Nathaniel stood in the early morning light, the dew still fresh on the grass beneath his feet. The sun had just begun to rise, casting a golden hue over the landscape. He faced Melina, who stood poised and confident.

"Nathaniel, art thou ready to be trained?" Melina said.

Nathaniel took a deep breath, steadying his nerves. His recent confrontation with the ogre and the heavy conversation about killing still weighed on his mind. But he knew that if he was to survive and fulfill his quest, he had to push through his doubts and fears.

"I'm ready," he said. "I know it won't be easy, but I want to improve. I need to be prepared for whatever comes next."

Melina nodded. "Very well. Today, we shall focus on honing thy skills and building thy strength. To be prepared, thou must train both thy body and thy mind."

She stepped back and drew her wooden practice sword, its surface well-worn from use. "We shall begin with basic drills to familiarize thee with the fundamentals of combat. The foundation of any warrior's skill is their ability to control their movements and strike with precision."

Nathaniel, still somewhat unsure, mirrored her movements, drawing his own practice sword. He held it awkwardly at first, his grip less confident than he would have liked. Melina's sharp eyes noticed his hesitation.

"Thou must find thy center," she instructed. "A warrior's strength lies not merely in their physical prowess but in their mental focus. Let thy movements be fluid, like water flowing around obstacles."

Nathaniel nodded, trying to steady his breathing and clear his mind. He began to practice the basic strikes and parries Melina demonstrated, each motion slow and deliberate. Melina watched with a critical eye, occasionally stepping in to correct his form or offer guidance.

"Remember, Nathaniel," she said as they practiced, "combat is as much about anticipating thy opponent's actions as it is about executing thy own. Thy movements must be responsive and adaptable. Be aware of thy surroundings and ready to change thy approach as the situation demands."

As they continued, Nathaniel's movements gradually became more fluid and controlled. He felt a growing sense of rhythm, his body responding more naturally to the motions. Melina's patient corrections and encouraging words helped him improve, and though he was far from perfect, he could see the progress he was making.

After an hour of intensive training, Melina called for a brief respite. She and Nathaniel sat on a nearby rock, the cool morning air refreshing after the physical exertion.

"Thou hast made good progress today," Melina said. "The path of a Tarnished is arduous, and it will test thee in many ways. But with diligence and perseverance, thou canst overcome these trials."

Nathaniel wiped the sweat from his brow. "Thank you, Melina. I know I have a long way to go, but I feel like I'm starting to understand how to fight properly."

"Nathaniel," she began, "to navigate these lands and achieve thy goal, thou must be prepared to kill. It is not a matter of choice but of necessity. The enemies thou shalt face will not hesitate to end thy life if given the chance."

Nathaniel's eyes widened in shock, his face flushed with a mix of fear and disbelief. "You want me to kill someone!? What, no! I can't do that! I was living a normal life in Ohio. But killing somebody is too much for me."

He took a step back, his hands trembling slightly as he struggled to process what Melina was asking of him. "I've never even held a real weapon before coming here. Back home, all I did was work a regular job, watch TV, and hang out with friends. This... this is beyond anything I ever imagined."

Melina's expression softened slightly, but the seriousness remained. "I understand this is a profound and difficult concept for thee to grasp. The life thou knewst is no longer within reach. This world is fraught with danger, and survival demands more than mere courage. It requires action, even when that action is grim."

Nathaniel shook his head, his voice breaking. "But I don't want to be a killer. I don't want to take someone's life. How can you ask me to do something like that? I didn't sign up for this."

Melina stepped closer. "It is not a question of what thou didst sign up for. Fate hath thrust thee into this world, and with it comes the burden of responsibility. Thou must find the strength within to confront thy enemies and protect thyself."

"I don't want to become a monster. I don't want to lose myself in this... this fight."

Melina nodded. "The path thou walkest is fraught with trials, and it is easy to become lost within them. But remember, it is not the act of killing that defines thee, but how thou choosest to wield that power. It is the intent behind thy actions that matters."

She paused, letting her words sink in. "If thou must kill, do so with purpose. Protect those who cannot protect themselves. Stand firm against the darkness that seeks to consume this land. It is not the act itself that makes thee a monster, but the reasons behind it."

