In the following days, the Tarnished assisted Maris in packing her belongings and provided last-minute aid to the village. He trained her and the boys, helped with construction, and undertook various tasks. As time swiftly passed, the day of departure arrived. The chief gifted Maris a horse laden with necessities, while the Tarnished stored heavier items in his magical pocket.
Farewells were exchanged with the chief, villagers, and Maris's friends, who hugged her warmly and discreetly slipped snacks into her pocket. The Tarnished and Ranni observed from a distance, not wanting to intrude. As the crowd dispersed, only Chief Lucan remained at the gate.
Maris rushed to embrace him, aware that it might be a long time before they met again. "Thank you for looking after me. I'll miss you a lot. It's not our final goodbye, so take care, old man." He looked at her warmly and replied. "You cheeky girl. Take care of yourself, too. Until we meet again, may you become a great adventurer."
She smiled at him, said nothing, and darted toward her horse. Following her signal, the Tarnished guided Torrent in a slow trot forward. Now, on horseback, the trio turned back to give the chief a final wave goodbye.
And so began their journey - the first chapter of the Ranni familia.
—
Their horses kicked up the dust as they strode across the expansive plain, the Tarnished steering them forward while vigilant eyes scanned the surroundings. Ranni nestled against his chest, the rhythmic beat of hooves beneath them providing a soothing backdrop as she sporadically shared tidbits about the landmarks dotting the horizon. Maris trailed closely, her watchful gaze mirroring the Tarnished's. Their journey unfolded with pauses every few hours, affording respite to Maris's horse and granting Torrent a chance to roam freely. The day gradually waned, leaving them with a handful of hours to establish camp before the sun dipped below the horizon. A modest tent took shape near a crackling campfire, Maris's horse tethered a distance away.
Amidst the preparation, Ranni excused herself, meandering through the camp to observe the local flora, a potential source for potion ingredients. Magnus and Maris gathered by the cozy campfire, preparing a simple yet hearty stew for their dinner. With night's arrival, Ranni retreated to the shelter of the tent, a subtle acknowledgment of the constraints her doll-like form imposed.
As Magnus and Maris sat across the crackling fire, he couldn't help but admire the beauty of the full moon hanging in the night sky. The tranquility of this land struck him, a stark contrast to the perilous nights he endured in the Lands Between. There, he faced relentless night calvaries, ominous deathbirds, and the constant threat of ever-hungry bats, battling to safeguard himself from the relentless dangers that lurked in the darkness. Oh, and those damn revenants, fuck them.
As they sat, reflecting on the twists of fate that brought them to this moment, Maris appeared to pick up on Magnus's contemplative mood. She gently probed, inquiring about the thoughts that occupied his mind. "Um, do you mind if I ask you about something?" Magnus signaled for her to continue, and she hesitantly inquired, "Hey, um, could you share a bit about your past and how you crossed paths with Lady Ranni? We're in the same familia now, and I want to get to know you better?"
And so he told her about his past.
Of one whom grace would again bless. A Tarnished of no renown.
—
A Tarnished of no renown, called across the fog, to the Lands Between. To once again stand before the Elden Ring and claim the title of the Elden Lord. He retold his journey across the lands, the clashes with both friends and foes, the relentless battles against Demigods. He now bears their Great Runes, shattered shards of the Elden Ring. Now distanced from the Greater Will, they retain only fragments of their once formidable power.
He gives Maris glimpses into Ranni's past, her wishes to abandon her predetermined destiny, and his friendship with Blaidd and Iji. The tales of the Roundtable Hold, of Melina, Roderika, and Hewg. Of the treacherous path that Milicent, Rya, and Nepheli choose to walk. He spoke of Morgott the Grace-Given's ambitions, the tales of battles between Malenia, Blade of Miquella, and General Radahn, Conqueror of the Stars.
Magnus conveyed the tragedies of the Lands Between, recounting the whispers of Aurelia and Aureliette, who never saw the stars. He spoke of Latenna, the Albinauric, whose dream of visiting the sacred land of Miquella's Haligtree, a haven for those rejected by the Golden Order.
And finally, the burning of the Erdtree. The first cardinal sin that he committed. Melina's words, spoken during their parting at the Forge of the Giants, echoed in his mind. "O Erdtree, you shall burn. Burn, for the sake of the new Lord." He recalled Enia's unwavering guidance, until the very end. "Don't worry, my dear. I'll see it to the end with you, if it please." The haunting image of the burning Erdtree is eternally etched into his mind, intertwined with her farewell words.
"The Rune of Death is unbound,
and the Lands Between are shrouded by Death's dark fate.
But the flames will also burn the impenetrable thorns.
