Story: The Celestial Tarnished

Disclaimer: I do not own the original setting.

Chapter 3: History Lesson

- Edwyn -

"I'm guessing Malenia and Miquella are the children of Radagon and Marika's union?"

Kalé nodded. "That is correct. After the Shattering, war quickly overtook the Lands Between, each Demigod created a faction of their own and vied for the throne. Battles ran rampant all over the Lands Between; everything was… broken."

I shook my head. "It seems the Lands Between have changed much since I've been gone."

"Indeed it has friend… indeed it has."

I sighed. "When you mentioned the Demigods, you mentioned someone called Godrick the Grafted? Going by his name he is a descendent of the Golden Lineage?"

Kalé chortled. "That's one way to say it. By technicality, he is a member of the Golden Lineage, however his Demigod blood is sorely diluted, and he makes a mockery of the prestigious bloodline in his veins."

My eyes narrowed dangerously. "Oh?"

Kalé shivered for a moment before he looked at me strangely. "How intriguing. As for Godrick, he hides away in Stormveil Castle, riding on the coattails of his ancestors, resorting to grafting to wield a fraction of the power his forefathers Godwyn, Edwyn, and Godfrey wielded."

"I see." If my Lord Father's lineage was being disgraced then perhaps I would have to do something about that.

I put visiting Stormveil Castle on my list of things to do.

"I see, enough about Godrick then, what else do you have to tell me?"

Kalé looked thoughtful for a moment before answering. "I suppose I can tell you a bit more about the war that took place after the Shattering, it is not like there was only a single battle."

I nodded. "That would be appreciated."

The more information I have about the past and this new age the better.

"After Radahn was held back by the Unveiled Monarch, he retreated back to his domain, Caelid to recuperate. During this period of time, the Unveiled Monarch established his control over Leyndell and its knights, gaining their respect and loyalty through unknown means."

I truly do wonder how this Unveiled Monarch managed to make the Tree Sentinels serve him, he must have done something truly extraordinary to earn their loyalty, though fighting off Radahn alone is impressive.

"Praetor Rykard retreated to Volcano Manor and remains there to this day. For some time things weren't exactly peaceful, but they weren't terrible, people were recovering from their wounds, but then Malenia, Blade of Miquella, attacked Caelid with her army." Kalé said with a shiver.

"That day was truly a day that would go down in history, that day Caelid turned into the wasteland it is today." Kalé said.

"Wasteland? What happened to Caelid?"

"The Scarlet Rot has corrupted the land, making it uninhabitable. I will explain more as I talk about the battle between Radahn and Malenia." Kalé said.

I nodded.

"Once Malenia appeared in Caelid, General Radahn's troops quickly began countering Malenia's own, however, the real battle was between General Radahn and Malenia." Kalé looked up towards the direction of Caelid with awe lighting his features. "I was not present in Caelid on that day thankfully, however everyone could feel the effects of that battle. General Radahn and Malenia fought for days, and neither truly came out on top. That is until Malenia tarnished her pride and drew upon her curse."

"Her curse?"

Kalé nodded. "She was born afflicted with Scarlet Rot, an otherworldly curse that could not be stopped. It was said that Malenia was one day destined to become a Goddess of Rot."

I raised an eyebrow at the title. Being called a deity in this land was not done lightly.

"Malenia called upon her curse to empower herself, drawing on forbidden power which allowed her to gain an edge on General Radahn, however, General Radahn was not one to be felled so easily, no, he managed to fight Malenia off for hours more, buying time for his troops to retreat to survive the Scarlet Rot."

I smiled hearing of Radahn's heroic feats. He was a man of focus, commitment, and sheer fucking will, that was how I remembered him as.

"However in the end, despite all his power, he fell to the Scarlet Rot."

I closed my eyes in mourning. Radahn and I weren't the best of friends, but I genuinely liked the man; his worship of the Golden Order aside, he was a truly good man.

"But he did not go out alone." I opened my eyes as Kalé continued. "He managed to wound Malenia enough to force her to retreat, it is said she rests in the Haligtree."

I'd have to ask more about this Haligtree later.