Nathaniel stood silently, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Was he really ready to kill someone?

"Thou art not alone in this struggle. I shall guide thee. But thou must prepare thyself for the harsh realities that lie ahead."

Nathaniel took a deep breath. "Alright," he said slowly. "I'll try. I'll do my best to face this, but it's going to be hard. I don't know if I can fully accept it, but I'll try."

Melina's gaze softened further. "That is all I ask, Nathaniel. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the resolve to face it."

Nathaniel nodded. "You know, that actually reminds me of something my dad used to say. He'd always say, 'Courage isn't about not having fear. It's about doing it, despite the fear.'"

Melina's curiosity was piqued. "I see... I would fain learn more of thy family, Nathaniel. What were they like?"

Nathaniel looked down for a moment, his thoughts drifting back to his family. "Well, my older sister works as a nurse, and my mom works in finance. My dad… he served in the Marine Corps."

"What is the Marine Corps?"

Nathaniel looked at Melina, realizing she might not be familiar with modern military terms. "Oh, right. You're from a fantasy world... The Marine Corps is a branch of the military in my world, specifically trained for combat and specialized missions."

Melina nodded thoughtfully, trying to grasp the concept. "Ah, I see. A group dedicated to combat and discipline. In the Lands Between, we have warriors and knights with similar purposes, though the training and traditions may differ."

"Yeah, it's similar in a way," Nathaniel agreed. "It's all about being prepared for battle and facing challenges head-on."

Melina's eyes gleamed with understanding. "Then thy father's role was akin to that of a knight or a guardian, one who standeth firm in the face of adversity."

"Exactly," Nathaniel said. "And his lessons about courage and strength have definitely influenced how I approach challenges, even here."

Melina smiled. "Tis evident that his teachings have profoundly influenced thee. Such virtues are indeed precious, particularly in a world as tumultuous as this."

Nathaniel nodded, appreciating the sentiment. "Thanks, Melina. It's good to know that even though you're from a different world, some concepts are universal."

Melina's gaze softened further. "I see. Thy father's life and service hath left a profound mark upon thee, shaping thy aspirations."

Nathaniel nodded. "Yeah. I always wanted to become a marine biologist because of him. It felt like a way to honor his memory and follow in his footsteps, but since he passed, I've lost a lot of motivation. It's like I'm just going through the motions now. I don't know how to pick myself up or even what to aspire to anymore."

Melina nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. Oftentimes, the weight of loss can render the path forward unclear. Yet, even amidst such darkness, there is a glimmer of hope. Thy father's teachings and the dreams thou didst hold are not erased by his absence. They are a part of who thou art and may guide thee, even now."

Nathaniel looked at her, a glimmer of hope sparking in his eyes. "You think so?"

"I do," Melina said gently. "Thy father's legacy endureth through thee, and it is not uncommon for folk to find new ways to honor those they have lost. Sometimes, it behoveth a fresh perspective or a different path to rekindle that sense of purpose."

Nathaniel took a deep breath. "Thanks, Melina. It's comforting to hear that. I guess I've been so focused on the pain that I forgot to look for the light."

Nathaniel nodded. "Alright. I'll try to find that spark again, and maybe, in this strange world, I'll rediscover what it means to dream."

Nathaniel tilted his head slightly, curious about Melina's background. "So, what about you, Melina? What about your family?"

Melina hesitated for a moment. "Erm... The Goddess Queen Marika is my mother."

That respond didn't sound sincere.

Nathaniel raised an eyebrow. "Oh. That's so cool."

"I do not remember much of my past," Melina admitted.

"What about that cool tattoo over your eye?"

"I know not what it is."

"Oh, okay. So did you lose your memory or something?"

"It seemeth so," Melina replied. "I know little of my life, other than my role as a false maiden for Vyke. I hope that in this journey, I will gain more insight about my past."

Nathaniel nodded in understanding. "That sounds really tough. Losing your memory and not knowing much about your past must be hard."

