There was a memory that persisted in the back of his mind, of a red-haired companion that fought with him against great foes. Her name was Millicent, and she flowed and moved like water, even as the scarlet rot consumed her from within.
Her last words echoed in his head every night.
"Please, leave me alone now. My affliction writhes at this moment, worse than ever. I don't want to hurt you any longer," Millicent whispered.
"I can hold on for a few seconds more…" The Tarnished said in a pleading breath.
"I know."
His face stung and burned like acid, but he braced himself for a second more with her. She was the girl who made the Lands Between less lonely. She was a true friend in a shattered realm.
"Elias, vow to me, now," Millicent spoke." That you will continue the path of Elden Lord, but stay true to yourself."
Elias caressed her cheek. "I… what do you mean?"
"You gave me this needle… you gave me this hand. This friendship. You strayed the path of the throne to help me. You're... a good man. Never lose sight of that. Do not make the same mistakes as the gods."
"Millicent…"
"Promise me."
Elias closed his eyes and rested his forehead on hers. "I promise."
"Then this is goodbye..."
It couldn't be their final goodbye. He refused to accept it, not after everything that happened. But this was Millicent's decision, not his. And it hurt even more.
Elias set her head down the grass and pulled away from her.
"Goodbye…."
His vision blurred, and he shed his first tear. The Tarnished took one last look at the girl then he turned around and walked away.
Later that day, he grieved peacefully beside grace. His heart almost froze when he noticed a piece of paper inside his pocket, snuck in perhaps by an agile hand.
Had the stars written a different fate for us both, I would be glad to have been your blade as Malenia was to Miquella. Because of you, I will pass as my own person. Goodbye, dear, for the final time.
Your friend, Millicent.