Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The early morning is gloomy. Limgrave's fog breathes humidity through everything, the air is still. Sun is yet to reveal itself but the echoes of light have already started to brighten high rocks and crowns of trees. 

In the border of night and day it seems everything is asleep. Everything but a faint light — a little fire inside an Artist's Shack. The shack is in a state of decay, abandoned years ago; though it's not empty now. There is an open bedroll on the floor, few pouches along the wall and a sword too big to handle with one hand. A lonely Tarnished is snuggled up in their coat by the fire, looking at a pot with hot porridge in it.

"Mind if I join?" A woman with a hood over her face appears out of nowhere. She gently takes the hood off and as she looks at Tarnished her face becomes troubled. "Oh, my apologies. I should've warned you of my presence."

"Melina," the Tarnished's face relaxes, their hand going off the sword hilt. "I'm glad to see a familiar face. And not someone who wants to kill me."

"I see you have already learned the hostility of these lands. It's.. been like this for a while. Though I'm sure you have yet to find friendly people here." The woman sits making herself comfortable by the collapsed wall. She sighs and takes her hands from under the cape to warm them up over fire. "I was eager to check on my companion. How are your adventures? Is Torrent alright?"

Tarnished pauses for a moment, and they look almost embarrassed. "Actually... I got distracted with something."

Melina raises her eyebrows.

"I've helped one demi-human out of small trouble and he seemed so nice. Later I've seen quite a few groups of demi-humans but they all just attacked me! I've tried to talk to them, I've warned them and still." They sigh. 

"I see," Melina is barely hiding a smile. "It's not common for people of these lands to treat demi-humans well; I hope you shall value your safety more than your desire to make new friends."

Tarnished looks tired. "Seems like folks here aren't a fair kind… What a shame. Everywhere I go I either see Godrick soldiers or demi-humans; I've traveled through the Limgrave and the Mistwood now, met only hostility and decay. The nomad merchants are probably the only good company I could find. Though," their face brightens "In the abandoned shack on Stormhill I've met a kind soul. She's not kind to herself, but I've never seen such a tender girl. Oh, and Torrent... he saved my life quite a lot already." 

As the morning lightens everything the companions go silent, both pondering in their thoughts. Tarnished stirs their porridge, then takes it off the heat and starts to eat. Melina can only wonder at her companion's odd manners and their look. When looking closer — at their clothes, their sword, their pouches, their hat — there's nothing she could recognise. 

But then… Melina sees something unexpected. Not that it's unfamiliar — quite the opposite — but it shouldn't be here. Maybe she misremembers, maybe she's mistaken; she must be mistaken. 

Tarnished stands up starting to pack their belongings, and the soft sound fills the shack. 

"Forgive me the intrusion," Melina is surprised to find her voice trembling a little; nonetheless she's quick to hide it from her companion. "But may I ask how did you come to possess this bell?"

"Oh, I haven't told you? It's a weird story." Tarnished smiles, taking the bell off of their belt, "Shortly after our accord I was visited by a peculiar witch. She asked me if I possess the power to call forth Torrent, a spectral steed. She gave me this bell from Torrent's former master." They tilt their head examining the bell; the silver surface is ornamented with intricate details. The bell is no ordinary work of craftsmanship. 

Melina wants to respond but the bell charms her and she just admires it silently. There is almost visible energy to the bell, as if it rings even without a sound. Eventually she snaps out of confusion. "Quite peculiar indeed." Melina murmurs "Such a bell is no ordinary thing. Has this witch told you her name?"

"I believe she called herself Renna. I didn't get a good look at her." They shrug and continue packing up. Sunlight is already sneaking into the shack through cracks in the ceiling; the day should be warm. 

"Alright," Tarnished blows the whistle on their finger, summoning a spectral steed. "It's almost sunrise, i better not stay here much longer. I have a deal to help find a man named Darriwil.'' Their expression turn troubled as they notice the woman is sitting still. "Are you okay, my lady?"

Melina winces from her companion's voice. Shaking some thoughts away she looks at them with a smile. "My apologies. I just remembered some old memories; it's no worry to you." She stands up and brushes dust off her coat. "You said you must go? Goodbye then, my dear. 'Till we meet again. Goodbye, Torrent." She pats the steed.

————

As Tarnished departs toward the main road, Melina lingers; she can't shake the sound of the bell off her mind. Many years have passed since she last heard this bell, and now she has no doubt it is The bell. But who owned it after… Does the mysterious witch — whoever she is — simply impersonate Renna? But why? Surely there's no one left to remember Renna the Witch, is there?

Melina didn't expect to have so many questions, but what happened is too strange to ignore. Maybe she will have a chance to meet a mysterious impersonator herself.

The woman notices that the sun is already up; she should go then. She shall see what today brings.

Chapter Text

Raine is panting, their face smudged with dirt and sweat. There are nasty wounds on their left side and thigh. Tarnished's colossal sword is thrown away, laying at the edge of the cliff. On the other side of the stone bridge kneels the Fell Omen, his projected body malformed and barely protected. But Raine still needs to land a final blow on their foe. 

Tarnished pulls a miséricorde and starts slowly approaching the Omen. Margit roars and throws a spectral dagger. Raine avoids it with an elegant faint. Now they are almost at melee range, but Raine doesn't go any further: Margit's staff is ready to end any mistake. The moment seemingly lasts forever as two opponents keep their eyes fixed on each other. 

Suddenly a golden sword appears in Margit's offhand and he thrusts it forward. It reaches to where Tarnished should stand, but pierces nothing but air. By the time Margit realizes he missed Raine is already under his hand slicing it with a dagger. The Fell Omen backs up and covers the whole space in front of him with a mighty swing of a staff. Tarnished jumps on the hand and climbs it upward, crawling on the enemy's shoulder. Margit is trying to shake them off but it's too late: the thin blade of miséricorde is already plunged deep into his neck. The great foe falls on the ground, whispering curses on Tarnished.

"I shall remember thee, Tarnished. The hands of the Fell Omen shall brook thee no quarter."

Raine lets out a sigh of relief. This was closer than they expected. Taking crimson flask off their belt they make a big sip. The Stormveil Castle is now open. They just need to rest. 

————

The gateside chamber is coated in the subtle dark of late spring night; no movement or sound can be distinct to one's eyes. The whole Stormveil is lulled to sleep by silent wind - the same wind that carries an endless stream of clouds in the sky. There's a familiar sight in the corner of the chamber - a huge sword, traveling cloak and a bedroll with a person in it. The loneliness and vulnerability of sleep doesn't bother them, it is all the troubles of tomorrow. Raine's face is clear of any worry as they watch whatever dream blesses them. 

Tarnished is not disturbed by sudden change in the air, their blanket rises and falls rhythmically as silver mist fills the chamber. Moonlight slowly enters the room and the wind is no more.

A figure of a mysterious woman materializes from moonlight and silently floats across the room, finally settling at the edge of a railing. Even with her face covered it is clear she watches Tarnished, as if trying to read them. 

After a bit of careful study the figure seems to have decided something. She hops off the railing and leans to Tarnished, who sighs in sleep. A thin hand slowly reaches their face... 

"How rude of one, preying on people's sleep."

The sudden voice makes the figure flinch, she straightens her back and steps away from the bedroll. 

"I knew you would come again, they are too intriguing to leave," a voice is quiet and sharp. From the opposite corner of the chamber rises Melina, walking carefully to the center of the chamber. "I speak not with threats, but heed me: I won't let my companion be tricked by a fraud, whoever you are." 

The stranger giggles. After a moment of pondering she speaks in a soft thin voice, "'Tis foolish to think i'm merely a fraud. I will thine friend no harm." 

Melina isn't lowering her guard. "One with no ill intent wouldn't impersonate a greater person." 

"Ah, I see," stranger's voice is all murmur, "I suppose my introduction hasn't gone unnoticed. Why would thou think my name is a lie?" 

"Witch Renna is gone." Melina almost whispers, "She embarked on a long journey only to find death. Regardless," her eye falls "It's no stranger's business." 

The Witch freezes. Melina goes quiet and averts her gaze to look at the moon. There is a complete silence for a minute. She returns her look back and almost jumps from the stranger who is now less than a hand close. How did she come this close? Melina can now see the mysterious person in detail: a white dress, height almost a head shorter than Melina, a big hat that hides all her head and shoulders — all this looks oddly familiar. 

The wide brims of the hat raise with the Stranger looking at Melina now. 

"What is thine business to know about the dear sister?" she hisses.

Even if Melina wanted to answer, she's left speechless; this is too bizarre to be real. 

"Only a few people in these lands know such intimate details. Maybe it is thou who should be called a fraud?'' Now it is the Witch's turn to examine Melina. "Thou'rt too eager to call me a liar, but my presence here is far too covert to speak of my identity." 

Four doll-like hands begin to form an intricate form, air trembling from the spell. "Now, shall I end thee right now..."

A polite cough cuts the silence. Both women flinch, turning to see the source. 

"Excuse me, am I interrupting something?" Raine sits in their bedroll, combing their long hair. For how long have they been awake?

The Witch straightens her hands and awkwardly steps away from Melina who's now completely confused. 

"It's so late, my ladies." Tarnished lays down and turns over to face the wall. "I was hoping to see you in the morning." They say with an invisible smile, "Now, please let me rest."

Melina still doesn't know what to do, while the Witch scoffs with a move that Melina finds almost cute. The tension between two women is now gone and Melina can't help but to feel like a Raya Lucaria student caught with some obscenity in the library.

The Witch opens her mouth to say something but decides not to. She just looks Melina in the eye and hisses "We shall talk later."

Before Melina can say anything, the dust particles fly around the Witch's body and she is gone. Shortly after the chill mist disappears, the moon pales, clouds are resuming their run: didn't they move during Witch's presence?

————

Morning comes, and with morning comes dread of being in the Stormveil, the Godrick's keep. Looking at the soldiers on their posts, at the defenses rising to meet any foe, Melina wonders how could this place be so different between the night and the day. 

She helps Raine to turn their runes into strength, which will certainly be helpful in Stormveil. Both say nothing of what happened at night. 

"I suppose you know about Godrick. Do you intend to defeat him? It is no easy task." 

"You gotta do what you gotta do," Tarnished shrugs. "I don't know how much of a threat he is, but after The Omen on the bridge I feel confident. Besides, have you seen what they do to people?" 

"I haven't… But Godrick's grafting is infamous." Melina recalls all she heard about the grafting. "'Tis an art of envy and spiritual weakness. Such a distortion of Godfrey's legacy." 

"If you haven't seen it, I don't recommend it. I've seen terrible sights." Raine winces. "Godrick is not the sole reason why i'm here: I've made a promise to find people taken to Stormveil." 

Melina hums, "I have a bad feeling about everything in this castle. Be careful, my dear." 

Unexpectedly she feels an urge to embrace Raine so she does. They seem surprised by it. Melina just hopes she can empower her companion with this embrace — as if she's one of deathbed companions. Deep inside she's just scared to lose them, lose her chance of going somewhere. 

"I'll be fine, my lady." Raine chuckles. They have a lot of work to do in this castle.

Chapter Text

The unique climate of Liurnia is a result of many different factors: humid air from the western sea brings heap clouds, which are also attracted to low atmospheric pressure; the wind currents next flow to the Altus plateau, but mountain ranges on the north-east side of the region keep low rain clouds in Liurnia. Meanwhile cold air from the north is halted by Gelmir volcano, and Stormveil in the south traps any cold currents from Limgrave.

All there is to say — Liurnia was always bound to be the land of lakes and swamps, fogs and clouds. Countless lakes and forests hold rich flora and fauna. This climate is especially pronounced in the north-east, where it's common to wait for weeks to see the sun, and the fog almost isolates the region from the outside world.

It is here on another day, a familiar figure now climbs the hill. The fog hides the rise atop of it almost completely. The bare feet hover across the grass covered in dew, as Witch stops near the entrance to the tower. Though it's impossible to see because of a big pointy hat, she's worried, her expression anxious. Porcelain hands tremble, placing a crystal flower on the stone bench near the staircase. The woman sits on the other end of the bench. 

At first she stays silent, uneasy in her thoughts. She doesn’t move, gaze fixed somewhere around her feet, as if she’s worrying about being watched. Eventually the Witch relaxes a bit and lets out a tired sigh. 

"I don't know… if I should believe them," Her voice is timid and sad. "I've been waiting for so long… for any message from thee. Should I stop, dear sister?" There are tears in her voice.

She gazes at the tower's entrance. The sides of its portal are covered with ornaments and text, the middle section reads ' Rise of Renna '. The arch is sealed with magic, no one entered it in years. 

For a while it's just quiet, no wind disturbs the milky fog that seems to shroud the hill from every side. The Witch sits with her head tilted up, looking in the unseen sky; probably lost in her thoughts. 

The sudden flash on her belt takes Witch out of her mind. She frowns, reaches out to the purse on her waist and draws out a blue crystal. It pulses blue light in the hand and she hastily activates it, putting crystal in the ground. 

The projection of a knight in full armor appears before the tower. He's almost two times bigger than the Witch, with a wolf head not covered by any helmet or cloak. 

"My lady! Is that the other rise? I wouldn't expect to see you here." The knight looks around with wonder. "Are you well, my lady?" He notices the flower on the bench and his eyebrows climb up. 

"I'm fine, my friend." The Witch haphazardly steps in to cover the flower from her knight. "What is it thou need? Have thine search in Limgrave succeed?" 

"Not really." Warrior shifts nervously, "I did find Darwil though, and with the help of a friend I ended him. Aside from that, the eternal city is still out of my reach. I apologize." 

"Dear Blaidd, there's no need for thine apologies. We have plenty of time for this. Besides," woman frowns, "Thou may'st be unable to find Siofra until my brother is dealt with." 

"So it is how you predicted…" 

"I'm afraid we have no choice. But worry not. I found a peculiar Tarnished, they give me high hopes. Torrent chose them." 

Blaidd gives her a surprised look: " Her spectral steed? How come?"

The Witch pauses for a moment, recalling last night's events. "I know not yet. There's a familiar feeling… I sense they could be trusted." The knight looks curious.

"But it is a different matter." She shakes off the memories, returning to her knight. "As for thou, i need thee to stay in Limgrave for some time. No need for worry, just be there. That is all."

Blaidd gives her a deep bow, “As you wish, lady Ranni." 

The woman chuckles, "Ah, there is no need for such formalities. Thine help is invaluable; perhaps I shall give thee some time off upon thine return." Her expression softens at the thought of seeing a dear friend again. 

"Aye, I wouldn't mind that." Blaidd grins. "See you, Ranni." 

————

Hallway by hallway, room by room, down the endless labyrinth of towers and fortifications - a lonely Tarnished sneaks their way into the Stormveil castle. It’s huge - the sheer size of Godrick's residence can't not leave the impression of an ambitious warlord. 

They sneak their way through the outer wall without much trouble; the scarce guards here don't seem to be motivated enough to pay much attention. It's quite easy to blend with the shadows, so Raine doesn't even need to fight anyone. For now. 

Their first involuntary fight happens at the upper level of a flanking tower, Raine loosens up a tiny bit in expectation of a break. It is a mistake. 

A downswing of a halbert catches their left arm, late parry just barely saving them from having their skull crushed. Raine hisses and hops away, wanting to take a more favorable position. The knight tries to rush them down quickly, and the long thrust misses their body by just a few inches. Raine is finally able to recover and now the battle is easier: the polearm can't do much against a colossal sword. 

Raine dives under the next vertical chop, parrying a follow-up swipe with the blunt of their sword. The impact makes them groan. The knight pushes them with the pole of halberd, ruining Raine's stance and preventing an attack. Raine curses and kicks the knight's leg, making them falter too. 

Knight tries to strike again, but before that Raine smashes their breastplate with the sword's pommel, forcing a retreat. This gives them a chance to assess the situation. It's tough - they can't parry and counter with a wounded arm, and the knight's armor won't give them an opening with a dagger. Lastly, the knight is clearly experienced enough to not fall for any cheap faints or tricks. Tarnished needs a trade to win. 

Both opponents swing at the same time: Knight makes a mighty thrust and Raine swings from side. The halberd connects, piercing deep into their stomach. Raine groans but it doesn't stop their sword: it comes crushing the pole past langets. The trapped head of a halberd allows the blunt force of the sword to break the shaft, leaving Knight almost defenseless. With the last energy they have, Raine stabs the sword under the breast plate; cutting flesh and crushing bones. The impact throws the knight back, leaving them a formeless pile in the corner. 

Shaking, Raine tries pulling the head of a halberd out of themselves, but the pain makes them almost scream. Fuck it, they need to get out of here. Using their sword as a cane, they drag themselves to the pile of armor in the corner. The knight still tries to move faintly.

"Be proud, you were a fine warrior." Raine whispers, drawing out a miséricorde. "Your only mistake was your choice of master." The knife is plunged into the knight's neck. It's over.

The room begins to sway, Raine's gaze troubles. They can see golden trails of light enveloping the room, gliding up the stairs and around the corner. Through haze Tarnished hears footsteps from behind. No-no-no , they can't be caught. They try to walk faster. Just a few rooms left, just a little bit to reach safety.

"Melina," Raine breathes heavily. "Melina, I need your help." 

As strengths leave them, a pair of hands gently catches the wounded body. ' I need to get this shit out of me ' is Raine's last thought before milky fog fills up their mind. 

————

Raine wakes up to the sound of crackling fire; it almost drowns out the howling of the wind, ever so present in Stormveil. They're in a small room with a door and windows shut. Looking around more reveals a silhouette sitting by the fireplace, back turned to Raine. Someone wrapped their cloak around them, and, despite the uncertainty of the situation, Raine feels a bit of relief. 

They try to quietly move, but can't help but flinch from the pain in midsection. The person next to the fireplace turns around - damn it - and jolts off their seat. "Ahh, you're awake!" 

Raine keeps their face low to stay in the shadow, looking at the slander figure walking to them.

"You woke up so fast. I didn't expect someone to recover from being literally stabbed through so quickly. It's incredible! You are Tarnished too, I suppose?" 

A short nod.

"A pleasure to meet you. Rogier's the name. I'm looking for a little something, here in the castle. When I'm not hotfooting it from the troops, that is. I'm glad to have found you before the patrol. May I ask your name? And what are you doing here? This place is bristling with Tarnished hunters, you know." 

"Raine." Their voice is hoarse. "Thank you for getting me out of danger. Oh, and for removing the halberd out of me. I'm…" the thought of their goal here makes Raine frown.

"I'm here to kill Godrick." They decide to be honest. "Now it seems funny, laying half-dead after the fight with some ordinary knight." 

"Ahh… A rare occurrence these days." Rogier looks sincerely impressed. "And a noble aim. You can see it then, I take it? The guidance of grace." 

"Not that it matters, but yes." 

Rogier chuckles with amusement. "I see now, you have your own goals. I'm glad one of my friends can't hear us now; he'd be enraged." 

Raine tries to move again, this time more successful. Taking the cape off reveals a bondage over their stomach. Raine stretches out to grab a crimson flask from the pile of their stuff nearby. "I'm so grateful to you for helping me out of near death." They swallow the amber liquid. "If you too need help, call for me." 

"I will remember it." Rogier bows with a head and offers a hand to help them stand up.

They chat while making a meal together, and soon a morning light spray through the shut curtains. Together it's generally safe to move around the castle, so they advance through the inner layers and buildings inside rather quickly.

It takes a while to figure out how to get past the big garnison in the courtyard. Soldiers seem to be expecting some big raid, and Raine wonders if there's anyone wanting to assault Godrick's castle now. Why besiege a castle in the land of burnt fields and abandoned villages? It makes no sense, other than a lord's paranoia. On the other hand it makes perfect sense . 

Resting on a barrel in the relatively safe nook, Rogier points down, at the dark chasm between them and the inner wall. "And now, I need to find a way to get down there." 

Raine licks their lips. "Maybe a rope could help? Looks like a long way to fall." 

"There should be a staircase, but I don't know how to get there. See?" He points at the trail of a shadow on the other side of the pit. 

"Nah, let me get a rope. It shall get you low enough to make it to the bottom." Raine blows into a ring on their finger and out of thin air spectral particles gather into something-resembling-a-horse. "Just a little trick to manage my gatherings." They smile at an astonished Rogier. 

Anchoring rope to some wall protrusion and heavy boxes proves itself to be an easy task. They make sure the rope is hidden enough to not get spotted by a patrol. Then, it is time to part ways. 

"Good luck, my friend. Whatever you find down there, please be careful. I wouldn't want to return your favor by getting you out of the hands of death." 

Rogier chuckles. "Well, I believe myself to be careful enough. Shall we meet again, I will tell you about my research. I'm glad to have met you." 

The two share a brief embrace. 

After making sure Rogier got down safely, Raine is alone. Again. They shiver. 

Well, it's time to face Godrick. 

"And where do you think you're going?" Says a familiar voice. Voice, belonging to the woman in a cape covering her face.

Her, who plays the role of a maiden.

Chapter Text

Melina promised herself she would not get involved. No matter what happens, she shouldn't help her Tarnished companion. 

It's getting harder and harder to keep this promise. 

She watches from afar as Raine fights an unexpected halberd knight. She almost yelps when the long tip of a halberd stabs their stomach. Mere moments later it's already over, and Raine limps across the room, on the verge of dozing off. Fuck it. They clearly need help, and Melina cannot withstand it anymore. 

She gets to Raine  just in time, when all strength abandons them. Breaking invisibility, Melina catches Raine under the arms and gasps in surprise at how light they are. Regardless, if they won’t get help, they won’t last long. On the other hand, if left in a prominent place, Raine is going to get caught. Is she starting to panic?

Okay, a small spell won’t hurt. Taking Raine by one hand, she reaches down; the golden glow ignites their torso, mending skin and stopping blood. She could go further, but halberd would prevent the complete healing. 

Suddenly Melina hears a fuzz from the front. Sounds like a chase. Quick, she can't be seen. She sits Raine's fainted body by the wall, making sure it is obscured from the front by some boxes. 

