Author's notes: This was the final chapter I did any work on back when it was still in its original form, and consequently the first one I began to write in my current style. I seemed to get pretty good feedback on it back then, so I'm not sure how much of an improvement this will be, but I'll aim to get all the same things right that I did all those years ago. We're finally arriving at Majula, my personal favorite hub area in the series, and one we'll return to quite often. Enough spinning our wheels, let's get this adventure a-movin'.

Chapter 3
The Mysterious Third!

Our hero, now granted with the temporary gift of humanity, had only just arrived at the ailing kingdom of Drangleic, and yet fate had already crossed his path! The lithe swordstress calling herself Ilia has sworn to protect Knight LoveGame, to ensure he would reach the end of his journey without rest! Still processing what had just transpired before him, the lone undead thought hard about how he'd impress upon his so-called protector. Eyeing her up thoroughly, he'd muster up some choice words...

"...Hmm. Those were some nice moves, I'll give you that... nothin' I couldn't have done, of course." He'd muse, his knightly sense of pride taking the center stage. "Isn't this something? Not even two steps into this kingdom and someone already knows my name. Ilia, was it? I zoned out for a bit there, what's your aim exactly?" he'd inquire.

Ilia pinched the bridge of her nose. Clearly this one was going to be a handful and a half. "You got walnuts in your ears, guy? I told you, I'm here to help. The darksign, the cure... we can skip all the preamble, you know. For one reason or another, my master thinks you've got what it takes, so... I'll be your escort to the King. Don't make me regret taking him up on the offer."

"Whoa, now!" LoveGame protested, holding a palm out and shaking his head. "Look, lady, not that you ain't easy on the eyes or anything – clearly you've taken care of yourself – but I ain't ready for that kind of commitment!" he'd ramble, taking such words at face value as only he could.

Giving a confused tilt of the head, Ilia would groan at the realization that this man was more than a little bit naive. "What do you- Oh, by the Nine, that is disgusting! I didn't mean that kind of escort, you quarter-wit. Were you raised in a barn, boy?"

Crossing his arms, he'd deliver what he thought to be the perfect zinger, "Why yes, and my chickens gave glowing testimonies about me. ...Actually, things got a little hazy over the past week. Memory loss is a real kick in the head. Who were you, again?" he'd half-jest.

"From the sound of it, your only hope of accomplishing a damn thing in this world." she'd retort, her patience already wearing thin. "I'm something of a... chronicler, you could say. Read a thing or two about this kingdom during my downtime. You lead me to something worth taking note of... and I'll make sure you don't go completely hollow."

Through his hooded visage, the man's eyes gave a pensive stare. "A reasonable offer, but... who's to say I need any help at all? If this really is my destiny or whatever, I don't see why I couldn't handle anything this kingdom has to throw at me on my own. Besides... I barely just met ya. Who's to say you wouldn't just hold me back?" he'd reason.

Reaching her boiling point, Ilia would take a firm grip of the crimson cloth on LoveGame's armor, pulling him close like a ragdoll. "Pride cometh before a great fall, my friend." she'd say with a coarse tone. "I only agreed to this to satiate my own boredom. Don't make me regret it. We've both got plenty to gain from this, and... time is of the essence, right?" she'd say in an attempt to appeal to the man's emotions. "Two blades are better than one."

He'd once again sink into deep thought, mulling over all the possibilities and trying to get a bead on the girl. "...you know, I'll give you one more thing. You drive one hell of a hard bargain. I can only hope your silver tongue doesn't hide a sinister second layer." he'd admit. "Very well, this honorable knight accepts your companionship." he then said, extending his hand for a firm shake, quickly met by Ilia's gauntlet. "It'll take some time getting used to, but that's just how it goes."

Their goals now aligned, LoveGame and Ilia would form the vesitges of an inseparable bond. "That's more like it." said Ilia, more than happy to get the introductions over with. "All set, I assume? Let's forge ahead, then. The kingdom's practically rolled out the welcome mat for us." she'd add, pointing toward the cavern's exit.

"Onward to glory, then. You know, this might not be so bad." muttered LoveGame, still feeling a bit competitive. "It'll be nice to have someone to talk to along the way."

Her wrath incited once more, Ilia would stare daggers at the knight. "I'm sorry, what was that again?!"

Nearly biting his tongue, LoveGame would give her a brief, "...nothing!" before hastily changing the subject. Drawing their attention to the scattered array of unusual sigils that littered the path through the exit. Each one glowed a warm orange hue, written in a set of runes they'd never encountered, yet could understand as plain text at a simple glance. "Give these a look! So many words of encouragement... I wasn't the only one with a good feeling about this, eh?"

Their bravery bolstered by the words of travelers from ages long past, the duo departed the limbo at last, to the place they'd soon learn to call their home...

