A/N: Hello there! Just a heads up, the chapters will be longer from now on, around 5k words each. I'm also working on being more descriptive, but it takes some time to come up with synonyms and such. However, it's worth it when I read over the chapter and it turns out just right. Without further ado, let's get to reading!
Somber leaned heavily against the ornate railing, the cool marble pressed against his palm as he gazed out at the breathtaking view before him. Anor Londo's morning horizon stretched out in a stunning display of divine beauty, the first rays of sunlight painting the sky with hues of gold and crimson, casting long, dramatic shadows across the colossal city.
As he took in the view, his mind concentrated on how he had ended up here. It felt like an inexplicable twist of fate. His last vivid memories were of the accursed Demon Ruins, where danger lurked around every corner.
Yet here he stood, surprisingly alive and far from hollow. It defied the grim fate that usually befell the undead.
Somber couldn't help but reflect on the words of Oscar, the mysterious warrior he had encountered at the Undead Asylum. Looking back, he realized he should have paid more attention to what Oscar and the Crestfallen warrior had said.
Lost in thought, Somber finally straightened up and started descending the stairs. As he made his way down to the bottom and passed through an arched doorway, his mind still haunted by questions about how he had ended up in Anor Londo, he was suddenly ambushed by two silver knights.
As the Silver knight's sword struck his left arm, Somber instinctively leaped back, a sharp gasp escaping his lips. Pain shot through his arm, but there was no time to dwell on it. In a swift, fluid motion, he drew his weapon.
The two silver knights, one wielding a spear and the other wielding a longsword, seemed momentarily surprised by the sudden intrusion of an Elite Knight of Astora. It was a fleeting advantage, but Somber seized it.
With determination burning in his eyes, he charged at the sword-wielding knight. His heart raced as he deftly dodged the knight's swings, feeling the adrenaline coursing through him. With a calculated spin, he narrowly sidestepped a vicious stab from the spear-wielding knight.
After a tense exchange of blows, one of the knights suddenly recalled an event from yesterday's training. His eyes widened in realization as he remembered witnessing a knight of Astora seemingly emerge and then vanish as swiftly as he had appeared during the training session.
Frantically, he signaled to his ally, a look of urgency hidden behind his helm, and muttered a hurried message. "Wait! I've seen this warrior before, he's not like the others. Don't kill him! Let's capture him instead!"
The other knight hesitated as he processed the unexpected turn of events, despite his initial combat fervor. "Alright, whatever! Explain this later." He hurriedly said as he blocked a blow from Somber.
With a swift step back, Somber hoisted his Drake Sword aloft, its blade catching the glinting light. With a powerful downward strike, a shockwave rippled forth, slamming into the spear-wielding knight. The force sent him stumbling.
Meanwhile, the second knight wasted no time. Fueled by a surge of determination, he closed the distance between himself and Somber with calculated speed, weapon poised and ready for the clash that awaited them.
In a rapid strike, the longsword-wielding knight landed a heavy blow on Somber's already wounded left arm. Pain shot through Somber's body, forcing him to lose his grip on his sword. Panic surged through him as he desperately tried to regain control of the situation.
With a determined kick, the Silver Knight sent Somber crashing to the ground. Somber's heart pounded with fear and frustration as he found himself pinned beneath the armored weight of his assailant, his breaths coming in rapid, shallow gasps as he struggled to push the much larger knight off of himself.
Somber was pinned under the weight of one knight, while the other, still limping from their previous struggle, slowly made their way towards him. With great effort, they both held Somber down. As he grew more exhausted, Somber's resistance weakened until he could no longer resist. His body was drained of strength, and he surrendered to the overpowering might of the two silver knights.
Somber was quickly bound by the two silver knights, rendering him completely immobilized. One of the knights then hoisted him up, his body feeling heavy and uncooperative after the fierce struggle. The other knight took possession of Somber's prized Drake Sword and shield, their faces hidden behind their helms, their emotions inscrutable.
In this awkward and unsettling silence, the knights resumed their march, their captive dangling helplessly between them. Somber's thoughts raced as he contemplated the uncertain fate that awaited him, while the silver knights remained resolute, their intentions concealed behind their imposing armor.