The moment Melina conceals herself, a tall man in a big hat rounds the corner; he's panting. At full speed he hops behind the pile of boxes and hides from chasers. 

Only after the patrol misses them, the man turns to unconscious Raine. 

"Hm, and you. You don't look good. Let me take you somewhere safe." He doesn't sound surprised at all. 

Melina finally relaxes. Looks like her Tarnished is in good hands. She watches silently as the other tarnished picks up Raine and follows them to the secure room a few paces away. 

————

"Melina," Raine says with relief. "Could you stop jump-scaring me? My heart is not made out of steel."

The smirk on Melina’s face vanishes. "Oh, Raine! I’m sorry if it scared you. I just couldn’t resist." She shrugs innocently.

"Where have you been, my lady? In your absence I had a close call, your help would've been so welcome."

"Forgive me, I was…" Melina decides not to tell the truth. "I had other matters to attend to." Raine looks surprised. "I promise it won't happen again. Not in your fight with Godrick, for sure." 

Their face relax and they smile. "Glad to hear this, my lady. Could you help me with turning runes into strength?" 

"Yes, you need it more than ever. But not here." She begins moving towards the upper section of the inner courtyard, waving with her hand. "Follow me." 

They stop in the secluded section of the castle wall, one that separates Godrick's keep from the rest of the castle. 

Melina turns her face to Raine, expression serious. "Are you sure you're ready to face Godrick himself? He may be the weakest demigod, but he still is one. The great rune gives him extraordinary strength: he strikes hard, his wounds heals fast. Are you ready for this?" 

Raine sighs, not matching the woman's gaze. Instead of an answer they reach out their hand to Melina, who has no choice but to take it and glimpse inside. 

Oh. 

She feels it now. The power, fueled by the raw determination in her friend. She hasn't seen it before, not to that extent. Where did it come from? 

"How did you?... What happened?" She takes their chin, lifting it to look them in the eyes; her expression worried. 

Raine smiles faintly. "I don't want to worry you, my lady. But just like you, I have my secrets to keep. I must defeat Godrick, that's just it. And I need your help." 

Melina frowns but doesn't say anything. She won't get involved directly, but maybe a bit of healing aid won't hurt.

"Alright," she sighs. "Shall I turn your runes to strength? Let my hand rest upon you, for but a moment…" 

————

The yard before the throne hall is filled with gravestones — signs of Stormveil's long history. The castle lives not by the present, but in the state of gazing into the past; as if trying to understand what made it so glorious before, and, perhaps, recreate that glory.

Godrick sits near one of the larger gravestones, seemingly in prayer; his unnatural silhouette covered up by the cloak. 

" Great Godfrey, lend me thy strength. 

To be the true and rightful heir. 

Our land's grown old, now ashen and cold.

But look up, the Erdtree glows! " 

He stirs up noticing movement behind, and rises. 

"Who dares to come when I didn't order?" Godrick turns his massive body. " A Tarnished ?" He hisses. 

"I stand here to challenge you, Godrick." 

"Well-well, playing as a lord. I can order my guards to end thee." The cape falls off his shoulders, revealing a myriad of arms, grafted to the demigod's body. "But I shall teach thee lowly Tarnished a lesson for your kind." 

Raine performs a reverential bow and readies themself for a fight. They're not in the mood for the words.

The Godrick doesn't wait for an opportunity and leaps on Raine with an axe swing. His body is big enough to block any attempts to get around, and this allows Gordick to be aggressive in combat. 

But Raine choses another strategy: they hop away, creating distance, and start to circle around Godrick.

He tries to leap on them again, but this time Tarnished positions themselves just outside axe's reach and then uses the whole length of zweihander to poke on Godrick's right arm. 

Godrick roars and curses, rubbing the hand. The hit wasn't substantial, but it struck his ego. 

They both begin pacing around each other, making rare swings or thrusts. A few times Godrick tries to rush down an opponent, but Raine is faster, swifter and escapes from any pressure. They use their giant sword almost like a huge pike, thrusting from a safe distance. Fighting like this is a torture, so it becomes a test of endurance and patience.

After another punished approach Godrick growls and turns the axe into his bloodied hand, stopping and closing his eyes. Raine frowns and changes the direction of their feet. For a moment nothing happens, demigod's still. But suddenly he swings an axe around, creating visible wind currents all around him. 

Stormcalling. 

With another few swings the demigod launches two blasts of wind toward Raine. They roll the first one, but the second blast gets them, yanking their body between powerful air currents. Raine falls on the stomach with a hiss, long hair coming untucked and laying a mess over their head. Fuck . They're lucky to have their sword still nearby, but before they can take the hair away Godrick is already upon them. He swings down at them, and they barely roll from the swing only to get caught by another swing. It catches Raine's side, leaving a cut. 

Finally they recuperate and block the next swing. This parry gives them just enough time to get from under Godrick and take a proper stance. Again they're at a distance, but the wound renders strategy of running away from attacks nigh impossible. 

And Godrick knows it. 

He leaps for the last time, countless arms ready to catch and stop any resistance. Big axe covers all space in front of the demigod, leaving no chance to escape. But Raine doesn't try to escape. Instead they hop forward, sliding between Godrick's legs. The axe catches only their hair, cutting off long locks. Demigod turns and strikes behind himself, with no luck. In front, nothing again. He spins around, trying to find the opponent. Eventually he turns to Tarnished, who's unexpectedly close. Their unarmed hands are extended forward, directed right to the demigod. He scoffs and raises the axe to strike… 

But never gets to do that. The colossal sword floats before Raine's hands and becomes a giant spinwheel. It shreds everything in front of Raine, cutting through Godrick's arms and torso, legs and head. It spins so fast it's no longer distinguishable in the trail of magic and sprays of blood . 

A few moments later it's over. Raine stands before the demigod's brutalized body, coated in crimson. That was… a useful trick.

They lean over and grab a small thing from Godrick's chest —  miniature brooch, radiating a faint spirit. They fold it in their pocket. 

Melina appears behind Raine as they walk faintly away from the demigod's body, helping them sit on the floor in the throne room. 

"Thank stars you're alive." Melina breathes out the words more emotionally than she would expect. "Let me help with these wounds." 

Raine laughs and rests their head against the wall. While Melina works on their wounds, coating skin around them in golden light, Raine reaches out to their belt and takes a dagger. With another hand they gather uneven hair in tuft and make a quick cut. 

Chapter Text

They take a stop in the ruins near the shore of Liurnia's central lake. The twilight's fog is thick, impenetrable by any celestial light. It's impossible to see a tree five feet away, let alone go anywhere now. And that makes their shelter feel so much more precious. 

Looking from the inside, it's like there's nothing outside the ruins: the church's semi-collapsed walls and barely standing arches of the ceiling are illuminated by warm colors of the fire, and it contrasts with milky fog coming in from windows and wall gaps. 

Three companions are gathered around the fire, tired from the day of traveling. Raine munches on a piece of jerky, looking nowhere in particular. Melina sits with her legs up to her chin and pokes embers and ashes with a stick; her hood is off, letting fire light her face. A few feet away lies Torrent. 

Torrent is the first to sense it — he startles his ears forward, almost like a dog, turning his head to the entrance. Raine notices this and puts their meal aside, taking a waterskin. Melina is deep in her thoughts and doesn't notice any change until a smooth voice pulls her from it. 

"Greetings, Tarnished. May I have a word?" A woman enters the church, emerging from the fog. 

Tarnished eyes her closely — for the first time they can see the Witch in such bright light. They nod and gesture to her to take a seat by the fire.

She accepts the invitation, making her way to the stump of a collapsed pillar to sit. The Torrent loudly sniffs her dress when she passes by. 

"Forgive mine intrusion, Tarnished. I thought I shall speak directly to thee. I believe I said my name was Renna. Let it be that, for now." The Witch is looking directly at Raine, either not seeing or choosing to ignore Melina. "I came to invite thee. To enter my service." She curls her lips. 

"If thou havest doubts of this world's order, we shall get along." The Witch continues. "To find me you must travel north of…" 

"...I know who you are…" A cautious voice interrupts the Witch. She straightens her back and sighs. 

"And why do thou think thou know me?" She asks in an annoyed tone, turning to Melina, who looks back with a frown on her face.

As a few moments pass in tension, the two are staring at each other. Melina's face shifts to a more conciliatory expression, but the Witch's reaction is more unexpected: her eyes widen, her anger is replaced with confusion.

"I must admit, I am rather… thrilled to speak with someone pronounced dead." Melina says instead of answering the question. 

"I wonder too," after a pause the Witch replies quietly. "How could I talk to someone lost in time." 

" Ranni… " 

" M-Melina… " Her voice breaks. 

Both women lower their eyes, averting each other's gazes. The Witch pulls her hat down, covering her face. The air feels thick, as if the milky fog became a jelly and drowned the whole church. The silence lasts near eternity. 

Eventually the little fire goes out, dimming the light and painting everything in cold hues. Torrent is fast asleep and Raine looks tired of the encounter, drowsy. 

Of the pair Witch is the one to move first, shaking her thoughts off with a sigh. She stands and turns to Raine, speaking in an uneven tone: "Farewell, then. Mayhaps, we shall meet again. Seek answers, Tarnished. Travel north of Raya Lucaria Academy to find the Caria Manor." 

She turns back to Melina, eyes still not looking at the woman. "'Till we meet again." She keeps her mouth open to perhaps say something else, but decides to say nothing more.

With the short nod she disappears swiftly, leaving Raine and Melina alone in the dark of a night.

————

The following days are all rainy, not letting travelers' clothes dry out even for a day. They move along the lake's shore until high cliffs force them to set a path through the lake. 

It is unlike any lake Raine have seen before: the lake's depth changes dramatically, from shallow water with grassy floor to deep basins. It makes traversing the waters quite a dangerous task: a few times Torrent almost falls in the unseen void, and one time Raine loses their balance and falls into the water, surfacing a few feets away. 

By the fall of night they still haven't found any suitable place for the rest. It's getting progressively more dangerous to try going forward, so the possibility of spending the night knee-deep in water seems to be real. 

Melina materializes beside Raine, placing a hand on their shoulder. 

"Look." She points somewhere, where a faint light shines through the trees. "Let's get there. I'll show the way." 

Getting closer reveals the light to be a small lantern placed on the reels of a gazebo. Under it stands a sign pointing to along the edge of a forest. ' Crabs&Prawns Inn ' it reads. 

They find the inn well past midnight; the solitary building stands on the elevated part of a small island. Raine goes to knock on the door. Waiting, they turn to Melina but she's already vanished. 

"Who's there?" An innkeeper opens a door, asking in a deep hoarse voice. She looks down at Raine. "You need a bed? Meal? We have it." 

"Yes, I'd very much like to." They shiver.

"Come in." 

She takes Tarnished through an empty dining room, down some hallways and finally to a small door. 

"How many guests do you have now?" Raine asks as they hand a pouch with runes to the woman. 

"Not as much as i'd like, but few people are here." The Innkeeper grins. "If you need anything, ask the boy behind the counter." 

Raine bows to her and closes the door. They can't think much before falling asleep almost fully clothed. 

… 

The luxury of the Inn is a novelty on Raine's journey; one of such novelties is having a nutrient breakfast first thing in the morning. Munching on a warm oatmeal they wonder if this is a reality of living in a place like a village or town. Perhaps one day … 

The dining room has just a few people in, having a meal too. Behind the counter sits the Innkeeper, chatting with some guest. Raine approaches her to ask about the place. 

"G'morning, dear lady. I haven't seen you before." She raises her hand in a friendly gesture. "First time in Liurnia?" 

Raine bows with their hand. "Good morning, though I'm not a lady." They eye her keenly. "It is indeed my first time here. I wanted to ask for directions on crossing this… lake." 

"A tricky land indeed." The woman laughs. "Hence why this Inn stands now — you are not the only one to get lost in Liurnia of the Lakes. Moreover, you were lucky to find us in the middle of the night and not drown in some basin." 

"Perhaps I am indeed lucky. What a unique landscape! Pray tell, why is it like this?" 

"Liurnia sinks, drowning in this lake." Innkeeper smile gets bitter, her tone not as cheerful as before. "A hundred years ago there wasn't one lake; it was hundreds of small ones. But the land's been settling and sinking, down and down. Another hundred years and," she waves her hand. "There won't be any trees, any landbridges, anything. Only the Academy will stand." She pauses. 

Raine is listening to the woman very closely, looking at her full eyes. She licks her lips, clearly deep in thoughts. 

"Some say it's all mages' fault." She says in a lower tone. "I think it doesn't matter who's fault it is; mages still have to help this land." 

"This is quite the region, I see." Raine's eyes are filled with amusement. 

"Aye." The Innkeeper puffs her chest. "No matter what happens with Liurnia, I will live here; 'till my death." Her voice is all pride. 

Raine ends up chatting with the keeper a little more than they thought they would. When they leave the Inn with a newly acquired map of the region and some dried meat, the day is already in it's rise, luckily rainless. 

… 

The signs can only lead them so far, and soon Raine starts following the map they’ve bought at the Inn. It makes crossing the lake much easier and faster — before the sunset they're able to get to the sunken quarters near the Academy. 

It would be a great place to set up a camp for the night, but the quarters are filled with strange folks — they patrol in groups, wielding some scrap weapons. But the weirdest is how they look — pale skin, short body, and a bloated head with frog-like eyes. Raine is able to first observe them from afar, saving them time and effort from the potential battle.

Luckily with more stable ground Torrent is able to traverse the terrain easily, taking Raine away from this terrifying town, getting to a safe space for the night. 

… 

They spread out their limbs on the grass and let out a tired sigh. For once the weather is nice: clouds give some gaps for the clear sky, and rays of setting sun slip to light the trees and dance on the lake surface. 

The tiny island Raine chose to stay on for the night has a large tree to make a camp under, so they start a fire. 

This time Melina manages to not scare Raine with her appearance. She grew accustomed to spending evenings with her companion like this, just sitting by the fire together. Raine enjoys Melina's company as well. 

They sit like this for quite a while, scarcely chatting, but mostly just in silence. 

"I suppose I can't not ask it by now: how do you know this Witch?" Raine leans closer to Melina, their head cupped by their hands. 

Melina sighs and doesn't answer for a moment. "'Tis hard to explain. I myself don't know the full picture. But she… is a demigod, princess of Caria. And her name, Ranni ." The woman buries her face in her hands, shaking her head with a fragile laugh. 

"You knew each other before… what had happened to these lands?" Raine asks carefully. 

"We did. But it was what feels like a life ago. I'm glad she has invited you. It is your journey, but i… would be grateful if you visit Caria Manor." Her smile eases. "It would be hard to explain to her what had happened to me. To explain the reason that I yet live, burned and bodiless." 

"I don't have anything more important to do in Liurnia, so we'll head to the manor straight, my lady." They give Melina an assured look. 

"Don't you wish to visit Roundtable Hold?" Melina asks after a minute of looking at the darkening sky. "The Two Fingers will happily give you an audience now that you have defeated Godrick and acquired the Great Rune." 

"Hm," Raine ponders. "I suppose you're right. I also have a few people to visit in the Hold. But the Fingers could wait." They stand up to unroll their bed, getting ready for sleep. 

————

In a few days they manage to get across Liurnia lake to the west coast of it. Moving on land is times faster so the rest of the trip goes smoothly. 

"What is that?" Raine asks themselves out loud, stopping Torrent in the middle of the road. They listen closely to the sound that is not usually expected in the wilderness. Is that a song ? It is, and a beautiful one at that. 

They direct Torrent off the road, following the sound. Getting closer they dismount and blow a whistle to make the steed disappear; then crouch. 

When they're close enough to stand up and go straight to the rocks from which the song is coming, a gentle hand on their shoulder keeps them hidden. 

"I would advise you to not go there, my friend." Melina's voice is cautious. She looks at the turned Raine with a frown. 

"Do you know what this is?" Raine involuntarily whispers. "Who sings it?" 

"The broken and defeated, betrayed by the order of this land. You'll see them soon." 

They move left to reveal the scene that is utterly astonishing: on the large formation of rocks sit giant bats, more than a dozen. They all are arranged in the order, turned, to the center rock; there sits another bat, but it distinctly differs from the others, headdress on it resembling a crown. And it sings.

Now as they stopped, the lyrics of this primordial song can be heard. 

" O locus ille,

Beatus quondam nunc deminuit.

Nos destinatae matribus,

Nunc fiunt turpes. "

Raine doesn't say anything, mesmerized by the lyrics in the unknown language. They turn to Melina, asking with only eyes. 

"What a sad song it is. A song of sorrow, grief, but of hope too…" Her whisper aches. 

" Ploravimus lacrimavimusque,

Sed nemo nos consolatur.

Aureum cui irascebaris? " 

Melina gasps. "But this… is confusion? And…condemnation." 

She returns the look to Raine. "They know of this world… something, we don't. And they ask for the resolution." 

The stars this night shine brightly upon the Lands Between; asking the questions no one dares to answer. 

Chapter Text

Among all residents of the Carian Manor, Princess Ranni is by far the hardest person to meet spontaneously: she spends most of the time in her Rise, reading and re-reading scrolls and books, leaving countless notes on every piece of paper in her reach. Papers and crystals occupy most surfaces in the tower, hanging from shelves and covering chairs and tables — scrolls lay even on the floor itself. This form of organized mess is precious, Ranni can't let anything disrupt it: this is why she prohibited any servants from cleaning the tower, set magic barrier at the entrance, and casted spell around the tower to prevent any wind or rain from affecting it — Ranni shivers at the memory of a strong wind that once cost her years of research.

In the midst of the work she loses track of days and nights, not interacting with anyone for weeks. It's good the doll body allows her to do this, to bury her mind in something more beautiful than the present. And the present is… 

Today she has few meetings to attend to, so Ranni leaves her Rise to take a walk down the hill, through the royal moongazing grounds inside the manor. The first meeting is with the castelain, to verify the plan of ration supply for all the manor staff (Ranni is very grateful that the role of a princess doesn't oblige her with the burden of manor-keeping). Next to Seluvis, who asked her attention to supervise his own research — not that Ranni likes it. 

Third — and the only meeting Ranni convened herself — is in her tower, with Blaidd and war counselor Iji. Both are already sitting in spectral form, waiting for her. 

"Well be with ye, my friends." Ranni greets them, entering the chamber, and makes herself comfortable in the chair. "First of all, any news?" Her voice is strict. 

"Aye," Blaidd nods in return. "My searches in Limgrave — and under Limgrave — have some advancements. Though, it's nothing you haven't foreseen, my lady." 

"Speakest thy discoveries." Ranni's expression softens.

"It's not just my own work. I received help from a sorceress, Seluvis gave me a recommendation for her. She confirmed your suppositions with her own research."

Ranni cocks an eyebrow. "Thou worked with Seluvis? I thought thou couldst not stand him." 

"I helped with that, my lady." Iji raises his head. "I asked Seluvis and luckily he agreed to cooperate." 

"And the Witch is…?" 

Both Ranni's companions shift in their places nervously. She notices this and smiles. "Don't worry, my friends. I couldn't care less for the graven school practitioners. Not now. Blaidd, what were thou saying?" 

"Right." The knight clears his throat. "The gravitational forces are strongly pronounced on the borders of Caelid, likely even stronger if you go east. As for underground searches, I've gone through and through every corner of the lower ancient forest. There is a portal leading higher, though not high enough to reach the city of Nokron. Maybe it will come in handy when we'll have already reached the eternal city."

"'Tis a good news, thou hast done a fine job, Blaidd." Ranni tips her head in appreciation. She pauses for a moment, waiting for any other news. Getting nothing, she continues. "Now, my friends, I have an announcement myself."

The Witch's eyes shine with excitement as she announces: "I might've found a Tarnished, that will help my scheme. They are already strong, having defeated Godrick. And," she punctuates this with her tone, "They have been chosen by Torrent." 

" The Torrent?" Iji's unseen face clearly fills with surprise. 

Blaidd nods in understanding "I hope they are indeed to be trusted."

Iji continues. "Does that Tarnished have any news about lady Renna?"

"They don't. But there’s someone else with them who does." Ranni’s bliss falls off for a moment. "A person from her expedition. They shall come to the manor somewhen soon."

The silence follows these words, as her friends take the news. It has been quite some time since the manor saw guests, let alone princess’ guests.

"'Tis important news, my lady." Iji is the first to break the silence, speaking considerately. "Should this Tarnished pass my post, I will guide them to the manor."

Ranni lightens up, giving the old troll a smile. "Thank thee. Perhaps thou too shall pay us a visit? 'Twas a long time since thou broke thy exile."

————

The following days Ranni finds herself increasingly more and more distracted: the worry of her invitation being ignored — or even refused — slips into her thoughts more than she ever expected. Why would she even worry about such thing? She's the Witch Ranni, she doesn't need help that much. It is silly, unproductive, it is just…

But it doesn’t stop flashbacks of recent events (and even much older ones) from occurring in her head again and again. Why does this happen? One time she even catches herself recalling how many days have passed since her giving an invitation — when was the last time she counted days, a few hundred years ago?

… 

Today's raining so Ranni has no intention of leaving her tower, even though her research has been stagnant for a few days already. So it surprises her even more to feel the disturbance of the entrance barrier — a sign of someone clearly asking to enter the Rise. 

Coming down to open she finds none other than Seluvis, looking indifferent as always. 

"My lady, I came to inform you." He lightly bows, his gaze devoid of emotions. "Guests will soon come to the manor." 

"Oh… Thank thee, Seluvis." Ranni wasn't expecting the old sorcerer of all people to care for the news. 

She swiftly makes her way down the manor, not minding the rain — one of the benefits of a porcelain body. Servants and knights alike are peeking out at her — 'tis not a common occurrence to see princess walking in the rain by herself. 

"Guillaume, guests are coming; please make sure two rooms are prepared." She doesn't stop to talk with castelain who too got out of the building to see what happened. 

"My lady! Thou haven't informed us of such news…" They're forced to catch up to her, and old castelain doesn't hide their frustration.