"Indeed, it is. But I am hopeful. Each step in this journey may bring me closer to understanding who I truly am and why I am here."

Nathaniel offered a reassuring smile. "Well, if I've learned anything, it's that sometimes things work out in ways you don't expect. Maybe your journey will show you more than just your past—it could also give you a glimpse of your future."

Melina nodded. "Mayhaps."

With a nod, Nathaniel straightened his posture. "Anyway, let's get back on track. Seems like I have to kill somebody. I ain't looking forward to it."

"Indeed, the path before us is fraught with challenges," she said calmly. "Killing is not something to be taken lightly, but it is sometimes necessary in the face of greater dangers."

Nathaniel sighed, gripping his wooden sword with renewed focus. "Yeah, I get it. But that doesn't make it any easier. I've never had to take a life before. It's not just about being ready; it's about dealing with the weight it carries."

Melina nodded thoughtfully. "Thou art right. 'Tis a heavy burden, and 'tis natural to feel conflicted. Yet remember, the choices thou makest here, the actions thou takest, are part of a greater struggle. 'Tis not the act itself but the motive behind it that shall define thee."

Nathaniel cast a glance at his sword. "I suppose I'll have to find a way to reconcile with that. If it's something I have to do to survive and find a way back home, I'll have to learn to manage it."

Melina's gaze softened once more, a small, approving smile crossing her lips. "Very well. Let us resume our training. The more thou art prepared, the stronger thou shalt become."

As they moved back into their training routine, Nathaniel's focus was sharper, his movements more deliberate.

Nathaniel stood in the clearing, the morning sun casting long shadows across the dew-kissed grass. He held a wooden sword in his hand, its weight unfamiliar but comforting. Opposite him stood Melina, her demeanour calm and focused. She, too, held a wooden sword, her posture poised and graceful.

"Art thou ready, Nathaniel?" Melina asked, her voice steady.

"Yeah, let's do this," Nathaniel replied, adjusting his grip on the sword.

They began to circle each other, their movements measured and deliberate. Nathaniel made the first move, lunging forward with a quick strike. Melina parried effortlessly, her wooden sword moving with fluid precision. She stepped lightly to the side, her feet barely touching the ground, and pivoted to face him again.

As the training progressed, Nathaniel couldn't help but notice how Melina fought. Her movements were not those of a typical soldier; there was an elegance to her style, a rhythm that was almost mesmerizing. Each strike, each parry, was part of a larger dance, her feet gliding across the ground as if she were performing a choreographed routine.

"You're not just fighting," Nathaniel remarked, breathing heavily as he blocked another of Melina's strikes. "You're... dancing."

Melina smiled softly, her eyes never leaving his. "Fighting is not merely about brute strength, Nathaniel. 'Tis about flow, about understanding thy own movements and those of thy opponent. 'Tis about finding harmony amidst chaos."

She demonstrated a series of fluid movements, her wooden sword slicing through the air with grace. Her feet moved in intricate patterns, her body twisting and turning with each step. Nathaniel tried to mimic her, but his attempts were clumsy in comparison. Melina moved with a natural grace, her body in perfect sync with her weapon.

"Watch closely," Melina instructed, performing a series of intricate steps. "Every movement has a purpose. Every strike is part of a greater whole. Fighting is an art, and like any art, it requires practice and patience."

Nathaniel nodded, trying to absorb her words. He focused on his breathing, on the way his feet moved across the ground. He attempted to find the rhythm in his own movements, to see the fight as more than just a series of attacks and defences.

Melina advanced again, and this time Nathaniel tried to match her grace. He moved more fluidly, his strikes becoming more controlled. Melina nodded approvingly as their wooden swords clashed.

"Better," she said. "Remember, Nathaniel, 'tis not about winning or losing. 'Tis about finding balance, both within thyself and with thy surroundings."

They continued to spar, the sound of wooden swords clacking together echoing through the clearing. Nathaniel began to lose himself in the rhythm of the fight, his body moving with a newfound fluidity. He could feel the difference, could sense the change in his approach.

