Board Thread:Off Topic/@comment-14138255-20170320024103/@comment-14138255-20170526220125

  Chapter 9: Carim and Catarina



Pyrrha sat numb near an alcove, behind where Hawkwood was sitting, trying to let her grief pass on its own. It was taking awhile. She still thought of what happened at the Undead Settlement, and what had come of it, particularly Greirat’s pain.



“It was your fault you know.” Hawkwood finally said. His words snapped her out of trance, too startled to be offended at what he had said. Hawkwood, having Pyrrha’s attention continued, “you shouldn’t have promised to do anything for anything. All that happens is you looking like a fool when you fail.”



<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha blinked and then turned away from Hawkwood in silence. Finally she spoke. “I thought I could save her like Greirat had wanted, that I could help him.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Hawkwood gave a light breath of incredulity. “Help? Help? Who do you help from going hollow from feeling sorry for yourself? You’re unkindled, weaker than even a common undead. What chance have we?”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Though Pyrrha was aching from his words, she did have a limit to how much she was willing to be insulted by anybody. “At least I’m trying to hope. At least I’m going out there and risking my life to help people. You’re the one sitting here doing nothing.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Hawkwood was taken aback at first, but his face twisted into bitterness and venom. “Risking your life indeed” he muttered, no doubt chewing on the irony of Pyrrha’s words. Hawkwood spoke again as he did at first, but with obviously more cruel of intentions, “tell me, you said you died and then woke up in our world yes?”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha squinted in confusion. “Yes?”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Who’s to say this isn’t just your afterlife? Hmm?” Hawkwood posited, his words sending a twisted chill through Pyrrha’s guts. “What if this is just your eternal reward, for all your good deeds lass?”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha stared in shock and confusion, her head becoming suddenly heavy, causing her to grasp it. Pyrrha finally answered, “I don’t think any god or spirit with any form of justice would do something so...cruel” she shakily spoke, she then genuinely asked him “would... any of yours?” It had occurred to Pyrrha to ask, considering all she had seen, especially from the congregation and their crimes.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Hawkwood however gave a shrug. “I wouldn’t know. Our gods either ditched us or someone up and killed them all. I don’t think anyone noticed really” Hawkwood plainly said, his voice and expression having no trace of hyperbole.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha stared for awhile, then dipped her head and looked into the alcove she had been next to, but then craned her neck to look closer when she saw something in the shadows. She then was able to make out a familiar, decrepit body looking up at her as well.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Is someone there?” an old voice spoke, echoing from the floor and walls. Pyrrha immediately recognized the voice.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Yoel?” asked in relieved greeting.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Ah, Champion of Ash! It is good to see you are alright.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha was relieved to see Yoel and got up to climb down from the alcove and into the room he was in. Yoel earnestly yet slowly approached her and put his hand on her shoulder in an almost grandfatherly way. “I heard the commotion you were involved in, I trust everything is alright?”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha’s warm smile at greeting Yoel faded and her face sunk. Yoel noticed immediately and gently removed his hand from her shoulder and onto his walking stick. “I see...your journey has taken a toll on you.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Innocent people, and I wasn’t able to save them. I couldn’t save people I was meant to save.” Pyrrha candidly said, somewhat saddened by having to repeat it out loud.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">You mustn't blame yourself Champion of Ash. Such tragedies are common in our world, you must accept this as the way of things. In a way, they were lucky to have finally passed on despite our shared curse.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">But I want to save people, I don’t want to fail them and bring more grief in this…place” she said in mild desperation.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Yoel looked for a long time, pondering his options. Finally he shifted and faced her. “I have a way to make you stronger if that is what you truly wish.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha looked up puzzled, but then asked him “how?”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">I believe I can tease out your true strength. We pilgrims of Londor are keenly aware that those branded by the Darksign possess something quite special...if you wish, I can bring it forth, and grant you some extra power to be at your disposal.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha thought for a moment before nodding. Yoel then reached out and put his hand within inches of Pyrrha’s face. Instead of touching it however, a strange flowing force emitted from his hand and poured into her through her eyes, being a cold and nauseating feeling. It flowed through her body and into her darksign, which began to freeze. As this happened, she did feel a surge of energy, but her mind was still racing, which continued a small while after Yoel ended his ritual.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Are you alright Champion of Ash?” Yoel almost apologetically asked.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Somewhat shaken from her ordeal she answered, “yes, it was just so...unfamiliar.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">I’m afraid that is simply the nature of my power, but rest assured you are stronger than you were before, and as you continue to fight and die, you will grow stronger still. Simply return to me when you feel it is time to further draw it out. You will know when it is.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha awoke near the bonfire where she fought Hodrick. Sirris was no longer there, having already left, no trace of her was seen. Before Pyrrha returned to Firelink, Sirris had said that the way to the Lords of Cinder was through a tower at the very end of the Undead Settlement. Pyrrha had seen this tower when she was flown in from the High Wall. She made her way back onto the path, which lead to a cemetery, which was peppered in large spears, stuck shaft deep into the ground, with a lonely white birch tree standing amongst several old, nasty trees that had long since died.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">This alone put her on alert just in time before she saw a patrol of hollows walking around the cemetery. Before they could do battle though, she heard the wind tearing, and instinctively leaped back away from where the sound was coming from. A second after she did, a large explosion shook the ground, sending the hollows flying. As the dust settled, she realized the ground had been hit by a spear similar to the ones scattered around the graveyard, they were launched as though from an artillery piece.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha began to run across to evade the large arrows, but the lone survivor of the patrol grabbed her leg, causing her to stumble. She quickly squirmed and broke free from the hollow’s grip, but the spear had already travelled its needed distance and Pyrrha had just enough time to see it rush straight toward her. Her body began to numb long before her body hit the ground.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">-