Farewell it is, then.
You'll be Elden Lord yet."
—
As the hour of the owl approached, the Tarnished signaled Maris to rest, taking the watch by the campfire. Left alone with his thoughts, he pondered. Had he revealed too much to her? Perhaps. Yet, in the grand scheme, it seemed inconsequential. Gazing into the crackling flames, he contemplated what this world held in store for them.
They resumed their journey the next morning, and the day unfolded much like the one before. However, Magnus chose to halt and set up camp shortly after noon. With the city of Karuna merely half a day's travel away, he intended to dedicate some time to training Maris before reaching their destination. The trio gathered around after the camp was established, and Magnus explained his plan. He requested Ranni to mentor Maris in the intricacies of sorceries, while he would focus on honing her physical strength and providing fundamental combat training. Bringing out a set of equipment, he handed it over to Maris.
"Here is the Zamor armor, once adorned by the knights of Zamor, hailed as heroes in the War against the Giants. Give it a try. I've made rough adjustments to fit your size, but let me know if any changes are needed." Magnus explained as he gave her the armor. The Zamor armor protects the wearer's torso with interlocking plates and protective scales for the lower body. Coupled with lined chainmail and shoulder guards, it offers adequate defense. Additionally, Magnus provided Maris with Traveler's boots and manchettes, offering ample protection until she became accustomed to the heavy gear. He waited patiently until she finished putting it on, then asked. "How's the fit? Do you need any adjustments? If it's good, we can get started on the training."
She stretched her arm and moved around for a bit before responding. "It's a tad loose on my shoulder, but everything else fits like a glove. Thanks, captain. What's the plan now?" As he signaled for her to follow, their training began. Their training started with a gentle jog around the camp for Maris to familiarize herself with the weight and feel of her armor, before progressing to sprints. After a brief rest, the Tarnished directed Maris to perform push-ups, followed by additional running. He then asked her to hold the sword out, arms straight. Next, he instructed her to hold the sword out with arms straight. This exercise endured for a few minutes, leaving her arms sore. It was challenging, but a necessary training, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a firm grip on one's weapon, regardless of how long one had fought. After a few hours, he released her from the training, telling her to get some rest, perhaps a nap. He assured her that he would wake her in time for dinner and Ranni's mentoring session.
Following dinner, under the shimmering moonlight, Ranni commenced Maris's education on the fundamentals of sorcery. Drawing from her recent studies, she explained the two types of magic in this peculiar land: congenital and acquired. The first, congenital magic, is obtained through inherent ability and race, while the second is bestowed upon you by the falna.
With the Academy Glintstone staff in hand, another gift from the Tarnished, Maris took her first steps into the realm of sorcery, Glintstone Pebble. The most basic glintstone sorcery of the Academy of Raya Lucaria, a universal first step on the journey to true knowledge of sorcery. Ranni guided the girl each and every step, from memorizing the spell to channeling her mind through the glintstone, which served as a conduit, launching magical projectiles at foes. She then delved into practice, honing her skills in aiming, guiding the projectile toward moving targets, maneuvering while casting, and maintaining continuous spellcasting. Whenever the young girl grew weary from the repetitive cast, Ranni used a Starlight Shard to hasten her recovery.
"Thou art a bright one, Maris. Few indeed grasp the ways of sorcery this swiftly. I doth eagerly anticipate instructing thee in the days to come."
After praising Maris, Ranni withdrew into the tent, leaving Maris lying on the grass. Magnus approached her, handing over a waterskin. Maris willed herself up, accepted it from his hand, and promptly gulped it down. With the weariness receding, they shifted positions, now seated across from each other by the campfire, similar to the night before.
"It has been a rough day for you, isn't it?" Magnus asked. Now seated on the ground, the girl leaned against the log, her fatigued expression still evident, replied. "That couldn't even describe it. I grew up on a farm, you know. Helping with the cattle and other minor stuff like that. It's not intense, but it's still daily manual labor. But this is on another level." Sensing the girl's emotions, Magnus offered her words of encouragement. "Now, you've done well today. You're still young, so don't be discouraged. Your body will soon adapt and get stronger," Magnus reassured.
As the girl goes off to sleep, Magnus decides to take some rest as well.
He settled down next to the fire, wanting a good night's sleep, before heading to an unfamiliar place. Calling out the Mimic tear, he ordered it to guard the camp, as his mind drifted into the realm of dreams.
—
The following day, they set out shortly after dawn, reaching a river crossing. Magnus and Maris, dirtied from their journey and sparring, opted to take turns washing themselves in the river. It served as a brief break, and soon, they resumed their journey.