Melina spun gracefully, her wooden sword arcing through the air in a sweeping motion. Nathaniel ducked under her strike and countered with a low sweep of his own. She leaped over his sword, her movements light and airy, landing softly on the balls of her feet. She retaliated with a series of quick, precise strikes, forcing Nathaniel to backpedal.

Nathaniel winced as Melina's wooden sword smacked his hand, the sharp sting causing him to drop his own weapon. He shook his hand out, trying to ease the pain, while Melina stepped back, giving him a moment to recover.

"Again," she instructed. "Pick up thy sword, Nathaniel. Focus on thine grip and stance. Thou must learn to withstand pain and maintain control."

Nathaniel nodded, determination flaring in his eyes as he retrieved his wooden sword. He took a deep breath, grounding himself, and returned to his stance.

Melina observed him carefully, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Thou dost rely too much on brute strength," she noted. "Strength alone shall not win battles. Thou must learn to anticipate thy opponent's moves, to adapt and react swiftly."

They began to spar again, and Nathaniel tried to heed her advice. He watched her movements more closely, attempting to predict her strikes. But Melina's fluidity and grace made it difficult. She moved like water, her attacks seamless and precise.

Suddenly, Melina feinted to the left, then swiftly struck from the right, her wooden sword catching Nathaniel off guard. He barely managed to block her strike, his arms straining under the force.

"Well done," Melina said, her voice steady. "Thou didst anticipate that one. Yet, keep thy guard high."

They continued, and Nathaniel's frustration grew as he struggled to keep up with her. Melina seemed to be everywhere at once, her movements a blur. She struck his shoulder, his leg, and once again, his hand, each blow emphasizing his inexperience.

"Focus, Nathaniel!" Melina urged. "Let not thy emotions cloud thy judgment. Calm thy mind and centre thy spirit."

Nathaniel gritted his teeth, trying to find the calm within the storm of their sparring. He took a deep breath, focusing on Melina's movements, trying to see the patterns in her dance.

Melina launched another attack, but this time, Nathaniel was ready. He deflected her strike, his movements more fluid and controlled. He managed to land a glancing blow on her side, a small victory that brought a slight smile to his face.

"Better," Melina acknowledged, stepping back. "Thou art learning. Remember, Nathaniel, each battle is a dance, and every dancer must find their rhythm."

Nathaniel nodded, his confidence growing. He adjusted his grip on the wooden sword, ready to continue. But before they resumed, Melina paused, her expression softening.

"Pain and failure are part of the journey," she said quietly. "Let them not dishearten thee. Embrace them, learn from them, and let them guide thee toward improvement."

Nathaniel took her words to heart, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "I will," he replied, his voice firm. "Thank you, Melina."

"That is enough for today." Melina said.

Nathaniel smiled and felt genuinely happy. He hadn't experienced such joy in a long time, not since his father's death. Training with Melina was nice, but he couldn't say the same for her. He couldn't tell if Melina was enjoying it too. Melina never smiled or showed much emotion; she was always stoic.

Melina was still wearing her dark cloak under the bright sun. 'How she was not sweating in that was beyond me.' He thought.

"I just wanted to ask if there's anything I should do in the meantime. If I'm not going to be training, I want to do something else."

"Thou couldst always go exploring," she said, "The Lands Between art still a mystery to thee. It would be sensible to discover more. I will be thy guide."

"You're right," he said, "But I don't wanna go far. I'll just go a distance that I can walk because everyone seems to want to kill me."

Melina nodded.

The two then walked together.

Nathaniel asked, "So who's Queen Marika? You say she's your mother. Can you tell me more about her?"

Melina replied, "Queen Marika the Eternal is the reigning divine sovereign of the Lands Between, and a vessel for the Elden Ring. Her offspring are bearers of the Great Runes."

"After the Shattering," Melina continued, "the war that erupted when Queen Marika destroyed the Elden Ring, the Greater Will has called you back to the Lands Between to unite the shards."

Nathaniel's curiosity was piqued. "Can you explain what a Tarnished is? I know people can tell because of my eye colour, but I want to know where they come from."

"Tarnished are those whom the Erdtree has refused to bless for unknown reasons. You've lost grace. Therefore, all Tarnished are looked down upon and were cast away from the Lands Between a long time ago," Melina explained.

