I just want to take a second before going into it to give thanks to all the Favorites, Follows, and the review. While I do write mostly for myself, just to see the story in my head out there. It means so much that others enjoy it as much as I do writing it. More than anything, every time I see a new notification that someone has Favorited/followed. Or read the review, it makes me so giddy and excited, I can't help but smile. I will try to keep my weekly uploads for this story going. We will also get back to the regular lengths soon I promise. Once we're back in Limgrave proper, I'll be doing a lot more, with like the quests and dungeons. And... uh... Yeah thank you for your time, I shan't ho,d you any longer.

Chapter 5: Castle Stormveil

The fire burned high, its bright orange glow and heat bringing a comfort to Tyr's mind. He watched as the former soldiers of Godrick threw what remained of the dead bodies from Godrick's victims. All it took was a simple order from him and they had carried it out with haste. It was now late into the night as these cadavers were given their last rite. His face was of stone through the whole thing.

'May you rest easy now, knowing that you have been avenged.' Tyr thought to himself, his gaze rising to the stars in the sky.

"You know it's more than likely their souls just went back to that damn tree, right?" The Overseer spoke up, its presence a welcomed distraction from the whole thing.

"Either way, at least they get to rest. But, besides that, what have you got for me?'

"I have no idea where those visions came from, it seemed like some outside entity sent it to you. However I can say that Talisman reeks of death. If you want more you'll need to talk to Rogier or Fia about it."

'What about the Tree Spirit? Her new form? Why did you choose it?'

After leaving the basement, taking time to read a message Rogier had left warning them against the face; they had found the Lion Guardian and a soldier with a change of clothes. He had asked the girls to dress her, and put her in a room, while he got to work rounding the soldiers for this endeavor.

"That's the thing, I didn't. I don't know what happened but while we were working on her, something brushed up against it. It was weird, tried to fight against me for her."

'Did you see what it was?'

"No. But it tried to make its intention clear, she was to be its. We interrupted that. Now she is tethered to you. You should even be able to feel her like usual."

Feel her he did, it was weak and faint at the moment due to how taxing the entire battle had been, but she was there. Still asleep. From what he can tell, she was at least healthy.

"What do you plan to do with her?"

'Not sure. I'll at least wait till she wakes and go from there. Can she protect herself?'

"..." The Overseer chose not to dignify him with a response.

'What? It's a legitimate question.'

"Even before our meddling she could. You know the bond only helps to strengthen those…and you. Doubly so, since you got powered up by that Great Rune. I'm excited to see what the others do to you."

'This isn't some power trip Overseer. I'm trying to stop them from falling into the hands of people like Gideon,'

"Then destroy those damn towers. Scatter the Runes somewhere else. There are millions of other things you could have possibly done. Instead you chose to take it into you."

'Okay. I was curious, plus things will only get more dangerous as I go. I need to level the playing field more before we run into something I can't handle.'

Overseer scoffed. "Right. In your own words you have the most advanced A.I. in your head, and abilities that these people could dream of. You would find a way."

'Whatever. I just want to get through the rest of tonight and then make plans for going forward. I still need to fix things here in Limgrave, find Hailey, and then go to Raya Lucaria to talk to Queen Rennala.'

"Sure."

'What?'

"Nothing. Nothing. Just that I know you, it won't be that simple. You'll stop to help every soul you find and that might take you all over The Lands Between."

Tyr chose not to respond, just continuing to remain standing there till the flames died out.

He felt a presence next to him.

"You are kinder than others of our kind." It was Nepheli, she found herself leaning against him, as they both watched the flames.

"They deserved this at the least. No one deserved the fate they were left to." He responded, not looking at her.

"Not denying it. Honestly these lands could probably lose more like you. I probably wouldn't have been abandoned otherwise. But sadly The Lands Between aren't as kind. They typically break a person and turn them cold." Her own father coming to mind as she said that.

"Well, I'm not gonna allow that. I'll help those I can and put an end to those who seek to bring despair and suffering." Tyr said, in seriousness.

"Heh, You'd make a great Elden Lord." Nepheli gave a small laugh.

