Patience is a virtue that I'm on rather shaky ground with, but I took my time with this chapter, and I hope it pays off! If I can make one of y'all smile I'll it'll be worth it, to be honest.
I've also decided what path our reader (you) are going to take too, so there's that! I haven't decided however, if we'll be heading to the DLC areas. I might make a poll for that actually. Lucatiel does appear as a summon in Ivory King, although you don't talk to her (in game at least ;3 )
Decisions, decisions...
You used to think that the Bastille was pretty, with its stone structure and dramatic ocean view, but now the sight is making you sick. There's something... Dark about this place, something that curls around the edges of your vision and makes your chest feel heavy. You find solace in the bonfire cell, although even that sets you on edge.
You trudge forward nonetheless, hoping to complete this path within a few days. You could also free Straid, but you decide against it. You'll free him after you start your pyromancy lessons.
And talk to Lucatiel again, of course, you add happily, glancing down at the... You frown, unable to remember the name of this enemy. Jailers, maybe? The hunched creatures of the Bastille that like taking out half your health bar in one hit. Nasty mofos.
With that in mind, you do a (totally sick) plunging attack.
Fortunately you do take him out in one hit, but less fortunately the shaky wooden structure beneath you falls apart on impact. While you manage to land on your side and evade any broken bones, you don't have any time to rejoice before launching yourself at the nearest growling undead dog.
The whimpering sound it makes absolutely breaks your heart, giving its pack-mate enough time to swipe down your thigh.
"Dammit!" Turning on your heel, you also take care of that. One more, you think, glancing around. You find it slinking around the edges of the area, probably hoping to catch you off guard.
Well, as long as there's only one... You stretch out your off hand, trying to get used to the pyro... glove thing. It's more of a seal, you think. You had equipped and inspected it after getting yourself back in motion on the ship. And then read the fireball scroll, which makes it seem relatively simple. You just...
Focus on the warmth and throw it at your target.
You make a louder noise than the dog does when an actual fireball flies from your palm. Apparently you have to work on your aim, you realize, instead using your usual weapon to finish the last dog.
"Okay." You reassure yourself, glancing up at where you come from questioningly. You know there's a wannabe Solaire up there, and they do give some pretty sweet loot. "Should I...?"
You decide against it with a frown, quickly moving to the left path on the far side of the clearing. You don't really need to explore that room behind the broken board, right?
Your memory of Drangleic is becoming more and more muddled as you continue, which is worrisome, to say the least. Maybe I should write all the important bits down? You muse as you throw the iron chest open. Inside is a small Estus flask shard, which you happily scoop up. You also send the bonfire a glare, distinctly remembering what a pain in the ass breaking the wall usually is.
Making your way back to the clearing, you then take the right path. The second group of dogs are waiting on the other side of the gate as expected, although its much creepier now than it was in game. You purposely ignore them as you open the door, having to throw your entire mass into yanking the mechanism. Sheesh, who designed these things?
Nonetheless, you're ready for the dogs as the gate disappears, and thankfully you actually hit one of them with your fireball this time. Nice. You internally cheer as you co tinge on your way.
This newfound joy is roughly torn away from you though, by the next jailer you face. It manages to not only land a solid swipe across your chest with that ridiculous machete and break the powder keg.
"You motherfucker!" You snarl, pressing your off hand against your wound before throwing yourself at the enemy. You land two hits before it can even react, although said hits are messy. It tries to return your damage, but thankfully getting your ribcage smashed with the staff of its weapon doesn't do as much as it would in game. Still hurts like a bitch though.
You quickly dispatch it without another fumble, although you're still beyond annoyed it broke the barrel.
You grumble to yourself as you take out the closest dogs and the next jailer, all of which are fairly simple fights. You know this is around the time you'd be seeing Lucatiel, but you loiter a bit, looking around and crushing a much needed radiant life gem.
There's really not much to be seen, just a bunch of rocks and more powder kegs...
Oh.
You abruptly realize that your in game character not being able pick up a fucking barrel, doesn't automatically mean you can't. Your suspicion proves correct when you heft it into your arms.
"Well." You hum, cautiously making your way back to the staircase to set it down on its side. Smiling happily, you kick it.
Watching it blow up the side of the building is way more satisfying than you remember.
You quickly descend the staircase and light the bonfire, although you decide not to rest. You've got plenty of estus yet, not to mention life gems.
And you've got a knight to meet up with, you think with a grin. You remember to light a torch at the last second.
"We can do this." You remind yourself gently, making your way back to the main path. "We've done it a million times before." Whispering now as not to sound odd (or hollowed), you make your way to the top of the small tower. Easy peasey.
You jump down from the broken second floor after lighting the sconce, hoping to startle the knight.