The trio, consisting of the two knights and Somber, entered a luxurious marble elevator. As the elevator descended, the knights whispered secretly, making it difficult for Somber to overhear. His curiosity piqued, but their words remained unreachable, slipping through the spaces between his grasp like smoke.
Somber's patience wore thin, but he chose to suppress his urge to eavesdrop and instead focused on wrenching his arm from the knight's firm grip. With each futile attempt, a twinge of agony shot up his injured limb, a relentless reminder of the skirmish they had recently faced. Determination etched into his features, he persisted in his efforts until his strength waned. At last, a raw groan of frustration escaped his lips, echoing through the lavish elevator, the sound a testament to the mounting tension within the confined space.
The knight currently holding Somber over his shoulder looked at him, his feature hidden by the helm, as the elevator came to a stop at the bottom. The 2 knights stepped off and began their descent down the staircase. Somber recognized this staircase to lead to the bridge where a Gargoyle was situated. This time, however, there was no Gargoyle but instead 2 more Silver knights guarding each side of the exit of the tower.
The knight, bearing Somber over his shoulder, cast a concealed glance at him from behind his helm as the elevator came to a halt at the bottom floor. The obscurity of the knight's features added an air of mystique to their situation, leaving Somber's imagination to run wild with unanswered questions. He felt both concern and curiosity regarding the destination and purpose of his transportation.
As the elevator reached its destination, they quickly descended the grand spiral staircase. Somber's heart raced as he recognized the staircase leading to the bridge where the menacing Gargoyle had once perched.
However, this time, an absence greeted him. There was no Gargoyle in sight, but instead, two imposing Silver knights stood guard on either side of the tower's exit.
Somber couldn't help but feel a knot of apprehension tighten in his chest. What was the reason for the significant difference in this version of Anor Londo?
The two Silver knights carrying Somber stepped onto the peculiar rotational bridge. As they stepped onto the bridge's marble surface, they exchanged a knowing nod with the Silver knight stationed there. With a determined push, the knight worked a lever, setting the bridge into rotation while simultaneously raising it. Somber felt dizzy and disoriented as everything spun around him.
Eventually, the bridge completed its intricate maneuver, depositing them at their intended destination, the grand cathedral. As the bridge stabilized, the two Silver Knights bid farewell to their companion, then ascended a grand staircase and entered the cathedral through its main gate.
As the two knights and Somber entered the cathedral, suddenly and forcefully, something hit his helmet with unexpected intensity. Pain surged through him, blurring his vision and overwhelming his senses. Darkness rushed in like a tide, sweeping him away, and he felt his consciousness slipping away. The cathedral's grandeur faded to black, as he succumbed to the unknown attacker's blow.
"Captain, we've re..." one of the Silver Knights began, snapping to attention and saluting Ornstein.
"I'm already aware," Ornstein stated firmly, acknowledging that one of the Silver knights had already briefed him on their discovery during their fight. He pointed with a sense of authority toward the lifeless form of Somber, who hung limply over one of the two Silver knight's shoulders.
The two knights silently complied and handed Somber over to Ornstein without the need for spoken instructions. Ornstein conveyed his gratitude with a dignified nod of farewell, his gaze unwavering as he prepared to take charge of the unconscious Somber, his thoughts turned towards their next course of action with a resolute determination.
Ornstein stepped purposefully through the echoing halls of the cathedral, rounding a few corners before arriving at a small, windowless chamber. The room lay cloaked in a layer of dust, with only a single table at its center and two chairs on either side of it. Ornstein forcefully arranged Somber's unconscious form atop one of the chairs, indifferent to the injury on his arm.
Methodically, he fastened the rope, securing Somber's arms and legs to the chair. Once satisfied, Ornstein stretched out, his movements calculated and deliberate. He stepped out of the room, his gaze sweeping left and right, surveying his surroundings. In the distance, he spotted a Silver knight taking a moment of respite from duty. The knight, perhaps catching a glimpse of Ornstein's demeanor, quickly responded to his commanding presence.
"Knight, I require your assistance," Ornstein called out, his voice steady but authoritative. The Silver knight, who had been engaged in a moment of quiet reflection, promptly acknowledged Ornstein's summons and stepped into the chamber.