"Are these rooms in the south wing still usable?"

"Y-yes."

"Then please ask Albert to put them in order." She stops and turns to the castelain, her eyes soften. "I'm sorry, Guillaume. I know we're not used to having guests anymore, I should've told thee. I forgot."

Guillaume mutters something about all the troubles their job brings, but Ranni knows they're not mad anymore. 

Continuing her descent through the manor, Ranni eventually makes her way to the main gate, and it seems she doesn't need to wait for anyone: near the staples stands two figures. The larger one is a well-known old troll, who a few people already surrounded with greetings and questions. He's busy answering all that until he notices Ranni and an unseen smile fills his face, hidden under a mirror helmet. 

The second figure gets much less attention, and it seems they're content with it. They brush horned steed's mane, focused only on it. They don't see Ranni coming and almost jump when she speaks. 

"Well, it seems thou'rt a good traveler if thou made it through Liurnia." Her lips curl in a playful smile. The Tarnished turns to her and returns a faint smile. 

"It was an adventure to be honest, my lady. Are- Can I stay somewhere in the manor?" They look up at all the people gathered to welcome them.

"'Tis out of the question. Thou shall occupy a separate guest room, with all the comfort manor could provide." Ranni' s expression is absolute. "And what about thine companion?"

"I am here." Melina materializes in a golden dust, hesitant to show herself to people. 

"Good." Ranni turns around and starts walking inward the manor, gesturing to them to follow. 

… 

As the guests settle in their rooms, servants begin to prepare dinner, at which Ranni intends to make an appearance. With the moon casting its rays through the narrow windows, the dining hall is quickly filling with manor's residents and staff.

Shared feasts like this is a long carian tradition, meant to bond people and erase ranks and disparities. 

With the princess herself at the feast, everyone eventually goes quiet waiting for a meal. With the flick of fingers Ranni gives a signal and servants begin to bring the food to the tables. 

————

It's good seeing people so cheerful for a change, but Ranni excuses herself to leave a loud hall of the manor. She is not the one to enjoy big company, not now.

The night sky is cloudless — a rare occurrence — Ranni thinks walking across the reflecting pool. Now there's someone she wants to see now. 

She finds her on the balcony of the tower, sitting on the edge with legs hanging down. "May I join thee?" 

"Yes." The woman doesn't turn to Ranni's voice. She's looking at the night sky. Ranni joins her, carefully holding to the railing stand. Both women don't look at each other, and Ranni feels uncomfortable with the silence.

"I..." Melina starts. 

"It is..." Ranni tries at the same time. 

For a second they look astonished, but soon both are giggling. 

"'Tis an odd place to find myself in right now. Certainly not the one I would expect." Ranni says, wiping a nonexistent tear from her cheek. 

"And where did you expect to find yourself now?" Melina asks, irony in her voice. 

"Let me think," Ranni theatrically ponders. "For starters, I didn't see myself stuck on one problem for a century. And I certainly didn't want to be the only Carian royal to greet guests." 

Melina bends in laughter from her performance. 

"An odd place indeed then." 

The two go quiet again, but the silence no longer feels awkward. 

"I wanted to apologize to thee, for my initial treatment." Ranni says gingerly. "I would've liked to embrace an old friend from the beginning." 

"If you recall it was I who treated you with suspicion first." Melina laughs faintly, and Ranni suddenly understands how much she missed this laughter. 

"I think it's no wonder we both were suspicious: this age sadly requires such alertness." She continues. "Though now I can't bring myself to think of it, I'm just... grateful to find you."

Melina's voice trembles. She turns her gaze to the sky. "The moon is beautiful tonight, isn't it?"

"'Tis the same every night." Ranni dismisses her with a laugh. "Though tonight's sky is exceptionally clear." 

Melina squints her eye at the stars. "Is that The Great Tree constellation? What house is it in?" 

"Thou didn't learn to read stars, leave thine attempts." 

"Why don't you enlighten me, then?" 

"'Twould be a pleasure," Ranni puffs up, "First, there are three Tree constellations: The Great Tree, The Lesser Tree - more known as The Sprout, and The Erdtree. Thou were pointing at The Erdtree constellation, but this is a common mistake because after lord Radagon joined queen Marika The Erdtree shifted to replace The Great Tree from the culminate of the sky."

She glances at the other woman and their gazes meet: Melina listens closely, her eye staring at the woman, and Ranni is grateful her cheeks can't blush. 

"Second - and more important - positions and houses of stars are meaningless now and can't be read to learn anything useful. The stars stopped in their places long ago." 

"Is it normal?" 

"As normal as one man's ego." Ranni scoffs. "But today is not the day for this." 

"I see. I'm glad to have such a talented teacher" Melina's playful reverence makes Ranni forget all the bad thoughts about stars and fate, just let this woman-

No, she shouldn't think like that.  

They sit quietly for a while, admiring the beautiful veil of night. Ranni feels at peace, though it is somewhat undercut by this strange… hunger? 

"I didn't dare to dream of having a time like this," the woman's voice intercepts her thoughts and she turns her head, just to discover the gold of the eye staring into her. A rather unexpected sight, but not unpleasant at all. 

"To see you again… as if nothing happened." Melina whispers in her face that just a hand-breadth apart. Ranni wants to say something but the words are utterly stuck in her throat. 

Instead she reaches over the woman's face, stroking the single tear with the back of her hand. "If anything… I'd dream of never having to see thy tears." 

Melina smiles faintly and pulls away — an act to which Ranni finds herself internally protesting — and Oh kisses her hand stained by the tear. 

Ranni lets her hand be taken by the woman, cautious to not break the moment. Years of her life had passed without anything like this, and she already accepted this fate, her fate . Her path is ought to lay in the forbidden, never to be seen. 

Yet now, she can't help but wonder if there's another way. 

Melina's sigh breaks the silence; the woman shifts in her place. 

"I hope we will have more time now." She rises to her feet. "It is already late now, everyone is tired." 

Ranni lets out an inaudible sigh. "Ye shall go to rest then." Some part of her wishes for the woman not to leave at all, there's still so much to talk about, to think about. But she's right, all this is overwhelming to her as well. "I hope to see thee later, my friend."

Melina gives a small nod and departs with a smile. As soon as she leaves, a sudden wave of feelings and thoughts sweeps away all that was left of Ranni today. She lowers her head, breathing quickly with her useless lungs. She tries to focus her eyes on anything, but her surroundings sway in haze, and Ranni can feel her heart pounding, despite not having a heart. Oh, stars- 

She closes her eyes, feeling the storm of emotions. What is happening? Why is she like this now? No, she can sense it now. All these feelings tell her about—

A clear thought cuts off everything.

I talked to her again.

Chapter Text

Among the lush vegetation of the royal garden, sounds of mirth can be heard; and it is no usual sight for the Moonlight Plateau. A few kids — all with burning red hair — run around trees and gazebo with joy and laughter. The tallest kid futilely tries to catch the other two, clearly not keeping up. Eventually he stops in the middle of an alley, stamping his feet in frustration.

"Renna, they are at it again!" He walks towards the bench under the large beechtree, where the older sibling sits, deep in her book.

"You know they won’t do anything with your toy. Just sit here and wait for mother to come." She says calmly, not lifting her eyes from the book. "Why did it even start?"

"I- It’s a long story." The kid stammers. 

"Children, come here!" A gentle voice echoes through the garden, coming from the unusually tall woman carrying a basket with fruits. She stops in the gazebo, waiting for everyone to gather. The tallest kid comes to her first, pleading with his eyes.

"Mother! R-Ranni took my pony again, tell them!"

"Oh, Radahn." The woman’s gaze is serious. "You can always talk about this with her. Do you know why she did that?" 

"Because! He keeps calling me the old name." A girl yells as she hops onto the railing of the gazebo. "Tell him!!"

The older daughter quietly slips inside the pavilion and reopens her book. 

Their mother’s face turns strict, she puts her hands on her hips. "Children. This is not the first time something like this happened." Her gaze drills both kids. "You need to learn how to solve conflicts. Radahn, what should you do to make peace with your sister?"

"I- I- I won’t call her that name again." His eyes drop to the ground.

"Ranni?" The mother turns to the girl.

"He said this already in the past! I won’t steal his horse if he doesn't call me that. And he doesn’t even look me in the eyes!"

"Radahn." The mother sternly looks at her son. "You need to use people’s actual names." The boy nods, still looking at his shoes. "Would you please apologize to your sister?"

"I’m sorry I called you that… Ranni." Radahn says after a pause, his face red. "I shouldn’t do that."

"Apology accepted." mutters Ranni, still frowning. "I know you didn’t do it on purpose. But it’s still offensive."

The woman lowers to her son, gently lifting his face with her hand. "Radahn, please, look at people when you speak to them. Even if you’re ashamed and it's hard." Her voice beams with tranquility and softness.

"Yes, mother." There are tears in his voice. "Ranni, can you please give me my pony back?" He finally looks girl in the eyes. 

She pouts her lips and lifts her head high. "I’m still offended." Though her voice is less angry now.

"Ranni." The older sister suddenly speaks to her. "Can you please give me Radahn’s plush?"

Ranni’s face beams and she hops off the railing, taking a seat next to her sister. "Of course!" She willingly gives the plush to Renna, leaning to her side. Renna passes the toy to her mother who hands it to Radahn.

"Lenny!" The boy squishes the pony with such joy, it makes his mother smile and breathe a sigh of relief. She joins her daughters, taking a seat in the gazebo.

"Oh, I almost forgot. Renna, Ranni, our ceremonial dresses are already done. Ye shall try them on later. I hope you like it."

The younger girl smiles, eyes on her sister. "My first formal dress." She whispers in excitement. Renna returns a reassuring look.

"Don't worry Ranni." The older sister murmurs. "I will be with you no matter what." 

…

"-Lady Ranni?"

Ranni opens her eyes at the muffled voice from behind the door, only to find herself laying on the table, face flat against an open heavy old book. Has she fallen asleep?  

"My lady! Is everything alright?" 

It strikes her that the day has already come. How did it happen?  

"Yes, everything is fine." She's quick to sit straight and get her act together. Has she not closed the entrance? 

The servant behind the door pauses, then adds. "Your guest, mlle Raine, asked you to join them for breakfast." 

"I will meet them in person on the matter. Thou canst go." She says it colder than she would want, still in haze from the dream. How long has it been since she had a dream? 

It's pleasantly foggy when Ranni comes out of her tower. The morning without wind or sun feels nice, and it helps her recover some semblance of internal grace on her walk to the manor. Approaching the back gate Ranni is met by a young servant, who leads her to one of the smaller dining rooms. 

Entering the room Ranni frowns at the sight of a luxuriously laid table. "What is this for?" She feels annoyed. 

"MMonsieur G-Guillaume instructed us to set a table for the royal guests, your highness." 

"No one has asked for such—" Ranni snaps. "Ugh. Tell my guests I will not sit here. Set a different table in a more private environment." Why does it have to be so awkward? Doesn't matter, she has nothing to do here. Maybe a walk could—

As Ranni turns to leave the room, she unexpectedly stumbles on Raine, who's just entering. Being much shorter and lighter, the princess catches their right side and trips; falling forward she instinctively squints eyes.

"Ah! "

Ranni braces herself for the impact, but there isn't any; instead she feels something… soft?

Opening her eyes, the first thing Ranni sees is a worried face of Melina; the woman holds her light frame with both hands, Ranni's head close to her chest. Still processing what happened, Ranni stands back on her legs, wobbling a bit. 

"By the moon, Melina… M-My apologies." Her voice feels small. 

"It's nothing, you're—" The woman protests, only to stumble on her words; her hand is still wrapped tightly around Ranni's waist, their bodies close.  

"Oh-" Ranni awkwardly steps back, shooting her gaze to the side. Melina's face paints in a deep red color (and Ranni is thankful she's incapable of blushing). The two servants and Raine observing the whole scene doesn't make it better. 

"I… if thou excuse me—" Muffling words, Ranni quickly flees the room. 

No-no-no-no-no why like that!?  She doesn't want to even think of what Melina must think of her. The only thing she wants now is hide. Ugh.

Though, now that she thinks of it... and there is a spot for that. It's but a childish way of dealing with that, but maybe... maybe that's exactly what she needs now.

Only after reaching a secluded section of the royal garden Ranni can feel safe. This place is the last in a series of her hiding spots, and this one hasn't been discovered by castelain in almost fifty years. Sitting on a wooden bench, Ranni closes her eyes, trying to relax. Her cape and hat provide warmness, helping drift her mind away from current worries… 

… 

Little girl, dressed in a student gown, slips into a rector's office. In the opposite corner of the room, behind the table, a very tall woman sits, deep into the scroll in her hands. Rennala, rector of the Academy and queen of the region, usually doesn't like to be interrupted during her work. Uncertain if her presence is known, the girl knocks on a door from the inner side. 

"Not now." The woman doesn't even lift her eyes from the reading, voice stern. 

"Actually, I'm already here, mother." The girl takes a few steps forward with a sheepish smile.

"Oh, Ranni! I was waiting for thee." The woman puts the scroll aside. "Shall we begin?" 

The girl nods, coming closer to stand in front of the massive desk. Rennala stands up and leaves the table, coming to face the girl. 

Taking her glintstone staff, she begins tracing an intricate pattern in the air, forming a glowing circle with lines and curves inside it. Once finished, the circle begins to glow brighter and brighter, ready to burst with energy. In the last moment, the queen points the tip of her staff through the pattern onto the girl, channeling a visibly major amount of magic into the girl's body. She yelps from the sensation of a myriad of streams going through her, but stands in place, facing the whole of it. 

After all the blue light is gone, the room goes quiet; the girl is panting. 

"How are your sensations? Anything new? Did you feel any pain?" The woman's voice reveals concern for her daughter. 

Ranni pauses, thinking about body sensations. "I think it's good, though of course it feels… unusual."  She touches her sternum. "I feel some pain in… in the chest, on… on the sides" Toward the end of the sentence her voice becomes quiet, freckled face going red. 

"Oh, that. That is perfectly normal, especially for your age." Rennala takes a step forward, coming closer to Ranni. "Your body changes." She takes the girl's chin, gently lifting her face to look her in the eyes. "Are you content with this?" 

"A- Absolutely, of course!" 

"That's what matters the most." Rennala smiles. Her daughter grins in return.

"What did that capital's delegation need? You sent them away." Ranni's eyes spark with curiosity. 

Rennala laughs "Nothing can escape your perception, it seems. Actually, they were here because of you." 

"Me?" 

The queen sighs. Suddenly she lowers herself, bringing herself at almost the same level as her daughter. "Ranni. It might not be easy news to take but knowing you, I better say it outright." Her voice is serious. 

The girl nods with a gulp. 

"The Greater Will has chosen you, to bear the title of Empyrean." Catching a wide stare from Ranni, Rennala puts her hands on the girl's shoulders. 

"It came as a… surprise to me, so I sent them back, for us to be more prepared for this." Looking at her daughter, Rennala to her surprise sees an understanding look on the girl's face; though it is not without shock and fear. 

"For you to be chosen, 'tis a great honor from the Greater Will. It is also a burden, but fear not: I will never leave you alone against it. You are but a child, and I will never let anything bad happen to you." 

Kind words of her mother makes Ranni tightly embrace her her, putting small arms around Rennala's tall frame. "I will be strong, mother. I won't let you down." The girl murmurs, burying her face in mother's robes. 

Rennala pats her head, smiling softly. 

"Now-now, you are safe. Ranni, oh Ranni. My dear daughter…"

… 

"My lady… are you well?" Soft, even soothing voice of Raine brings her out of her thoughts. Ranni startles from the sudden voice, and by the moon, has she again drifted into memories? This is starting to be concerning. 

She opens her eyes to find that the day has already gone its way to the end, bringing darker hues to the sky, painting surroundings blue. It seems like a little rain came and went as Ranni finds the bench covered in droplets of water. 

"Ah. How did thou find me?" She manages to pull herself together. Luckily it's not any of the servants.

"I- er… My intuition helped, plus Melina mentioned the royal garden." Good. Ranni feels relieved, though the mentioning of Raine's companion makes her remember today's incident, and the anxiety rises up again.

"Sit." She simply points to the bench beside, a barely noticeable swell slipping into her voice. Raine complies, gracefully sliding on. For a moment there is silence.

"I understand our arrival may be a stressful experience." Raine begins again, their voice cautious. "But I sensed you first need to talk to me without interception, so i sought you myself." 

Ranni feels the urge to just protest everything said, but something in Raine's tone, the carefulness of their words stops her. "The truth is thine." She sighs. 

Cautiously assessing her words, Raine continues. "While I came here to enter your service, it would be a lie to say I did it only for myself." They pick up a fallen leaf and twirl it in their hand. "Still, I believe it is better you tell me what you want from my service." 

"Very well." Something pinches inside of her, the distant fear of consequences. Ranni rejects this fear. She has to take this risk. "Let me introduce myself once again. I am the witch Ranni. I stole Death long ago, in search of the way to upend this order — the whole of it. The dark path now lay ahead, and I am to tread it. I seek help from a true warrior, like thee." 

Ranni's words leave emptiness in the place they speak. For some time Raine ponders on the words said, taking them in. 

"What role do you wish me to fulfill?"

At the question, Ranni can't help a sigh. explaining this is difficult. She decides to approach from an angle, "This world is in dire need of repair." The witch says solemnly, gazing towards the darkening sky. "For where it stands now, the only one to bring change to this land…" Raine feels the chill of her eyes on them, "— is of thine kind."

A gust of wind caresses trees in the garden, causing droplets of water to fall on the pair. Ranni's hand flinches from a sudden sensation of a drop. Taking a breath, she continues. "There are many others, who hold visions of the change this world needs. I do not wish to argue with them, though I have a strong belief in mine desired future." She folds her four hands into a gesture of ponder, her eyes meeting Raine's. "The future where gods shalt be kept far from the earth beneath our feet. As it is now, life, and souls, and order are bound tightly together, but I would have them at great remove."

Even longer silence takes over the garden now. Raine coughs, clearly in search for words to answer the witch. After a moment of thinking they simply say: "For now, I'm at your service, my lady." Ranni's grateful her sigh of relief is imperceptible. 

"'Tis settled then." She gives Tarnished a nod of appreciation. "Just know, thou canst always ask me of mine beliefs, if thou wishest to." Ranni notices an itchy tone to her voice; opening up so explicitly definitely feels vulnerable and strange. Still, she hasn't forgotten her own curiosity. "And what reason dost thou have to follow me?"

Raine stares at her with wide eyes; surely they should've expected this question? "My reasons are… rooted in the future, not in the past." They say eventually, straining words. The phrase sounds like a riddle. Ranni tilts her head in curiosity. 

Raine sighs, "Forgive me, I don't know how to explain this." They speak in a lower tone now. "I suppose one thing I can say clearly: I'm not fond of this land's order and I seek to change it." 

"Well, thou'rt quite enigmatic." Ranni smirks. "Thou shall keep a secret, it's more intriguing that way. Though…" Her smile eases. "I can see thine answer is honest. I appreciate it." The witch nods gently. Raine expression clears up too; The atmosphere feels much more relaxed now.

The night is already in its reign; the moon shines its light upon the manor, and Ranni gets up to leave the garden.

"Say, Tarnished…" She stops with back already facing Raine. Her voice has changed, suddenly hesitant. "Could thou please tell Melina something?"

"S- Sure. What is it?"

"Tell her… I'm sorry."

Raine chuckles. "I'm afraid I can't do that."

"Why?" Ranni frowns, turning back to them.

"Because you are the only one who can say this to her."

Ranni's heart pangs, and she can feel her face contorting by sorrow; she's quick to hide it behind the hat, inclining her head. "I… I don't know if she wants to hear me say this. Not after everything…" 

"Ranni." It's unexpected to hear Raine calling her by name. She looks them in the eyes, clear like a sky. "In all the time spent with Melina, I never saw her eye shine as brightly as it did when she talked about you. Please believe me: she would like to talk to you."

Ranni's heart skips a bit, her response stuck in a useless throat. The moon shines its light brightly upon the manor. 

————

With all arrangements in the manor complete, Raine finally has time to do personal activities. Their guest room has a small table which is perfect for what they want; Raine opens a thick-leathered notebook, searching through pages to find the right one. Pages are filled with notes with occasional sketches, there are even a few diagrams — all about journeys of the Tarnished. Finding the desired page, they take a charcoal-like pencil and start writing. 

"I never saw you write." Melina as always appears out of nowhere. She looks over their shoulder, eye full of curiosity. "What is this language?"

"One from my land of birth." They don't even look up, being already used to her way of entering conversations. "'Tis one of the few things from there I can recall now."

Melina pauses, making a thoughtful face. "Say, Raine. Have you been born of a mother?" 

Raine turns to the woman. "I suppose yes. Does that question have a variable answer?" 

"It does." She delicately smiles, but her eyes portray some incomprehensible sadness. "I wasn't born of a mother, nor of a father." 

Raine raises their eyebrows. "I see." They choose not to ask or comment on it further. "By the way, I'm planning to go to the Roundtable Hold tomorrow morning." 

"Oh! Good to hear." 

Raine looks her in the eye, standing up from the desk. "My lady, please tell me: is it really that bad?" 

"I haven't been there myself, but" Melina sighs, "You shouldn't lower your guard. There are still good people there, just…" 

"Two Fingers?" They catch her thought. The woman gives them a nod in return. 

The pair goes quiet, standing in their thoughts as the room is lit by the moonlight. 

"Have you talked to her?" Melina asks quietly. 

"Indeed I have." Raine smiles at the memory. 

"Is she... alright?" 

"Oh, Yes! I'm pretty sure she would want to talk to you." A silent chuckle leaves their mouth. An imperceptible heat rises to Melina's cheeks.

"It's been some time since I helped you forge strength from runes." She quickly changes the subject. "Do you wish to do it now?" Raine nods. 

"Let us begin then. Give me your hand, for but a moment." 