Soon, the city of Karuna came into view. It was a medium-sized city, maybe slightly larger than Stormveil Castle. From the main gates, a steady stream of people flowed in and out, the volume significant enough to earn it the title of the city of travelers. Entering the line, their distinctive appearance attracted glances from others. Ranni and Maris remained in their usual clothes while Magnus had donned the Carian Knight set, excluding the helm. This made the group look like traveling nobles as they navigated the bustling scene. Soon, it was their turn with the city guards. A brief glance at Ranni, and the guards immediately sensed the existence of a god. With Magnus standing menacingly behind, they were permitted entry after some quick questions.
The city was bustling with life as the air buzzed with the diverse sounds of traders and merchants. People hailing from every corner of the world converged, eager eyes scanning the vibrant marketplace. Ranni shared tales with them about the scantily clad Amazoness of Telskyura, the Demi-Humans from across the plains, the dwarves from the Great Mountain Range, and a handful of elves scattered few and far between.
Exotic items beckoned from stalls decorated with intricate tapestries, and the aromatic dance of spices teased the senses. For the trio, this bustling city life was a rare sight. Having grown up in a small farming village, Maris had never experienced such vibrancy, and the Lands Between had not witnessed such bustling activity since The Shattering. The aromatic scents of spice-laden foods tickled their noses, a stark contrast to the simplicity of their usual meals. Ignoring the enticing calls of the vendors, they resisted the tempting aromas and steered toward their objective—the city branch of the Guild. Though the books available in Maris's village had given them some information, they lacked details about the wider world. Their goal was to gain access to the Guild's library in the city, hoping to find answers to their questions.
The Guild's city branch stood as a sizable masonry structure, bustling with adventurers entering and exiting. Approaching an unoccupied counter, a female receptionist greeted them. "Welcome to the Guild. What can I help you with, goddess?" Upon Ranni's inquiry about information and access to the library, the receptionist decided to lead them to a private meeting room. Soon, she returned with a thick and heavy book in hand. "This is the Guild's encyclopedia, encompassing all publicly accessible information. This version was published four years ago, and not much has happened since then, so it should be adequate. I will try to answer all your questions, and this book should prove valuable, especially for topics that may be unfamiliar to me."
"Hark, we shall embark forthwith. Pray, what be the nature of the Dungeon and Orario? Wherefore is it hailed as the very heart of the world?"
The receptionist, taken aback by Ranni's question, asked again, "You're not acquainted with the Dungeon and Orario?" Upon receiving confirmation from Ranni, she proceeded, "That's quite unusual, considering most gods who descend usually make a beeline for Orario with a clear purpose in mind. Nevertheless, no worries. I'll provide you with an overview, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask." She proceeded to share the tale of the Dungeon, a singular entity nestled in Ontario, its depths giving rise to a myriad of formidable monsters. In the annals of time, these creatures spilled forth from the Dungeon, spreading chaos across the world. With the descent of gods and empowered by the falna, they pushed the monstrous tide back. And upon it, the Babel Tower was built, sealing the once-gaping hole in the earth.
In the present, the allure of the Dungeon persisted, drawing adventurers seeking renown, honor, and wealth. The extraction of monster cores, nestled within their chests, had evolved into a lucrative trade, the magic stones fueling Orario's influence across distant lands. Intrigued by the tales, Ranni couldn't resist her curiosity and requested to examine a sample of the fabled magic stones mentioned. The receptionist, with a knowing smile, handed her a small object. Though diminutive, she could discern a subtle energy emanating from it. The stone bore a striking resemblance to glintstone, yet offered much more versatility than its counterpart.
She decided they'd head for Orario as soon as possible, but she first inquired the guild employee about his request. "Pray, what tidings canst thou share regarding the Alf Royal Forest? Doth, there exist any who would be disposed to act as our guide through its leafy domains?" The woman's troubled expression spoke volumes as she responded, "The Alf's Royal Forest is exclusively under the dominion of elven royalties, barring entry to all outsiders. Venturing in without an elven guide guarantees peril. While we can submit a request for a guide, I must caution you—there are no guarantees."
The trio has since retreated into the guild library, immersing themselves in a shared pursuit of knowledge. Ranni delved into the magical intricacies and historical depths, finding solace in the magic and history section. Magnus delved into the anatomy and behavior of monsters and the intricacies of the Dungeon, his focus intent on gaining knowledge of potential enemies. Meanwhile, Maris became engrossed in the heroic tales of Albert and Argonaut, discovering a richer and more detailed version than the childish one she had grown up with.