"Better not let your father hear that, he might think you gone traitor." Was his response.

"Yeah…" Silence reigned between the two, she then pivoted to stand in front of him, looking him in the eyes. "Listen, this may seem incredibly forward of me but-" She stopped there and then kissed him full on the lips. It was quick, chaste, and she was back to her previous place before he could even register it.

"Wha…?"

"You're a strong warrior and a good man. I know I gave you the Arsenal Charm, but I felt that wasn't enough, and I also wanted to thank you for bringing me with you. May our journey together bring us much glory for as long as it may last." Nepheli then walked away to somewhere else. Tyr losing sight of her.

He stood there, the contents of his mind just piling on.

"Hehehe." The Overseer chuckled.

'Hush, you.'

The next morning found Nepheli in one of the rooms of the castle. After departing from Tyr the night before, she had found some wine, stayed a bit longer for the burning, then had gone to bed. Her cheeks then began to burn as she remembered the end of her interaction with the enigma of a Tarnished that was the now Great Rune holder.

She had made the choice to kiss him on a whim, simply to show her gratitude as she had said. It meant nothing… nothing at all.

Nepheli got up, deciding she'd get nowhere fast if she dwelled on it any longer. She dressed herself and left the room; navigating the halls of the castle she went in search of her companions. Most specifically the very man that had just occupied her thoughts. Meandering through the halls and offering little greetings were various servants and soldiers, they kept their heads down in fear of evoking the anger of those who had slain Godrick.

Their fear made her uncomfortable, she hoped they wouldn't remain in this place for much longer. She'd much rather get back to traveling. But first…

"Do you happen to know where Tyr is?" She stopped one of them, hoping they had an answer. The servant just looked at her confused. She quickly gave an eye roll. "The Tarnished who slew Godrick and took his Great Rune."

The servant gained a look of recognition in their eyes. "Ah, yes. He was staying in the room with the woman you found in the Basement. Last time I checked he was passed out on the chair."

"Thank you." Nepheli allowed the servant to leave and made her way to the room.

Upon arrival, she went to knock when she was alerted by the sound of a thud and Tyr cursing. Fearing the worst, she burst through the door and came upon a sight that rooted her in place. There, nought but six feet from her was Tyr lying on the ground with the Ulcerated Tree Spirit turned woman atop of him. The dress that they had put her in, loose and almost coming off her. They both looked at her upon entry, the Tree Spirit with a blank gaze, while Tyr looked terrified.

"Wait, Nepheli, I can explain…" He never got the chance to as the blush returned to her face at greater intensity, and she quickly exited the room with a slam of the door.

"I APOLOGIZE FOR THE INTERRUPTION!" She yelled out and fled from the scene.

Humming.

He could hear the sound of someone humming in a soft, soothing manner. It helped him to rest easier, the chair he had sat down and fell asleep in wasn't very comfortable and made for a terrible night of sleep.

As soon as the fire had died, he had made his way to the room of the Tree Spirit woman and sat down to watch over her, at least that had been the plan till the call of sleep overtook him.

He had no idea how long he had been asleep for; all he knew was that after some hours the humming had started. He would have to thank whoever was the source.

It was then he felt something on his head. Was it a hand? It felt like one. Whatever it was began to gently pat his head, bringing an even greater sense of comfort to him. He found himself releasing a sigh of being content. He remained like this for a while longer before it finally registered where he was and what was going on. With a mighty effort he woke up and looked to see who it was that had been the source. He was met with rich hazel eyes that just blinked as they stared at them.

"Gah!" With a startle he pushed back in his chair, finding connected to those eyes was the Tree Spirit woman.

She was dressed in a tattered brown dress, with a few buttons up the front to hold it closed and on her body. Her hair was messy and strands of it hung in front of her face. She said nothing and just continued to blink at him.

"Good morning?" He said with a bit of confusion. "Glad you're awake but why were you so close?"

She just continued to stare at him, "You looked uncomfortable, My Lord." When she finally spoke, it was like honey to his ears. He gave a small shiver, something she quickly took notice of. With no more words, she began to unbutton her dress.