"Wow, that's pretty fuck up," Nathaniel said. "But how come I can see grace if I've lost it?"

Melina nodded in agreement. "Thou art special. 'Tis a reason for your immortality."

Nathaniel continued, "I mean, come on. You said before that the Elden Ring gave rise to the Erdtree, which refused to bless the Tarnished, and now it wants us to come back and help it after it was the reason we were cast out in the first place?"

"Injustice runs throughout the Lands Between," Melina said. "It is a sad sight. I have seen much of it."

Nathaniel expressed his gratitude. "I'm glad you're on my side and not against me. I'd be pretty much useless without you."

"Indeed," Melina said.

'This girl is sure brutal in her honestly. I don't fully trust her but I've got no choice but to ally with her.' Nathaniel thought.

They veered off the main road leading up Stormhill, where many guards patrolled. As they descended slightly, heavy rain began to fall, drenching Nathaniel. "You gotta be shittin' me."

"My hood doth come useful here," Melina said. "If thou wishest to wear my cloak, thou may."

Nathaniel looked at her, bewildered. "Oh, I could never!"

"Thou wilt fall ill otherwise," Melina insisted.

Nathaniel's thoughts drifted. 'Then again Melina would get wet. That would be kinda... hot. No! What am I thinking? I shouldn't have perverted thoughts about her. I mean Melina is cute.'

Nathaniel stared at Melina, taken by her ethereal beauty. The way the soft light played off her delicate features, her calm, yet intense gaze, and the grace with which she moved all captivated him.

"What art thou staring at?" Melina asked.

Nathaniel blinked, snapping out of his reverie. He felt a slight blush creeping up his cheeks. "Oh, uh, sorry. I was just... I mean, you're really pretty, you know? It's hard not to notice."

"Thou art kind, Nathaniel. But remember, beauty is but a fleeting thing in this world."

Nathaniel couldn't tell if she was touched by his complement. It was very hard to read her expression.

"I wish to know more about thy world, Nathaniel," Melina said, gazing at him with curiosity. "America, as thou callest it."

"Actually, it's called Earth. Earth is the name of my world. America is the place I grew up in within Earth."

Melina raised an eyebrow.

"To answer your question. It's a world vastly different from the Lands Between," Nathaniel explained. "But, unfortunately, similar in all the wrong ways. We've moved past the age of arrows and steel and now have far more deadly weapons."

"More deadly?" Melina raised an eyebrow.

"Yes," Nathaniel continued. "We have something called guns. They're projectile weapons, similar to your bow and arrows, but imagine a machine that can fire small steel pellets a thousand times per minute."

"Is that all?"

"Well, no," Nathaniel said. "We also have something called an atom bomb. It's a weapon that can destroy entire cities."

"The thought provokes unspeakable images in my mind." Melina said.

"They should," Nathaniel admitted. "They're terrifying. But your world has its own share of horrors, too. I suppose some things are universal."

"Darkness doth exist wherever thou goest," Melina agreed. "Yet, I hope to one day find a place where there is only light."

"I share that sentiment," Nathaniel said. "But despite the dangers, my world isn't all bad."

"Tell me about the good," Melina prompted.

Nathaniel chuckled. "Should I tell you about America?"

"America? Nay, that name soundeth unfamiliar to mine ears. Pray, tell me more about this land," Melina requested, her curiosity piqued.

Nathaniel began, "America's huge, with all kinds of people and cultures. We've got big cities, wide-open plains, and tall mountains."

"Mountains, thou sayest? I have never beheld such grandeur. Art thou able to describe them to me in greater detail?" Melina asked, her interest evident.

"Sure," Nathaniel replied. "Mountains are massive rocks that shoot up into the sky, almost touching the clouds. Some are covered with snow all year, while others have trees and wildlife all over them. The views from the top are absolutely stunning."

"Such a sight must be a wonder to behold," Melina said. "What else canst thou tell me of this land of America?"

"Well," Nathaniel continued, "we've got a bunch of cool inventions that have changed history. We've got planes, self-driving cars, and even smartphones."