With Raine's hand in hers, Melina begins reciting a prayer. The ancient words curl, twisting and changing the reality itself. A pleasant haze fills Raine's; they're able to catch only a fragments of maiden's whisper:

Soul of the lost, withdrawn from its vessel.

Let strength be granted so the world might be mended,

so the world might be mended. 

Chapter Text

Judging by the first impression, the Roundtable Hold is a mixed bug: on one hand the majestic interior gives off a very warm and welcoming vibe; statues of knights and saints along the walls and luxurious wooden decor all make up a place where one would be glad to live. On the other hand — the first person Raine saw was a self-proclaimed hold's leader, Gideon Ofnir, and, despite all the welcoming words he said, despite the little guided tour he offered, Raine still feels something is off about the man.

"Right, miss Raine. If you want more information about demigods you can ask me later - I reside in the room on the left. We both desire to stand before the Elden Ring, and become Elden Lord. As such, I hope we are compelled to work together." Gideon's tone resembles one of a teacher, and Raine can't help but feel annoyed with it. 

"Becoming an Elden Lord is not only a matter of persistence, but of determination too. What beliefs fuel your determination?"  Raine eyes him; they don't want to be scooped by the man's presumptions. "There are many ways a potential Lord can change the order of this world." 

"Oh, that is a… it's–" The keen question makes Gideon fumble over his words, and he quickly changes the subject. "This is a very important question, no doubt. I am– wholly agree with its significance. But please allow me to put it aside for now." — Raine chuckles — "Given your success with Godrick I'm sure you would like to know about other demigods and shardbearers." 

Raine nods without much excitement and lets the man carry on with his lecture. 

Finally getting free from Gideon, they have a much better time checking out different rooms in the hold. The occupants are ranging from creepy to lovely, all tucked in different corners and rooms. And luckily there are familiar faces. 

"T-tarnished!" A young woman hesitantly springs to her feet, small voice filled with excitement. 

"Roderika! I'm glad you got to safety." Raine smiles, curiously looking at the large rag with various trinkets and vials, no doubt all devices for channeling magic. 

"I am very lucky to stay in this place. And I now have a toil!" Her smile is simple yet full of delight; it warms Raine's heart greatly. "When I first arrived I was… overwhelmed by this place; I, after all, possess no strength common to our kind. But master Hewg, he helped me. Just like you did… I am forever in your debt." She bows enthusiastically. 

Listening to her, Raine can't help grinning — such is the energy Roderika emits. Though this happiness cuts short when they remember the news they brought. 

"Roderika, can we sit down?" They take her by the hand and guide the woman to sit on the floor. She feels something amiss and her excitement fades, an unasked question appearing in her eyes. 

After making sure they both are in a comfortable position, Raine hesitantly says. "When we last saw each other you asked me a favor. And I did what you wished, but–" They reach out into their pocket and bring an item clutched in their fist. "It was too late." Roderika starts to tremble. She lets them take her hand and accept the item they give her.

A brass brooch falls onto a girl's open palm. She closes her hand, squeezing the brooch tightly; Raine can see faint spirits coming from the thing.

"It's incredible, isn't it?" Her voice is quiet, almost soundless. "Things so little convey emotions that can tear down our entire world. And– I was always told that I have control, over my feelings, over the world around. That i… I am the one to do things. But I'm just a leaf… and I'm being carried across the sky of my life by the tempest of fate." Roderika presses her hand with brooch to her chest. She is speechless, even when tears start running down her cheeks, dripping from her chin, swelling her pressed shut eyes. Raine can only carefully move closer to her, holding her trembling shoulders, helping her go through this storm of emotions. 

Even grumpy Hewg stops smithing, silently glancing over the pair from his corner.

…

Eventually Roderika's tears lessen, her sobs give way to heavy sighs and her breath evens out. "Thank you, for this…" The girl's voice still trembles, but the way she squeezes Raine when embracing makes them less worried about her state. 

They leave her be now, as there are other matters to attend to in the Hold. And they come unexpected: making their way to the merchant, Raine hears another well-known voice, one that makes them drop other thoughts and seek its owner. 

Rogier sits tucked in the corner, legs draped by a blanket. He smiles oh-so brightly, raising his hands for the embrace. Raine rushes to him, accepting an embrace; the two share it for a long moment. 

Breaking the hug, Raine takes a proper look at their friend and frowns. "Gods, what happened to you?" 

"Oh, it's nothing to talk about." Sorcerer tries to shrug it off, but the drilling gaze makes him elaborate. "You see, I was actually very successful in my research in Godrick's castle. But er- It seems like some disease took me while I was down below. My legs are in a bad state, rendering me unable to further my research." He sighs, "But enough about me! I've heard you've defeated Godrick himself! I've never doubted you will, you are a true warrior, friend." Raine feels heat rise up in their cheeks.

"Err– thank you. Can i help?" They look up in Rogier's eyes. "With research I mean." 

"Oh, don't bother. I believe your quest is of greater importance."

"The path of mine quest is for me to decide." Raine doesn't insist, but there is a light press in their words. "From what I've heard from you, this research is of concern for people of this world. I think it is a thing worth doing."

Rogier's laughter is like a gust of wind, "I suppose you're right. I can share with you my findings then." Raine nods and they both shift to make themselves more comfortable for the talk. 

"I already told you about those who live in death, haven't I? These are ones who got afflicted with deathblight that spread after the death of the first demigod — Godwyn. His death — or, rather — murder is the very subject of my research. You see, this event turned the whole kingdom upside down! It is widely agreed among scholars that Godwyn's death led to the Shattering." Rogier clears his throat.

The last word catches Raine's attention: from various people they heard in passing mentions of the Shattering — never anything specific, as if it happened long ago. "May I ask when that was happening?" They decide to ask. 

Rogier stares at them for a moment with eyes wide open. "I… don't think I can say exactly. But it was a long long time ago." His expression turns thoughtful.

"When the Elden Ring was shattered this land was plunged into chaos." Rogier says it slowly, weighing each word. "With the disappearance of Queen Marika no rule was left, and the great war began. Countless Demigods fell and the peace was no more." Raine holds their breath. "This was the Shattering." Rogier continues. 

"Before Godwyn no demigod knew death, it was impossible by the very order of this world. That is the catch though. We know nothing about who killed Godwyn, and who orchestrated the night of Black Knives. But that can soon change." Rogier grins, taking something in his hands. Raine raises eyebrows.

"I've recently come to the possession of the map leading to the black knifeprint; an evidence of the conspiracy. As you can see I'm in no state to go there." He chuckles. "But maybe, if you can get to the place and seize this relic…" 

Raine takes the map — a worn out piece of paper — in their hands. "Oh, this is in Liurnia. Not a long way to go." They smile at Rogier, "Looks like something I could do right away. Especially–" wait , should they tell Rogier about Ranni? Probably not now .

Raine doesn't get to finish their thoughts: Rogier hugs them so tight they forget how to breathe — maybe from suffocation, maybe from excitement. 

————

Melina doesn't mind the quick trip so Raine quickly packs their belongings needed for a few days of journey. Ranni is nowhere to be seen and they depart rather abruptly, leaving only a small note to the albinauric servant. 

The north of the Great Lake is far safer to cross as shallow waters splash under Torrent's hooves; Raine reaches the east coast in just a few hours and in a good mood. Taking a quick break to eat prepared lunch from the manor, they welcome Melina with a coy smile when she appears. 

"It was getting lonely without you." 

"Seems like you are getting more sociable." Melina smirks. 

"Maybe? Perhaps the manor has an effect on me. Or maybe mediating you and the Princess has brought my social skills back." Raine teases off-handedly. 

"Oh, stop it." The woman pouts, turning away to hide her blush. Raine giggles and returns to munching on the delicious tuna sandwich. 

Finished with the lunch and ready to go, Raine summons Torrent and mounts him. The moment before they pull the reins, they suddenly feel a light pull on their sleeve. Looking down they see Melina, gingerly standing beside the steed. 

"I wanted to ask… Is it okay if I will ride with you?" 

"Of course, my lady." Raine gives the woman a hand to help climb on Torrent's back. "But may I ask: why would you want to ride with me now?" They ask slightly confused. 

"Oh, I just… felt I don't experience this world as much as you do. I would like to change it."

"How have you experienced this world before?" They can't hold back curiosity, giving Torrent a sign to return to the road. 

Melina sighs. "There was a time, better than now…" 

… 

Four figures climb up a woodland hill, following a steep path among the conifer trees. First — and with a considerable lead — goes an impressively tall woman in a scholar robe, her red-colored mane fluttering from a visibly angry walking. 

"I'm worried about all this." The rose-haired girl sighs, stepping over the large tree-root. "Placing such a responsibility– " She pants from picking up such fast pace . "–over her is a lot of pressure." 

"The truth – is thine, Melina." Her companion replies between heavy breaths.

"Why is she – ugh – running so fast?" 

 "She used– to do this since she was little. Ooohh– Let's take a break." Both women stop to catch their breath; Melina leans her hand on a tree. 

"Do you want me to catch up with her and tell her to wait for us?" Half-wolf with a truly colossal sword behind his back walks up to resting women; He is not tired at all, strong body tempered by constant training. 

"Thou know'st nothing will stop her now. Let her be." 

"The truth is yours, lady Renna…" The knight shrugs, looking around. "At least our departure from the Academy still goes unnoticed; or so it seems." 

Although the three are still resting, Melina seems to make up her mind, resuming ascent up the hill. "I'll go to her." Her words are mushed from panting. 

"Lady Melina, let me – " Blaidd starts to go after her, but he is stopped by Renna's hand. 

… 

"May i – join you?" 

A familiar, jugged by heavy breaths voice stirs the woman; Ranni is sitting on the natural stone parapet of the hill, overlooking the whole central Liurnia. 

"You know you don't have to ask." She sits with her eyes closed, face turned to the horizon. She doesn't need to see whose voice it is for she knows. Without opening her eyes she gestures at the place beside her, inviting the other woman to sit. 

But instead, soft hands wrap her from behind, the weight of the other woman's body whetting her senses. 

Melina takes a deep breath, burying into burning hair, closing her arms, enclosing the woman beneath her. 

"You smell… like spruce needles." Ranni's voice is on the edge of a whisper. 

"Mhmm – You like it?" 

"They're my favorite trees. And you're my favorite…" She interrupts the sentence by putting her lips on Melina's elbow, taking a pause like this. " – Scent." Ranni finishes with a deep exhale. 

"I'm glad." Melina buries herself further, in the crook of the woman's neck; teasingly stroking soft skin with her nose. Ranni reacts with a tightened grip on her hands, delightful . 

They sit like this for a few quiet moments. 

"If you want to run away next time, can you please choose a place less remote?" She doesn't want Ranni to feel scolded, so she squeezes her hand reassuringly. 

"I – It feels foolish, running away like a child. I'm sorry." Ranni's voice drops. 

"Oh, please don't be sorry. You – All this is just a lot for you to bear."

Ranni lets out an exhausted sigh, eyes shut; she doesn't answer for a while, but when she does — "I know I just have to make peace with it," — she can't hide tears in her voice. "I should accept the order of things, start fulfilling my role, as an empyrean, as a princess, as a wom–" The words break, sobs forming in her throat. "It's just– it's just so– unfair." 

Melina doesn't respond verbally, but she makes a small — barely noticeable — nod into Ranni's neck, caressing her sides with gentle hands; encouraging her to continue. 

"Stars, I don't want anything now, I just – I just wish everything would stop. The whole world is spinning around and – and everyone has their place, and they know what to do, and I don't. I want it to stop. It's too much ." She can't hold tears anymore, words failing her.

Melina moves herself around Ranni, taking her into a caring embrace, putting the woman's head on her bosom; feeling tears wetting her dress. 

"It really is too much." She assures, caressing fluffy red hair. "I'm sorry it is so hard, It's hard to see you keeping all this weight. But you are not alone. Your sister, and your mother, and Blaidd, and me – " She feels Ranni pressing more into her embrace, "We all want to be here for you. We will help you." 

In the gloomy air around them there is nothing left, but pure emotions; hurt and care, hope and love, sorrow and desire. 

… 

"We should be at our destination before the sunset" Raine's voice brings Melina back to the present. 

"Oh… Good to hear, I wouldn't like to stay here for long." She thinks of all the memories linked to this plateau. "There's a church on top of that hill, it should be a safe space if the night gets us."

The climb up from the eastern coast of Liurnia's lake is a tricky route, but with a map and Rogier's directions travelers are quick on their way. Through hills and forests, they leave ruins of an ancient palace to the side, following a path along the cliffs with sea tide roaring far below. By the time they reach a narrow gorge leading to the catacombs' entrance, the eve has long taken its reign. 

"Melina, can I ask you something?" Raine says without looking. The woman nods in their hair. "How much do you know about the Shattering?" 

"Not much." Melina admits after a pause. "I heard about the war and I've seen the way it scorched the land. But I know little about the cause of it." 

"Oh, really? I expected you to know." 

Melina sighs "I hope she will help me with this. But maybe it's been too long. We can ask when we'll get back." Raine nods with hesitance, saying nothing else.

The thick frame of wooden doors are neigh indistinguishable amidst gray rocks and gravestones. With light from a hand-lantern Raine enters the dim hallway of the tomb. Turning back they realize they are alone now — Melina wouldn't follow her friend to such a dangerous place. Not yet.  

Room after room, hallway after hallway, the dark of the catacombs greets Raine, submerges them as they go further and deeper. At first the solitude of the tomb doesn't bother them, their senses loosening up from the darkness and silence. But it doesn't last long. 

Raine starts to hear things. 

A faint flicks at first. Then little drops of water somewhere. A bit after that what seems to be small scratches . A gust of wind. Some rocks crumble. And, finally, whispers . 

Raine tries not to pay attention to all of this, moving on to their destination. It works for a bit, but not when they start to hear what the whispers are saying. 

(Tree) ( The Tree ) (Roots) (Tree) (Need) 

They feel the words inside their head, 

(Tree) (Hear) ( Tree ) (The Tree) (Live) 

Trying to grapple at their mind,  

(The Tree) ( Give ) (Soul) (Return) (Roots) 

And the halls start to feel smaller and smaller. 

( Need ) (Tree) (Return) ( Soul ) (The Roots)

They realize now where they came

(Tree) (The Tree) (Tree) (Need) (The Roots)

It's not just a tomb. 

( Return ) (Roots) (Hear) (Live) (The Tree) 

As voices start to notice them, 

( Take ) (Tree) (Death) (Roots) (Return) 

Raine feels their anger, their lust , 

(Tree) ( The Roots ) (Death) (Roots) (Tree) 

Their fear of never getting outside, 

(Need) ( Hear ) (Tree) (Roots) ( Live )

Unheard voices echo across the empty hallways, 

(Need) (The Tree) (Death) (The Tree) 

Telling Raine that this is a sanctum . 

( Deep ) (Tree) (Return) (The Tree) 

And they are an intruder . 

The light from the lantern feels more and more faint and Raine speeds up their search in the catacombs. Their movement grows frantic and their focus plummets, so they completely miss a faint noise from behind. 

The rusted curved sword slices at their left shoulder, catching them completely off-guard. Raine yelps from the scare and leaps back, putting their lantern above their head to see the enemy. The greasy, covered in dirt skeleton comes into light, its scimitar and shield glinting with rust. 

At this point they're not even surprised by the existence of skeletons. Raine draws their dagger just in time to parry an overhead swing; it comes with a surprising force for something that used to be a pile of bones just a moments ago. 

Raine counters, slashing the skeleton across the ribs — oh, of course it does almost nothing to the creature . The skeleton doesn't even try to evade an attack, simply continuing to march forward. It swings again, and Raine has no problem parrying the second attack. Now, instead of a dagger they simply kick the skeleton in the body. And it works much better — the creature falls back, scattering across the floor. 

That's more like it.  

Their delight however doesn't last long: the bones start to pull back together, and soon the skeleton is getting up again. Crap . As if that wasn't enough, Raine hears startle from behind and turns to see another two skeletons strolling their way; one has a bow and already starts aiming it. 

Fuck. This is bad. They need to think quickly. And they don't like these things at all. Are they fast? Probably not. Okay. 

The simple plan forms in Raine's head. Turning to the two skeletons, they pick up speed and just sprint past them (kicking the bow out of the skeleton's hands). This is risky since they don't know the way, but it is much better than being trapped in three-on-one. 

Raine's path is much more erratic now. Rooms feel smaller and smaller, endless corridors blending into one. When they stop to take a breath and check on their pursuit they don't hear the chase anymore. Thank gods .

Calmed down a bit, Raine now notices how intertwined all the chambers are — seems like the catacombs have a maze-like structure. Maybe they could find some sort of a main hallway? Putting the lantern high above their head, Raine continues their search. 

… 

They decide they're done with this another chamber when out of nowhere the corner wall just… disappears? Huh? The hard stench of old dust hits Raine's nostrils, causing them to sneeze; the sound of it echoes across the empty halls. But this hidden way… it looks exactly like something they're searching for. 

The narrow corridor opens up into a large chamber, somewhat resembling a chapel. Rows of benches and alcoves on the walls somehow seem even more abandoned than everything they've seen in the catacombs so far. 

Surprisingly, the light of their lantern is not the only thing to illuminate the room: on the half-round altar near the far wall a basin stangs, emitting a dim, flickering glow. Something pulls Raine closer to the altar; a shallow water of a blue tint coats the basin, drawing in, tempting to touch … 

A sharp sound startles them, making them look away to find its source. Another pile of bones collapsed onto itself, another skeleton ? But this one doesn't seem to move. Moreover, it appears to still be in its armor, as if the intruder–

Raine lowers themselves to take a closer look when they notice the corpse clenching something in their hand, something glowing too.

They take the skeletal hand to see the item it's holding — some sort of mark, a thin mold with unrecognizable letters written in it. Raine reaches their hand to take it and snaps it back with a hiss because the item burns their skin, it burns painfully hot even through the glove. 

This must be it. The knifeprint. 

Taking a piece of clothing from the corpse' armor they carefully wrap the mold in it — thankfully it doesn't burn through the cloth. Raine doesn't linger after that, quickly leaving the suffocating room. 

… 

The night doesn't care for their worries, but Raine still feels greeted by its calming wind and dim light. They make a haste fire and get their bedroll out. They feel so tired now. 

When Melina shows up to check at them they're already half-asleep so the woman's worried expression and tone eludes their attention. They hazily tell her about their finding and show her the knifeprint. 

Only when she yelps from astonishment, Raine opens their eyes to meet Melina's frightened eye, to see her hands tremble, to hear her voice angered. 

" I will kill this fucking Witch !" 

Chapter Text

"Once again, thank ye for coming today to the manor." Renna claps her hands, drawing attention back to herself. Gathering of the people in the parlor goes quiet, all turning to the woman in the middle of the room.

The sorceress clears her throat. "Dear guests! The House of Caria welcometh ye within the walls of our manor. Allow us to treat ye with hospitality you deserve!" Murmur of acknowledgement echoes the woman's words. 

"I apologize for the lack of details in the invitations, sadly we have to take precautions due to the subject of mine project. The subject being —" she makes a pause for the emphasis, "origin of The Erdtree and The Greater Will." 

With full attention on her, Renna continues: "It might not be the common knowledge today, but the reign on the Erdtree wasn't always holding our lands. Even before the Crusible, before the Greattree — there was a time when no tree was seen across the sky. Today the Greater Will wants us to believe in the eternal rule of Queen Marika, but witnesses of the age before still live.

For years now I have been studying stars and other celestial bodies that hold many secrets; one of which is the secret of the Elden Star. Yes, a Star! Descended on this land eons ago, back when titans ruled the world, the Elden Star came bearing runes of the new god. Runes of order and chaos; heat and cold; light and dark; and, of course, life and death ." 

Silently slipping in the room and making her way to Renna, a young woman hands her a thick leather book. 

"Ah, thank thee." She takes the book and turns back to everyone. "Speaking of life and death: allow me to introduce my apprentice, Melina." At the mention of this name agitated whispers arise. "She hath a very special connection to the Erdtree, one we cannot yet fully understand. And for years she remained here in secret, under the care of Caria family." 

Multiple voices start arguing about the abrupt news. The cabinet grows noisy. The girl shifts uncomfortably under the unexpected attention of guests. Renna taps on the book impatiently

"Doth the Queen know?" Finally, one of the scholars from Leyndell inquires.

"Is everything our Queen knoweth Golden Order also knoweth?" Renna answers in a firm voice, silencing guests. Taking a pause to make sure attention is back on her, she proceeds.

"Let it be known now, dear guests, for I speak of this plainly. I seek knowledge that is forbidden and this cometh with danger. 'Tis not safe . If thou don't want to take part, thou canst leave." With sudden harshness in it, the sorceress' gaze pierces through the audience. 

Immediately several people stand up and start leaving, first among them a towering man with red mane.

Renna clasps her hand, impassive smile returning to her expression just as fast as it disappeared. "Very well. I'm glad we have this out of the way. Because now I can finally talk about the deeds. While I haven't yet conducted any field research, libraries of Raya Lucaria have provided me with a considerable amount of knowledge about the age of the giants. Many of thee hast likely heard this, even if just in passing, in description of the war with the giants. Yes, praeses Vitus?" 

"If my help can be of some use," A scrawny man says, vigorously articulating as he speaks. "I have seen scripts on this very topic in the Queen's library."

The sorceress' smile becomes a little wider as she bows her head to the man. "'Tis a pleasure to have thee with us, praeses. Such help would be invaluable. I would also welcome thy presence in–"

Her ramble is cut short by Melina whispering something into her ear. Renna does a double take and straightens her back.

She murmurs. "Right, thank thee, dear. Apologies, dear guests! I got carried away. Doth anyone else have any other questions?"

"I do." A tall woman stands up to make herself visible. Her demeanor seems impassive. "My brother wanted to know if thine conception is worth suspending his study."

"It seemeth thine attentiveness is as keen as always, Malenia." Renna's lips curl up. "Fret not. I shall visit Miquella soon myself. We have much to argue."

The woman nods and lowers herself down.