"Woah! Woah, woah, woah. What are you doing?" He quickly went to grab her hands in an attempt to stop her.

"You're cold, I was gonna give you my dress so you wouldn't be anymore." She said as if it was plain as day.

Tyr released a mighty sigh, "Listen thanks. But no thanks… I-" He never got to finish his thought as she then tried to pull him into her. "What are you doing now?"

"You don't want the dress, so I'm trying to get you in the bed and under the covers, My Lord." She continued in her attempts.

He noted despite her frail looking frame, she actually had a lot of strength to her… But he wasn't going to allow this and tried to fight against her. It soon turned into a tug of war match between the two that only ended once Tyr decided to use his full strength, pulling back and taking her with him. Their combined weight and momentum sent them both to the floor, with her on top of him.

"FUCK! That hurt." Tyr cursed, glaring up at the woman.

It was then they both heard the door burst open and found the form of Nepheli standing there looking at them.

"Wait, Nepheli, I can explain…" However it was too late. Her face grew a burning red, a blush coming over her, and she left the room in a rush with the door slamming closed.

"I APOLOGIZE FOR THE INTERRUPTION!" He heard her yell from the otherside.

He released a groan, and looked back at the woman, who was still staring at the door.

"My Lord, why did your bodyguard leave? Did she not have important news for you?" She looked back at him.

"She isn't my bodyguard, she's my traveling companion, for one. For two, why the hell do you keep calling me that? And for three can you please get off me and fix your clothing." Tyr said, as with a small nod she removed herself from him and fixed her clothing, allowing for him to stand up as well. He then pointed to the bed for her to take a seat, while he reclaimed the chair.

Brushing down her dress, she sat down taking an elegant posture. "I know not what you mean by your second question, My Lord. It is only proper for a servant to address her master by the proper title."

Tyr facepalmed, sliding his hand down his face in a frown. "Okay; I know I did the whole Pact thing. We have a bond, and I took you into my service. But I'm not your master. We're partners if anything."

"Sorry My Lord; but you are wrong. You did more than take me into your service. You healed my pain. Brought me back to life from just a husk of the Erdtree. You…made me whole again. And so I shall devote myself to you. For every and any need that may arise; you need but only glance at me, I shall see it done with all my power. You are My Lord. My Light. My Healer." She said all this with a strange affection in her eyes and voice, that he found hard to place exactly. He absolutely refused to use the All-Seeing Eyes at this moment for fear of what may be revealed.

He rubbed at his temples and gave a groan. He could feel that a headache was coming on. Refusing to deal with this right now, he stood up, the woman following his lead. When given a questioning look, she said nothing but gave a loving smile.

"Right." Tyr then opened the door, departing the room, and entering the halls of Castle Stormveil. "Alright, if you're gonna be following me, I'll need a name."

She stood there with a thoughtful look on her face... After a few beats she just looked at him confused. "I apologize, my lord. It seems that I have no memory of what it might have been."

"Great… And who knows when or if your memory will come back." Tyr began to slowly walk through the halls, he was on the search for Nepheli, so that he might explain. Or Melina… He really hoped he found Melina first.

"If I may be so bold as to offer a suggestion…" She said with hesitance, he just shifted his focus to her, showing he was listening. "You could provide me a name, my lord."

Fuck!

That was what he was trying to avoid. It would really cement their positions in this dynamic if he did it, on so many levels. He went to refuse, only to be stopped by the look in her eyes. They were hopeful. A deep desire within for her to receive a name from him. He sucked in a breath and looked away.

He'd hate himself for this later.

"..." He whispered something.

"I'm sorry my lord, I didn't catch that." She said with all the innocence in the world.

"Nadiah. Your name will be Nadiah. Your goo-" He doesn't finish his question as she came barreling into his side with a hug, before quickly backing away retaking her spot a couple steps behind him.

"I apologize, my lord, I got excited and acted out. I shall accept whatever punishment you deem fit."