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha got up from the bonfire and winced in a sort of phantom pain, but still less than when she had started. A new feeling however was a similar feeling of cold as when Yoel unlocked the power in her darksign.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Will I ever be used to this?” she pondered to herself.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">She made her way to the cemetery again, this time waiting for the arrow to destroy the patrol. The second they were undone by the strike, she dashed, but jumped over the hollow that was still alive and rushed into the cobble building, where she stopped to catch her breath. Up the stairs she caught her breath, and looking up she saw a hallway, at the middle of which was a vast amount of flowers, in the middle of which stood Sirris who was staring at something intently to Pyrrha’s left, out of sight.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Sirris?” Pyrrha called out. Sirris moved her head ever so slightly, enough to acknowledge Pyrrha’s presence but without breaking eye contact with her unseen target for more than two seconds. Pyrrha approached her, glancing at the admittedly beautiful flowers surrounding them before looking at what she was looking at: a very large, but otherwise unremarkable tree, surrounded by both flowers and some hollows who were praying around it. And yet it was ominous and oppressive somehow, emanating a hostility she could not understand. There was something very wrong with that tree...

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">I see you’ve made it past the giant alright” Sirris dryly noted.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Giant?” Pyrrha asked, before her mind raced back to when she first entered the Undead Settlement, the giant being with the bow on the…