"These inventions thou speak of sound like magic. How is it possible to fly through the air, or have a machine drive itself?" Melina asked, her eyes wide with astonishment.

"It's all thanks to science and engineering," Nathaniel explained. "We've always been curious about how things work, and that curiosity has led us to come up with some really amazing stuff."

"Thou speakest of wondrous things indeed, Nathaniel. It sounds like thy land of America is a place of great marvels and discoveries," Melina said, her admiration clear.

"Yes, it really is," Nathaniel agreed. "But even with all its wonders, we've got our share of problems and challenges. It's not perfect, but it's home."

"I see," Melina said. "It is good to know the truth of a place, be it wondrous or flawed. I thank thee for sharing thy knowledge of America with me, Nathaniel."

"Melina, have you heard of the President of the United States?" Nathaniel asked, trying to see if she knew about his country's political system.

She shook her head, looking curious and eager to learn.

"Well, it's a bit complicated," Nathaniel began, "but basically, the President is the leader of our country. They're like a king or queen, but we elect them through a voting process. The President has a lot of power and responsibility, and they make important decisions that affect the whole country."

Melina listened closely, nodding along.

"One of the most famous Presidents we've had was Abraham Lincoln. He served when our country was divided over slavery, with some states wanting to keep it and others wanting to end it. Lincoln was against slavery and worked really hard to bring the country back together. He gave famous speeches, like the Gettysburg Address, and signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which helped to free the slaves."

Melina's expression turned to one of awe as Nathaniel talked about Lincoln's bravery and commitment.

"He's considered one of the greatest Presidents we've ever had, and his legacy is still remembered today. We even have a holiday to honour him."

Melina looked thoughtful, processing the information. "It sounds like your President has a lot of responsibility," she said.

Nathaniel nodded. "Yeah, it's a tough job, but it's really important."

As they kept talking, Nathaniel felt grateful for the chance to share a bit about his world with Melina. Despite their different times and places, the conversation reminded him of the common threads of human experience.

"In my world, we've got stories of great leaders who were taken from us too soon," Nathaniel said. "One of them was Abraham Lincoln. He was the President during a huge civil war, fighting for what was right even when it wasn't popular. In the end, he was assassinated by someone who didn't agree with him."

Melina's eyes widened with curiosity. "Assassinated? Like Godwyn?"

Nathaniel glanced at Melina, curious. "Who's Godwyn?"

Melina's expression softened, showing deep respect. "Godwyn the Golden. He was a demigod, the son of Queen Marika the Eternal and Godfrey, the First Elden Lord."

Nathaniel leaned in, intrigued. "A demigod, huh? Sounds a bit like Hercules from the myths of my world. What made Godwyn so special?"

Melina nodded. "Indeed, there are resemblances. Godwyn was not only a mighty warrior but also a symbol of hope and righteousness. His presence was said to bring light and courage to those around him. He was venerated by many and was crucial to the realm's stability."

Nathaniel's eyes widened. "That's impressive. What happened to him?"

Melina's expression darkened slightly. "Tis a tragic tale. Godwyn was assassinated during what is known as the Night of Black Knives. It was a dark and treacherous night when conspirators sought to destroy peace and order. The event shocked the world. The notion of such a respected figure meeting such a brutal end is chilling."

Nathaniel felt a shiver run down his spine. "That's… unsettling. It's one thing to hear about great heroes falling in battle, but to be betrayed so brutally… it's a grim reminder of how fragile even the greatest legacies can be."

Melina nodded solemnly. "Aye, it was a night that changed all. Godwyn's assassination ushered in chaos and strife that endured for generations. His death was not merely the loss of a powerful figure but a profound wound to the soul of the land."

"In my world, we have similar stories of great heroes and their tragic fates. It's surprising how the threads of our histories and myths can be so similar despite our different times and places."

Melina looked thoughtful, her gaze distant. "It seemeth that the struggles and triumphs of heroes are universal. Perhaps these tales resonate because they reflect shared human experiences, hopes, and fears that transcend time and place."

