Sitting beside the golden grace I could not help but wonder. Why am I back? Was it the Greater Will, Frenzy Flame, or even Ranni's God the Dark Moon?
While I sit here in my thoughts a woman in a black cloak slowly fades into existence. Removing the hood of her cloak as she sat down in front of the grace "Greetings. Traveler from beyond the fog. I am Melina. I offer you an accord."
Smiling at me as if she has secrets she only knows she continues. "Have you heard of the finger maidens? They serve the Two Fingers, offering guidance, and aid, to the Tarnished. But you, I am afraid, are maidenless. I can play the role of maiden. Turning rune fragments into strength. To aid you in your search for the Elden Ring. You need only take me with you. To the foot of the Erdtree."
While she spoke those oh-so-familiar words. That led me on my first journey; I couldn't help but tear up. Melina how I missed you. How I missed the talks we would have. The days I spent getting stronger for your sake. You are my first friend. I do not know if I could do this journey without you.
Taking my silence as a yes, she continued. "Then it's settled. Summon me by grace to turn runes into strength." She got up to leave, but at the last moment, she turned back towards me. "Ahh, another matter. I bequeath to you this ring."
Grabbing the ring I couldn't help but smile. Torrent my trusty steed. A spirit that can traverse great distances and run at rapid speeds.
"Tarnished I shall take my leave summon me at the graces you see in front of you I shall use thy ruins to strengthen you." With one final bow, she disappears as if she was never here.
Getting up after a moment. I decided to stretch a bit as I planned my next move. As I am I stand no chance against Godrick or even his false guardian Margit. While I finally feel recovered, my strength seems to be lost. I'm nothing more than a simple wretch. Looking towards the ruins. I sighed in annoyance. Rushing forward I lept into battle.
As I approached the ruins, the air seemed charged with a mix of uncertainty and determination. The familiar sights of the crumbling structures and the echoes of distant battles surrounded me. I moved through the ruins cautiously, my club at the ready. The once majestic architecture now stood as a testament to the war that had ravaged the Lands Between.
Suddenly, the silence was shattered by the sound of approaching footsteps. A group of hostile knights started their attack, their eyes gleaming with an otherworldly malevolence. Taking a defensive stance, I swung my club with precision, fending off the attackers. The ruins echoed with the clash of steel against my club, and the air filled with the acrid scent of battle.
After the battle, I became exhausted their commander a Knight in armor branded with the symbol of Godrick approached me from behind. thrusting his spear through my body I lay weakly on the floor, and with a bash of his shield I knew no more.
Reviving at the grace. I groaned in frustration. Smashing my fist into the ground I could not help but be frustrated with that defeat. I should have known better than that how many times did he slay me before in that exact way. Heading back I decided to sneak my way towards the whetstone hidden in the ruin.
After some exploration, I found the entrance that would lead to my reward. Down the staircase I went watching my step and head, as roots have over took it all. A door of stone stood at the bottom of the stairs and as opened it; there in the middle of the room lay a chest with my prize.
Escaping I slayed all the soldiers, but the knight still lived it rushed towards me trying to kill me once more. Blowing on my ring Torrent appeared and I rushed back to Kale. As soon as I arrived at that church I noticed a mist leaking from it. Noticing a woman in a white witch outfit. I approached her wearily.