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">That was the giant, he’s on the top of the tower?” Pyrrha reasoned.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Sirris simply nodded. “It had been firing upon many areas throughout Lothric, I have yet to figure out what connects them, but in the lands it protects nothing can survive for long.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha turned back to the tree that Sirris was staring at. “What is it?”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">A greatwood. The inhabitants of this settlement once had the power to take their curses and put them in a vehicle, cleansing themselves. They put it all into that tree. That’s not why I am here though. You remember your encounter with Hodrick?”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha nodded, recalling nearly being killed by the madman, to say nothing of the wounds she sustained.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">He is here. I can feel it. His presence is stronger than ever, and yet I cannot find him. I’m puzzled, and I’d been contemplating what to do about that” Sirris stated, certain that her mark was indeed where she said he was. But then she turned to Pyrrha, “but you must carry on with your duty. Behind me is the way to the tower.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha nodded and began to walk, but Sirris stopped her to give some more advice. “Be careful and discreet Pyrrha Nikos. Your disturbance in the Undead Settlement has caused the cathedral’s forces to search for you. They are adamant you do not reach their icon.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha stared at Sirris for a beat before turning and making her way. From where she was at the top of the steps, she saw a large pathway surrounded by the tall cliffs, which cast a shadow over the area. To the right was a pathway up a hill and back to the settlement, where she could vaguely see the entryway. Up ahead was a small hamlet located across a bridge that went over a ravine. Pyrrha began making her way down the steps before spotting a search party originating from the hamlet, with the evangelist at its head and a rather large hollow holding a pot at the rear accompanied by one of the emaciated dogs. Noticing this, she hurried to a tree at the end of the steps and hid as they passed. The group passed without incident except for the dog which stopped suddenly. Pyrrha froze in apprehension, and the dog turned its head sickeningly her way.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">After a long pause, the dog began to bark and roar and charged its way toward the tree, which caught the attention of the rest of the search party. Pyrrha got up and managed to get her sword out in time to kill the dog in its tracks, but the 4 hollows and the hulking brute made their way as well, forcing Pyrrha to run toward the hamlet.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">She managed to run to the bridge, but the hollows caught up to her, with one diving to catch her, which threw her down into the ground and stopping her chase, only managing to kick the hollow that had tackled her off before getting her sword out again.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Just then the brute held up its pot and threw it to their location, sending them all flying. Two of the hollows fell into the ravine to their certain deaths while a third died from the impact. Pyrrha herself was extremely shaken, and took a sizable swig of Estus to recoup from her wounds, but almost spit it out upon discovering what was in the pot: human heads, no doubt more victims of the congregation’s purge. The remaining hollow dashed quickly to Pyrrha. She took the initiative and slashed, but the hollow blocked and slapped Pyrrha across the face before winding up for another slash, which Pyrrha managed to block with her blade, slide off it and then stab the hollow, killing it. The brute meanwhile roared and began to charge, but Pyrrha took advantage of where she was and let it. It pulled back and rushed at Pyrrha, who used its momentum to hurl itself off into the ravine. The evangelist, who had witnessed all of this having just now caught up, sneered and turned away in a bitter retreat. Pyrrha opted not to go after her having won this day, and decided to concentrate on getting to the tower which was now in reach.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Approaching the tower, Pyrrha spotted a man with black, angular, and monstrous looking armor, wielding a large mace with the shaft as long as he was and with the head as big as his upper body, the weapon much too large to be considered simply a mace at all. The man turned his head towards Pyrrha, his face covered by his helmet resembling a grotesque mixture of a dog and an eagle.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Ah...another one of those ‘unkindled’ are you?” the man spoke, his voice dripping of the same venom and mean-spirit as Hawkwood but without any sort of pity or sympathy.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Taken aback by his tone, Pyrrha nevertheless answered “I am, so I’m told at least. I’m Pyrrha Nikos-”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">All you faceless Undead, thinking you deserve respect.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Excuse me?” Pyrrha asked, somewhat peeved at the man’s rudeness despite just meeting her, “I’m just trying to help, I’m looking for the Lords of Cinder.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Hmmph, no matter. Heed my words. If you’ve any sense, you’ll go find a coffin and huddle up inside. You may have bested the dullards here, but you, in this land of hollows, you’re like a frail maiden on the front lines. You are not prepared for what’s out there”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha was even further taken aback by his spiteful words, but they still cut deep, even with her learning she still felt she didn’t belong in this terrible world, and everything in it.