"However there were consequences to this battle, thanks to Malenia's Scarlet Rot, Caelid has become infused with the Scarlet Rot on a fundamental level, all manner of flora and fauna have become rotted and mutated due to the Scarlet Rot. To this day, Radahn's men continue to fight off all manner of beasts, defending Redmane Castle to honor the Radahn Festival." Kalé said.

"The Radahn Festival?" I asked in curiosity.

Kalé nodded. "The Radahn Festival is an event that takes place once a decade in which all manner of fighters gather to attempt to put the good General out of his misery."

My eyes shot open. "I had believed that Radahn died in combat against Malenia?"

Kalé shook his head sadly. "Oh no no, his fate is something far worse than death. He roams the lands of Caelid as a beast now, he has lost all form of intelligence, merely living by instinct now as the Scarlet Rot has burrowed itself deep within him. He feasts on friend and foe alike as he lives in eternal misery. The once great General Radahn had fallen from the Scarlet Rot, what remains is merely a husk."

I winced hearing of Radahn's fate, he didn't deserve such a thing.

"And where was Ranni during all this?" Ranni was not one to completely ignore her family's plights, at least not when I was still present in the Lands Between.

Kalé sighed. "Lunar Princess Ranni's whereabouts are unknown, she may be dead, she may be biding her time waiting for an opportunity to claim the throne. She is one of the most mysterious Empyreans and Demigods."

Ranni's fate was unknown? Now that does not fill me with ease. I did all I could to suppress the dreaded panic I felt well up in my chest. Losing my mind would do me no good now. I merely had to believe in my Princess' abilities.

"...I see." I responded. "You said that each Demigod built a faction of their own, do you mind sharing the locations each Demigod has claimed then?"

Kalé nodded. "I suppose so. I do not have a detailed account of each faction, but I can provide you with a general summary."

I nodded in thanks.

Kalé cleared his throat, casting a glance at the horizon before continuing. "As I mentioned, Godrick the Grafted holds dominion over Stormveil Castle. His forces are a pitiful shadow of the Golden Lineage, yet the man is tenacious and has amassed a grotesque army of grafted warriors."

I grimaced at Kalé's words. Grafting was a rather vile art, and Godrick had an entire army of warriors pieced together from the limbs of others. I wasn't worried about fighting his army if push came to shove. What I did feel was pity however. Those who are grafted tend to often lose themselves, the whispers of the limbs attached to their bodies often drove them mad.

"As I said before, General Radahn remains a tragic sentinel of Caelid, his loyal Redmane soldiers guarding what little remains of their proud domain. However, the Scarlet Rot has all but swallowed that land, twisting it into a festering, rotted hellscape. Radahn's soldiers still fight, but it's a war they cannot win." Kalé said in sadness.

I couldn't quite describe what I was feeling at the moment. I felt like a man out of time. The home I once knew had changed to the point it was unrecognizable from the land I was once exiled from. I was the Edwyn who lived in the Lands Between as well as the Edwyn who lived a far more peaceful life on earth, and so my feelings on the Lands Between were the same feelings I always held.

"Beyond Caelid, Praetor Rykard rules the region of Mt. Gelmir from Volcano Manor. He has forsaken the Golden Order completely, delving into the most blasphemous forms of heresy. I have not seen them myself, but I have heard that the creatures in his service are no longer mere soldiers. They are serpents, abominations driven by his pursuit of power."

I raised a brow. It wasn't that surprising that Rykard decided to forsake the Golden Order. He was never incredibly loyal to it like Radahn was, he merely saw it as a means to an end. I'm sure Kalé isn't aware of the full story behind Rykard, I'm sure he had his reasons. Whether those reasons were sound, however, remains to be seen.

"And then…" Kalé added, "There's Malenia, though I have already mentioned her. She and her forces dwell within the Haligtree, a place once built due to Miquella's desires. The Haligtree stands far to the north, hidden beyond the consecrated snowfields. They say Malenia lies in slumber, ever-watchful of her brother's dream, yet her power is still feared throughout the land. It is said that Miquella slumbers under her watchful eye."

Malenia must have been a rather incredible fighter if she managed to challenge Radahn. Even back when I knew him, the man was a beast. I'm sure he only grew stronger with time.

