of understanding. If thou interests him, he will speak to thee. Thou'rt the most unique Tarnished in the Lands Between. So have no fear."

"I suppose it couldn't hurt," I said, "You two should relax. Roderika, it's good to see you're okay. Melina, you work too hard for me. Just take a breather."

I went off to go find Mr. All-Knowing. He wasn't exactly difficult to find. He was in the room with the most books and his own personal library. However, the room looked to be guarded by someone wearing a skull-shaped helmet. So I took a hesitant step forward to gauge their reaction. Nothing. They didn't speak or anything. So I just walked in.

Gideon looked up from a book he was reading and said, "What do you need? I have little time to spare."

"I have a question?" I said sort of in a questioning manner. Man, where was my confidence?! Although, it's sort of hard to have intellectual confidence when in front of a man who's literally called the All-Knowing.

"Fitting to ask me, isn't it?"

"Yeah, I suppose."

"What is it? If it's trivial, leave."

"It's about my path to the Elden Ring," I said, "I need some advice on how to overcome an enemy."

"And why do you suppose I will help you?" He did have a point. I was Gideon's direct competition to become Elden Lord. So it really made no sense for him to give me any information.

"I'm not sure," I said truthfully.

"Well, I will," he said, "Do you know why?"

"Why?"

"Because just from you asking that of me, it shows that you're actively seeking the Elden Ring. I grow tired of these namby-pamby Tarnished who think the Roundtable Hold nothing more than shelter from the rain. But to see one wanting to traverse the path is beauty to my sullen eyes. So let me indulge my competition a little. What questions must you ask?"

"I'm trying to get to Stormveil," I started.

"Inevitably to pick off Godrick the Grafted no doubt."

"Correct. However, there is something that blocks my path and it's Margit, the Fell Omen."

"Oh, it seems you've got yourself a massive problem on your hands," he said, "Margit is one crafty trickster. I think he's using Godrick as Tarnished-bait to pick off anyone with ambitions of becoming Elden Lord."

"And I don't know what to do," I said, taking a seat, "You see, I'm not a very good warrior and I have to get past him to get to Stormveil."

"Then don't fight. At least, not directly." Wow, he sounded like Melina. Or did Melina sound like him? Didn't matter, they were one in the same. "I believe there to be something that could help you restrain Margit, if only for a small amount of time."

"And what would that be?"

"A long time ago, shackles were used to bind the accursed people called Omens. Margit is no exception. There should be shackles that will be able to trap him."

"Where would I find these shackles?"

"I have an informant. His name is Patches. He lives in Murkwater Cave and you could try bargaining for the shackles."

"Wow, that's actually just perfect," I said, "Okay, maybe I'll pay a little visit to this informant of yours."

"Do be cautious. He is a swindler. I am able to deduce when he is telling me truth or lie because of my knowledge on voice fluctuations and inflections. However, he is an admittedly good liar. So be wary, Tarnished. If you don't mind me asking, what name shall I attribute to your face?"

"My name is Nathaniel."

"Nathaniel, I see. Well, I wish you the best on your path to become Elden Lord. I have high hopes for you."

I said goodbye to Gideon and left his room to go find Melina and Roderika. I checked the room where they previously were in and they weren't there. So I wandered around the Hold for a little bit until I found them both talking to a creature smithing a sword.

The creature looked up at me and said, "So is this the Tarnished you wish to outfit with better armor?"

Melina said, "Indeed. I only ask thee to provide some more advanced protective wear than what he already has."

"A custom job requires runes, lady. And as you've said, you do not have many. I may be a prisoner here, but I don't do things for free."

"Is there anything that we can give you?" Roderika asked.

"What's going on here?" I cut in.

"I am trying to ask Smithing Master Hewg a favor. Thou will need new armor and weapons."

"How are we gonna pay for that?" I asked.

"That's exactly my question," Hewg said, "It's quite simple, maiden. If you have runes, you get my labor. If you don't, you can leave me alone."

"But let us go back to Roderika's question," Melina said, "Is there anything that we may do to pay for the wares sans the runes?"

"Hmm, I suppose the blond girl could work for me. She may not be able to smith but she does have a talent for spirit tuning."

"I… have a talent?" Roderika asked.

"Yes, I've seen another one like you, long ago. You both shared the same hue and shimmer in your eyes."

"If I do have this talent, I suppose it's only right that I attempt to hone it."

"Become my apprentice and I will overlook the cost of the armor and blade."

"We'll find some other way," I said.

"No, no, it's okay," Roderika said, "I believe I would be much better suited for this than a warrior."

"Are you sure?" I asked, "Because I don't want you doing this just because I can't afford some pieces of metal. We can find another way."

"I am sure. It's not like I will be confined to only doing this. The desire to slay Godrick still burns hot within my chest. However, afterwards, I may retire to spirit tuning if it is my calling."

"I see," I said, "So you don't want to become Elden Lord?"

"Goodness no," she said, "I just don't believe it is life for me. However, I will be able to aid you in your journey to restoring the Elden Ring."

"So is it settled?" Hewg asked, getting impatient.

"Whatever Roderika thinks is best," I said, "I have no objection if she wants to do this."

"I will become your apprentice," Roderika stated.

"Brilliant," he said, "Now, let me take your measurements, Tarnished."

Hewg told me to hold my arms out. I did. He then began measuring my height, the width of my head, waist size, etc. He wrote down all my proportions on a piece of paper.

