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BEGIN
Lunar Princess Ranni
The Erdtree loomed over the Altus Plateau, its golden brilliance illuminating the sunglow-coloured fields.
Lunar Princess Ranni and along with her brother, Praetor Rykard, both sat within horse-drawn carriage, trotting along the path leading to Leyndell, the royal capital.
Ranni had found no solace in the open, copper-esque landscape, so different it was from the war-torn ruins of Luirnia where survival was a daily murky struggle – she wondered, is that why he left? Life in Luirnia was never easy, but he was never one to shy away from hardship. So, what happened... it puzzled her still.
Regardless Were it not for the glintstone sorcerers and their intellect, their mastery of the stone that is the amber of the cosmos, would the people of Luirnia endure at all?
The carriage rocked gently, prompting Ranni to glance at her absorbed brother, engrossed in his letters and notes.
"If I had known you'd sulk the entire journey, I might have asked you to whisk us away to the Elden Throne," Rykard teased, a small smile playing on his lips as he perused his correspondence.
"They don't look favorably upon glintstone sorceries in the royal capital, as you well know," Ranni replied. "I'd prefer you summon me there instead."
"That would elicit a reaction from the queen mother," Rykard chuckled, "or perhaps she wouldn't bat an eye at all."
The latter comment he muttered under his breath, too soft for Ranni to hear.
"How fares the academy these days?" Rykard asked. "It has been quite a while since I paid a visit."
"I'm sure they manage well enough on their own," Ranni replied. "Debating and arguing over glintstone and its conspectus. I never understood how Mother endured it. I could never bear the rantings and ravings of old men."
"You've distanced yourself from the academy?" Rykard inquired.
"I spend more days atop the Moonlight Altar," Ranni explained. "That old crone and the Two Fingers are a constant thorn at my side... Mother is safe, though. I've been fine-tuning a powerful spell for her protection."
"You are an empyrean, Ranni. The greatest honour. Many would give anything to be in your position," Rykard said.
"What use is there in being a god if I am merely a puppet for those things?" Ranni retorted. "Besides, Miquella and Malenia are also empyreans. More likely than not, the Two Fingers will choose them instead."
"But only you received a shadow given by the two fingers, like Queen Marika."
"It makes no difference. Miquella the Kind will always have his way," Ranni replied.
Rykard fell silent, his eyes narrowing as he considered her words. "Careful now, the Erdtree doesn't like challenge, your words might be mistaken for treason."
"Perhaps." She simply replied -
The carriage halted briefly, prompting Rykard to peek outside. "A minor delay, Milord," one of the soldiers informed him. "We'll be underway shortly. It's a bustling day in the royal capital."
"As it always seems to be whenever we arrive," Ranni remarked.
"They hunger for a glimpse of the demigods," Rykard added knowingly. "Spies and thieves abound, and tales spread swiftly when it concerns those wielding great power."
"Fear and ambition... are we not symbols of both?" Ranni whispered. "How goes the Volcano Manor?"
"Well enough," Rykard began, setting his notes aside momentarily. "Punishments and imprisonments, endless court sessions—more than I care for. Many question the Erdtree, and the Golden Order demands punishment.
Spies may lurk among my ranks, and the people grow restless. I've had to organize public games and colosseum matches to pacify them. The Senate controls the treasury, and there's little I can do to secure proper funds."
"For what purpose?" Ranni inquired.
"Research, mostly," Rykard replied. "The Manor may harbor an ancient secret, but more on that later. Greedy patricians pose a problem. Radahn's armies can't fight to fill Marika's coffers if the Senate won't allocate funds to feed them."
"We live in times of peace?" Ranni mocked.
"Nonsense," Rykard replied. "There's always a storm brewing, if not outside, then within." He squeezed his temples in frustration. "Ugh, and the lords and nobles of Limgrave."
"Kenneth Haight," Ranni said, drawing a groan from Rykard, which elicited a small laugh from her.
The carriage jolted and began to ascend.
"They have a demi-human problem. I'll have to deal with that one later," he said, returning to his letters. "Thank Marika Radahn holds the south, Caelid and Seillia's co-operation is of great help."
Ranni replied with a gentle smile before turning her gaze outward once more. The gates swang open and the tree sentinels stood beside them tall and firm. Their ancient forms guarding the entrance. Beyond that sprawled a bustling community of people, their lives woven amidst the shadow of the erdtree.
A minor Erdtree church in the distance and the dragon cultists not far off – the golden order was no stranger to hypocrisies and it would take into itself what it could not destroy.