"And then there are the newcomers to the Lands Between. Their legends are not quite as interwoven, but they are still important." Kalé shared. "There is Gideon Ofnir, the All-Knowing. He is a Tarnished, much like yourself, but unlike most who seek power through strength or lineage, Gideon seeks it through knowledge. He commands Roundtable Hold, a haven for Tarnished warriors who still follow the path of the Greater Will."

"The Roundtable Hold hmm? It has been a long time since I have been there."

Kalé looked at me with a raised brow. "The Roundtable Hold was a place for Champions to gather you know?"

I nodded. "I know."

Kalé's lips curled upwards. "I did think you were different from the rest."

I rolled my eyes. "Cease the unnecessary flattering."

Kalé raised his hands in surrender. "Yes yes. Continuing on, Gideon has spent years gathering every scrap of lore, every secret of the Lands Between. They say he knows more about the Shattering, the Demigods, and even the Elden Ring itself than any other. But be cautious, he is no friend to the ignorant or the reckless. Gideon values knowledge above all else and will not hesitate to use it to his advantage."

I nodded. "I will keep that in mind."

This Gideon fellow seems like a rather practical person.

Gideon Ofnir might prove useful in my quest to locate Ranni. I would have to pay him a visit sometime. Though I would need to find a way to the Roundtable Hold first. Previously those recognized by the Golden Order could freely travel there through the Erdtree's blessing. Now however I fear it will not be so simple.

"Then there is Goldmask." Kalé continued. "Goldmask is a philosopher, an enigmatic sage who believes in absolute order, he preaches the perfection of the Golden Order in its purest form."

I sighed. That sounded like another one of the fanatics of the Golden Order. Either way, it didn't matter to me. I didn't plan to get involved with this Goldmask.

"I do not know much else about Goldmask as his teachings are not spoken of much. Then of course there is Raya Lucaria, while it is no longer as strong as it once was, is still a relevant force in the Lands Between. It still stands proud as the location where the most knowledge on Sorcery is kept." Kalé said.

"I see. Thank you for the information, Kalé."

Kalé waved me off. "It was no trouble, you have paid me for my troubles."

"A merchant through and through."

Kalé cracked a smile. "Well, I need something to do!"

I felt a small smile creep up onto my face. It was nice to talk to one of the denizens of the Lands Between, the people of this land were just different compared to the earthlings I was once used to.

"What about information on my more immediate surroundings."

Kalé "I can tell you what I know, but I don't get around much anymore.." Kale gestured behind him. "Behind these walls lies road. Follow that road for a bit and you'll come across a clearing of trees. Within these trees there are a few soldiers here and there, they shouldn't be much trouble for a Tarnished. After that you'll see the Gatefront Ruins which is under the control of Godrick's soldiers."

Kalé paused for a moment, scratching his chin, deep in thought before continuing.

"They're a rough lot, Godrick's soldiers. Brutal and relentless, though not the sharpest blades in the forge. If you're set on passing through, I'd advise caution." He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "There's a Troll patrolling the path beyond the ruins, too. A fearsome beast, towering over the trees. Best not to draw its ire unless you've the strength to take it down."

I nodded, I had expected danger to still lurk around every corner of the Lands Between. Though a mere Troll was far from what I'd describe as a danger. Perhaps it was a danger to the weaker soldiers, but even in my day a small group of soldiers could take out a Troll with ease.

He pointed westward next. "As I said before, to the west lies Stormhill. The winds there howl like the cries of the fallen. Beyond it lies Stormveil Castle, the stronghold of Godrick the Grafted. A wretched place, full of twisted horrors. If you're thinking of claiming a Great Rune, that's where you'll find one. But tread carefully, for it is no easy feat." Kalé warned. "Godrick may be the weakest of his kin, but he holds the title of Demigod nonetheless."

I nodded, acknowledging his concern. "And what about here?" I asked, glancing around the camp. Back when I reigned as a Demigod, no one would allow a merchant to lay claim over a Church of Marika.

Kalé chuckled softly. "The Church of Elleh may offer some safety, but this little spot is where I've made my own refuge. No one pays much attention to me, a humble merchant. I watch, I listen, and I trade. The world passes me by, and I pass it with nothing but silence." Kalé sighed wistfully. "It is a slow life, but it is one that I live with relative ease." Kalé looked back at me. "That is about all I can tell you about the surrounding land, the rest is up to you."