She barely twitches, just shaking her head and laughing, "I thought that might be you. You haven't changed a bit, have you?"
"Lucatiel!" You cheer, sheathing your weapon. "Didn't think I'd see you again so soon. Not that it's unwelcome, of course!" You rush out excitedly, resisting the urge to hug her. Damn your affectionate upbringing. Well, affectionate compared to Drangleic, you suppose. No one really hugs here, even in a friendly greeting.
"The feeling is mutual." She says neutrally, her voice betraying her amusement.
You bite harshly into your bottom lip, trying to reason with the part of yourself that really really wants to twist that into a flirtatious comment. "Well..." You finally say, smiling. "What have you been up to?"
"Exploring mostly." She shrugs, looking around the small tower. "The longer I am here, the more madness I discover. A wretched place, indeed, but not without traces of its former glory. What could have caused such degradation?"
"Probably hundreds of years of war." You muse, glancing at the broken upper floor you had jumped from. "And Undead who fall prey to the curse."
"Have you heard of the Undead?" She asks suddenly, jerking her face up to study you behind her mask.
"I am one." You answer simply, raising your eyebrows. "So yeah, I've definitely heard of 'em."
"So, you know... That we are doomed. That we Undead gradually lose out humanity, until our wits degrade completely. And we finally turn Hollow, preying upon others until the end of our days. A Hollow can never be human again." She starts her scripted speech again, halting only when you lay a hand on her shoulder.
"No, no, Lucatiel, that's not true." You say, frowning deeply. You want to make her understand. "Humanity isn't..." You're having a real hard time trying to explain and make it sound true. Saying you know these things because you once played a game exactly like this might just convince her you're already mad.
"Isn't what?" Lucatiel slowly moves to take off her mask, revealing her half-hollowed face.
"It isn't... Unattainable, even for us Undead." You move your free hand to your pack, easily locating one of the warm effigies. "Effigies will help, for one. But the most important thing is to not give up. You... You give up and the curse will sink its claws in. You've gotta... Have a reason for continuing and hold onto that."
She wraps her fingers around yours, asking quietly, "Effigies?"
"Look at it. Concentrate." You smile, looking at the small black sprite. "Who does it look like?"
She falls silent, her eyebrows pulling together as she stares it down. You know the exact moment she sees it, the understanding lighting up her bright eyes. "It is me. How is this possible?"
"Crush it." You tell her, carefully pulling your hand away.
She glances at your curiously before turning back to the effigy. Taking a deep breath, she crunches it between her fingers. The result is nearly instantaneous, the black sparkly energy twisting around her wrist and disappearing under her sleeve.
You grin when it mends the decay on her face, taking that as a good sign. "Look," You say, grabbing your dagger. "Look at your reflection."
She once again wraps her fingers around yours, this time to steady the dagger's broad reflective side in order to see herself. Her eyes go wide. "I'm... What have you done?"
"Nothing! You're still Undead, I swear." You respond, smiling hopefully. "I told you effigies help."
"You did." She concedes, her eyes now locked on yours. "How did you come across this information, if I may ask?"
"The Firekeepers." You say simply. Honestly you're way too preoccupied with her proximity to give a proper exposé. You could just lean up, just a teeny tiny bit closer...
She makes a humming noise, nodding. "You mentioned them in No Man's Wharf."
"Did I?" You ask, acutely aware of your hand still on her shoulder. Distantly you wonder what she's done with your dagger, but most of you is wondering if she'd allow you to kiss her.
Ridiculous, love-sick Undead! A more reasonable side yells.
"You did." Lucatiel's lips tilt up into a smile, the room filling with her familiar laughter. "Just before I offered my assistance in besting that pirate beast.
And then I made a complete fool of myself by hugging a disappearing phantom. You skitter back a few steps, blushing furiously at the memory. "Which I still haven't thanked you for," You start.
"Oh, no, you have more than repaid any debt." She assures you, holding out your dagger. "Information on our curse is invaluable."
You cautiously take the offered weapon, making sure not to brush her fingers again. You seriously do not need any more reason to crush on her. "I suppose." You say, tucking it away. "But it's up to you to stay hopeful."
She raises an eyebrow, something you're secretly envious of. How do you only move one!? "What is keeping you sane, (y/n)?" She's completely unaware of your mental yelling, thank goodness.
You blink. "Well... Mostly the Emerald Herald. She says I could be the next monarch, and even though I really don't know what that entitles I'm sorta clinging to it. Like you said, Drangleic used to be a great land! I wanna at least try to bring it back."
It's honestly much harder to explain than you would've assumed.
"A noble idea." She hums, looking you over. Trying to picture you as a monarch, probably. You briefly wonder if she's forgotten she hasn't put her mask back on.
