When Nathaniel awoke, he found himself in a different place entirely. The pile of corpses was gone, and the forest had been replaced by the dark, cool interior of a cave. The mysterious woman's words echoed in his mind, hinting at a purpose and destiny beyond the immediate horror.
He was lying on a bed of soft moss that cushioned the rocky ground beneath him. Stalactites dripped from the ceiling, their rhythmic plinking the only sound in the otherwise silent cave.
"Didn't I just die?" Looked at the wounds on the stomach. The pain had subsided, and his wounds were miraculously healed. His jacket was torn. Either he was immortal or had super regeneration.
That didn't matter now. He needed to get out of this place.
He slowly sat up, taking in his new surroundings. The forest, the creature, and the pile of corpses were all memories now, replaced by this shadowy, yet oddly serene, cavern.
Nathaniel stood up and began to explore the cave. The air was cool and damp, carrying an earthy scent that was both alien and soothing. He navigated carefully, his footsteps echoing softly against the cave's walls.
Nathaniel approached the entrance of a dark, foreboding cave, the remnants of the strange realm still lingering in his mind. The tranquil landscape he had awoken in felt worlds apart from the desolate forest and the terrifying events that had unfolded. Yet, the cave's ominous silence and shadowy depths beckoned him, promising either answers or further danger.
Stepping inside, he found the cave a labyrinth of narrow passages and rocky outcroppings. The faint light from outside barely penetrated the gloom, casting eerie shadows on the walls. His footsteps echoed softly, mingling with the occasional drip of water from the stalactites above.
As he ventured deeper, his senses were heightened. Despite the unsettling environment, traces of human activity were evident: makeshift torches and remnants of old campfires suggested the cave was frequented. Just as he started to feel a semblance of familiarity, he rounded a corner and came face-to-face with a soldier in worn, battle-scarred green armour.
The soldier stood guard with a stern expression, his posture rigid and alert. He held a spear in one hand and a shield in the other. His green attire was marked with various symbols and insignia that Nathaniel didn't recognize.
The soldier's eyes narrowed as he approached Nathaniel. "Citizen, what business have you here?" he demanded, his tone gruff.
Nathaniel hesitated, unsure how to respond. The surreal nature of his situation made it difficult to find the right words. "Uh... I was just—"
The soldier interrupted him sharply, his gaze locking onto Nathaniel's eyes. "Hold a moment," he said, drawing nearer. "Let me see your eyes."
Nathaniel felt a shiver as the soldier's intense gaze seemed to pierce through him. The soldier's eyes were sharp and discerning, as if searching for something specific.
Suddenly, the soldier's suspicion turned to alarm. His eyes widened, and he stepped back, drawing his blade with practiced speed. "Tarnished!" he shouted.
Before Nathaniel could react, the soldier lunged at him, the blade gleaming dangerously in the dim light. The sudden attack caught Nathaniel off guard. He barely had time to raise his arms in defence before the blade slashed through the air.
Instincts took over, and Nathaniel rolled aside, narrowly avoiding the strike. The blade hit the stone floor with a resounding clang, sending sparks flying. He scrambled to his feet, trying to distance himself from the assailant.
"What the hell, man!?" Nathaniel yelled.
The soldier's face was a mask of hostility. "You don't belong here, Tarnished!" he roared, swinging his blade with deadly precision. "You are not welcome in these lands!"
Nathaniel backed away, his mind racing. The soldier's aggressive reaction was baffling, but the danger was real. Driven by deep-seated animosity, the soldier forced Nathaniel to defend himself.
He glanced around the cave for anything he could use to his advantage. His eyes landed on a heavy rock lying nearby. With a quick decision, Nathaniel picked it up and hurled it towards the soldier, hoping to buy himself some time. The rock struck the soldier's shield, causing him to stagger back slightly.
The soldier's eyes flicked with surprise but quickly returned to their fierce focus. He adjusted his stance, readying himself for another assault. "You think that would hurt me, knave!?" he shouted.