"How hostile do you believe Godrick's men will be to me?" I asked Kalé.

Kalé looked thoughtful for a moment before answering. "Well that mask of yours is making it mighty hard to put a face to you, so your identity will be kept hidden. However Godrick and by extension his men are a paranoid bunch. Any person who does not cooperate or who seems suspicious is immediately declared an enemy and dealt with accordingly."

My brows furrowed. "That is rather harsh."

Kalé shrugged. "Godrick is a paranoid man. He believes everyone is out to get him, he is especially hateful towards any Tarnished in his lands, believing them to be contenders for his Great Rune."

I sighed hearing Kalé. It seems this Godrick was bound to be a disappointment when we met. I had not thought one of my Lord Father's stock would end up in such a way, but anything was possible I suppose.

"Then there is a Dragon resting in the Dragon-Burnt Ruins, within the lake. It lies just to the right of the clearing ahead, you wouldn't miss it."

I raised a brow. Dragons were mighty beings worthy of respect. "Is this Dragon a true Ancient Dragon or merely the whelp of some Dragon with its ancient blood thinned."

Kalé raised a brow. "The Ancient Dragons haven't been seen in ages. The one resting in the lake is no Ancient Dragon, yet it is mighty nonetheless. Watch yourself, brave Tarnished."

I nodded in thanks.

I began getting up from my position as I sent a handful of more runes towards him. After killing that Tree Sentinel I was not lacking runes.

"Well then, thank you Kalé but I must get a move on." I said as I looked up to the sky. It was a little after noon, I still had some time to do some reconnaissance of the surrounding area before I needed to begin making preparations for shelter.

"Before you go, mind checkin' out my wares?" Kalé asked.

I nodded. "Very well. What do you have that would be useful to a Tarnished such as I?"

Kalé looked thoughtful for a moment before speaking. "Well I got throwin' knives, but I feel like you won't be needing those." Kalé said as he eyed the Dark Moon Greatsword. "Perhaps a crafting kit and telescope?"

I nodded. "Very well, both of those have their uses. How many runes?"

"500 for the telescope, and 300 for the crafting kit." Kalé informed.

I nodded and sent 800 runes towards him, plus a bonus for the information. Once Kalé had the runes he took the two items out of his bag and handed them to me.

"Thanks." I said as I placed the crafting kit and telescope into my inventory.

"Anytime! If you need anything I'll probably be here. Don't be a stranger!" Kalé said.

I nodded. "It was nice meeting you, Kalé"

Kalé nodded. "You as well, stranger. Take care, and may the stars guide you."

I quirked a small smile. He had no idea how true that last statement of his was. I looked up to the sky, it was only midday but I knew my guiding star was up there somewhere.

As I left the church I felt comforted by the familiar presence of the Dark Moon Greatsword on my back. Perhaps it was not healthy to be so fixated on a weapon, but it was one of the only reminders of my beloved that I had left. Not to mention it had aided me in many battles even after I was exiled from the Lands Between. Thanks to that perk there was now an even deeper bond between I and my weapon, I would be remiss to not show it the care it deserves.

I felt the familiar thrum of mana burst off it for but a moment, its familiar comfort washing over me. I allowed a smile to form on my face as I made my way towards the small clearing of trees.

I had decided to head to the Gatefront Ruins first, the place Kalé had described as being overrun with soldiers. I wasn't certain where I would go next, but I was leaning towards Raya Lucaria or Stormveil. Stormveil Castle would be on the way so I was leaning towards checking on my Lord Father's wayward descendent before leaving for Raya Lucaria. Perhaps there would be some clue about Ranni's fate at my old place of schooling. However I didn't wish to rush everything, I wanted to understand the current situation of the Lands Between before I made any major moves. If Ranni was out there then I am sure she is well hidden if her whereabouts have remained hidden to this day, taking my time to piece each clue together would be far wiser.

After following the road Kalé mentioned for about twenty minutes, I spotted the clearing of trees he described. The sunlight filtering through the leaves danced on the ground, casting intricate patterns that momentarily distracted me.

I blinked as I spotted a soldier patrolling the road that led through the clearing. I was aware that Kalé had said they would likely be hostile, but I still wished to at least try to communicate with them. I was no rampaging beast, I would not resort to violence first, such was not becoming of the Consort of the Lunar Princess. Ranni may not have minded as she was rather weak to me, but I held myself to a standard.