As the day neared its end, the receptionist guided two individuals toward the trio – an elven woman and a human male. "This is the group that posted the request, referring to themselves as the Ranni familia," the receptionist said to the female. With his keen senses, Magnus overheard the introduction and glanced at the newcomers. Sensing Magnus's gaze, she stepped up and greeted him with a friendly but cautious demeanor. "Nice to meet you, I'm Aina, and this is Euric. May I ask for your name?" she asked, and he replied, "You can call me Magnus, captain of the Ranni familia."
"I've seen your request for a guide to the Alf's Royal Forest, and may I inquire why?" She questioned him. Sensing caution in her words, Magnus answered. "I've heard tales of the elves' profound connection with trees and forests, making their land an ideal place to cultivate a special tree—a magnificent golden one that imparts blessings and guidance." As the elf attentively absorbed his explanation, she inquired further. "And can I see the seeds you intended to sow in our forest?" Anticipating her skepticism, he retrieved a handful of Golden Seeds from his pocket, presenting them in his open palm. "These are the second generation offspring of the Great Erdtree, which once blessed our homeland. While they may not match the unwavering dimensions of their origin, they promise to be a captivating sight. This endeavor is purely a personal pursuit, no obligation on your part."
The elven woman scrutinized the Golden Seeds, remarking, "These seeds exude magic, akin to the spirit trees, but of foreign origin. Where did you acquire them?" Magnus explained, "These seeds were scattered across various lands when the Erdtree sensed its impending end. I can't divulge more than that." After a moment of contemplation, the woman spoke again. "Very well, I will take you into the Alf's forest. However, persuading them to allow you to plant the seeds will be your responsibility." Her companion, who has only listened until now, interjected. "Are you sure about this, Aina? We have a mission to do!" She waved her hand at him and said. "Hush, Euric. We're going there anyway, and if what this guy is saying is true, then it'll probably make that manchild agree to enact some change and stop bugging Riveria with those letters."
Unfamiliar with the topic they were discussing, and that also wasn't his current concern. "I appreciate your assistance in this matter. If there's ever anything you require help with, don't hesitate to summon my aid. The favor will be returned willingly." The elven woman, now successfully silencing her companion, turned back and replied. "No need for fancy words. If what you said is true, then we will get some benefit out of this too. So consider it a fair deal. Meet us at noon the day after tomorrow, at the west gate."
After bidding their farewells, the duo exited the Guild, leaving the Ranni familia to their own devices in the library. Aware that the Guild would soon close, they also decided to depart. Asking for recommendations from the receptionist for a place to spend the night, they promptly headed in that direction, indulging in a few roasted meat skewers on the way. Despite the late hour, the street retained its lively atmosphere, pulsating with the sounds of inebriated adventurers, energetic food vendors hawking their wares, and the rhythmic hustle and bustle of stall owners packing up, a testament to the vibrancy of the city.
—
They have secured two rooms, one for Maris and the other for himself and Ranni. With Maris bidding them goodnight, she retreated to her own room, affording the duo some privacy to unwind and enjoy their evening together. It had been a long day for them, and Magnus wanted to rest his mind, but Ranni appeared to have other ideas. She called out to him. "Verily, thou art a constant source of amazement, Magnus. Sowing the seeds of a Minor Erdtree in the sacred realms of the elven royalty and bestowing upon them its benediction. Pray, what doth thou seek from them?" Responding with a subtle smile, he answered, "I'm not entirely certain, to be honest. It's more of a gut feeling. My intuition is nudging me, suggesting that something positive might emerge from all of this. We'll find out soon enough." Once more, a smile blossomed on her face. "Ever since thou entered my service, I've known that you're a rare sort. One, kind of heart. Thou hast rendered aid to many in the Lands Between, and this peculiar world has not altered thee. Change not, my dear." He shifted to her side, enfolding her in a close embrace against his heart. They lingered in each other's arms, a tranquil cocoon, as they gradually succumbed to the embrace of sleep.
The following day whisked by in a blur as they explored the city, savoring exotic local flavors and discovering peculiar goods that intrigued the trio. After stocking themselves with the city delicacies and travel supplies, they set out once more. Towards the Royal Forest, home of the enigmatic Alf's.
#####
MK here. I've been practicing the legendary "show, don't tell" technique in this chapter, which is very different from my usual technical writing. This chapter has much more space for me to be creative and write about, rather than just going somewhere and meeting someone. Let me know what you think about it.
There's also some lore dumping, as I want readers who haven't played Elden Ring to know some of the basic terms and backstories and the other way around. The short section at the end is my first foray into romantic writing, so please forgive any mistake.
I also just realize that FFN remove all the consecutive "-" that I use to seperate the storyline, I'll update the previous chapters.