"I take it there's not much more to introduce. Very well. Melina, please givest our guests communication crystals." The last part is added in a lower tone and Melina picks up on it, swiftly walking away.

"One last thing to consider, to think over." Renna gives guests a piercing look. "In the beginning of her reign, when Queen Marika stepped inside of the Erdtree — what words hath she spoke? What promises she gave and what wishes hath admitted? When her eyes fell upon the Ring — which laws she conjured?" 

————

"Mmmmmmmm" Ranni growls and massages her temples, eyes pressed shut. Her table, at which she's sitting, is unusually empty; only the massive old book lays open in front of the witch. 

"By the bloody moon!" Her patience runs thin and she sharply raises from her seat, only to start pacing circles across the room.

Evidently, Ranni's attempts to remember and write down the exact time period passed since the Shattering are futile. Of course, Guillaume probably has records that could help her; but Ranni doesn't want to go with this matter to them. 

Letting a tired sigh, she goes back to table and starts counting again: ten years to this, twenty four after, plus another thirteen, plus eight years without Moongrum, then fourty eight years, and another six years, and after that also…

Drawing a thick line under calculation Ranni starts checking if everything is right. Eventually, when it's all over, she writes down the number of seven hundred sixty eight years …

Oh… 

How could this much time have passed? It feels like only a few decades ago did the battle of Caelid happen. And she could still recall every moment of Renna's departure. Well, that could be because Melina was there . Oh–

A sudden weakness takes over her body, Ranni has to lean on her table to not collapse as the room sways in her eyes. Stars . It has been quite a while since her last slumber, maybe-

Her hand slips on the torn off piece of paper and her mind wanders off; to the young servant passing the message from her Tarnished about their departure for some business, to the unusual feeling of sadness Ranni felt from the news. She might be embarrassed to admit it, but she wasn't herself since that chat with Melina, and she can't wait to talk more. 

Unexpected fuss outside of the cabinet interrupts her thoughts. "Yes?" She acknowledges the noise. 

The albinauric servant — the same who passed Raine's note — carefully peeks through the half-open door. "Your highness, your guest came back and wanted to–" 

"Carian Princess Ranni you absolute idiot!!!! " Before the woman can finish she is pushed away by Melina who throws the door open without any care. Her breath is heavy, her eye 's aflame from under fire-like hair and stars she looks so beautiful but–

"You say you despise gods but you are nothing better, acting like an immortal fool!" 

"Melina, i– is something amiss? Did something happen?"

"I'll tell you what happened! Some stupid Witch decided she can defy the safety of the whole world and tried an experiment no one dared to conduct! She thought she can play with her life and with the nature of this accursed fucking order ! And she was so full of herself she didn't tell anyone else !!!" 

"Oh…" Ranni doesn't know what to say. Melina's fury seems to start calming down but she still pants, drilling the woman in front of her with a sharp gaze. 

"H-how did thou find out?" Ranni tries to make it up. "And why haven't you asked–" 

"I went to do an errand for a friend." Raine gently chimes in to explain the situation. "This was related to the night of the Black Knives and I went to find… evidence of the events that happened. Melina saw it and, well–" They gesture around to explain the rest. The albinauric girl — what was her name? — cautiously peeks over Raine's shoulder. 

Nonetheless Ranni feels relieved by Tarnished's help — right until she glances back to see Melina's gaze and realizes she still has to answer something. She sighs and closes her eyes for a moment to compose herself.

"Indeed, I stole a fragment of the Rune of Death. I forged the godslaying knives through a fearsome rite. I did it all." She puts on a grim smile, looking at Melina. "And I don't regret doing this, not at all. That world was in dying need of repair." And so was I — she adds to herself. 

"Ranni, you–" Melina shakes her head in disbelief, "As if you don't understand–" She sighs. "And here I thought I could talk to you again." The last words make Ranni feel a touch of guilt, making her want to protest. But Melina doesn't allow it, simply storming out of the room. 

There is an awkward silence and Ranni feels stupid . She shouldn't have said anything like this, she wanted to say very different things. When will she be able to– 

Raine's gentle voice interrupts Ranni's thoughts and she looks up. "My Lady, can I still ask you to look at my finding? I can use your help." They look amused more than anything. The girl behind them seems to be regretting every life decision that led her to being here right now. 

"Sure." 

Raine brings a small item wrapped in cloth. Even before they unwrap it Ranni feels like she can guess what's inside and she's right: a painfully familiar knifeprint lies in cloth, translucent ritual substance still glinting on its edge. 

She sighs. "Yes, I know this thing. 'Tis a component of a blasphemous ritual I did long ago. Everything I said to Melina is true." Saying this feels frustrating. After all, she did those rites precisely because she wanted to never talk about what happened. But maybe it was foolish to hope she would never have to face consequences. 

"I see. Thank you, my lady." Raine bows and starts making their way to the exit. "Oh, right!" At the last moment their turn back. Their expression brightens, "We should've had breakfast together but it sadly didn't happen. Can I ask your highness to join me for dinner today? I've seen a cozy grove just outside the manor." Their smile feigns innocence. 

Ranni ponders. The Tarnished still is an enigma for her: their motives, their past. Taking herself out of the manor sure is unusual, but the informal dinner should be fun. Besides, she really owes Raine a companionship, and given how close they are with Melina… Yes, this one is a dealbreaker. 

"To think about it, I haven't seen nature for quite some time." She smiles back at them, straightening her posture to look more elegant. "I shall accept thine invitation." 

Raine gives a courtesy and exits, taking the servant by the arm; she squeals, surprised by this gesture. Ranni can hear the start of their conversation fading in:

"Sorry, what's your name?" 

"C-corinne…" 

"Corinne, can I ask you a favor? You see, my cooking skills are quite lackluster, if only you can help me a bit with–" Raine's odd way of taking initiative makes Ranni giggle.

Such a rush of events, she thinks. 

The stars are already visible in the sky when they meet at the stables. Raine helps her climb Torrent and settle on it sideways. The steed snorts contentedly when Ranni rustles its mane. 

"Hi. It's been a while, my dear." Ranni whispers discreetly so Raine doesn't hear her. 

Raine saddles up behind her, holding the reins, while Ranni takes a basket with cookout on her lap. And like this, they're out of the manor gates. 

The place for the picnic is indeed lovely — an airy clearing among the woodlands of beeches and pines. The night dew is already settled on the blades of grass, reflecting dim starlight in myriads of tiny spangles.

Simple and unassuming in manner, Raine talks idly about all sorts of subjects. Soon Ranni finds herself carried away by their conversation which is nothing but pleasant. Her companion appears to be surprisingly versed on different matters, asking questions about magic and stars, noting different peculiarities. 

"–and is a fascinating language here in Liurnia. Particularly pronunciation." Raine takes off Torrent's harness, patting and letting it go to rest. "It's a shame there's no one to record this, even for the sake of preservation." 

Ranni smiles at her companion's enthusiasm. "If only the Academy had a fraction of your attitude, my friend. Maybe it wouldn't be in ruins now." 

Raine settles on a blanket across Ranni and starts getting their dinner out from the basket. "From what I've heard, now it has little influence on the surrounding lands. For how long has it been like that? Because I admit, the Academy intrigues me, and it would've been a wonder to get a chance to visit it." 

"Oh, these buffoons can't keep any information of value," Ranni scoffs, "They will destroy anything real for the sake of empty research." 

"Hmm. Looks like your highness got experience." 

"Hmph, don't even mention it! Carian dignity is the only thing keeping me from–" Ranni stops short when she notices Raine trying to conceal the mischievous smile. If not for the porcelain cheeks, she would've definitely blushed now. "Ah, well- Luckily Mother keepeth the Academy at bay."

She's quick to regain her composure. "Shouldst thou wish to enter its locked gates, ask my help." Still, she caught herself rambling, if only for a brief moment. 'Am I being teased? ' Ranni thinks. This is something new. To keep the conversation up, she asks, "And what research art thou interested in?"

"Ah, it could hardly be called research. More of un enthousiasme." Raine chuckles. "But I am not from these lands, and I'm always curious about different cultures and customs. Now that I think about it, Carian manor is a perfect place to study culture. Huh, sounds like a future..." They trail off about all the details they've noticed in manor's residents.

Ranni finds herself humming and nodding, surprisingly involved in the subject that never interested her before. While they continue talking, she can see the night sky finally clearing from the clouds, revealing southern hemisphere of the starry sky.

And even from the brief look she can see something has changed.

"It seemeth the stars are moving." Ranni hums. 

"Oh! Can you explain, my lady?" Raine beams, pausing at their meal and trying to peer at unfamiliar star patterns. 

"Let me see-" Ranni pauses to look closer. "Hmm. First off, the change is global — the whole cluster of asterism has moved properly. Such motion is not often perceived, but this canth be measured even with simple mechanics." She glances at Raine, who seems like they're paying close attention.

"Next, the movement between stars in the cluster is none, which telleth us this is not a coincidence. Which means," Raine's eyes widen in wonder. "this is an annual change. Otherwise known as the season of summer." Ranni can barely contain a snicker.

"Looks like our princess is in a good mood ."

Ranni freezes in the middle of laughter. 

Raine turns around and smiles. "Melina! I was wondering if you'd come at all."

"Oh, how couldn't I turn down thine offer! Besides, the night is lovely." Melina walks over from Torrent and sits down on the blanket. 

"I must admit, I didn't expect thine company, dear." Ranni only half-turns to Melina. The woman doesn't acknowledge her words. 

They sit in silence for a moment, the only sound is of Raine enjoying their meal. 

Melina is first to break the silence. "So, if the conversation turned to be about celestials, I was wondering." She faces Raine. "What phase of the moon were you born under?"

"Hmm. I… don't think I know it." They tap their chin. "But I might know the one I will die under."

"When then?"

"It would be the second day of waxing crescent." 

Ranni cocks her eyebrows, while Melina snorts. "How is that supposed to work?" She laughs.

Raine ponders. Strangely, they don't seem to be joking. "I don't think I can explain… Only that it's true." 

"Thou art full of riddles, friend. Will thou keep'st this one too?" Ranni chimes. "Though I cannot deny being puzzled. Nonetheless, 'tis possible to read thine fate if–" 

"I'm curious if stars really are moving." Melina interrupts her nonchalantly. "I remember our Princess saying they've been fixed in place for a long time now."

Ranni growls out of frustration and whirls around to glare at the other woman. "Maybe if thou wouldn't interrupt me, thou wouldst have the answer already." She hisses.

Melina faces her, but doesn't meet her gaze. "Pry tell then." Her voice is a little bit softer now. 

"Fine." Ranni pouts, feigning annoyanse. 

But before she could begin, Raine speaks with concern. "Lady Ranni, is there something in your attire?"

Ranni lowers her gaze to see a dimmed pulsing light from her waistband. Puffing amusingly she withdraws a blue crystal and puts it on the ground. "What a time you picked." She murmurs to herself.

After a moment of visual noise a familiar projection of a wolf-knight comes into view. He looks around, humming in wonder.

"Looks like I've interrupted something. Where are you, my lady? I don't recognize this place."

Ranni huffs, already dreading the reaction to her answer. "Ah, Blaidd. A pleasure to see thee. As for thine question — Tarnished invited me to an outing." at the mention of their name Raine shyly waves at Blaidd.

"Now-now, would you look at that." Blaidd regards Raine with a smirk. "I didn't expect lady Ranni to go outside. What have you done to her?"

"Blaidd, don't be asinine." Ranni scowls. This however has no effect on her friend, who only now notices Melina. His smirk grows into a mischievous grin.

"Aye. Now I see the reason." He bursts into laughter. Ranni can see Melina averting her eyes, and it makes her even angrier

"Mind thine business, Blaidd." Ranni hisses, tilting her head to hide beneath the wide brim of her hat. "Is that all why thou contacted me? I was expecting better from you." She has to wait until wolf-knight's laughter dies out, tapping on her elbows dispassionately.

"Apologies, my lady. I do have a reason to use the crystal." His expression turns serious. "The Radahn festival is starting soon. I got a word from Jerren, the festivities have already started and the first round will happen a week from now."

Ranni heaves a sigh, not sure if she's ready for what is to come. "Very well. I have deferred this long enough." She mutters, then look Blaidd straight in the eye. "Ye shall take part in it. My brother hath to be killed." She has known this for some time already. Despite this, the decision doesn't feel right. 

"Aye, you know this. It's for his own good too." Blaidd reassures her. "Trust me, lady Ranni." 

Ranni has a hard time proceeding the conversation so she answers nothing, too deep in her thoughts.

After a few moments Blaidd coughs to break the silence. "Anyways. I'm still in damned Limgrave. I shall wait for our knights on the border to Caelid."

Ranni nods and gestures at Raine. "Not just them. Our friend shall join ye as well. They don't know the details yet, but I will give them the particulars." 

Tarnished perks up, their eyes glinting with curiosity. "My lady. Your wish is my command." They bow their head.

Ranni turns back to Blaidd. "Well done, my friend. Expect my message in less than two days. And," she smiles lightly "I shall thank you properly upon thine arrival. Take care."

As Blaidd bids his farewell, as Raine asks questions about the festival, Ranni can't shake the feeling of unease from the prospect of the fight. If not for her body, she would've confronted Radahn on the battleground herself. But it seems the body demands a break now. How inconvenient . 

Even now, as Melina joins Raine in conversation — sharing bits of information she knows herself — Ranni's head fills with this oh-so familiar fog; her thoughts become cloudy and her focus wavers. Trying to interrupt the process she tries to get on her feet.

It seems that she fails at that.

————

There aren't a lot of people in the library of Raya Lucaria this evening; countless aisles filled with books and scrolls are lit with warm light from chandeliers. It would be a great cozy ambience tonight, but now this usually quiet place is disturbed by yelling of two voices.

"I don't care about some other continents! The order hurts now!!!" A tall young woman shouts at a man two heads taller than her. 

"Don't you understand how complex the order is? It's not that easy!" The man is dressed in fencing clothes, his hair the same burning red as the woman's. There are few people sitting around arguers, all squeezed in their chairs under the weight of an argument. 

"Complexity doesn't equal justice!" The woman's lush hair is all fluffed up from the emotions. "The laws of reality don't need to be manipulated by some outer beings!" 

The man sighs, pinching his nose bridge with fingers. "Ranni. We both studied the laws of this world, you've seen it too. They are built on the greater will itself." 

"You are repeating words! Don't you hear it, Radahn? It's all a vicious cycle! The people suffer, have you heard of the recent Omen outburst? And people just abandon these kids, who die, or worse!" 

Radahn's fists clenched at the mention of Omens. "I do know about it. And about albinorics in Leindel, and about misbegotten people." His face is stoic. "We need to stop the injustice, even when people try to cover it up as a need of order. But this is not a flaw of order, it's a flaw of people." 

Ranni's face reddens "Then why does this order give people power to murder, enslave? See, it's not just people, it's the system." 

"And the system is complex and intertwined. It was built long ago, and it brought this land prosperity! Does your new order know how to do it? Who are you to know the better way, at this young age? Greater Will knows better!" 

" Then why did the greater will give me this fucking body and this fucking title?! " She practically shouts at his face. 

Radahn goes quiet, eyes wide from what has been said. Ranni turns her head away, unable to hold back tears. The pair seem to be stuck in a moment, but from the chair behind Ranni a woman with rose hair rises, quietly taking the princess by hand.

"Shall we go?" She whispers, closing distance with Ranni. She nods without a word, taking the woman's hand with both of her own, leaning in with her head down. 

Radahn flinches from the barely audible whimper. "R- Ranni, i… Melina, I didn't…"

"Not now." The woman firmly places her arm around Ranni's shoulders, guiding her out of the library. 

————

Her face feels hot. The world around feels swirling through her hair, her limbs incomprehensibly limp. Gradually though, the mess of her senses untangles just enough for Ranni to realize that she hears muffled sounds. 

It's a difficult process: trying to come to her senses. But it's familiar enough for her to not panic and give herself a little more time now. 

After her head stops pounding, Ranni concentrates on the sound again. 

"Ranni, Ranni? Can you hear me?" Concerned voice of Melina startles her. 

She opens her eyes to see the night sky obstructed by the face of the other woman. 

"Melina!" Ranni gasps, which turns into coughs from non-existant lungs. "My apologies. I'm fine… I've just fallen deep in thoughts." She blurts out automatically, startled. 

The light touch on her hand is what startles Ranni out of her trance, making her shudder. She turns to meet Melina's gaze, full of concern and something all the more deep. 

"You just fainted suddenly. Are you okay?" 

Oh. So that's what happened. Still feeling dizzy, she lift herself to sit. "'Tis- nothing." She mutters. "Must be nothing out of the ordinary. Just one of the hindrances of this body."

The only thing she can concentrate on is stars, still Ranni tries to look around. "Where are we?"

"We're still in the clearing, Raine went to the manor to get help. Are you sure you are fine?"

"I am. Dost not worry." It's irritating to be in such a vulnerable state, and Ranni is eager to get over this. She should hurry though, to finish all urgent matters. "We shall hasten to my Rise. I'm afraid I don't have much time."

Melina nods understandingly.

"Lady Ranni!!! " First thing greeting them behind the gates of the manor is an albinauric servant; she rushes towards Torrent, crying out Ranni's name. "Your highness!!! Are you hurt? We couldn't reach out to master Seluvis but Mathias went to alarm master Guillaume–" 

There's a small crowd awaiting them at the stables.

Ranni waves her hand to interrupt the girl. "Such a fuss. I'm fine." She mumbles, getting off of Torrent with the help of Raine. She beckons the girl to come closer and addresses her in a lower tone. "Thy name is Corinne, is it?" Servant nods. "I won't meet our castellan. I need thee to pass a few letters. Comest now."

With the help of Raine Ranni makes her way up through Manor terraces and to her tower. It must be pretty late, she thinks as they pass by a foggy hillside.

Entering her chamber, she quickly comes over to the table and starts scribbling notes and instructions: she has a few letters to write, to make sure everything she needs will be carried out while she slumbers. After writing about everything she needed, Ranni stops to think. Hesitating for a second, she ultimately makes a decision and darts to a disheveled cabinet, hastily rummaging through drawers. Where did I leave it… Ah!

Taking a small pendant she puts it inside the envelope; that seems to be the final step in preparation. Ranni breathes a sigh of relief. Now the instructions.

She calls over Corinne, who all this time was waiting outside the room. Giving the young girl all letters, she instructs her with every letter's recipient. Corinne nods eagerly and it makes Ranni smile a little — this girl seems to be reliable and trust-worthy.

"That should be all." She says with no small amount of consolation. 

"My lady, do you need me for anything?" Raine comes forward, clearly having been outside of the room. Behind them, she can see Melina leaning on the doorway. Ranni's cheeks would have definitely flush if they weren't porcelain. So she focuses on answering the Tarnished instead.

"Yes, my friend. If it wasn't clear, allow me to forewarn thee. I shall soon enter my slumber. And it will be some time before I wake. Everything else thou shalt learn through my letter." She smiles at them. "But thou shall open it later." 

Raine takes the envelope from the servant and looks at it expectedly.

A little embarrassed from her own hastiness, Ranni busies herself with papers on her desk, addressing the Tarnished. "I have high hopes for thee. I look forward to the good news when I arise." She hopes she was able to convey the gravity of the situation. 

When she turns around she realizes that Raine and servant– no, Corinne have already left, which means they're alone with Melina now. She catches the other woman's eye, gaze full of contemplation. And then it turns to one of resolve. Melina is going to say something and oh … They have a lot to talk about. 

Ranni feels giddy. She can't let that happen, because it would be too much. She already feels the panic, her mind clouding with thoughts and doubts and regrets, and she would do anything for all it to stop and–

Before Melina can say anything Ranni marches across the room to crush into the other woman, face firmly planted in her bosom, all arms embracing her stature. 

Melina flinches but returns the hug, carefully circling her arms around Ranni's frame. 

And Melina is very warm. It is something Ranni almost forgot can exist, but now, feeling the heat radiating through her entire artificial body, she feels extremely grounded. Ranni can't explain why this makes her relaxed in some unexpected way, but it feels so familiar . This also brings other sensations, blurry memories bubbling in her mind. Melina is still really, really warm.

"I'm sorry for lashing out at you." Soft voice brings her back to the moment. 

Ranni nods into her chest, still embarrassed from the hug and their height difference. Mostly from the height difference. Her previous sense of haste is all gone now and she can feel herself relaxing.

"Do you think it is possible to start all this anew?" Melina says after a pause, then clarifies. "You know, this. Us ." The last word is almost soundless. 

Oh, we can talk about this? Ranni feels relieved. The answer seems obvious. "I don't think I want this to be anew. Even if I wanted to, I don't think I can forget." I wouldn't want to forget about you , Ranni thinks to herself.

Melina hesitates, Ranni can feel that in their proximity. "Then, I would… I hope you can forgive me, at least." 

That makes Ranni pull back to stare at her, dumbfounded. "You think I'm mad at you?" She manages to say eventually.

Melina stares back at her with a light blush, struck by her words. "...You're not mad?" She finally mutters quietly.

Stifling a snort, Ranni stands on her tiptoes. She reaches out to cup Melina's face with her upper pair of hands, pulling her down to steal her lips. 

Melina's lips are all she could remember, and it is so much more. It makes her want to throw away the whole world, her every ambition and scheme, just to taste these sweet, chapped lips. She savors the sensation until they part, amused looks on both faces, not letting go of each other. Ranni feels dreamy. 

"I um– I think I like being shorter." Ranni tries not to let the embarrassment slip in her voice, suddenly self-conscious of the moment. 

Melina chuckles, "Of course you do." She caresses the back of Ranni's hands, making her shudder from unreal tingles on the porcelain skin. From the touch, something breaks inside her. She doesn't want to admit it, can't admit it, but she dreads about breaking this touch, losing it.

"You're going with them, right?" Her own voice feels hoarse.

Melina smiles softly "I'm bound to Torrent, and to Raine now. I can't leave them even if I wanted to. And I want them to succeed." 

Right. This is ought to be done.  