Nathaniel took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. He knew he couldn't keep dodging forever. The cave seemed to close in around him, and the soldier's relentless attacks made it clear that he had to act quickly to escape or subdue his opponent.
He looked for any possible escape routes or places to hide. A narrow passage on the side of the cave caught his attention. With a burst of adrenaline, Nathaniel made a run for it, darting past the soldier and slipping into the narrow passage.
"Fleeing from battle!? You shall perish by my blade, scoundrel! If not by mine, then Godrick shall have you!"
The soldier's enraged shouts echoed behind Nathaniel as he pressed on through the cramped tunnel, his heart pounding. The passage twisted and turned, leading him deeper into the cave's unknown depths. The soldier's footsteps grew fainter as Nathaniel advanced further into the darkness.
"Fuck! Fuck! What the fuck's his problem!? Gotta get outta here!" Nathaniel panicked.
Finally, the passage opened into a small, hidden chamber. Nathaniel collapsed against the wall, gasping for breath and trying to calm his racing heart. The cave's eerie silence contrasted sharply with the chaos he had just escaped.
He had been sprinting through the winding passages, his heart pounding. Flickering torchlight cast eerie shadows on the rough stone walls, creating a disorienting maze. His breath came in ragged gasps as he pushed himself to run faster, driven by the urgency of escape.
Behind him, the soldiers' shouts echoed through the cavern. "Seize him! He is a Tarnished!" The commander's voice, filled with authority and anger, fuelled Nathaniel's fear.
The soldiers, clad in green uniforms, pursued him with determined strides. The clinking of their armour and the thudding of their boots reverberated through the narrow tunnels. Nathaniel dared not look back, focusing solely on finding an escape.
He darted around a corner, eyes scanning the dimly lit passage for any sign of an exit. The tunnel stretched endlessly, each turn a mirror image of the last. Desperation clawed at him as he realized how easily he could get lost in the labyrinth.
A sudden burst of pain shot through his leg as he stumbled over a loose rock. He bit back a cry, forcing himself to keep moving despite the throbbing ache. The soldiers were closing in, their footsteps growing louder and more insistent.
Nathaniel's heart pounded as he hurried through the narrow passage, his mind racing with thoughts of escape. The claustrophobic tunnel twisted and turned, the flickering light of his torch casting eerie shadows on the jagged walls. The shouts and clattering of armour grew fainter behind him, but he knew the soldiers wouldn't be far behind.
The cave's oppressive darkness seemed to press in on him, making every shadow and crevice look like a potential threat. Nathaniel ducked and wove through the maze of tunnels, each turn feeling like it could lead him closer to freedom—or deeper into danger.
As he rounded a sharp bend, he heard the unmistakable clang of metal and the distant echoes of the soldiers' voices. They were still pursuing him, their determination evident in their hurried footsteps and urgent commands. Nathaniel's mind raced, trying to remember the layout of the cave and find a way out.
Suddenly, the passage opened into a vast cavern. Nathaniel skidded to a halt, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he surveyed the scene. The cavern's ceiling was lost in shadow, and the floor was strewn with uneven rock formations. Stalactites hung from above like the fangs of an ancient beast.
He barely had a moment to take it all in before the soldiers' voices grew louder, their footsteps echoing through the passage he had just escaped. As the entrance began to darken with their approach, Nathaniel knew he had to act quickly.
His gaze fell on a narrow ledge along one side of the cavern. It looked precarious but offered a possible escape route. Without hesitation, Nathaniel dashed towards it, his boots slipping slightly on loose gravel. He leapt onto the ledge, struggling to maintain his balance as he followed the narrow path hugging the cavern wall.
The soldiers' voices grew closer, their commands urgent and forceful. Flickering torchlight cast long, sinister shadows on the cavern walls. Nathaniel felt the tension mounting as he carefully navigated the unstable surface.
Ahead, he spotted an old, rusted ladder leading up to a narrow tunnel high above the cavern floor. Despite its ancient and precarious appearance, it was his best chance to escape. He scrambled up the ladder, each rung creaking ominously under his weight. The clattering of the soldiers' footsteps grew louder, their urgency increasing.