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Eygon? Who is there?” A frail voice called from a room from behind the man, Eygon, who turned his head in alarm. “I TOLD YOU to keep quiet!” Eygon barked at the voice, in what sounded like nurtured frustration.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha however was curious as to the identity of the voice and moved towards it, finding a woman clad in white cleric’s robes, sitting in an old and dirty cell carved into the mountain. As she moved closer, her head rose in alarm, but didn’t turn toward her.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Ahh, who’s there? Eygon? Is that you?” she spoke, still not facing Pyrrha.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">No, I’m sorry. My name is Pyrrha, Pyrrha Nikos. You’re…” Pyrrha trailed off and looked to Eygon, “‘friend’ is sitting there” Pyrrha finished.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">The woman reached out her left arm, which was facing Pyrrha, as bashfully inviting her to come closer. “The darkness surrounds me, it nips and bites at my flesh. Please touch me, I must know you are near.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Having come close to the woman and knelt down to eye level, but still couldn’t see her eyes from her hood. She then gave her her hand to grasp. The woman clutched on nervously at first, but then firmly, as well as feeling it with her fingers and palm. Finally she let go of her hand and spoke again. “Ahh yes, there you are, so close indeed. Then I am not alone entirely alone, not just yet. Praise the merciful gods above” the woman spoke in relief.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha gave a smile she was sure the blind woman could see, especially considering how ill tempered her companion Eygon had been. “I’m just glad I could help you.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Oh, forgive me” the woman fumbled nervously, “I am Irina of Carim. I came to this land hoping I might be a fire keeper” she explained.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Like the one in Firelink. But...what happened?” Pyrrha had asked.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Irina looked down in a mix of shame and pain. “I...was not worthy” she simply said. “I am unfit to tend the flames, but if it would not trouble you, might I enter your services instead?” she had asked. Pyrrha accepted without a second thought, and Irina smiled. “Oh, thank you, Ms. Nikos” Irina smiled as she felt her hands, eventually gripping the homeward bone Pyrrha placed in them. Irina paused however, “it’s odd” she said, “I feel a such a peculiar energy about you. You are unquestionably a Champion, but you have a hum, a murmur of life surrounding you.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha froze at her words, and daring to hope, she asked further. “What do you mean?”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Irina shook her head, “I am not sure, it flows through you and focuses through your limbs and your head. An unmistakable energy.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha thought long and hard, but shook it off and closed Irina’s grip on the homeward bone, “let’s worry about that later, I would be honored to take you into my service.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Irina paused, but smiled. “I shall take my vows. I, Irina of Carim, solemnly swear to serve you.” Upon finishing her vow, her body shimmered and vanished.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Upon exiting the cell, she was greeted by Eygon, who was standing up and resting his great-mace on his shoulder. “You’ve gone and rescued her have you?” he asked.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">I have” Pyrrha said, partly shooting back.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">How very quaint, pitying creatures that are beyond help” Eygon said. Pyrrha could almost feel his eyes rolling under his helmet. “Very well, I’m sick of looking after her at any rate.” he had said, which caught Pyrrha faintly by surprise, as it ever so slightly had a sad tone, a microscopic inkling that he was sorry to leave Irina in her hands. She didn’t understand why exactly. “I am Eygon, a knight of Carim. I am loyal to you as long as you ensure the girl’s safety” he said sincerely, but then he marched toward Pyrrha before sticking his helmet in her face, “and only for that long…” he said in a low, murderous growl, with Pyrrha’s eyes widening at the very implicit threat. Eygon then marched off into Irina’s cell and went through the second entrance into the ravine. After awhile, Pyrrha could vaguely hear monstrous roars before being silenced by a the sound of a violent and short scuffle.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">The tower was tall and had no floors of any kind, being simply hollow building with two points of interest: the bottom and the very top. Immediately after entering the tower, the wooden, makeshift elevator to the top began to move on its own, causing Pyrrha to try and double time to catch it, to no avail. She looked up as it went out of sight before stepping back to prevent falling down the hole in the floor that had come from the elevator. She tried looking around and found a lever in the top right corner. However, as she made her way to it, she realized the elevator had failed to stop and turning around she saw the elevator ceasing to rise, with a second platform having risen, carrying a….a walking onion?