Squinting her eyes, Ranni can't resist the urge to press back in the other woman's body. She knows it can't last, but she can be selfish for a moment, can she ? Her hands grip Melina's tabard faintly, her head giddy.

"Melina, my-" The word stops in her throat. "M-my d-dear friend . Thou will travel south. Thou will help Raine f-fight my brother. And th-" She gulps. Strengthens her voice to finish. "And you will come back. You shall come back. Safe ." 

She tenses herself, bracing for the answer. But none comes. At least not one she expects, not one she fears. But one she wants . 

Soft hand strokes her head. Only now Ranni realizes she's shaking. But the touch is so very, very warm. And she relaxes into it easily, because this time the warmth doesn't feel external.

She can't hold herself anymore. And she lets go. The warm engulfs her, relaxes every last part of her body, of her soul. Her vision blurs, her legs starting to betray her.

This better be a happy dream — Is all Ranni can think before the hazy whirl of comfort takes her, and she disappears. 

Radahn, brother… Envelop thyself with our dream…  

Chapter Text

Her chest burns again.

It would be wrong to call it a pain; most of the time it's more of an itch. The one she can never scratch off, one that always begins in her sternum and spreads like a fire across her chest, consuming limbs and slowly trying to reach her neck until she can't breathe anymore. Melina is pretty sure she will never get used to this sensation, even if it's as common as her emerging in the material world. And it's not like she's against that , so she is more than willing to put up with burning if it means she can communicate with others, experience the world around her, just be. It's hard to call being alive, but it's a blessing, really. 

Melina also finds herself wondering how it is possible for her to even exist in any form now. How she managed to get back to the Lands Between, picked up by the faithful Torrent on one of his spectral passages. As if she has something left to do in her life. Well, of course she has, but how exactly can she do anything while being a disembodied spirit with no means of traveling on her own? That Melina doesn't know.

Yes, not losing her life would've definitely been helpful; it is something Melina felt acutely the first number of times she materialized in physical form after her death. Every time it felt heavy, burning — like being ripped out of the coolness of death back into the agonizing eternity of dying . She still feels like that from time to time, stuck in a never-ending sequence to never reach its limit. 

Though, however trivial it might sound, she got used to it. Maybe the place she occupies is death. But she got things to do, and she can do them while being stuck here. 

Having a Tarnished who tears through various hostile inhabitants of the Lands Between in their quest to become the Elden Lord, carrying Melina to the Erdtree in the process — that might've been her best luck. Especially with someone as kind and open-hearted as Raine.

Unfortunately right now Raine marches in the direction completely opposite of the Erdtree, to Caelid — a place devastated by war and plague. 

And this is not the only reason Melina feels sour. Because now her mission is not the only thing left. There is something, someone waiting for her return, finally ready to talk about the past and about them . And the last-minute separation bitters her mind even further. 

Well, no use crying over a sleeping beauty.

They get moving from the Carian Manor on the third day of Ranni's sleep, a small group of knights and esquires; following an array of orders the princess gave. Melina follows the group somewhat discreetly, not getting herself known to the knights. It's the way she usually deals with other people, even if now it's kind of pointless: everyone knows she's here, she's taking part in the mission . She just doesn't like being seen. Where did that come from?

Only when a cover of the night lay upon the highest trees and stars start to shine, reflecting off many lakes of Liurnia, Melina finds the courage to come out to her friend. 

Raine sits with their elbow propped on a pack of supplies. Flames' shadows dance on their face, muddy green hues of their eyes skimming through the letter in their hand; their brows furrowed. 

After another reread Raine raises their eyes and – to their surprise – meets gazes with Melina, who diligently awaits being noticed. 

"Oh, my," They exclaim softly and smile. Melina returns the small smile, though her furrowed brows betray a hint of worry. "I was starting to worry I wouldn't see you today." Raine continues. 

Melina nods and points her hand to the paper, "Is that Ranni's letter?" 

"It is. Though it's stated here that you're forbidden from reading it." Raine snickers. 

Melina gasps with mock anger. "The audacity! I haven't even asked!" 

"Looks like our lady knows a great deal about you." 

"She probably knows less than she thinks." Melina gibes. 

Raine just smiles and looks at the bonfire. Faint crickets' chirping mixed with fire crackling fills the space. The pair just sits there, both in silence.

"Raine," Melina says eventually. "You should know by now this is a dangerous deed you've involved yourself in. Why'd you do it?"

Her friend hums, thinking of the answer. "You're right, my lady," they say evenly. "I'm worried for us. But I'm also worried for you." They give her a keen look, one full of strange determination. "And I care for you, just as I care for the princess."

"And for your albinauric friend, who gave you that sweet kiss I suppose?" Melina smirks.

Raine laughs sheepishly, rubbing the back of their neck. "Nothing can escape you. But maybe that wasn't the only sweet kiss that happened yesterday?"

"I know not what thou art talking about." Melina turns her face away, feigning ignorance.

Raine shrugs, "Perhaps so."

This all feels so easy, Melina thinks. She hasn't had such relaxed chats in Erdtree knows how long. Sure, there are a lot of matters weighing on her right now. And a simple chit-chat won't solve it. But maybe, just maybe - the thought settles in her mind - this is enough.

Maybe staying present this night isn't as bad of an idea after all.

————

The group gets going soon after the dawn, with rays of sunshine glistening off of the surface of the lake beneath. This time Melina opts to ride with her friend, sitting on the back of Torrent sideways, occasionally bracing herself with the hand around Raine's waist. Neither of them acknowledges this arrangement.

They travel fast by the road that leads around the lake instead of passing through it, which allows them to bypass many challenges Raine had encountered on their first trip. Just like that, by the middle of the second day the group has reached the southern end of the lake. Though what awaits them is unexpected: a makeshift camp of proper size sits on the side of the road leading to the Limgrave.

"What is going on here?" One of the carian knights askes sentries as the party makes it close to the entrance to the camp. It is clear the constructions are haphazardly thrown together, but the camp is made by soldiers, hence the guards on every entry.

The sentries exchange looks. "Here stands the camp of knight Engvall and his men. We stand against tyranny of the golden lineage." The more mature soldier says in a stout tone. "Sir Engvall left castle Stormveil after Godrick's death. We left with him to save our lives and dignity."

"What makes banished knights leave Stormveil?" Carian knight exclaims in amazement.

"The coup, dear sir." The younger guard chimes in. "The castle is as impetuous as the wind that blows through it."

"Oh, enough with this bloody poetry, boy." The older man scoffs. Turning back to the knights, "You better avoid Stormhill for now, that's what you need to know. Unless that's your intention," he chuckles, "If so, you're welcome to join us."

Raine frowns but doesn't say anything.

"We're not seeking Stormveil. But thank you for the word of warning." The carian knight replies, bowing a little. The group gets moving again, and before Melina can think of it, the camp is long behind them.

The rest of the journey goes uneventful as the knights reach Limgrave and travel through it.

They make a slight detour to the edge of the mistwoods where they meet Blaidd; the half-wolf knight perks up at the thought of finally leaving Limgrave. 

"Aye, long time no see, Melina." He grins at her, making Melina hide herself behind Raine muttering "-hello to you too." shyly. To that Blaidd just chuckles and leads the way to Caelid. 

… 

It is clear something changes around them as the group nears this new region. The first signs can be seen in the skies above – gloomy clouds build up on the horizon, not moving as they would normally do. Then the air itself – it becomes stale, making the throat go dry. The horses seem to notice the change too: snorting and pawing the ground, few of them even stopping dead on their track. With the help of more mature knights and Blaidd's affirmations all steeds resume their courses, but the atmosphere among the horsemen grows heavy.

Then, and only then, comes the smell. An uncomfortable odor that builds up, eventually becoming a dreadful stench. Making them wrinkle their noses. Raine has a coughing fit.

And not long after, they reach an almost visible border between bloom and decay, between greenery and rotten red. Melina gasps from the clearness of the contrast. They ride along the broad road that had certainly seen better days; grass and flowers withering beneath horses' feet, each step raising more and more sickly-red dust into the air.

Torrent is the first of the group to reach the site where the road turns, and the wholeness of this region can be seen. Both riders instinctively hold their breaths from the view. It's… almost as beautiful as it is haunting.

"Quite the view, innit?" Despite this climate, Blaidd's attitude is smug as ever. He stops to look at the scenery as well. "Caelid, wasteland of stars - that's how they call it."

"What's the name about?" Raine asks, squinting their eyes to make out any landmarks.

"Dunno." Blaidd shrugs, "Probably has something to do with Radahn's gravity magic."

Melina listens quietly, looking at the land. Barren of the flora, broken by war. She unconsciously clings to Raine's back, thinking about her time in Caelid before the Shattering. Now it is but a shadow of its former glory. Burned and bodiless. The fate all too familiar. "This shouldn't have happened..." She mutters.

"A lot of things that happened should've stayed in terrible dreams," Blaidd replies, his tone unusually stern. "But it all did. It all did." He trails off, simply staying there and staring in the distance. "Well anyway, that's why we're here! We should make it to the smoldering wall 'till sunset. Let's go." His tone returns to his more usual manner of speech, but the frown on the lupine face doesn't go away even after they resume their way.

The group doesn't meet much resistance — much of anything — as they travel down the ruined highway. Just withered trees, lichen and distant cries of animals. Melina feels nauseous when she reaches out into the memory to remember what this land has been — fields of golden crops, lakes of crystal-clear water, and deep-green coniferous forests. All gone. And it's not like she is clueless about what Malenia's rot can do to things, do to people. But this… this feels surreal, it clashes with all her instincts. She's glad she doesn't have a real body to throw up, but this doesn't mean her subconsciousness doesn't try it. 

As the sun rolls beneath the horizon, so comes forth the night. The knights swiftly set the camp up, and soon any motion halts as everyone falls into a lull of sleep. Everyone but Melina. 

She never thought of herself as being afraid of darkness. In fact, she always thought the opposite – from a young age the darkness and chill of the night was a welcoming respite, a time to reflect. After starting her study of stars, through countless stargazing practice-trips and later assistance in experimental studies – the night became something of a friend to Melina. A friend who always comes back but never pushes for intimacy; a friend who can be trusted with secrets. 

So it comes as an unpleasant surprise when now, sitting amidst a sleeping camp, she feels… uneasy. Looking at the fading fire makes her heart clench with unexpected sorrow, the reason behind it unclear. 

Maybe it's because the night isn't all that dark here: splashed across the sky are dense cirrus clouds that glow in unnatural reds and purples; behind them constellations of stars shine in what seems to be a strangely warm colour of green. 

And the moon. 

Here in Caelid the moon is gigantic. Almost thrice its normal size, it looms in the north hemisphere of the sky, unmoving. As if watching those who dare take a step in this accursed land. 

A touch of night chilly air makes Melina shiver; a nagging reminder of her continuing belonging to this realm. Her existence – however flimsy it may be – is still real, even if she struggles to understand how it works. This brings Melina back to the feeling of uneasiness she's feeling in this place – perhaps some survival instinct. One that right now all but screams 'get out of here' at her. If only she could–

"Enjoying the night?" Unexpected, but familiar voice cuts through Melina's thoughts. 

"Raine." Melina all but gasps, grateful for being pulled out of her spiral. She looks up at them, "Why aren't you sleeping?"

Raine sits down on the ground beside her. "Dunno." They shrug, "Sleep eludes me lately. And I was thinking about you."

Melina quirks an eyebrow. "About me ? What's the matter?" 

"Well, how do I put it…" They start fidgeting with their hands. Odd . "Do you spend every night like this, alone? You– I'm ashamed to admit that I never paid attention to this before. And you– I never saw you sleep." 

"Aren't thou awfully attentive, monsieur Raine ." She can't keep a smile off her face. "But you're right, I don't sleep. Not that I need it anyway. Why do you ask though?"  

Raine doesn't meet her gaze, instead looking down at the ground. "I just– It sounds pretty lonely…" Melina's smile freezes, her eye widening. Not lifting their head, Raine continues. "I know how much sleep helps me relax through all the hells that are these lands. And thinking about that, it's such a great help – knowing that I'm not alone when I'm asleep. That there's someone watching me at night." 

"So I thought," Shifting their legs up so that their chin sits on their knees, Raine finally looks up at her, a glint of tears in their eyes. "It would be cruel and… sad, if you would have no one to look after you." 

"I–" Melina doesn't know what to say "I–" She looks back at Raine, and their smile is so warm and their eyes are shimmering in the shade of the night, and she can feel her arms trembling, and– "I–" why can't she say a thing? Why are they looking at her like this, what are they expecting her to say? Why does her vision blurs? Why can't she utter something, anything ? "I– You–" 

Suddenly she can feel Raine's warm arms circling around her shoulders, patting her lightly on the back. "Shhh. No need to say anything." She chokes a sob, feeling her cheeks wet, and finally allows tears to flow; finding solace in the warmth of Raine's shoulder. Oh, how silly she is.  

After stars know how much time, Melina can at last feel senses come back to her. As tears lessen and sobs subside, a chill night air caresses her tear-stricken cheeks, breezes through her hair and cools her body. But it doesn't freeze her, as Raine's warm arms are still holding her, one hand lightly patting her head. It doesn't escape Melina that the position she's in is deeply intimate: she all but sits in her friend's lap, clinging to their body. With her breath even again, she manages to speak again. 

"Sorry for that." Heat rushes to her cheeks. "Don't know what came over me." A little bashfully she returns the embrace, snaking her arms around Raine. 

"Don't fret it." Raine pats her on the head. 

"Mhmm." 

They sit like this for a while, sharing the warmth amidst the night. 

"Th– Thank you…" Melina finally manages to say, her voice still hoarse from crying. "For– For thinking about me." 

"It really is nothing." Raine laughs lightly. "How can I not? Besides," They pull back to look Melina in the eye, "You are thinking about me. It's only just that I do the same."

Entranced by her friend's gaze, Melina finds herself unable to look away, unable to think of what to say back. Pause becomes a full stop, as she struggles with her thoughts. But soon a chuckle fills the gap. One after another, the pair bursts into laughter, giggling together like a pair of first-year academy students. 

It is only then, Melina realizes, she finally gives up on trying to maintain her external image. All this time she wanted to show Raine they don't have a reason to worry. But is it even true? What need is there? Why must she care for such a thing? 

"Ah, Raine…" After the laughter recedes to smiles, Melina heaves a sigh. "How truly fortunate I am to have thee. Thou'rt the best companion I never dreamt having." She leans to lay on their chest again, though this time halts. 

"Oh? What's this?"

"This?" Raine reaches out into their shirt to produce a necklace, "The princess gave it to me." 

Melina takes the pendant in her hand to examine it. In its core is a blue-tinted hexagonal crystal mounted in silver. On closer look it seems like there's something inside the crystal itself: the midnight blue of its core is dotted with countless dots of white and yellow. Almost like a… "This is a glintstone. Though I'm not sure which type exactly, but it doesn't look like any common ones." Certainly looks like something Ranni would give, She adds to herself. "Did she say its purpose?" 

"Err, vaguely." Raine laughs and Melina hums absentmindedly, running a finger along the edges of the crystal. It's smooth and pleasantly cool to the touch. "So what did she say?" 

Raine wrinkle their nose in thought. "Something about a critical point, and tipping the scales of fate? I think…?" 

"Mhm…" Somehow she can't bring herself to look up from the thing. Call it a charm, but looking at the crystal, right through its core, Melina can feel something rising in her stomach. Something she can't quite place. Almost like a memory, it somehow feels alien and familiar at the same time. Maybe–

"Hey," A hand softly takes her chin and lifts her face, forcing Melina to look up. She locks eyes with Raine, whose lips are now curled up ever so slightly. "Don't drift away from here." Their tone bears a hint of amusement. 

"Right." Melina takes their hand in hers. "Thanks." She manages a smile.

"You know, if I weren't to know better, I would've thought you must hate her." Raine holds her gaze. 

"What? Why would I–" She replies immediately, "–Hate…" The word makes the sensation in her stomach turn and twist violently. It stops her dead in her tracks, whatever she wanted to say lost in the air. "–hate…" Saying it second time brings a different flavor, and Melina savors it on her lips. 

"...hate?" She can't resist the urge to repeat again, like a broken record. Why does it feel like she hasn't said the word in forever? Like she forgot its meaning. 

She glances up at Raine: they look at her patiently, sad smile ghosting their lips. "hate…" She breathes out, and this time the word isn't as foreign as before. "Hate." And now she can't help a smile in her voice. Because finally, finally , it makes sense.

"No." Shaking her head, she addresses Raine. "I don't h-hate… Not her." Her breath hitches on that one word, but she keeps going. "I could never hate her." 

Raine hums, examining her for a moment. "I see." They squeeze Melina's sides slightly. 

"Ah, Raine," She can't resist putting her arms around their neck. She wants to say so much, needs to convey every sway of her heart in this very moment. "You should sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day." And somehow she knows that she will do it. Just not now. 

Raine doesn't move a muscle. "You're right, my lady. Let's go to sleep." 

Taking a deep breath, Melina allows her eyelid to drop, relishing the moment. Sitting together with Raine this close, somehow it feels so right. A fleeting thought passes through her — she doesn't want this to end. Not willing for the thought to linger, She hides in the crook of Raine's neck, grounding herself in sensation of their unruly hair touching the nape of her neck. Heavens how truly right it feels. Melina takes another deep breath, this time taking in Raine's smell. It makes her eyelids feel heavy/

"If you want to tell me something, I'd suggest doing it sooner rather than later." Raine murmurs in her hair.

"Mmmmh, Raine" She half-whines, "how do you know everything…" 

"Don't say that."

"Just-" Melina wants to look them in the eyes but her head won't budge, grown impossibly heavy on Raine's shoulder. "Be careful? Please?"

A hand caresses her hair. "Melina-"

"Promise…" She whispers, feeling her body growing lighter, her limbs drifting further and further away, and her head heavy. "Just… Promise…"

She doesn't hear Raine's answer before being swallowed by delightful emptiness.

Chapter Text

Fire. Fire. Everywhere they can see, all around them is on fire . And it burns, burns so brightly Raine wants to close their eyes, to look away. But they can't, somehow there is something stopping them. They watch the fire spread far and wide, engulfing all land to the horizon; with tongues of flames dancing so high it almost reaches the stars . 

Where are they? The moment Raine thinks this they can feel their body moving, lifting itself from the ground; their hands meeting something warm and sticky beneath. Something like the sand that was just bathing in sunlight, only to be brought here, washed by blood . They shudder. 

Standing up, Raine can see vestiges of fire everywhere around: twigs snapped from trees, half-burned logs stacked on top of each other, yurtas on fire–

Yurtas! Why are they here? Raine looks closely: the fabric, the doors, and that ornamentation… It looks just like their parents' old yurta! No wonder this encampment looks so familiar. It's been a long time since– Wait, where did the fire come from? 

Raine tries to go towards one of the gers but finds themselves unable to take a step. They look down at their feet only to see red embers scattered on the ground, heat visibly quivering the air around. Are they… burning? Why didn't they feel the heat? 

The door of the closest yurta flings open, its scorched frame snapping from hinges and the door falls onto the ground. An old woman emerges from the ger. As she steps out, yurta's dome collapses, and soon the whole building catches on fire. 

The woman looks right at them. They try to avert their eyes but they can't. Then, the woman speaks. "You're so big now, Xübüüxen."

Raine winces. They know this voice. 

"Look how strong you became. You're already just as tall as your father." The woman smiles. "Maybe now you can finally save us?" 

"Mom…" They can feel their lips moving, their voice coming out, but it doesn't feel like they're speaking. The voice is also foreignly low. "I– I will come back. I promise." 

"Axüüdai!" A kid peeks from behind the woman. "I missed you! You look so funny!" He giggles and steps forward, fixing a cap on his head. "I wouldn't recognize you if not for the hair!" 

"Nasan…" Raine becomes aware of tears coming out of their eyes. Their body takes a step forward and it seems like there's nothing they can do but watch all this unfold. It feels bitter – not being able to decide anything in this reunion, as if they're not really a part of it. And this odd chilly feeling… it makes them even more unnerved. 

A glimpse of thought crosses their mind.

"Nasan, where's papa?" 

The boy's face darkens, and he pulls the cap off of his head. "Papa's gone now. He has been for a while. You can see him at the dunes." He points to the left. Raine looks, and where just a moment ago was another ger now lay countless barkhans, stretching to the horizon. 

A sudden and deep howl pierces through the air. 

"Eaten from the inside, by Malenia's scarlet rot, his wits are long gone."

…huh? That doesn't sound right. 

Then, they see it. 

In the distance, a large figure appears, arrows sticking out of its back like ears of grain. Raine shivers from thinking about this person, how can they even stand let alone walk? Then they see: this man is riding something, somehow. 

They feel a thug on their sleeve. It's a kid, and now he is looking straight in their eyes. "Axüüdai, will you kill papa? The princess is waiting for you." 

Another howl soars through the air, resonating through Raine's whole body. They glance at the figure in the distance again and realize something: the arrows in the person's back are actually spears . Oh. 

"It won't be easy, Xübüüxen." A voice speaks from behind them. 

"I won't leave you, mama." Their body gives a response on its own, and Raine's heart pangs. Because they recognize this phrase. They said these words before, in a place so close yet so foreign. Worse, they remember last time they said this phrase, right before–

"You better make haste, Xübüüxen." The woman says sternly. "It's not long until the wolf shall change his master." 

A large burst of flame suddenly flares from the collapsed yurta behind the woman's back. In a flash, Blaidd leaps right out of the flames, his colossal sword already in his hand. Raine's blood freezes. No, this is not happening! They have to stop this! Ugh-

Raine wants to jump forward, to stop Blaidd, to do something, anything –

Just like before, their body doesn't move. Light flashes through their mind, because finally Raine realizes why. 

Because they know exactly what will happen next. 

They can only watch as Blaidd swings his sword, and with a leap brings it onto the woman, crushing her like a leaf. Then, another cleave, colossal sword cutting through flesh like butter. And another. And another. Raine looks in horror at the sight of butchering, still unable to look away. Why would Blaidd do this? 