Majula

In this once-proud kingdom that had fallen to the inescapable grasp of the undead curse, a safe haven was an oasis in the endless, unforgiving desert. For Drangleic, it was the town of Majula that held that distinction. As breathtakingly beautiful as it was woefully derelict, the settlement found itself atop a seaside cliff face. More likely than not, it had once been a bustling port town in its prime. Now, however, it was little more than a collection of buildings, crumbling helplessly against the cruel weathering of time. Such a contrast was the very picture of melancholy. Still yet, it had not entirely fallen, standing tall as the only place of respite within this fallen kingdom. Stay there long enough, and you'd be more than happy to take what you could get.

The shadows of the cavern gave way, greeting the adventurers with a soothing sunset that blanketed the golden landscape, patches of brush dotting the firm soil underneath as they clung to life. Both warriors were overwhelmed by a sense of comfort and warmth, yet they couldn't help but note that the town was a bit worse for wear. "So, this is Majula..." Ilia mused. "I'd only ever read about the place here and there, but... I suppose it's seen better days." she'd say with a twinge of lament.

"...you said it." LoveGame agreed, sizing the place up, only wondering what it must've looked like in its long-past glory days. "Now you've got me feeling the whole sense of wonder thing... maybe your line of work isn't so bad."

Thinking resourcefully, the pair would take time out to explore all that the settlement had to offer. They'd find a fair number of supplies discarded along the road, no doubt useful for the journey ahead. Lifegems, concotions... even a handful of souls of those who perished here. Further in, they'd be treated to the gorgeous view of the amber sunset against the undulating, azure sea to the north. In the distance, they'd spy many landmarks waiting to be discovered. A brilliant lighthouse, a fortress nestled in the forest, and that jet-black tower that the king himself called home.

It wasn't long before they'd make themselves acquainted with Majula's locals. One crestfallen knight had given up entirely, relegating his days to sulking beneath the monument to the fallen that stood at the highest point. An undead blacksmith found himself down on his luck, some trickster having found glee in locking him out of his workshop. A foreign man had only just set up an armory in one of the buildings, elated to have his first customer in a long while in the form of LoveGame purchasing a shield. Most curious was a plain-looking cat, fully capable of speech and operating a storefront of her own, though her curiosities were a bit expensive for the time being.

True to its reputation, Majula was a rare instance of a true safe haven in this unforgiving world. Those who resided here may have had their disagreements, but never turned to hostility against each other. The town's centerpiece was a modest, two-story mansion that still remained relatively intact. Alas, the heavy iron door was locked securely; the pair made a mental note to be on constant lookout for a suitable key. A handful of small pigs roamed the yard near the mansion, snorting as they rummaged the ground for food. They'd occasionally get aggressive, but for LoveGame, this behavior was easily quelled. Owing to his younger days on the farms, he'd keep the swine in line for the time.

Given some time, they'd familiarized themselves with just about everyone who called this weather-beaten town home. That is to say, all but the lone figure who had seen it fit to seclude herself away from the others, directing an unwavering gaze at the endless stretch of sea. Her cloak of green, calmly waving against the seabreeze, almost felt like it was beckoning them to come closer. LoveGame in particular would liken her presence to that of the mythical fire keepers. Could she belong to the ancient sect herself? For him, there was but one way to find out.

Perhaps sensing their approach, she'd speak to them in a calm, comforting tone. "Ahh, Bearer of the Curse, I know why you've come." she said. "I understand that this may be a lot to take in, all at once."

Feeling an unfamiliar heat build inside him, LoveGame would attempt to suppress this new feeling. For a brief moment, he'd grasp at the edges of his memories, only to find them slipping away once more. "Uhm... hey, don't take this personally, or anything... but those words mean something to me. Hope I'm not interrupting anything, but..." he'd take note of her unusually specific wording.

"It is quite alright." she'd assure the pair, turning around to face them. "As I said, I foresaw your arrival. For what it is worth, I also knew what this encounter might awaken within you. Worry not, I am here to see your journey through to its end."

The two would take time to eye her up, a woman appearing to be roughly their age. Her figure mostly obscured by her layered robes, crimson locks could be seen underneath her hood, her long uneven bangs covering one eye. The robes themselves were robust and elaborate, distinct from that of a commoner. "First Ilia and now you... I'll have a regular entourage by the time I actually get anywhere in this world. What sort of exotic name do you have bestowed upon you, lady?"

"I am the Emerald Herald." she'd answer plainly. "My own goals do not differ greatly from yours, Bearer of the Curse. You seek the King, do you not?"

He'd nod silently, now captivated by the prospect she'd brought up, though wondering who the hell named themselves after their clothes.

"Then please, if you would, allow me to help. I too must return to the King with haste, and there is little time remaining." she'd continue. "I am afraid you cannot merely visit Castle Drangleic uninitiated. With a soul so frail and pallid as yours, it would be a foregone prospect."

Nodding again, he'd put one hand on his hip as Ilia listened along. "Duly noted... then what do I need? An engraved invitation? The kind with all the glitter and cute stamps on it?"