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Upon doing a double take, Pyrrha discovered that this was a man wearing white curved armor and an onion shaped helmet and targe, while resting a large zweihander on his shoulder. After the elevator stopped, the onion...knight, walked forward, completely ignoring Pyrrha at first, simply humming a low ‘hmm’ as he walked, but then stopping in its tracks and turning around to face her, where he began to speak in a deep, bombastic and jovial voice.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Hmmmmm, hm-oh! Pardon me, I was absorbed in thought. I am Siegward of Catarina, how do you do?”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha took the opportunity to introduce herself to the strange yet affable Siegward. “I am Pyrrha Nikos, and how are you?” Pyrrha asked in a friendly manner.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Siegward paused however. “Hmmm, to be honest I’m in a bit of a pickle. Have you ever walked near a white birch tree, only to be struck by a great arrow?”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">A white birch?” Just then Pyrrha’s memory flashed to the cemetery, which had all the large arrows surrounding an untouched birch tree.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Well if I’m not mistaken, they come from this tower”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">That’s right, there’s a giant.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Well whoever this giant is, I’m sure I can talk some sense into it, but I have to find a way up, and that’s the trouble. This lift only goes down you see, and...hmm” Siegward then began thinking again, subtly raising his shield arm slightly as though instinctively wishing to put it to his chin.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">But the elevator can go up, we just have to- Siegward?”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Alas, Siegward was lost in thought, ignoring Pyrrha’s words and muttering to himself. “This lift only goes down, but you know...With a little warming up, eventually... No, no...I've got to use my head and think. Hmm... Mmm..."