As I approached the soldier, I froze. My head snapped to the left, eyes narrowing. [Danger Sense] had warned me of a being capable of posing a threat in that direction. Just as I turned, the presence faded, yet I could still feel it lingering at the edges of my awareness. It seemed that once [Danger Sense] locked onto something, it remained vigilant until the danger left the vicinity.

It seems there was a certain range requirement that needed to be fulfilled to get the true name of an individual as I had no clue who it was that was watching me.

I took a deep breath as I turned away from the presence. I would not have been able to sense the presence without [Danger Sense]. These powers of mine are truly just as extraordinary as I believed them to be.

I did wish to confront the presence, yet it clearly was not hostile or I imagine it would have attacked me. Or perhaps it was waiting for an opportunity to catch me off guard, I could not tell.

The matter of fact was that there was a being nearby that could threaten me. I could feel a small smile creep up on my face as I fought to suppress it. Despite my attempts at being a gentlemanly consort, my time under my Lord Father's care did shine through from time to time. In the end I enjoyed battle, battles in which I was threatened were some of the greatest I had ever experienced. I took another deep breath as I forcefully calmed my beating heart and pulsing blood. Now was not the time to lose myself in my battle instincts.

I considered how I should deal with this mysterious presence. I had long since hidden myself in a grove of grass allowing me to cease worrying about the patrolling soldiers.

Confronting the presence was an option, an option which I knew I would enjoy. Yet I wished to understand what this presence wished for, directly attacking them may aggravate them if they were not originally hostile.

In the end I decided to take a wait and see approach. If the presence followed me I would allow them to do so until they felt comfortable unveiling themselves. [Danger Sense] would warn me if the presence approached me allowing me to react in case I am being ambushed. Perhaps I was relying on my new powers too much, yet they had already proven their use. I would be remiss to not abuse the new boon I had been granted.

Feat Achieved: Gain the interest of the Kindling Maiden (75 CP).

[Enhanced Sense] - 100 CP (God of War) locked.

You cannot see any better or hear any better, but your senses have been heightened in a particular fashion and the world around you is somehow clearer than it was before. You can now feel the nature of the world around you and the nature of things that would normally be hidden to your other senses through a new sense separate from all others you possess. You may feel the hidden flows of magic or divinity that permeates the world, beings, and objects around you.

Purchased. 25 CP remaining.

I blinked as I felt my perception of the world change. I took a deep breath as I felt the mana in the air far clearer than I ever had before, I could feel the subtle hints of power flowing through the Lands Between. This wouldn't immediately be useful, but it will make spotting more hidden things and understanding the world far easier.

I once again began making my way through the clearing of trees. I felt the presence follow behind me from a long distance away, seemingly not wanting to be detected as they first had.

I once again spotted the same soldier as before, Gerald his name was. As I made to approach him, he spotted me. "Halt!" He demanded. I decided to comply with his demands, perhaps communication was possible.I watched as one of his hands wandered to the hilt of his sheathed blade, the movement clumsy, fingers fumbling as if unused to the weight. It seems he was not used to combat. His other hand gripped his shield tightly, holding it protectively in front of him, though the shield itself was chipped and worn, the leather straps cracked with age. It was the kind of gear handed down to those who could not afford better, or those who had yet to prove their worth.

"Hello," I greeted as he stood in front of me, his stance wide but awkward, betraying his lack of training. We were not quite on the main road, making it hard to spot us due to the cover of the trees. If it weren't for that, I imagined this soldier's more capable compatriots would have been here by now.

The soldier did not bother responding to my greeting. "What is your purpose in these lands!?" He demanded.

My brows furrowed beneath my mask. "Why does my purpose matter? I was merely passing through."

The soldier stomped harshly on the ground, his iron-clad boots sinking slightly into the dirt, the sound more hollow than threatening. It was a clear attempt at intimidation, though the tattered state of his armor undermined the display. The breastplate he wore bore no markings of distinction, its surface dented and scratched from past battles, or more likely, years of neglect. A lesser soldier, to be sure, he was without the finely polished armor or the sigils that marked those of greater importance. I raised an unimpressed brow at his meager attempt.