"I need you to keep watch over this one," Ornstein instructed, his finger pointing toward the still figure of Somber. "While I retrieve more information about him from the two knights who had captured him," Ornstein concluded, and the Silver knight gave a solemn nod of acknowledgment.
As Ornstein exited the room, the Silver knight remained watchful, his gaze unwavering as he observed Ornstein's departure. Time passed in tense silence, until Ornstein returned, accompanied by one of the knights who had been responsible for carrying Somber's gear.
Ornstein nodded dismissively at the knight guarding Somber, releasing him from duty. The knight respectfully acknowledged the order before quickly leaving the room. Ornstein then turned to the other knight who had just arrived with him and motioned for him to take over the watch. The Silver knight acknowledged the order with a resolute nod and carefully placed Somber's gear in the corner of the room. With a measured stride, he moved towards the door, adopting a watchful stance.
Ornstein settled into the chair positioned across from Somber, his posture composed but his expression betraying a trace of anticipation. As he waited for Somber to regain consciousness, he couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency prickling beneath his stoic exterior. The room held a palpable tension, a stillness that seemed to hang in the air, broken only by the muted sounds of armor and the occasional creaking of weathered wood.
Ornstein's thoughts began to wander, his mind pondering the possible connections between this particular Knight of Astora and the one he had glimpsed the previous day. In that brief encounter, he had only taken in the distinctive armor of the Astoran elite. He hadn't taken note of the knight's weapon or the presence of a shield. Now, before him, this knight possessed a unique weapon crafted from in drake's tail, a curiosity that intrigued Ornstein. He wondered about the tale behind how such an unusual weapon had come into the knight's possession.
Ornstein's keen eyes examined the knight's attire with a meticulous gaze. The helmet, slightly dented and bearing signs of wear, hinted at countless battles fought. It bore the marks of uncleaned battles and carried the weight of experience. Lower, his gaze fixed on the brown scarf wrapped around the knight's neck, a subtle hint of humanity beneath the armor. Beyond the table's obstructing presence, Ornstein glimpsed the deep-blue tabard adorned with several belts. His curiosity piqued, but his view was obscured by the table, preventing him from further analysis.
With a sigh, Ornstein leaned forward, his head hovering closer to the human figure seated before him. He scrutinized Somber's arms, his focus honing in on the left one. A nasty gash marred the limb, extending from the bicep down to the wrist, evidence of the battle fought against the two Silver knights. The knight's body bore yet another wound on his elbow.
Intriguingly, Ornstein noted the slow, rhythmic rise and fall of Somber's chest as he breathed, a reminder of the fragility beneath the armor. The room was filled with tense silence as the Silver knight on guard raised a brow at his captain's actions but decided not to question him.
A low groan escaped Somber's lips as he gradually woke up, his ears still ringing from the earlier blow. When he blinked his eyes open, he found himself face to face with Ornstein's helmet. The Lion's snout almost touching his helm.
Startled, Somber instinctively attempted to jolt upright, a startled noise escaping his lips as he tipped the chair backward, crashing onto his back with a pained wince.
Ornstein, his features concealed by the imposing helmet, observed Somber's abrupt and ungraceful awakening with a blend of surprise and curiosity. His eyes blinked in quiet contemplation before he composed himself, rising from his chair. He took a few measured steps towards Somber, righted the toppled chair, and settled back into his seat.
As Ornstein settled into his seat, the silence in the room weighed heavily. Somber's voice broke it, his words quivering with confusion. "Where am I?"
"That's none of your concern," Ornstein retorted, his tone as sharp as the blade of his spear. He regarded Somber with a gaze that seemed to pierce through armor. "Now, would you kindly answer a couple of questions for me?"
Somber nodded, a mix of dread and determination in his eyes, as Ornstein began his interrogation.
"How did you get here?" Ornstein inquired, his voice firm and unwavering.
"I just awoke here today," Somber began, his voice tinged with uncertainty, "then I descended the staircase, and I was ambushed..." His words hung in the air, the memory of the sudden attack still fresh in his mind.
"Are you lying to me?" Ornstein demanded, his imposing figure leaning further over the table as he locked his gaze onto Somber's.
Somber met Ornstein's intense stare, his voice earnest as he replied, "I swear I'm not!"