After another crush of his sword the half-wolf suddenly throws up his head and howls; the sound lingers across the night, accompanied only by cracks of fire. 

Behind Blaidd, another familiar figure emerges from the flames — Ranni. Though she doesn't seem to notice anything around, her eyes fixed on the skies above. Dark streaks of tears grace her porcelain cheeks, and the sight takes Raine's breath away. 

Then, she speaks. "To have and to hold from this day foreward. For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer–" she takes a trembling breath, bringing hands to her chest, "–in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death itself depart us." Ranni's eyes drop down until suddenly stopping at Raine. A smile grazes her lips. "To no god but you, I vow to take thee to my wedded wife, Melina ."

"And thou, Xübüüxen," She looks right in Raine's eyes, "shall see it thyself." 

With these last words, flames engulf her small figure.

Raine jolts upright in their bedroll, heartbeat drumming in their ears. Oh . It's a dream… 

With a deep breath they take a look around: the sky already lights the land, but the dawn hasn't yet arrived. Despite that, the stars are barely visible – an odd thing for any place Raine has traveled, but perhaps fitting here, at Caelid. A chill runs through Raine and they try to bring up a hand to wipe the sweat off of their forehead; only to discover their left arm stretched out, secured firmly in Melina's hand. 

Oh.

Curled around their side, with coat draped over her whole body like a cocoon — Melina looks so peaceful in her sleep. Raine finds themselves mesmerized, not willing to look away. Something warm blossoms inside their chest at the sight. What an odd place to feel their heart flutter, Raine thinks. Could this feeling really be–

A distant noise cuts through the morning silence, taking Raine out of their thoughts. Something about the sound catches their attention and they look around, trying to find the direction where it comes from. Meanwhile the noise continues to grow louder at quite an alarming rate. And soon, the cause of the commotion shows itself:

Going on the road from Limgrave, a group of knights makes haste. They look quite comical, clearly in a rush with weapons haphazardly taken in hands and shields dangling on their backs. A few of the knights are without their helmets. Why do they run? Soon, Raine sees, and the puzzle pieces finally connect. 

Because chasing the knights runs something that could only be described as monster – dog-headed, but thrice the size of the men it's chasing and running on just two legs, like… a bird. 

Alarmed, Raine springs up on their feet. It's clear they don't have much time — both men and the beast near the camp at an alarming speed. Abandoning their sleeping bag, they rush to their sword and try to ready themselves to the fight. 

Unfortunately when Raine finally pulls their zweihander out and takes a stance, the knights are mere 15 feet from the camp. It's too late to stop their crushing into the camp. 

Nonetheless they charge forth, but before anything can happen, a large figure leaps towards the beast. For a moment Raine's heart stops — the mighty sword cleaves right through the monster's head, bloody and eerily familiar. 

To prevent violence one often must act violently. However brutal the act appears at a glance, what matters most is the meaning behind it. But why do they commit violence? What is the meaning behind it? Raine can't answer these questions, yet they still somehow know that there is a reason. So, they fight.

"-ine?"

But can they fight for the illusory future? How can they do what's right when they don't even know it? What if that future they fight for doesn't come, despite all their efforts?

" Raine !" A soft push on the shoulder brings them back to the present. Moongrum stands before them, worried look on their face.

"Are you feeling good, my friend?"

Raine blinks and looks at the road again. The group of knights who just a moment ago ran down the road have stopped beside the camp, panting and gasping for air. Though one of them – probably a captain – is speaking with Blaidd, whose sword is still plunged deep inside the beast skull.

"Y-yeah" Raine coughs, "I- I'm fine." 

Moongrum studies them for a second. ""Tis good to hear." They nod and move to check on the knights. 

Raine takes a deep breath, trying to ground themselves in the present. Knights who just arrived are looking better now, some even moving to the camp's bonfire to sit down. Their insignias are unfamiliar to Raine, but through the knights' interactions with Blaidd and Moongrum it seems the latter do recognise them. 

Moving back to their bedroll, Raine finds Melina curled up on their sleeping bag, still asleep. With their sword sheathed away, Raine takes a seat next to her, but once again… they are mesmerized by the sight of Melina in her sleep. How could she sleep through all the commotion? Absentmindedly they move their hand to brush a loose strand of hair off of the woman's face. 

"…hmmmm?" A slight frown appears on Melina, but soon she nuzzles into the touch and a small smile slowly appears on her face. Raine can't help but smile too. 

"mmm…" Melina mutters "-not now, r-ranni–" Her eye shoots open, meeting Raine's green hues. The pair stare at each other in silence for a long moment as Melina's cheeks slowly turn red. 

"O–oh…" Is the only thing she manages to utter. 

Raine can't contain a giggle.

"I see you two are having fun." A coarse chuckle wedges itself into their comfortable silence. Raine quickly turns around to see Blaidd seated on a log nearby. He pointedly looks at both of them. "I hope our highness isn't kept in the dark about this little thing." 

"B–Blaidd!" Melina squeaks. Raine can feel heat rising to their face. "I–It's not l–like that…" They weakly try to explain. Well. Is it true? Truthfully, Raine can't say for certain. They look back at Melina only to catch her vanishing into thin air. 

"Someone should learn to keep their nose out of other people's business." Melina's voice rings through the air, but Raine can't pinpoint where it comes from. . 

Blaidd huffs. "And someone should stop running away from every confrontation." No response comes.

"Uhh, s-so how are these knights?" Raine asks to dissipate uncomfortable silence.

"The ones that made it to our camp would be fine." Blaidd shrugs. "But a few of their fellows weren't that lucky."

Raine can feel their blood run still, "That means…" 

"It means you shouldn't venture into Caelid unprepared." Blaidd's voice becomes stern. "They're lucky to survive, but they're also without their horses now. Moongrum is trying to talk them out of this whole affair." He stands to leave. "I have better things to do than making quips. You should get ready, we'll be moving out soon."

Looking at his back Raine can't help feeling dejected.

By the time the camp is packed and the group starts moving the sun has already come up; its thin rays showering the land in bleak daylight. Riding in the saddle Raine remembers the way Melina sat behind them; she hasn't shown up since the talk with Blaidd.

The rest of the trip to Redmane castle goes uneventful — as uneventful as traveling through the land of rot and decay can be. The group passes swamps, a few abandoned villages, riding safely under giant flowers-trees. Raine spends most of the trip observing scenery, half-listening to a chat between Moongrum and one of the recently joined knights: apparently they're old friends, with the other knight coming from a castle in Altus. 

Soon enough a fort-like structure shows up in the distance.

When the group nears a large bridge - the Impassable Greatbridge, as Moongrum said — they are called out from above.

"Oi! You, there!" Raine looks up to see where the voice is coming from and finds two guards sitting on the edge of a large siege tower. They wear red surcoats — a sign of Redmane's soldiers.  

"Ay." Blaidd raises a hand to the guards. "Just passing by."

One of the guards points at him, "Are you Blaidd?"

Blaidd frowns, "Sure."

"Jerren's waiting for you."

Blaidd expression brightens as he nods, "Aye."

"Come through, castle gates are open now. "

Raine wonders if it can really be called a castle and not a fort.

The bridge is filled with layers upon layers of barricades, so they have to pass in small groups, maneuvering between wooden barriers.

"Why are there so many?" Raine asks Moongrum who's riding along.

""Tis to fend off the beasts. They can get really aggressive, especially in the winter when there's less food."

Raine hums in thought. "Why would they live here, then?"

Moongrum chuckles, "Good question, my friend. Don't ask redmanes about this though, they're very prideful on the matter."

When the group reaches castle Redmane, the sun has already begun its incline to the west, making sandstone walls appear almost gold-like. The castle itself turned out to be bigger than it seemed from the distance, though that still pales in comparison to the Stormveil. True to the guard's word, the gates are wide open, so the knights ride freely into the castleyard. 

But unlike Stromveil, this castle is filled with life .

In awe Raine watches the hustle and bustle inside: people carrying tables and crates, servants hurrying somewhere with jars of provision; in one corner the wood is being chopped, while in the other battle fortifications get taken away to make room for festivities. In several kitchens activity is buzzling: both castle servants as well as military cooks, the latter are arranged in large tents in the courtyard. The smell of food already weaves through the air, and so do drunken chants of soldiers who started to fête early. 

And in the middle of all this , there is a single man.

Clad in eccentric clothes befitting that of a jester, he storms around the castleyard; yelling instructions and checking on progress of various tasks. He almost doesn't notice the newcomers, so absorbed in his duties.

Seeing the man, Blaidd's smirk grows into a wide grin; tugging a horse of the first cavalry to stop, he approaches the man. "Didn't think you'd be so busy to not welcome a friend."

The man, who's just been scribbling something into a notebook, startles. Promptly, he turns around to look at the newcomers, until eventually his eyes stop at half-wolf. 

"Blaidd." He deadpans, his tone seemingly guarded.

A grin doesn't leave Blaidd's face. "Jerren." He answers.

A few uncomfortable moments pass, until the man's face melts into a smile. "Blaidd!" He spreads his hands out and moves to embrace the knight. "So long! How are you?"

Blaidd returns the embrace, patting the man's back. "Not too long. It's been worse, my friend."

Jerren gives him an incredulous look, "Not long you say? It's been what, nineteen years since you last gave a visit?"

Blaidd smirks, "We've seen each other nine years ago."

"Still! Do you have any idea how boring the festival is without you?"

"That is exactly why I don't visit." Blaidd chuckles.

Jerren can't contain a laugh himself. Only now does he turn his attention to the rest of the knights: most have already dismounted with some going to stables. Raine dismounts too, but they decide to stay.

"You came early this year. Who are you accompanying this time?" Jerren asks, eventually returning back to his duties.

"Carians."

Jerren raises his brows, "Carians? What are they doing here?"

"Carrying Princess Ranni's will." A voice from behind Raine answers. They turn around and find Moongrum standing beside them, already back from stables. 

"M–Moongrum?" Jerren looks even more surprised than before. "But if you're here, then…" He pauses for a moment. "I guess you're here not to party?" 

Moongrum only nods. 

Jerren looks like he wants to say something, but he's interrupted by one of the servants coming to him with some questions. The conversation dips, and soon gets entirely sidetracked by other matters. All newcomers get shown their place to rest as well as the main feast area. After that Moongrum — unspoken leader of the carians — gathers all of them and orders them to rest until the sky is dark. "Make sure to be at your highest by the time the night comes." He warns with a serious expression. Raine does not see a reason not to listen. 

The rest of the day goes by in a flash. Raine can remember dropping their belongings, grabbing a bite of food with Blaidd, washing themselves in a castle's bathhouse; but it all feels surreal. Perhaps it's a long road, or their anxiety, or Melina's pointed absence, but Raine can't really focus on anything. 

Maybe it's the fact that in just a few hours they'll have to face one of the mightiest demigods of the Shattering. Yeah, definitely that too .

"So, you're giving it another try?" Jerren suddenly asks much later, out of the blue. Raine startles back into reality. The sky is already raven black, and for the first time since entering Caelid Raine can see the stars. They, Blaidd, and Moongrum are sitting around one of the large bonfires, while the feast seems to already be in its height. 

Jerren steps into the light, taking a seat on a log next to Raine. Seeing Blaidd's questioning look he elaborates, "Going after Radahn I mean." 

Blaidd sighs, "Right on the nose, Jerren."

"Why now?" Jerren flexes his knuckles, "It's not like you can defeat him anyway."

"Yeah, about that," Blaidd makes a hollow chuckle, "We have the Tarnished now." 

"A Tarnished?" Just as Raine expected, Jerren looks surprised. But then he turns to them, leaning even closer. "Is that perhaps you, my lady? Forgive the assumption, but you don't look like you serve the Carian Royal Family."

"Oh, I– I do." Raine quickly scoots away to regain some space. "Serve them, I mean. I serve p–princess Ranni."

"Hmmm…" Jerren's observant gaze doesn't leave them, and Raine almost starts to panic. 

"Cut them some slack, Jerren." Blaidd intervenes and Raine can't be more grateful to him.

Jerren backs off. "Right! Sorry, miss." He clears his throat, "Or maybe I shouldn't assume?"

Raine smiles despite the nerves, "It's fine, I don't mind 'miss'."

Jerren smiles back. "You must be quite strong if they're counting on you."

"Ha!" Blaidd barks, "You don't even know they killed Godrick one on one!" 

Raine feels their ears heating up. 

"Yes, I think they have it in them." Moongrum comments thoughtfully.

Jerren looks surprised again and it eases a bit of tension in Raine's chest. "Huh. Why didn't you tell me before…" He mutters, scratching the back of his head.

"Well you didn't ask." Blaidd quips.

For a moment they all sit in silence. That's good. Raine takes a deep breath to calm themselves. Some servant comes up to Jerren and whispers something in his ear. He frowns a little, but nonetheless answers with a nod. They sit a bit more. The cracking of fire and calm night around help Raine relax. Still, the thought of what's to come stays in the corner of their mind, everpresent.

They wish they could speak to Melina before going into battle.

"I have to go make a speech." Jerren finally breaks the silence. 

"Mhm" Blaidd acknowledges lazily.

Jerren sighs. "I still can't believe you're gonna do it."

"Are you worried?" Moongrum chimes in.

Jerren laughs, airily. "Why would I? It's not like you're doing anything wrong. It was the general's last wish, after all."

"It is our princess' wish too." Blaidd adds.

Jerren hums. "I just wish you to be safe." 

"We have our duty to fulfill." Blaidd answers. "Besides, if princess Ranni told us to do this, that means that she is certain of our success. You of all people should know she doesn't take risks."

Jerren doesn't respond. Instead, Moongrum says. "This place is wonderful, Jerren." Jerren looks at them questioningly.

"I haven't been to this festival before," Moongrum continues, "–But to see such a sight in our lands, I am truly grateful."

"To think that you have kept this tradition, for this long …" They smile.

Jerren doesn't say anything for some time. Finally, he chuckles. "Yeah." With a sigh he stands and leaves.

Blaidd watches him walking away. "Well, We should be getting ready now." He looks at Raine, noticing their gaze trailing behind Jarren. Smirking, he pats them on the shoulder. "Try not to worry too much. We got this."

Raine feels as if they're bursting with questions: about Jerren, about this place's history. About Radahn. Despite the comforting gesture from Blaidd, they don't feel comforted. Everything ends up feeling so suffocating, it's– Ugh.

Bonfire cracking, the cold shine of the stars above, soldiers cheering, shadows of flame dancing in a negative space that no one sees, warriors shouting, their heartbeat echoing in their ears, drums beating, mugs clinking, bonfire cracking, clouds running through the night sky, soldiers cheering, people laughing–

…

Raine is scared.

…

But they can't go back, can they?

Jerren starts his speech. It's majestic. Raine can't recall a single word out of it.

The soldiers start to prepare themselves for the battle, the clatter of their armour and ringing of their swords being drawn fills Raine's senses. They get called out, and take their place in the carian column.

And from that moment it's all a blur. As they all take the transporter to the arena, as Raine sees dunes littered with bodies, as the deafening roar pierces through the night sky: Raine can't feel anything they would normally expect from a battle. The knights around them shout something but it's drowned out by their thundering heart, ready to leap from their chest. 

Radahn is huge, that is clear even from a distance. They all charge forth, taking occasional cover behind piles of sand and human remains to not get shot down by Radahn's bow. By the time they're close enough for the demigod to draw his swords, the thunder in Raine's ears is almost loud enough to drown out his wild howl.

Blaidd shouts some commands and Raine is just sane enough to understand what he means. They run towards Radahn, sliding underneath a swing of his sword. A few of their comrades aren't so lucky and Raine catches sounds of horrible screams, sounds of steel crushing through bodies. It makes them want to throw up, and they suppress the urge. A glintstone spell hits Radahn from the other side, causing him to turn his attention away from Raine. Now is their chance. Pouring every ounce of strength into a swing, Raine brings their zweihander onto the demigod's unprotected side; and it cuts into the flesh very deeply.

Radahn doesn't even turn around after the cut, the wound just hanging open wide; no blood comes out. Oh no.  

Now the demigod has his attention on Moongrum, who's launched the spell, and it catches Raine off-guard just how fast he can move: in mere seconds Radahn is upon the carian knight, his dual swords crashing into the sand, shaking particles into a small dust cloud that envelops Moongrum completely. No, no no. The knight now lacks vision to see the incoming attack, leaving them wide open. This is bad.  

They have to do something, anything .

Rushing towards the combat, Raine picks up some small piece of rubble and throws it, aiming for the demigod's head. 

The throw misses.

With a cry stuck in their throat Raine can only watch Radahn swinging his swords into the dust cloud; the swords vanish into the dust; and with a hollow sound collide with something . 

The spell ends when Blaidd, having finally ran up to the place, brings his own colossal sword onto one of Radahn's arms. And he cuts through, deeply .

Radahn wails in pain and jumps away, creating some space. Raine takes this opportunity to close the distance with Blaidd and the place where Moongrum was last seen. By the time they reach them the dust cloud has already dissipated and they can finally see Moongrum, lying motionlessly on the ground. Their body is contorted in an unnatural way, a large dent in the chestpiece of their armour.  Raine's heart sinks.

They rush to the knight's side, raising the helmet's visor with a shaky hand; Moongrum's eyes are closed, but their lips part just wide enough for Raine to understand — they're still breathing, alive . 

Before Raine can help the knight, they are lifted up by a large hand. 

"Not now!" Blaidd half-shouts, bringing them to stand. "If you stay here you're as good as dead!" He points at Radahn and Raine looks in just the right moment to see the demigod taking out three soldiers with a single sweep of his swords. After that he turns around and starts moving clearly towards them. Oh no .

"Come on!" Blaidd dashes away, and Raine realizes that he's moving the battle away from wounded Moongrum. So, Raine follows, running as their lungs burn, thunder in their ears almost unbearable.

When they get to a good position atop a dune Raine turns around and their blood freezes. Radahn follows them at full speed, boulders of earth and sand floating around him. With a single swing of his arm he launches magical boulders at them. Raine dashes, jumping from the top of dune in just the right moment to only hear air swishing behind rocks that thankfully didn't hit them. 

Radahn is now just a few moments away from Raine. They have to dodge again or be crushed by the demigod's body itself. So, they roll.

Raine doesn't know when it's over, at what point the danger passes away; the only thing they feel beyond adrenaline rush is some pulsing on their chest, near the neckline. Ignoring it, they search with their eyes for Blaidd. Blaidd is alive. 

By pure instinct — the same one that helped them evade two deaths in just a few seconds — Raine moves back into the battle. They know they can't stay in one place. When they reach Radahn he's distracted by Blaidd and the demigod's back is wide open for them. Taking this opening, Raine swings their sword again; this time aiming for the same arm Blaidd already hit. Their sword catches it at just the right moment, at the end of another swing, when the demigod can't redirect his movement or move away. 

They hit.

The first thing Raine can see after the hit is their sword, brought down on the ground, covered in dark blood. The second thing they see is a huge arm that falls to the ground with a hollow thud. Radahn's left arm. 

The demigod roars, and it resonates through all of Raine's body, overwhelming with just the sheer volume. Eyes shut and teeth gritted, Raine can't possibly be ready to evade a sword that collides with their side, lifting them off of the ground and flinging them across the air with colossal power. 

They will die here, Raine realizes. The thought alone makes them want to cry. Their body, it doesn't feel like anything right now. They can't feel any pain, and it is daunting .

Just like anything in nature, violence has its laws. Raine knows that. Like wind and currents, like celestial bodies, like human lives; every cause has an effect. And just like day and night, like heat and cold, like life and death: violence begets violence .

Isn't this what Raine expected to happen? Isn't it right for them to get punished? Doesn't Raine deserve violence?

They do. Every ounce of it. 

Yet, there is one single thing that flashes through their mind, something they only now have been able to grasp fully. 

They… don't want to die?

…

Huh…

…

The world comes rushing back around Raine, flooding all their senses with information: the caress of the wind on their skin, the dim light of stars, the rustle of the sand beneath their lying body, the clank of metal, the uncomfortable pulsing on their chest, the– 

What they still don't feel is pain. Oh . Is this… a dream?

Standing up, Raine is surprised to find their lower body undamaged. Even their torso, though mauled, responds to their movements. The same cannot be said about their left arm: half-cut it hangs limply on what seems like just flesh, the bone shattered. Even knowing this, Raine still doesn't feel any pain . Even more, they feel… warmth?

"Raine," A sudden and gentle voice cuts through their thoughts. It's a voice they recognize too, one they longed to hear these past few hours; its presence reminds them that this battlefield is not the only thing they have. "Raine, you have to help Blaidd."

The insistence of these words is enough to snap Raine out of their trance. They blink, trying to focus on the surroundings. And they see it. 

Even though Raine got knocked out, Blaidd remains in the fight. Just as Raine looks, they see the wolf-knight jump out of the way of Radahn's giant sword. His only remaining sword. Just from a glance, it's clear that Blaid won't last long — Radahn is bigger, faster and without other people to switch his attention there's just no opening for Blaidd that is safe. 

Drawing a dagger with their off-hand, Raine rushes towards the combat, shouting something to get the demigod's attention. And attention they get. 

Roaring, Radahn launches straight at them. Even through fury he almost catches Raine with the sword and they can feel wind sweeping through their hair. Just barely safe. How can he be so fast?

Another swing of the giant sword, and a sand wave from the impact slaps Raine's face. They try to open their eyes but see nothing but dust. Oh. Oh no . 

They already saw this tactic play out.

In an effort to escape from a hit they know will kill them, Raine dodges in the only direction they could think of — right at where Radahn was. Will they evade the attack? Raine doesn't know, doesn't think anymore.

When their shoulder collides with something, they immediately stab onto it with all their might, anchoring themselves with a dagger to what turns out to be the demigod's leg. Radahn wails like a dog and tries to shake Raine's off, but they just clasp onto the leg like their last resort. Weirdly, between their own skin and Radahn's jagged flesh they once again feel a powerful pulse . There's no time to think about it, as it's clear they won't last long. 