"This will take a while," he said, "But I should be able to make an ideal armor set in just a few days. For now, the girl can set up in front of my station." He handed Roderika a large cloth to set up on the floor.

"I will help thee," Melina said to Roderika.

"Thank you," Roderika replied.

So Roderika would be doing spirit tuning from now on. Well, she certainly deserved to rest after what she's been through. I was glad in a way. She no longer had to stress about the Ring. However, she still wants Godrick dead. I would leave the honor to her. She would be the one to deliver justice upon Godrick once and for all.

"You're a new one." I heard a voice coming from inside the bedroom next to Hewg. Confused, I peeked inside to see a woman sitting on a bed wrapped in a dark cloak not unlike Melina's. I stepped in and she clutched her black robe.

"Who are you?"

"I am Fia, the Deathbed Companion." Who introduces themselves like that? The Deathbed Companion?! She sounds like some sort of bad and ominous portent that I should avoid.

"Circumstances have compelled my stay here at the Roundtable Hold," she said, "Great champion, would you allow me to hold you, but briefly?" What did that mean? Hold me? Like did she want to grab my arm? So I reached out my arm for her to hold but she only seemed confused at the gesture.

"Isn't this what you wanted?" I asked.

"I think you misunderstand, Tarnished. I wish to embrace you. Perhaps you might share with me some of your lifely vigor, and your stout-heartedness. Doing so will grant me the warmth of a champion." A woman wanted to hug me?! This is it! I've reached peak humanity! No one but my mom has ever hugged me. Let's go!

"You might want to look elsewhere. I am no champion," I protested. Even though the offer gave me feelings of joy, if only a little, it was kinda weird. I didn't know this woman and she just out of nowhere asked to hug me. Wait, it's gotta be a trap!

"Do you think it vulgar, perhaps?" No, I just think it's a tad strange. "Where I come from, it's a sacred act." Okay, but why would you want to do a sacred act with someone you barely know? She opened her arms, enticing me to accept her offer. I felt iffy about it. This person was a complete stranger to me and last time I checked, hugging strangers was unusual. All right, but when would this situation ever happen again? A girl wants to hug me. This is so new! It's awesome! Holy crap, how do I respond to this?! Mom, I made it!

"Stay away from the Tarnished, Deathbed Companion." I turned around to see that Melina had entered the room.

"Oh, a maiden?" Melina walked over to us and put her arm in front of me, putting a barrier between me and Fia.

"Do not lay a hand on him," Melina said.

"You have a problem with me embracing your Tarnished?" Fia asked, "I certainly see no problem. Unless, of course, you have a personal reason as to why you do not permit this act."

"A personal reason?" I questioned.

"Could it be because feelings of spite arise at the thought of my arms around the Tarnished? A certain covetousness?"

"I do not know of what thou speaketh," Melina replied.

"Really, are my hints not clear enough? Does your heart beat fast out of anger imagining your Tarnished in my arms?"

Melina stared coldly at Fia with her intimidating one eye.

"Maiden, be truthful."

"I'm not sure what's going on here," I said.

"Oh," Fia said, "I was implying that your maiden is jealous." Melina. Jealous? Could that be? Wow, this is extremely unexpected. I looked at Melina but she kept her gaze locked on Fia with a fierce look.

"It is none of that," Melina said glacially, "I know of thy hug, Deathbed Companion. Thou wishest to drain the Tarnished of his life."

Wait, what?!

"Tch," Fia said, "It would only be temporary."

"That's messed up," I told her.

"Once thou'rt in her cold grasp, she will take some of thy life from thee. A baldachin's blessing it is called."

"Come on, Fia, really?" I asked, outraged.

"I am sorry for not prefacing it with that piece of knowledge," she said.

This is… so sad. So Melina wasn't jealous, she was just protecting me. Of course, I never really believed that that would be the case but it still felt nice to hear that she cared for me in that way even if, in reality, she didn't actually.

"Come with me, Tarnished," Melina said, "Leave the Deathbed Companion."

"Bye, Fia," I said and she waved back at me.

Melina dragged me by the collar out of the room back to where Roderika and Hewg were.

"What were you two doing?" Roderika asked.

"Nothing of importance," Melina responded.

"Well, that wasn't awkward at all," I said sarcastically. Melina gave me a harsh look and I flinched when she did. "I'm sorry for not being more careful."

"I did not find thee to be the type to succumb to her charms."

"If it makes you feel any better, I wasn't going to hug her."

"Why would that make me feel better?" she asked. Right, she didn't really care if I hugged her or not. She was just doing her job. That was a stupid thing to say.

"Nothing, nothing," I said, "I just apologize."

The awkwardness levels were building at a rapid pace so I said, "I'm just gonna go… check out the… rest of the Hold."


Melina's POV

I watched as my Tarnished walked off. Perhaps I acted a little too harshly when I saw him with the Deathbed Companion. I do not know why I acted the way that I did. When I pondered on my actions, it made even less sense to me. Once I saw Nathaniel speaking to the Deathbed Companion, I rushed to warn him of the danger. However, it felt like something more. When Deathbed Companion prodded me, I did not feel indignation, I felt embarrassment.

Why did I feel that way? It was not something that I was familiar with. She suggested that I was envious of her. I was not. So why did the warm fire of a hearth flicker within me? When I heard he did not intend to embrace her, the tightness in my chest loosened and a warmth developed in me.

'Twas strange.