I would not look down on those less fortunate than me normally, yet this soldier was making himself out to be an enemy. I would not initiate combat just yet, perhaps I was merely misunderstanding. I doubted it, but before killing a man I wished to have the facts clear.

"I will be the one asking the questions!" He snapped. "If you do not answer, I will assume you bear hostile intentions to this land and Lord Godrick! And take that mask off! I wish to see your face!"

I held back a sigh. Just how was Godrick running this land? Tyranny was not uncommon during my time, yet I suppose I expected more from one of Lord Father's lineage. A proper ruler, not one who relied on such poorly equipped and ill-trained soldiers to enforce his will. This soldier's armor lacked even a simple tabard, no coat of arms to signify his station, and his rust-spotted sword hung limply at his side, clearly untested in any significant battle. He would likely not have any relevant information that I could make use of.

I decided to be honest. I would not waste time attempting to pry useless information from a man who was no more than a pawn in this disordered land.

"I am a Tarnished on the quest to understand the current state of the Lands Between." I answered simply.

The soldier froze momentarily as his eyes widened. Surprisingly the soldier quickly got himself under control as he lunged to attack me. I closed my eyes in sadness at the foolishness of the man. It seems Tarnished were clear enemies of these soldiers.

Before the soldier could even reach me I called upon [Elemental Evocation]. For now I could only control and generate a meager amount of ice through this ability, however it would be enough. I would experiment with combining it with my cold sorcery at a later date.

An ice spike impaled him from underneath. The ice was dyed red as the life drained from his body, the soldier crumpling to the ground with a muted gasp. His sword, now useless, clattered beside him, echoing in the silence that followed.

I sighed softly as a meager amount of runes grew within me, stepping forward to examine the body, though there was no satisfaction in the act. These soldiers were no threat, mere pawns sent to their doom with little understanding of the forces at play in the Lands Between. He would be reborn if his will was strong enough.

I grabbed the soldier's corpse by the leg and set him aside in a bush before making my way back towards the main road that led through the clearing. I spotted a group of soldiers resting around a campfire. I ignored them and went around to the grove I spotted on my left.

I knew I was getting slightly distracted, exploring the lands as I was. I did wish to explore a little bit despite my goals. I'm sure that Limgrave has changed vastly since I had last been here. The only familiar thing I had seen so far was Stormveil Castle, the rest was rather new, even the church hadn't been there before.

I planned to pay the Dragon Kalé spoke about a visit at some point. Kalé said it was no Ancient Dragon yet I still wished to test myself against the beast, it had been ages since I last fought a Dragon.

I ended up wandering the clearing for some time. I spotted various groups of soldiers who I snuck around.

I tilted my head as I spotted the entrance to a cave up ahead on a small uplift. Now that I was attuned to the Sites of Grace I could feel one inside the cave. It seems the Grace believed the cave was a worthwhile exploration site.

- Kalé -

He set down his glass as he greeted his old friend. "Blaidd! How do you do!" He greeted the half man half wolf. Blaidd was an old friend, and while Kalé did not know of his origins he had grown to trust the Wolf Man over the years.

"I am well Kalé, how have you been?" Blaidd asked. Kalé smiled warmly at Blaidd as he sat down, the weight of the wolf knight's presence evident in the way the ground shifted slightly beneath him. There was always a certain tension in the air when Blaidd was around, he carried the raw, wild energy of the wolves, yet it was tempered by his stoic loyalty and purpose. Kalé had long known Blaidd to be a warrior of few words, but when he did speak.

"I've been well enough." Kalé replied, adjusting his seating position. "Though, there's been a lot going on in Limgrave. Too much for my liking." He glanced toward the horizon, where the sun was beginning its slow descent, casting long shadows across the land.

He had a feeling things would be changing around here soon, his instinct as a merchant if you will. Change was not always good, things in Limgrave were peaceful enough if you didn't make yourself a target of the Grafted One.

Blaidd sighed as he made himself comfortable. "I feel it too." Blaidd said as he looked out into the distance in a typical lone wolf fashion.

"Anyways, what are you doing in Limgrave? You usually don't see me for years at a time, yet this is the third time I have seen you this year."

Blaidd looked to him and paused for a moment before speaking up. "I suppose I can tell you. I am… hunting down a traitor to my lady."