Nathaniel nodded, feeling a sense of connection despite the vast distances between their worlds. "Yeah, it's comforting to see these common threads. It reminds me that no matter how different our worlds are, we share something fundamental."

Nathaniel peeked into the shack and saw a woman despondently sitting on the ground, leaning against a barrel. She wore a white, long-sleeved garb and a crimson cape and hood, reminiscent of Red Riding Hood from the fairy tales. Her vulnerability was evident as she wrapped her arms around herself in a futile attempt to find comfort. Her head was bowed, obscuring her face, though loose strands of gold hair were visible. As Nathaniel and Melina stepped closer, the woman's head snapped up to see them.

"Who are you!?" Her voice was shaky and frail, with panic in her eyes and her lips quivering.

"Don't be scared," Nathaniel said, raising his hands in a calming gesture. "I'm Nathaniel, and this is my maiden, Melina. Uh, why are you here in this destroyed shack? There are safer places than this."

The woman's eyes darkened, reflecting a deeper hopelessness. "E-e-everyone's been grafted," she stuttered. "All those who followed me, those who fought for me—grafted. They had their arms taken, their legs taken, even their heads. All those pieces were stuck onto the spider."

'What the fuck is she talking about?'

Nathaniel whispered to Melina, "Do you know what she's talking about?"

Melina nodded and addressed the woman. "I presume thou art speaking of Godrick the Grafted."

The woman slowly nodded. Nathaniel recalled the time he had been killed by Godrick's soldiers just before trying to defeat that ogre. They had mentioned that Godrick had a use for his arms.

"Wait," Nathaniel said, "Godrick? I remember that asshole in green mentioned about him. So that motherfucker, goes around that takes the limbs of people and 'grafts' them onto his own body? What the fuck?"

'That shit's messed up.'

"You do not know of what Godrick does?" the blonde woman asked. "Yet, it seems you are trying to get into Stormveil."

"It's complicated," Nathaniel replied.

"Well, that makes us two peas in a pod," she said. "But I don't have your courage. I'm nothing but a craven."

Nathaniel was taken aback by her comment on courage. He was far from brave. It was surprising to Nathaniel that he still felt fear despite his depression and his immortal.

"It's scary, you know. Having your arms chopped off or your head," the woman said.

If anyone understood the fear of such a prospect, it was Nathaniel. He glanced at Melina, who, despite her attempts to conceal it, clearly wanted to help the woman. He turned back to her and asked, "What's your name?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, I should have told you sooner," she apologized. "My name is Roderika, the foolish Tarnished who brought her men here to die."

Shame and guilt were evident on Roderika's face. The weight of responsibility for the death of her men seemed almost unbearable.

"You're Tarnished too?" Nathaniel asked.

"Yes," Roderika confirmed. "I came here across the sea hoping to take the Great Rune of Godrick. Oh, how ignorant I was."

Tears began to trickle down her cheeks as despair engulfed her. "It was only just a dream—a dream I forced upon others, and they paid the price. I guess I wish you the best of luck when facing the grafted spider."

"Are… you just gonna stay here?" Nathaniel asked.

"Only a little while longer. I'm going to join my men in death."

The misery radiating from Roderika was palpable. She was clearly not in the right state of mind, and Nathaniel could understand why. Godrick must be truly horrifying.

"Come with us," Nathaniel suggested.

"Yea," Melina agreed. "It shall at least get thee out of this cold, damp hovel. I doubt not that thy men would desire thee to join them. Far from it."

"But how could I?" Roderika questioned. "How could I rest easy knowing the eternal fate of my soldiers? After all they did for me, I repaid them like this. They're fated to be a joint, a muscle, a weapon on that repulsive spider."

"You won't rest easy," Nathaniel said.

Roderika looked up at him as if he had added a heavier burden. "And that's a good thing,"

Nathaniel added. "It shows how much you care for your men."

He lowered himself to her level and looked her straight in the eye. "Come on, let's get out of here. We'll talk about this later when you're rested." He extended a hand to help her up, and she accepted it.

Author's Note:

Hello. Everyone another chapter. In the future I might rewrite some earlier chapters. There are some bits I do not like. Hope everyone is enjoy this fic.