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha went to the pressure plate on the elevator and looked up at where the other elevator went. To test her suspicion, she put her foot on the plate, pressed down, and then immediately back stepped away. Sure enough the middle-top elevator eventually came down as the other platform sank further down to the tower’s basement.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Siegward, I’ve figured out-”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">But Pyrrha stopped herself again when it became clear Siegward wasn’t paying attention. “I could use the ropes to- no no, they are much too thin, I couldn’t get a proper grip…hmmmm, quite difficult, this, I just have to think!”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Siegward?” Pyrrha asked, inadvertently stepping on the pressure plate, activating the lift up. Siegward still didn’t notice, and Pyrrha heard him still muttering another plan to get up the tower, not bothering to turn around to see Pyrrha had solved his problem for him.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">What a strange person.” Pyrrha remarked, but he was friendly enough. Before long the lift reached the top. Pyrrha just realized this was where the Giant was, but rather than go back down, Pyrrha decided to cautiously approach the sounds of breathing that were coming from outside. She tentatively toed to avoid being heard until she came to view the Giant, which was understandably tall and had strange manacles and shackles, which appeared nailed to its limbs without chains, as well as having a strange metal mask, and on its back was an proportionally sized bow. The giant immediately turned its head to Pyrrha, as though it had no trouble finding her. Pyrrha ducked away just as quickly, but it was too late for that.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Who are you?” The Giant asked in a lumbering voice. Seeing as the Giant didn’t seem hostile, Pyrrha cautiously stepped out. Seeing that Pyrrha wasn’t hostile, the Giant turned as though to fish something out, and then bent down and reached out to give Pyrrha something: a white birch branch, small and thin. Pyrrha took the gift and looked up at the grotesque yet friendly seeming giant. “I help anytime” the Giant simply said before turning. Pyrrha was puzzled, but smiled at the gesture before returning to the lift, hoping Siegward was waiting for her at the entrance.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">As she went down the elevator, she heard something from farther down, it sounded like…

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Hmmmmm”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">‘<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Siegward?’ Pyrrha though, moving closer to the edge to see if she could see. Sure enough, the knight was on a wooden scaffold in between the entryway floor and the top, facing away from the lift again. ‘How did he get up this far?’ she thought.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Just then the lift shook, and while it was hardly anything significant in force, this combined with her being near the edge caused Pyrrha to lose balance and fell from the lift, unable to get a grasp on the lift’s edge. Pyrrha began plummeting down the length of the tower, and closed her eyes waiting fo-