With a final burst of effort, Nathaniel reached the top and pulled himself into the tunnel. The passage was tight and confined but led upward, away from the soldiers. He crawled through, his hands scraping against the rough walls, his breath coming in short, labored bursts.
The tunnel twisted and turned, but Nathaniel pressed on, driven by the need to escape. The sounds of pursuit grew more distant, their voices fading into the cavernous distance. As he emerged, he found himself in a small, dimly lit chamber.
The chamber was filled with strange, glowing crystals embedded in the walls, casting a soft, eerie light. The air was cooler, and the oppressive weight of the cave seemed to lift slightly. Nathaniel took a moment to catch his breath and assess his surroundings.
The chamber had two exits: one leading deeper into the cave and another that seemed to lead upward, potentially to the surface. Nathaniel chose the latter, knowing that any route leading away from his pursuers was preferable. He carefully made his way toward the exit, the soft light from the crystals guiding him.
As he climbed through the narrow passageway, he could hear the distant echoes of the soldiers' voices, but they were now far behind him. The passage grew steeper, and Nathaniel had to use all his strength and determination to push upward.
Nathaniel moved toward the elevator. The ancient contraption creaked ominously as he approached, its metal cables and wooden planks showing signs of age and wear. He didn't have time to be cautious; every second counted.
As he reached the elevator, Nathaniel heard the soldiers' shouts and the clanging of their armour drawing nearer. He had mere moments before they would breach the chamber. Without hesitation, he threw himself onto the elevator platform, yanking the rusted lever to begin its ascent.
The elevator groaned and shuddered, slowly lifting him up through the darkened shaft. He could hear the soldiers' frustrated shouts growing louder as they reached the chamber, their voices filled with anger and confusion. The sound of their footsteps echoed around him, accompanied by the clatter of armour and weapons.
Nathaniel's adrenaline surged, and a sense of exhilaration mixed with his fear. As the elevator ascended, he decided to take one final, defiant stand. He turned around, raised his middle finger high, and shouted back toward the entrance of the chamber.
"Suck it, assholes!" he yelled, his voice echoing through the shaft.
The soldiers' angry curses echoed as they arrived at the chamber and saw Nathaniel's gesture. Their frustrated roars only fuelled his sense of triumph, and he could almost picture their faces twisted with rage.
As the elevator continued its slow climb, Nathaniel felt a surge of victory. The soldiers' voices faded into the distance, and the shaft gradually lightened, revealing a faint glow of daylight ahead. He gripped the lever tightly, his heart racing with anticipation.
With one last glance down the shaft, Nathaniel saw the chamber entrance becoming a mere speck below. The soldiers' voices were now just a distant echo. He turned his focus back to the ascending platform, his resolve strengthening with each passing moment.
The elevator reached the top with a shuddering stop. Nathaniel stepped off onto solid ground, emerging into the fresh air of the surface world. The sunlight was blinding after the oppressive darkness of the cave, and he squinted as he looked around.
He was in a vast, rugged landscape of rolling hills and distant mountains. The feeling of freedom was exhilarating, and Nathaniel took a deep breath, savouring the cool, clean air.
With a final glance back toward the cave, he let out a triumphant laugh. The encounter with the soldiers had been harrowing, but he had emerged victorious. The adventure ahead was uncertain, but he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay before him with renewed confidence.
Nathaniel stumbled out of the cave, his breath ragged and uneven. The elevator's slow ascent had been nerve-wracking, but stepping into the open air brought a wave of relief. The oppressive darkness of the cave was replaced by the brilliance of daylight, casting a warm, golden glow over the landscape.
He found himself on a grassy expanse at the edge of a gentle hill. The contrast between the damp, confined cave and the sunlit field was stark and refreshing. The soft grass underfoot was a welcome change from the cold, hard rock.