Ornstein, seemingly satisfied for the moment, released his grip on the table and cleared his throat. "What did you do the day before you awoke here?"
Somber hesitated for a brief moment, the weight of his quickly fabricated story hanging in the air. With a trace of anxiety, he replied, "I was on a mission... supposed to be scouting for intelligence. After a day of spying on a group of Carim knights, I set off to get some rest, and after waking up, I found myself here."
Somber's heart raced as he spun his story, hoping Ornstein wouldn't see through the facade.
Ornstein leaned back in his chair, his helmeted head tilting slightly as if lost in deep contemplation. After a prolonged silence that seemed to stretch into uncertainty, he finally broke it with a measured tone. "How did you come into possession of... that?" He pointed to the corner of the room, where Somber's Drake sword and shield lay.
Somber shifted uncomfortably in his chair, his injured arm throbbing as the rope binding him tugged against the wound. "I've slain a dragon," he replied swiftly, a hint of pride in his voice.
Ornstein regarded him with a raised eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in his gaze. "A puny human slaying a drake? How many men did it take?" Ornstein's words dripped with condescension, belittling Somber's claim.
"One," Somber asserted, a trace of pain flickering across his features as the rope pressed against his injured arm. "I took it on myself."
Ornstein's eyes widened in astonishment. If what this human was saying held even a grain of truth, he would indeed be a formidable warrior.
Somber couldn't help a hint of sarcasm in his tone as he retorted, "Oh, what, you don't believe me? Maybe this human isn't so puny after all?"
Ornstein's lips curled into a subtle smile at the words. A prideful warrior indeed. He crossed his arms, leaning forward slightly. "It has been done before," Ornstein said, his tone maintaining a level of skepticism. "Don't think of yourself as 'the chosen one.' "
Somber chuckled his voice lightening. "Oh yeah, I'm the biggest of the big humans alive!" He replied with a touch of humor, his banter with the Dragonslayer creating an unexpected moment of camaraderie in the otherwise tense room.
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Somber's lips, a genuine moment of connection with the Dragonslayer. Ornstein, it seemed, wasn't such a bad person to talk to after all. However, as they shared this brief camaraderie, a troubling realization began to dawn on Somber.
His smile faded, replaced by a furrowed brow and a look of growing concern. Memories flooded his mind. He had killed the Dragonslayer back when he was on his quest to retrieve the Lord's vessel. The puzzling question loomed larger: why was the Dragonslayer alive now? And, even more perplexing, why were there so many Silver knights, whom he had always believed to be nothing more than reanimated armor, devoid of speech or thought?
The weight of these questions settled on Somber, his expression shifting from camaraderie to a troubled, pensive gaze. His earlier trust in the situation wavered as the unsettling truth of his circumstances began to sink in.
Ornstein uncrossed his arms, his tone now more serious. "Enough with the banter," he commanded, "I still have more questions for you."
Somber snapped out of his reverie, aware that he could contemplate his thoughts later. "Have you recently found yourself in any unusual situations?" The Dragonslayer inquired.
Somber watched as Ornstein seemed to ponder for a moment, then shook his head and replied, "No."
The Dragonslayer, his initial questions temporarily forgotten amid their banter, furrowed his brow in thought. Somber observed the knight's brief moment of confusion before he seemed to recall his intended line of questioning.
"What is your name, young warrior?" Ornstein asked his tone now a curious blend of authority and curiosity.
"Somber," he replied, not anticipating much from the Dragonslayer in return.
Ornstein, choosing not to address Somber by his actual name, continued, "Well, Knight, you probably know of me from the tales that have been passed down from Lordran to Astora, so there's no need for introductions. Aside from that, what were your intentions when you entered Anor Londo?" Ornstein finished, his gaze piercing as he awaited a response.
Somber hesitated for a moment before answering, "Well, I was confused, so I descended the stairs, and you know what happened next."
The tension in the room seemed to grow as Somber's words hung in the air, and Ornstein's eyes remained fixed on the young knight, searching for any hint of deception or ulterior motives.
"Hmm..." Ornstein pondered his next line of questioning, finding no clear connection between their stories if Somber had indeed been truthful. He gave Somber the benefit of the doubt, though he would never openly admit it, as prideful warriors often don't.