"How fares Tanith?" Ranni asked as the carriage rolled through the grand gates of Leyndell.
"She is... well," Rykard replied, his tone carefully neutral.
"You should wed her," Ranni said. "She suits you."
A fleeting smile touched Rykard's lips. "No," he said, shaking his head. "To be associated with me, with us... she would become a target. I would not drag her into this mire. Lady Tanith is strong, but mortal strength alone is not enough in our world."
The carriage came to a halt, and Leyndell sprawled before them, a labyrinth of gold and stone. Plebians mingled amongst one another with long-robed nobles, Yet, within the city's depths, shadows whispered secrets of intrigue and danger, a reminder that not all is glittered with gold.
Among the reminders of Leyndell past glory stood the petrified form of Gransax, the great dragon. Frozen in time, it bore witness to the ravages of war and the triumphs of Godwyn the Golden.
WAR
Her brother certainly loves a good fight, and an even better war – but war brings with it death and destruction, death and destruction which this city feeds and lives off –
Now at the avenue balcony they stepped down, Ranni's thoughts lingered on their exchange. She glanced at her brother, his face a mask of stoicism.
"The world of gods," she repeated to herself, the weight of her words settling heavily upon her.
"It seems we'll have to continue on foot," Rykard remarked, "We'll enter the Erdtree Sanctuary through the fortified gates."
"Mayhaps we'll see the champions of the Roundtable Hold," Ranni jested.
"And the Two Fingers," Rykard added.
The denizens watched in awe as the demi-god stepchildren of Radagon and Rennala made their way through the city. In their height and power, they seemed more alien than divine, or so Ranni believed the people thought.
Once inside the sanctuary, they were greeted by Godwyn the Golden, who awaited them with a serene smile.
"Welcome," Godwyn greeted them warmly, but he noticed someone was missing. "Where is General Radahn?"
"He will arrive soon," Rykard replied. "Godwyn The Golden."
"Praetor Rykard," Godwyn acknowledged, inclining his head. "And Lunar Princess Ranni."
"Cheerful, are we?" Ranni remarked, masking her irritation. Godwyn stood above them, not that she cared much for Marika's opinion – rather she was vexed at the influence she exerted over her and her family.
"Yes," Godwyn replied. "It's been a while since we've gathered like this in the flesh."
"It's also been a while since you attended court," Rykard said. "Put the fear of Marika in the senate, will you? They're getting greedy with those coffers."
"Ah yes, the patricians," Godwyn said with a wry smile. "Lately their ambitions have been outstripping their strengths. But they run the city well enough, as I'm sure you understand."
"But at what cost?" Ranni said, "These denizens of Leyndell do not know what it means to suffer."
"If fortune favors us, then I pray they never do," Godwyn responded kindly.
"But the rest of them outside must?" Ranni retorted.
"No," he replied. "The Erdtree governs all, Ranni. They need only accept, and they will be graced in gold."
Godwyn's words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of divine authority. Ranni's gaze hardened, her thoughts veiled beneath her serene exterior.
Rykard shifted, breaking the tension. "Enough of this. We did not come here to debate theology. We have more pressing matters to attend to."
"Indeed," Godwyn agreed. "Come, let us not delay any further. The Elden throne awaits."
General Radahn
It sounded like thunder, but the earth trembled, energy erupting as the ground bared its teeth. Blade-like clumps of rock were torn from the ground as colossal swords met with sword-lance in a clash of gravitational magnitude.
Wit and intelligence, strength and dexterity—Radahn reveled in the competition. Each clash, each evaded attack met with a swift, steady reply.
"A good gambit," Gaius said, reigning in his wild boar. "But..."
They charged at each other, Radahn's meteors flying at Gaius, who evaded high into the sky. Radahn smiled, ready to meet him as an equal. Gaius prepared to clash with his swords once more but was pulled in with a gravitational roar.
"Those two are going to kill each other," Freyja said.
"Maybe," Jerren replied.
He lunged forward with a fluid grace, aiming for Radahn's heart. Radahn, ever so quick, crossed his swords with a resounding clang, parrying Gaius's lance.
Shock waves erupted from the clash, reverberating twelve times before—
"Game… set!" Jerren yelled from a distance.
The two rivals separated with a gravitational shift, each lunging far from the other on the training grounds.
"I almost had you there," Gaius chuckled, reigning in his boar and gathering his composure.
"Really?" Radahn replied, calming his steed as well. "Because to me, it felt like you were losing control."