Exhaustion overwhelmed him. With a weary sigh, he sank onto the grass, collapsing onto his back. The cool, inviting grass cushioned his fall. He lay there, staring up at the brilliant blue sky with wispy clouds drifting lazily by. The warmth of the sun was a stark contrast to the cave's shadows, and Nathaniel closed his eyes, letting the rays soak into his weary body.
His breath gradually slowed from the frantic pace of his escape. The gentle breeze rustled the grass, carrying the sweet scent of wildflowers—a peaceful respite after the ordeal.
As he lay there, Nathaniel's thoughts raced through the past hours—encounters with soldiers, the desperate chase, and his narrow escape. It all felt surreal but had taken its toll.
After a moment of silence, he forced himself to sit up, muscles aching from exertion. He took a deep breath, savouring the fresh air. The cave was now a dark memory, and the open field felt like a haven of safety.
Surveying the serene landscape of rolling hills and vibrant wildflowers framed by distant mountains, Nathaniel felt a renewed sense of purpose. The escape from the cave was just the beginning.
Nathaniel had just begun to gather his strength, preparing to rise from the soft grass and continue his journey, when a sudden and unsettling presence made itself known. Out of nowhere, a figure appeared before him.
The man wore a striking white mask that covered his entire face, its smooth surface reflecting the sunlight in a way that made his expression inscrutable.
Nathaniel's initial reaction was one of surprise and wariness. He instinctively tensed as the man approached, his senses alert and his body still aching from the recent ordeal. The mysterious figure stopped a few feet away from him, and his gaze was fixed intently on Nathaniel's face.
"Oh yes..." the man said. "Tarnished, are we? Come to the Lands Between for the Elden Ring, hmm?"
Nathaniel stared at the man, his curiosity piqued despite his exhaustion. He had never encountered anyone quite like this before, and the mention of the Elden Ring struck a chord within him. He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could respond, the man continued.
"Of course you have," the man said with a slight nod. "No shame in it. The quest for the Elden Ring is a noble one, though perilous. Unfortunately for you, however, you are maidenless."
The word 'maidenless' hung in the air, carrying a weight that Nathaniel couldn't fully grasp. The man's tone was neither mocking nor sympathetic, but rather matter-of-fact, as if he was stating an undeniable truth. Nathaniel's confusion was palpable; he had no idea what the term meant in this context.
"Maidenless? What the fuck are you talking about?" Nathaniel asked.
The mysterious figure took a step closer, his white mask glinting in the sunlight. "You see," he said, "in the Lands Between, one's journey is often guided by a maiden—a companion who provides guidance, strength, and perhaps even salvation. Without such a guide, your path will be fraught with greater danger and uncertainty."
Nathaniel's brow furrowed as he processed the information. The idea of being "maidenless" seemed to suggest a significant disadvantage, but he had little time to ponder it.
"Who are you?" Nathaniel managed to ask. "And why are you telling me this?"
The man tilted his head slightly, the mask's blank visage hiding any sign of emotion. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Varre. I am but a messenger of sorts, a mere harbinger of the truths that lie ahead. My purpose is not to interfere, but to offer insight."
With a final, lingering look, the man with the white mask began to turn away. "Consider this a warning, or perhaps a piece of advice. You may find allies or guidance along the way, but remember that your fate is ultimately in your own hands."
As the man in the white mask began to retreat into the shadows, he paused for a moment and turned back to face Nathaniel.
"Before you go," Varre said, his gaze steady and intense, "are you familiar with grace?"
Nathaniel, still recovering from the intensity of their encounter, looked up at the man with confusion. "Grace? No, not really. What do you mean?"
"Grace is the golden light that breathes life into you, Tarnished. It is a guiding force in the Lands Between."
Nathaniel nodded slowly, trying to understand. "Golden light? I think I've seen something like that. Sometimes it seems to point in a certain direction."
Varre's expression, though hidden behind the mask, seemed to convey a knowing smile. "Indeed. That golden light you speak of is the grace. It manifests as rays that guide the Tarnished, like yourself, toward their destiny. It reveals the path that must be followed."