"Don't worry about it. I'm glad you like your name." Tyr turned, getting ready to start walking again, when suddenly…

"Usurper!" An unfamiliar voice came into his head.

'Overseer?'

"I don't know, if I had to hazard a guess. I think it's that damn tree, angry that you took something from it."

"My lord?" Nadiah looked to him with some concern.

"I'm fine." Tyr said, starting back up his walk through the halls. Nadiah trotted up to him.

They did not make it far before one of the servants came up to them. They gave a curt bow.

"Yes?" Tyr was uncomfortable.

"We have prepared breakfast for you in the dining hall. Both of your companions have already been led there, I shall do the same." The servant said.

"Oh. Uh… Thanks." Tyr and Nadiah allowed for themselves to be led towards the dining room. Upon arrival they found Melina and Nepheli already sitting at the table, in front of them were some plates and goblets. Off to the side was the Lion Guardian with its own plate of food and a bowl. Moving around them were a small mass of servants serving food, and filling their goblets with some form of fruit juice. The smell of the food and the juice was intoxicating.

Tyr gave thanks as the servant departed and took a seat at the table. Nadiah followed and stood behind him. Tyr was about to dig in, when he noticed this and looked back to her.

"You're not gonna sit and eat?"

"It would not be proper for me to sit and eat with you my lord. You may have need of me. I shall eat tonight after you go to bed." She told him.

Tyr gave a flat look. "Yeah, we're not having that, no one goes hungry on my watch. Sit down and get yourself some food." When she did not move, he put a little bass into his voice. "That was an order."

Nadiah nodded and took a seat right next to him, however before serving herself, she added some extra on to his plate before putting a smaller portion on hers. "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You have to make sure you eat enough."

"Just eat Nadiah. Please." Tyr sighed out, she gave him a curt nod and began to eat her food at a sedated pace, with a grace that matched her appearance. Tyr followed her lead and started on his plate, a pleasant hum coming to him at the taste of the food. He took a sip of the juice and found it to be just the right amount of sweet and fresh. "They sure do know how to treat a person here. Honestly if it wasn't for the way the castle was nearly falling apart, the previous things this place stored, and the fact I had to kill the lord. I'd take this as a nice vacation."

"Yes, but we can't remain here for long, we still need to make it to Leyndell, and the Erdtree as you promised." As Melina mentioned the golden tree, Nadiah gave a small whine of discomfort, wriggling in her seat. Without much thought Tyr began to rub small circles into her back, in hopes of calming her down. It seemed to help and Melina continued."To do that we need another Great Rune. So it be best to make the choice of who you might go after next Radhan or Rennala."

"I was actually planning to go talk to Rennala about all this. Maybe see if I can't reason with her, and get her help in finding a way to help these lands." Tyr took a bite of food, and paused when he saw the look of the two across from him. "What?"

"I forgot you are not from these lands, my Tarnished. But it is common knowledge that after Radagon's annulment and the Night of Black Knives, Rennala has lost herself and became insane. She is now held up in Raya Lucaria and its doors closed to all." Melina explained, ignoring Nadiah's glare at the way she addressed Tyr.

"Night of… Okay, okay. I clearly am in dire need of a history lesson. So give me the clip notes. All the big important stuff. If I'm gonna survive here, I need to know what I'm dealing with." Tyr told them.

Explain they did, informing him of the big events that had occurred in The Lands Between, that he would need to know about as they ate. Tyr took it all in, logging the information away in different folders. By the end of it he was looking thoughtful.

"So… I'm gonna ignore the very real possibility that I may have to go toe-to-toe with a dragon should I bear the misfortune of running into one. But one thing about all of this is bothering me…" Tyr said.

All three of the women had all their attention on him.

"Marika and Radagon… I could be wrong but based on everything. I… they're the same person." Tyr said.

"That's absurd. What could have possibly led you to believe that." Nepheli looked as if he'd grown a second head.

"I'm not from these lands, so this is just an outsider's insight. But think about it, Mariak is supposed to be the only divine like being, with her offspring being the ones who are demigods. But Radagon and Rennala's children are considered demigods as well. Sure you could say it was because of 'Radagon's rune' but even then. Which he gifted to Rennala. Godfrey had no rune. Though they both served the order. I don't think that would be enough to birth a demigod. You'd need some divine blood." Tyr started his explanation.

