Part 1, Chapter 2/5: Anor Londo
"If I didn't know better, I'd think you had feelings for me!" – Solaire of Astora
...in which Casivir and Solaire have a heart-to-heart.
"Heavens, why you little -! Oof! Ah-aha!"
Stepping across the threshold and slamming the door shut, Casivir cackled maniacally, attempting the use of his entire body as a barricade. The relentless pounding on the other side had an excruciating pain seep up his arm. The force itself nearly dislocated the limb from his shoulder. He dropped his Zweihander to the floor with a clank in hope to get a better grip.
"Oh, there you are. You've been quiet these days," came an amused voice. "Smooth summoning out there?"
"Solaire -?"
His opponents once more pounded the door and nearly sent him flying backward. A gap revealed itself between the door and frame, but he quickly closed it again, cursing under his breath.
These knights of Gwyn would be the death of him.
Well, to be fair, they already had a few times by now.
"If I may... I would suggest parrying."
"Parrying these men? I never thought that possible... they have penetrated my shield at least thrice by now."
"Oh-o! Have you come this far without parrying? I am most impressed. How did you get past the archers?"
Casivir grimaced. "Pure luck and endurance. He fell. My greatest hindrance yet has been the scaffolding with the white-clad men wielding throwing knives... t'was was not one of my finer moments in this accursed land," he replied, bracing through another impact. "Forgive me; I did not know you were here. I would not have led these... these heathens here if it occurred to me."
"Oh, I don't mind. In fact, I find it thoroughly amusing," Solaire said, voice dancing with humor. He reached out to the burning, rusted sword sticking out from a pile of rubble, the Silver Knights banished to their posts.
"You have my thanks." Casivir stepped away from the door as he steadied his breath.
"My pleasure. It appears we are bestowed a moment of rest. Come, why don't you join me?" he asked, patting the floor beside him as he sat cross-legged by the bonfire.
Accepting his offer, Casivir pulled his helmet off and threw it under his arm, beads of sweat having formed beneath the plate.
By the Lords, it was humid in there.
Reaching down for his sword, he threw it over his shoulder to relieve its weight, his faithful shield yet firmly strapped to his back. He pushed the dark locks that had fallen to his face aside.
"Ah -aha! Judging by your delicate features, I would assume Astora noble?" Solaire asked with a hint of pride.
He smiled sadly in return. "You are correct. Unfortunately, I remember little of my past," he replied, easing the Zweihander off his shoulder and propping it to the nearby wall.
His shield joined shortly after followed by his helmet in close proximity leveled on a worn cupboard.
"Surely you must remember something."
Casivir lightly scratched the five o'clock scruff on his jaw, deep in thought. "My last memory was waking up in the Undead Asylum with no concept of time. I only hope to find what I am seeking."
"And, if you don't mind my asking, what do you seek?" Solaire asked as he plopped down next to him.
"My purpose was revealed shortly after I escaped my cell. A Knight of Astora threw me the key. His name was Oscar."
"Ah, Oscar! I am sure he told you of his mission to ring the Bell of Awakening. I know him well. A noble man with as much a noble cause. We went our separate ways once I sought my calling to become a Warrior of Sunlight. How is he?"
"Alive and well. He was close to giving up back at the Asylum, but we decided to aid each other throughout this journey."
"Hearing this pleases me greatly! These are trying times, indeed, and I am blessed to hear that he is well despite the hint of doubt. I am glad to see you fare well, too," he said, tone as soft-spoken as always. "Anytime you see my brilliantly shining signature, do not hesitate to call upon me. You've left me with quite an impression. I would relish a chance to assist you."
Beneath the steel plate, warmth blossomed in Casivir's chest at the generous offer.
He smiled softly. "We certainly make quite the team, do we not? Neither the Bell Gargoyles nor Gaping Dragon stood a chance against our joined blades. I have very much enjoyed your company as well."
"Why, you're going to make me blush! A journey such as the one you embark upon is perilous. I would hate to see you harmed."
"No worries, my friend. The men and women I have encountered thus far have made it manageable. Oscar, Siegmeyer, Tarkus, Witch Beatrice... I owe many of them my life. You are among them," he replied, daydreaming as he gazed into the distance. "It has been long since we last spoke, Solaire. How fare thee in thy own mission? I am always here if you wish help seeking your Sun."
"I am afraid nothing is new, but I shall not lose hope!" he said, his eyes crinkled to reveal his ever-wearing smile. "And I shall take you up on your offer. Four eyes are always preferable to two! ...lest you speak of a spider breathing lava or a different form of atrocity!"
Solaire laughed, hearty and open, Casivir's smile unable to resist growing slightly at the soothing sound.
"True. Although the story of Quelaag's family is tragic, I am thankful I do not have to face her again. I would, of course, do it once more if you required my aid. However, you always seem to be a step ahead of me."
"If it is to any comfort to your pride... time here is convoluted, so I may be centuries after," Solaire teased.
"I suppose we will never know."
"You really are fond of chatting with me, aren't you?" he asked, his tone only described as suggestive as Casivir arched a brow his way. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you had feelings for me! Oh, no, dear me. Pretend you didn't hear that!"
He laughed again, immediately having retracted his statement.
Casivir was put off-guard.
Nevertheless, the small laugh that escaped his own mouth was unavoidable.
"Stranger things have happened in these lands, my friend," he replied, eyes falling to the floor. "It is as you said the day we met... this is a lonely journey. I would be lying if I said I did not miss the touch of another. There have been instances where I have been tempted to give myself up. Lordran may seem unfair at trying times of recklessness. It all comes down to patience."
His features mellowed as he felt a gentle brush against his chin, his head tipped up for green to meet piercing blue orbs.
"Why, don't you dare let the thought cross you of leaving me to venture this journey with Oscar alone. He is a good man, indeed, but he could be quite the depressive man if the mood strikes him," he replied, the tease apparent in his voice.
With a smile and a roll of his eyes, Casivir gently smacked his hand away and was rewarded with another laugh.
Nevertheless, he couldn't quite shake the feeling that there was some truth to Solaire's observation.
Perhaps there was a certain affection present.
A/N: These first two chapters have been very Chosen Undead and Solaire based, but from here on out, I'll be including dialogues from different characters as well as more story. Let's just say the story picks up after the Lordvessel is retrieved, which I may say, is in the next chapter. The chapters will also be longer.