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">But her hand was caught by a metal gauntlet, which strained her arm but saved her from the fall. Pyrrha looked up and saw it was Siegward, who began to pull her up, with Pyrrha holding her arm in pain. “Woah, don’t disappear like that, you had me downright worried.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha put her Estus flask to her lips and took a sip, “thank you Siegward.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Oh think nothing of it. Thanks to you, an epiphany struck me square in the head. I’ve unraveled the mystery of this inscrutable lift!” Siegward laughed in triumph. Pyrrha blinked in confusion as to how he achieved this, but settled into a smile before long.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">The two left the tower from the middle scaffold and found themselves on a roof overlooking square in the settlement filled with burning wagons and trees, the cause of which being a large and intimidating creature with tree like skin and protrusions, its body engulfed in flames.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Anyhow, do you see that? That humongous beast?” Siegward pointed to the monster, which paced and prowled about the square. “I'm no coward, and I've a steady hand, but that thing makes my skin crawl. We must be careful how we approach it.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha looked at the creature, but something near it caught her eye, a person with a staff and hat and…

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Oh no” Pyrrha whispered. It was the evangelist again, hiding in one of the buildings, who looked up where she and Siegward were before reaching into her pocket and through something she couldn’t see, which burst into a strange dust a few meters from where Pyrrha and Siegward were. The fire demon rose its head in alarm and turned towards them, howling a loud cry which caused the flames on its body to intensify.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Bother, it’s noticed us now” Siegward said, as the two of them readied their weapons. Siegward nugged Pyrrha with his elbow, “I, Siegward of the Knights of Catarina, fight by your side! Arrrrggghh!!!” whereupon he immediately charged ahead of Pyrrha to do battle against the fire demon.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha charged after him. The fire demon was ferocious, but Siegward thus far had been able to stagger it with his strength and the sheer size of the sword he wielded, having put away his shield in favor of wielding the sword with both hands. Pyrrha rushed to slash at the parts of the fire demon that weren’t, well, on fire, but the demon recognized her to be the weaker member and focused on attacking her forcing her on the defensive. It struck with large, basic swipes, which were extremely deadly considering its size and nature, its attacks hitting Pyrrha’s shield, the force of each attack slightly knocking the wind out of her, occasionally burning her exposed arms from the cinders that would fly. Siegward noticed this and redoubled his efforts.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">See here beast! Your fight is with me! Back to the flame of chaos with you monster!” Siegward cried, trying to gain its attention to no avail. A well placed strike on its tail was much more persuasive, causing it to stop its attack on Pyrrha, but reel back and slap Siegward away in retaliation, sending him flying and causing him to crash into one of the wagons. The beast then continued its attack.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">The force of the swipes were taking its toll on Pyrrha who, despite blocking every hit, was having trouble keeping her guard up until a final strike launched her back into the wall of one of the buildings, which caused it to crumble. Pyrrha opened her eyes, which began to dim in weakness as the beast closed in on her. She didn’t have enough time to get up, drink from her Estus flask, and then avoid its next attack, all it would do is let her take more damage than before. Her situation seemed hopeless. Just then the beast was blindsided by Siegward, who bashed into the beast with his spiked shield sending it on its side and, weakened by his earlier attacks, was only able to briefly struggle as Siegward raised his sword up and finished it with a mighty chop to its neck, and the fire demon was no more.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha got up in aching relief, drinking from her Estus flask to alleviate her pain. Siegward panted in exuberation before turning around to Pyrrha, bringing her in for a hearty, one armed hug, which crushed Pyrrha against his armor. “Haha! Excellent performance out there, friend!” Siegward cheered, raising his fist triumphantly in the air. He then let her breathe and then sat down taking out two wooden mugs that appeared almost like a miniature barrel and handed Pyrrha one. “I think, for the moment, we’ve a toast to make!”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha looked into the mug and smelled its contents, having the distinct smell of alcohol. “What...is this exactly?”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Why it is my own special brew: Siegbrau! The drink of victors! Come, have some! It won’t bite.”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">I-I feel I shouldn’t, I’m underage and…” Pyrrha trailed off, no doubt feeling very ridiculous about fretting over such a law in her situation.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Oh bother it all! You are a capable warrior in an inhospitable hellscape the likes of which have been foretold to bring forth the end times upon the inheritors of Lordran. If I may say, that calls for a pint of spirits, Ha ha!” Siegward laughed. Pyrrha warmly smiled and sat down. The two reached out to each other and clanked their mugs together, with some trace amounts of Siegbrau spilling out, and they both drank from their cups. Pyrrha took a drink from hers and was immediately repulsed and caught off guard by how strong it was, admittedly having gotten used to subsisting off of Estus for so long. Meanwhile Siegward was downing his cup like it was going to go away if he didn’t drink within seconds, and despite lifting his visor to drink, Pyrrha was still not able to see his face before he brought it back down after finishing, only being able to make out a thin, black mustache.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Ahh, it is good to have a moment like this to rest, before our duties take their tolls on us all. A memory of times before such circumstances”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pyrrha knew the feeling, remembering the dance at Beacon, the friends she had back then, her team, Jaune. They helped her belong when before she felt she was isolated from the world based on people thinking she was too much for them. “Thank you so much Siegward. If I may ask, what is your duty?”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Siegward paused for a second. “Oh, it’s...far to early to discuss, and it’s of a...personal matter, a promise to a friend you see…” Siegward said, trying hard to choose his words carefully. Pyrrha nodded in agreement, but was still upset at not really getting to know the people she was meeting on her journey. Siegward saw her expression however and piped up, opting to tell her many tales of his adventures and the adventures of his forebears. He told the story of his family line, including his ancestors Siegmeyer and his mortal daughter Sieglinde, both of whom wandered across the old kingdom of Lordran in the time of the First Flame’s crisis. He told the story of his travels and the various locations he discovered travelling from Catarina to Lothric, including a strange monastery of snakes in the mountains, to which he never really bothered to explore. Finally he fabricated a fascinating tall tale about a king with two daggers that had command of the wind and used them to destroy the darkness of the abyss that had come from a place called Carthus, since erased from history. All the stories and legends reminded Pyrrha much of Professor Port from Beacon, who had a similar voice and appetite for high adventure. All of his stories were always seen as unbelievable and not without merit to be sure, but she was always polite enough to listen, and she wondered if the two would have become as good of friends as she was with Siegward now.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">‘<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Friends’ she thought. Pyrrha thought of all the places and all the horrors she encountered, she was grateful to have found so many people in this land she could call friend. From Greirat, to Yoel, Sirris, Irina, and even the Giant on the tower. And she was especially grateful to have made a friend with such a figure as Siegward of Catarina.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">"Well, I'm going to have myself a little nap. The only thing to do, really, after a nice toast" Siegward laughed, clearly also being exhausted. As he dipped his head down, Pyrrha began to get up, deciding to embark on her journey again. Before completely turning around, she shyly faced him again.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Um Siegward, I would just like to say-”

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Siegward was fast asleep, with the tell tale sound of wind vibrating through his head and echoing from his bulbous helmet. Pyrrha smiled in resignation regardless.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);">“<span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Thank you” she whispered to herself.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Author’s Notes: When I say I’ll update I will! Even if it’s 3 hours later. Woops. Getting this done was a pain, and staying up late until 2AM without getting much done only makes you tired, which makes you stress more. I’m sorry if parts of this felt half-assed and I fear it may be irrevocably tainted (that is, if I was not able to EDIT IT!!! HAHAHA!!!). Please tell me how it turned out though, and with Finals done, I hope to be able to actually space my writing out efficiently.

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:rgb(210,210,210);font-family:Calibri,Corbel,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #dddddd;" style="color:rgb(221,221,221);"><span data-mce-style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" face="arial" style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Btw, I have a feeling I might get to writing a Fallout (4, but with NV elements, you’ll see) fanfic that I’d been wanting to do for awhile now, but I’ll have to figure out some essential things before trying to write it. If that works out though, I’ll be doing that along with this, so stay tuned! Again, sorry for the late release on this :(