Without opening their eyes, Raine screams for Blaidd: surely their feint is enough to distract the demigod enough for the hit!

No answer comes.

Suddenly, a wind whips their face. Radahn gallops, and the speed and shaking makes Raine dizzy. With every last grain of strength they have, they hold on; but when Radahn makes a sharp turn from full speed, even all their might is just… not enough .

…

Falling, Raine catches sight of Blaidd: instead of running to them he just stands, head transfixed towards the sky at an unnatural angle. Just like–

The crash with the ground knocks air out of Raine's lungs; the only thing they can see now is Radahn towering above them. He prepares a swing.

Is this… the end?

…

If it is, it feels familiar.

Just like their first time, it feels wrong . 

Just like their first time, they are alone . 

Just like their first time, the chill of their body, the distance they feel from everything they should've held dear is overwhelming .

Just like their first time, it feels unjust .

Just like… what time?

They wish they could cry , could mourn .

They wish everything could stop .

…

They wish their first death was also their last one.

The sword comes down, cutting through their skin, tearing down their tissues, shattering their bones. 

The thundering in their ears is gone, and it doesn't hurt at all.

Beneath their chin, a pale blue glow grows brighter and brighter; becoming a sound that resonates through every part of their broken body. 

From beneath their clothes, a blue crystal emerges, floating higher and higher until it reaches Radahn's eye level. Then, it explodes .

Myriads of stars float in the air, their cool light shining vividly in the night. Radahn's eyes fall shut. 

Not unlike an explosion, the phantom of Ranni condenses from light. For a moment she looks at her sleeping brother, expression forlorn but calm. 

"Oh, Radahn," Reaching a hand, she caresses the demigod's rotten cheek, "For thee to be awake for so long." She muses, her voice the melody of moonlight on ocean waves. 

A lone tear drips on the ground. "And thine light was the brightest of them all. Forgive me." Another tear and many more follow, as Ranni weeps for her brother.

"But fret not," Ranni smiles through tears. "For I–" her voice breaks, "I shall guide thee to thine night." 

Leaning to Radahn's face, she cups it with both hands, placing a single kiss on a grime forehead. And from that kiss, a purple star blooms — lighter than any sun, brighter than any moon. For a moment it sits there, until Ranni's hands guide it up, above Radahn's head, to shine its light on the ancient battlefield. 

Ranni's gaze follows the lone star as it rises through the air, whilst the illusion beneath slowly dissipates: Ranni's phantom becomes duller, and stars in the air follow the purple lone star . Higher and higher, the stars strive towards the night sky, a place of peace and calm. A place where they belong. 

By the time all illusion is gone the purple star shines brightly among her sisters on a veil of the sky. Barely visible, Ranni looks back at Radahn. "Sleep in peace, little brother…" is the last thing she whispers before vanishing into the night sky.

Like a terrible, terrible dream.

Chapter Text

No. No! 

Melina's heart pounds so hard it's almost leaping out of her chest with each beat. It's not true, it can't be! 

As she hurries closer to Raine, as the towering body of deceased Radahn slowly crumbles to dust, her tarnished lies where they were struck a final time: unmoving, still and so, so terribly cold.

No, no no no no no no! This can't be happening! No fate is so cruel as to take Raine away from her, not after they, after she–

And why doesn't her healing magic work?! She tries every incantation possible, mumbled words going from barely spoken to tumbling out of lips; but no matter the amount of power she draws from the Elden Ring, Raine's chest remains still, their eyes shut. And none of their wounds close! Fuck!

Why is everything she tries, everything she knows is failing her?! Not now! As if the body in front of her, the body that not long ago was so warm and vital and soothing — is nothing more than a–

No! It can't be, there should be a way to make them come back! They are a Tarnished after all, it should mean at least something!

The world becomes a turbulent blur around her; Raine lays motionless at the centre of it. Groups of people start arriving at the scene; Raine is still, and she can't do anything. Others talk; speak to her, but Melina's heart pounds so loud, she can't hear a thing they're saying. The only thing Melina knows is she can't leave Raine now. But she can't heal them. What if the problem is with her? Her eye falls on the deep wound across Raine's chest, grains of sand stuck to the flesh, blood slowly staining the shirt around. She doesn't have time to contemplate, Raine needs her help now. So Melina takes a big breath, and with all her power tries casting an Erdtree barrier over Raine. At least this much should be easy, right?

Nothing happens. Not just in the sense that her spell has no effect, but the familiar feeling of magic flowing through her body is also absent. As if she didn't even try casting, just stuck her hands forward in a silly gesture. What??

Now that Melina notices, the magic isn't just gone in her: the usual murmur of ethereal weave is silent around her, all around Raine. The Elden Ring itself is silent.

What????

It's as if there's a void inside Raine's body, creeping its way towards the surface, denying the influence of the Elden Ring itself. But why? Melina frantically tries to remember anything that could have such an effect; looks around to see anything explaining it. But Redmane soldiers look even more confused than her, and the stars' dull shine doesn't give her an answer. She looks back at Raine: their body ravaged by the combat, tattered clothes, calm but pained expression, black cord stretched over their chest, tousled black hair sparkling under the starlight as if the starry sky itself came down to grace her Tarnished. 

Wait. This sparkling, this cord…

Melina grabs the pendant from Raine's chest, lifting it to get a better look. On its end dangles a contorted silver frame of Ranni's crystal.

Oh. 

Ranni. It's all Ranni. Melina scowls. Ugh. Was everything that happened tonight all planned by her? Is Raine's current condition, the strange barrier- did Raine fall victim to the witch's plan?? The thought makes Melina want to scream, to rip her hair out, to find Ranni and tear her soul out of that fucking doll body. 

How can the witch be so cruel? If only Melina seen through her plans, if only she could stop Raine from going to this fight, if only it- Fuck!! Melina can feel herself slipping into the spiral, but a familiar hand grasps her shoulder, distracting her. Blaidd's hand.

"Blaidd." Melina gasps. In response, the knight slightly squeezes her shoulder. The pressure of the touch makes Melina realize she's trembling, hard. "Raine, they're…"

"They fought well." Blaidd's voice is coarse and uneven. "This wouldn't be a victory without your friend's courage." 

Melina looks back at him, taking notice of a deep gush on the knight's leg and his uneven posture. Despite this, the wolf-knight stands firmly, and his eyes sparkle with warmth. It reminds her of the way Raine looked at her just the night before. 

Raine. Who now lays unmoving on the sand beside her.

Panic washes over Melina again. "Raine! They are d- They need help. Their wounds- I- Nothing works, Blaidd!" she grabs the knight's hand. "Do you know anything about this? The crystal, it's some spell that makes their body, I can't-"

"The healer in Caria manor can help them. We need to take them there." Blaidd's voice is unusually monotonous, but Melina doesn't notice it over the blood rushing through her at the mention of someone, something that can help. 

"The manor? But it's a three-day trip!" 

"It won't take more than a day if we don't stop."

"Oh." And Melina knows this. Because that is a route she made before. The tide of fear recedes a little. "But the roads are so dangerous!"

"With Jarren going with you, you'll have nothing to worry about."

Huh? "You're not going with us?"

"No," Blaidd shakes his head, "I have a mission from the princess."

Melina's stomach drops. Traversing Caelid and Liurnia without Blaidd? And with Raine basically- "No! Blaidd, please, you can't!"

"I have my duty to fulfill!" Blaidd raises his voice in turn. "You don't know anything about lady Ranni's plan! And Raine's going to be okay without my help."

"RAINE IS ALMOST DEAD!!!" She can't stop herself from shouting. "They're dying and you're just going to let it happen!?" She's panting, her eyes sting, she's a mess; she doesn't care. Nothing matters besides Raine's life.

"I–" Blaidd stops short, her outburst making him hesitate. Melina presses on.

"If your duty is so important, let me do it for you!"

"It's not- You can't even defend yourself!" Blaidd shakes his head.

Melina looks the knight in the eyes. "Blaidd, I can vanish into a thin air. I can't be hurt." She can't help a small sense of pride saying this. "But there is nothing I can do if Raine gets attacked on the way to the Manor. Please, I'm begging you, help them!"

"I–" Blaidd groans, pinching the bridge of his nose. But after a few moments under Melina's pleading gaze, he finally relents. "Ugh– Fine." 

"Really?" Melina feels a monumental weight off her chest; a relief so big it hurts. "Thank you, Blaidd!" 

"Hold it!" The knight stops her. "Are you sure you can handle going through a nox city?"

"Nox city? Which one?"

"It's Nox- erm, Nokron." Blaidd furrows his brow, "-The one under Limgrave, where the meteor struck."

"Nokron?" His words make Melina frown too. "What would Ranni need in there?"

"The Relic of Nox. Can you get it?" 

The blade? "I-" How long has it been since the Nox cities fell? But thinking about it even now, she can already remember the starlit city plaza, barren streets and the guarded nature of people guarding it all. Nothing her ethereal form can't solve. She nods. "If you can get it, so do I."

A brief understanding flashes in Blaidd's eyes. "Go then. Make haste." With these words he walks to Raine and lifts them. 

Heeding the wolf knight's words, Melina does not wait more; mounting Torrent and starting on this journey.

She doesn't dare think about Raine lest she lose the strength to keep going.

Navigating to the underground city doesn't take much time, mostly because Melina can stay invisible for pretty much the entirety of the trip. Crossing shallow streams and eternal groves, cornering narrow streets and jumping between steep roofs — all helps take her mind off of things. Stopping Torrent just before the nox court, Melina looks up at the false night sky and her breath hitches. These stars… There was always something different about them. Their light, their constellations, their shimmer. A foreign sky of a bygone era. Something better left in the past, alone and forgotten; yet it persists.

A cold drop on her hand startles Melina. She blinks and looks down, finding her fingers clutching the reins tightly, her eyes suddenly damp and her skin covered in goosebumps. Only now does she realize how cold the air underground is. A shiver runs down her spine. 

Why is she here? For what purpose?

Ah, right. It's all for Raine's sake.

The relic blade — a painfully familiar object of her teacher's studies, once a hidden treasure  guarded by all remaining nox — now lays free to take by anyone as they please. The irony of the situation is almost funny.

The night greets Melina when she comes back to the surface. The sky is clear, a pale moon perched high in the sky. Around it are myriads of stars that all seem to stare back at her, sagacious and piercing. But it doesn't unnerve her.

And although Melina knows she wants to get back to the manor as soon as possible, she can't help but stop for a moment, relishing in the cool of the night. The night air returns the affection, soothing her nerves, and for the first time since the battle with Radahn it doesn't feel like the world is ending. Tearing her eyes from the sky, Melina wills herself to carry on.

With her task done and nothing stopping her on the way home, Melina's mind begins to wander. So Ranni's goal was the Relic blade. It's surprising how easily the Nox left one of the most important treasures unguarded besides a few silver tears. But what exactly does she need the blade for? To kill what? Thinking about the artifact now lying in the satchel on Torrent's back, Melina feels a sense of dread. She remembers discussing the potential of the blade with Renna, about its power and the connection it has to Marika's oppression of nox. She remembers Renna's musings on what best use it could have, on rituals and spells it could produce. And it seems Ranni has found a use for it. But the mere idea of using the blade feels… eerie. Melina instinctively wraps her cloak tighter around herself.

The rest of the journey is a blur, though nothing significant happens. Not that Melina would care if it did: her mind is clouded, thoughts and feelings coming and passing in mere moments. The only constant keeping her from dissolving into nothingness being the clouds above and the mud below.

Regardless of that, time still goes on. And even with Torrent's untiring gait, it still takes Melina the better part of a day to reach the northern end of Liurnia. When she finally sees the walls of the Carian Manor, last specks of daylight have already left the land, and the stars are slowly returning back to the sky.

Setting her eyes on the Manor, Melina doesn't notice her own heart beating faster; but soon other signs of worry start to show one after another. And by the time she reaches the front gate, she no longer has the patience nor care to talk to anyone and explain anything. Her only goal is to find Raine.

To her luck, when she walks up the terrace of the inner manor, her gaze meets with a familiar albinauric servant. Not saying a word, the girl nods to her and motions to follow.

Up a big flight of stairs, across the bridge, into the back door, left to another stairs, through the long corridor - it all takes Melina's breath away. When the servant stops at the last door and steps aside for Melina to go in, she has barely enough wits to realize what the girl means. This is it. Behind that door lies Raine, in whatever condition they may be. Pausing for only a moment, Melina opens the door.

Beyond it is a small room draped in shadows, the only thing illuminating the inside being a small candle on the commode. Under a small window stands a low bed. On the bed, under a thick blanket, lies her tarnished - still, eyes closed, the same peaceful expression on their face as when she last saw them. Still breathless, Melina dashes to the bed and takes Raine's hand in hers. 

Pulse. Faint, but steady. Melina releases a long, trembling sigh. Thank the stars, they're alive. With a thump she slides down the side of the bed, still holding her Tarnished's hand, breathing heavily and finally free. Delirious with relief, she kisses Raine's knuckles. 

After an indeterminable amount of time - maybe a minute, maybe an hour - when Melina's breath calmed down and the pounding of heart in her ears has reduced to a jittery beat, the door of the room slowly creaks open and the girl who led her here peeks inside.

Melina looks up at the girl and their eyes meet. The albinauric gasps. "Lady Melina! Are you… alright?" Still moving carefully, she enters the room. And Melina realizes how strange she must look, sitting on the floor. "Do you need help?"

"Ah–" Melina feels a twinge of embarrassment. Oh gods. She's clutching Raine's hand, too. "I'm fine. I was just- resting after the long road." She lets go of the hand.

"I see." The girl smiles with sympathy. Gently closing the door, she moves to the commode and opens the drawer. "We were worried sick when Sir Blaidd brought the injured; after all, it hasn't been that long since you left." A quiet splash of water brings Melina's attention and she looks up: the albinauric now carries a bowl and a cloth, which she puts down on the bed beside the pillow. "Mademoiselle Raine is– The healer said their condition is stable, but we shouldn't- there isn't much we can do now."

Melina frowns. "Don't they need more extensive care?"

Kneeling, the girl doesn't respond for some time, her eyes focused on Raine's face. After a prolonged pause, she sighs. "I'm no physician, and I have little practice tending to the wounded in combat. But… I can't just- leave them be like that." She takes the wet cloth and carefully puts it on Raine's forehead. "They're burning. Surely a cold compress won't hurt?"

Melina starts getting angry, but then her eye falls on Raine's chest: the deep and wide cut that spanned across the chest and over the shoulder — the wound she tried healing right after the battle and failed — is now barely a scratch. The only sign that something larger was ever there is now just a slight reddening of skin on Raine's shoulder. 

"Excuse me, – umm—" She hesitates, realizing she doesn't remember the albinauric's name.

"Corinne." The girl quickly supplies.

"Right, Corinne. Did the healer use any incantations or spells on Raine's body?"

"Oh," Corinne pauses, thinking. "I haven't been with them all the time, and I don't know much about magic… But I didn't see anything that– look like a spell?" She seems unsure.

"I see—" Melina replies, lost in thought. Something clearly isn't right. Of course she's relieved to see Raine healing, but there's simply no way a quick spell could have cured a wound this big. This together with her own inability to heal Raine– Is this all a glintstone ritual? She should try to recall some of Renna's teachings. Was there anything like that in the Carian tradition? 

Then she remembers. She's in the manor. There is a person here who definitely knows what happened, a person probably responsible for this– 

"Corinne, say… Has the princess woken up?" 

"Yes? Ah- no, I d-don't think so." The girl perks up, clearly brought back to reality. "Master Guillaume forbade all of us from entering the rise, and I haven't heard anyone seeing the princess yet."

She should go see for herself, Melina thinks. The rules of the manor don't apply to her, and if that thickhead of a witch is just hiding she'd give her a piece of mind, she'd have Ranni-

No.

Melina stops herself. Her eye falls onto Raine's face, their chest rhythmically rising and falling. Raine is. Safe. Raine trusted in Ranni's plan. Enough to join her knights, to march into that deadly battle and almost give up their life. But they're still here. The plan — whatever it was — seems to work. 

So she has no actual reason to storm Ranni's Rise now. If she knows anything about Ranni, it's that nothing good comes out of trying to rush things with her.   

But… She's still angry.

Maybe she should take a walk.

The twilight rain shimmers along the rooftops and walkways of the manor, harmonizing each splash with another, all to arrange a polyphonic suite in celebration of the oncoming summer. A bad weather to go outside for anyone who isn't a ghost, Melina thinks as she steps under the rain. But she doesn't have to worry much about getting wet, only a faint coolness and pitter-patter of drops reminding her that she's under the shower. 

The sensations help, cooling her nerves and fizzling out the anger. So she takes her time walking around the grounds so familiar yet distant, trying to remember how things were before. It helps to distract her from the recent turmoil. 

Surprisingly, a lot of things stayed just as she remembered them: here is a storehouse where she and Radahn hid once in hide-and-seek, and here are barracks she liked visiting to watch knights spar. Old armory that Renna repurposed to try out new spells are still standing, though visibly abandoned. On the other hand, what was just another part of a royal garden is now a vegetable patch, with seedbeds sown in neat rows. In place of another storehouse now stands a two-story living home, while the royal moonshrine seems to be abandoned completely. 

Following the water that flows in between paving, Melina walks to lower and lower levels, until she's almost at the gates. With every step, a new memory surfaces in her mind, each a reminder of the life she once had. 

"-ina" 

When she was little, she was obsessed with watching the manor gates work. On rainy days like this, sentries would snuggle along the main walls of the manor, only leaving the booth when necessary. The gatekeeper – an old albinauric, with dark blue hair who smelled of rum and oil – always welcomed little Melina inside his hut, taking time to show her various weaponry and details of the gate mechanism. The thrill of knowledge, the glint in the man's eyes: suddenly it all feels like a fresh memory. What happened to the man?

"Lady Melina!" A low voice pulls Melina out of reverie. 

She looks up, and finds Iji under an awning extending from the outer wall, hand outstretched under the rain and a worried look on his face. The troll beckons her to come closer.

"My lady! Are you alright?" He asks when she approaches. "The rain just doesn't seem to give up tonight. You must be soaking wet, standing out there for so long."

His manner of speech makes Melina smile. "Ghosts don't get wet, Iji."

The troll hums. "'Suppose you're right. It's good to see you back." He smiles at her in return. "Looks like all of our knights made it out of the battle alive. A lucky year. And in no small part thanks to master- err, miss Raine's help."

Melina's smile vanishes at the mention of the battle. "You seem awfully nonchalant about them almost dying." She looks the troll directly in the eyes, trying not to let anger seep in her voice. "You knew it would happen, didn't you? All a part of the plan?" 

"Ah." Iji frowns, "I apologize if I offended you, my lady. You seem to be angry about that. I am sorry." He puts his hand on his chest. "What your friend did is a heroic deed, certainly so. And for that the whole carian family is deeply grateful to them."

Melina scowls, "A heroic deed? More like a sacrifice, a meat for the slaughter." 

"I understand how you feel, my lady. It's not a pretty thing, and I must imagine the fight was brutal." Iji bobs his head. "But you must understand the decision lady Ranni had to make. No one could survive the fight with Radahn, and we learned it the hard way." 

"So you decided to find a sacrificial lamb?" Melina interrupts, barely holding herself.

"No." Iji responds. "Raine is a Tarnished. They cannot die the way any of our knights do. That is why Ranni asked them for this."

Melina feels herself shaking. "And what about the crystal and its spell? What about the ritual it unleashed?"

"The crystal was the only way for us to kill Radahn." The troll sighs. "Lady Ranni ordered us not to tell you. For that, I apologize." 

Ordered not to tell her? Melina takes a long breath to calm herself. It doesn't help. "I don't need apologies. Not from you. This is just-" she scoffs, "Does she not understand how childish it is to keep me in the dark about everything she plans?!"

Iji says nothing, the only answer to her anger being the shimmer of rain. A tear rolls down Melina's cheek. 

"It's been so long since we- thought we lost you, lady Melina." Finally, Iji says quietly. The contrast of his voice to what it was not long ago makes Melina look back at him — only to find the troll staring into nowhere, hands clutched together. "So I hope you can find it in yourself to give lady Ranni a little bit more time." 

All of the tension that was just inside of Melina, fizzles out. Time… How much time has passed? How long has she been like that? How did Ranni feel when she left on that journey and never came back? How did she feel, when she didn't come back? When she… died? 

What happened to her?

A sound of shouting brings her back to the present. Looking at Iji she sees him  frowning looking away. Following the troll's gaze, Melina soon spots the frail figure running to them through the rain. A lifted hood reveals Corinne, as she meets Melina's gaze with worry and intensity. 

"My lady! Raine, they're awake."

Melina moves immediately, not listening to anything else Corinne has to say. Through the manor grounds, up several flights of stairs, inside the building, to the second floor - she practically burst into Raine's room, flinging the door open. "Raine!" Her tarnished sits upright on the bed, and Melina can't resist throwing herself onto them, wrapping them in a tight hug.

"Ow, ow!" Raine yelps from the pain, making Melina realize she's probably too forceful. She backs off, still leaving her hands on Raine's sides. And takes a proper look at them; only to see their eyes wide open, a confused look on their face.

What's wrong? "Raine…?" She probes. "I'm sorry if it hurt, umm. Do you feel unwell?" She pauses, waiting for them to return to their senses. Behind her, Corinne enters the room, quietly closing the door behind. 

But no answer comes. Raine just stares at them, looking almost… lost? What's going on?

"Raine! Can you hear me?" Melina almost shouts at them, alarmed at the silence. She heard them yelp, so it's not the voice, and their wounds seem almost healed. Is it something wrong with their eyes, or are they in pain? No, they don't seem to be hurting, just stunned. Is it the effect of the ritual?

"Y-yes…? Um…" Raine finally speaks. They look at Corinne, then at Melina again, then down onto the bed. Melina waits with her breath held. "I'm, sorry, I— What's your name?" They look Melina in the eye.

"And who is- Raine?"