"Why can't you be humble," Gaius retorted, his smile wry. "It was a fine bout. Next time, I'll claim victory."
"Next time, we'll see..." Radahn jested. "But today, the battle is mine."
"It was a draw, you bastard," Gaius retorted, to Radahn's amusement.
"You're both fools," a stalwart middle-aged man interjected, shaking his head. "If not for your prowess, you'd be dead ten times over."
"Fools we may be," Radahn replied, "but better a fool with honour than a wise man without."
"Honour won't shield you from a blade," the man replied.
"No," Radahn admitted. "But it will give me the strength to face it."
"You're one to talk, grand maester," Jerren said, knocking the old man down a few pegs. "You, with your corrupt studies, have no right to call others fools."
"Leave him be," Radahn said. "He's of no threat to us."
"Yet," Jerren replied. "The sooner he finds Sellen, the better."
"He's exiled here under our watch," Freyja spoke up. "There's not much he can do even if he wanted to. Surely, you're intelligent enough to understand that, Lusat."
"Indeed, I am no foo,," Lusat replied evenly. "Unlike the two of them."
"On the matter of fools," Freyja said, changing the topic "A letter came from Leyndell. There is to be a meeting of the demigods by Queen Marika's demand."
"I'll get to the tower then," Radahn said.
"Physically. You are to ride to Leyndell and meet with your brothers and sisters before the Queen Mother."
"Ah, so it's another one of those," Radahn said, dismounting his steed. "Well, I've had my exercise for the day. We'll ride for Leyndell in a day or two. For now, I intend to look into an urgent matter of unrest and rebellion."
"The townsfolk by the balcony view you mean."
"Yes," Radahn replied. "I'll take my most loyal and distinguished knights. After Leonard has had his rest, we will ride."
"Yes, my lord," Freyja replied.
As Radahn handed his reins to a one of his squires, he cast a glance back at Gaius. "Something on your mind old friend."
A small grin found its way across, Gaius face. "I've been thinking of following Messmer's footsteps. I might head for where he is."
Radahn regarded him with a sigh. "You know very well that would go against Marika's wishes."
"Marika doesn't care what we think," Gaius replied. "Nowadays, she's more concerned with giving sermons and sleeping in her bedchambers or whatever…"
"That's my mother you're insulting," Radahn said.
"Step-mother," Gaius corrected. "Don't let being a god go to your head. You'll end up like that Godefroy or Godrick or whatever they call him."
"He betrayed the Golden Order," Radahn said.
"He fled from his home," Gaius corrected again. "He was chased away, banished. You know that as well as I do."
Radahn groaned, tired of this argument. "Regardless, there's no bringing him back."
"You used to look up to him," Gaius said. "As much as you look up to Godfrey or your father Radagon."
"I still do," Radahn replied. "He was a fine warrior and a magnificent leader, excellent on the battlefields. But this order, it's all we have, it's all we have to live with. It has given me blessings and truths that many would dream of and never get to live. So please..."
"I understand," Gaius said. "And so I also expect you to understand my decisions as well, without trying to stop me."
The two held a steady staring contest before Radahn broke the silence. "Fine, do as you must. But remember, there are consequences to every path chosen."
Gaius nodded, his expression solemn. "Oh I know, and I am prepared to face them."
Radahn made his way back to the keep, to get his own fair share of rest.
the weight of his responsibilities pressed heavily on his shoulders. The looming meeting in Leyndell, the unrest among his townsfolk of Caelid, the ever-present threat of rebellion. It would normally be almost too much to bear.
But he was a general, a demigod, and he would face whatever came his way with the strength and honour that had been instilled in him since birth.
Later In the dim light of the keep, Freyja entered. "The knights are prepared, my lord," she said. "And Leonard is ready for the journey."
"Good," Radahn replied, rising from his rest.
They trotted out of Sellia, making their way to the town by the balcony view. When they arrived, it was unnervingly quiet.
"Some uprising this is," Radahn remarked, scanning the area. "It's too quiet."
"A bit too quiet if you ask me," Gaius replied, his eyes narrowing.
"Indeed," Radahn agreed.
"They've been complaining about food rations and provisions," Freyja spoke up. "With our war efforts draining the Capitals coffers, there's barely anything left for them."
"Rykard was supposed to ensure we and they had the appropriate funds," Radahn muttered.
"He's trying, my lord," Freyja said. "But there are issues within the senate in Leyndell. Perhaps that's why the queen has summoned you."
Radahn sighed. "Alright, let's solve this issue first, then the rest will follow."