"Well, I believe that concludes my questions," Ornstein declared. His tone remained stern, but there was a hint of fairness in his eyes. "However, don't mistake this for freedom. You will be imprisoned until you've served your time. If you demonstrate good behavior, you may even have the opportunity to join our ranks, given your evident combat prowess."
The room seemed to exhale a collective breath as the tension eased slightly, but the gravity of Somber's situation still hung heavily in the air. Ornstein's decision had been made, and it would shape the course of Somber's future in Anor Londo.
"Knight, take him away," Ornstein commanded the Silver Knight. The knight nodded in acknowledgment and proceeded to carefully untie Somber, making sure to keep him under control by placing a firm hand on his shoulder to prevent any escape attempts. After retying Somber's limbs, the Silver Knight hoisted him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes and left the room swiftly, following Ornstein's orders.
Once the knight had exited the room, Ornstein let out a sigh of relief. Somber had proven to be more respectable than he initially thought, a knight who matched his sense of humor and demeanor. Although he would never admit it aloud, Ornstein found himself enjoying Somber's company. If Somber behaved himself, Ornstein entertained the idea of offering him a position as a Silver Knight.
Ornstein reached up with both hands and removed his helmet, revealing his blood-red hair tied in a messy ponytail. He reflected on how he had examined Somber, realizing it might have seemed suspicious from an outsider's perspective. He was grateful that the Silver Knight hadn't raised any concerns about it; otherwise, it would have created an awkward situation. Ornstein blushed slightly as he recalled Somber's reaction upon waking up, attributing it to the proximity of their faces, or rather helmets. It was a natural response, after all.
Putting his helmet back on, Ornstein stood up from the chair and left the room, intending to return to his quarters to finish some paperwork. He walked to the door, which creaked with age as he opened it, and exited the room. The sound of his armor-clad footsteps echoed through the halls as he passed by windows, taking note of the Anor Londo horizon, which had already transitioned to evening. The dimly lit room had made him lose track of time. He paused to gaze out over the horizon, briefly reflecting on the Astoran Elite he encountered the previous day. It couldn't have been Somber; he had watched the man dissipate. Ornstein dismissed the notion of his sanity slipping and decided to clear his mind with a walk.
Continuing on his way, Ornstein finally reached his quarters, acknowledging the Silver Knights on guard duty as he entered.
Ornstein removed his armor, leaving only the leather undergarments, and proceeded to his office. Seated at his desk, he began the tedious task of filling out paperwork, a necessary duty that came with his position as Captain of the four knights of Gwyn.
Somber was roughly thrown into the cell, his limbs tied no more as the Silver Knight released him. He took a moment to survey his surroundings. The cell held a small but relatively comfortable setup: a bed with simple bedding, a small wooden table, a solitary chair, and a nightstand. Despite his predicament, it was a better living condition than some he had encountered in Astora.
Sitting down on the bed, Somber made the unusual decision to remove his armor. It was a rare luxury to sleep without its weight and confinement, and he couldn't recall the last time he had done so. He lay back on the bed, his mind consumed by the events of the day, particularly his defeat in combat, which left him with a lingering sense of disappointment. Somber buried his face in his hands, wrestling with the shame of his failure. How could he have been defeated so easily? He had also lost his Estus Flask, leaving him with an injury that would have to heal naturally. It was a stark reminder of the need for caution in future battles, now that he couldn't rely on healing.
Glancing down at his left arm, he examined the two gashes that marred his flesh. His thoughts drifted to his weapon, a sword that had likely dulled considerably from its use, especially when employing its shockwave ability. Additionally, his shield was gone, depriving him of the increased stamina it had provided.
Somber couldn't help but reflect on his interaction with Ornstein, the Dragonslayer. Despite the circumstances, he had enjoyed their conversation and hoped for an opportunity to speak with the imposing knight of Gwyn again soon.
Then, as Somber lay there, pondering the mysteries of Anor Londo and its newfound liveliness, it dawned on him. The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning – he had traveled back in time.
A/N: Well here it is, a 4.1k word chapter. This one was fun to write as we finally had an interaction between the main two. I also got accepted on Ao3 so if you're reading this then, hey! The next chapter will also be of this size (hopefully) and yeah, that's it.