Kalé raised a brow as his thoughts wandered to the Tarnished he met. "This mysterious lady of yours, huh? Well maybe I've heard something, what are his characteristics?"

Blaidd narrowed his eyes. "You're thinking of someone, aren't you?"

Kalé nodded. "I am, but describe him a bit before I say anything." If Blaidd said that the traitor he was searching for was one who wore a mask that Blaidd described, then Kalé would have his answer. Though he doubted that mysterious Tarnished was the man Blaidd was looking for. He had a fairly good judge of character, that Tarnished was no traitor.

Blaidd's expression darkened as he began to speak, his voice low and rough. "He is the Bloodhound Knight Darriwil, you wouldn't have heard of him. The armor he wears is unmistakable. Heavy, but sleek. It clings close to the body, like a hunter's skin. A dark, tattered cloak drapes from the shoulders, hiding his form in the night. The chestplate and pauldrons are thick with overlapping scales of metal, blackened as if scorched in battle, but it's that mask—" Blaidd's hand twitched. "A snarling hound's head of tarnished iron, eyes glowing faintly in the dark. He wields a curved greatsword primarily."

It seems Blaidd was rather angry at this Darriwil fellow.

"So? Do you recall someone similar?" Blaidd asked impatiently.

He shook his head. "No, but I did meet a rather interesting Tarnished earlier today."

Blaidd tilted his head. "Another Tarnished huh?"

"This one seemed different. The way he carried himself was an eyeopener. He is or was someone of status, his steps were calm and level, he made no unnecessary movements."

Blaidd's ears perked up slightly, his keen senses picking up on Kalé's subtle shift in tone. "Someone of status, you say? Calm and collected… yet, a warrior at heart?"

Kalé nodded, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Yes. There was a certain weight to his presence, an air of control, as though every step was calculated. He carried a truly divine blade, but it wasn't just that, there was something more. Almost as if… he was seeking something, but not in haste. More like he was prepared to wait for the right moment, the right opportunity."

Blaidd's grip on his sword tightened. "Interesting. Many Tarnished wander without purpose, lost to madness or power."

Kalé nodded. "Indeed, Tarnished are a rather chaotic lot. This one cared for the current state of the Lands Between quite a lot. He asked about the Demigods, the Shattering… as if he were assessing his place in it all." He had acquired a skill at reading people after so long as a merchant, that allowed him to understand the Tarnished fairly well.

Blaidd huffed, his impatience growing. "Sounds like a fool, if you ask me. Too many Tarnished get tangled up in things far above their heads, thinking they can seize the Elden Ring and become Elden Lord. Did you catch his name?" He didn't blame Blaidd for brushing his words off. Many Tarnished had tried to make a name for themselves in the Lands Between, yet few succeeded.

Kalé smiled faintly. "He didn't give me his name. But I do believe I will see him once more."

Blaidd grunted. "Whatever. You said he wielded a divine weapon in your own words? Why don't you tell me about it." Blaidd asked with curiosity.

Kalé's smile deepened as he nodded thoughtfully. "Ah yes, the greatsword… It wasn't just any weapon, Blaidd. The moment I laid eyes on it, I could feel its presence, cold, distant, like the night sky itself."

Blaidd's expression stiffened as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "...Is that so?"

Kalé ignored Blaidd's question and continued reminiscing. "It had this unmistakable gleam," Kalé continued. "A soft, pale light, almost like the shimmer of moonlight on a still lake. It wasn't the brightness of a flame or the harshness of lightning, but something softer, more ethereal. A cold blue that seemed to draw the warmth out of the air around it."

Blaidd's ears twitched, listening intently.

Kalé glanced at Blaidd, who remained rapt with attention. "Even sheathed, it felt like the sword exuded a sense of calm, a quiet power. You could sense its weight, not just in the physical sense, but the weight of its existence. It was truly something special, you would have to see it to truly understand."

Blaidd whispered something under his breath. "D-Did the man say the name of the weapon?"

Kalé shook his head. "He did not."

Blaidd clicked his tongue. "I see. What did this man look like?" Blaidd all but demanded.

Kalé shrugged his shoulders. "He was wearing a mask, I couldn't even tell you his hair color, something about that mask made it hard to put any features on him."