You try not to fidget, smiling lightly. "I guess. I just want a home, to be honest."
She seems surprised, going silent for a few beats. "Yes. A home would be... Nice." She finally agrees, smiling.
"Well if I do become monarch, you can be my Knight, and we'll make a home together. Okay?" You laugh, holding out your pinky.
She tilts her head curiously, also holding out her pinky. "What is this?"
"A pinky promise, silly. It's like... An oath." You giggle, hooking your finger with hers. "I promise I'll become monarch."
"And I promise I'll be your Knight, and to protect your majesty at all costs." She laughs, shaking your hand.
"Lucatiel!" You mock-scold. "Pinky promises are serious business when I come from."
She rolls her eyes, her hand returning to the hilt of her sword. "And knighthood is serious where I hail from."
You pause, watching her carefully. "What's it like? Mirrah?"
"Our land of Mirrah is surrounded by enemies, and constantly at war. There is only one way up to Mirrah. Join the Order, and prove yourself in battle. My family had little fortune, and no name."
You really want to assure her that you honestly don't care less about her status, but interrupting seems rude. Instead you lean froward, once again laying your hand on her shoulder.
She pauses, her eyes flickering. "I had to carve out a piece of the world by myself... with two things. My sword, and my loyalty to my Lord. I was raised to wield a sword from birth. Life was hard, but I never gave it a second thought. I had swift success on the battlefield, and quickly attained respectable stature." She straightens up a bit, pressing her lips in a thin line.
"I'm sure your family is proud of you." You say, smiling gently.
"They were... If not for the curse." She looks down, appearing to fall back into melancholy.
"The curse doesn't change anything, Lucatiel. You're still a kick-ass knight, and I probably would've died without you on the ship." You assure her, blushing when you remember hugging her and falling into the water. Honestly you should've thought that last sentence through a little more. Or just not mentioned it at all.
Her lips twitch. "Ah, yes, what were you trying to say after we defeated that abomination?"
"Mostly just excited babble." You shrug. "And I think I asked if I could hug you before realizing you couldn't hear me either and just decided to go for it."
You manage to get a smile out of her, her shoulders shaking with silent laughter. "I am glad you did so."
"Oh." Is all you can manage, feeling a blush crawl up your neck.
"Oh?" She raises an eyebrow.
"You're just really cute is all and I'm not sure how to tell you that without making a fool of myself." You hurriedly confess, covering your mouth with your free hand. "Like that, I guess."
God dammit, you think.
Lucatiel however, doesn't seen to mind much. Her face lights up with amusement. "Cute? Like a child?"
"No, like- I find you attractive sort of cute. I like the way you talk and the sound of your laugh and stuff." You look down at your feet. "Although since you've agreed to be my knight that's completely out of the question."
"Is it?" She tilts her head, watching you carefully. "No one has ever mentioned my speech before."
You get the distinct feeling she's trying to give herself more time to think about your awkward confession. You're not complaining though, especially if it saves you from further embarrassing yourself. "Probably because its sort of common around here? Back home everyone talked like I do." Or, at least, similar to how I talk.
"What was your home like? It is only fair now that I've told you my tale." She asks curiously.
"Well... It was... A lot different than Drangleic. Way more modern, for one, and much more complicated. Like here, all I've been told to do is survive and get stronger, while back home I had to go to school and further educate myself to get a good job, and get a job to pay for all that and... It was a mess." You frown, remembering how you stressed you were.
"Did you come to Drangleic as an escape? Hoping to carve out a better life?" Her expression flattens out, now a perfect poker face.
"No. I don't really know how I came to be here, actually. The memories of the days leading up to me waking up in things Betwixt are hazy, but I guess I must've died? I woke up an Undead." You look down at your hands. "I miss home. A lot, if I'm honest. Here though, I've got an actual goal I'm striving towards."
The Knight pauses, watching you with those startlingly blue eyes. "I... Can easily empathize with that. Drangleic is extremely simple in that regard."
"It's the other Undead that make it complicated." Crossing your arms over your chest, you ask her curiously, "Speaking of which, I've been meaning to ask you, have you heard of 'Creighton the Wanderer'?"
She visibly stiffens, her eyes narrowing. "He is known as Creighton the Axe Murderer by most."
"He's here too." You deadpan. You had only went over there to grab the Estus flask shard and chat with Cloeanne, but meeting Creighton was sort of inevitable, and you would've felt horrible leaving him in that hut.
"You have met him?" Lucatiel demands, taking a step towards you.
You blink in surprise. "Yeah. I sort of set him loose on the world actually. He was trapped in a bonfire room. Apparently he's got it out for Pate. I think he's also from Mirrah. He's got the same accent as you."