"Yeah. Seems simple enough." Nathaniel said.
Varre's voice grew more somber, and he leaned in slightly, his tone almost a whisper. "But be warned, Tarnished. The path that grace reveals is not always one of safety or ease. Sometimes, it may even lead you to your own grave."
Nathaniel's heart quickened at the man's words. The idea of grace guiding him was both reassuring and ominous.
"Even if it leads to my grave?" Nathaniel echoed, a hint of concern in his voice.
Varre nodded. "The choice is yours, Tarnished. Follow the grace and seek your destiny, or turn away and forge your own path. Either way, the journey will shape you in ways you cannot yet comprehend."
"Thanks, Varre," Nathaniel called out, his voice carrying a note of sincere appreciation. "For not trying to kill me on the first day."
With a final, lingering look, Varre turned leaving Nathaniel alone once more in the grassy expanse. The mysterious man's departure felt like the closing of a chapter, and Nathaniel was left with a renewed sense of determination.
He lay back on the grass for a moment, allowing himself to absorb the weight of the encounter. The golden rays of grace were still visible on the horizon, guiding him toward an uncertain future. With Varre's words echoing in his mind, Nathaniel resolved to embrace the guidance of grace, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As he stood up and began to walk toward the distant path illuminated by the golden light, he felt a newfound sense of purpose. The journey had only just begun, and Nathaniel was determined to follow the path laid out for him, wherever it might lead.
Nathaniel had just started crossing the grassy expanse when he spotted a new figure in the distance. Sunlight glinted off the golden armour of a man riding a massive horse, creating a dazzling spectacle that drew Nathaniel's attention. The rider, wielding a halberd, exuded an imposing and regal presence.
The armoured man's attire was adorned with intricate designs that shimmered with an otherworldly brilliance. His halberd, held with practiced ease, reflected the sun's rays, casting long, shimmering patterns on the ground.
Nathaniel's heart raced as he recognized the potential danger in this encounter. The rider's commanding presence left no doubt that he was formidable and not to be trifled with.
Instinctively, Nathaniel's body tensed. He had no desire to confront such a powerful opponent, especially after his recent fatigue and the emotional weight of his journey. He quickly scanned his surroundings for a way to avoid the encounter.
Making a swift decision, Nathaniel veered off the grassy path and headed toward a nearby thicket of trees. The dense foliage provided natural cover, offering protection from the armoured sentinel's view. He crouched low and maneuvered carefully, staying out of sight.
The golden armoured man, patrolling the area, had not yet noticed Nathaniel's sudden movement. The rhythmic sound of the horse's hooves and the clink of metal created a tense atmosphere, heightening Nathaniel's anxiety.
Pressing himself against a tree trunk, Nathaniel remained as silent and still as possible. The thick underbrush concealed him, but he stayed vigilant. Every sound seemed amplified in the forest's stillness, and he held his breath, listening intently for any sign of detection.
Peeking through the foliage, Nathaniel watched as the golden armoured man rode past the edge of the thicket. The rider's gaze swept over the area, his keen eyes searching for movement. Nathaniel's heart pounded as he remained motionless, barely daring to breathe.
Gradually, the armoured sentinel moved further away, and the sound of the horse's hooves grew fainter. Once the clinking of metal and rhythmic steps had disappeared, Nathaniel slowly emerged from his cover.
He took a deep breath, his nerves still on edge from the close call. The sight of the golden armoured man was a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in the Lands Between. Nathaniel knew that avoiding such encounters would be crucial for his survival.
With heightened vigilance and renewed determination, he continued his journey, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead while keeping a sharp eye out for any more potential threats.
As Nathaniel continued his trek through the lush, sun-drenched landscape, the weight of his ordeal began to take a toll. His stomach growled audibly, a stark reminder of his dire need for sustenance. Exhausted and famished, he muttered to himself, "I'm fucking starving..."