"Yes, my lord," Freyja acknowledged.
As they searched the town, they began to notice a disturbing pattern. Almost everyone was asleep or nearing a sort death in sleep, the air tinged with a strange, purple hue. Lillies grew in clusters, their petals shimmering ominously.
"It seems we have trouble," Radahn said, his gaze hardening. "She was always mischievous type."
"She?" Gaius asked, puzzled.
"You'll see soon enough," Radahn replied. "Isn't that right... Trina?"
The wind whispered through the silent town, carrying with it the faintest hint of a melody, as if the very air was enchanted by her presence.
"Trina?" Freyja asked.
"Yes," Radahn replied, urging them onward.
As they arrived at the centre of town, the scene was almost serene, enigmatic. The strange ghost of a tall, Mitteleuropäische girl floated above the fountain as gently as a nascent butterfly.
"Enough games, Trina," Radahn called out, but there was no response from the ethereal figure. With a sigh, he dismounted Leonard and headed for the fountain in the middle of the town square.
"Watch over me," he instructed his companions before kneeling by the fountain.
He looked at the waters, recognizing the taint of her nectar. Gently and precisely, he cupped the water into his hand, drinking just enough to drift into sleep but not to approach death.
His vision blurred momentarily. "Why have you lulled half this town to sleep?" he asked
The enigmatic St. Trina spoke, her voice a whisper only Radahn could hear. "You seemed to be struggling, Lord Brother."
"I did not ask for your help in this matter," he replied, his tone somewhat sleepy but firm. "Forcing them to sleep is not the answer, you are in fact aiding them to their even quicker deaths."
"Their lives were already fraught with troubles," Trina said. "I am merely relieving them, a death by Erdtree burial is their only salvation."
To onlookers, it seemed as if Radahn had been silently staring into the waters, despite the fact that he was having an active conversation in his mind.
The air around them grew tense, the silent exchange weighted with unspoken words and unresolved tensions.
One of the squires ran up to Gaius and Freyja, breathless and clutching a ceremonial sword. "My lords, we found this," the boy stammered.
Gaius took the weapon, examining it closely. "A ceremonial sword," he mused.
"Mayhaps the townsfolk invoked a spell upon themselves?" Freyja wondered aloud, her eyes narrowing in thought.
"Yes, or a small group of fools did," Gaius replied, a trace of disdain in his voice. "I didn't think she was real."
"Who?" Freyja asked, her curiosity piqued.
"St. Trina," Gaius answered, his tone somber. "A strange figure, who appears as suddenly as she disappears. She's garnered some worship in these trying times of ours. Whether it's those in much-needed of rest or those who wish to gently drift away, St. Trina will be there."
Freyja took the sword from him, noting the sweet scent it emitted and the faint mist surrounding it. "The sword of Saint Trina," she murmured. "Where did you find this?" she asked the squire.
"Underground," the squire replied. "It seems there was some form of worship surrounding the figure on the sword."
"I see," Freyja said, her mind racing with possibilities. "That means..."
"He's talking to her," Gaius said, cutting her off. "But that brute is too big to be killed by sleep. He'd never accept it."
The wind carried the faint scent of Trina's lilies, a reminder of the delicate balance between life and death that she dwelled within.
Radahn's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing through the ethereal presence of his demigod sister. "Relieving them?" he echoed, voice cold. "You call this mercy? Leaving them in a state of endless sleep, hovering on the edge of death?"
"Would you prefer they starve, suffer, and die slowly?" Trina countered, her tone deceptively gentle.
"No." He replied, "but I'd rather prefer they die fighting, struggling against adversity, not like this."
Trina sighed, her form becoming less defined, as if the effort of the conversation was draining her. "Lord Brother, the world is not as simple as you wish it to be. You cannot deny the truth of their suffering. Even you, with all your strength, cannot protect everyone."
"Wake them, Trina," Radahn now demanded. "This is not your place. If you have no better solution, then leave it to those who do."
A silence stretched between them, heavy with the weight of their shared history and divergent paths. Trina's silent eyes opened but for a moment - filled with an otherworldly calm – they met with Radahn's with a hint of sorrow.
"You always were the pragmatic one, Lord Brother." she said softly. "But there are battles that cannot be fought with swords."
"And there are lives that should not be played with," he retorted. "Wake them. Now."
Another sigh escaped her lips, almost inaudible. "As you wish, Lord Brother."
With that she vanished and the enchantment began to lift. The townsfolk stirred, their faces etched with confusion and fatigue as they slowly returned to consciousness.