"Were it so easy." answered the Herald. "Listen well, Knight LoveGame, and Ilia. As fate would have it, this kingdom is home to four beings unmatched in their tenacity. Should you find the strength to defeat them, the path to the King shall present itself to you unimpeded." she'd explain the best she could. "The imprisoned woman locked deep within the old Bastille. Ichorous Earth, the former monarch of the Iron kingdom, the all-devouring Writhing Ruin within the mines of Brightstone, and one, final rotten soul deep below the world."

"Hmm..." he'd ponder, repeating the words in his head. "So me and Ilia just have to bust four unfortunate heads open, and we're in the clear? Now this is more like it." said the knight with brimming confidence. "Consider it done. On another note...ahem, miss Emerald Herald... are you free later tonight? I don't know this place worth a damn, but I'm sure the two of us could scope out a nice date spot, so long as Ilia here doesn't mind being the third wheel, the way I see it, we could..."

This guy's hopeless... thought Ilia, wincing.

Grimacing and shaking her head, the hooded woman would stop LoveGame short. "I... oh, goodness. That... is not what I am here for. Quite honestly, there is no way I could cater to the deviant fantasies I am sure you have cooked up. I have had more than my own fill of misguided adventurers referring to me as their waifu. How I wish I could forget what that term means. Simply because I can selectively foresee things at times... there are a wealth of better choices than I. Not to mention, as you can see, I have a tendency to ramble and trail off..."

"Yeah, I was honestly about to zone out, there. Alright, alright, I'll take the hint." LoveGame conceded. "How's about you help me help you? Luckily for you, I really hate disappointing people." he'd say, offering her a handshake that she'd swiftly accept. "Just give us something to work with, and we'll be outta here on the word 'go'.

"Finally, someone who listens... very well, but first... take this. It is my treat." said the Herald, offering a warm, frothy flask of some aethereal liquid that glowed in shades of orange and yellow. "It is Estus. An undead favorite, they say. It may appear mundane, but this drink will close your wounds, no matter how grave." she'd tell him. "Alas, it is weak in its current state. If only I knew where the other shards were, I could mend it myself."

"Wonder what flavor it is..." he'd muse, accepting the drink and fastening it onto his belt. He'd give his honest thanks to the mysterious woman. "Nice to see you've got a shred of faith in me. Sorry if I was a bit excessive, there. It's just how I am, I'm afraid. If we're gonna work together, you might as well get used to it. Gotta say, I'm liking the team we've got going here... Miss Emerald, would you be so kind as to point us in the right direction?"

The girl must've taken his request literally, extending her gloved finger toward the old fortress in the distance, the grand statue of a storied solider standing tall against time. "I would suggest making your way to the forest beyond that gate. Long ago, the King waged war against the indomitable giants. Fortunately for us, his men emerged victorious, though not without great casualty. In any case, the behemoths no longer roam this land." she'd regale the pair. "Though none of the four old ones reside in the old fort any longer, you remain too weak to challenge them as it stands. Do the valiant soldiers an honor by putting their souls to rest, and return to me when the battleground lies still. I alone possess the ability to turn those souls into strength. Such is the advantage of an undead."

"Whew. Wish I could do something like that." the knight said, shifting his gaze toward the path beyond the gate. "Best we get to heading out now, 'fore I start catching feelings again." he insisted, practically dragging Ilia along in the direction the hooded Herald spoke of. "I won't bore ya with the finer details, but I had a pretty quiet life up until now. From here on out, we're the ones who'll get it done... so long as Ilia here doesn't drag me down, or anything." he'd joke.

"You mean like this, LoveGame?!" Ilia shouted, tackling the knight with the full force of her body and getting him into a headlock, laughing it off when he finally relented. "The gal seems to know her stuff." Ilia admitted as the two set off toward the forest. "Sounds to me like she knows more than she lets on... be wary, LoveGame."

He'd nod in agreement, keeping pace with the blonde protector. "No doubt in my mind. She's a spicy one, that's for sure. Remind me to ask her about her thoughts on the décor. This place is nice and all, but a red leather chair or two, and..." he'd trail off, the pair keeping an even stride as they set out for their first real taste of what this adventure had in store.

Of course, rarely were things so cut-and-dry. From atop the balcony of the old mansion they were sure was unoccupied just before, a pair of crimson eyes watched their departure with great intent. Draped head-to-toe in voluminous, oversized robes and masked by a helm of bradden steel. "Finally on his way, is he? Way to spin your wheels, idiot..." spoke the man in a menacing, whispered baritone. His voice had an unnatural, demonic depth to it, harboring a sadistic sense of elation. "Good, good. I was worried I wouldn't have time to catch up. Even better, he's got his little girlfriend with him. Certainly saves me some trouble. If memory serves, they'll reach the Cardinal Tower soon... If that truly is the case..."

Making a dramatic leap from the mansion's balcony, he'd kick up a rolling shockwave of dust as he stuck the landing, his extravagant robes billowing wildly as his body surged with power. He'd have his sights set squarely on the Cardinal Tower. The enrobed man cracked his neck and steeled himself to tail the unwitting duo.

"...well alright then, it's time to go to work!"