"Tsk." Blaidd clicked his tongue. "What was he wearing then?"

"His armor seemed to be well crafted, but it did not have any defining features about it."

Blaidd grunted as he got up. "A secretive one then. I do believe I have something else to look into now."

Kalé nodded. "I'll be seeing you then."

Blaidd nodded. "Goodbye, Kalé."

- Blaidd -

He muttered half-hearted curses under his breath as he processed everything Kalé had said.

The Dark Moon Greatsword had been lost for centuries, or at least Ranni's Dark Moon Greatsword. It had left the Lands Between alongside… Edwyn. The familiar pang of hurt surged within him, but he swallowed it down, burying it beneath layers of resolve. He and Edwyn had shared a bond forged in the fires of youth, having met when Blaidd was merely a pup, not even 18 summers old. As Ranni's shadow, Blaidd had initially viewed Edwyn with suspicion, their paths having crossed in a tangled web of loyalties and secrets. The age they grew up in was a complex one, with Demigods rising, Lords falling, and gods smiting. But the man had grown on him, blossoming from an outsider into a brother-in-arms.

He recalled their time wandering the grand library of Raya Lucaria, those endless days spent poring over ancient tomes, sharing whispered secrets in the hushed corridors. They had shared meals beneath the stars, camped out by crackling fires, laughter ringing in the stillness of the night. Blaidd could still picture the day they had ventured to Iji, the forge alive with the scent of molten metal, where a weapon was crafted to Edwyn's specifications allowing for Edwyn to blend his sorcery and swordsmanship rather well. It was nothing compared to the Dark Moon Greatsword, yet it had served as an ample placeholder.

As the memories washed over him, Blaidd blinked away the tears threatening to spill, haunted by the bittersweet nostalgia. Those had been brighter days, before the Lands Between fractured into chaos and despair. Before Ranni's heart had splintered, leaving scars that ran deep.

Blaidd had been among the first to learn of Edwyn and Ranni's secret affair. Despite his initial warnings about the trouble it could bring, he had seen the way they looked at each other, and somewhere inside, he had hoped they could forge their own destiny. They had managed to carve a path for themselves, but at what cost?

Now, as he trudged back to his camp, the weight of loss hung heavy in the air. The absence of their friend felt like a gaping wound in their little family. Ranni seemed unwavering in her faith that Edwyn would return, her eyes reflecting a hope that pierced the dark. She often spoke of their fate being bound together in the stars. But with Radahn holding the stars hostage, Blaidd couldn't help but feel a deep skepticism about their fates.

What had become of this age? Brothers turned against sisters, kin set upon kin, he sighed heavily as he walked, lost in the swirling thoughts of a world gone mad. He would not be returning to Caria Manor until he found Darriwil, that foul traitor would be punished. He chose to keep Kalé's words to himself, not wishing to cast a shadow of false hope over Ranni's heart. He did not want to see her heart shatter once more.

Yet despite it all, he felt a small hope within him, perhaps he would see his friend one day.

I am highly motivated by your guys' reviews and likes, so do that! I'll probably keep writing or something.

I have a discord server, come hang out if you want! /VxR5Gn72Fp I also have a channel in Shiro's Gaming Omniverse.

Links: /theogbasilisk

Author's Note:

Sup guys! It's been a while since I've posted a chapter of Tarnished, and I appreciate all your patience. In this chapter, we dive deeper into the lore and explore Edwyn's thoughts on his journey. It's always fascinating to see how he plans to navigate the challenges ahead.

Kalé really shines in this section, seriously, he's just a chill mf who brings so much to the table. In the game, he's the one hanging out, selling items, and dropping wisdom like it's nothing. You can't help but appreciate his laid-back vibe and insightful advice, he's a true homie.

We also get a glimpse into Blaidd's perspective. He's such a compelling character, and has such a good story, his canon fate is tragic. He's the best doggo around!

And yes I did expand the size of the lands between by a good bit. It would be weird if walking a couple steps can lead you to an entirely different region after all.

Chapter is slightly shorter than usual as I covered everything I wanted to, I didn't want to just pointlessly add words.

Anyways, thanks for reading, peace.

Support me if you want to read ahead on pat reon * / theogbasilisk