Freyja and Gaius watched the scene unfold, their expressions a mixture of awe and wariness.
Radahn woke from the fountain and returned to face his companions.
"What now?" Gaius asked, his voice breaking the uneasy silence.
"Now we tend to their needs," Radahn replied. "Food, provisions, whatever they require. We'll take some resources from Redmane castle, and maybe try and sell some of the glintstone in our tunnels to foreign lands. Get our sorceries to clean the aqueducts and waters in Caelid…And we send a message to Rykard about the funds. This cannot continue."
Freyja nodded. "And Trina?"
Radahn glanced back at the spot where his demigod sister had resided now empty. "She's gone… For now."
Gaius shook his head. "She'll be back... she has worshippers here."
Radahn's jaw tightened. "We'll suppress it, replace it with golden order totality."
The people looked in shock to Radahn and his Redmanes in shock, With a commanding presence, Radahn stepped forward and addressed the gathered townsfolk.
"I know you have all suffered." Radahn began, his voice carrying across the square. "But your struggles are not in vain. We will bring you food and clean water, we will build upon the grounds of Caelid until this town matches the likes of Leyndell - We will restore what has been lost to you. This I swear…upon my demigod status and the golden order"
The murmurs of the crowd grew louder, a mixture of hope and skepticism. Radahn's words were a promise, but they knew promises were often broken.
Freyja and Gaius stood by his side, their presence a silent testament to his resolve. Radahn looked over the faces before him, seeing the weariness, the hunger, and the faint glimmer of hope. He knew the path ahead would be difficult, but he was determined to lead them through it.
"We will not abandon you," he continued. "The Redmanes are here to protect and serve...starting now, I will halt the war effort and tend to you."
With that, Radahn turned to his knights. "Begin distributing the provisions. Let's get to work."
As the Redmanes moved to fulfill his orders, Radahn glanced at the horizon leading to Leyndell, past Limgrave. The shadows were lengthening, and a sense of urgency gnawed at him.
"Change of plans," Radahn said abruptly. "I'll ride at first light."
"But sir, most of our forces are tending to the town," one of his Redmanes objected. "Do you intend to ride alone?"
"If I must," Radahn replied.
"I'd suggest you leave Leonard here, then," Gaius spoke up. "That scrawny steed won't make it past Limgrave."
"Ye of little faith," Radahn said with a wry smile. "I trust you to guard Caelid while I'm gone."
"Yes, ma'am," Gaius replied with a mock salute.
"Fuck you," Radahn laughed, preparing himself for the journey. His laughter was a fleeting sound in the gathering twilight, a brief moment of levity before the weight of responsibility settled back on his shoulders.
Radahn turned to Freyja, his expression hardening. "Keep the peace here. Ensure the townsfolk have what they need. And keep an eye out for any signs of Trina."
Freyja nodded, her eyes steady. "I will, my lord."
With a final glance at the horizon, Radahn mounted Leonard. The night was falling, and the stars began to shimmer in the sky. He could feel the weight of destiny pressing down on him, but he welcomed it.
"You know, my family's fate is guided by the stars... or so my mother used to tell me," Radahn mused, gazing at the night sky. "She would enchant me with stories of great sorceries and her travels through the mountaintops as a young child, how she found the moon..." His eyes reflected the distant celestial bodies. "I still remember those tales fondly, but I'd like to take my fate into my own hands."
"What do you mean, sir?" Freyja asked, curiosity lighting her eyes.
"The greatest battle a man can fight is within himself... but I am no man, I am a demigod. And what greater battle to fight than with my very fate?"
"You intend to fight the stars?" Freyja's voice was filled with a mix of awe and disbelief. "That's ridiculous."
Radahn turned to her, a rare smile spreading across his face. "Imagine that... the primeval current, the lightless dark, and all the gods above would shatter at my strength as I command the falling star beasts and all that lies up there. They'd have no choice but to recognize my strength."
"You may truly be a fool," she said, somewhat amazed.
"Indeed," Radahn agreed, mounting Leonard. "But to reach the heights of Godfrey and my father Radagon... it must be done... and most of all, for the Golden Order."
His last words were tinged with sad lament, a fleeting thought of his young sister, Ranni. As Leonard began to move, Radahn cast one final glance at the stars, a silent promise of the battles yet to come.
"Ride swiftly," Freyja called after him.
"I will," Radahn replied, spurring Leonard forward. The steed galloped into the encroaching darkness, carrying its master towards the capital and whatever awaited him there.
END.