"But that's not all. Ranni, one of Radagon's children with Rennala was a…what do you call it? An Empyrean before she died. The only other Empyrean around that time was Marika, possibly, but I'll get to that soon. It was only after they both got together that two other Empyreans were born. Malenia and Miquella. Both of which were born with affliction. Which if I'm worth even half my salt as a healer, would count as the usual birth defects of inbreeding. Also since it was TWO not ONE but TWO, if you understand genetics means that it had to have been two Empyreans fucking. Meaning Radagon had to also be an Empyrean. To pass down the gene to Ranni and then create two more with Marika. Now going off this, Marika had three kids with Godfrey. She was an Empyrean, while it was a recessive gene, there was no way she had three kids and not one was an Empyrean, while likely the odds are too low, considering Radagon had Ranni."

"What are you getting at?" Nepheli spoke up. Tyr's theory hitting her and Melina like a ton of bricks.

"I'm saying who was the other person to die on the Night of Black Knives. Who fought a dragon and earned its respect. Who seemed way stronger than a lot of the other Demigods…" Tyr held for dramatic effect. "Godwyn was an Empyrean. I don't know why it was never revealed but he had to have been."

No one spoke, what could they have said. His theory for purposes was rather sound given the circumstances. But this information could also shake up the world, should it be found out. It would redefine a lot of what is known. Hell it made a mockery of the Golden Order alone. They sat there for a while longer in silence. Tyr was first to break it.

"Look while I am the utmost sure of this theory. It still is just that. I could be wrong. We won't know until we know. For now let's focus on our plans moving forward. Melina, I know you want me to hurry and collect another rune to get into Leyndell. But first I have business still here." Melina's only response was to raise an eyebrow at his words. "First I gotta locate Hailey. I don't know where she has gotten off too, but I do know she'll need my help. I also want to head back to where you met me, see if I can't track down Varré, tell him I killed Godrick." He totally didn't have the alternative motive of rubbing it in the white masked face of his. No. Never.

"I also want to explore the lands a bit. I'm sure there is a lot of damage from Godrick's reign and I want to see if I can do anything to help."

"Alright. I can accept this. But we shouldn't take too much time." Melina said.

"Of course. I made a promise and I intend to keep it." Tyr then looked to Nepheli. "Through all this, I hope you stick around but feel free to depart whenever. I'm not in a position to monopolize your time…" Here he blushed and coughed a bit. "I also apologize for the display you saw this morning, it was not how it looked. Nadiah was just attempting to force me in the bed cause I slept on the chair and in trying to get away, we ended up in that position."

Nepheli had a small blush of her own and gave a nod, while Melina looked confused.

"Oh, also I'd like to formally introduce you all to Nadiah. Nadiah, that is Nepheli and Melina." There was a small roar from the side. "Also the kitty-cat. Of whom I shall come up with a good name soon."

Nadiah stood up and gave them all a small bow. "It is lovely to meet you all, I apologize for my behavior yesterday; I was not myself. I hope to be a boon to my lord and by extension you all as his companions."

"Well met Nadiah. I hope we get along well." Nepheli said.

"I am sure, you will be a powerful ally to my Tarnished, in his bid for Elden Lord." Melina said.

Nadiah looked shocked and turned to Tyr. "My lord, you did not tell me you were making an attempt for the Elden Ring." Here while the others couldn't see it, he could see in her eyes, some part deep in here was uncomfortable with the notion. Was it because of the Erdtree?

"I'm not. I have no plans to become Elden Lord. Not now. Not ever."

"Right, sure. Like that won't happen." Overseer spoke up in his head after being silent for a long while as it made sense of all the information.

'I'm not.' Tyr responded in his head. "I just want to help these lands and complete my promise to you, Melina." Everyone looked at him suspiciously before deciding to leave it. "Alright, let's get prepared to depart, shall we? We've a lot of ground to cover."