"That filth has no association with Mirrah besides an arrest warrant." She snarls, looking offended by the very notion.
"I meant Pate." You frown, one hand moving to reach for hers. You stop at the last moment, leaving your arm awkwardly outstretched. You really want to comfort her now that you've spoiled her good mood, but...
"Nonetheless. Anyone involved with Creighton is not to be trusted." She glances down at your hand, her lips quirking up before she takes it. "Promise me you will not become entangled with either of them. They are dangerous."
It takes you a while to come up with a proper response, especially when Lucatiel brings your hand to her lips. "As your future knight, I cannot allow it." She adds rather smugly.
"My-" You start, unable to keep the wide smile off your face. "Sure. I swear I won't be gettin buddy-buddy with Creight and Pate."
"Good. Where did you find him in any case?" She brings your hands back down, still holding onto yours. Thankfully she's wearing gloves, so it's not too distracting.
"I got that cleric to move the path from Majula to Heide's and took the other path. I've heard that past there is the next Lord Soul I have to collect, after we defeat the Sinner." You explain, pouting. "To be honest with you, I think that cleric is a fraud. She charges a ridiculous amount of souls for moving the fricken path."
"Does she?" Lucatiel smiles at your irritated expression.
"Yes. She does. She also tries to rope me into learning miracles "for a reasonable price" every time I talk to her and its like? Maybe I just wanted to talk, but no. Even Shalquoir wants my souls! A cat. Nobody wants to be my friend, Lucatiel! They just wanna sell me things!" You cry, purposely amping up your dramatics to make Lucatiel laugh.
She rewards your effort by roaring with laughter, smothering the melodic noise with free hand. "I've yet to offer any wares." She jokes.
"Yet." You narrow your eyes mock-suspiciously.
"You have already offered me employment as your Knight." She continues with a warm grin. "So I see need to."
"Tch." You scoff, smiling nonetheless. "Speaking of being the next monarch though, I should probably get going. Ruin Sentinel's to demolish."
You want to stay here for a while longer, but you also don't want to become annoying or something. You've got time, especially now that Lucatiel hopefully won't be hollowing.
Lucatiel pauses, tightening her grip on your hand. "I will place my sign near the Sinner then, (y/n). It was a pleasure to talk with you again."
"Definitely." You smile. "Are... I know you must visit Majula occasionally, but I've never seen you there, and I know Drangleic is a very strange land so I was... Where are you headed next I mean?" It seems as soon as you have a idea of what you want to say, your eloquence goes out the window. Why can't you just talk to her like a normal person?
"I... Am not certain." She purses her lips. "I suppose I could see if I can't track down Creighton. As a Knight of Mirrah it was my duty to punish such ilk."
"You don't need to." You hmph. "As far as I know he's relatively harmless to Drangleic as a whole."
She carelessly shrugs. "He should pay for his crimes. You did not see his trial, or hear him explain the concept of 'pleasure killing'."
"True enough." You allow, squeezing her hand. "If that's what you wanna do, I'll meetcha in the Iron Keep. Hopefully he's heading that way instead of back to Majula."
You've gotta admit, you feel horrible for sort of lying to her, but she's not meant to visit Brightstone Cove, and you don't plan on changing things like that quite yet.
"We have a plan." She hums, apparently pleased.
"I should... Go then, right?" You ask carefully.
"That is up to you." She smiles lazily.
God dammit do I want to kiss you. You think feverishly, biting your bottom lip until you can taste copper. "Lucatiel..." You start.
You're ninety nine percent certain you're just imagining the flirtatious edge in her voice when she responds, "Yes?"
You're also ninety nine percent sure she can hear the affection in yours, "I'll see you later." It's a simple phrase, but it takes all your concentration to get out. She's just so amazing.
She releases your hand to formally bow, a smirk playing at her lips. "I anxiously await your summons."
You laugh, glancing down at your toes. "Ca- do people hug in Mirrah or would that be inappropriate or something? Lotsa friends hug goodbye where I'm from. Not that I'm trying to pressure you or an-"
Her arms snake around your waist while you stutter through the question, effectively giving you an answer. "We are not in Mirrah." She murmurs, her breath warming your crown. You have to say you absolutely adore that she's taller than you, which is not something you thought you'd like.
You slowly return the embrace, smiling. "Okay then."
She laughs, her entire frame shaking with mirth. "Okay?"
You pull away, looking any where but the Knight in front of you. "I'm gonna go before I say anything else totally embarrassing." You do a surprisingly graceful spin on your heel, only glancing back once.
Just as stunning as ever, although her smile does seem a bit wider than you've seen before.
"I will 'see you later'." Her amused voice follows you out the door.
You get the distinct feeling she's teasing you.
Huh.