His gaze fell upon a tree nearby, its branches adorned with small, bright berries that stood out against the green foliage. With a flicker of hope, Nathaniel stumbled toward the tree, his energy waning with each step.
He reached up and plucked a handful of the vibrant berries, examining them briefly before popping a few into his mouth. The berries were surprisingly sweet and juicy, offering a burst of flavor that was both refreshing and satisfying.
Just as Nathaniel began to feel a bit of relief from his hunger, the distant sound of clanging metal reached his ears. His senses went on high alert, and his heart skipped a beat. He froze, scanning the surroundings for the source of the noise.
Suddenly, a soldier burst into view from between the trees, his armour glinting in the sunlight. The soldier's sharp eyes locked onto Nathaniel with a mix of alarm and suspicion. Clearly, Nathaniel's presence had been detected.
Instinctively, Nathaniel's survival instincts kicked in. Without hesitation, he shoved the remaining berries into his pocket and sprinted away from the tree. The soldier shouted, his voice echoing through the trees as he gave chase.
Nathaniel's feet pounded the ground, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he dashed through the forest. The dense foliage whipped past him, and he ducked and weaved to avoid branches and underbrush that threatened to slow him down. The soldier's heavy footsteps grew louder, a relentless reminder that he was not yet safe.
Desperation surged through him as he sought a way to lose the soldier and gain some distance. The forest seemed to close in around him, the adrenaline coursing through his veins propelling him forward.
In a moment of desperation, Nathaniel veered off the main path and plunged into a thicket of brambles. He pushed through the thick undergrowth, trying to cover his tracks and obscure his presence. The sharp thorns scraped against his skin, but he barely felt the pain as he focused on escaping.
Behind him, the soldier's shouts grew fainter, and the sound of his pursuit became more distant. Nathaniel continued to push through the dense brush until he was sure he had put enough distance between himself and his pursuer.
Finally, when the soldier's presence was barely audible, Nathaniel emerged from the thicket, panting heavily and covered in scratches from the brambles. He sank onto a patch of grass, his body trembling from the exertion. The encounter was a stark reminder of the dangers he faced in the Lands Between.
As he caught his breath, Nathaniel glanced around, taking in the peaceful stillness of the forest. The only sounds were the distant rustling of leaves and the occasional chirp of birds. The immediate danger had passed, but he knew he had to remain vigilant. With a deep breath and a resolve to press on, Nathaniel readied himself for whatever lay ahead, his senses sharpened and his determination renewed.
As night fell over the Lands Between, the once welcoming grassy fields took on a colder, more ominous hue. The sky was a deep indigo, speckled with the faint glow of distant stars. Nathaniel, weary and dishevelled, had found a small clearing in the forest where he hoped to rest. The hunger gnawed at him, his stomach empty and aching, and frustration clouded his thoughts.
He sat on a fallen log, looking totally wiped out. "Why am I here?" he muttered to himself. "I was in Ohio today, and now I'm in this completely different place. Damn it! I miss my sister, I miss my mom. I was living a normal life, and now I'm stuck in this hellhole."
His frustration was interrupted by a sudden sound—a rustling in the underbrush that made him stiffen. "W-who's there!?" he called out.
From the shadows emerged a figure, cloaked and hooded, her presence serene and almost ethereal against the backdrop of the darkened forest. The hood obscured her face, adding an air of mystery to her arrival. She approached with a quiet grace.
"Worry not, Traveller from beyond the fog," she said in a soothing voice. "I am Melina. I offer thee an accord."
Melina came closer and slowly lowered her hood. Nathaniel's breath caught in his throat as her face was revealed. She had reddish-brown hair that cascaded in soft waves around her shoulders, and her striking features were framed by the gentle glow of the moonlight. Her beauty was undeniable, almost otherworldly, and for a moment, Nathaniel felt a flush of warmth on his cheeks.
Author's Note: I'm taking a break for now and would love to hear your thoughts on the book so far. Do you like it? Are there any areas where you think improvements could be made? Your feedback, favourites, and follows would be greatly appreciated!